Part Three
Back at the hospital, Joe Martin came out to talk to Greenlee, Mia and Simone. The three girls rushed up to him and listened anxiously to what he said, "Kendall is out of surgery and she's responding well so things are looking good for a full recovery. She's a strong young woman and she should be ready to see visitor's in about 30 minutes." "Thank you so much." Greenlee said and gave him a big hug and then did the same to Mia and Simone. As they were hugging Greenlee's cell phone went off so she stepped away and answered it, "Hello."
"Hi Greenlee. It's Michael Cambias. Do you know where Kendall is? She's supposed to bring me some papers and she's late." "Well she has a reason for being late Michael, she was stabbed and just got out of surgery." Greenlee said trying to stay calm. "Oh, really? So she's okay though right?" Michael asked very calmly. "Aside from having a hole in her stomach I guess she's on her way to doing okay. She still needs you here."
"I'll try and make it after my meeting. Just tell her I love her and if you could ask her where those papers were she was supposed to bring me that would be great." Michael was at a restaurant as he talked to Greenlee and he was waving down a waiter to fill his wine glass as he ignored Greenlee's very loud response. "What the hell is your problem? She's in the hospital and you need to get her now. Forget that damn meeting. Kendall should be your priority right now. Enough being so cold and get your ass over her now!." Greenlee's voice was growing louder after each sentence.
"Listen Greenlee, I have to go now, just take care of Kendall and I'll check Fusion to see if the paper's are there. Thanks. Bye." he didn't wait for an answer, just turned his cell off, and sat down and then promptly got up as Erica walked in the room. "Hello Michael. If this is another attempt to take over Enchantment I will just be leaving." Erica said, choosing not to sit down until she got this cleared up. Michael acted modestly offended, "Of course it's not Erica. I just wanted to discuss a mutual acquaintance of ours. "And who would that be?"
Michael took a sip of win and looked back at Erica, "Chris Stamp. He's becoming a bit of nuisance and I'd like you to get him off my back or well, I fear he's due for an accident. I'd really like to avoid that if I could." Erica sat down across from him and was very upset at his last statement, "Are you threatening Chris? Just how do you know him anyway?" "I'm not making any threats Erica." Michael said as he poured himself a drink. "I just feel he needs to stop bothering me. I believe you could help persuade him to do this." "Listen, I don't control Chris. He's a grown man and can do what he wants." Erica explained, then changed the tone of her voice as she continued, "Now, you may be rich and you may have some power, but if you touch Chris Stamp you will be sorry. This is not a threat, it's a promise." "I see. I had no idea you could be so alluring when you get nasty." Michael said with a smile, then leaned over and put his hands on Erica's, "I have to say I like what I see. Why don't you and I go back up to my room and we can discuss this further. I'm sure we can come to some kind of arrangement concerning Mr. Stamp."
Erica pulled her hands away from Michael and stood up, "You make me sick. Do you really believe I'd fall for your line of bull? Kendall may be naive and fall for your lines right now, but she's anything but a dumb girl and she will figure you out to. One last thing, Kendall isn't my favorite person in the world, but if you hurt her you will live to regret it." Erica didn't wait for Michael to try and talk his way out of this and just walked out the door. Michael sat in his chair with a very angry look on his face and he took out his cell phone and made a called, "We need to talk. Meet me at the pier in one hour. I have a job for you."
Laurie's dad wasn't drunk this time but he was still not thrilled to see Joni in his house without permission, "What did I tell you about bringing home strangers?" "Dad, she's not a stranger. It's Joni, my best friend for the last two years. You've met her many times." "I don't care who she is. You know the rules. Nobody in the house when I'm not home." he then walked into Laurie's bedroom and grabbed Joni by the arm. "Stop it dad. Let her go." Laurie said and tried to pull him off Joni.
Joni felt something bad was about to happen so she tried to help the situation out, "It's okay Laurie. I have to go." Laurie's dad let go of Joni's arm and just followed her to the front door and watched her leave. He then turned back to Laurie, "Just what is going on with you? It's one thing after another isn't it? Just break the rules and then get mad when I tell you not to. Well, this one is gonna cost you. You're grounded for two weeks." "Dad! Come on. I didn't do anything wrong. You said nobody in the house at night when you're not around. This was after school and it was only Joni. We were studying is all." Laurie stretched the truth a bit more than she wanted, but was adamant that getting grounded was unfair.
Laurie's dad walked into the kitchen, grabbed a beer from the fridge, sat down and turned the TV on. Since he didn't answer, Laurie tried again, "Dad, please don't do this. Can we at least meet in the middle here?" Her dad took a drink of beer and turned to his daughter, "Fine, one week. If you do it again it's a month. Now, leave me alone I want to watch the game." Laurie still thought it was unfair but didn't push it and went back to her room and slammed the door and jumped on her bed. As she lay there, she noticed a picture of her and Joni. at last year's dance and she picked it up and put her finger up to her lips and then placed it on Joni's face and smiled and lie back down with the picture against her chest.
Bianca and Maggie walked into the emergency room, saw Greenlee, Mia and Simone and walked over to them. Greenlee took a step forward, "Hi Bianca, Maggie, we just talked to Joe Martin and Kendall is going to be fine. She's resting in her room right now but things are looking up for her." "Oh god, I'm glad to hear that. Has anyone seen her yet?" Bianca asked as she looked at the three girls.
"Not yet, but it has been a half hour so I would think we probably could now. Let me go ask the nurse." Greenlee walked over to the information desk and after some talking and some computer checking Greenlee turned with the thumbs up and they all went down the hall and then down another long corridor and finally were outside Kendall's room. One of the nurse's at the station came running over to put a stop to the girls as they were about to go into Kendall's room, "Stop right there, only one visitor at a time. The rest of you can wait in the lobby over there or take a seat to the side and wait your turn." "Okay, thank you." Bianca said politely and then turned to the others, "Could I see her first? I won't take long and then you can all take your turns?"
Mia stepped forward, "Yes, of course Bianca, go ahead." Bianca smiled and walked into the room and saw Kendall lying on her bed looking so very fragile and vulnerable and it was tough to see. She sat down in the chair beside the bed and tried to think of what to say. As she was doing that Kendall opened her eye's just a little and saw Bianca sitting there and managed to find a way to speak, "Hey there sis." she said in a very soft voice, "You don't have to be here you know."
Bianca was not surprised at Kendall's response and part of her knew it meant she was on her way to recovery, "I know Kendall. I want to be here. In spite of our differences we are still sisters and I care about you." "I guess mom isn't quite as caring as you are." Kendall coughed as she said it and took a sip of the water she was given and looked back at Bianca who looked so sad and worried and Kendall wasn't really used to that, "I'm fine. You can stop looking at me as if I'm gonna die. You're not that lucky."
"Stop it." Bianca said, knowing Kendall was just being sarcastic, "I'm here to show you I care. You have all your friends outside waiting to see you, I will call mom, and of course, she will come visit. She probably hasn't been told yet." "Don't hold your breath on that." Kendall tried to sit up and it only made her stomach hurt more and she winced in pain and Bianca got up and wanted to do something but she couldn't make the pain go away. "Are you okay? Should I get a nurse?"
"It's okay. I just moved wrong. Could you send in the girls?" Kendall asked as she took another drink of the water in front of her. "Sure, you only get one visitor at a time though. I'll let them decide. You take care now okay. I'll be back tomorrow to see how your doing." Bianca smiled at Kendall then got up and walked outside to where the girls were. "She's in a lot of pain but she can talk a little. I wouldn't stay too long though. She probably needs even more rest." "Thanks Bianca." Greenlee then turned to Mia and Simone, "Could I go in first?"
Mia and Simone nodded yes and Greenlee smiled and walked into the room. She sat down in the chair, put a happy smile on her face and just started talking, "I guess you won't be into to work tomorrow?" "I know, I'm a slacker." Kendall laughed as she said it then winced again at the pain it caused in her stomach. She settled herself and looked back at Greenlee, "Have you called Michael yet?" Greenlee did not want to answer that question but knew she had to say something, "Well, he'll be here as soon as he can. I did talk to him though." "I know he'll be here then. That's all I wanted to know." Kendall then closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.
Lena was at home getting ready for her date with Bianca when the doorbell rang. She put down the dress she was looking at, walked into the living room and opened the door. "Hello Lena," Erica walked past the tall brunette, and sat down on the couch, put her purse on the end table and waited for Lena to take a seat across from her before she continued, "We need to talk." "What about?" Erica was not thrilled with Lena's response, "I think you know what. I believe you are interested in my daughter. Is that correct?"
"Yes, she's a very lovely woman. Do you not approve?" asked Lena as she got up and poured herself some coffee. "Actually I haven't decided yet." Erica got up and joined Lena at the table, "I do tend to wonder about people who can't keep eye contact and who are always finding ways to avoid a real conversation though." Lena looked down at the much shorter Erica and tried to remain eye contact as she responded, "I'm not. I'm sorry. You're just so intimidating. I feel uncomfortable around you."
"I somehow doubt that. I know confidence and you have all kinds. So the question is, who exactly are you trying to fool here?" Erica asked bluntly and studied Lena's face as she began thinking of her answer. Lena again looked away and then walked away, then turned back to Erica, "This isn't easy for me to say. I don't think it's something you need to know, but I feel as though by holding this back it may be seen as a lie and I don't want that." "No, you shouldn't want that. Let's hear it."
Lena moved back to the couch, crossed her long slender legs, sat down her coffee cup and looked right at Erica, "I'm not exactly who I've said I am. I mean, my name is Lena, but the background I gave you in the job interview wasn't entirely true. My father is Dimitri Gregoriev. He's a very powerful man. He has many connections worldwide and he helped get me the job at Enchantment by pulling a few strings and calling in some favors." "I have heard of him. I haven't met him but I know we run in some of the same circles. Still, this doesn't seem like the reason you're so nervous. I'll give you one last chance to come clean or I start digging into your past and see what I can find." Lena stood up and shouted, "NO!. Please don't."
Erica was puzzled by this outburst and was very curious as to what was going on, "Calm down. I suggest you stop playing games and tell me what your secret is and do it now." "I don't know. I can't. He'll kill me." Lena said, her voice shaking, as were her hands as she tried to hold her coffee mug. "Who will kill you?" Erica asked, still unsure what the truth was and what was an act from Lena anymore. Lena began to cry and soon was sobbing with her hands over her face. Finally, she looked up at Erica, wiped away the tears and then reached into her purse and pulled out her wallet and handed it to Erica.
As Erica read the name on the birth certificate she took a step backwards and then balanced herself on the side of the couch. She flipped through the rest of the wallet and aside from the one fake ID that listed Lena as her name all the rest of the information inside had very different name. "This can't be true. It's not possible." Erica looked over at Lena and saw that she was holding some pictures in her hand. She got up, walked over to her, took the pictures and was shocked at what she saw.
"I'm sorry it had to come out like this. He wanted me to keep it a secret. This is going to devastate him if it gets out." "Why didn't you just tell me this at the start? Why are you talking about being killed?" Erica questioned as she looked at the pictures one more time. Lena was still very upset about the secret coming out and it showed, "It's what he wanted. I came to Pine Valley to meet my father. I haven't seen him since I was born. He doesn't even know I'm here. It's my stepfather that I'm worried about, he's a very powerful man and dangerous man."
"I know a little about secrets and I know they always come back to haunt you." Erica was well aware of how secrets have cost her in her life and also remembered the lengths she used to go to keep them hidden, "I can't tell you want to do but if your here to see Joe Martin you should call him first and let him know your in town and see what he says. Joe is a good man so I'm sure he'll see you regardless of how difficult this will be on him. "I'm not here to ruin his life or cause him any trouble. I just want to see him." Lena said, looking right at Erica. There was something about Lena's voice that sounded so much more sincere now and for the first time since she'd arrived, she was starting to believe this was the truth, "This is none of my business I guess, but that does bring me to why I came over here to begin with. What are your intentions where Bianca's concerned?"
Lena's eye's looked away at the mention of Bianca's name and she got up and walked over to the window and looked out at the hustle and bustle of the people below. She smiled as she looked at the birds in the tree across the street just a chirping up a storm and as she cleared her head, she turned to face Erica, "I like Bianca. She's a great girl and I enjoy spending time with her. I do have an interest in her and that's when things get complicated again." "Oh dear god, now what?" Erica asked with a sigh as she waited for the next explanation from Lena. "I've told you too much already. I promise that I will not hurt Bianca in any way and that's all I can say right now." Lena said, almost pleading with Erica to let this god, "Please, I do have to get ready for a date with her so I must get ready."
"I believe you won't hurt Bianca, but whatever else is going on here I will find out. If I were you I'd be coming to work tomorrow and letting me know every last detail or you could be looking for a new job." Erica emphasized the last part so Lena wouldn't miss it then grabbed her purse and walked out the door. Lena picked up her cell phone and made a call, "Hey, there is a very big problem and I don't think I can handle it anymore." "Enough with the dramatics; just tell me what's going on." Michael said as he searched the internet for some information he was looking for. Lena shook her head at how cold Michael could be, "Fine, here's the short quick version. Erica Kane was here. She knows about Joe. She knows something else is going on between me and Bianca and she's not happy about it."
"Here's what you do. First, deal with Joe. There's no need for this to get in the way of anything. Second, you will stop seeing Bianca; no need for that to become a complication. Third, set your sights on Erica Kane. Go right to the top and do what you need to do to win her trust. Is that clear?" "Are you crazy? She doesn't trust me one bit. I think it's best if I just leave Pine Valley and go back to Paris, Russia or back home, anywhere but here." "You listen to me and you listen up good." Michael said as he calmly, yet forcefully continued. "You will do what I say or you know what happens. I will not have this conversation again. When you get Erica on your side we'll call it even and you can go jump a bridge for all I care, but until then your mine. Now get to work." Michael hung up and Lena threw her cell across the room where it smashed to pieces, which is what she did as she crumpled to the ground at the horrible mess she'd made of her life, all because of one chance meeting with a very evil man.
Maggie and Bianca were talking in the waiting are when Bianca's cell phone went off. "Hello?" "Bianca. It's me Lena. I'm sorry but I'm going to have to cancel our date for tonight. Something has come up and I feel horrible for doing this at the last minute." "Well okay. I'm sorry you can't make it, maybe another time. Thanks for calling." Bianca felt bad for a moment and then looked over at Maggie and the bad seemed to disappear in a hurry.
"Okay then. Please forgive me. I must go now. Bye." Lena hung up before Bianca could reply. Maggie felt these conflicting emotions flying through her mind all at once. She felt really bad for Bianca because she knew she was looking forward to it. Yet on the other hand, she felt this sense of relief that Bianca was still available. She just didn't know why she cared so much. The two girls sat there and with neither knowing what to say they eventually drifted off to sleep.
Next day in Pine Valley.
Laurie was working at BJ's when Joni walked in and as their eyes met there smiles grew wide and Joni walked up to Laurie and was a bit unsure what to say, "Hi. I was going to grab some coffee and sit down and go over my paper before school, but I don't want to seem like I'm making you wait on me." "Don't be silly, sit down and I'll get you a coffee. Please, I'm glad you came by I wanted to talk to you about something. I'll be right back." Laurie touched Joni's hand softly and smiled before walking back to get her coffee. Jamie walked in and quickly sat down beside Joni, "I have to talk to you. Katie called me last night and wants to go to the party with me. What should I do?"
Joni held in her smile and tried her best to act surprised, "Do you want to go with her or Laurie?"
Jamie threw his arms up in the air, "I don't know. Laurie is great, but I think she's still hung up JR for some reason and I'm not sure I really have a chance with her. Now Katie is very cute and I know she likes me but I'm just not sure she's the one for me." "That's really making a choice isn't it?" Joni asked, as she sipped her coffee. "I don't want to get in the middle of your busy love life or anything, but two things you said just now kind of stand out. One, Laurie may not be ready to commit if her heart belongs to someone else. Two, Katie called you and does want to go out with you. I know it's not always that simple, but maybe you should think about what's best for you?"
"I know Katie looks like the obvious choice, but I can't seem to shake Laurie. I know it may be hopeless but I just have to try. If Katie moves on then I guess I will lose both ways. For now I'm gonna go ask Laurie if she still wants to go to the party with me." Jamie got up and then stopped and turned to Joni, "Thanks for your help." "Sure" was all Joni could muster as she watched Jamie run towards Laurie. Laurie turned to see him hovering over the counter and smiled as best she could, "Hi there. Can I get you a table or something?"
"No, I'm here to see you. I know your working so I'll keep this short. I'd really like you to go this party with me tonight. Are you still interested?" "Actually I don't think I'll be going to the party after all. I'm sorry." Laurie then took the coffee over to Joni and sat in front of her. Joni looked over at Jamie and then back up at Laurie, "How did it go? He looks kind of sad. I feel bad. He's such a good guy." "I know he is." Laurie agreed as she looked over at Jamie again, "But, leading him on is not going to help him out. I just hope he takes Katie and has a great time. If that happens I think he'll move on pretty fast."
"Here he comes." Joni whispered. "Laurie, could we talk about this? Just tell me why you don't want to go. JR isn't around and if I'm so bad you don't want to go out with just say so." Jamie asked, not realize he was putting her on the spot. "I just need some time. You're a great guy. Sometimes two people just aren't right for each other. I'm sorry. I think it's best if we just stayed friends." Laurie tried to console him by putting her arm on his, but he pulled away. "I don't need any pity thanks. Katie awaits, so thanks for setting things straight." Jamie looked down at Joni, "Bye Joni. See ya at school."
"Jamie wait." Laurie said as she followed him to the door, "Please don't be mad. I'm just trying be honest." "I'm fine. Really, we're good okay. I've gotta go. See ya." Jamie walked out the door and never looked back. Laurie walked back to Joni's table and sat down beside her, "This feels so bad. I hate to see him so unhappy." "I know. He will be back to himself in time." Joni put her hand on Laurie's thigh and looked into her eyes, "I'd love to give you a big hug and kiss here but maybe that's not a good idea considering you work here. I hope we can meet somewhere later and I can give you that kiss for real."
"I'd love that so much right now." Laurie smiled, then remembering her dad's grounding began to frown again, "I don't think I'll be doing anything tonight or for another week. My dad grounded me because you there yesterday." "I thought my parent's were strict. When do you get off work?" Joni asked, her head filling with hundreds of ways to see Laurie without breaking the rules. "In about 45 minutes. I came in early today because I had no classes in the morning. I do have classes after lunch and then I'm supposed to be home right after school." "Well, that doesn't leave us much time." Joni said as she looked at her watch, "I'm going to wait for you so we can walk to school and spend some time together. Maybe we could try to talk online tonight. I know it's not the same as being together, but until that grounding is over it could work."
"That's a good idea. That might be fun. I'll be back when my shift is over, I see some people coming in so I have to get going. Thanks for being here today." Laurie said her face glowing as she looked back at Joni, "You better stop smiling at me or I'm gonna forget where I am and kiss those sexy lips right here." Joni was so tempted to do just that, but she held back, "Go get your work done or were gonna get you in a whole lot of trouble if we keep talking like this. I'll be here when your shift's over." Laurie smiled at Joni and quickly walked away before she got carried away.
Bianca was sitting with Maggie in the waiting room and they both looked at the clock and realized they'd fallen asleep and spent the night there.
As Bianca was clearing the cobwebs out of her head she began thinking about Kendall and her mom and how things are always so complicated between them and wondered if this tragic accident could possibly bring them closer together. Maggie was watching Bianca and could tell she was lost in her thoughts and was almost afraid to say anything, but she had no choice as Bianca looked over and saw her staring at her, "I didn't mean to stare. I wanted to give you some time to think." "Thanks. I don't know if it helped or not but we'll see how things turn out here. Anyway, since Kendall is doing better I think I'm going to get back home and get ready for... Oh right, Lena called last night. There is no date."
Maggie saw Bianca pause and then realized why, "Oh right, your date. I'm sorry about that. I'm sure she will make it up to you." Maggie then took a chance on what she was about to say, "Listen, since you were all set for a big night out why don't we make it tonight and you can try out one of those sexy dresses and I'll let you pick one out for me and we'll have a night on the town." "Well I do have two more dresses to try on and you're the only one I trust to tell me how I look." Bianca touched Maggie's arm then pulled it back. "Okay then, let's go. We do have all day so we can take our time looking for the perfect outfit." Maggie helped Bianca to her feet and the two girls were about to head out for a night on the town that they'd never forget.
Kendall was awake and feeling modestly better than last night and she was even ready to try some hospital food. Her little wonder meal consisted of a pair of warm eggs, two small pieces of extra dry bread, some milk and a little scoop of something she couldn't make out. She wasn't thrilled with the taste but was happy to have something inside her and as she was finishing up her milk Erica walked into her room and promptly sat down in the chair beside her. "Hello Kendall. You look well." "Erica, I didn't expect to see you. Is something wrong?"
There was a look of confusion on Erica's face at why Kendall would be asking her what's wrong, "Well, I would say something is wrong. You were stabbed last night weren't you?" "Oh that. I didn't think you cared if I lived or died." "Now that's just unfair and a mean thing to say." Erica said with her usual sense of drama, "Your my daughter and despite our differences I do not wish you any harm. If you'd ever stop this vendetta you have against me we might even be able to move forward."
Kendall was noticeably annoyed at Erica's last comment, "I'm in no condition to argue with you right now. So if your here to tell me how bad I am then you can leave." "I am not arguing Kendall. Look, I didn't come here to upset you. I'm going to go now. I am glad your okay and I do hope you get to go home soon. Good bye." Erica got up and made her way towards the door. "Wait." Kendall shouted about as loud as she could, "I'm glad you came. It means so much to me. Thanks."
"I do care about you Kendall and I wish you would learn to believe that one day. Get well soon." Erica then left the hospital room in her usual speedy fashion, leaving Kendall to sit and think some more. All's she could think about was where was Michael. Why hadn't he come to visit her. Why. Why. Why. That's all she thought all morning long.
Michael Cambias was lounging in his bed when a beautiful blonde woman walked out of the bathroom wearing little more than a smile. She walked over to the nightstand, began putting her clothes back on and Michael lie back and enjoyed the view. Once she was dressed, she walked over to Michael and grabbed the money he had left her and put it in her purse. She smiled down at him as she put on her leather jacket, "Call me anytime." "Get out." he said sharply.
"But I was just..." "Look, do I have to draw you a picture? You've served your purpose now beat it. You were well paid and actually, I'd say you overcharge if anything. Now, be gone. I have to go visit my girlfriend." The blonde was pissed off by his crass words but knew better than to say anything, so she grabbed her coat and took off out the door. Michael then grabbed his cell phone and placed a call, "Lena I know your there so pick up."
Lena was pacing back and forth in her room afraid to pick up the phone, but she was even more afraid not to and finally just picked it up, "What do you want?" "I'd drop the attitude if I were you. I want to know what your plan is to gain Erica's confidence and become a valued member of her inner circle." "It was only last night when you told me this. Give me some time to think this through and come up with something." Lena replied, knowing full well Michael did not like to be disappointed.
"I think it's a bit late in the game for you to be pulling this crap on me. We both know what you can do when you put your mind to it. I've seen you get classified documents from head's of state. I've watched you charm a woman who hated your guts only a day earlier. I've seen you lie through your teeth to get what you want and you are going to get your ass over to Enchantment on charm your way into Erica Kane's life. I don't care if you have to sleep with her to get what I need, but whatever way you choose I need some inside information before June 1st or this whole takeover is going to blow up in my face. If it does I'll be very unhappy. And you my pretty little flower will have all your dirty little secrets exposed." "Shut up. Do not threaten me." Lena shot back with a vengeance, "I've always done what you asked so just give me time to work."
"Now that's the spark I like to see. Now that you're back on track I think I will go take care of some other business. Keep me informed on your progress with Erica." Michael turned off his cell and tossed it on the bed beside him. Lena smashed yet another cell phone and then reached into a bag and pulled out another one from a whole case of cell phones. She took a deep breath and then called Erica Kane. "Hello Lena, my secretary put you through. What can I do for you?" "I need to speak to you. It's urgent. I have some information for you about a possible takeover attempt on Enchantment."
Erica was intrigued but still wanted to know more, "Where did you get this information?" "That's not important. I just want to give it to you in person, somewhere safe." "Fine, meet me in the underground parkade at Enchantment and I'll drive you to a very secure location. How soon can you make it here?" Erica asked as she looked through her daily planner to see how much time she had. "I can be there in an hour." Lena said as she flipped through a little black book. "This better be good Lena." Erica hung up and looked at her watch to see how much time she had before she had to leave.
Mia and Simone were already at work and were sitting together looking over some proposals from companies wanting to be the contractor for a new factory they were planning on opening. Each one had it's own good points, but the girls narrows the choices down to two companies, both long time Pine Valley companies as they wanted to keep the jobs in town whenever possible. After they picked the two companies, they sat the folders on Greenlee's desk and decided to take a break.
"Glad that's finished." Mia said as she watched Simone pour herself a cup of coffee, her eyes focusing on that smile she had grown to love. Simone nodded agreement, "I know. That is hard work. I had no idea an office job could be so hard." Mia noticed someone lurking near the elevator and nudged Simone's hand and nodded for her to have a look. There was a man standing there who matched the police's description of Kendall's attacker to a tee. It was as if he hadn't even changed clothes and was back at the scene of the crime with not concern that the police were swarming this building less than 12 hours ago.
They backed away and grabbed Mia's cell and called detective Stapleton. "Detective Stapleton here." Mia then moved back behind a wall with Simone so they could still see the suspect as she talked, "Hi it's Mia, one of the girls from Fusion. I think the man who stabbed Kendall is here right now." "Are you positive?" "Yes, he's wearing the exact same clothes and baseball cap. It's him." Mia said just a little bit louder as they kept an eye on the man in a lobby. "You need to get over here or send someone to get this guy before he leaves."
"I want you and your friend to find somewhere safe and stay there until we get there. I'm only a couple blocks away so we'll be there very soon." he said then flipped his siren onto the roof of his car and off he went. Mia and Simone took a look to see if the guy was still there and this time they didn't see him. Simone looked again and still nothing so they both walked slowly back into the room and as they moved towards the lobby the man came walking into the room and pulled out a knife and started towards them. Simone pulled Mia backwards and ran towards the back room. They got to the door just before the attacker, and softly closed and quickly locked the door before he got there.
The man was acting very erratically and started pounding on the door with his hands and then looked around and grabbed a computer printer and ripped it from the table it was on and started smashing the door with it and slowly but surely was making a small hole in the door. Mia and Simone were at the back of the supply room looking for something to use and still the man was smashing away at the door. As they were searching around, they heard a loud crash then saw the printer smash through the door, just missing Mia's arm as it landed on the floor behind them. The man then reached in, unlocked the door, kicked it open and took a step inside.
As soon as he did Mia started squirting him repeatedly with a large bottle of Windex which caused him to slow down and keep one hand up to protect his face as he moved towards her. When he did, Simone snuck up beside him, took a wild swing with a wooden broom handle and smacked him on the side of the head, breaking the broom at the same time. Mia and Simone ran out the door, into the office and out to the lobby as fast as they could. They went into the stairwell where Mia grabbed the axe beside the fire alarm. She pulled the lever that started the fire alarm, broke the glass with the axe and Simone grabbed the fire extinguisher then stood at the side of the door and waited.
There was nothing happening but the deafening sound of the alarm but they stood ready just in case. It was about five minutes since they pulled the alarm and Mia grabbed the axe and looked outside the door. First glance showed nothing, but since they didn't know if the attacker was still inside they decided to wait for a few minutes longer. As Simone relaxed for a moment and set the extinguisher down the attacker came up from the stairs below and both Mia and Simone were caught off guard but Mia managed to turn around and wave the axe in front of the rather skinny man who backed off at the sight of the rather sharp axe waving in his direction.
Simone grabbed the extinguisher and pointed it at the man and he again backed away. He then put his knife down by his side, turned and slowly walked back down the stairs. With the man backing away Mia pushed open the main door. Simone went inside. Mia followed, slowly backing away from man as they stepped back into the main lobby. The two women walked back to the office keeping an eye on the door as they did. Just then, the elevator door opened and Detective Stapleton walked out with two other uniformed officers behind him. The two girls frantically pointed to the stairs and it didn't take more than that for the two uniformed cops to kick open the door.
They grabbed the man, removed the knife from his hands, handcuffed him and took him away. Detective Stapleton put the knife in a plastic evidence bag and stared at the bruises on the man's face and the hardware in the girl's hands and walked up to them, "I see you had things under control here. Nice job. I will need to come down to the station and give your statements at some point, but it looks like you helped nab your friends attacker and hopefully this will give you all some closure on this terrible incident." Simone put the rather heavy extinguisher down and stepped forward, "Thank you. I think it will be a big relief for everyone to have this all behind us."
"If you two ever want a career in law enforcement we'd be happy to have you." he thanked the girls again for their help, took the elevator and was gone.
The two girls walked back into the office and sat down on the small couch and before they could catch their breath, Mia's cell phone started ringing, "Hello?" "Hi Mia, it's Greenlee. The doctor's are pleased with Kendall's progress and are sending her home and I'm going to go with her and help her get settled in and maybe stay with her until she's able to get around better on her own." Mia's face lit up at the good news, "That's great news. I have some news you can pass along to Kendall. We caught the bastard who did this to her and he's going to jail for a very long time." "That is good news. At least we don't have to worry about that loser anymore. Did they find our money?"
"I don't know." Mia said, a bit embarrassed she didn't ask about that earlier, "I'm pretty sure he didn't have it when he came here tonight, but I'm sure the police will be looking into that. We have to go down and fill out some statements and I'll ask the detective about it then."
"That's okay. I have to go they are just bringing Kendall out. You two will have to hold down the fort for a few days. I'm counting on you. Bye." Greenlee put her cell in her purse and ran to greet Kendall. Kendall was still in some pain but was feeling much better and was more than happy to see Greenlee's happy face, "Hi. You didn't have to wait for me. Where's Michael? Is he in the lobby?"
"I'm not sure. I called him over an hour ago so maybe he is on his way." Greenlee said, trying to be as convincing as possible. "I guess so. Let's go downstairs and I'm sure he's be there. I haven't seen him since this happened." Kendall's face had turned from a smile to a very sad frown in a matter of seconds. Greenlee tried to get things back on track, "I just want to get you home okay. Before I forget, Mia and Simone helped catch the jerk who did this so he won't ever bother you or us again." "That's good. I hadn't thought about him since this happened and I'm glad he's off the streets now." Kendall said rather calmly, "Could you just take me home. I'm feeling tired and weak right now." "Of course, let's go." Greenlee took Kendall downstairs and carefully drove her home.
Maggie was sitting on Bianca's bed nibbling on some crackers and staring into the large closet wondering where Bianca had gone to, "Hey, are you still in there? You didn't go sleep on me did you? I'm waiting for the next outfit." There was no reply but Maggie did see Bianca step forward wearing a full- length coat and a very sheepish look on her face, "I can't wear this outside. I don't even know why it's in my closet." "Oh stop it. Come on. I bet you look great in it. Let me have a look." Maggie said with a big smile. "Okay, but don't say I didn't warn ya." Bianca turned away from Maggie and dropped the coat revealing a very short silver skirt and matching silver top.
Maggie sat up in the bed, her eyes glued to Bianca's sexy body as she spun around in her new outfit.
Bianca was wearing a low cut in a very wide V showing off her very ample breasts and the skirt was so short Bianca could barely walk without showing some of her cute round ass cheeks in the process. "That looks so hot on you. It does." Maggie climbed down off the bed so she could have a closer look, "It's definitely a new look for you but trust me when I say you do pull if off with ease. Yep, it's you Bianca. You add a little grace and style to everything you wear." "Sometimes you say the sweetest things." Bianca smiled then turned to face the mirror, "I think I must have bought this in my rebellious phase."
"I say keep it for a special occasion. If you want to turn your partner on this will do the trick in a hurry." Maggie said, finding it hard not to stare; and had to shake herself into turning her head away from Bianca's breasts. Bianca was more than a little aware of Maggie's wandering eye but refused to read anything into it and instead decided to move in the opposite direction from where her heart wanted her to go, "I'm going to change. I will find something a little more appropriate for a nice dinner. I'll be right back." Maggie watched Bianca walk away and her head was just spinning with all kinds of conflicting thoughts and emotions. Why was she looking at Bianca this way she wondered. She tried to convince herself it was simply that the dress was so revealing she couldn't help but stare.
That might explain what her eyes were doing, but she still couldn't explain why here heart skipped a beat every time Bianca smiled at her. She thought about Henry and wondered why she hadn't thought about him all night. She so wanted that to work out so all her questions could be put to rest, or at the very least buried for another couple years. Bianca's return in a beautiful red dress caught Maggie's attention and she stood up in the bed and mouthed, "OMG", then hopped down and stood right in front of her, "This is so beautiful. Please wear this to dinner tonight. I'm begging you. I just love it."
"Really?" Bianca asked as she looked at herself in the mirror once more, "Well I do like it. It feels right. Your sure this is the one?" "Yes. Yes. For sure. I just hope I have something that comes close to that. I do want to look good for you to." Maggie added, once again wondering why she just said that. "You can't help but look good Maggie." Bianca smiled and touched Maggie's arm as she did, "I guess we go have a look at your closet and I get to watch you model some clothes this time. I think I'm gonna like that."
Maggie was enjoying the fact that Bianca was smiling again, "I bet you are. Just remember I don't have as many outfits to pick from so it might be a very quick fashion show at my place." "That's okay. We might as well get going then. Let me just grab the dress and my purse and we can head out." Bianca turned the lights out in her closet and grabbed her purse from beside Maggie and the two girls headed downstairs to Bianca's car and were off to Maggie's house in a hurry.
End of Part Three
Back at the hospital, Joe Martin came out to talk to Greenlee, Mia and Simone. The three girls rushed up to him and listened anxiously to what he said, "Kendall is out of surgery and she's responding well so things are looking good for a full recovery. She's a strong young woman and she should be ready to see visitor's in about 30 minutes." "Thank you so much." Greenlee said and gave him a big hug and then did the same to Mia and Simone. As they were hugging Greenlee's cell phone went off so she stepped away and answered it, "Hello."
"Hi Greenlee. It's Michael Cambias. Do you know where Kendall is? She's supposed to bring me some papers and she's late." "Well she has a reason for being late Michael, she was stabbed and just got out of surgery." Greenlee said trying to stay calm. "Oh, really? So she's okay though right?" Michael asked very calmly. "Aside from having a hole in her stomach I guess she's on her way to doing okay. She still needs you here."
"I'll try and make it after my meeting. Just tell her I love her and if you could ask her where those papers were she was supposed to bring me that would be great." Michael was at a restaurant as he talked to Greenlee and he was waving down a waiter to fill his wine glass as he ignored Greenlee's very loud response. "What the hell is your problem? She's in the hospital and you need to get her now. Forget that damn meeting. Kendall should be your priority right now. Enough being so cold and get your ass over her now!." Greenlee's voice was growing louder after each sentence.
"Listen Greenlee, I have to go now, just take care of Kendall and I'll check Fusion to see if the paper's are there. Thanks. Bye." he didn't wait for an answer, just turned his cell off, and sat down and then promptly got up as Erica walked in the room. "Hello Michael. If this is another attempt to take over Enchantment I will just be leaving." Erica said, choosing not to sit down until she got this cleared up. Michael acted modestly offended, "Of course it's not Erica. I just wanted to discuss a mutual acquaintance of ours. "And who would that be?"
Michael took a sip of win and looked back at Erica, "Chris Stamp. He's becoming a bit of nuisance and I'd like you to get him off my back or well, I fear he's due for an accident. I'd really like to avoid that if I could." Erica sat down across from him and was very upset at his last statement, "Are you threatening Chris? Just how do you know him anyway?" "I'm not making any threats Erica." Michael said as he poured himself a drink. "I just feel he needs to stop bothering me. I believe you could help persuade him to do this." "Listen, I don't control Chris. He's a grown man and can do what he wants." Erica explained, then changed the tone of her voice as she continued, "Now, you may be rich and you may have some power, but if you touch Chris Stamp you will be sorry. This is not a threat, it's a promise." "I see. I had no idea you could be so alluring when you get nasty." Michael said with a smile, then leaned over and put his hands on Erica's, "I have to say I like what I see. Why don't you and I go back up to my room and we can discuss this further. I'm sure we can come to some kind of arrangement concerning Mr. Stamp."
Erica pulled her hands away from Michael and stood up, "You make me sick. Do you really believe I'd fall for your line of bull? Kendall may be naive and fall for your lines right now, but she's anything but a dumb girl and she will figure you out to. One last thing, Kendall isn't my favorite person in the world, but if you hurt her you will live to regret it." Erica didn't wait for Michael to try and talk his way out of this and just walked out the door. Michael sat in his chair with a very angry look on his face and he took out his cell phone and made a called, "We need to talk. Meet me at the pier in one hour. I have a job for you."
Laurie's dad wasn't drunk this time but he was still not thrilled to see Joni in his house without permission, "What did I tell you about bringing home strangers?" "Dad, she's not a stranger. It's Joni, my best friend for the last two years. You've met her many times." "I don't care who she is. You know the rules. Nobody in the house when I'm not home." he then walked into Laurie's bedroom and grabbed Joni by the arm. "Stop it dad. Let her go." Laurie said and tried to pull him off Joni.
Joni felt something bad was about to happen so she tried to help the situation out, "It's okay Laurie. I have to go." Laurie's dad let go of Joni's arm and just followed her to the front door and watched her leave. He then turned back to Laurie, "Just what is going on with you? It's one thing after another isn't it? Just break the rules and then get mad when I tell you not to. Well, this one is gonna cost you. You're grounded for two weeks." "Dad! Come on. I didn't do anything wrong. You said nobody in the house at night when you're not around. This was after school and it was only Joni. We were studying is all." Laurie stretched the truth a bit more than she wanted, but was adamant that getting grounded was unfair.
Laurie's dad walked into the kitchen, grabbed a beer from the fridge, sat down and turned the TV on. Since he didn't answer, Laurie tried again, "Dad, please don't do this. Can we at least meet in the middle here?" Her dad took a drink of beer and turned to his daughter, "Fine, one week. If you do it again it's a month. Now, leave me alone I want to watch the game." Laurie still thought it was unfair but didn't push it and went back to her room and slammed the door and jumped on her bed. As she lay there, she noticed a picture of her and Joni. at last year's dance and she picked it up and put her finger up to her lips and then placed it on Joni's face and smiled and lie back down with the picture against her chest.
Bianca and Maggie walked into the emergency room, saw Greenlee, Mia and Simone and walked over to them. Greenlee took a step forward, "Hi Bianca, Maggie, we just talked to Joe Martin and Kendall is going to be fine. She's resting in her room right now but things are looking up for her." "Oh god, I'm glad to hear that. Has anyone seen her yet?" Bianca asked as she looked at the three girls.
"Not yet, but it has been a half hour so I would think we probably could now. Let me go ask the nurse." Greenlee walked over to the information desk and after some talking and some computer checking Greenlee turned with the thumbs up and they all went down the hall and then down another long corridor and finally were outside Kendall's room. One of the nurse's at the station came running over to put a stop to the girls as they were about to go into Kendall's room, "Stop right there, only one visitor at a time. The rest of you can wait in the lobby over there or take a seat to the side and wait your turn." "Okay, thank you." Bianca said politely and then turned to the others, "Could I see her first? I won't take long and then you can all take your turns?"
Mia stepped forward, "Yes, of course Bianca, go ahead." Bianca smiled and walked into the room and saw Kendall lying on her bed looking so very fragile and vulnerable and it was tough to see. She sat down in the chair beside the bed and tried to think of what to say. As she was doing that Kendall opened her eye's just a little and saw Bianca sitting there and managed to find a way to speak, "Hey there sis." she said in a very soft voice, "You don't have to be here you know."
Bianca was not surprised at Kendall's response and part of her knew it meant she was on her way to recovery, "I know Kendall. I want to be here. In spite of our differences we are still sisters and I care about you." "I guess mom isn't quite as caring as you are." Kendall coughed as she said it and took a sip of the water she was given and looked back at Bianca who looked so sad and worried and Kendall wasn't really used to that, "I'm fine. You can stop looking at me as if I'm gonna die. You're not that lucky."
"Stop it." Bianca said, knowing Kendall was just being sarcastic, "I'm here to show you I care. You have all your friends outside waiting to see you, I will call mom, and of course, she will come visit. She probably hasn't been told yet." "Don't hold your breath on that." Kendall tried to sit up and it only made her stomach hurt more and she winced in pain and Bianca got up and wanted to do something but she couldn't make the pain go away. "Are you okay? Should I get a nurse?"
"It's okay. I just moved wrong. Could you send in the girls?" Kendall asked as she took another drink of the water in front of her. "Sure, you only get one visitor at a time though. I'll let them decide. You take care now okay. I'll be back tomorrow to see how your doing." Bianca smiled at Kendall then got up and walked outside to where the girls were. "She's in a lot of pain but she can talk a little. I wouldn't stay too long though. She probably needs even more rest." "Thanks Bianca." Greenlee then turned to Mia and Simone, "Could I go in first?"
Mia and Simone nodded yes and Greenlee smiled and walked into the room. She sat down in the chair, put a happy smile on her face and just started talking, "I guess you won't be into to work tomorrow?" "I know, I'm a slacker." Kendall laughed as she said it then winced again at the pain it caused in her stomach. She settled herself and looked back at Greenlee, "Have you called Michael yet?" Greenlee did not want to answer that question but knew she had to say something, "Well, he'll be here as soon as he can. I did talk to him though." "I know he'll be here then. That's all I wanted to know." Kendall then closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.
Lena was at home getting ready for her date with Bianca when the doorbell rang. She put down the dress she was looking at, walked into the living room and opened the door. "Hello Lena," Erica walked past the tall brunette, and sat down on the couch, put her purse on the end table and waited for Lena to take a seat across from her before she continued, "We need to talk." "What about?" Erica was not thrilled with Lena's response, "I think you know what. I believe you are interested in my daughter. Is that correct?"
"Yes, she's a very lovely woman. Do you not approve?" asked Lena as she got up and poured herself some coffee. "Actually I haven't decided yet." Erica got up and joined Lena at the table, "I do tend to wonder about people who can't keep eye contact and who are always finding ways to avoid a real conversation though." Lena looked down at the much shorter Erica and tried to remain eye contact as she responded, "I'm not. I'm sorry. You're just so intimidating. I feel uncomfortable around you."
"I somehow doubt that. I know confidence and you have all kinds. So the question is, who exactly are you trying to fool here?" Erica asked bluntly and studied Lena's face as she began thinking of her answer. Lena again looked away and then walked away, then turned back to Erica, "This isn't easy for me to say. I don't think it's something you need to know, but I feel as though by holding this back it may be seen as a lie and I don't want that." "No, you shouldn't want that. Let's hear it."
Lena moved back to the couch, crossed her long slender legs, sat down her coffee cup and looked right at Erica, "I'm not exactly who I've said I am. I mean, my name is Lena, but the background I gave you in the job interview wasn't entirely true. My father is Dimitri Gregoriev. He's a very powerful man. He has many connections worldwide and he helped get me the job at Enchantment by pulling a few strings and calling in some favors." "I have heard of him. I haven't met him but I know we run in some of the same circles. Still, this doesn't seem like the reason you're so nervous. I'll give you one last chance to come clean or I start digging into your past and see what I can find." Lena stood up and shouted, "NO!. Please don't."
Erica was puzzled by this outburst and was very curious as to what was going on, "Calm down. I suggest you stop playing games and tell me what your secret is and do it now." "I don't know. I can't. He'll kill me." Lena said, her voice shaking, as were her hands as she tried to hold her coffee mug. "Who will kill you?" Erica asked, still unsure what the truth was and what was an act from Lena anymore. Lena began to cry and soon was sobbing with her hands over her face. Finally, she looked up at Erica, wiped away the tears and then reached into her purse and pulled out her wallet and handed it to Erica.
As Erica read the name on the birth certificate she took a step backwards and then balanced herself on the side of the couch. She flipped through the rest of the wallet and aside from the one fake ID that listed Lena as her name all the rest of the information inside had very different name. "This can't be true. It's not possible." Erica looked over at Lena and saw that she was holding some pictures in her hand. She got up, walked over to her, took the pictures and was shocked at what she saw.
"I'm sorry it had to come out like this. He wanted me to keep it a secret. This is going to devastate him if it gets out." "Why didn't you just tell me this at the start? Why are you talking about being killed?" Erica questioned as she looked at the pictures one more time. Lena was still very upset about the secret coming out and it showed, "It's what he wanted. I came to Pine Valley to meet my father. I haven't seen him since I was born. He doesn't even know I'm here. It's my stepfather that I'm worried about, he's a very powerful man and dangerous man."
"I know a little about secrets and I know they always come back to haunt you." Erica was well aware of how secrets have cost her in her life and also remembered the lengths she used to go to keep them hidden, "I can't tell you want to do but if your here to see Joe Martin you should call him first and let him know your in town and see what he says. Joe is a good man so I'm sure he'll see you regardless of how difficult this will be on him. "I'm not here to ruin his life or cause him any trouble. I just want to see him." Lena said, looking right at Erica. There was something about Lena's voice that sounded so much more sincere now and for the first time since she'd arrived, she was starting to believe this was the truth, "This is none of my business I guess, but that does bring me to why I came over here to begin with. What are your intentions where Bianca's concerned?"
Lena's eye's looked away at the mention of Bianca's name and she got up and walked over to the window and looked out at the hustle and bustle of the people below. She smiled as she looked at the birds in the tree across the street just a chirping up a storm and as she cleared her head, she turned to face Erica, "I like Bianca. She's a great girl and I enjoy spending time with her. I do have an interest in her and that's when things get complicated again." "Oh dear god, now what?" Erica asked with a sigh as she waited for the next explanation from Lena. "I've told you too much already. I promise that I will not hurt Bianca in any way and that's all I can say right now." Lena said, almost pleading with Erica to let this god, "Please, I do have to get ready for a date with her so I must get ready."
"I believe you won't hurt Bianca, but whatever else is going on here I will find out. If I were you I'd be coming to work tomorrow and letting me know every last detail or you could be looking for a new job." Erica emphasized the last part so Lena wouldn't miss it then grabbed her purse and walked out the door. Lena picked up her cell phone and made a call, "Hey, there is a very big problem and I don't think I can handle it anymore." "Enough with the dramatics; just tell me what's going on." Michael said as he searched the internet for some information he was looking for. Lena shook her head at how cold Michael could be, "Fine, here's the short quick version. Erica Kane was here. She knows about Joe. She knows something else is going on between me and Bianca and she's not happy about it."
"Here's what you do. First, deal with Joe. There's no need for this to get in the way of anything. Second, you will stop seeing Bianca; no need for that to become a complication. Third, set your sights on Erica Kane. Go right to the top and do what you need to do to win her trust. Is that clear?" "Are you crazy? She doesn't trust me one bit. I think it's best if I just leave Pine Valley and go back to Paris, Russia or back home, anywhere but here." "You listen to me and you listen up good." Michael said as he calmly, yet forcefully continued. "You will do what I say or you know what happens. I will not have this conversation again. When you get Erica on your side we'll call it even and you can go jump a bridge for all I care, but until then your mine. Now get to work." Michael hung up and Lena threw her cell across the room where it smashed to pieces, which is what she did as she crumpled to the ground at the horrible mess she'd made of her life, all because of one chance meeting with a very evil man.
Maggie and Bianca were talking in the waiting are when Bianca's cell phone went off. "Hello?" "Bianca. It's me Lena. I'm sorry but I'm going to have to cancel our date for tonight. Something has come up and I feel horrible for doing this at the last minute." "Well okay. I'm sorry you can't make it, maybe another time. Thanks for calling." Bianca felt bad for a moment and then looked over at Maggie and the bad seemed to disappear in a hurry.
"Okay then. Please forgive me. I must go now. Bye." Lena hung up before Bianca could reply. Maggie felt these conflicting emotions flying through her mind all at once. She felt really bad for Bianca because she knew she was looking forward to it. Yet on the other hand, she felt this sense of relief that Bianca was still available. She just didn't know why she cared so much. The two girls sat there and with neither knowing what to say they eventually drifted off to sleep.
Next day in Pine Valley.
Laurie was working at BJ's when Joni walked in and as their eyes met there smiles grew wide and Joni walked up to Laurie and was a bit unsure what to say, "Hi. I was going to grab some coffee and sit down and go over my paper before school, but I don't want to seem like I'm making you wait on me." "Don't be silly, sit down and I'll get you a coffee. Please, I'm glad you came by I wanted to talk to you about something. I'll be right back." Laurie touched Joni's hand softly and smiled before walking back to get her coffee. Jamie walked in and quickly sat down beside Joni, "I have to talk to you. Katie called me last night and wants to go to the party with me. What should I do?"
Joni held in her smile and tried her best to act surprised, "Do you want to go with her or Laurie?"
Jamie threw his arms up in the air, "I don't know. Laurie is great, but I think she's still hung up JR for some reason and I'm not sure I really have a chance with her. Now Katie is very cute and I know she likes me but I'm just not sure she's the one for me." "That's really making a choice isn't it?" Joni asked, as she sipped her coffee. "I don't want to get in the middle of your busy love life or anything, but two things you said just now kind of stand out. One, Laurie may not be ready to commit if her heart belongs to someone else. Two, Katie called you and does want to go out with you. I know it's not always that simple, but maybe you should think about what's best for you?"
"I know Katie looks like the obvious choice, but I can't seem to shake Laurie. I know it may be hopeless but I just have to try. If Katie moves on then I guess I will lose both ways. For now I'm gonna go ask Laurie if she still wants to go to the party with me." Jamie got up and then stopped and turned to Joni, "Thanks for your help." "Sure" was all Joni could muster as she watched Jamie run towards Laurie. Laurie turned to see him hovering over the counter and smiled as best she could, "Hi there. Can I get you a table or something?"
"No, I'm here to see you. I know your working so I'll keep this short. I'd really like you to go this party with me tonight. Are you still interested?" "Actually I don't think I'll be going to the party after all. I'm sorry." Laurie then took the coffee over to Joni and sat in front of her. Joni looked over at Jamie and then back up at Laurie, "How did it go? He looks kind of sad. I feel bad. He's such a good guy." "I know he is." Laurie agreed as she looked over at Jamie again, "But, leading him on is not going to help him out. I just hope he takes Katie and has a great time. If that happens I think he'll move on pretty fast."
"Here he comes." Joni whispered. "Laurie, could we talk about this? Just tell me why you don't want to go. JR isn't around and if I'm so bad you don't want to go out with just say so." Jamie asked, not realize he was putting her on the spot. "I just need some time. You're a great guy. Sometimes two people just aren't right for each other. I'm sorry. I think it's best if we just stayed friends." Laurie tried to console him by putting her arm on his, but he pulled away. "I don't need any pity thanks. Katie awaits, so thanks for setting things straight." Jamie looked down at Joni, "Bye Joni. See ya at school."
"Jamie wait." Laurie said as she followed him to the door, "Please don't be mad. I'm just trying be honest." "I'm fine. Really, we're good okay. I've gotta go. See ya." Jamie walked out the door and never looked back. Laurie walked back to Joni's table and sat down beside her, "This feels so bad. I hate to see him so unhappy." "I know. He will be back to himself in time." Joni put her hand on Laurie's thigh and looked into her eyes, "I'd love to give you a big hug and kiss here but maybe that's not a good idea considering you work here. I hope we can meet somewhere later and I can give you that kiss for real."
"I'd love that so much right now." Laurie smiled, then remembering her dad's grounding began to frown again, "I don't think I'll be doing anything tonight or for another week. My dad grounded me because you there yesterday." "I thought my parent's were strict. When do you get off work?" Joni asked, her head filling with hundreds of ways to see Laurie without breaking the rules. "In about 45 minutes. I came in early today because I had no classes in the morning. I do have classes after lunch and then I'm supposed to be home right after school." "Well, that doesn't leave us much time." Joni said as she looked at her watch, "I'm going to wait for you so we can walk to school and spend some time together. Maybe we could try to talk online tonight. I know it's not the same as being together, but until that grounding is over it could work."
"That's a good idea. That might be fun. I'll be back when my shift is over, I see some people coming in so I have to get going. Thanks for being here today." Laurie said her face glowing as she looked back at Joni, "You better stop smiling at me or I'm gonna forget where I am and kiss those sexy lips right here." Joni was so tempted to do just that, but she held back, "Go get your work done or were gonna get you in a whole lot of trouble if we keep talking like this. I'll be here when your shift's over." Laurie smiled at Joni and quickly walked away before she got carried away.
Bianca was sitting with Maggie in the waiting room and they both looked at the clock and realized they'd fallen asleep and spent the night there.
As Bianca was clearing the cobwebs out of her head she began thinking about Kendall and her mom and how things are always so complicated between them and wondered if this tragic accident could possibly bring them closer together. Maggie was watching Bianca and could tell she was lost in her thoughts and was almost afraid to say anything, but she had no choice as Bianca looked over and saw her staring at her, "I didn't mean to stare. I wanted to give you some time to think." "Thanks. I don't know if it helped or not but we'll see how things turn out here. Anyway, since Kendall is doing better I think I'm going to get back home and get ready for... Oh right, Lena called last night. There is no date."
Maggie saw Bianca pause and then realized why, "Oh right, your date. I'm sorry about that. I'm sure she will make it up to you." Maggie then took a chance on what she was about to say, "Listen, since you were all set for a big night out why don't we make it tonight and you can try out one of those sexy dresses and I'll let you pick one out for me and we'll have a night on the town." "Well I do have two more dresses to try on and you're the only one I trust to tell me how I look." Bianca touched Maggie's arm then pulled it back. "Okay then, let's go. We do have all day so we can take our time looking for the perfect outfit." Maggie helped Bianca to her feet and the two girls were about to head out for a night on the town that they'd never forget.
Kendall was awake and feeling modestly better than last night and she was even ready to try some hospital food. Her little wonder meal consisted of a pair of warm eggs, two small pieces of extra dry bread, some milk and a little scoop of something she couldn't make out. She wasn't thrilled with the taste but was happy to have something inside her and as she was finishing up her milk Erica walked into her room and promptly sat down in the chair beside her. "Hello Kendall. You look well." "Erica, I didn't expect to see you. Is something wrong?"
There was a look of confusion on Erica's face at why Kendall would be asking her what's wrong, "Well, I would say something is wrong. You were stabbed last night weren't you?" "Oh that. I didn't think you cared if I lived or died." "Now that's just unfair and a mean thing to say." Erica said with her usual sense of drama, "Your my daughter and despite our differences I do not wish you any harm. If you'd ever stop this vendetta you have against me we might even be able to move forward."
Kendall was noticeably annoyed at Erica's last comment, "I'm in no condition to argue with you right now. So if your here to tell me how bad I am then you can leave." "I am not arguing Kendall. Look, I didn't come here to upset you. I'm going to go now. I am glad your okay and I do hope you get to go home soon. Good bye." Erica got up and made her way towards the door. "Wait." Kendall shouted about as loud as she could, "I'm glad you came. It means so much to me. Thanks."
"I do care about you Kendall and I wish you would learn to believe that one day. Get well soon." Erica then left the hospital room in her usual speedy fashion, leaving Kendall to sit and think some more. All's she could think about was where was Michael. Why hadn't he come to visit her. Why. Why. Why. That's all she thought all morning long.
Michael Cambias was lounging in his bed when a beautiful blonde woman walked out of the bathroom wearing little more than a smile. She walked over to the nightstand, began putting her clothes back on and Michael lie back and enjoyed the view. Once she was dressed, she walked over to Michael and grabbed the money he had left her and put it in her purse. She smiled down at him as she put on her leather jacket, "Call me anytime." "Get out." he said sharply.
"But I was just..." "Look, do I have to draw you a picture? You've served your purpose now beat it. You were well paid and actually, I'd say you overcharge if anything. Now, be gone. I have to go visit my girlfriend." The blonde was pissed off by his crass words but knew better than to say anything, so she grabbed her coat and took off out the door. Michael then grabbed his cell phone and placed a call, "Lena I know your there so pick up."
Lena was pacing back and forth in her room afraid to pick up the phone, but she was even more afraid not to and finally just picked it up, "What do you want?" "I'd drop the attitude if I were you. I want to know what your plan is to gain Erica's confidence and become a valued member of her inner circle." "It was only last night when you told me this. Give me some time to think this through and come up with something." Lena replied, knowing full well Michael did not like to be disappointed.
"I think it's a bit late in the game for you to be pulling this crap on me. We both know what you can do when you put your mind to it. I've seen you get classified documents from head's of state. I've watched you charm a woman who hated your guts only a day earlier. I've seen you lie through your teeth to get what you want and you are going to get your ass over to Enchantment on charm your way into Erica Kane's life. I don't care if you have to sleep with her to get what I need, but whatever way you choose I need some inside information before June 1st or this whole takeover is going to blow up in my face. If it does I'll be very unhappy. And you my pretty little flower will have all your dirty little secrets exposed." "Shut up. Do not threaten me." Lena shot back with a vengeance, "I've always done what you asked so just give me time to work."
"Now that's the spark I like to see. Now that you're back on track I think I will go take care of some other business. Keep me informed on your progress with Erica." Michael turned off his cell and tossed it on the bed beside him. Lena smashed yet another cell phone and then reached into a bag and pulled out another one from a whole case of cell phones. She took a deep breath and then called Erica Kane. "Hello Lena, my secretary put you through. What can I do for you?" "I need to speak to you. It's urgent. I have some information for you about a possible takeover attempt on Enchantment."
Erica was intrigued but still wanted to know more, "Where did you get this information?" "That's not important. I just want to give it to you in person, somewhere safe." "Fine, meet me in the underground parkade at Enchantment and I'll drive you to a very secure location. How soon can you make it here?" Erica asked as she looked through her daily planner to see how much time she had. "I can be there in an hour." Lena said as she flipped through a little black book. "This better be good Lena." Erica hung up and looked at her watch to see how much time she had before she had to leave.
Mia and Simone were already at work and were sitting together looking over some proposals from companies wanting to be the contractor for a new factory they were planning on opening. Each one had it's own good points, but the girls narrows the choices down to two companies, both long time Pine Valley companies as they wanted to keep the jobs in town whenever possible. After they picked the two companies, they sat the folders on Greenlee's desk and decided to take a break.
"Glad that's finished." Mia said as she watched Simone pour herself a cup of coffee, her eyes focusing on that smile she had grown to love. Simone nodded agreement, "I know. That is hard work. I had no idea an office job could be so hard." Mia noticed someone lurking near the elevator and nudged Simone's hand and nodded for her to have a look. There was a man standing there who matched the police's description of Kendall's attacker to a tee. It was as if he hadn't even changed clothes and was back at the scene of the crime with not concern that the police were swarming this building less than 12 hours ago.
They backed away and grabbed Mia's cell and called detective Stapleton. "Detective Stapleton here." Mia then moved back behind a wall with Simone so they could still see the suspect as she talked, "Hi it's Mia, one of the girls from Fusion. I think the man who stabbed Kendall is here right now." "Are you positive?" "Yes, he's wearing the exact same clothes and baseball cap. It's him." Mia said just a little bit louder as they kept an eye on the man in a lobby. "You need to get over here or send someone to get this guy before he leaves."
"I want you and your friend to find somewhere safe and stay there until we get there. I'm only a couple blocks away so we'll be there very soon." he said then flipped his siren onto the roof of his car and off he went. Mia and Simone took a look to see if the guy was still there and this time they didn't see him. Simone looked again and still nothing so they both walked slowly back into the room and as they moved towards the lobby the man came walking into the room and pulled out a knife and started towards them. Simone pulled Mia backwards and ran towards the back room. They got to the door just before the attacker, and softly closed and quickly locked the door before he got there.
The man was acting very erratically and started pounding on the door with his hands and then looked around and grabbed a computer printer and ripped it from the table it was on and started smashing the door with it and slowly but surely was making a small hole in the door. Mia and Simone were at the back of the supply room looking for something to use and still the man was smashing away at the door. As they were searching around, they heard a loud crash then saw the printer smash through the door, just missing Mia's arm as it landed on the floor behind them. The man then reached in, unlocked the door, kicked it open and took a step inside.
As soon as he did Mia started squirting him repeatedly with a large bottle of Windex which caused him to slow down and keep one hand up to protect his face as he moved towards her. When he did, Simone snuck up beside him, took a wild swing with a wooden broom handle and smacked him on the side of the head, breaking the broom at the same time. Mia and Simone ran out the door, into the office and out to the lobby as fast as they could. They went into the stairwell where Mia grabbed the axe beside the fire alarm. She pulled the lever that started the fire alarm, broke the glass with the axe and Simone grabbed the fire extinguisher then stood at the side of the door and waited.
There was nothing happening but the deafening sound of the alarm but they stood ready just in case. It was about five minutes since they pulled the alarm and Mia grabbed the axe and looked outside the door. First glance showed nothing, but since they didn't know if the attacker was still inside they decided to wait for a few minutes longer. As Simone relaxed for a moment and set the extinguisher down the attacker came up from the stairs below and both Mia and Simone were caught off guard but Mia managed to turn around and wave the axe in front of the rather skinny man who backed off at the sight of the rather sharp axe waving in his direction.
Simone grabbed the extinguisher and pointed it at the man and he again backed away. He then put his knife down by his side, turned and slowly walked back down the stairs. With the man backing away Mia pushed open the main door. Simone went inside. Mia followed, slowly backing away from man as they stepped back into the main lobby. The two women walked back to the office keeping an eye on the door as they did. Just then, the elevator door opened and Detective Stapleton walked out with two other uniformed officers behind him. The two girls frantically pointed to the stairs and it didn't take more than that for the two uniformed cops to kick open the door.
They grabbed the man, removed the knife from his hands, handcuffed him and took him away. Detective Stapleton put the knife in a plastic evidence bag and stared at the bruises on the man's face and the hardware in the girl's hands and walked up to them, "I see you had things under control here. Nice job. I will need to come down to the station and give your statements at some point, but it looks like you helped nab your friends attacker and hopefully this will give you all some closure on this terrible incident." Simone put the rather heavy extinguisher down and stepped forward, "Thank you. I think it will be a big relief for everyone to have this all behind us."
"If you two ever want a career in law enforcement we'd be happy to have you." he thanked the girls again for their help, took the elevator and was gone.
The two girls walked back into the office and sat down on the small couch and before they could catch their breath, Mia's cell phone started ringing, "Hello?" "Hi Mia, it's Greenlee. The doctor's are pleased with Kendall's progress and are sending her home and I'm going to go with her and help her get settled in and maybe stay with her until she's able to get around better on her own." Mia's face lit up at the good news, "That's great news. I have some news you can pass along to Kendall. We caught the bastard who did this to her and he's going to jail for a very long time." "That is good news. At least we don't have to worry about that loser anymore. Did they find our money?"
"I don't know." Mia said, a bit embarrassed she didn't ask about that earlier, "I'm pretty sure he didn't have it when he came here tonight, but I'm sure the police will be looking into that. We have to go down and fill out some statements and I'll ask the detective about it then."
"That's okay. I have to go they are just bringing Kendall out. You two will have to hold down the fort for a few days. I'm counting on you. Bye." Greenlee put her cell in her purse and ran to greet Kendall. Kendall was still in some pain but was feeling much better and was more than happy to see Greenlee's happy face, "Hi. You didn't have to wait for me. Where's Michael? Is he in the lobby?"
"I'm not sure. I called him over an hour ago so maybe he is on his way." Greenlee said, trying to be as convincing as possible. "I guess so. Let's go downstairs and I'm sure he's be there. I haven't seen him since this happened." Kendall's face had turned from a smile to a very sad frown in a matter of seconds. Greenlee tried to get things back on track, "I just want to get you home okay. Before I forget, Mia and Simone helped catch the jerk who did this so he won't ever bother you or us again." "That's good. I hadn't thought about him since this happened and I'm glad he's off the streets now." Kendall said rather calmly, "Could you just take me home. I'm feeling tired and weak right now." "Of course, let's go." Greenlee took Kendall downstairs and carefully drove her home.
Maggie was sitting on Bianca's bed nibbling on some crackers and staring into the large closet wondering where Bianca had gone to, "Hey, are you still in there? You didn't go sleep on me did you? I'm waiting for the next outfit." There was no reply but Maggie did see Bianca step forward wearing a full- length coat and a very sheepish look on her face, "I can't wear this outside. I don't even know why it's in my closet." "Oh stop it. Come on. I bet you look great in it. Let me have a look." Maggie said with a big smile. "Okay, but don't say I didn't warn ya." Bianca turned away from Maggie and dropped the coat revealing a very short silver skirt and matching silver top.
Maggie sat up in the bed, her eyes glued to Bianca's sexy body as she spun around in her new outfit.
Bianca was wearing a low cut in a very wide V showing off her very ample breasts and the skirt was so short Bianca could barely walk without showing some of her cute round ass cheeks in the process. "That looks so hot on you. It does." Maggie climbed down off the bed so she could have a closer look, "It's definitely a new look for you but trust me when I say you do pull if off with ease. Yep, it's you Bianca. You add a little grace and style to everything you wear." "Sometimes you say the sweetest things." Bianca smiled then turned to face the mirror, "I think I must have bought this in my rebellious phase."
"I say keep it for a special occasion. If you want to turn your partner on this will do the trick in a hurry." Maggie said, finding it hard not to stare; and had to shake herself into turning her head away from Bianca's breasts. Bianca was more than a little aware of Maggie's wandering eye but refused to read anything into it and instead decided to move in the opposite direction from where her heart wanted her to go, "I'm going to change. I will find something a little more appropriate for a nice dinner. I'll be right back." Maggie watched Bianca walk away and her head was just spinning with all kinds of conflicting thoughts and emotions. Why was she looking at Bianca this way she wondered. She tried to convince herself it was simply that the dress was so revealing she couldn't help but stare.
That might explain what her eyes were doing, but she still couldn't explain why here heart skipped a beat every time Bianca smiled at her. She thought about Henry and wondered why she hadn't thought about him all night. She so wanted that to work out so all her questions could be put to rest, or at the very least buried for another couple years. Bianca's return in a beautiful red dress caught Maggie's attention and she stood up in the bed and mouthed, "OMG", then hopped down and stood right in front of her, "This is so beautiful. Please wear this to dinner tonight. I'm begging you. I just love it."
"Really?" Bianca asked as she looked at herself in the mirror once more, "Well I do like it. It feels right. Your sure this is the one?" "Yes. Yes. For sure. I just hope I have something that comes close to that. I do want to look good for you to." Maggie added, once again wondering why she just said that. "You can't help but look good Maggie." Bianca smiled and touched Maggie's arm as she did, "I guess we go have a look at your closet and I get to watch you model some clothes this time. I think I'm gonna like that."
Maggie was enjoying the fact that Bianca was smiling again, "I bet you are. Just remember I don't have as many outfits to pick from so it might be a very quick fashion show at my place." "That's okay. We might as well get going then. Let me just grab the dress and my purse and we can head out." Bianca turned the lights out in her closet and grabbed her purse from beside Maggie and the two girls headed downstairs to Bianca's car and were off to Maggie's house in a hurry.
End of Part Three
