The part of Justus Ward will now be played by Eric Morgan Stuart (ex
Chris Madison AW)
Chapter 26
Jed walked into the room and frowned as he looked at his friend's back. "What's wrong now?" he asked.
"Nothing," Leo sighed as he turned to look at Jed. "Most of them have checked in. We're just waiting on Josh."
"Care to bet where he is right now?" the former President asked as he sat on the arm of a couch and watched his former Chief of Staff.
"You know I don't take suckers bets."
"So you constantly tell me. Care to share what's got you so morose?"
"The situation at hand isn't enough?" Leo shot back then shook his head, and rubbed a tired hand over his face. "Sorry, about. It appears sleep deprivation no longer agrees with me."
"We're not in the Oval, Leo. Stop talking to me like my Chief of Staff and start talking to me like your friend."
"I fucked up."
"What else is new?"
"Funny. Real funny."
"I try."
"I forgot to let someone know what was going on."
"OK, I'll bite. Who?"
"Mallory," Leo sighed as he sat down next to Jed on the couch and looked at his hands. "And not only that I forgot I was supposed to have lunch with her. She found out when she went to the office ready to rip me a new one."
"How many times have you cancelled on her recently?"
"Too many," Leo sighed. "I just never seem to be able to get it together where she's concerned. No matter how much I try. I mean, damnit, Jed, I knew she and Donna had gotten closer what with the wedding stuff and all. Knew they were friendly during the administration. But did I call her and tell her? No. Did I ever think to call and let her know that I was going out of town? No. But I called all of you. I arranged for everyone to be here. I left a voice mail for Ainsley! I called Margaret and left orders for what was supposed to be done while I'm away. I hadn't even written in the book that I was supposed to meet her for lunch!"
"That's why you're supposed to let Margaret schedule all your appointments," he tried to tease. "Look, I don't know what you want me to tell you. You try. You've been trying. She knows that."
"What if it's not enough?"
"It's gotta be," Jed told him, and then chose to change the subject slightly, "she coming in?"
"Yeah. Margaret got her a flight."
"We have a room for her?"
"Yeah."
"Go and meet her at the airport. Take her to dinner."
"Yeah," Leo answered as he rubbed his hands on his legs. "Heard anything from Abbey?"
"No."
"Well, then. . ."
"Yeah," Jed sighed as he looked at his own hands before standing and reaching into his pocket to take out a cigarette.
"You're going to hear it."
"Well, what else is new?" he asked as he lit it and inhaled, before starting to pace and allowing them to lapse into silence.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~
He stepped out of the cab, handing the driver a couple of bills as he grabbed his luggage, which was nothing more than his lap top, a large duffle bag, and a garment bag. The way he figured it was that he could either do wash or buy new things if he stayed here working on the story for any length of time.
Computer bag over one shoulder, he hefted the duffle up as he draped the garment bag over the other and walked into the small restaurant, hoping that he wouldn't have to try to find some other place to stay. He fought a laugh as the bell chimed as he entered the restaurant and went to a table, putting down his bags. "We're closing," a young woman told him from where she stood cleaning a glass.
"I was just wondering about. . ." he started.
"I'm sorry, we're closed," she reiterated with an annoyed shake of her short brown hair and pout of her too perfect lips.
He went to say something but was stopped by a short woman with hair that was clearly dyed and caught between red and brown in color. "Liz, did you finish the receipts . . .?" she started and then paused as she caught sight of him. "Oh, are you being helped?"
"I tried to tell him we were closed," Liz said.
"Oh, really, Elizabeth," Bobbie sighed as she threw her hair back and walked towards the man. He was older than her usually conquests of late, but extremely cute. "I'm Bobbie Spencer. What can I do for you?"
"Danny Concannon. A friend of mine recommended this as a place I might be able to get a room for a while," he told her as he accepted her hand.
"Well, I think all of our rooms have been taken. . ." she started, then paused. "Who recommended us? I mean I would think the Port Charles Hotel would suit someone like you more readily."
"Sam Wanwright. I asked her for an alternative for the hotel, since I don't know how long I'll be in town."
"Oh, you're a friend of Sam and Frisco's then?"
"Sam's at any rate. I don't think Frisco would be thrilled if I linked my name to his in anyway," he shot back, enjoying the flirting and hoping it would get him somewhere.
"Well, there's no room here, but I happen to own a Brownstone and one of the apartment's vacant. I can offer it to you for the same price I'd rent you a room here. I'll even include a tab here."
"How much?"
"How about we say $500 a week?" she asked.
He cringed internally, but knew it was a far better deal than he'd be getting if he was staying indefinitely at the Port Charles Hotel. "That include utilities?" he asked.
"Of course."
"Then you've got yourself a tenant," he told her as the chimes above the door sounded.
"We're closed," Liz called without looking up.
"Tell it to someone who'll care," Carly shot back as she walked towards her mother. "Mama, think I can get some stuff to go."
"Like Liz said, Carly. . ." Bobbie started.
"Mama, it's not just for me. I'm bringing some stuff back to the hospital. It's also for Ned and Jax and probably V. It's not like we've all really eaten that much and we'll probably be there most of the night again."
"The hospital does have a cafeteria," Liz put in.
"Don't you have something, or better yet, someone to do?" Carly asked her.
"That's more your style. I don't whore around."
"You really want me to reply to that?" Carly wondered. "Because I'd be more than happy to comment on how you sell yourself you little brat. I mean, aren't you whoring yourself to the Quartermains by twisting things so that Jason will become one again?"
"I only tell him the truth. Get him to see things how they really are."
"Then you sure as hell better get your facts straight the next time, Ms. Elizabitch. Because I'm not the one who got Donna hurt. Your good friend AJ did."
"Well, if she wasn't leading him on. . ."
"Isn't that what people say about people like you? If she wasn't asking for it? If she wasn't walking in that park so late by herself dress like that . . ." Carly pounded, watching the porcelain princess go whiter.
"Carly, that was uncalled for!" Bobbie said as she looked at her daughter and put an arm around a trembling Elizabeth. "Apologize right now!"
"Hey, she wants to play with the big girls she better learn how to deal. So, can I get something to go or what?"
"You don't want to have hospital food go to the Recovery Room and get something there. If you can't treat my staff right I'm not going to go outta of my way to help you. We're close."
Carly rolled her eyes as she started to turn, catching sight of Danny for the first time and then looked back at her mother with a shake of her head, "don't try and put the blame on me, here. How fun with the latest boy toy," she started then looked at him. "Don't think you're going to last long. My mother's toys never do," she added before stalking out of the restaurant.
"I'm so sorry for that. My daughter's a little high strung, and her best friend's in the hospital," Bobbie tried to explain hurriedly as she moved away from Elizabeth.
"More like only friend," Elizabeth said testily. "And I don't know where she gets off saying things like that. How she can even attempt to compare. . ." she choked back tears. "Donna Moss asked for what happened to her by stringing AJ along at Carly's bequest. We all know that. IT was just another one of her plans to keep AJ away from Michael gone wrong! I mean if he was really doing things to her she would've gotten the restraining order. . ."
"Liz, why don't you just go home," Bobbie said uneasily. "I'll finish up here."
"I don't want to leave you alone."
"I won't be. Mr. Concannon's here with me. I won't be long. Then I'll show him to the Brownstone."
"Alright," Liz sighed as she went to the counter and got of things. "If you're sure."
"I am. Go on," she said dismissively, watching the younger woman walk a bit down the street before locking the door.
"Must be some story," Danny muttered from where he sat, his mind making a list of mental notes as he fought the urge to take out a notebook and write them down.
"Excuse me?"
"Oh, sorry. Professional hazard," he said, changing his tact. "I'm a reporter."
Bobbie immediately tensed at that, "is that why you're in town? Looking into a story?"
"Not exactly," he hedged. "I'm catching up with some friends who are in town on business and doing some research. I'm a freelancer at the moment. Try to get ideas where ever I am."
"Oh," was all she could say as she relaxed marginally. The knowledge that if Monica even thought she was talking to a reporter about the things she knew it would all be over. "Well, there's not really a story. Carly's friend was hurt in an unfortunate accident that unfortunately hit a bit too close to home is all. So, ummm. . . it should just take me a few minutes. Do you have a car?"
"No, I took a cab from the airport," he told her as he watched her turn, her actions jerky with unease.
"Well, I have one. It will be easier with just one anyway. Have you eaten anything? I could make you a sandwich while you wait."
"I don't want to put you out any more than I already apparently have."
"No, it's no trouble at all," Bobbie said as she slipped into the kitchen, hoping the time it took her to make his sandwich would be time enough to get herself together.
Watching her as she retreated into the kitchen, Danny frowned. Toby was right. They were dealing with a cover up. He only hoped he'd be able to help to get to the bottom of it. . .
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~
Skye walked towards the Quartermain living room with a scowl on her face. Any thoughts that AJ was over reacting were put out of her mind as the voices of her father and grandfather hurled towards her from the living room. The accusations of who was at fault for whatever her brother's latest stunt was couldn't have been missed. "What has he done now?" she asked from the doorway causing the two men to pause in their argument and looked at her in surprise.
"No one's done anything," Edward said as he wagged a finger at her.
"Believing our own press again, Grandfather?" she asked as she walked into the room and to her father. "Hello, father," she said as she kissed his cheek briefly before turning her attention to the older man. "Now, exactly what is going on, because I know something is. He called me and told me that he'd 'done it again.' So what exactly is it? How bad is it? What's it going to cost us to clean it up?"
"Where was this concern for family when you didn't show up last night?"
"In case it failed to register in that tiny brain of yours, I had dinner with my other family last night. I figured it was a good idea considering how sick my cousin has been recently and since it was a command performance from Adam, where as you made it perfectly clear that I wasn't needed here, even in the scope of CEO, I decided to grace them with my presence. So, now, kindly fill me in."
"There was an accident last night here at the house during the party," Edward started, causing Alan to gaff.
"What?" Skye asked as she looked at her father.
"There's a question as to just how accidental it was," Alan admitted tensely.
"What does that mean?"
"It means. . ." Edward started then threw up his hands in exasperation. "Why am I even bothering with the semantics? Your brother got drunk and threw another woman down those steps."
"Who?"
"It doesn't matter."
"If we're going to fix it it does."
"Donna Moss."
"Jax's assistant?" Skye asked. "Why would he even?" she started and then cursed. "Causing a fall wasn't the only thing he did again, was it?"
"Now, Skye. . ."
"You couldn't pay her off like the others? Get her out of town?"
"I didn't know about it till she filed for a restraining order," Edward admitted.
"Others?" Alan asked.
"We've had some problems with a few people claiming sexual harassment. We've gotten them other positions in exchange for not saying anything," Skye admitted. "But if she went for a restraining order it was apparently worse then with the others, or have you been holding out on me, Grandfather?"
"I didn't think it would get this far. Thought I'd be able to rein him in."
"Like you've ever been able to do that?" she asked. "Where is he?"
"I think he's upstairs."
"Alright, I'll go talk to him. We'll discuss whatever else you've done later," she told him before stalking out of the room and towards the stairs. As she got to them she paused at the foot of the stairs, before turning around to see her father standing in the doorway watching her. "How bad is she?" she asked as she connected eyes with him.
"Last I heard, critical."
"Damn."
"Because of the publicity it would bring or because of her?" he couldn't help but ask.
"Both," Skye admitted. "Believe it or not, I do like her," she added before starting up the stairs to deal with her brother and figure out a way to clean up his latest mess.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~
Ned walked down the steps of the Gatehouse and to the door, frowning as he pulled it open. "What do you want?" he asked as he took in his cousin.
"We need to talk, Ned," Justus sighed as he looked at his cousin, taking in the dark circles under his eyes.
"There's nothing to talk about, Justus. You're helping them. I'm not."
"You think I like this any more than you do?" Justus asked. "Think I don't think it would be best for AJ to have to face up to things for once? Hell, I think even Grandfather thinks it's time, but. . ."
"But what?"
"He's worried about Lila. What it will do to her."
"And what about what this has done to Donna?" Ned asked, then shook his head, "that's what I thought," he finished as he slammed the door in his cousin's face.
Chapter 26
Jed walked into the room and frowned as he looked at his friend's back. "What's wrong now?" he asked.
"Nothing," Leo sighed as he turned to look at Jed. "Most of them have checked in. We're just waiting on Josh."
"Care to bet where he is right now?" the former President asked as he sat on the arm of a couch and watched his former Chief of Staff.
"You know I don't take suckers bets."
"So you constantly tell me. Care to share what's got you so morose?"
"The situation at hand isn't enough?" Leo shot back then shook his head, and rubbed a tired hand over his face. "Sorry, about. It appears sleep deprivation no longer agrees with me."
"We're not in the Oval, Leo. Stop talking to me like my Chief of Staff and start talking to me like your friend."
"I fucked up."
"What else is new?"
"Funny. Real funny."
"I try."
"I forgot to let someone know what was going on."
"OK, I'll bite. Who?"
"Mallory," Leo sighed as he sat down next to Jed on the couch and looked at his hands. "And not only that I forgot I was supposed to have lunch with her. She found out when she went to the office ready to rip me a new one."
"How many times have you cancelled on her recently?"
"Too many," Leo sighed. "I just never seem to be able to get it together where she's concerned. No matter how much I try. I mean, damnit, Jed, I knew she and Donna had gotten closer what with the wedding stuff and all. Knew they were friendly during the administration. But did I call her and tell her? No. Did I ever think to call and let her know that I was going out of town? No. But I called all of you. I arranged for everyone to be here. I left a voice mail for Ainsley! I called Margaret and left orders for what was supposed to be done while I'm away. I hadn't even written in the book that I was supposed to meet her for lunch!"
"That's why you're supposed to let Margaret schedule all your appointments," he tried to tease. "Look, I don't know what you want me to tell you. You try. You've been trying. She knows that."
"What if it's not enough?"
"It's gotta be," Jed told him, and then chose to change the subject slightly, "she coming in?"
"Yeah. Margaret got her a flight."
"We have a room for her?"
"Yeah."
"Go and meet her at the airport. Take her to dinner."
"Yeah," Leo answered as he rubbed his hands on his legs. "Heard anything from Abbey?"
"No."
"Well, then. . ."
"Yeah," Jed sighed as he looked at his own hands before standing and reaching into his pocket to take out a cigarette.
"You're going to hear it."
"Well, what else is new?" he asked as he lit it and inhaled, before starting to pace and allowing them to lapse into silence.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~
He stepped out of the cab, handing the driver a couple of bills as he grabbed his luggage, which was nothing more than his lap top, a large duffle bag, and a garment bag. The way he figured it was that he could either do wash or buy new things if he stayed here working on the story for any length of time.
Computer bag over one shoulder, he hefted the duffle up as he draped the garment bag over the other and walked into the small restaurant, hoping that he wouldn't have to try to find some other place to stay. He fought a laugh as the bell chimed as he entered the restaurant and went to a table, putting down his bags. "We're closing," a young woman told him from where she stood cleaning a glass.
"I was just wondering about. . ." he started.
"I'm sorry, we're closed," she reiterated with an annoyed shake of her short brown hair and pout of her too perfect lips.
He went to say something but was stopped by a short woman with hair that was clearly dyed and caught between red and brown in color. "Liz, did you finish the receipts . . .?" she started and then paused as she caught sight of him. "Oh, are you being helped?"
"I tried to tell him we were closed," Liz said.
"Oh, really, Elizabeth," Bobbie sighed as she threw her hair back and walked towards the man. He was older than her usually conquests of late, but extremely cute. "I'm Bobbie Spencer. What can I do for you?"
"Danny Concannon. A friend of mine recommended this as a place I might be able to get a room for a while," he told her as he accepted her hand.
"Well, I think all of our rooms have been taken. . ." she started, then paused. "Who recommended us? I mean I would think the Port Charles Hotel would suit someone like you more readily."
"Sam Wanwright. I asked her for an alternative for the hotel, since I don't know how long I'll be in town."
"Oh, you're a friend of Sam and Frisco's then?"
"Sam's at any rate. I don't think Frisco would be thrilled if I linked my name to his in anyway," he shot back, enjoying the flirting and hoping it would get him somewhere.
"Well, there's no room here, but I happen to own a Brownstone and one of the apartment's vacant. I can offer it to you for the same price I'd rent you a room here. I'll even include a tab here."
"How much?"
"How about we say $500 a week?" she asked.
He cringed internally, but knew it was a far better deal than he'd be getting if he was staying indefinitely at the Port Charles Hotel. "That include utilities?" he asked.
"Of course."
"Then you've got yourself a tenant," he told her as the chimes above the door sounded.
"We're closed," Liz called without looking up.
"Tell it to someone who'll care," Carly shot back as she walked towards her mother. "Mama, think I can get some stuff to go."
"Like Liz said, Carly. . ." Bobbie started.
"Mama, it's not just for me. I'm bringing some stuff back to the hospital. It's also for Ned and Jax and probably V. It's not like we've all really eaten that much and we'll probably be there most of the night again."
"The hospital does have a cafeteria," Liz put in.
"Don't you have something, or better yet, someone to do?" Carly asked her.
"That's more your style. I don't whore around."
"You really want me to reply to that?" Carly wondered. "Because I'd be more than happy to comment on how you sell yourself you little brat. I mean, aren't you whoring yourself to the Quartermains by twisting things so that Jason will become one again?"
"I only tell him the truth. Get him to see things how they really are."
"Then you sure as hell better get your facts straight the next time, Ms. Elizabitch. Because I'm not the one who got Donna hurt. Your good friend AJ did."
"Well, if she wasn't leading him on. . ."
"Isn't that what people say about people like you? If she wasn't asking for it? If she wasn't walking in that park so late by herself dress like that . . ." Carly pounded, watching the porcelain princess go whiter.
"Carly, that was uncalled for!" Bobbie said as she looked at her daughter and put an arm around a trembling Elizabeth. "Apologize right now!"
"Hey, she wants to play with the big girls she better learn how to deal. So, can I get something to go or what?"
"You don't want to have hospital food go to the Recovery Room and get something there. If you can't treat my staff right I'm not going to go outta of my way to help you. We're close."
Carly rolled her eyes as she started to turn, catching sight of Danny for the first time and then looked back at her mother with a shake of her head, "don't try and put the blame on me, here. How fun with the latest boy toy," she started then looked at him. "Don't think you're going to last long. My mother's toys never do," she added before stalking out of the restaurant.
"I'm so sorry for that. My daughter's a little high strung, and her best friend's in the hospital," Bobbie tried to explain hurriedly as she moved away from Elizabeth.
"More like only friend," Elizabeth said testily. "And I don't know where she gets off saying things like that. How she can even attempt to compare. . ." she choked back tears. "Donna Moss asked for what happened to her by stringing AJ along at Carly's bequest. We all know that. IT was just another one of her plans to keep AJ away from Michael gone wrong! I mean if he was really doing things to her she would've gotten the restraining order. . ."
"Liz, why don't you just go home," Bobbie said uneasily. "I'll finish up here."
"I don't want to leave you alone."
"I won't be. Mr. Concannon's here with me. I won't be long. Then I'll show him to the Brownstone."
"Alright," Liz sighed as she went to the counter and got of things. "If you're sure."
"I am. Go on," she said dismissively, watching the younger woman walk a bit down the street before locking the door.
"Must be some story," Danny muttered from where he sat, his mind making a list of mental notes as he fought the urge to take out a notebook and write them down.
"Excuse me?"
"Oh, sorry. Professional hazard," he said, changing his tact. "I'm a reporter."
Bobbie immediately tensed at that, "is that why you're in town? Looking into a story?"
"Not exactly," he hedged. "I'm catching up with some friends who are in town on business and doing some research. I'm a freelancer at the moment. Try to get ideas where ever I am."
"Oh," was all she could say as she relaxed marginally. The knowledge that if Monica even thought she was talking to a reporter about the things she knew it would all be over. "Well, there's not really a story. Carly's friend was hurt in an unfortunate accident that unfortunately hit a bit too close to home is all. So, ummm. . . it should just take me a few minutes. Do you have a car?"
"No, I took a cab from the airport," he told her as he watched her turn, her actions jerky with unease.
"Well, I have one. It will be easier with just one anyway. Have you eaten anything? I could make you a sandwich while you wait."
"I don't want to put you out any more than I already apparently have."
"No, it's no trouble at all," Bobbie said as she slipped into the kitchen, hoping the time it took her to make his sandwich would be time enough to get herself together.
Watching her as she retreated into the kitchen, Danny frowned. Toby was right. They were dealing with a cover up. He only hoped he'd be able to help to get to the bottom of it. . .
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~
Skye walked towards the Quartermain living room with a scowl on her face. Any thoughts that AJ was over reacting were put out of her mind as the voices of her father and grandfather hurled towards her from the living room. The accusations of who was at fault for whatever her brother's latest stunt was couldn't have been missed. "What has he done now?" she asked from the doorway causing the two men to pause in their argument and looked at her in surprise.
"No one's done anything," Edward said as he wagged a finger at her.
"Believing our own press again, Grandfather?" she asked as she walked into the room and to her father. "Hello, father," she said as she kissed his cheek briefly before turning her attention to the older man. "Now, exactly what is going on, because I know something is. He called me and told me that he'd 'done it again.' So what exactly is it? How bad is it? What's it going to cost us to clean it up?"
"Where was this concern for family when you didn't show up last night?"
"In case it failed to register in that tiny brain of yours, I had dinner with my other family last night. I figured it was a good idea considering how sick my cousin has been recently and since it was a command performance from Adam, where as you made it perfectly clear that I wasn't needed here, even in the scope of CEO, I decided to grace them with my presence. So, now, kindly fill me in."
"There was an accident last night here at the house during the party," Edward started, causing Alan to gaff.
"What?" Skye asked as she looked at her father.
"There's a question as to just how accidental it was," Alan admitted tensely.
"What does that mean?"
"It means. . ." Edward started then threw up his hands in exasperation. "Why am I even bothering with the semantics? Your brother got drunk and threw another woman down those steps."
"Who?"
"It doesn't matter."
"If we're going to fix it it does."
"Donna Moss."
"Jax's assistant?" Skye asked. "Why would he even?" she started and then cursed. "Causing a fall wasn't the only thing he did again, was it?"
"Now, Skye. . ."
"You couldn't pay her off like the others? Get her out of town?"
"I didn't know about it till she filed for a restraining order," Edward admitted.
"Others?" Alan asked.
"We've had some problems with a few people claiming sexual harassment. We've gotten them other positions in exchange for not saying anything," Skye admitted. "But if she went for a restraining order it was apparently worse then with the others, or have you been holding out on me, Grandfather?"
"I didn't think it would get this far. Thought I'd be able to rein him in."
"Like you've ever been able to do that?" she asked. "Where is he?"
"I think he's upstairs."
"Alright, I'll go talk to him. We'll discuss whatever else you've done later," she told him before stalking out of the room and towards the stairs. As she got to them she paused at the foot of the stairs, before turning around to see her father standing in the doorway watching her. "How bad is she?" she asked as she connected eyes with him.
"Last I heard, critical."
"Damn."
"Because of the publicity it would bring or because of her?" he couldn't help but ask.
"Both," Skye admitted. "Believe it or not, I do like her," she added before starting up the stairs to deal with her brother and figure out a way to clean up his latest mess.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~
Ned walked down the steps of the Gatehouse and to the door, frowning as he pulled it open. "What do you want?" he asked as he took in his cousin.
"We need to talk, Ned," Justus sighed as he looked at his cousin, taking in the dark circles under his eyes.
"There's nothing to talk about, Justus. You're helping them. I'm not."
"You think I like this any more than you do?" Justus asked. "Think I don't think it would be best for AJ to have to face up to things for once? Hell, I think even Grandfather thinks it's time, but. . ."
"But what?"
"He's worried about Lila. What it will do to her."
"And what about what this has done to Donna?" Ned asked, then shook his head, "that's what I thought," he finished as he slammed the door in his cousin's face.