I've settled on a final direction for my story (overall) and you'll be happy to know that a lot of my writer's block has been lifted. (Praise be to the almighty manicurist! Getting my nails done always helps. That, and the bitch I call my "man-friend".) I knew who I wanted in the beginning but a lot of cards were brought to table I had to ponder. I've settled on my original concept.

I'm not gonna drag on this 'hanger. After that excruciatingly BAD last chapter, I just can't do it. (That chapter was as painful to write as it was to read, to me at least.)

As for the name of the story – it isn't a rip from Pink Floyd. It's funny that it was mentioned because I was at work and was like, "Hey... Didn't Pink Floyd have something called 'The Wall'?" I'm not a PF fan so I was highly amused. I actually get the name from one of the most used expressions in Jude's songs. (Skin, Time to be Your 21, Shay saying it in Waste my Time) It fit. Dunno. Haha...

This is all what you've waited, hoped, prayed, and wished for. Enjoy; it only goes downhill (uphill?) from here.

PS: Tell me what song the title comes from and, once again, yummy Tommy treats!

PSS: What the hell does AU mean! And in what ep did it give the back story on Portia, Tommy's ex-wife? Everyone seems to know this but me and I'm flipping obsessed to the point of having every ep DL to my computer! TELL ME:(

Chapter 16 / C'est Pas Ma Faute

The lady sat apprehensively in her seat, crossing and uncrossing her legs, ringing her hands in the most OCD of ways. She couldn't get comfortable. She knew what she was doing, but it didn't help her nerves. She sipped from the strong cup of black coffee Georgia had offered her moments earlier.

Georgia took in her appearance and mannerisms. She was on good terms with the woman, wouldn't go as far as to call her a friend or even an associate, but there'd never been any conflict. They never crossed paths save for birthday and release parties and even then it was the same mindless banter that one had over cocktails at Happy Hour. Today, though, the woman wasn't the bright faced and calm woman she chatted up for the sake of being polite. She looked to have a mission and she was drawing it out as far as possible.

"So, what brings you to G Major?" Georgia looked over her the rim of her coffee mug as she took a sip.

"It's about Thomas Quincy." The woman took in a sharp intake of air before continuing. "I want to know how you can get rid of him."

Georgia had to stifle the laughter that marred her voice. "Get rid of him? He's the best producer I have!"

"That may be so, but..." She let the word "but" trail off languidly.

"But what, Mrs. Harrison?" Georgia wasn't one for games and the one Victoria was beginning to play was quickly wearing on her. "Why do you want me to 'get rid of' my best producer?"

"Jude."

"What about her?" She couldn't fight her growing annoyance.

"I'm taking it she didn't tell you the entire story about her disappearance." Victoria's face fell into an all-knowing state of sarcasm as she stared at Georgia's own shrouded in confusion. "She didn't tell you about them?"

"What 'them'?" Georgia set down her cup. "Just say what you need to say, Mrs. Harrison. I have work that really needs attending to."

"Jude didn't disappear alone. She ran off with him, Tommy. I talked with him this morning, told him to stay the hell away from Jude or else..." She thought over her chopped thoughts. "Or else there would be hell to pay."

Georgia didn't comprehend what Victoria was giving her. Jude told her she'd just gone away, nothing too descript, nothing that would cause suspicion. She believed her. Jude wasn't a liar. As for Tommy, while they hadn't discussed his absence, she'd spoken with him and Kwest later informed her that he was in Montreal handling personal business. It was coincidental, she could admit that, but it didn't mean the two were together. It doesn't mean they weren't.

I should be furious. She wondered fleetingly why she wasn't. If the two of them had their little tryst, what did it mean? Georgia wasn't a stupid woman nor was she detached from the affairs of her colleagues and employees. She knew they were friends and that their bond transcended a musical relationship, but it didn't mean they were doing anything wrong. Jesus, are they sleeping together? Georgia pushed the thoughts to the side, trying to figure out the best way to appease the woman. I'll wait. That's always the best game plan.

"Mrs. Harrison, honestly? There is nothing to implicate either one of them." She'd resorted to using technicalities and contractual jargon. "I can't just fire Tom based on what you say. I know you have the best interest for your daughter at heart, and believe me, I do as well. I will watch over them closely and if I see anything getting too deep I will lay down the law."

Victoria's eyes blazed. This wasn't the way this was supposed to pan out. She felt crazy, but they were the ones playing with fire. Besides, she'd be damned if she didn't stop that monster from hurting her little girl. It wasn't right no matter how either of them tried to spin it.

Victoria got up, shaking her hair behind her shoulder. She would leave this for another day, another day where the evidence was concrete. She extended her hand out to Georgia and smiled astringently.

"Thank you, Georgia. Knowing you have an eye on things makes me feel better." Georgia shook her hand firmly. Victoria snorted to herself. "And I'm sorry if I came off as... manic, crazy if you will."

Georgia returned her laugh.

"It's alright, you didn't. I know you're just looking out for Jude." The two women eyed each other for a few seconds before Georgia moved to excuse Victoria from the office.

She opened the door widely, loudness and laughter enveloping them. They stared at the two walking in from outside, Georgia nervous and Victoria enraged. All four of them locked eyes, the air electrifying to the point of lethality. Concrete.