Author's Notes: Dear my lovely readers, thank you so much for leaving reviews! Also for just reading it in general! I'm a huge fan of Stef and RJ!! Enjoy the next installment!
Hart Industries
Jonathan was sitting in his office on a call staring at the clock.
He had his secretary researching more about Richard Powell and what he'd been doing since Jonathan last spoke to him, which was nearly a decade ago.
He didn't trust him then and he wasn't sure he trusted him now.
As he wrapped up his call, the newest employee of Hart Industries walked in with Kathryn, who had taken his old secretary's place.
" Hello Mr. Hart, I wanted to give you the files you asked for and introduce you to our new employee, Julia Robinson and this is her little boy, Richie."
" Hello. How do you do, Julia? Richie." Jonathan stood up, shaking Julia's hand, then kneeling to Richie.
" It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Hart. I'm sorry Richie had to stop by with me today, his babysitter canceled." Julia apologized.
" It's no trouble at all. How old are you young man?" Jonathan asks the brown haired boy.
The little boy held up 6 fingers, sizing up Jonathan as he did so.
Jonathan smiled and ruffled his hair. He reminded him so much of himself as a kid. It made him smile.
" 6? Well you're going to grow up bit and strong one day. Kathryn, why don't you see if we have any treats lying around for Richie?"
The boy's eyes lit up and he grinned.
The three left the office and Jonathan stood a moment, staring out the window, reminiscing on his childhood and Max.
" Darling?" Jennifer had come in by now and had been observing her husband.
He was clearly deep in thought.
" Hello darling! When did you get here?" Jonathan's face lit up as Jennifer came to his side.
She closed the gap between them and he took her in for a kiss.
" I was just thinking about Max." Jonathan sighed into her lips.
Jennifer pulled away, searching her husband's eyes. Max's death hit them both hard. Jonathan had taken it even harder.
He had been Jonathan's protector from boyhood and then a dear friend and confidante as he grew older. He was the father Jonathan never had.
Seeing that boy had brought it all back.
" I know you miss him terribly, darling." Jennifer stroked his cheek.
Jonathan squeezes Jennifer close and kisses her once more before he pulls her to his chair.
" Why don't we leave and get lunch?" Jonathan asks.
" That sounds wonderful. I'm starving." Jennifer replies, tapping him on the nose.
The two walk out hand in hand and head outside, deciding to walk to a cafe they both loved close by.
Jonathan was eager to hear about Jennifer's morning at the college.
After the waiter ordered their drinks, the two caught up.
" How was the interview?" Jonathan asks.
Jennifer sighs. " He's quite the smooth talker. Most of his students are beautiful young women."
Jonathan raised a brow after sipping his tea, smirking at his wife.
" I'm sure he tried to woo you, too." He teases.
" Oh he tried. I wouldn't let him." Jennifer replies with a wink.
" What's his name again?" Jonathan was curious.
" John Mills White. Do you know him?" She asks.
Pondering on it, Jonathan couldn't recall. " Not off the top of my head. You think he has any connection to Judge Forsythe's misfortunes?"
" Possibly. There's something about him that was a bit off. Oh well, I'm just glad to be finished for the afternoon. I've been so exhausted." Jennifer stifles a yawn.
" You have been at work before dawn and getting home rather late, darling. Why don't you take the day off tomorrow. I'm sure Junior could use some company." Jonathan says a bit concerned.
Jennifer did look a bit pale.
" I think I will. Poor Junior. Speaking of, did you have a look at those applications the agency passed on to us? Surely we can find someone like Max." Jennifer replies.
" I haven't yet. Maybe we can look over that this evening. Freeway will have to give his stamp of approval." Jonathan chuckles.
Jennifer giggles, throwing her head back.
Junior would definitely have to have the approval of their new help. He and Max had formed a close bond as a puppy and now that he was gone, he needed a new companion and the Harts needed help.
The food arrived at the table after 15 minutes and Jonathan dug right in.
He noticed Jennifer only picking at her salad, which worried him because she hadn't been eating much the past few weeks.
" Is the food alright?" He asks.
" Hmm?" Jennifer looks up at him, lost in thought. " Fine, I'm just thinking about this case."
" Well you're starting to worry me. If you keep this up, I might have to call Dr. Goldman."
Jennifer shook her head. " Jonathan! I promise I'm alright! I'll eat."
She shoved in a bite of salad, really not feeling like eating.
" Happy?" Jennifer waits for her husband to quit staring.
" Very." He smirks, enjoying the rise he was getting out of her.
" Darling do you remember Rodger Powell?" Jonathan asks.
" Yes, I do." Jennifer replies.
" He's made the paper. It looks like he's back in town and running for office." Jonathan says, amused once more.
" Office? Hmm. He hasn't stopped by your office has he?" She was curious if their " old pal" as he called himself had come knocking.
" Not yet. I have a feeling he will and he won't leave without my endorsement." Jonathan wasn't the least bit amused and not thrilled to see him.
Jennifer knew he wouldn't be getting any endorsement from her husband. Jonathan wasn't his biggest fan.
The two made small talk for a while until Jonathan checked his watch, realizing it was time to head back to his office.
He waited for Jennifer to get up to leave but she put her head in her hands.
" Darling?" Jonathan put a hand on her back.
" I'm alright. I'm just feeling a bit dizzy."
Jennifer shut her eyes tightly hoping it would pass.
" Why don't I get the car?" Jonathan hated to leave her but he had no choice.
" No, no, darling I'll be fine." Jennifer sighs heavily, a bit annoyed at feeling ill and also at Jonathan's concern.
After a few moments, she lifted her head and stood from the table. Jonathan kept her close, holding her waist as they walked back to the office, which was just a few blocks up.
They made it back to the office and Jonathan was eager and ready to get his wife home.
As they made it to the top floor, Jonathan was just preparing to tell the secretary he would be out for the day when they heard the loud booming voice of someone familiar.
The Harts turn around to see Rodger Powell. " Johnnie boy!"
Jonathan and Jennifer both put a smile on their faces.
" Rodger! So good to see you." Jonathan tries to act cordial upon greeting his friend, shaking his hand, but keeping a tight grasp on his wife with the other.
" It's great to see you. You've not aged a bit and I think I know the reason, this pretty lady right here. Great to see you, Jennifer." Rodger was beaming ear to ear at the two.
" He's a lucky man." Rodger nudges Jonathan, winking.
" I'm a lucky lady. Jonathan's great." Jennifer replies.
She suddenly starts to feel a bit faint and things start to fade out before she faints.
Jonathan grabs her and holds her.
" Need any help?" Rodger tries to jump into action, as Jonathan holds his wife.
" Call 911." Jonathan moves Jennifer to a private office as workers look on in worry.
His assistant grabs water as his friend is on the phone.
" Jennifer darling, it will be alright." Jonathan holds her hand in his as she lays on the couch.
The medics arrive and take her in, leaving Rodger to drive his friend to the hospital.
Jonathan kept his eyes on the ambulance as they followed it, praying as each second went by that Jennifer is alright.
……………………………………………
Jonathan paces the floor as Rodger stands outside smoking a cigar.
A doctor makes his way over to Jonathan. He's off in another world before the doctor brings him back to reality.
Luckily, Jonathan recognizes the doctor and relaxes a little.
" Hello Jonathan." Mark Moore shakes his hands, a warm expression is on his face which makes Jonathan feel more comfortable.
" Hello Dr. Moore, have you been with Jennifer? Is she alright?" He worries.
" She told me to have you relax before you worry yourself to death. She's fine now. Walk with me." The doctor motions for Jonathan to follow him to a private walkway where they can talk.
" Well? What's the verdict? Can I see her?"
" Jonathan, I'm afraid someone tried and lucky for us, unsuccessfully, to poison your wife." Dr. Moore says.
Jonathan's eyes grew wide.
TBC...