Author's Note: Awww, you guys truly humble me. Really you do. I read your reviews and then I have to sit a moment and pray that I can live up to the expectations. It truly makes me a better writer because it makes me stretch myself more--looking for all sorts of different angles. I truly love you guys! And I am glad that you like the story. Here's the new day of installments. Hope you enjoy it because I truly enjoy you guys so much. And who doesn't love a little drama (lol). Somehow, I can see the producers of IS going as far as having Jude kidnapped. Mostly because they've already sent Tommy to Montana and who knows why. And now they've had Jude blackmailed for money and they sent her mother away. I so didn't see that coming especially after the birthday episode where her and Sadie went to that restaurant and looked so happy. And look where they've went with Degrassi. I just don't put anything past them (laugh out loud). Or maybe I'm just hoping that something like that will happen...hmmmm. I'm such a drama queen. Smiles. Please R&R.
Jude…
Ethan laughed as he held the squirming reptile against his body. I just shuddered.
"Meet Hercules." Ethan stated simply as he held the snake out to me. I just cringed. It was nothing more than a simple ball python and still I shied away. What a loser I was.
"You know, most people like to sleep with cuddly little puppies or something furry like a teddy bear. Do you need a teddy bear, Ethan? I think I might even actually have one at home you could borrow?" I remarked sardonically as Ethan chuckled.
"Not afraid are you, Jude? These kind are really quite harmless. Beautiful, isn't he?' Ethan asked as he reached for the cell phone on his bedside table. The flashing display on the metal object reminded me suddenly that I still had mine on me. Damn, if only I could get to it. Ethan flipped his magnetic red cell phone open and dialed without even glancing at me, and I knew then that he was calling the studio. I watched warily as he let the snake glide closer to me as he listened to the rings on the other end. I almost whimpered as I felt the cold body touch me gently. Anything cold blooded is not normal. Someone must have picked up the phone because Ethan smiled. Covering the receiver, he muffled his voice as he talked.
"I'm looking for Darius. Is he available?" Ethan asked as whoever it was put him on hold. A minute later and Ethan had a huge scowl on his face. He must have been told that Darius was busy. Ethan swore as his knuckles tightened around the phone.
"Tell him I have Jude Harrison, and I want to speak to him now!" Ethan roared as I just eyed the reptilian demon whose tongue kept flickering near my toes. Most hard rockers ate the heads off these things. Look at Ozzie Osbourne. Why couldn't I stand just having it near me? I mean, look at Britney Spears. She even went on stage with one wrapped around her neck. Ugghhhh! Ethan's sudden grunt made me look up.
"Well, finally interested in talking to me, huh?" Ethan asked as Darius, I assume, said something loud into the phone that sounded more than just a little foul. I could just imagine his angry scowl right now. Ethan laughed, and I clenched my teeth. I should have just given those damn pictures to the press myself. Did I care that much about my reputation?
"I want half a million dollars and I'll release her." Ethan proclaimed as I just looked over at him in shock. He had to have his head screwed on backwards to think I was worth that much. Darius said something and Ethan shrugged.
"You want to know if she's here? Fine." He muttered as he held the phone out to me.
"Darius…" I began as Ethan smiled before placing the snake in my lap. I couldn't help it. I screamed freakin' bloody murder. Ethan chuckled as Darius yelled from the other end of the line. Someone else in the background started swearing too, and I could have sworn it was Tommy. Was he home already? Why now? I hated that he was seeing me in this position. Ethan lifted off the snake, and I breathed a sigh of relief as he cradled it.
"There. You got my scream. Could you just please put that damn thing up now?" I hissed at Ethan as he threw me an exasperated look before turning back to his cell.
"Half a million, no less." He stated matter-of-factly before hanging up the phone. He smiled at me before placing the reptile back into its pillowcase before carrying it over to a cage in the corner of the room. Thank God.
"You're going to make me a very rich man, Jude Harrison." Ethan remarked with a whimsical smile as I just shook my head slowly.
"Wonderful. Really, I am so happy for you." I replied sarcastically as he sat down across from me again. I saw the look that entered his eyes, and I almost puked.
"You're a live wire, Jude. How exciting that must be? Is that why your producer is back?" He asked on a laugh as I rolled my eyes—struggling at the restraints on my wrists angrily. Ethan cocked a brow before standing up, taking a cloth, and tying it around my mouth soundly.
"So you can't scream." He explained quickly before grabbing his keys and exiting the apartment. Now would be a good time for me to go for that cell phone.
