When she arrived at Judy's office; she was pleased to see she arrived alone, this ensured things would work easier to Judy's advantage. After welcoming her into her office, and offering her a seat as well as a beverage. Bellamy agreed to have a cup of herbal tea.
After the secretary brought them both a cup of tea; Judy sat back in her chair, at her desk, and Bellamy sat across from her; none the wiser to what was yet to unfold. After taking a sip of tea; Judy said, "it's good to finally get to sit down with you Bellamy. I hope all is well with you?" Bellamy replied, "Thank you. It's great meeting with you too Judy. I am so sorry it's been so tough for us to meet. But, I'm glad we finally got to get this wrapped up. I'm excited to return to the set, and I know this has to be done before that can happen."
Judy nodded as she said, "Agreed. It's good to get this taken care of. I have the documents here for you to sign. And here's a pen." Bellamy sipped her tea, and watched as Judy pulled out a manila folder; placed it in front of her, and placed an ink pen atop it.
Judy watched Bellamy, and saw her demeanor shift, as she moved the pen and picked up the folder, reading the contents. As she sat back in her chair, Judy could tell she was trying to appear in control, as she said, "I hope you don't mind. I want to read this before signing it." Judy sat back as well, as she said, "No problem. Take your time. If you have any questions; I am happy to answer them for you. Meanwhile, did you want more tea?"
Bellamy gave her a smile, thinking she was giving a great performance; hiding her nervousness, as she said, "No thank you. But it is quite good." Judy smiled as she replied, "It is one of my favorites. I'm glad you enjoy it. It's Lavender and honey, by Tazo." Bellamy nodded, "Yes. I can taste the honey. It's quite good. Thanks for sharing it with me."
Judy nodded as she responded, "You're very welcome." Despite her smiles and kind words; Judy doesn't feel her reply is genuine at all. She can tell that she's getting nervous. As she gives her time to read, allowing silence to fill the room. Bellamy said, "I know it's routine for these to be added to the contracts from the start. But, with this happening after the fact; I have to ask, did something happen that required the network to opt to add this clause now?" Judy replied, "Why? Do you by chance know of anything that could've happened to spark anything like this?"
Suddenly, there's a shift; as tension fills the room quickly. Bellamy's chest began to tighten with anxiety, as she stammered, "I,..Uh,…..Of course not." Judy sighed as she said, "Really? So, the name Jarrod Randal doesn't ring a bell to you at all?"
The color abruptly drained from Bellamy's face, and she appeared almost flush. She knew with certainty she was caught. But she couldn't speak. Her mind was racing, her heart was pounding, and she couldn't form a sentence to save her life. Judy saw her struggle, and she let her have a moment; by simply waiting for her to find her words.
After a few moments, she realized there was no way out of this, and that she needed to say something. But still she wasn't completely willing to give in yet, she foolishly said, "The name sounds familiar. But…" Judy interjected, as she said, "Bellamy. I like you. Which puts you on my good side. But, lying to me will put you on my bad side, as well as piss me off. And trust me. Being on my bad side; isn't where you want to be. So, take a moment, and think about what your next answer should be. Before you consider trying to lie to me again, okay?"
The sharp authoritative tone Judy took with her, scared her to death. And it showed in her eyes, and body language. As she gulped hard before she gave in, nervously saying, "I, I didn't mean for this to happen." Judy sat back in her seat, as she asked, "What did you mean to happen, after you leaked the location of Tony's birthday bash, to a reporter you met at a bar, after several drinks?"
The look of shock on Bellamy's face as she heard an accurate account of how this all started amazed her. Judy noted her responsive look, and said, "I'm very good at what I do Bellamy; otherwise, you wouldn't have a job, on a show based on what I do." Bellamy capitulated to her reply with a nod, as she filled with defeat, and asked, "What happens now?" Judy responded, "What happens now; is you sign these papers. And, I will take care of the rest."
Bellamy looked at the papers in front of her, and Judy saw her reluctance, as she said, "Don't worry about Jarrod. He won't be blackmailing you about this anymore." Bellamy again gave her a look of concern, and wonderment. As she asked, "How did you know he was blackmailing me?" Judy tilted her head, as she looked at Bellamy and said, "You're in the big leagues now Bellamy, and you need to understand that you don't last in this business, if you don't know everything you're supposed to know, as well as know something about the things you're not supposed to know about. And in my business, I need to know everything about everything, and I do. Or, I know someone who can find that out for me. That's why I'm as good as they say."
Hearing her, gave Bellamy a sense of peace she hadn't had since this whole situation unfolded. Knowing that Judy knew the story, and she was willing to help her; gave her great comfort. As she pondered the situation she was in for a little longer; she signed the paperwork, and placed the pen down when she was done.
Feeling a load of stress leave her body, she looked up at Judy and took a breath as she said, "Thank you." Judy responded, "Don't thank me. Just be happy that this little caper was able to be quashed before the media got involved. And, from now on. Go home to drink, when you're upset. Stay away from bars, and for God sakes don't blab your business to perfect strangers."
Bellamy nodded, as she took in the advice. But, then she said, "He wasn't a perfect stranger; I'd seen him there before. We just never talked much." Her response peeked Judy's interest as she asked, "So, you'd talked to him before about your work?" Bellamy responded, "Yes. To a degree. He didn't recognize me at first. But, then we hit it off, and we'd make small talk. Until that one night when I left the table read, and, well you know the rest it seems."
Judy nodded as she said, "Yeah. You spilled the beans to him about Tony and Kerry; after you read the press write up about the show, featuring Kerry and Tony as the stars.