And the network wanting them to do the majority of the promo tours; instead of the entire group, right?" Bellamy nodded as she said, "Yes. It was stupid of me to get so upset, and then to jeopardize everything; by talking to Jarrod. I just. I don't know what I was thinking."
Judy plainly replied, "You were thinking you'd get revenge. Revenge on Shonda for not having your back with the writing of the parts, and screen time, and you'd get revenge on Tony and Kerry; because of how perfect they appear in the press, and to others. When you know the truth. The fact they're in a relationship that very few people know about." Bellamy looks at Judy, and processes her words quickly, as she realizes what she said was true. Finally settled with the facts of the matter; Bellamy asked, "Does Kerry and Tony know about this?" Judy responded, "Yes. They know, and so does Shonda."
Bellamy's eyes opened wider as she said, "Oh god! Not her too. What's going to happen to me?" Judy heard the panic in her voice, and said, "As long as you walk the straight and narrow here. You'll be fine concerning this situation. Just be sure to let me know if Jarrod, or anyone else contacts you about Tony and Kerry. Especially Jarrod. Since he proceeded to blackmail you about the pictures, even after he didn't have them anymore."
Bellamy responded, "What? What do you mean he didn't have them?" Judy was unwilling to give a detailed account of how this all unfolded. But, she felt like she owed her some answers. So she said, "Jarrod sold the pictures to a media outlet. So, when he was pressuring you to pay him to keep quiet. Once you came to your senses about what you'd done the next day. He didn't have the photos anymore." Angrily Bellamy said, "That little shit! He was going to double cross me. The photos were going to be published anyway; completely outing me as the source." Judy responded, "Exactly. So, needless to say. You're very fortunate things worked out the way they did. The pictures aren't going to be published, the black mail is over, and you still have a job, along with the other cast and crew."
A brief silence washed over them, as Bellamy shook her head, and she took a breath; she didn't realize how badly this could've ended until now. When the reality settled; she said, "I could've ruined everything." Judy nodded as she said, "Yes, and much more than just your career. Bellamy, you're messing with people's lives when you do things like this. The stigma that would've followed Kerry and Tony would be substantial, and you'd be liable for it. Opening yourself up to lawsuits by them personally, as well as the network. Who could've sued you too; so yes, thank your lucky stars this all worked out for the best. Now, can we agree to you cooperating to keep this under wraps? That is the question."
Bellamy nodded as she said, "Yes. You have my word. I will do whatever it takes to make sure I don't cause anymore drama like this again." Judy felt a sense of genuineness from her; for the first time sense they'd been speaking. So, she said, "Good. I believe you. But, make no mistake about it Bellamy. Keeping to that promise is crucial for you. Don't disappoint me." Despite her speaking in such a calm manner; Bellamy felt the intent behind her words. She's clearly not one to cross. And Judy felt like she'd done well to assist Bellamy in heeding her warning.
Convinced all was well; Judy was ready to dismiss her. When she asked, "Hey, since Tony, Shonda, and Kerry know it was me who leaked the photographs. Do you have any advice on how I should deal with them on set?" Judy said, "Just be professional Bellamy. Do your job, and let everything else go. Because it's a given they're not going to want to talk about it at all, let alone with you." Although her words seemed harsh; she felt like they were accurate in depicting how either of them would feel. Bellamy conceded, and bid her good-by. After she escorted Bellamy out, and felt accomplished in getting the job done. Judy gave Kerry and Tony a call; letting them know everything was taken care of, and she called her assistant to file the non-disclosure agreement away.
Suddenly, Judy's thoughts are broken. She now remembers something about that day that she meant to follow up on. After escorting Bellamy out of the office; she recalls sitting at her desk in thought for a moment. Then, like a lightning bolt striking her. Something Bellamy said when they were speaking about how she met Jarrod made her suspicious.
There was something strange about how she'd seen him before the night she spilled the beans. That comment stuck in her head, and she was going to check it out. But, she got busy. She says out loud, "Damn it." Now feeling like she needs to get on top of this. She immediately calls her investigator, and has him pull Jarrod's phone logs again. To see if they can figure out how he found Bellamy. She's convinced that something, or someone had to tip him off that she'd be an easy mark. There's no way he just happened to be hanging out in a bar, that she frequented, and he was coincidentally present the night she gives up all the information he needed.
The more she thought about it in her head, during their conversation. The more her suspicions began to grow. She doesn't want to make any assumptions, or jump to any conclusions. But there are a few names that keep coming to mind as a possible person of interest. However, the individuals would have quite a bit to lose as well; if the secret broke, and the show ended.
Needing to talk this through; while talking to her investigator, she also runs her thoughts by him, concerning the possible person or people behind this caper. After hearing her out; her investigator promptly sys, "Clearly someone involved with the show would be a likely suspect. And, while yes. That would mean they'd lose out too; if the story hit the public, and the show was canceled as a result. Unless the point of doing this was about teaching a lesson; more so than about actually releasing the photographs." Judy's mind instantly clicks, and instantly. She feels like his response made perfect sense to her. And, as she processes his response a more likely source comes to her mind.
After urging her investigator to hurriedly come up with the proof she needed to address this matter. She ends the call, and sits back in her chair. Thinking about how much deeper this has gotten. She thought it was all figured out; but now she realizes there's much more going on here than she ever could've imagined. If she's right; the answer to this equation is going to hit like a nuclear bomb.
As she looks at the clock; she thinks about contacting Kerry and Tony, but she decides against it. There's no need to alarm them yet. Besides, what will she tell them? She suspects more people are involved, but she has to be sure. Again, this is a very delicate situation; which requires great discretion. Something she knows will serve in all of their best interests.
Thank you for reading my fan fiction tale. Things are surely heating up. In the next installment we find out who's behind the blackmailing of Bellamy. This is going to change everything. Who do you think it is that's behind it all?
Next Kerry has her first conversation with Shonda, since their meeting with Judy. Do you think Shonda has a reason to be angry with Kerry? Does Kerry owe her an apology? Or is Tony right about Shonda? Is this all about control?
One thing's for certain, in the next installment things begin to change faster than anyone thought they could on set. What do you think that change may be?All this and more in the next installment of Timing is Everything. FYI be sure to check out my new story With or Without Prejudice. It's quickly becoming one of my favorites. See you next time!