Marissa held the door for Bianca to enter, a pensive expression on her face.
Krystal was behind the bar and hurried forward.
"Oh, sweetheart are you okay?" she asked engulfing her daughter in a hug.
Marissa pulled away in confusion, how could her mother know about the letters? They hadn't called her, there wasn't time, and Jackson wasn't here yet.
"Mom… What's… how do you..?" began Marissa
Bianca was also looking at Krystal, uncertainty in her eyes, was something else going on.
Krystal saw at both of their expressions.
"You haven't seen it." she said "Maybe that's for the best. "
She made an attempt to hide a newspaper on the bar. Marissa was too fast for her. She grasped the paper from the counter and was surprised to see her own face on the front cover under the headline 'GOLD DIGGER KEEPS SICK FATHER FROM HIS CHILD'.
"What… what is this?" asked Marissa in horror.
She felt Bianca's comforting hand on her back and Marissa looked into her girlfriend's eyes.
Bianca glanced distastefully at the newspaper.
"The Daily Inquirer, the paper is a rag."
"But why… why am I even in the papers? I don't understand." Marissa flicked through the pages to find the article.
"I wouldn't if I were you." said Jackson, they turned to see him in the doorway. He had a handful of tabloid papers in his hands. "After you called I made a stop by a news stand. This is typical Carol Robinson… JR's lawyer… The first thing she does is try the case in the press. I'm sorry Marissa, she is going after you!"
"Who the hell does that woman think she is?" demanded Krystal.
…
They settled at one of the tables for their meeting with Jackson. Krystal insisted on joining them. Bianca only had eyes for Marissa, her girlfriend seemed suddenly thrown by this second unpleasant discovery of the morning.
"Can we fight this?" Bianca asked for the both of them, taking Marissa's hand in hers and giving her a supportive smile.
"Not easily." said Jackson
"We should sue the papers." insisted Krystal. "Force them to print a retraction."
"It's not that simple." said Jackson. "If you read carefully the articles are writing about interest in a recent flurry of internet rumours. Legally they are untouchable. They will argue they are not reporting the rumours themselves only the interest in them… and we can hardly take on the internet."
"But we know who started the rumours, JR's lawyer!"
"But we have no proof," said Jackson, "Even if the timing stinks of foul play."
"But some of the things written…" groaned Krystal with a look of disgust on her face as she grabbed one of the tabloids to quote the article. "JR Chandler is currently recovering in hospital from a resent breakdown. The hero of Pine Valley, traumatised by his role in saving the lives of so many people during the massacre at the Chandler Mansion now finds himself abandoned and betrayed by the woman he once loved. Marissa Tasker, JR's ex-wife, has taken over custody of her eight year old step-son Adam Chandler Junior and JR Chandler has not had a single visit from his son in the five months he has been in hospital receiving treatment. This is not a surprise to many of Marissa Tasker's critics as this ex to a millionaire has moved onto greater things… she has recently moved into a multi-million dollar mansion with a new sugar daddy, or should that be sugar momma, as her new lover is Billionaire Bianca Montgomery. Bianca's supporters just hope Marissa doesn't use her skills of manipulation to tear that family apart as…" Krystal stopped unable to stomach another word."I have never read anything more offensive in my life! There has to be a way to fight back!"
Marissa looked like she was going to be sick.
"How can they write stuff like that, manipulate the facts so much!" she gasped.
Jackson sighed.
"What you have to understand about Carol Robinson," explained Jackson, "Is that she is very good at what she does. She has become an expert at manipulating the media and I'm afraid this will be just the beginning. She will come after you" He reached out to touch Marissa's hand. "She will try to demonise you in public opinion anyway she can before the trial, whether it's criticising your lifestyle, your history, your family," his eyes flicked in Krystal's direction. "Her aim is to discredit your character and make JR the victim. You are going have to prepare yourself for a witch hunt…"
"But how could the world believe that about me?" Marissa asked in horror.
"That's because they don't know you. And what an amazing, kind and beautiful woman you are." said Bianca. She put her arm around Marissa's shoulder and kissed her cheek. "Spin is everything these days and sadly anyone and anything is fair game. News is all about grabbing attention. They don't care about showing a balanced view because news is now instant and fleeting. It makes me sick sometimes how the sensational angle is the only way the media can perceive news!" Bianca sighed. "But Krystal is right, there must be a way to fight back."
"There is," said Jackson. "If Carol Robinson wants to fight this war in the press then we need to find a way to fight back with much better ammunition, the truth. We need to show the world your love and your family."
Bianca grinned as an idea came to her.
"Well I know a few ways we can get more positive press. I wasn't keen, but I know 'Hello' wants to do a spread on our new home and Ellen has been asking me back on the show… we could maybe go together. I also want to plan a fund raiser for the Miranda Centre and I have a few ideas to get us a lot of press interest."
"So we fight fire with fire," said Krystal. "But I take it this Mrs Robinson will still be fighting dirty."
"She will." said Jackson.
"I can't let AJ get hurt by this… not when we are just settling into our new home." sighed Marissa.
"We won't." insisted Bianca.
"But what about the court summons?" she asked.
"Carol has been very smart there as well." said Jackson ruefully. "I know you don't want AJ to go through this and I don't blame you, but be aware that Carol will use this to her own ends whatever happens. If AJ goes to court then JR has won a major victory and been reunited with his son. If you refuse then you are the evil step-mother keeping a father from his child. Even if you ask for video testimony you will still be accused of keeping father and son apart. I'm afraid on this point there is no way to win. You can only do what you think is best for AJ."
Marissa sighed and looked to Bianca, who had nothing but love and compassion in her eyes.
"I'm so sorry this is happening to you." said Jackson. "I wish there was more I could do."
"No," said Marissa finding a new strength from Bianca's unspoken support. "You have been wonderful Jackson." She picked up one of the newspapers from the table and tore it in two. "We will fight this with everything we've got because I am just starting on my happy ending and there is no way in hell I am going to let JR spoil it for me!"
Bianca gave Marissa a warm smile and drew her girlfriend's hand to her lips to plant a small kiss on her knuckle.
"I love you." she said.
"I love you more." sighed Marissa.
"Now we are not starting that again." said Bianca with a laugh. Her expression grew more serious as she reached into her purse for her phone. "Firstly we need to do some damage control." she said. "I should contact the school and let them know the paparazzi will be on their way."
Jackson, nodded, glad to see Bianca had a good handle on the situation.
"It might also be a good idea to call your mom." he suggested.
…