It had been ten weeks since Thanksgiving and here again, Jess was in the hospital, her body barely responding to anything doctors and nurses were administering to her. Looking out over her, Mr. Thomas feared he might have been too late after getting the information she had shared. He was glad an agent was assigned to watch over her considering the actions Marshall had taken against her. He observed the brave woman before him, praying she woke up, but knowing it would be a hard recovery.
The agent who was assigned to Jess had walked up shaking his head holding up a thick folder of evidence.
"Sir, we found these on her phone and in her laptop was a rather impressive collection of documents. It seems that Marshall kept secrets from her as well. She needs to know the truth about Jack. They must—"
"Jay'son Marshall will realize she ran and will 'unt her down. Right now, zee the truth can wait. We must protect 'er no matter what." It was a fear that held a logical amount of concern. Jess was in a dangerous situation and Mr. Thomas could not make the choice alone. He needed counsel with Jess but given the current environment he needed the next best thing.
"Call Phil'lip Wen-nik. He will 'no what tu do."
Nodding the agent left as Mr. Thomas watched her heartbeat slow and steady. He was approached by another doctor, carrying a small file in her arms. Accepting the file, she read aloud the results of the different tests conductive thus far. It was stated that Jess had sustained several blunt injuries to her stomach, at least one rib was fractured. Thankfully none of her major internal organs were damaged but his eyebrow rose when reading the last report. Ordering for an ultrasound, he sat more worried about Jess's condition than he had before. He stared at the screen as the nurses and surrounding agents all nodded at his quiet orders.
Getting Phil was the only option.
*dot*
Okay, there was his briefcase, and jacket by the door. Oh, and his wallet on the table. Phil stood tall gathering his items when a sudden and urgent knocking came from the front door. Checking his watch, it was barely seven, and the twilight of the morning meant it was too early to be knocking like that. Walking over, he peeked through the curtain seeing two men at the door. Frowning, he opened it, eyeing the men slowly.
"Mr. Wenneck, we need you to come with us. It's on official government business."
"No fucking way," he said folding his arms. "I'm going to be late for work. And I have no idea who you guys are." These men in black looked at each other as the one closest to him pulled a card from their pocket.
"Sir, you need to come with us. It concerns Jessica Billings. You have been asked to see Elliot Thomas."
"Who the hell is Elliott Thomas?" he said eyeing the card and trying to read the man's face. It remained unchanged.
"Sir, you are requested by Mr. Thomas on matters concerning Jessica Billings," the man said in a quiet voice. "You must come."
"Jess?" he asked taking the card. It was a blank white card in cursive writing. "What's wrong with her?"
EP Thomas, business manager for hire
+33 6 5555….
"Yes, Mr. Thomas needs to speak with you. It's imperative that you come with us."
Phil turned over the card seeing the blank back side but vaguely recalled Jess mentioning a Mr. Thomas when they were Bangkok. Setting the card into his breast pocket, he turned to grab his cellphone and left with the men. Calling into work, claiming a family emergency, he remained quiet otherwise as they rode to an underground entrance of the hospital. Stepping out, he looked around trying to see in the dark. Following to the elevator, he was escorted down several halls before they stopped the ICU's door. The morning sun rays creeping in through several windows.
Hitting the call button, the nurse asked who they were as they waited.
"Mr. Thomas's guest is here for him."
The doors opened a moment later and they continued down the hall to the last door on the right. There Phil let out a gasp seeing Jess lying on the bed, an oxygen line in her nose, an IV in her arm, and the vitals were beeping slowly on the monitor. This made him spin around finding nowhere there. Turning back, he looked at the sleeping Jess as her hand twitched. Tears escaped him as he sat on the side of the bed gently holding her hands.
"Jess," he let out in barely a whisper. Her eyes fluttered by did not open. She had a several marks on her face and the large bruise on her neck worried him most. Holding his own over it, he realized it was handprint slightly smaller than his own.
"Monsieur Wen-nik?"
Turning toward the source, Phil saw an aging man with his hands tucking into his pant's pocket. He frowned not recognizing him but remained quiet as his hand dropped to his lap. The aging man closed the door and took the extra seat in the room.
"Who are you?" he asked to the man. "And what's going on? What happened to her?"
Crossing his fingers in his lap, Mr. Thomas answered the many questions Phil had including what happened to Jess. He explained how he had received a call the month prior to ask for assistance in discovering where Jason went so frequently, and it resulted in learning of his activities, though the exact details was withheld. Phil frowned and asked ultimately what caused Jess to get into the state she was in.
"She was attacked. By whom?" demanded Phil tensing his nails into his hands. "Who hurt her!"
"Jay'son Marshall did."
The blood rush as his head rolled forward and he saw white knuckles clenched tightly in complete rage. Phil let out a sob and looked at Jess seeing the damage the boy had caused her. He never wanted to put her into danger, but knowing now, he felt extremely guilty for pushing her away.
"You mean to say that boy did this? To her in anger?"
"Oui. 'e did. But Jessica did zee right zang and ran. Shee was found about thirty milez from 'ere. Shee was badly bruised and in a lot of pain. I brought her 'ear and I a'jure you, no one knowz shee is 'ear. Only us, a small group of my personal agents, including the two sent to get you, and the doctors and nurses who only talk tu me."
Phil looked back over understanding the safety net Mr. Thomas had provided but it still confused him, but they were a part of an official government business? Feeling Jess twitch, his attention was brought back to Mr. Thomas once more. In his hands was a small stack of papers.
"Pleaze, will you confirm thiz for me. It is very important we 'ave a clear under'zanding of what intel Marshall 'ad on youz both."
"Us both?" Nodding Mr. Thomas gave the packet over and Phil started reading. His eyes widened as to what he read. "What the fuck…."
Phil was in disbelief. So, it was true, Jason… he had fucking lied… well he hid the truth about himself well enough.
*dot*
FULL BIOLOGICAL BIRTH NAME:
JASON PATRICK MARSHALL
DATE OF BIRTH AND PLACE
JULY 7 1987 KANSAS CITY MISSORUI
PARENTS:
FATHER: JOHN MICHAEL MARSHALL, 1949
MOTHER: LILLIAN ABGIAL TURNER, 1968
KNOWN SIBLINGS: NONE
CHILDREN: YES,
HENRY WILLIAMS, 2007
DARCY MARTINEZ, 2007
CLARA POTTER, 2009
JACKSON MARSHALL, 2010
KNOWN LOVERS: NOT MARRIED
KATE WILLIAMS, TEXAS, 1990
JULIA REYNOLDS, MISSOURI, 1986
ELIZABETH MARTINEZ, MISSOURI, 1988
DENISE POTTER, NEW YORK, 1989
WENDI GONZALEZ, NEW YORK, 1987
JESSICA BILLINGS, CALIFORNIA, 1991
KNOWN ALLERGIES: f44 STRAWBERRY
MILITARY SERVICE: NONE
HAND: RIGHT
NATURAL HAIR COLOR: BLONDE
NATURAL EYE COLOR: GREEN
GENERAL HEIGHT: 180 CM
GENERAL WEIGHT: 61 KG
CRIMINAL RECORD:
ARREST, AUGUST 2006, DALLAS COUNTY, TEXAS; UNLAWFUL ACTS WITH A MINOR, 16-19
ARREST, DECEMBER 2008, JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI; TREPASSING
ARREST, DECEMBER 2008, JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI; BREAKING AND ENTERING
ARREST, JANUARY 2009, KINGS COUNTY, NEW YORK; CHARGES UNKNOWN
ARREST, MARCH 2009, KINGS COUNTY, NEW YORK; DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WITH WEAPON
ARREST, MAY 2011, BANGKOK, THAILAND; TREPASSING
KNOWN CONVICTIONS:
UNLAWFUL ACTS WITH A MINOR, 16-19; SETTLED OUT OF COURT
POSSESSION OF FIREARM, BREAKING AND ENTERING PRIVATE RESIDENCE; FINED $5,000
POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO HARM; SERVED 26 DAYS IN COUNTY JAIL, BAIL POSTED
*dot*
FULL BIOLOGICAL BIRTH NAME:
JESSICA MARIE BILLINGS
DATE OF BIRTH AND PLACE
APRIL 13 1991 PHOENIX ARIZONA
PARENTS:
FATHER: KENDALL ALEXANDER BILLINGS, 1959
MOTHER: JORDAN FREDA SMITH, 1954
KNOWN SIBLINGS: ONE, DOUGLAS BILLINGS
CHILDREN: YES, JACKSON MARSHALL
KNOWN LOVERS: NOT MARRIED
MICHAEL HERNANDEZ, 1989
TYLER AVERY, 1990
(?)PHILLIP WENNECK, 1977
JASON MARSHALL, 1987
KNOWN ALLERGIES: NONE
MILITARY SERVICE: NONE
HAND: RIGHT
NATURAL HAIR COLOR: BROWN
NATURAL EYE COLOR: BLUE
GENERAL HEIGHT: 172 CM
GENERAL WEIGHT: 54 KG
EDUCATION:
ROCHESTER SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, 2005-2009
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES, UNFINISHED
CRIMINAL RECORD:
ARREST, APRIL 2008, LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA; UNDERAGE DRINKING
ARREST, MAY 2009, CLARK COUNTY, NEVADA; CHARGES UNKNOWN
NO KNOWN CONVICTIONS
*dot*
FULL BIOLOGICAL BIRTH NAME:
PHILLIP RAYMOND WENNECK
DATE OF BIRTH AND PLACE
SEPTEMBER 7 1977 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
PARENTS:
FATHER: JONATHAN WENNECK, 1948
MOTHER: DOROTHY WENNECK (NEE JOHNSTON), 1951
KNOWN SIBLINGS: NONE
CHILDREN: YES, ONE
KNOWN LOVERS: DIVORCED AS OF MAY 2011
TIFFANY RODRIQUEZ, 1977
STEPHANIE WENNECK (NEE BURLINGTON), 1979, MARRIAGE FROM 1999-2011
(?)JESSICA BILLINGS, 1991
KNOWN ALLERGIES: NONE
MILITARY SERVICE: NONE
HAND: RIGHT
NATURAL HAIR COLOR: BROWN
NATURAL EYE COLOR: BLUE
GENERAL HEIGHT: 185 CM
GENERAL WEIGHT: 83 KG
EDUCATION:
ROCHESTER SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, 1991-1995
UNIVERISTY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, BACHELOR'S OF ARTS IN SECONDARY EDUCATION, 2001
CRIMINAL RECORD:
ARREST, JULY 1998, LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, UNDERAGE DRINKING
ARREST, OCT 1998, LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, DISORDERLY CONDUCT ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
SUSPENSION OF DRIVING LICENSE PRIVILEGE, NOV 1998, LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, FAILURE TO PASS
REINSTATE OF DRIVING LICENSE PRIVILEGE, JAN 1999, LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, COMPLETION OF DD CLASSES
ARREST, MAY 2009, CLARK COUNTY, NEVADA CHARGES UNKNOWN
KNOWN CONVICTIONS: DRIVING LICENSE PRIVILEGES REVOKED FOLLOWING SOLO AUTO ACCIDENT
*dot*
DATE: AUGUST 10, 2009
DEAR MR MARSHALL,
HERE AT DOCTOR MULLENS OFFICE, WE STRIVE FOR EXCELLENT SERVICE WHILE IN OUR CARE FOR OUR CLIENTS. PLEASE BE ADVISED THE INFORMATION BELOW IS ORGINIAL AND FACTUAL. THE RESULTS BELOW ARE TO BE USED TO DETERMINE THE PATERNITY OF THE UNBORN CHILD OF JESSICA M BILLINGS.
DNA RESULTS FIND THAT PHILLIP WENNECK IS THE FATHER OF THE UNBORN CHILD, ESTIMATED BIRTH OF MARCH 2010
FOR ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT.
WARMEST REGARDS,
WENDY EVERSTONE, SENIOR RECORDS MANAGER
*dot*
DATE: AUGUST 22, 2009
DEAR MR MARSHALL,
PLEASE FIND YOUR REQUESTED DOCUMENTS IN THE MAIL WITHIN THE NEXT 3 BUSINESS DAYS. WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTIUNUED PARTNERSHIP WITH US.
FOR ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT.
WARMEST REGARDS,
WENDY EVERSTONE, SENIOR RECORDS MANAGER
CC: DR EDWIN SAN VALENTINO
*dot*
There was a soft musical noise surrounding Jess as she eyes and looked around seeing the pale white walls around her. The music was coming from the far wall and turning in its direction, her eyes laid on the man sleeping in the chair next to her bed. His brown hair was messy and covering large portion of his face. However, she knew these locks, and knew it was Phil as she pushed it away seeing his sleeping expression twisted in a fit. He was wearing the baby blue and tan slacks uniform of Rochester High School. His tie was missing though she noted.
Looking beyond Phil, Jess saw she was laying in a hospital bed. The door was closed and all was quiet in the room. Rubbing her head, she accidentally hit a button making her companion stir in his sleep. Pausing as he sat up completely, he too rubbed his head and eyes before smiling at her.
"Jess," he said grasping her hands gently. "I'm so glad you're awake."
"I'm happy to see you. Where am I?" she asked quietly moving slightly for him to sit more comfortably next to her on the bed. "Wait!"
Jess was holding her stomach and wincing in pain again. This caused Phil to look down and stand up fully. He told her he needed to get a nurse and returned a few minutes later. Behind them both was Mr. Thomas a smile on his face.
"MR. THOMAS!"
"Pleaze my dear, calm 'ourself. I know it must be a sur'pize."
"What the hell! Where am I?" she screamed looking at both men as the nurse attended to her cords trying to sit her up right. "Please! Just stop! Tell me what happened!"
Mr. Thomas and Phil looked at each other with worry, conflict crossing their faces.
"Where is Jack!" said Jess once more looking franticly around for the toddler. "Where is my son!"
"You son iz with my wife. I can bring 'im 'ere to rest your mind."
Exiting a moment, he returned with an older woman and Jack who was perfectly fine otherwise. The boy crawled into Phil's lap and reached for his mama before seeing the marks on her.
"Mama?" he began to tear up. Phil hugged the boy and whispered words of encouragement as the nurse finished and promptly left.
Mr. Thomas stood at the end of the bed while his wife took the spare chair waving at Jack. She handed him the stuffed tiger making Phil and Jess smile thinking back to Vegas. The aging man eyes Jess closely and picked up the file she had take from Jason's safe.
"You need tu read thiz."
Jess was handed the packet and read through it, her eyes widening in fright as she went through the several pages in hurry. She paused on Jason's dossier which began to make her cry.
"He has more children. Other than the two?"
"We zink there are more, but pleaze read the next pages," instructed Mr. Thomas pointing at the next pages. "You will be sur'pised as we were."
Observing the man closely, her eyes dropped to the last few pages reading about Jack's paternity results. She dropped the papers staring at Phil.
"But Jack isn't— Jack's dad is Jason. I don't understand! He had the results! He showed me!"
"'e lied my dear. Zat is why I asked Phil'lip to come. 'e would 'no the best for you. We asked tu perform a paternity test our'self and I trust zat more zan Marshall's results. 'is results were forged. 'e trapped you for whatever re'son but he clearly lied. Oui, Jack is you'r son, but Jack's true Papa is Phil'lip."
Jess looked down feeling the relieve yet ache in the situation. Phil had really been Jack's father—
"Also, I believe you want to 'no this result as well," said Mr. Thomas holding up a single piece of paper to show Phil and Jess. "Is Phil'lip the only one you 'ave been with in recent months?"
They looked at the paper and then each other recognizing the weight of the world in their hands. Looking down at Jack and learning he was with both his biological parents was almost too much to think, but the paper held another truth they never anticipated could or would happen.
"You're—"
"I'm—"
"Jack will make a won'erful big brother!" clapped Mr. Thomas along with his wife. "When we became a'ware we began to monitor the baby as well. You appear to be around eight or zo weeks. Congratulations again!"
In the seventeen years they had known each other, they sat anxious at what the next minutes would bring. It was tranquil, too quiet, and after ten minutes, Mr. Thomas and his wife left. Phil's face was blank but joyful. Sitting up, Jess looked at Jack and thought back on every moment of her life when she was happiest; each of them Phil was a part of. Each of them; from spending time as young girl reading with him, or as a child facing the move from New York running into his arms, or a young teenager opening about her youth catching fate of the Great Gatsby realizing someone carried enough to mean more, or at seventeen in Greece standing with him so fortunately having their photo taken on top the ancient structure. To Vegas where they crossed the line between friends and lovers, and then in Bangkok where they confessed the deepest emotions hidden behind walls of red tape concealing everything from the world.
Reality hit her, as Phil stood up and walked to the window. His appearance showing every measure of adoration he had ever expressed. Jack walked up to him pulling on his pant. The boy was aware of the importance Phil had always been and there must have been a deeper connection that everyone missed or ignored.
"Pill?"
"Hey buddy," he said ruffling the young boy's hair. There were tears in her eyes as he happily listened to the boy talk despite not understanding anything he was saying. He was only three after all. Jess watched them seeing the confirmation of fears, doubts, dreams, and more. Phil and Jack were always so natural with one another, and now it made sense. Mrs. Thomas came to collect Jack to get his dinner while Phil and Jess were offered dinner by hospital staff. Sitting there together, they were reminded of all they had sacrificed to get where they were.
"We're—" Jess tried to say, but the cries were hard to speak through. Sitting down her fork, she had more tears as it became clear why she had been so sick since Christmas. Like with Jack, she didn't even think it was a possibility. "We're going to have a baby."
"Yes! Together," wept Phil holding her closely and kissing her firmly. "We already were a family, but we know the truth about Jack, about everything."
"I didn't even realize. I was sick so much and it was similar like my pregnancy with Jack. I didn't know honestly."
"I'm sorry," he muttered wiping her face not realizing he was crying softly.
"Why?" she asked shifting in his arm and sitting back a bit.
"For blowing up like I did," he said grasping his hand. "I just – I just – I don't know."
"We did what we thought was best. And look at us now. I'm eight weeks pregnant with your child! I wonder what the baby is?!"
Jess got a little too giddy in the moment and let out a little cry as she pulled on the IV in her hand.
"We'll find out soon enough," he said kissing the top of her head as she winced. "I'm always here."
"I'm scared Phil," she said as he fingers massaged her hand.
"I know but I love you more than you know," he said back smiling down at her, feeling equally nervous.
They sat there holding each other just taking in the moments. Finally, something was going right, and they had everything they ever wanted inside their grasp.
Mr. Thomas had escorted them back to Phil's house where items for Jack were bought and set up in haste. The house had two bedrooms, a decent size home for the sudden family Phil was hosting. Jess exclaimed at the large kitchen which an island bar sat in the middle making her very happy. Cuddling on the sofa after putting Jack to bed, they sipped their waters listening to the radio play. Soaking in everything that had happened, after learning all they had, everything was falling into place the way it was supposed to all along. Only now, they still had Jason to worry about and until that threat was removed, it put their lives in danger. Even more so Jack's as everyone assumed he was Jason's. Legally right now, the boy could still be claimed by Jason and there was nothing to stop him.
The letter on the coffee table had sat there for a week now underneath the rock it was placed under. It felt so trivial to know now, but the real paternity results lay there informing them of their stolen past. Vegas seemed so long ago now, but as he looked down at the woman in his arms, he gently caressed her stomach, knowing his child was there. He loved her more than life itself. Kissing her head, she looked up showing a bright smile only for him, as he stood up getting to get a snack.
"What am I going to do with you?" he muttered under his breath from the kitchen.
"I'm sorry I put you through all this," she said standing to follow him. Reaching up for his face, Phil twirled her in place beginning to dance to the music playing.
"No. Things just got out of hand because of that asshole."
Jess nodded and could feel her heart skipping beats. His was too she could tell.
"Maybe, we should have been open about everything from the beginning. I mean, it's been like four years since the one night in Vegas. Longer if you wanna go back to our summer in Greece."
"Yeah!" laughed Phil. "That photo reminds me every day!"
"I never thought we could be back, here, happy … together," mumbled Jess stretching against his body. After a moment, she gathered their dishes and rinsed them off and put them in the dishwasher. Phil came up a moment later and hugged her tight from behind.
"We should never leave this house," he laughed.
"You have to get back to Rochester for work!" cried Jess lightly pushing his arms lightly.
"I don't love that place that much!"
"You are a teacher!"
"I'll teach English from home!"
"Phillip! What about supporting our family!"
"I'll support your ass against this counter!"
Jess let out a gasp, then giggled as he held her firmly yet gentle at the same time. His smile caught her off guard.
"You are my family. So is Jack and our baby coming soon," he stammered out because it was so hard to imagine what their family could have been without Jason involving. "You and me, we got this!"
Jess kissed him as he returned with greater passion. They stood there embracing as they forgot the minutes that passed. Their foreheads touched as Jess gripped his shoulders feeling him up.
"Hold on!" she asked seriousness riddling her face. "How did you know I was in the hospital!?"
Blinking, Phil sighed and pulled her arms from him. "The French dude sent some of his lackeys to came to get me in and told me I had to come. Said it was about you."
Jess listened and knew Phil would have come with that information. "You came for me?"
"I will always come for you!" he winked tapping her nose. "You are everything to me. Our little boy too because he is our child!"
Tears escaped her eyes as Phil turned to collect a small item from the jacket he sat on the arm of the sofa. Jess stood with wonder as he stopped before her and grasped her hands tenderly.
"Jessica," he began swooping low onto a single knee. "I have loved you since that day we explored the ancient runes of Greece. I've watched you become this amazing, beautiful woman who cares so whole-heartedly that you fail to see your town needs and desire. You have seen me at my best, and absolute worse. You came with me to faraway places, and we survived them together! Hell, we learned Stu fucked a chick with a dick!"
Jess was holding her mouth as she gasped at what he was doing. Grinning at Stu's comment, she howled with glee as he ended his sentence.
"Oh Phil," she said brushing off a tear.
"Remember when I told you, no matter where we go, I will never leave your side. I broke your heart in Bangkok because I was afraid. I was afraid of what you really meant. I know that everything we go through will mean growing old with you and that's the reality I want to live in.
"Will you do me the honor of being my wife, from now and forever?"
Jess was crying. Phil was crying. They were complete bliss.
*dot*
It was the beginning of March, a month since she had left and hadn't returned. Jason tried several times to get ahold of Jess but each time it rang until going to voicemail. He cursed his lucky not putting her on his phone plan, but knew he had crossed the line, so severely they it would take a miracle to get her back. He also knew that Betty had found out about his actions telling him that she was too much a goody-two shoes and would never amount to their family or their deeds.
How… fucking… dare she!? She fucking left! Jason's mind screamed at him as he pieced together his actions and it infuriated him because she took Jack! He had only left to get a clear head and found the garage door open, her SUV gone and in a rush some things in the house were shifted so harshly it was clear what she had done. He thought nothing at first, thinking she would return in a few days like she had done in Kansas City, but after a week, it began to worry him. Going through every contact he had, he searched high and low, thinking maybe even she left the country. But everywhere he looked, no one knew where she was.
Slamming his fists on the counter, he looked over at the spot she had attacked her. He had spent several hours cleaning the house to rid himself of the image but mentally it was still there. He saw where Jack had hidden but he remembered the boy calling for Jess, same as he had done with his mother died.
That's what stopped him, he realized. Jack had saved her life and inside, Jason hadn't realized he nearly killed Jess in his rage. Screaming he felt terrible but knew he had to find her and apologize. He begged she would come back. Looking down, he saw one of her rings sitting by the carpet in the living room. Picking it, he recognized it as one he bought her their time in Kansas City. Sighing, he sat it down on the counter hoping for the best.
His phone was ringing to inform him of a meeting in San Francisco to take place in three days between a gang in northern California. After receiving notes about it, he began packing for the short travel, including grabbing a sweater for the colder nights. Cursing himself for waiting so long to grab it, he hurriedly searched for his passport and did not see it there. Maybe he left it somewhere else, but he always put in in the safe.
"Shit," he mumbled as he pushed everything back into the safe still not seeing it. Had Jess taken it?
Yelling at the thing, he kicked the bed in anger before reaching for his wallet thankful his driver's license was there. Ten minutes later, he swung the bag over his shoulder, and left for the airport. Parking his car, he went to get his ticket from the airline agent. Smiling as he walked up and stated he did not have any bags to check.
"Okay, Mr. Marshall, you are traveling to San Francisco. I wish you well on your travels!"
"Thank you," he mumbled as he turned away and walked toward security. Here there was a terribly long line but after twenty minutes or so, he finally reached the TSA agent.
"Next please," instructed the agent. Walking up, Jason handed his ID and ticket but was meet with a frowning agent. "I'm sorry Sir, but you need to wait over there. You aren't cleared to board yet."
"What?!" he gasped not believing her words. "I never have problems boarding."
"I'm sorry Sir, but you are this time. Please wait over there."
She pointed to the wall closest to him. Walking over, he pulled his phone out and made a call.
"Hello," answered Seth on the other end.
"Hey, can you tell me why I can't board a plane?"
"What are you talking about?"
Sighing, Jason explained, and this disturbed Seth a bit. "Man, I'm trying to get through security, and they won't let me even go through screening."
"Hold on…. Let me look…." There was some clicking on the phone as Jason's eyes followed the agents around him. It appeared like no one was coming to help him as travelers stared at him while they passed through.
"Jason?"
"Yah?"
"You're on a no-fly list by the FBI," replied Seth after a moment's pause.
"Then fucking change, it!" he snapped.
"I'm not touching this," snapped back Seth. "Besides you fucking deserve it. See you if you get here."
"Seth! You're there?!"
"Yeah, because I live here. Fuck off. And why should I help your sorry ass out?"
"I need you man!" begged Jason seeing a male agent making his way toward him.
"Fuck you Jason."
The line went dead, and this made Jason look up frightened. Turning away from the screening area, he returned to his car and left as quickly as he could. The dead tone silenced Jason forever and changed the relationship between the two men. Never in his mind would Seth do that, and he couldn't easily ask Mr. Martinez or his father for aide.
Cursing his luck, he turned out of the airport's parking lot. He was thankful that this meeting was at least a somewhat drivable distance. Eight hours was still a long time to spend in his Corvette driving and he hated using his car for business purposes, but he had no choice in the matter. In Los Angeles and Grapevine, he had to stop to refuel and eat, taking longer to enjoy a sit-down meal for once.
The waitress eyes him closely and he felt the urge for a moment before shaking his head at her. She had been patting his arm seductively, but he told her he had a girlfriend.
"I don't see her around," she said point blank.
"You know I people in dangerous places that would give you exactly that but would go even further. You would scream but not pleasure."
Jason looked her dead in the eyes as she blushed realizing the words. Walking away, the waitress ignored him the rest of the time. Peacefully being left alone, he rather liked being a mob boss and the threat to the woman had clearly worked. It was just passed nine at night, when he arrived to his hotel. He felt his eyes close as he tucked himself into the bed dreaming of Jess. It was tiring to have driven so long. But he knew he would drive another two hours into the forest for that meeting in the morning. At long as he got there before ten….
Arriving early, Jason walked into the board room to the concerned looks of everyone present, including his father.
"You look like shit boy!"
"Long night, I'm sorry."
The meeting went on without much more conversation about Jason's rugged appearance, but the sight of Seth pissed him off greatly. Pulling the man's arm, he held back his words until it was only them in the room.
"Why didn't you help me?"
"I told you why Jason. You're an asshole," replied Seth pulling his arm from the other's grip.
"I fucking need you back there. You are supposed to help. What would you do if I, say, mentioned to Mr. Martinez…" threatened Jason.
"He doesn't give a shit about you. He knows everything. You bought Interpol into his business, and he isn't very happy about that!"
"I didn't do a damn thing!" snapped Jason back looking around for others to return.
"You attacked Jess! And no one knows where she is or went! You had a cover, and you fucking blew it wide open!"
Jason opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He knew. He fucking knew which meant everyone else did to. Looking around the room, he saw the faces of men around him. Some proud of his actions for taking control of a situation, and others in disgust of putting his hands on a woman.
"You better think again about harming someone you love. You realize that Jess has a connection to Leslie Chow. We need her to get to Chow. YOU are fucking that up."
Chow? He didn't give a shit about Chow, but his father did which meant the next few months were about to be hell.