Second Time Around-33

Hi! I want to thank you all for the feedback...I would really love to hear from you
because I'm not sure if I should continue this or not. Please! let me know what you think!
Enjoy! :)
Jane

The Second Time Around
Chapter 33

Bobby waited for Ally to catch up with him as they made their way into the
jewelry store.
"Coming?"
"Yes, I'm coming," Ally stepped into the dimly lit store.
Ally marveled over the collection of jewels as she wandered from glass case to
glass case. She stopped when she realized that Bobby was agitated.
"Something wrong?" Ally studied him carefully.
"No, I just want to get these perfunctory tasks over with."
"You could have had Lindsay or someone look over these tapes?" Ally knew that
something else was the cause of his detachment.
Ally took in his demeanor with a wary eye. He had spoken with Helen earlier this
morning, but hadn't even discussed it with her.
"If you want to talk about it...I don't mind," Ally practically whispered.
Bobby grinned, "I bet you would."
Ally slapped him playfully, "That is not fair."
"Maybe later. Lets hope we can find something useful."
Something was bothering him. It was the reason they had seen Stefan conversing
with Sonny Corinthoes. Why did he want to know if Jerry was definitely the murderer?
If he was right then this bit of evidence would cinch it.
"Well, what are you thinking?"
"The shoes."
"Those shoes again?" Ally sighed, "You do know that I have no idea where you
were going with that."
"Just wait. Maybe this surveillance camera caught something."
Ally shrugged and followed Bobby to the counter. The older man looked up at
the two of them and smiled.
"Ahhh....hello! Don't the two of you look absolutely charming together. Let me
guess..." he started, "an engagement ring?"
Ally laughed, "Well..."
"No?" the man sounded disappointed as he peered over his spectacles, "Maybe an
anniversary present of sorts? I have an array of exquisite diamonds." he turned laughing
toward Ally, "You my dear, sweet lady look as if you love diamonds."
"Actually I do," Ally smiled.
Bobby cleared his throat to catch Ally's attention, "No, I'm afraid we aren't even a
couple. I'm Bobby Donnell and this Ally McBeal. We called about looking over that old
surveillance tape."
The man's jovial demeanor vanished, "Oh, that's too bad. Yes, yes, come right in
back here."
"It wouldn't have hurt to play along," Ally batted her eyelashes innocently.
Bobby rolled his eyes, "Ally."
She was becoming used to the familiar way in which he said her name. It seemed
as if they were old friends or already married and so completely in sinc with each other.
She immediately thought about last night. The way he had held her, the way his lips
found hers longingly. But he hadn't said anything about it. He hadn't even mentioned it.
Ally looked at him with lustful eyes. He was gorgeous and there was no doubt
about that. Maybe he would snap out of it.
They entered a back room where the tape had been set up.
"I'll leave you two in here to look at it. Holler if you need something," he
shrugged and left them.
Bobby remained quiet but turned suddenly to Ally. "I shouldn't have been so
nondescript this morning. It wasn't fair to you."
Ally nodded but didn't say anything.
"I know that I should have at least said something about where we were going or
at least acknowledged what happened."
Ally shook her head, "It wasn't as if we hadn't kissed before and like you said you
have all that baggage and..."
Bobby cut her off, "Don't go there Ally. I wanted to kiss you last night with
everything that I had. I do like you and that alone scares the hell out of me."
"If you want to take it slow...I'll do it. I like you Bobby. I like you
completely...something I have to admit that I haven't done in a long time. So, I'm willing
to wait."
Bobby's face softened and he looked for a mere instant vulnerable, "Really?"
Ally laughed at his little boy optimism, "Yes, really."
Bobby slid into the chair by the TV and fumbled with the switch. It was amazing
how he just kept on going. Ally leaned dangerously close to him as she peered over his
shoulder. Bobby loosened his tie nervously.
"So, what are we looking for? This camera didn't even have a view of the docks."
"But you do have to walk by it in order to get to the docks, at least from one
direction. So there is a chance."
Ally's eyes widened in shock as she saw the figures upon the screen.
"Oh, my," Ally gasped.
"The shoes," Bobby whispered.
**************************************************************************
"Nervous?"
Jerry nodded his head, "Just another day."
Felicia stood up and began to pace around the small room behind the Outback.
"Do you really have to do that? Because you are making me nervous."
Felicia sighed, "I'm sorry...I just can't come up with anything. I have to say that
I'm doing a lousy job."
"Well, I wouldn't worry about it too much. On the other end you're doing just
fine."
"Do you ever give it up Jerry? I told you I would help you because I do like
you...for God knows why. You don't need to play the role of the playboy with me."
"Is that all you think I am? Just another paper thin, one dimensional character?"
"Of course I do, but you don't care to show it that often," Felicia could feel her
voice rising.
Jerry bite his lip before looking away. Perhaps he was going too far.
"I'd like to know if you genuinely like me. I keep telling you but I don't hear
much back. Is there something on your end Jerry?" Felicia waited for a reply, "Or am I
some sort of consolation prize?"
"Never," Jerry turned around assuredly.
"I never can tell. You and Mac have some God forsaken rivalry. Of course
neither one of you talk about it."
"He should like me considering I allowed the family business to be involved with
the syndicate," Jerry smirked sarcastically.
"Why Jerry?"
"Desperate perhaps," Jerry mumbled.
Felicia placed a careful hand on his shoulder. "Do you want to have something
happen here?" Felicia closed her eyes.
"I think so. I think that I want something with you....more than just the wild,
passionate fling I have all the time."
Felicia slapped him on the back. "Seriously. Stop trying to pretend with me."
Jerry grasped her hands and searched her eyes. "Why? Why did you warm to me
so? Isn't there somebody better for you out there?"
"Oh? Someone whose more than a challenge?" Felicia replied daringly.
"Yeah, something like that," Jerry grinned cockily.
"Nobody. So don't think I'm about to stop trading insults with you."
Jerry smirked, "I wouldn't have it any other way."
Felicia stepped back cautiously, "I don't want to move this too fast. I like to know
who I'm dealing with before I hop into bed with him." she paused, "I want to know who
you are Jerry...even if it kills me."
"I never realized I was that damn intriguing."
"I have a feeling that you do."
**************************************************************************
Jax looked over the contract on his desk and reached for his pen. He was
interrupted by the sound of Addy's voice.
"Maxwell Trent on line 2...about the takeover."
"Maxwell, everything seems to be in place here," Jax picked up the line.
"Well, just in time." Maxwell sighed, "It appears that quite a few of our
advesaries have lost a bundle with the collapse of the Russian market."
"I can assure you that none of us with be achieving the same profits this year."
"I assume that since my end of the deal is completed that you will be sticking to
your end. I'm getting quite anxious for those broadcasting rights in Asia."
"It should be taken care of my the end of today. I'll have the contract drawn and
you will have your broadcasting rights."
"Excellent. Once its signed I'll notify the press."
"Take care Maxwell," Jax picked up the pen and signed.
"You too," Jax heard the click as Maxwell hung up.
Jax leaned back and rubbed his forehead . The deal had been of mammoth
proportions and had gone on with the aid of allies scattered throughout various opposing
companies. With the recent huge merger of Travelers and Citibank, the competition was
drying up. Of course that was where the Mr. Heartly's company came in. It managed to
divert attention while J&J Jacks was planning its takeover. With the complete
conspicuous moves of the mysterious formed conglomerate, all attention was focused on
the smaller enterprise. It had been the perfect ploy, once Maxwell Trent and Trent
Industries had signed aboard to help with the diversion. Of course, Maxwell needed his
end. He didn't want any part of the newly formed Travelers and Citibank conglomerate.
He knew that Jax would manage to dismantle it for a larger profit if he didn't hold on to
it.
Which was true, Jax mused, there was no sense of a monopoly taking over. That
made things uninteresting and dull. Jax picked up the phone, it was now time to close the
deal.
Jax waited until he heard the ungratuitous voice pick up.
"Hello Julia, it seems I need to collect on that favor."
**************************************************************************
Brenda slowly opened the door to Jax's office. Addy had told her that he was on
the phone and she could see that he was in usual business mode. He was standing up
with his back to her. He usually stared out the large picture window in the office while
on the phone. Brenda smiled as his muscles flexed through his starched white shirt. He
was very enticing while working on a deal.
"So, what do you think?" Jax was anticipating her response.
"Well, since you helped me out in my European press dealings then I guess I'll
give it to you." Julia laughed, "I should have known that you had a reason for that. God, I
wish I could figure you out."
Jax responded, "Jules, no one has me figured out."
"Oh, I bet Bren does. Why don't you ask her?"
Jax rubbed his chin as he pondered it a moment, "Yes, I suppose she is the only
one."
"So how is your brother?" Julia rarely ventured on the subject.
"Fine...at least that's what he keeps telling us. The trial is just so drawn out and
its taking its toll."
"On him or on you?" Julia asked with some concern.
Jax sighed, "I hate to admit, but on me. With everything just piling up..." Jax
trailed off, "How are your holdings in Europe?"
Now it was Julia's turn to be agitated, "God, if I had been somewhat prepared for
it. The thing is, I should have been more aware. Over there in the good U S of A
everyone was boasting about how good the economy was...barely recognizing the fact
that the Russian economy was ready to crumble."
"You're OK?"
"Yes, I pulled out of my holdings that were tied in with it a while ago...but still.
You have to know how its like a damn domino effect."
Jax sank into the soft leather, "Yes." Jax eyed the edge of the city and the ever
reaching horizon, "Its the way the economy flows. Hopefully it will pull itself out of its
rut."
"Right. I'll talk to you soon Jax. Give my love to Brenda."
"Will do."
Jax hung up the phone and for the first time noticed Brenda standing by his desk.
"I didn't see you there," Jax smiled at the sight of her.
"I know...but you were busy," Brenda slide comfortably onto his lap.
Jax closed his eyes and leaned his forehead on Brenda's. "Promise me that we'll
go away after this bloody mess."
Brenda caressed his face slightly, "I am holding you to that postponed
honeymoon."
"You have my word on it," Jax murmured.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Brenda noticed the slight weariness in his eyes.
"Actually I should be more elated. I just signed a deal with Julia's help. It should
prove to be quite lucrative."
"Why don't you tell me on the way to the courthouse. I hope we're not going to be
late."
Jax reached for her to hold her back. "Not so fast." Jax lovingly pulled her in his
arms, "Last night was beautiful in so many ways. Thank you."
"Thanking me? You arranged it Jax and you shouldn't have to thank me for
loving you. Its the other way around," Brenda kissed his lips.
"It doesn't matter because either way I just keeping realizing how much I love
you."
Brenda sighed contentedly, "I know."
**************************************************************************
Bobby stood up and approached the stand. It was time to get this thing moving
before any hopes of acquittal were lost.
"Mrs. Spencer, can you please explain to the court a brief history of your family
situation."
Laura nodded, "Why yes. My husband is Luke Spencer," she searched him out in
the crowd and nodded, "my son is Lucky. However, I do have another son...Nicholas. He
lives with his uncle, Stefan Cassadine."
Bobby nodded, "Has your husband ever had any concerns about your relations
with Nicholas?"
"Objection!" Dara rose to her feet, "What on earth is the relevancy of this?"
"Your honor, I need to familiarize the jury with Mrs. Spencers' past in order to
substantiate further evidence. I'm asking for leniency.
"All right, I will allow it. Mr. Donnell I'm warning you that this had better go
some where, and quickly."
"Thank you," Bobby glanced at Ally.
"Could you answer the question Mrs. Spencer?"
Brenda and Jax sat down into one of the rows next to Jane and John.
"Why does he have Laura Spencer on the stand?" Jax asked in confusion.
"Apparently he has some evidence of something or other," Lady Jane continued,
"he hasn't proved anything yet."
"What could Laura have to do this? Something with Stefan meeting Sonny?"
Brenda turned to Jax.
Lindsay leaned over, "Bobby seemed to say something about Laura knowing
something that happened."
Laura paused, "Luke has never been completely approving, but he has dealt with
it the best way he knows how."
"Now, Mrs. Spencer, has this put any strain on your marriage?"
"I really can't say..."
"Would you say at least some...honestly?"
"Yes, to an extent."
"On the night that Carlos Sapien was murdered did you and your husband have
one of these arguments?"
"As I recall I think we did."
"And what happened after this?"
Laura turned anxiously to the judge.
"Mr. Donnell, please wrap this up."
"I went for a walk."
"And where did you happen to walk?" Bobby's voice was becoming louder and
more demanding.
"I don't really remember....I think I went into town."
"Went into town?" Bobby went over to the table and Ally handed him a tape.
"What if I were to tell you that this tape is from the surveillance camera at a
jewelry store. It has a clear view of an area just behind the docks, a passage way where
you may pass in order to reach the murder site.
Would you care to change your testimony based on this?"
"I don't remember really," Laura was not comfortable with the questioning.
"Maybe I could refresh your memory?" Bobby headed toward the VCR that was
set up.
"No, I think you may be right. I might have been there that evening. I walked
quite a bit that evening."
"Do you recall seeing anything?"
"I don't remember seeing anything."
"What do you mean by I? Were you alone Mrs. Spencer?"
Laura was silent as Bobby approached the stand and said again, "Were you alone
Mrs. Spencer?"
"No."
"Who were you with," Bobby faced the jury.
"I was with," Laura breathed deeply, "Stefan Cassadine."
There was a moment of confusion while the court erupted in questions.
"I will have silence," the judge reached for her gavel, "Go on Mr. Donnell.
Bobby walked to the table and Ally handed him the tape.
"Did Stefan see something?"
"He remarked that he had mentioned that he had seen my husband leaving the
area of the docks where we later learned Carlos was murdered."
Once again disorder erupted in the courtroom.
"Did you see anyone?"
"I had seen someone leaving the area but my view wasn't as clear as Stefan's."
"And what were you doing there that evening?"
"We were just talking."
"Needed to talk? " Bobby turned to the courtroom, "This tape show a little more
than that Mrs. Spencer. Why didn't you come forward Mrs. Spencer with this evidence?"
Laura was silent as well as the entire courtroom.
"I didn't want it to be known where I was."
"Why?" Bobby leaned over the railing.
Laura looked out into the audience in desperation. Her eyes meet Stefan's and she
composed herself.
"Please answer the question."
"Because Stefan and I are having an affair."
The room became a plethora of voices and commotion. Bobby stepped back as
the judge began to pound on the gavel.
Eleanor turned to Lindsay and smiled, "This is better than an episode of Days of
Our Lives."