The Second Time Around-29

Email: Jane

The Second Time Around

Chapter 29

The courtroom had quieted as Bobby Donnell stood up to begin opening remarks. Jerry shifted nervously in his seat. From the picture the prosecution had just painted things didn't look so good.

"The prosecution has just presented an interesting picture of the defendant. A man who has lived among the wealth that he has been afforded and has gotten it any way he can. It doesn't read like that ladies and gentlemen. Jerry Jacks is more than just the defendant, he's a person."

Bobby hesitated and leaned against the railing separating him from the jury. "Now I could say that Jerry Jacks is a nice guy and an amiable man. I could say that since the time I've gotten to know him, I can tell what a good guy he is. I could, but I know you wouldn't believe. The truth is I can't possibly know him that well and after all he is my client. So the same can be said of the prosecution. They don't know him and Ms. Jensen certainly does not know him. His brother knows him and his friends know him. They will be the ones telling you who Jerry Jacks is.

Even good people get involved in bad business and even decent people can be driven to kill. However, my job is to show you, is to describe to you why and how Mr. Jacks did not kill Carlos Sapien. Throughout the testimony of business associates and others, this defense will show that there are plenty of others who wanted Carlos dead. Carlos Sapien was a crime lord. He deals in gambling, prostitution, and other profitable gains. It will come out in the trial that Jerry Jacks did get mixed up in the business, if you will. His brother will testify to that, he will testify to that. However, Jerry Jacks would never sink to Carlos Sapien's level."

Brenda turned to Jax and whispered, "I think he's proven a good point."

"Well, lets hope the jury sees it that way."

Jax watched the eyes of the jury members as Bobby continued to list a rundown of witnesses and possible motives. There were traces of skepticism that was definably justified. The media had already condemned Jerry and that type of coverage was inescapable. Jerry was facing life in prison and there was no doubt that if Jerry got off it would be attributed to their wealth.

Brenda could see the concern that was so evident in his eyes. It didn't matter that Jerry had betrayed him, Jax would still feel if he was sent to prison. She could see how he was able to forgive her for everything she had done to him. Brenda squeezed his hand firmly as they both watched Bobby sit down.

"Promise me you'll try not to worry so much?" Brenda looked desperate.

Jax rubbed his eyes and smiled wanly, "I will because I know you're worried."

"We will reconvene tomorrow morning at ten with the first witnesses. Court is adjourned."

The court regained its active murmur as everyone stood to leave. Jax approached Bobby and Ally. "Incredible job on the opening."

Bobby nodded, "We're going to need a lot more than just that to get us through this trial."

"What are you planning on doing now?"

"We have everything we need for tomorrow hopefully. Ally and I want to check out this Cassadine route more by talking to Laura Spencer."

"Laura?" Brenda asked.

"We'll tell you about it later."

Jax turned to his brother, "I wouldn't worry too much."

"Worry? I think you've got that covered for both of us brother."

Jax could feel the anger welling up inside of him, "Can't you take this seriously Jerry? You could go to jail for the rest of your life and there isn't anything we can do to stop it."

"Look, boys stop it," Jane Jacks came up behind her sons. She did not want them at each others throats at a time like this.

"I'm sorry Mum. I'm just sick of watching Jerry blow this off like he does everything else in life. I never noticed how damn childish he is."

"Look here Jasper Jacks, this is a tough time for all of us. The last thing we need is the two of you arguing." Jane turned to her eldest son, "And that is enough of this Jerry. I wish you could realize what kind of trouble you're in. It isn't like everything else. Jax will not be able to bail your hide out like in Turkey or Laos."

Jerry was silent because he noticed the anger in his mother, but most of all he noticed the sadness. As usual his screwups put the rest of the family at odds.

"Where's Dad?" Jerry whispered.

"Your father is in Prague instead of Jax. We thought it better that he should go. He'll be back later in the week."

Jax could feel his mother watching him. She knew that he had doubts about John and about John's involvement. She placed a soft hand on his arm. "Soon enough dear, soon enough."

Ally watched the entire scene unfold before her. The family was as tight as glue and it was downright nauseating. They were perfect. They were all good looking, even Jane Jacks. They were smart, compassionate, and loaded. Ally scrunched up her nose as she took it all in. Damn it! Why couldn't I have that environment? She turned to Bobby. He was looking at her. She looked quickly back to the front again. No use in feeling even more uncomfortable.

"Nice job Bobby, I mean it."

"Really?" he looked surprised, "You mean you're not insulting me?"

"No. You were good, just like you always are," she practically whispered.

"Well I think we need to check up on the rest of the team and then head off to find Laura Spencer."

"Ok, lets go," she couldn't help but excited at spending extra time with him.

Brenda tugged on Jax's shirt sleeve. "I think we need to go do something."

"What would that be?" he turned to face her.

She leaned closer to him and whispered in his ear, "How about a little private investigating?"

***********************************************************************

Ned ran out of the courthouse before Lois had the chance to talk to him. Lois pulled her hair behind her ears as she raced up to the gatehouse door. It had been a while since she had been living in her old home and it seemed all to sad that she know had to knock in order to go in.

"Nedly? Are you in there?" Lois squealed at the top of her lungs.

Ned reluctantly opened the door. "What is going on with you Ned?" Lois asked as she rushed past him into the living room.

"Ahh...nothing really."

"Nothing? Then what kind of behavior was that?" Lois stopped noticing the absolute silence, "Where's Brooke?"

"With Lila for the day. You know how she rarely sees her."

Lois lowered her eyes as she licked her lips. "Something is going on here and I don't like it one bit."

"Unless I tell you right?" Ned groaned.

"Well, yes," Lois plopped down on the couch next to Ned.

"I was going to see what I could find in that warehouse today."

Lois looked at him, giving him a what-the-hell-are-you-talking about expression.

Ned noticed her lack of comprehension, "Its where Carlos had his office."

"What has that got to do with you?"

"I don't think things are going so well and I wanted to check out the records and see what was going on."

Lois rolled her eyes, "Ned, in case you aren't aware of what's going on, they already subpoena the records. There won't be anything left."

"No, that's where you're wrong," Ned looked at her slyly.

"What do you mean I'm wrong?"

"I overheard Jason talking to Justus outside of the courtroom. Jason was worried because he didn't want the cops to get where the rest of Carlos' stuff is. Mainly, I assume, because he's linked in whatever paperwork is there."

"Why are you doing this?"

Ned appeared humble for a brief moment, "Because I want to help Jax out. I actually kind of like Jerry besides..."

"And?" Lois knew there was more than just chivalry behind Ned's motives.

"If Jerry's indited, ELQ will meet a watery grave."

Lois smirked, "Ah, the true man comes out. Lets go."

Ned watched bewildered as she stood to leave, "Where are you going?"

"I'm going with you."

********************************************************************************************

Ally and Bobby walked into a suite full of loud noise.

"What is going on here?" Bobby bellowed from the doorway.

"Oh, nothing. Just trying to think of something to get this guy off," Eleanor added sarcastically.

"How did it go guys?" Billy asked.

"Fine, it went fine," Ally shrugged out of her blazer.

"Right now Ally and I want to talk to Laura Spencer. Maybe we can link Stefan to the crime, I don't know." Bobby closed his eyes and thought for a moment, "I need you guys to keep coming up with the cross for tomorrow."

"Right. We also think we should talk to the doctor who did the autopsy and keep checking out this earring thing," Lindsay brushed a stray hair out of her face, "Also it might be wise to look into Stefan Cassadine's account and see if there are any money deposits withdrawals that might lead us somewhere."

"One other thing," Eugene grabbed his pad, "Who is this Helena Cassadine?"

"Helena? I assume she must be related to Stefan."

Without batting an eye Ally answered, "His mother."

Everyone turned to her. "How do you know?" Billy asked.

"If you ever pick up any magazine that has a financial section the Cassadines will be listed. Helena is the awful mother who spawned awful children. They will kill to get whatever they want."

"Really?" Bobby smiled at the idea.

"Yes really. I heard that they kidnaped Laura Spencer or something and made her live on this island off of Greece."

Rebecca tried to contain her laughter, "You've got to be kidding me? Right? What kind of place is this?"

Eleanor shook her head, "It certainly isn't Boston."

"Ok. Just do what you have to. We'll be back as soon as we're done." Bobby headed for the door, "Are you ready Ally?"

"Once second," Ally snatched a lone bagel that was sitting on the table and grabbed her blazer.

Bobby went for the door and Ally placed her hand on his simultaneously. "Sorry," she mumbled.

He looked down at her. He could see what she was thinking. She was thinking about that night, just as he was.

He could recall so simply and easily how her eyes had penetrated through him and her lips fit so incredibly perfectly with his. He had experienced something more surreal with her than with anyone else. He had felt her. He had felt her emotionally.

"Its ok," he smiled.

She couldn't help but look at him, their eyes never leaving each others glance. They were so blue. So blue that they looked like a mix between the sky and the clearest waterfall. She frowned. Hadn't she seen similar eyes just recently? It didn't matter. This was golden. Just like the movies, she mused...

He grabbed her and smothered her with hot, desirable kisses. She breathed heavily as his lips grazed her cheek.

"I love you Ally. I can't be with anyone else but you."

"I know. I know. Forget about that damn baggage."

Bobby grasped her tightly and embraced her ala` Rhet.. Butler.

It seemed like they were just standing there....

"Ally, maybe you should let go of my hand?"

"Right," Ally could feel the red seeping into her cheeks. She quickly shut the door behind them.

Lindsay let her gaze leave the door and turn to the group. "Does anyone think something is going on between them?"

Richard shrugged, "Who knows?"

Elaine looked practically giddy, "God, working side by side with him. Don't you think you would want to do something with him?"

Lindsay mustered up a smile, "Sure."

********************************************************************************************

Brenda turned around to Jax. "Come on! You are so slow.'

"Is that so? Brenda I can't believe we're doing this."

Brenda just smiled as she pushed at the door to the warehouse.

"It isn't moving," she fumed, "I think it may be locked."

"Oh," Jax began to clap, "brilliant deduction. I do believe you are on your way to becoming a full fledged private eye."

Brenda stuck her tongue out at him and placed her hands on her hips in mock anger. "Oh, you think you're so good. You get us inside."

Jax chuckled at her antics and pulled out a slender piece of wire. He placed it in the lock and wiggled it around. He kneeled down to position himself better and put his ear closer to the lock to steady himself. Sure enough Brenda heard the lock click.

"Where did you learn to do that!" Brenda exclaimed, her eyes giving away her amazement.

"Oh, I must of picked it up somewhere," Jax opened the door.

Brenda stepped inside and reached for a light switch.

"Wait," Jax put his hand over hers to stop her.

"What's wrong?" Brenda turned to face him.

"We should keep a low profile considering we're not supposed to be here." Jax fumbled in his pocket for the almost minuscule flashlight. "How did you know about this place anyway?"

"I recalled it from my days of Sonny."

"Oh," Jax rolled his eyes.

"I think there's a make shift office over here," Brenda grabbed Jax's hand and led him to the door.

The room was eerily quiet except for the soft glow of the computer screen. It was casting oblong shadows over the back wall.

"Do you think someone's been here?" Brenda whispered as she sat down at the computer.

Jax flipped off the flashlight and leaned down next to her, "There's a password. I have no idea how we'll get in."

Brenda played with a piece of her hair. "I think we can get around it. We just have to boot it up again."

Jax looked at her skeptically, "How would you know how to do that?"

"I can be very self sufficient," Brenda smiled at him.

"Well, why don't I stick to those filling cabinets. Why don't you try the desk?"

Jax pulled open the filling cabinets, "You know, I have no idea what we should be looking for."

Brenda riffled through the desk drawers and began to laugh. "What's so funny?" Jax stopped to watch her. She was absolutely precious when she smiled.

"Can you believe that we are here trying to play private eye? I think its very fun...sort of like Nancy Drew."

Jax grinned at her choice of words, "Nancy Drew? Well, who am I then? The every witty Ned?"

"You could be. He helped her out a lot," Brenda blushed slightly. She couldn't comprehend what came over her when she looked at him. She didn't even need to be touching him or holding him. Just seeing the look in his eyes. The complete vulnerability that he displayed to her.

"I love you," she whispered.

"I love you too silly. Now get to work."

Brenda sighed and returned to the desk when a slip of paper caught her attention. "Jax, come look at this."

Jax eyed the paper curiously, "Edward Quartermaine?"

Brenda nodded, "Its his signature."

"What does it say?"

"I can't really make it out. Something about a money transaction."

Jax pulled open the filling cabinets and searched through them. His grin faded as he read the contents of an already dog eared folder.

"What's wrong?" Brenda noticed his expression.

"Edward was planning on receiving a nice lump sum. It doesn't say for what but I have a pretty good idea."

Brenda's eyes widened as she realized what Jax was getting at. "He wants to buy back ELQ."

"Yes. Not that I wouldn't' normally mind a good war, but this time Edward was desperate. He obviously owed Carlos something in return."

"But what?"

Jax looked at Brenda with sharp eyes as he put a finger to his mouth. Brenda stood up carefully and moved to his side.

"What do we do?" Brenda could feel the fear settling in her gut. After finally getting out of the mob she did not want to die by it.

Jax searched the office and grabbed the desk lamp. Brenda followed his move by grabbing a Rolodex.

"It's ok," Jax mouthed as they took positions opposite the door.

They could hear the sound of voices behind the door as someone began to turn the knob. Brenda did not bother to look to see who it was or let Jax react. As the intruder came in Brenda used all of her strength and threw the Rolodex. He fell to the floor as the person behind him let out a blood curdling scream.

********************************************************************************************

Ally seated herself across the sofa from Laura Spencer. She was quiet and seemed rather sweet. She had offered them something to drink and eat before they had the chance to sit down. She didn't look like a killer. Ally rocked her head back and forth as Bobby took a sip of his coffee.

"We're sorry to take your time like this," Bobby placed the coffee down and folded his hands.

He always looks so sure of himself, Ally watched his facial expressions. Who has that kind of right?

"Is your husband home?" Bobby asked rather tentatively.

"No. I hate to bring this up but Luke and I aren't living together at the moment. I'm sure you're unfamiliar with a lot of the history here. Luke and I have been having disagreements over my son Nicholas. He's Stefan's nephew."

Ally tried not to choke on her coffee as she listened to Laura, "I'm..I'm sorry. Did you say that Stefan is Nicholas' uncle?"

"Yes."

Ally laughed and Bobby looked at her wearily. "Sorry."

"As I was saying, those disagreements have left us apart, unfortunately."

"Right," Bobby appeared to be thinking. His brow was creased and he squinted his eyes at Laura. "Are you familiar with Stefan's business?"

Laura shook her head, "Not exactly. I know very little. I basically am aware of their holdings in different companies here and overseas."

"Well," Ally began, "have you ever known Stefan to use outside money?"

"As in the mafia?" Laura shook her head, "Stefan has always been legitimate. More so than most men in business."

"Yeah except they kill people," Ally muttered.

"Sorry," Ally apologized before Bobby had a chance to say anything. His look was enough.

"Were you anywhere near the docks the night Carlos was killed? I am aware that you are a frequenter of this little dinner, Ruby's?"

Laura sighed, "Yes. I wasn't near the docks that night. I happened to be home."

"Alone?"

"Yes. I was with Leslie Lu."

Bobby nodded. This was getting nowhere. He glanced around the room absently as Ally asked her about Nicholas. His eyes rested on a pair of shoes in the corner.

"I'm sorry to interrupt. Have you been out lately to the docks then?"

"No. I haven't. I haven't even been here until a few weeks ago."

"When did you leave?"

"I left for Virginia a few days after the murder actually."

Bobby's eyes drifted to the shoes again. "Thank you Mrs. Spencer. If we need anything further we'll contact you."

Ally shoved Bobby playfully as they walked down the porch. "What was that all about?"

"Did you notice those shoes?"

"No. What shoes?"

"They were in the corner. You know, women's dress shoes."

Ally sighed, "Yes, I understand they were shoes. What does this have to do with anything?"

Bobby refrained from putting the key in the ignition. "They were muddy. I mean really dirty. Why on earth would you wear good shoes when its muddy?"

"I don't know. Maybe she got caught out in the rain?"

"I don't think so."

Ally rolled her eyes. "Bobby they're shoes."

Laura watched them depart from the driveway and fretfully sat down. Why on earth were they talking to her. Was it because of Stefan?

********************************************************************************************

Brenda looked at Lois in disbelief, "What on earth are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing!"

Lois looked down to see Jax helping Ned stand up. "That was close," Jax laughed.

"Sorry Ned," Brenda touched his head to make sure he was all right.

"Don't worry about it," Ned lightly patted his head and could feel the small bump that was forming.

Lois went up to him and kissed him on the cheek, "Promise me that you are ok?"

Ned leaned closer to her and hugged her. "I'm fine. But what the hell are you guys doing?"

"We're just doing a little investigating," Brenda asserted proudly.

"Isn't that why you hired private investigators?" Ned asked.

"Funny. But couldn't I ask what the two of you are doing here. It isn't your brother," Jax sensed something was up.

"I was concerned about Jerry and you. You know you helped me out with ELQ and everything. Lois, she just tagged along."

Jax smiled wryly at his friend. There was nothing he could do about it now. "I guess you should help us start looking."

Lois laughed with her perfect nasal laugh as Brenda went up to her friend, "Why don't we check the desk."

Ned started riffling through an old cardboard box. "Did you guys find anything yet?"

Jax cast aside some yellowed piece of paper without regard, "Oh, something to do with Edward."

"Why does that not surprise me?" Lois said with an all to familiar I-told-you-so attitude.

Brenda straightened up and pulled Lois next to her, "Did you hear that?"

"What?" Lois looked confused.

Brenda searched for Jax's eyes and motioned to him. He nodded. Ned joined Jax as they waited for the door to open. He grinned as he grabbed the discarded Rolodex. Jax took the lamp, his hands grasping to the neck of it until his knuckles turned white. The door suddenly flung open and someone went sprawling on the floor. Ned flicked on the light switch.

"Bobby? Ally?" Brenda looked from one to the other.

Bobby smiled sheepishly as he helped Ally off of the ground. Another embarrassing moment in the day of the life of Ally McBeal. Ally smoothed out her skirt and brushed the hair out of her mouth.

"What are all of you doing here?" Bobby looked at the foursome armed with various office supplies.

"We were checking out a few leads," Brenda smiled.

"A few leads? Huh, has it ever occurred to you that's our job?"

"We didn't mean any harm by it, we just felt so useless. That's why all of use are here."

Bobby couldn't get over this bunch. What did they think this was, the movies? "Ok, don't worry about it. I guess now that you're here you might as well help us."

"We've already found some interesting pieces of information about Edward Quartermaine," Brenda volunteered, rather proud of the discovery her and Jax had made.

"Oh, the guy Jax nabbed ELQ from," Ally was glad she had something to say.

"So, what have you already gone through?" Bobby asked.

Jax began to point out to Bobby what files they had already searched.

"Oh! Look over here!" Lois squealed.

They crowded around Lois as she pushed open a door that lead to a small narrow room lined with shelves.

"I bet there must be something useful in those boxes," Lois said matter-of-fact as she led the way into the room. Everyone followed by taking down the boxes and opening them on the floor.

"Oh, for God's sake they're filled with nothing but shredded paper?" Ned threw a box down to the floor.

Brenda dumped the contents of her box on the floor and sighed. "Oh well. I'm sure we'll find something else useful."

Ally looked in horror to see someone shutting the door. "No!" Ally screamed as she lunged for the door. She grabbed the doorknob and began to pull vigorously.

"Did you see who it was?" Jax's voice was marked with growing concern.

"No, I didn't have time. I was too busy watching the door slam shut!"

Jax tried the knob once again. Ally watched him, "Didn't you think I could open if it was unlocked."

"Of course," Jax smiled, "I was just making sure."

He was too good looking to be angry with. Ally slumped against the wall.

"Well," Ned looked around the room and his eyes rested on Ally, "you have to push anyway."