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The Tessarae Inn |
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Poseidon Rising CHAPTER 19 Blair watched Viki pacing back and forth in the study at Llanfair. It was strange to be here under these circumstances. Todd acknowledged his familial connection to Victor Lord but he never embraced being a “Lord” so this circling the wagons of the Lord family mentality was a strange sensation. The fact of the matter though was that Jack and Starr were Lords as much as any of Viki or Tina’s children. “So you think Grant Jewel is going to target The Banner next?” “It makes sense, Viki. These people seem to believe in a scorched earth business policy. You cut people off at the knees then kick them while they are down then step over their dead bodies as you give them a kick in the head for good measure.” “I know Grant Jewel and I can’t believe he’s behind this. The man may be a shark but he operates on a code and this is not his style.” “You’re right about that.” Everyone whipped around to see Amanda strolling into the room. She was dressed in a cowgirl outfit including boots with spurs, a gun holster and a pair of six-shooters. She stopped suddenly, flung her head back so her ponytail bounced and posed. “It was theme night, what can I say. But kind of apropos don’t you think? Shootout at the O.K. Corral kind of stuff.” Blair felt the sharp tips of rage claw up her spine. “What are you doing here?” “Blair!” Amanda smiled then used her tongue to wet her index finger and touched her hip. “Sizzle, girlfriend. You were damn hot yesterday. Vincent was so turned on I had to run for my life around that house.” She turned toward Todd and winked. “Luckily, I was able to pour a few drinks into him.” “Vincent? I thought it was Jewelsy now?” “Oooooooh. Jealous? Don’t worry. All you have to do is whistle.” “Amanda, what the hell is with you? Why are you here? Why are you still coming on to me? I know the truth, remember.” Amanda looked over at Todd and smiled. “Beautiful but kind of slow on the uptake, isn’t she.” Blair felt her face flush. She moved toward Amanda but Todd pulled her back. She struggled until she saw the twinkle in his eye. “It’s okay. And it’s your fault for being such a chick magnet. Of course, you’re a puppy dog and an Aussie scumbag magnet as well. You need to learn to tone it down a bit, Babe.” Blair opened her mouth and then widened her eyes and tilted her head toward Amanda. He smiled at her broadly. “Yes, she is. Really.” “Vincent doesn’t know, does he?” “I hope the hell not. It will make things more difficult.” Amanda smiled. “But remember what I told you about men.” Blair stared at her. How much of a puzzle was Amanda? “I thought you said you were just pretending as a backup plan for Todd?” “Pretending?” Amanda snorted. “As deep as that shit he was wading in! He needed a real trapdoor escape route not some pretend thing.” Todd pulled Blair in front of him and made her look him in the eye. “I never wanted there to be any question about who I love.” “You love me?” Todd exhaled and rocked his head with his eyes narrowed into slits as he balled his hands into fists and pumped the air. He glared at her for a second then exhaled loudly as he stepped around her and yelled, “Amanda. Viki. I love Blair with all my heart and soul. I always have.” He rocketed his head back toward Blair with his left eyebrow raised, “Satisfied. Don’t ask me if I love you again.” Blair pressed her lips together and crossed her arms then cocked her head to the right. “Is there some reason why you couldn’t have come back and just faced me without all of these games?” “I’m good at what I do, Blair. No need of changing the rules now. I leave nothing to chance. You know who I am and what I am.” Blair rolled her eyes. “Do I have to kiss you now?” “Yeah,” said Blair. “I think you have to kiss me now.” He grabbed her and kissed her deeply. He pulled back and smiled at her then whispered, “Don’t make me have to do this public display thing again. It’s killing me.” “Good.” “Well,” said Viki. “I guess that answers the question of whether or not you are back together.” “Are you sure about this, Blair?” asked Amanda. Blair smiled at her. “You got a man, remember?” “That’s the problem.” Viki cleared her throat. “Did you learn anything, Amanda?” “Yes, he is doing this without his father’s knowledge or consent but he is using company assets. Grant is out of the country and it seems he’d been sleeping with Vincent’s wife for the last few years, which caused the divorce.” “What kind of idiot father would sleep with his son’s wife?” Blair looked at Todd at the same time he looked at her. They both cleared their throats and looked away. Amanda walked over to the sofa and flopped down then crossed her legs. “This is all part of some revenge plan on Vincent’s part. He really didn’t have designs on Shining Starr until he found out you were married to Todd. He wants the Sun and the Banner because he believes that going after “The Lords” will ruin Grant’s relationship with some pretty powerful people. Honor among thieves kind of thing.” “Are you saying my father was a thief?” “Are you saying that grass isn’t green?” Viki sat on the couch next to Amanda. “Anything else?” “Well, I thought this was interesting. When I was searching through his stuff…” Blair felt a twinge of discomfort. “You went through his things?” “I’m his wife. Of course, I went through his things. If he didn’t trust me, he shouldn’t’ have married me.” Blair rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest again then let her head rock slightly. “Anyway,” continued Amanda, “I found this photo album and there were pictures of his ex-wife and his sons…usual kind of stuff. Then I hit this picture of his mother. And I kid you not, it was like looking in a mirror. She didn’t have my style or grace or anything but if I didn’t know for a fact it was impossible I’d think she was MY mother or I was her twin sister frozen and brought back to life fifty years or so later.” Todd whooped and threw his head back and laughed loudly. “So let me get this straight. Your husband married you because you look exactly like his mother, while his father is sleeping with his ex-wife. Whew! A twist on Oedipus Rex if I ever heard one. Freud would love it.” Blair sat on the other side of Amanda. “Do you think Vincent is even aware of what he’s doing?” She shrugged. “He’s a really complicated man. I think he operates on more levels than even he is aware of. On some level he may know, but I don’t think it was a conscious decision. He’s smart and interesting and way damaged.” Blair wondered if Vincent could be anymore complicated than Amanda, who was now fondling one of the six shooters. “Who cares?” Todd panned out his hands. “I can see the headline now: SON TO MOTHER: SCREW YOU…. Okay, I need to work on that but I need that picture Amanda.” Amanda unbuttoned her shirt, winked at Blair then pulled out several photographs. Todd snatched the photographs, studied them for a minute then whooped. “You should have dressed as a girl scout. You’re always prepared.” “I’m glad to know you appreciate my efforts, Mac. I don’t do this kind of shit for just anybody.” Blair walked next to him and looked at the pictures. For once Amanda had not exaggerated. The resemblance between Amanda and Vincent’s mother at just about the same age was striking. That might explain why Vincent couldn’t keep his eyes off Amanda, even while he was making a play for her. “Amanda, do you think this is enough to get him to back off?” asked Blair. “Yeah, but I would be careful. Only use what you need to get him to shut it down because he will come after you again. Always keep a pair of brass knuckles in your pocket. Anyway, to start with I’ve got the name of a company that he is VERY protective of that you can squeeze for leverage. If that doesn’t work then threatening to tell Grant what he is up to and lobbing the opening shots in what could turn into an all out war that nobody wants might be enough. If not this mother thing should pull him up short. Finally, there’s me—delightful, delicious and gay—a mighty big ass potential embarrassment to his powers of discernment. That kind of thing can crush a man’s ego to dust.” Blair listened to Amanda with a newfound respect. Regardless of how much her bubbling image was an act versus how much of it was real, underneath it all was very shrewd, sharp and perceptive woman. She wondered if Todd really knew who he was dealing with. ========= “They say you can judge a man by his shoes. You need to take yours to shoe shop like yesterday.” Vincent grinned at him around his cigar. “You’re a piece of work, Todd Manning. I’m kind of sorry that I decided to step back from this fight.” “Step back or get run over. Your choice.” “Enough with the peeing on the post shit. I didn’t come here to sit and watch you lift your leg.” “What do want then?” “I like to pretend otherwise but I am my father’s son. You?” “What’s your point?” “Arrogance, hubris, calculation and no morals serve us well up here in this rarefied atmosphere. One predator to another though, you need to remember who you’re dealing with here. I am Grant Jewel’s son and I learned from a master. I could make this messy and ugly. I am choosing not to. But I need some compensation.” “You can’t have Shining Starr. You can’t have The Sun. I think you need to take your ass and be happy with that.” Vincent removed his feet from the desk and sat up. He leaned forward slightly and said, “I want the car. The Ferrari. I plan to leave town in style.” “Not in my car. Why would I give you my car?” “Because I want it.” “You have me confused with someone who cares what you want.” “I think we both know why you will give me the car, although I suspect you don’t want to think about it too much. Amanda was a gift—a beautiful bauble but she wasn’t the prize in this game.” “Since your woman is sleeping with your father, this is a hard concept for you to grasp but Blair is MY wife. She loves me and…. I love her.” “Isn’t love a foreign concept to a predator like you? If you want to believe you love her fine but I’ve heard the stories Todd Manning. And I’ll tell you something else. If I’d been in your shoes I’d have GIVEN The Sun away before I let anyone hurt her.” “If you’ve heard the stories then I suspect you also heard that it is not a good idea to take me on or to go after what is mine.” “I’ve heard lots of things. Especially about what a selfish, greedy bastard you are.” “I commend you on your sources except they left out deadly.” Vincent grunted. “We’ll meet again, Todd Manning. I think we’re destined to have this battle. We’re just choosing not to have it here and now. But, hey, if you want me to withdraw the armistice then I am more than willing to do just that. If not, I can’t walk away empty handed and it has to be something you care about.” The line lit up and Todd pressed the intercom button. “Your sister, wife and Mrs. Jewel are in the elevator.” “Why didn’t you notify me sooner?” “I called as soon as…” Todd broke the connection. Vincent brushed his nose with his index finger. “The car?” Todd frowned at him then reached in his drawer and pulled out a set of keys. He tossed them to Vincent who caught them with one hand just as Viki, Blair and Amanda walked into the office. Vincent grinned at him and slipped the keys into his pocket. Todd walked around his desk then leaned against it. Viki walked next to him on the right and Blair to his left. Amanda flopped on the couch and began to twiddle her thumbs. Todd systematically laid out the deal Vincent had agree to. Vincent made a faint attempt to pretend to be listening. He kept shooting glances at Blair. Finally, Todd wrapped it up. “And so you are going to back the hell off of my wife’s company like yesterday? And stay away from my sister.” “Yes,” said Vincent. “The wheels are in motion as we speak.” “I want you to be very sure of this,” said Viki. “Taking on the Lord family is not a good idea. Ask your father about it. That one misstep twenty years ago almost cost him everything.” Vincent frowned. “I’ve heard this story about five hundred times but my father’s version is somewhat different. Enough already.” He looked at Blair. “I need to speak to you alone.” “That’s not necessary,” said Todd stepping in front of her. “It’s my price for making this easier for you than I have to. So what will it be, Blair?” Amanda sat up quickly, shot her an anxious look and shook her head slightly. Blair glanced at Amanda but then said, “Sure, what do I have to lose?” “Not exactly a ringing endorsement but I’ll take it.” Amanda walked next to Todd and together they moved toward Blair but Viki stepped in front of them. “Well, I need to be leaving,” said Viki. “Todd and Amanda, why don’t you walk me to my car?” Amanda and Todd both stood in place as if on alert. “I’ll be all right,” said Blair. Viki walked out of the office, Amanda followed her and finally Todd walked toward the door. “Don’t upset my wife. Nobody’s allowed to do that but me.” He slammed the door shut. Blair walked over to the sofa and sat down. “What did Todd give you to get you to back off so cleanly?” “Nothing of any consequence.” She tightened her lips and stared at him for a moment. Finally, she said, “Okay, Vincent, what is it that we need to talk about then?” “I wanted to tell you I’m sorry. I played this all wrong. I never intended to use Shining Starr as leverage against Todd Manning’s newspaper. But then when the possibility hit me I couldn’t resist.” She tilted her chin upward slightly but kept her gaze on his face. “You are what you are.” His eyes flickered for a few seconds but then he leaned forward. “My father is a pretty awful man and half the time I hate him and the other half I loathe him. I always vowed that I would be nothing like him then of course I turned into him. He is a relentlessly greedy man.” How many versions of Grant Jewel existed in the world? Men who actively destroyed their sons to feed their egos. She had come in contact with more than she cared to remember as well as with their damaged, haunted sons who were constantly fighting windmills. “The advice I offered you about Shining Starr was valid and real. Once I remove my offer you will be able to close the loopholes quickly. Everything will revert to you. And I suggest you keep it that way. I assume you are really back with him, although I hope I am wrong, but it doesn’t matter. Keep yourself financially independent from him, Blair, for your own good. He is no more a man to be trusted than I am.” “I love my husband.” “I loved my wife. A lot. Hurt like hell what she did to me. I think I lost it for a while there. Sometimes love makes you crazy. Most of the time it’s not worth it." He looked her straight in the eye then said, "Sometimes it is.” “Is this over?” He studied her for a few seconds. “No. It can’t be,” he said softly. “He and I have unfinished business. But I would prefer for you not to be in the line of fire. I will take the deal he is offering but I’m not doing it because I’m afraid of an ugly fight with Victor Lord’s heirs or because I give a damn about my father’s reputation. I’m doing it because I am ashamed of what I became there for a while. I don’t want you to think so badly of me. ” She thought back to the conversation they had in her office when he declared his intentions. How much of what he said to her was sincere? Probably none of it but when Todd was gone and presumed dead Vincent was one of the people who kept her from drowning. She couldn’t forget that. And even if he did have feelings for her, whatever he felt for her or anyone else would always take a backseat to his war with his father. Amanda was just his latest weapon but he may have bitten off more than he could chew this time. After only three days, Amanda already knew some of his major secrets and his weak spots. And there was no telling what she was going to do with that information. Todd walked back into the room followed closely by Amanda. Vincent stood up. “At least, I got a ray of sunshine out of this deal,” he said and wrapped his arm around Amanda’s waist. “I’d watch out for sunburn if I were you,” said Todd. “Of course, that’s just my advice but I hear too much exposure can be fatal.” Vincent rolled his eyes and kissed Amanda on the cheek. They strolled out of the office. Amanda looked over her shoulder and threw them a kiss. Blair reached up and pretended to catch it. Had she ever really thanked Amanda? Thanked her for saving Todd and bringing him home. Thanked her for being so loving to their children that even in the midst of high drama she never once worried about Starr or Jack being with her. Thanked her for having Todd’s back. Thanked her for making her laugh. Thanked her for caring… Amanda winked and then they were gone. “She’s going to hurt him.” “I doubt that,” said Todd. “Amanda is good at what she does. But, hey, I warned him.” He stepped in front of her and moved in close. “She’s not the one that had the power to hurt him. All she wants is a piece of money. He has plenty to spare.” She frowned. “Is there already a plan?” Todd shrugged. “Now that Vincent Jewel is away from you I don’t give a damn what happens to him. What I care about is right here. Let’s go home, Blair.”
Chapter 20 Poseidon Rising FAN FICTION
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