Jonathan sat in the plane reading the note over and over, shaking his head in disbelief. God, this was going to tear Jennifer to shreds. He knew he had to be the one to tell her though. She’d been through enough as it was, but he couldn’t allow her to hear this from anyone but him.
As he arrived at the Edwards family home he took a deep breath before knocking on the door. Glancing at his watch he noted the early hour.
"Mr Hart, how good to see you," said Walter upon opening the door. He’d been surprised when Jennifer had arrived alone. "I’m sure Mrs Hart will be thrilled to see you."
I wish I could share your confidence thought Jonathan to himself.
"Who is it Walter?" asked Stephen entering the reception. "Jonathan!"
"Stephen," nodded Jonathan reaching out his hand to shake it.
"We weren’t expecting you."
"I know, and I’m sorry to call so early, but I have to speak to Jennifer."
"Jonathan," Stephen took Jonathan and led him to the study. "I’m not sure she wants to see you."
Jonathan hung his head.
"I know, but really, I have to speak to her and it can’t wait."
"Look Jonathan. I know you’re having problems and I hope you sort them, but my daughter is my priority. I’ll let her know you’re here, but if she doesn’t want to see you, I’m afraid I’ll have to ask you to leave."
Jonathan nodded. "Please tell her it’s very important."
Jennifer heard the light tapping at the door. She was just heading down for breakfast anyway, so opened it.
"Morning dad."
"Morning." Said Stephen standing in front of her blocking her path to exit.
"I was just on my way down."
Stephen stopped her departure.
"You have a visitor."
"I do?"
Stephen nodded. "Jonathan."
Jennifer looked up at her father. "Jonathan," she said quietly.
"I’ve told him, if you don’t want to see him, he has to go."
"Did he say what he wanted? Is it Max?"
"No he hasn’t said, just that he had to see you."
"Give me a couple of minutes will you."
"Are you sure?"
Jennifer nodded.
"Okay, he’s in the study."
Jennifer composed herself before opening the door to the study. Jonathan swung around as soon as he heard the door handle being turned. He waited in anticipation hoping it was Jennifer. As she entered he held his breath. God how he’d missed her. Under any other circumstances he’d have swept her into his arms and made love to her right there and then.
"Jonathan," she said softly. He looked rough she noted, but then again, he must have been travelling all night. Her heart still fluttered at the sight of him though.
"Thank you for seeing me."
"Is it Max or Freeway?"
"No, no, they’re both fine. I’m sorry to descend like this, I know you wanted your space, but I needed to speak to you."
"We do have a telephone you know."
Jonathan nodded. "I had to tell you this in person."
Silence filled the air.
"So tell me."
Jonathan shook his head. "Not here. Can we go for a walk."
"Let me get a jacket."
Stephen watched from the window as the Harts walked away from the house and towards the lake. He noted the distance between them. The last time they’d stayed he’d walked in on them making love in the barn. That seemed a dim and distant memory watching the pair of them now. He’d grown to love Jonathan like a son. The effect he’d had on Jennifers life was a joy to behold. After seeing her with previous boyfriends, the glow that emitted from her in Jonathans presence filled him with delight. He knew she’d found her soulmate.
They sat beside each other on the bench looking out on to the lake.
"So what is it?" asked Jennifer.
"I don’t know how to put this." Jonathan stumbled across his words.
"Not again?" Jennifer turned and faced him head on.
"God no Jennifer. I told you it was the once, and I meant it. You do believe me don’t you?" Things could only get worse and she still thought he might be playing away.
"Sorry," she looked at his sorrowful expression. "It’s just that you’ve flown all this way, it can’t be good."
Jonathan took the letter out from his pocket and handed it to her. "It’s not."
Jennifer sat in silence reading, Jonathan trying to gauge her reaction. She closed her eyes on completing the note. She hadn’t thought things could get any worse. How wrong she was about that.
Neither said a word as Jennifer pondered the revelations of the note. She looked across at Jonathan to find him watching her.
Finally he broke the silence.
"I thought I couldn’t hurt you any more than I already had. Sorry just isn’t enough to express what I’ve put you through, I don’t think there’s a word in existence. I really don’t know what to say Jennifer. I fully understand if you never want to see me again." His voice was choking with emotion.
Over the past few days, Jennifer had reached some decisions. She’d still give her life for the man sat there beside her now. When they’d stood in that church seven years ago, the marriage vows had said until death do they part. In time she might be able to forgive, but she always knew she’d never forget. If they were to make it work, she had to forgive. She was going to go back to him, it would take time but she hoped they would get back to somewhere near what they had. This was another setback, yes, but she couldn’t, no correct that, wouldn’t allow it to override the decisions she’d made. She was strong and was going to fight to save this.
"What are we going to do?" she questioned.
Jonathan held her eye contact.
"You said ‘we’?"
"Yes Jonathan. I said ‘we’."
Jonathan gulped. "Does that mean you’re not leaving."
"I’ve thought long and hard since I’ve been here. We’ve got too much going to throw it away. It’s going to be hard, I’m not denying that. For now I want separate rooms and we take it one day at a time."
Jonathan reached out to take her hand. He was relieved when she didn’t pull back from his touch.
"Thank you," he said quietly. "I’ll do anything you ask."
Jennifer held the letter up. "If you are the father of this baby, you have to support it."
Jonathan lowered his head. The thought of someone other than Jennifer carrying his child cut him to the quick. Whilst parenthood wasn’t on their agenda at the moment, neither had ruled it out for the future.
"She’s not going to hold us to ransom though." Jennifer continued. "You have to hold your hand up and accept responsibility, if you are the father that is. We have to demand a paternity test."
"Jennifer. I know I have to do the right thing. I accept that, but don’t you think we should do this quietly. If she goes to the papers, as she’s proposing, you’re going to be thrown into the spotlight as well as me. I’ll accept whatever they throw at me, but, darling," the word flowed easily from his lips, but he caught himself, "Jennifer, I don’t want to see you going through any more hurt."
"But this is blackmail. If you don’t cough up, I’m sure the papers will pay highly for a story like this."
Jonathan nodded. "I know."
"What’s to stop her coming back for more if we pay the first lot. You might not be the father, but you can’t deny sleeping with her."
Jonathan dropped his head into his hands. Jeez, what a mess. He felt his wifes hand on his shoulder. He looked up to her.
"I won’t allow us to be blackmailed Jonathan. Let her go to the press. If it’s going to happen, I’d rather get it out of the way, than hanging about with it in the background never knowing when it might be exposed."
She was right.
"Will you come back with me?"
Jennifer nodded. If this was about to hit the fan in the foreseeable future, and they were going to get through this, she needed to show her support and present a united front.
As they walked back up to the house Stephen was still watching from the window. The distance between them was still notable. He walked out to greet them.
Looking at his daughter he said, "Are you okay?"
She nodded. "I’m going back to LA with Jonathan."
He let a small smile cross his face and winked at her. "Good."
Taking her to give her a hug he whispered. "I hope you sort everything out. You’re too good together not to. Remember, I’m always here if you need me"
"Thanks pa."
"Mrs H, it’s good to have you home," Max said hugging her warmly.
"Thanks Max." Jennifer hugged Max just as warmly.
"I’ll take your bags up," said Jonathan leaving them to it. He put her bags down and surveyed the room. Max had done as requested and removed a lot of Jonathans clothes and accessories putting them in the guesthouse.
"He’s been a mess without you, you know," said Max releasing Jennifer. He could still see the sadness in her eyes. At least she was home though. That had to be a step in the right direction.
"We still have a long way to go."
Max nodded. "He appreciates that. He’s moved out to the guest house you know."
"I know, he told me on the plane back. It’s going to take time."
Jonathan returned to the living room.
"I’ve made you both some dinner. I’ll serve it up and then leave you to it. A night at the poker tables is calling."
Both Harts smiled at the last comment.
"I think I’ll go up," said Jennifer after they’d loaded the dishwasher. She ran her fingers through her hair. Jonathan watched as her long neck craned and she stretched her body. God what a body he thought. Even though they were in their current dilemma, he was ultimately thankful he’d told her. He couldn’t have gone on living the lie. He’d missed her, touching her, caressing her, making love to her but couldn’t do it knowing what he’d done.
"Right. I’ll see you in the morning."
Freeway was at her heals as she made her way to the door.
"Take him with you. He’s missed you." Said Jonathan
He watched as Jennifer departed, followed by Freeway. Tidying the last few bits up, he left for the guesthouse. Time seemed to go so slow. He wondered how long it would be before they took the next step. He pondered on whether he should try to woo her again, but blocked it out of his mind. Flowers and gifts weren’t the way to go. It would be as if he were trying to buy her affection. Time was the best he could give her and he was prepared to give her all the time in the world if it meant she’d stay.
"Right," said Rachel. "If Jonathan’s back in the office tomorrow, I’ll put him under and see what the reaction was to the note."
"Do you think he’ll pay?"
"Well a man in his position can’t afford publicity like this. Let’s face it, this is going to blow his reputation out of the water. He’s always well publicised on his ‘magical’ marriage and how in love he is with his wife. This will show a chink in his armour. Anyway if he doesn’t, the tabloids and gutter press will pay handsomely."
"But we have no proof except my word."
"Jonathan Hart won’t deny it believe me. He’s a man who believes strongly in the truth, he couldn’t even keep it from his wife. Besides, if he does deny it, I’ll just put him under, get you into the office and take a few compromising photos."
Sally picked up the photo of Jonathan from the table. "I think I could cope with that. He’s not a bad looking guy."
Jonathan was sat at the table when Jennifer came in for breakfast.
"Hi, did you sleep okay?"
"Not the best," said Jennifer running her hands over her face.
Guilt again invaded the expression on Jonathans face.
"I thought we could do something today, spend some time together?"
She looked across at him, "maybe another day."
He nodded, understanding she still wasn’t ready. "I’ll go into the office," he said standing and walking toward her. He was going to lean in and kiss her cheek, but thought better of it. Instead he took her hand. "Call me if you want to talk." Jennifer nodded, and watched as he left the room. She sighed deeply. He was making the effort, she at least afforded him the same if this was to work. She decided to call in to the office later, she had some errands to run downtown anyway.
Jonathan sat going through paperwork for the majority of the morning. He was grateful for the distraction. Every time he glanced at the photograph on his desk, his wifes beautiful smile made him stop and stare. A knock at the open door made him look up.
"Elevenses," said Rachel walking in with the spiked coffee.
"Thanks."
She put the coffee down and left to go back to her desk. From the position of her desk in the outside office, she knew she’d be able to see when the chemicals took effect. Rachel watched as Jonathan downed the last dregs from the cup then leap to the door as soon as she saw his head slump onto the desk.
"Jonathan, what are you going to do about Sally’s pregnancy?"
"Find out if I’m the father."
Jennifer walked into the outer area of her husbands office to find the empty desk left by Rachel. She noted Jonathans closed door and looked around for Rachel. When there was no sign, she leaned over to his diary. No appointments.
Walking up to the door, she put her ear to it, wondering if he could be disturbed.
"You are the father Jonathan, you slept with her."
"We need to be sure."
Jennifer recognised the two voices, but she thought Jonathans sounded different, emotionless. She put her hand on the door handle and slowly turned it. Jonathan never minded her walking in when Deanne was in there, so she saw no problems with it being Rachel.
As the door opened Rachel leapt back. "Shit," she muttered under her breath. The last person she was expecting to see was Jennifer. No one else would have entered without her say so.
"Hello," said Jennifer walking through.
Jonathan remained with his chair facing sideways away from the door. He made no movement to turn and acknowledge Jennifer.
"Jonathan," Jennifer said louder. Still nothing. "What’s wrong with him?"
"I, ah." Rachel stuttered.
She glanced at Jonathan and then back at Jennifer. As Jennifer strided to the desk Rachel saw her chance and leapt from behind it attempting to make her way to the door. Jennifer was too quick for her and stood in her path, grabbing her arm.
"What the hell’s wrong with him," she shouted panic-stricken.
Rachel struggled to free herself, but Jennifer held on tight.
"Jonathan, Jonathan," she called in his direction. Jonathan moved around to the voice, but there was no recognition. His face was expressionless.
"What have you done to him?" Jennifer was shaking Rachel now. She was desperate to get to him, but no way was she letting go of Rachel. "Tell me," she shouted, "or god help me I won’t be responsible for my actions."
Rachel looked at Jennifer and saw complete rage. She’d never seen anger like it before. She felt the grip tighten around her arms as Jennifers nails forced their way through her clothes.
"Ahh," Rachel squealed as the pain increased.
Jennifer could feel her vice like grip tightening as if an invisible key was being turned on her hands. What had this woman done to Jonathan. All thought of the past few weeks went out of the window at the prospect of Jonathan being in danger. If she’d harmed him in any irreversible way Jennifer didn’t want to think of the consequences. Rachel was lucky her hands were on her arms not her neck.
Rachel reached her pain threshold, but still Jennifer kept squeezing . She was like a woman possessed. Rachel had no idea where the strength was coming from.
"Okay, okay," she gasped as her knees gave way. "We only did it for the money."
"Did what?" shouted Jennifer. "What have you done?"
"The blackmail." Rachel lowered her voice.
"That was you. You’re the one he slept with." Jennifer was astonished. He’d said she hadn’t known the woman.
Rachel shook her head and looked up at Jennifer. "He didn’t sleep with anyone, I just made him believe he did." She felt Jennifers grip loosen slightly. Jennifer didn’t know whether to hug her or beat the living daylights out of her. She calmed her voice.
"Why?"
"I saw what you’ve got and I wanted some."
"Money, you did this for money. You tried to destroy us for money," Jennifer shook her head in disbelief. Anger boiled to the surface "You bitch," she shouted slapping her hard across the face.
"Mrs Hart!" Stanley Friesen rushed into the room with a number of other upon hearing the commotion. He grabbed hold of her as others pulled Rachel to her feet.
"Don’t let her go," cried Jennifer. "Look what she’s done." She nodded in the direction of Jonathan who was still oblivious to the whole situation.
