Masquerade Chapter 25-27

Chapter 25
In a hotel in Switzerland, Hannah reached across the sleeping form of Lopez, whom she had just worn out with extremely energetic physical activity. Lopez was almost too old for the kind of attention in the bedroom she demanded. However, this was not the first time that they had been together physically, but she couldn’t really say that it was something that she enjoyed. She did enjoy having that kind of power over a man though, it really didn’t matter which man. Even though Sonny was the only man she loved, if she was really capable of love at all which was highly disputable, for the most part, she liked Lopez. He was her mentor and the man who trained her for this special mission. He was also one of the few friends she had at the agency. Lopez supported her when she discovered that she had never been pregnant and probably never would have a child. He was also the first face she saw when she woke up in the hospital after the explosion. Her mind drifts back to that night as she relives the events. Sonny had come to the airport, boarded the plane she was on and begged her not to leave him. He had told her that she and the baby were his future. He had stopped short of telling her that he loved her, but she was convinced that given time he say the words. They ended up at Luke’s club where they celebrated her pregnancy. At that point in time she really believed that, through some miracle, she was going to have a child. Her and Sonny were so happy that night, maybe too happy. She insisted on driving home because Sonny had too much to drink. She had gone for the car, while Sonny stayed behind talking to Luke and Mike. As she walked towards the car she could see Jason coming across the docks, their eyes met for a second. She turned and smiled at Sonny before climbing into the car. Before she was able to place the keys in the ignition, the passenger door opened and two large men forcefully pulled her through the passenger side of the  Jaguar. One of the men mumbled something about her life being in danger. Before Lily could protest they had taken her to a side alley. A young women with dark hair had taken her place in the car. Lily couldn’t see the front of the club or Sonny from where she was standing, but in the seconds that followed it hardly mattered.   She would never forget what happened next, the fire and heat from the explosion would be etched in her memory for as long as she lived. From where they were standing they could hear the screams of the woman trapped in the burning car. She was later told by Lopez that the woman who died in her place had been the real agent Hannah Scott. Less than a minute after the explosion, Lily was taken to a parked car and sped away from Port Charles and the life she knew and to begin a new life as Hannah Scott. She didn’t remember much of what happened in the days following the explosion. At some point her body and mind went into shock and her senses shut down. However, she was certain that Jason saw her before the car exploded. Her eyes met Jason’s for the split second agency men were pulling her from the car. She had often wondered why Jason didn’t tell Sonny she was alive or why he hadn’t recognized her when she came to town pretending to be Hannah Scott. Perhaps, Jason hadn’t seen her after all, maybe it was just a fantasy that she had held onto for over a year.
 Jason had seen her, but things were happening so fast that the events had become jumbled in his mind. He saw Lily get into the car, then he caught a quick glimpse of her being taken away from the scene by two men from the agency. Then the car exploded and he ran to Sonny, his first thought had been to let his friend know that Lily was safe. The world had stopped making sense to Jason the moment he woke up after the car accident. He had relied on people such as Sonny, Luke and Robin to help him understand the images that constantly swam in his head. That night, things had happened too fast for Jason to comprehend. Before Jason could gather his thoughts he was being told  that Lily was dead. The look on Sonny’s face told him it must be true. He convinced himself that he must have been confusing old memories of Lily with what happened that horrible night in the parking lot of Luke’s club. What Jason was being told about Lily’s death quickly over shadowed what he knew to be true and he joined the rest of the town in morning her death.

Chapter 26
Even though Ned wasn’t the CEO of ELQ he still had an executive office in the building. However at the moment he preferred to pace the hall out side of the boardroom. One reason he preferred this area was because there was more room. Ever since Lois had told him she might be pregnant it was he could think about. At the moment she was at General Hospital having the pregnancy test performed. Ned had wanted to go with her for the test. However, Lois knew that Ned had to be at the board meeting in order to keep Edward’s blood pressure down. So she had gone alone, promising to come straight to the office the minute she received the results. Every time the elevator door opened Ned jumped, hoping it was Lois. He looked disappointed when it was only Sonny, carrying pastry boxes.

Ned: Oh, its only you.
Sonny: Cheer up, Ashton. I come bearing dessert.  
Ned: I was hoping you were Lois.
Sonny: You haven’t heard from her since she went in for her test?
Ned: Not a word, but I only left her at the hospital a couple of hours ago.
Sonny: I guess it isn’t anything serious, she didn’t seem worried at breakfast.
Ned: That reminds me. Why was she having breakfast at the penthouse?
Sonny: It was easier to cook at my place, Jason doesn’t have a very well equipped kitchen. 
Ned: What I mean is why was Lois at Jason’s penthouse at all?
Sonny: Carly had taken Brooke Lynne to the penthouse, it wouldn’t have made sense to move her.
Ned: So, you weren’t trying to protect Brenda, Lois, Carly and Brooke from something?
Sonny: Such as what?
Ned: Maybe, you know who attacked Lois and Brenda?  
Sonny: I wish I did know something about the attack, but I don’t and I can’t find anything out.
Ned: You know that they found the guy who attacked them, dead in a seedy part of town.
Sonny: I read the paper this morning and Taggert has been hounding me all day for a positive ID.
Ned: I don’t think he has contacted Lois.
Sonny: If he hasn’t, he will as soon as he finds her. By the way, have you seen Brenda?
Ned: Not since this morning.
Sonny: That kind of has me worried, I’ve searched all over for her.
Ned: Maybe she doesn’t want you to find her?
Sonny: That wouldn’t make a lot of sense. How can I protect her if I can’t find her?
Ned: Well, she can’t go too far without a passport.
Sonny: What is that supposed to mean?
Ned: maybe Brenda got tired of you trying to control her life.
Sonny: I think I’ll let her decide that. Meanwhile, I’ll be in the board room.

Sonny walks down the hall to the board room, leaving Ned to jump the next time the elevator opens. This time it is Carly. She is talking on her cell phone to Michael, who is in her office with his nanny, Leticia.

Carly: Now, mommy has to go to her meeting, sweetheart. Me and daddy will see you soon.   

Ned tries to warn her that Sonny is in the board room, but she isn’t paying attention.

Carly walks into the board room and is appalled to find Sonny siting in her chair with his feet resting on the board table. He is giving her a devilish grin

Carly: get out of my chair, Sonny.
Sonny: What makes it your chair?
Carly: It is at the head of the table, the CEO’s chair is always the one at the head.

Sonny stand up and looks her over from head to toe.

Sonny: Nice suit, I hope the board didn’t pay for it?
Carly: The CEO has an expense account. How long have you been on this board?
Sonny: Long enough to recognize an abuse of power, when I see one.

He sits down in another chair, leans back and puts his feet up on the table again. Carly reachs over and knocks his feet back onto the floor.

Carly: You can be such a pig sometimes.
Sonny: You know what your problem is?
Carly: What?
Sonny: You are stuck in a rut.
Carly: You know what your problem is?
Sonny: I’m sure you are going to tell me, I only hope it is more creative than calling me a pig.
Carly: You just can’t stand the thought of a woman being on top.
Sonny: On top of me or on top of Jason? Because he doesn’t seem to be that kind of guy.
Carly: You are disgusting. To call you a pig is an insult to animals!
Sonny: It takes one to know one, sweetie.
Carly: Are you calling me a pig?
Sonny: I don’t think that I have to answer that, we both know what you are.

He flashes her an evil smile.

Carly: Why do I even try to get along with you? 
Sonny: The same reason I put up with you, we both care about Jason.

Outside, Jason has just stepped off the elevator into the waiting area where Ned and Brenda are talking.

Jason: Has either of you seen Sonny?
Brenda: I just got here.
Ned: He is in the board room with Carly.

A look of panic crosses Jason’s face.

Jason: You left him alone with Carly?
Brenda: You don’t really think that Sonny would hurt Carly?

To answer her question, Jason races down the hall towards the board room.

Brenda: What was that all about?
Ned: I have no idea. All I know is that Sonny and Carly hate each other passionately.
Brenda: Jason knows Sonny better than to think that he would hurt Carly.
Ned: He seems worried about them spending time alone together.
Brenda: maybe he is just worried about the passionate part of their feelings for each other?
Ned: You think Sonny and Carly want each other? She is supposed to love Jason.
Brenda: And Sonny says he loves me, but stranger things have happened. 
Ned: They really can’t stand each other, Bren. Are you sure this isn’t about you and Sonny?
Brenda: Maybe you’re right, maybe it is about the way I feel about Sonny.
Ned: You’re admitting that I’ve been right all along and there is a Sonny and You?
Brenda: Yes, right now I would make up any excuse not to trust Sonny.
Ned: Is this  really about trusting Sonny or trusting your heart, Brenda?
Brenda: I don’t think I want to talk about this right now, Ned.     
Ned: Fine with me.
Brenda: I’m not trying to run from my feelings for Sonny.
Ned: If you say so. 
Brenda: Did you get my message?
Ned: Did you leave a message for me saying you had bought a house?
Brenda: Yes, it is the most beautiful house in the world.
Ned: You have been presumed dead for a year, how did you get a loan?
Brenda: I used L&B as collateral.
Ned: What would possess you to buy a house right now?
Brenda: It is a long story Ned, but I had to buy the house now, before someone else did.  

Jason stops outside the board room door and takes a breath. When he opens the door, Sonny and Carly look like they are about to come to blows. 

Jason: Everything okay in here?
Carly: No, Sonny is calling me names.
Sonny: *Raising his hands in protest* All I did was ask about her suit and she called me a pig.  
Carly: That is because you act like one sometimes. I swear, Sonny just when I think you are human.
Sonny: See, there she goes again.
Jason: Why do you two always have to get into a fight the minute I leave you alone.
Carly: Because he pretends to respect me, only when you are around
Sonny: I think you are a tramp, but Jason love you, so I respect that.

Jason just shakes his head in disappointment and walks back into the hall outside of the board room.

Carly lowers her voice so only Sonny can hear.

Carly: Sonny, I thought tramps were your type?

Carly flashes him a triumphant smile, that leaves him speechless. She was referring to Hannah, but at that moment Brenda has walked into the board room and Carly looks beyond Sonny, at Brenda. Sonny turns and sees Brenda, thinks that Carly is referring to the love of his life. He turns and gives Carly the coldest look that she has ever seen, his voice is as hard as steel when he speaks.

Sonny: Don’t you ever say anything like that again.

Carly is puzzled for a split second, realizes what he thinks she means and is about to protest. However, Brenda walks over to them, and Carly’s moment for explanation evaporates.

Brenda: Am I interrupting something?
Sonny: Nothing important.
Carly: I was just asking when Hannah the Banana is coming home from Europe?

Sonny looks like he might beat Carly up on the spot, in broad daylight, in front of witnesses.

Sonny: I don’t know when Hannah will be finished with her shoot.
Carly: Haven’t you talked to her today?  
Sonny: No, she is very busy. You remember what those shoots were like, don’t you Brenda?
Brenda: Yes, they keep you going for hours at a time. They are demanding. 
Carly: What are you doing here, Brenda?
Brenda: Didn’t Ned tell you that I’m the newest board member?
Carly: No, he didn’t mention it, maybe I should go find out what else he is keeping from the CEO.
Brenda: Maybe, but Jason is right outside and he looks perturbed.
Carly: Thank you.
Sonny: There is no point going after Jason and telling him lies, he knows the truth, Carly.
Carly: Whatever!

She leaves, slamming the door behind her. This leaves Sonny and Brenda alone in the boardroom, face to face.

Brenda: You should probably go easy on her, for Jason’s sake.
Sonny: You don’t know how hard that would be, even for Jason’s sake.
Brenda: She isn’t that bad, anyone who calls Hannah a Banana can’t be that bad.

Sonny gives her a disappointed look.
 
Sonny: Are you sure you want to sit on this board?
Brenda: No doubt in my mind, this is where I want to be.
Sonny: Are you sure that you are up to such a challenge?
Brenda: I’m ready for anything.
Sonny: That goes a long ways to describe what happens around here.
Brenda: Carly, really is the CEO of ELQ?
Sonny: Either that or I’ve been having a really long, really bad dream.
Brenda: I’ll try not to take that too personally.
Sonny: I was talking about Carly.
Brenda: I can tell that you really respect her, Sonny.
Sonny: You used to be real good at reading me, Brenda.
Brenda: I still can read you, Sonny. If you don’t like someone you ignore them.
Sonny: Carly is hard to ignore, but she does have a good business head, but like is a strong word.
Brenda: You don’t fight with people unless you like them.

His whole facial expression changes, he becomes tender and loving. He reaches out and caresses her face.

Sonny: *Softly* I like you, Brenda.
Brenda: Those weren’t your words last night, you told me you love me, what changed? 
Sonny: Nothing has changed.  I do love you, Brenda, but I know you need to get used to the idea.
Brenda: To say the least, I don’t even know if I can trust you or not Sonny.
Sonny: Is that why you won’t let me protect you?
Brenda: I’ll let you protect me as well as you can protect anybody.
Sonny: If that is true, why did you disappear on Johnny this morning?
Brenda: I had to go somewhere and it had to be private.
Sonny: You scared me when you disappeared, I thought something had happened.
Brenda: I’m sorry, I need to be alone sometimes.
Sonny: That is okay, as long as you are careful.

Brenda thought about it for a few seconds, actually, what she did wasn’t safe at all. She had gone out into the country, alone to a deserted piece if land and she had arranged over her cell phone to meet a stranger. Anybody could have followed her out there or overheard her conversation and waited in ambush. She had been compelled to go back to the land, to see the house that Sonny had built for her. Once there, she couldn’t help but fall in love with it anymore than she could turn down the opportunity to own her dream house. She wanted desperately to ask Sonny why he had sold their future, but the ELQ board room was neither the time nor the place to discuss such a personal matter.

Brenda: I won’t go off without Johnny again. Are you angry with me, Sonny?
Sonny: No, I was just worried. I don’t want you to feel like I’m trying to control your life.
Brenda: Giving me a body guard is not controlling my life. Not like having my passport revoked.
Sonny: I don’t know how else to apologize for that, Brenda. It was a stupid move, I’m sorry.
Brenda: I was joking, Sonny.
Sonny: Hurting you is nothing to laugh about.
Brenda: I’ve gotten over it already. All it means is that I’ll have to wait awhile to find Jax.
Sonny: This is the first I’ve heard about Jax. I thought you were going to Paris to see Robin?
Brenda: I was, then I was going to go look for Jax.
Sonny: Why?
Brenda: I told you that I need to hear his side of the story about AJ’s death.
Sonny: Anyone can tell you what happened. What is there for Jax to tell you, sweetheart? 
Brenda: I won’t know until I find Jax.

Sonny is about to question her more, but people start to stream into the boardroom for the meeting.

Sonny: You still have a chance to escape.
Brenda: Too late, I’ve been spotted by Monica.

Monica approaches them and gives Brenda a hug

Monica: I still can’t believe that you are alive.
Brenda: Me either. When did you get back from the spa?
Monica: A few hours ago, Emily is dying to see you, but she has school work to catch up with.
Brenda: Maybe I’ll stop by the house later and visit her and Lila.
Sonny: Are you sure you are up to that?
Brenda: Sure if I need to I know where I can find a shoulder to cry on.
Sonny: My shoulders are available 24/7.

Monica is completely unaware that Sonny and Brenda are sharing a private connection.

Monica: Is Jason here yet?
Brenda: I think Carly went to go find him.
Monica: For goodness sake, can’t she let him alone breath for even a minute without her?
Brenda: I don’t think Jason wants Carly to leave him alone.
Monica: Heaven help us all, but you are probably right. I’ll talk to you later Brenda.

Monica wanders off, Brenda isn’t sure where she is going, maybe to look for Jason and give him some unwanted advice about his love life.

Brenda: I had forgotten what things were like around here.
Sonny: Don’t say I didn’t try and warn you.
Brenda: Why does everyone seem to hate Carly?
Sonny: You’re asking the wrong man sweetheart.

Now Edward walks over to the two of them, giving Brenda a smile and Sonny a scowl.

Edward: How are you today, Brenda.
Brenda: I feel alive, which is wonderful.
Sonny: How are you doing today, Eddie?
Edward: Is this hoodlum bothering you my dear?
Brenda: I’m fine, Edward.
Edward: If he starts to bother you, let me know and I’ll have him thrown out of the building.
Sonny: You can’t do that, I’m on the board.
Edward: I can do anything I wish, I own this building!
Brenda: *Whispering* Don’t worry, Edward, I can handle Sonny.

Edward gives Sonny a disproving look and then shrugs.   
      
Sonny: *Teasing* You really think that you can handle me?

He flashes her a flirtatious grin.

Brenda: I convinced Edward. By the way, how is that woman Ned walked in with just now?
Sonny: Chloe Morgan.
Brenda: Somehow, I expected a famous designer who was much older.
Sonny: Most people expect one who acts older as well.

As if to prove him right, Chloe turns towards them and lets out a shriek when she sees Brenda.  

Chloe: Oh my gosh! It really is Brenda Barrett in the living breathing flesh?
Brenda: The last time I checked. 

Chloe bounds across the room towards Sonny and Brenda.

Chloe: It has been my dream for years to design a dress for you. I was disappointed when you died.

Brenda is utterly at a loss for words. Sonny notices her predicament and chimes in for the rescue.

Sonny: I was pretty disappointed myself.
Chloe: But, you didn’t see your dreams vanish before your very eyes. Oh I must go talk to Monica.

With that, Chloe is off across the room.

Brenda: What was that?
Sonny: The one and only, Chloe Morgan. 
Brenda: Thank god she is one of a kind. Is she always so……….?

Brenda pauses searching for the right word.

Sonny: Self centered?
Brenda: *Laughing* I was thinking, bubbly, but your description works.
Sonny: She takes a little getting used to, but she is a pretty good designer.
Brenda: Are you saying,  I should take her up on a design offer?
Sonny: I think you should get to know her, you two have things in common.
Brenda: Such as what?
Sonny: You were both loved and left by Jasper Jax when he fled the country.
Brenda: *Shocked* She was involved with Jax?

Ned walks over to Brenda and Sonny.

Ned: I see you have met my ex-wife. 
Brenda: You married her?
Ned: Long, very amusing story.
Brenda: A lot happens in a year.
Sonny: Yeah. 
Brenda: Ned, have you heard from Lois about her tests?
Ned: Not yet, but the labs were pretty busy.

Carly and Jason walk in hand in hand with huge smile on their faces, leaving no doubt in anyone’s mind what they have been doing.

Monica: I think I might be sick.
Chloe: Monica, are you ill?
Monica: I need to sit down.
Carly: Good idea, lets all sit down, everyone take your seats.

After a couple of minutes of musical chairs everyone finds a seat. Sonny sits beside Brenda, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze, as Carly calls the meeting to order. 

Chapter 27
At first, the ELQ board meeting had been somewhat amusing to Brenda. Allan had come late and he had forgotten to bring the coffee. For these reasons, Carly had made him stand in the corner and had revoked his privilege to vote on the first items on the agenda. Actually, that wasn’t as tyrannical as it seemed. The first item put up for a vote was whether to host a community picnic or to put that money into a fund for the up keep of the docks. It was decided that it was a little late in the year for a picnic, so the money would be put into an upkeep fund. The second issue was even more superficial. The 50th anniversary of ELQ was quickly approaching and it appeared to be terribly important to Chloe that the board decide on a color for the celebration announcements. 

Chloe: I think we should choose between charcoal and gray.

She holds up two color swatches.

Jason: *To Sonny* I don’t see the difference?
Chloe: Now, if we choose charcoal, we should use blue print, but what shade of blue?
Edward: Why don’t you just choose something, my dear, I’m sure we will approve.
Chloe: No, this is an important decision, I think we all should make it together.

Chloe starts to lecture about the color wheel, at which point Brenda lets her mind drift. This is the first time she has been in the board room. Usually, the board meetings were held at the mansion, but Carly had insisted on a formal setting as soon as she became CEO. Brenda starts to fantasize about being alone with Sonny and him making love to her on the board room table. He looks over at her and notices a serene look on her face. He wants to get Brenda alone so that they can discuss the pervious night. He knows that it is only a matter of time before Taggert drages them downtown to identify the body of the  man who attacked Brenda and Lois. Sonny is certain that Brenda knows more about the attacker than she is willing to tell. He tries to concentrate on figuring out why Brenda won’t open up, but his mind keeps drifting to just plain Brenda. At the moment, he want’s nothing more than to sweep her off her feet, kiss every inch of her body and make passionate love to her right there in the board room. Actually, there was something he wanted more, he wanted Chloe to shut up about the color of announcements. He looks at his watch, she has only been talking for ten minutes, but it seems like days.

Chloe: So, shall we put it to a vote?
Sonny: I have a better idea, lets form a committee with you as the head?
Ned: *Desperately* I second that motion.
Carly: *Rubbing her temples* Fine, unless someone objects?

Everyone holds their collective breath.

Carly: Motion passed, Chloe will head a committee to decide on the color of the announcements.
Chloe: Who will be on my committee?
Carly: Volunteers?

No one speaks up.

Carly: Okay, then I appoint Allan, Monica and Sonny.

All three give her a death stare.

Sonny: *Sarcastically*  I think that Madame chairman should be on it as well.
Carly: Do you really want to be on a committee with me, Sonny?
Sonny: I withdraw the motion.
Chloe: I need more than three people, what kind of a committee only has three people?
Carly: Fine, Brenda you can show us what you are made of by joining Chloe’s group.

Brenda leans over and whispers to Carly.

Brenda: I thought we were friends?
Carly: We are friends *she looks over at Sonny* You can thank me later.
Brenda: I won’t forget this, that is for sure.
Monica: Now that you have made my day, Carly, what is the next order of business?
Carly: Moral. 
Alan: Did she say morals, because she is one to talk?

Carly ignores his jab and continues in a business tone.

Carly: This board is not functioning as a team. ELQ is suffering because of a lack of common focus.  
Edward: Most of us can’t even stand each other outside the board room.
Carly: That maybe true, but are there any suggestions on how this can change?
Jason: *With fake enthusiasm* More committees?
Sonny: Watch it or her supreme grace will make you stand in the corner.
Allan: *From the corner* Worse yet, she’ll make you sleep on the couch.

Carly shoots Sonny and Allan dirty looks, while Jason looks bewildered.

Jason: I like to sleep on the couch, what is wrong with sleeping on the couch.

Sonny: You heard the man.
Allan: You always have to be right when it comes to Jason.
Sonny: Because I know him better than you ever will.
Carly: Cool it you two, or I’ll make you stand in the corner too, Sonny.
Sonny: Try and make me stand in the corner.
Carly: No, because you just helped to prove my point, this board needs group therapy!
Chloe: What a wonderful idea.
Monica: We would drive any shrink to take his or her own life!
Allan: Actually, Monica and I went to marriage counseling once, it was kind of fun.
Monica: We got to hit each other over the head with clubs
Jason: Okay, does everyone see now why I wanted Michael raised away from these people.
Chloe: I was thinking more of a retreat, than therapy.
Edward: Quartermaines never retreat, my dear.
Ned: I think she means a corporate vacation where we work on our interpersonal skills.
Chloe: As well as developing goals for ELQ.
Brenda: I could use a vacation.
Jason: Isn’t being dead a vacation of sorts?
Brenda: I don’t think it was relaxing.
Carly: I kind of like this idea, where could we go?
Chloe: Lots of places have corporate retreat programs.
Monica: The spa that Emily and I were just at had a wonderful program.
Brenda: Is it nice there?
Monica: It is beautiful, surrounded by mountains and lakes.
Chloe: It sounds peaceful.
Monica: It really is tranquil.
Carly: Do you think they could take us on short notice?
Monica: When would you want to go?
Carly: Next week would be good.
Monica: It seemed slow there at the moment and we wouldn’t need more than a dozen cottages.
Carly: It’s settled then, we’ll go on retreat next week.
Edward: *Bellowing*  We most certainly will not go anywhere without a full board vote!
Carly: Fine, we’ll vote.
Sonny: What exactly are we voting on?
Carly: Vote "Yes" if you want a retreat and "No" if you don’t want a retreat. Jace read the roll.
Jason: Okay, speak your vote after I read your name. Edward?
Edward: No retreat and since I hold Lila and Tracy’s proxy, that is 3 "No’s"
Jason: Carly?
Carly: Yes.
Chloe: I vote "Yes" as well.
Jason: Fine, but you should wait till I call your name. Sonny?
Sonny: Not in this life time, your not catching me on a retreat.
Jason: Ned?
Ned: Sorry, girls, but I don’t think it will help, so my vote is "No."
Jason: Brenda, how do you vote?
Brenda: Yes and I hold Brooke Lynne’s proxy and she votes "Yes" as well.

She watched for Sonny’s reaction, which was a mix of surprise, agitation as well as a touch of admiration.
No one else seemed to really care, but that didn’t matter. Brenda had wanted to get a rise out of Sonny by meeting him head on in his domain. The announcement that she held as much power on the board as he held had the desired affect. 
 
Jason: Monica?
Monica: I vote "Yes."
Carly: Okay, the vote is tied, what do you say, Jace?

She gives him her most pouting look, while Sonny gives him a glare. Jason considers it for a minute, looking between Sonny and Carly.

Jason: I pass.
Ned: Chicken.
Carly: We need a tie breaker.
Allan: How about me?
Carly: Fine Allan, I’ll let you vote.

Allan considers for a minute.

Monica: They have mineral bathes.
Allan: Why didn’t you say so in the first place! I vote "Yes."
Carly: Sonny, before you say you aren’t coming, attendance is mandatory!
Sonny: You can’t drag me up to some log cabin in the wilderness!
Carly: If only I could leave you there, but I can revoke your power to vote if you don’t go!

Brenda leans across the table to Ned.

Brenda: Can she really do that?
Ned: She is the CEO, she can do that and so much more.
Carly: You will all be given instructions on the retreat at a later time. 
Sonny: I’m not going to have a good time.
Carly: Nobody says that you have to have fun, Sonny.
Ned: If there is no other business, I move that the meeting be adjourned.
Monica: I second the motion, I need to get back to the hospital.
Carly: Motion carried.

Everybody gets up and starts to move around. Ned makes a bee line for the hall and his office. Sonny leans over to Brenda.

Sonny: What a way to waste an afternoon.
Brenda: It could be worse.
Sonny: Worse, than a corporate retreat?
Brenda: Think of it as the summer camp you never got to attend as a child. 

Sonny feels like someone has just punched him in the stomach. Images of the land in the country flashed through his mind.

Sonny: I’ve got to get out of here.

Next Chapter