When Sonny Met Brenda Chapters 25-43

Chapter 25
Sean: Brenda, you can wait outside. This may take a while.

Brenda: Thank you Sean, but I’ll stay with Sonny.

Sonny: I’ll be all right Brenda.

Brenda: I want to stay Sonny, unless of course there is something that you are trying to hide from me?

Sonny: Of course not, I just want you to be comfortable.

Sean: Fine, Garcia get Miss Barrett a seat.

Garcia: She can take mine *Garcia stands.*

Sonny: Would someone like to tell me what this is about.

Sean: I would be happy to, Mr. Corinthos. * Sean pulls out a plastic evidence bag*

Garcia: Would you examine the contents of that bag please.

Sonny looks at the bag.

Sonny: It’s a cellular phone.

Garcia: Does it look the slightest bit familiar?

Sonny: It looks like my cellular phone, but then again a lot of cellular phones look alike.

Sean: Do you have your cellular phone Mr. Corinthos?

Sonny: No, I lost it about a week ago.

Sean: This cellular phone was found beside the bodies of two Federal Bureau of Investigation agents on the evening of February 15th. Their bodies were found on a secluded side road of road 1.

Garcia: We traced ownership of this phone to you Mr. Corinthos. Can you explain why your cellular phone was found beside that Bodies of Lawrence Fishburn and John Matthews.

Sonny: I have never heard of either of those men and I already told you I lost my cellular phone.

Sean: Can you provide a record of your location on the evening of the 15th of February between 7:00 and 7:30?

Sonny: Not really.

Brenda: Who are these guys that you’re accusing Sonny of killing. Because you are accusing him right?.

Sean: Brenda, all we want to know is how his cellular phone ended up at the crime scene.

Brenda: Well do you have a picture of these guys?

Garcia: Dead or alive?

Brenda: You don’t have to be morbid, Garcia!

Sean hands her a file folder.

Sean: Their FBI identification pictures are in the file.

Brenda opens the file.

Brenda: Wait a second, I recognize these guys!

Sonny: From where?

Brenda: The night of the wedding I was on my way up to the look out tower and a car was coming down the hill in the opposite direction. Those two guys were in the car.

Sonny: Are you sure it was them.

Brenda: Yeah, I got a good look at them. I was worried about you and wanted to make sure that you weren’t in that car. It was those two guys all right.

Sean: What time was these Brenda?

Brenda: It was right before Karen and Jagger’s wedding, so it must have been about 6:00 or 6:30.

Sean: The medical examiner placed the time of death at about 7:30.

Garcia: Where exactly did you see the agents?

Brenda: About ½ way up road 1, and they were very much alive. Which means Sonny could not of killed them.

Garcia: That proves no such thing.

Brenda: Yes it does, because when I reached the top of the mountain Sonny was bleeding to death on the side of the road, he had been shot. I stayed with him for the rest of the evening and he was in no shape to kill anybody.

Sonny looks at the pictures of the two men.

Sonny: In fact, these are the guys that shot me. To bad they are dead, I would have liked to have gotten my hands on them.

Garcia: Is that a confession Corinthos?

Sonny: Where did you get that idea?

Brenda: Look, I told you already, I saw the agents alive and then I spent the rest of the night with Sonny.

Sean: If Mr. Corinthos was shot why didn’t you call the police or a least call an ambulance?

Brenda: I called a doctor, the doctor came and took care of Sonny’s bullet wounds. They turned out not to be that serious.

Sean: Why didn’t you report the shooting Mr. Corinthos.

Sonny: I figured the guys were long gone. It had been a case of mistaken identity. They thought I was someone else. I figured that when they realized that they had shot the wrong guy they would disappear.

Garcia: Where they on your payroll Corinthos?

Sonny: I’m not the U.S. Government Detective!

Garcia: You could have been bribing them and things got a little messy.

Sonny: Prove it detective!

Sean: Enough Alex! Brenda, what time did you say that the agents passed you coming down the road?

Brenda: Between 6:00 and 6:30.

Garcia: Can you describe the car that the agents were driving?

Brenda: Sure can, it was a Caprice.

Garcia: That proves nothing, everybody knows all federal agents drive Caprice’s.

Brenda: I didn’t know that.

Garcia: Can you tell me the color?

Brenda: It was black or dark blue. I’m not sure, it was getting dark and starting to snow. Besides it doesn’t matter. The point is Sonny was with me and he was barely alive himself and I will swear to that.

Sean: You’re free to go Mr. Corinthos.

Sonny grins. Garcia looks disgusted.

Garcia: But, Sean!

Sean: Don’t worry Alex, we’ll get him, just not today. Brenda, take my advice and find another friend, because he will go down eventually and when it happens it won’t be a pretty sight to behold.

Sonny: Don’t count on it detective! Thanks for the hospitality boys. See Ya!

Sonny leaves Sean’s office and lets out a sigh of relief. He smiles at Brenda.

Sonny: Your were fantastic in there babe!

Brenda: Yeah, whatever Sonny, I just want to go home.

She is walking away from him and is noticeable upset

Sonny: Brenda, wait!

Brenda: Sonny, I just want to go home take a shower and forget about this.

Sonny: Forget about what? Forget about us? Forget about what happened last night between us and what it meant?

Brenda turns around and she has tears in her eyes.

Brenda: Sonny, I have to protect myself.

Sonny: Brenda please don’t walk away from us.

Chapter 26

Sonny: So, Brenda, You mean you’re just walking away from us because I got arrested.

Brenda: Sonny, you know that’s not what I mean. I’m not walking a way from us. I lost that option last night when we made love. There is no simply walking away anymore.

Sonny: But you are upset?

Brenda: Yes, I’m upset. I didn’t want the morning after that most wonderful night of my life to start out with a ride in a squad car.

Sonny: Last night was the most wonderful night of your life?

Brenda: Of course, wasn’t it the same for you?

Sonny: Yes, of course it was.

Brenda: But Sonny, your only listening to half of what I’m saying. I thought I could handle your life, but now, I’m not so sure.

Sonny: What’s to handle. This morning was a mistake made by the PC police department. It was a cake walk.

Brenda: Sonny, you can’t tell me you weren’t scared in there. I could see it in your eyes.

Sonny: I don’t like being in lock up, that is all.

Brenda: Who does.

Sonny: No Brenda, I mean I Really don’t like being in a jail cell. I will do just about any thing to stay out of jail. In the past I have done a lot of things that I’m not proud of, just to stay out of jail.

Brenda: Well, thanks to my statement, you managed to stay out of jail again. But, why do I get the feeling that there is more to this than your are telling me. More to all of it, including your shooting.

Sonny: Brenda, there are some things that I can’t tell you, for your own good.

Brenda: See, there is the problem. I’m making up alibi’s for you and lying to the police and you won’t even tell me why you need an alibi. I need time and space to figure out some things about us. I’m not sure that your worth the trouble.

Sonny: You’re not sure that I’m worth the trouble or our love is worth the trouble?

Brenda: Sonny, don’t doubt my love for you.

Sonny: Okay, but, only if you promise not to doubt that you are the most important thing in my life.

Brenda: How can you be sure of that? We’ve only known each other for a little while.

Sonny: I feel like I have known you my whole life. But, I understand that you need time and space. I can give you both. How long?

Brenda: Sonny, I don’t know. Maybe a day, or a week or maybe even a month.

Sonny: A month, Brenda!

Brenda: Okay, so probably a month is too long. I’ll let you know.

Sonny: Okay, I love you Brenda, that is not going to change in a day or a week or even a month. It will last forever.

Brenda: I love you too. That’s what makes this complicated.

They kiss tenderly. The kiss turns more passionate.

Just then Luke and Justice Ward come into the police station.

Luke: Have no fear, the army has arrived.

Sonny: You’re too late. They already let me go.

Justice looks at his watch.

Justice: Then I can still make a meeting with Jason Quartermaine.

Luke: Why does he need legal council?

Justice: Sorry buddy, that is confidential

Brenda: Justice, are you going to the house by any chance.

Justice: If you mean the Quartermaine mansion? Yes I am.

Brenda: Can I ride there with you.

Justice: Sure, lets go. See you later guys.

Luke: Bye Justice. Thanks a lot.

Brenda: Bye Luke, bye Sonny.

Sonny: Are we going to be all right Brenda?

Brenda: I hope so, I’ll talk to you later.

Justice and Brenda leave. Sonny watches her go and lets out a sigh.

Luke: Having trouble with your girlfriend Corinthos?

Sonny: Don’t start with me Spencer. I have not had a good morning

Luke: Why don’t we head over to the Outback and you can tell me about it all.

Chapter 27

Luke and Sonny are talking over breakfast at the Outback. Mac is serving them, but he keeps giving Sonny dirty looks.

Luke: You are not a very popular guy Corinthos.

Sonny: I am with the people who count.

Luke: Don’t you ever wish that you had your own place. Somewhere that you could hang out in and no one could glare at you or refuse to serve you or kick you out, in fact some place that you could do all that stuff to people that you didn’t like?

Sonny: I used to have a place like that, but the cops shut me down.

Luke: I mean someplace legal!

Sonny: You mean like a club?

Luke: A blues club!

Sonny: That served food and drinks during the day?

Luke: Yeah man, and had live entertainment at night!

Sonny: Dream on, Spencer, with my reputation no one would come.

Luke: You’re probably right man. That’s a crazy idea. Now on to your problem at hand.

Sonny: Which one?

Luke: I have no doubt that you can handle the perfume girl.

Sonny: Luke she has a name.

Luke: Okay, sorry man. I think that your problems with Brenda will work out in time.

Sonny: Damn! I just remembered something.

Luke: Having to do with the night of the shooting?

Sonny: No, having to do with giving Brenda time and space. I had ordered a diamond bracelet to be sent to her. She is really going to think that I’m being pushy.

Luke: You are sending her a diamond bracelet? That is beyond pushy. That is suicidal my friend!

Sonny: It was supposed to be a thank you gift for saving my life.

Luke: Haven’t you ever heard of flowers?

Sonny: I wonder if it has been sent from South Africa yet.

Luke: You ordered a diamond bracelet from South Africa?

Sonny: I wanted it to be special, like she is.

Sonny pulls out his cellular phone and dials a number.

Sonny: Hello? This is Sonny Corinthos, I ordered the diamond bracelet. Has it been sent yet? You have run into delays? No, that’s fine. Next week is great.

He hangs up the phone. Just then it rings.

Sonny: Hello? Hello Mrs. Jacobs. I’m sure it is very important. Sure we can have dinner at 8:00 at the Grill. See you then.

He hangs up the phone and turns it off.

Sonny: The bracelet has not been sent yet and that was my Accountant, Mrs. Jacobs. She insists that she has some kind of financial emergency, but she can wait until tonight. Now, where were we?

Luke: You are a very busy man. I think we were about to try and figure out who it was that shot you.

Sonny: I know more now than I did yesterday thanks to Port Charles finest.

Luke: Do tell!

Sonny: The guys who shot me were Lawrence Fishburn and John Matthews. And get this, they were FBI agents and they were found dead on the same night that they came after me.

Luke: Your work?

Sonny: I wish. My phone was found with the bodies, so I was a suspect. Brenda provided me with an alibi.

Luke: Handy girl, maybe you should keep her a round.

Sonny: I intend to, but not to provide me with alibis.

Sonny tells Luke everything that went on in Donley’s office.

Luke: Okay, so here is what we know. Somebody wanted to scare you into leaving your new job. This person sent Fishburn and Matthews to scare you, only you jumped them and they got messy and shot you, but didn’t kill you. These guys haul it down the mountain and are passed on the way by Brenda. When they get to the bottom, they get whacked, and your cell phone ends up beside the bodies. To top it all off they turn out to be spooks. Port Charles finest haul you in, but from what you’ve told me they really never had a case.

Sonny: Yeah, I think Donley and Garcia just wanted to shake me up a bit and I’m almost certain that the spooks weren’t acting in any government capacity when they were trying to scare me.

Luke: I think that it is pretty safe to assume that whoever hired them, killed them, but why?

Sonny: Either because they shot me when they weren’t supposed to or they shot me and let me live. How do you suppose my cellular phone got beside the bodies.

Luke: Did they take it with them after they shot you?

Sonny: I’m not sure. Why would they have?

Luke: To prevent you from calling for help.

Sonny: I don’t think that they were thinking that much.

Luke: Could someone have been around you before Brenda arrived and have picked up the phone?

Sonny: Maybe, I was out cold most of the time.

Luke: Either way, it leads us back to the question of who hired these guys?

Sonny: If we can find out who hired them, then we have most of the mystery solved.

Brenda: Do you think that Brenda could tell us anything. She might have seen something that could give us a clue.

Sonny: I don’t know, maybe. But, it will have to wait. I’m supposed to be giving her space and she seems like the kind of girl that would really dive into this sort of thing. I don’t want her to start playing Nancy Drew on her own. I also don’t want anyone accusing me of using my shooting to trap her into spending time with me.

Luke: Okay, we can check out other sources and then go to Brenda later.

Sonny: Thanks Luke. I want to get to the bottom of this, but I don’t want to endanger Brenda in the process.

Chapter 28

Brenda is on her way up to a suite at the Port Charles Hotel to meet with her friend Lois Cerullo. The two of them are supposed to go over details for setting up there record company. Brenda passes by the Grill restaurant. She thinks she sees Sonny sitting at a table. But, then again, everything reminds her of Sonny. She moves a little closer to investigate. Sure enough it is Sonny, and he is laughing and having a grand old time with some blond woman! Tears start to well up in Brenda’s eyes. So much for his love for her going on forever. Less than 12 hours have passed since she told him that she needed space and he is already out with another woman. She gets in the elevator and pushes the button for the floor with the suites. She breaks down crying.

In the Grill restaurant Sonny and his accountant have finished dinner and are getting down to business.

Sonny: Mrs. Jacobs everything to you is a financial emergency. *He flashes her a dimpled grin.*

Mrs. Jaccobs Mr. Corinthos, you would be wise to take what I’m telling you very seriously. You are suddenly acquiring a large sum of cash and you have no visible source of income.

Sonny: Do I have any thing to worry about?

Mrs. Jaccobs Only if you worry about the IRS.

Sonny: Not really.

Mrs. Jaccobs How about going to jail?

Sonny: Is it that serious?

Mrs. Jaccobs It could get to be.

Sonny: What should I do?

Mrs. Jaccobs That’s more like it. You have got to find some legal businesses to invest the remainder of your clean money in and the faster the better.

Sonny: I will consider your advice very carefully.

Mrs. Jaccobs I guess that is the best I can hope for. Goodnight Mr. Corinthos, thank you for dinner.

Sonny: You’re leaving without a night cap?

Mrs. Jaccobs I have a husband and two children to get home to Mr. Corinthos.

Sonny: I will honestly think about what you have said. Good night.

Sonny gets up and pays the check. He walks out to the lobby and gets the feeling that there is something that he is missing. He shakes the feeling off and heads back to the apartment, hopping that Brenda has called him while he was out at dinner.

Brenda knocks on the door to Lois’ room. She tries to compose herself, but she is a mess. She cried in the elevator the whole way up. Lois opens the door, she is one of the most happy and optimistic people Brenda knows. Maybe she will be able to cheer Brenda up.

Lois: Brenda! What’s wrong honey?

Brenda: Lo, it is just horrible, I just saw the guy that I’m dating in the Grill with another woman!

She starts to sob. Lois puts her arm around Brenda.

Lois: Bren, your boyfriend is two timing ya?

Brenda: *She is still crying.* I don’t know. I told him I needed space to think, but I didn’t expect this!

Lois: Oh honey, if this is the type of guy that he is, than you are to good for him.

Brenda: But, I love him!

Lois: Does he love you?

Brenda: He says he does, but I’m so confused.

Lois: Can you live without him?

Brenda: I think so.

Lois: Then maybe you should try for a while and see if in a few months you still love him.

Brenda: Do you really think so? *She has calmed down a bit.*

Lois: I don’t know sweetie. You have to follow your own heart. But if you two were a part for a while and you got back together and you still loved each other, then you would know that you were meant for each other. But if you were apart and your feelings faded than you really wouldn’t have lost anything.

Brenda: That makes sense. I’m feeling a lot better. Thanks Lo, you’re are a great friend.

Lois: Your welcome. Now down to business. We have problems.

Brenda: I don’t want to hear that Lois. You just cheered me up, don’t depress me.

Lois: Sorry Bren, but as partners we have to share the good and the bad.

Brenda: Don’t tell me that you and Ned broke up. (In this story Lois knows that Eddie Maine is really Ned Ashton)

Lois: No, of course not, Eddie and I are very much in love, thank you very much.

Brenda: Well then what is wrong. Ned is still going to be our Star Talent right?

Lois: That’s not the problem, I’ve been turned down by every bank in the state for financing. So unless you have some rich friends that want to take a chance on a record company, there is not going to be an L&B.

Brenda: What about Ned, can’t he loan us the money?

Lois: Not with out his family asking some really big questions.

Brenda: We could ask Jason I guess. He seems to be the most reasonable Quartermaine.

Lois: He is also the most honest. It would kill him to have to keep Eddy’s secret from the rest of the family.

Brenda: You’re right. I wouldn’t want to put him in that position.

Lois: Can you think of anyone else?

Brenda: I guess I could ask my sister Julia to give me a loan against my trust fund.

Lois: Would she keep our secret?

Brenda: Probably not. She would probably get great joy out of exposing Ned and humiliating me.

Lois: Well we have to think of something. We are going to need a miracle investor to get this record company up and running.

Sonny played his messages through one more time, just to make sure he hadn’t missed one from Brenda. It wasn’t there, he had 3 hang ups and one message from Luke Spencer. Sonny was disappointed, but not really surprised. Brenda had just told him this morning that she needed space. It would have been nice for her to have come to a decision by now, but it wasn’t surprising that she hadn’t. Sonny Corinthos was not a very patient man. When he wanted something he usually just grabbed it. What was Brenda Barrett doing to him? What made him willing to wait for her? He had to admit that making love with her had been worth waiting for, but why hadn’t it been enough for her? Why didn’t she trust him? The phone rang and interrupted his thoughts. He picked it up hoping it was her. It was Stone. He tried to hide the disappointment in his voice.

Stone: Hey Sonny?

Sonny: Yeah, what’s up man?

Stone: I was just calling to make sure that you are up for your trip the Canada tomorrow.

Sonny: Yeah, sure I’ll be fine.

Stone: Do you want me to run back up for you?

Sonny: No, that’s okay, I’ll take Joseph with me.

Stone: Sonny, you sound down.

Sonny: Did I get any messages tonight?

Stone: I haven’t checked the messages since this morning.

Sonny: I guess she didn’t call.

Stone: Brenda?

Sonny: Yeah, she freaked a little this morning when the cops pulled me into the station.

Stone: Are you guys going to be all right?

Sonny: I don’t know, she says that she needs space.

Stone: Sorry man.

Sonny: You know Stone, I love her. I love the way she looks and smells and thinks. I love the way she feels in my arms and the way her face shines when I *He stops himself from sharing private details about Brenda, even with Stone* never mind. I just love everything about her.

Stone: I’m sure everything will work out Sonny, probably even by the time you get back from Canada.

Sonny: I hope your right.

Stone: Have a nice trip, I’ll see you in a few days.

Sonny: Thanks, take care of Robin. She is a nice girl.

Sonny hangs up the phone and then he dials Luke’s number and gets the answering machine. He waits for the beep.

Sonny: Spencer, it’s Corinthos. I’m not sure what you needed to talk about, but I hope it can wait a few days. I’ll be out of town for the next two days. If something comes up, get in touch with Stone and he will know how to reach me. Talk to you when I get back.

He hangs up the phone and is tempted to call Brenda, but he stops himself.

Sonny: A promise is a promise Brenda. I’m a man of my word.

He goes to pack for his trip to Canada.

Chapter 29

Sonny’s trip to Canada took longer than he had expected. A meeting that was supposed to last two days had gone on for five and in the end he had to apply more pressure to his business associates than he liked, but that was the nature of the business that he was in. He felt confident that by the time the deal had been closed his associates had no doubt that he was in complete control and that messing with him meant mess with Frank Smith. He had a great deal of power and it should have felt good to exercise that power. But, during the whole trip, all he could think about was Brenda and how much he missed her. It was strange, his whole life he had dreamt of having the power that he now held and yet, now that he had it, he found it less than satisfying. He walks into the apartment and plays his messages. 10 from Luke, one from Brenda and one from Stone in response to Brenda’s. Sonny replays Brenda’s just to make sure he had heard it right.

Brenda: Hi Sonny, sorry to leave this as a message on you answering machine, but I can’t seem to get a hold of you. An impartial friend gave me some advice and I decided to listen to her. So, I think that we should cool it, for a while and see how we feel about each other in a month or so.

Sonny: What does “cool it” mean Brenda?

He grabs his coat and heads out the door; maybe Luke would have better news for him. Stone’s message plays.

Stone: Sorry about Brenda, don’ break anything of mine.

Sonny had always loved the porch of the Spencer’s house. It was like something out of a novel. The perfect porch for spending a summer night just sitting on. But, in the middle of February, it was downright chilly. He rang the bell again. Finally, Laura came and opened the door.

Laura: Hello Sonny.

Sonny: Hello Laura, how are you feeling? *Laura was pregnant with the Spencer’s second child.*

Laura: I’m feeling good, thank you for asking.

Sonny: Is Luke around?

Laura: He’s in the kitchen. I’ll go and get him. I know that he is anxious to talk to you.

Laura was always polite and cordial with Sonny, although he knew she didn’t trust him. He worked for Frank Smith, a man that had caused a great deal of pain and suffering for the Spencer clan. Sonny really didn’t blame her for hating Smith, he would probably have similar feelings for any man who hunted his family to the brink of emotional exhaustion. Not that Sonny really had a family, his thoughts drifted to Brenda and what it would be like to have a family with her. Luke interrupts his thoughts.

Luke: Hey Corinthos! It’s about time that you slid back into town.

Sonny: Your not telling me anything I don’t know. Any word on who shot me?

Luke: Still working on that. There is just no information on those FBI agents.

Sonny: Then what’s on your mind?

Luke: I’ve been thinking about what we were discussing about having a place where I could push people around and I’ve decided that I want to open a club and I want you as a partner.

Sonny is completely blown away by Luke’s suggestion.

Sonny: Are you sure that you don’t have me mixed up with some popular, well liked, trustworthy guy?

Luke: I thought that you said that you were popular with the people that count.

Sonny: I’m not sure what counts anymore. But, are you serious about wanting to open a club?

Luke: Dead serious and I want you as a partner.

Sonny: Why me?

Luke: You’ve got style Corinthos, I trust your business sense and you’ve got the bucks don’t you?

Sonny: *Smiling* Actually, my accountant was just telling me I needed to find some investments.

Luke: That’s my boy! You looked like a man that needed to drop some clean money. It is clean isn’t it?

Sonny: Of course! Have your lawyer draw up some papers and I’ll have my accountant look them over.

Luke: I was hoping that you would say that, I already had Justice draw them up.

He hands Sonny a stack of papers.

Sonny: Okay, I’ll have Mrs. Jacobs look this over and get back to you.

Luke: That’s all I ask.

Sonny: I’ll see you later. There is somebody I need to go see.

Chapter 30

Sonny leaves and heads straight for the Quartermaine’s. He rings the bell and hopes that Edward doesn’t answer. He is even less lucky, it is AJ.

AJ: I don’t believe this. Why don’t you just leave Brenda alone?

Brenda has just come down the stairs.

Brenda: It’s okay AJ. I’ve been expecting him. Sonny, we can talk in the study.

Sonny: Lead the way.

He follows her to the study. She closes the door.

Brenda: Have a seat.

Sonny: I don’t want to have a seat. I want to know why you left that message on my machine.

Brenda: I’m sorry. I tried to reach you in person.

Sonny: I was out of town. Why would you say that we should “cool it”?

Brenda: A friend of mine suggested that if we really love each other, than spending time apart will only strengthen our relationship. I decided to give it a try.

Sonny: Is this friend of yours by any chance insane?

Brenda: Sonny, don’t insult my friends.

Sonny: Sorry, but Brenda, I love you. I don’t have to spend time away from you to prove that.

Brenda: But Sonny, don’t you want me more right now than you did last week?

Sonny: Yes, but I haven’t seen you for over 5 days.

Brenda: See it’s working.

Sonny: Brenda, your the best thing in my life. When I’m away from you, I miss everything about you. I miss the way you smile and the way you kiss me and the way you feel in my arms. Don’t you feel the same way?

Brenda: Yes of course I feel the same way about you.

Sonny: Then why are we wasting time?

Brenda: It’s just something that I feel I have to do. My feelings for you are so strong Sonny; I need some way to figure out if they are real.

Sonny: You think that this little experiment will do the trick?

Brenda: Maybe.

Sonny: Okay, I trust you and our love enough to believe that we will end up together.

Brenda: Thank you! Then we have a deal to take things slowly again?

Sonny: We have a deal. Can we seal it with a kiss?

Brenda: A small one shouldn’t hurt.

He grabs her and kisses her with a breath stealing passion. Minutes later they pull apart.

Brenda: *She smiles* That wasn’t a little kiss.

Sonny: Sorry, I can’t seem to help myself with you. See ya around Brenda

He leaves through the Terrace doors. He pulls out his phone and calls his accountant and arranges to have dinner with her and talk about Luke’s club, then he goes back to the apartment. Brenda comes out of the study and finds AJ standing in the hall.

Brenda: Don’t you have a room either?

AJ: What are you talking about Brenda?

Brenda: You and Jason are always hanging around in the hall. I just wondered if you guys had rooms is all.

AJ: I can’t speak for Jason, he is kind of weird. But, I was just going to find you. This package was delivered for you. It’s from South Africa.

Brenda: You must be joking, why would I be getting a package from South Africa.

AJ: I’d have mom or dad take it down and have it x-rayed if I were you. After all, you are dating a crime lord.

Brenda: Shut up AJ! Give it to me.

She rips the paper off of the package and opens the box. She almost faints at what she sees.

Brenda: Oh my goodness!

Chapter 31

AJ: Brenda, what is it?

Brenda: Diamonds. One right after the other. Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?

AJ: It’s a bracelet, all right.

Brenda: It’s fake. It’s gotta be fake. Cubic zirconium...

AJ: They don’t make cubic zirconium in South Africa. I don’t think it’s fake.

Brenda: There must be a card. (She rummages through the package and finds it.)

AJ: Brenda, it’s hardly a mystery.

Brenda: It can’t be from Sonny, because I told him we were moving too far, too fast and we had to cool it. Plus he just left here, surely he would have said something.

AJ: I know I would have.

Brenda: *reading the card* Oh my goodness.

AJ: Let me tell you, your goodness has nothing to do with it.

Brenda: It is from Sonny.

AJ: Really? What’s the card say?

AJ: “Sensations, sweet, felt in blood. Felt in blood, felt along the heart. This will always remind you of what I can’t forget. Sonny.”

AJ: What?

Brenda: William Wordsworth, see?

She shows him the card.

AJ: Well, at least he doesn’t plagiarize. So what’s it mean?

Brenda: That’s Personal!

AJ: You’re not keeping it!

Brenda: It’s just a little bracelet. It’s the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen.

AJ: Brenda! you just finished saying that you were cooling it with the man.

Brenda: I know, but look at this.

AJ: I know, but use your head. A man like Sonny, with his reputation? You break up with him, and he turns around and sends you diamonds with some cryptic note? What does that say to you?

Brenda: You’re right, He thinks he’s some tough guy and he can just do whatever he feels like and just send me some diamonds and everything will be all right? He’s so romantic! Just help me with the clasp. Please, I just want to try it on once!

AJ: Fine, you keep the bracelet and what happens next time he wants something from you, He buys you a fur coat?

Brenda: I don’t wear fur, now fake fur is another story! *She laughs.*

AJ: Brenda if you keep that you are just telling him that you can be bought.

Brenda: I cannot be bought.

AJ: Then send it back to him!

Brenda: What, and break his heart?

AJ: Oh, he’ll get over it, trust me.

Brenda: See, you don’t know anything. You don’t just send back gifts like that. I’ll return it in person.

AJ: You do it in person and you open that door for him. He’s gonna think it’s because he laid out some major bucks. Now what does that say about you?

Brenda: Okay, I’ll send it back, just so he doesn’t think I’m a pushover. And I’m not doing this because you’re telling me to!

She picks up the phone and calls Sonny

Brenda: Sonny, it’s Brenda.

Sonny: Hello Brenda, but what have I told you about not having to identify yourself?

Brenda: It’s a habit that is hard to break, I guess.

Sonny: Kind of like us? Didn’t I just leave you?

Brenda: Yes, but right after you left I received the biggest surprise.

Sonny: Those are always the most fun.

Brenda: From South Africa.

Sonny: Oh, I had forgotten about that.

Brenda: Sonny, I love the bracelet, but I cannot keep it.

Sonny: I don’t understand. Brenda, I thought of you and I want you to have it.

Brenda: Sonny, I can’t because of everything that we discussed earlier. Just let me bring it to you and I can explain.

Sonny: No, I have to go out to dinner, that’s not gonna work out.

Brenda: Sonny, listen, this is the only way I’m gonna feel okay about it.

Sonny: Okay, meet me at the Grill in a half hour. I’ll buy you a drink before my dinner.

Brenda: I’ll see you then.

She hangs up the phone.

AJ: You had to call him. You couldn’t just send it back to him by return messenger - you couldn’t just mail it to him.

Brenda: What? Mail it to Sonny or send it back to South Africa? I am having a drink with the man, that is it. It is the least I can do. Why would it have come from South Africa any way?

AJ: They mine diamonds in South Africa, I guess they didn’t have what he was looking for here, so he went directly to the source.

Brenda: Wow! that is so romantic. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go get ready.

She runs upstairs.

AJ: Brenda, your going to regret this someday!

Brenda: I don’t think so!

AJ: Oh yes you will.

Chapter 32

Sonny is watching the entrance to the Grill restaurant. Brenda never showed up and he can’t figure out if that is a good or bad thing. Mrs. Jacobs is also late. Finally he sees Mrs. Jacobs. She runs up out of breath.

Mrs. Jaccobs Sorry I’m late. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting.

Sonny: A friend was supposed to meet me here for a drink but I guess she isn’t going to show. But, you’re never late. What happened did a family member die?

Mrs. Jaccobs Not that it is any of your business, but my son could not find his favorite blanket.

Sonny: You live in a world of domestic bliss.

Mrs. Jaccobs My family is important to me. And you’re very cynical Mr. Corinthos.

Sonny: I try my best.

Mrs. Jaccobs Shall we get on with business, so that I may return to my life of domestic bliss?

Sonny: What about dinner?

Mrs. Jaccobs One meal with you a month is more than enough for me.

Sonny: Here are the papers that Spencer had drawn up concerning the club.

She looks over the papers.

Mrs. Jaccobs Everything seems to be in order and it seems like a good deal. Exactly what you need.

Sonny is about to comment, but he gets a strange feeling and instead looks up at the door. He sees Brenda standing watching at him with a hurt look on her face. She sees that he has noticed her and turns and runs off. Sonny jumps up from the table and grabs his coat.

Sonny: *To Mrs. Jacobs* Excuse me. Do what ever you feel is right. We’ll talk later

He runs out after Brenda.

Brenda runs to the docks.

Brenda: How could I be so stupid!

She is crying and takes off the locket that Sonny gave her and is about to toss it in the water along with the bracelet. Then she hears a voice behind her.

Sonny: Brenda, honey your late.

She turns around to face Sonny with tears in her eyes.

Brenda: I’m sorry Sonny.

Sonny: It’s okay, I just thought that you weren’t coming.

Brenda: I don’t know what I expect. I call things off with you and then I’m surprised to see you out with another woman.

Sonny: Another woman?

Brenda: I shouldn’t have pushed. When you said you were having dinner, I should have taken a hint. I mean a man like you probably doesn’t eat alone very often.

Sonny: Brenda, do you have any idea what you mean to me?

Brenda: It’s okay Sonny.

Sonny: No it’s not okay. I don’t want you to think that just because you told me you needed time and space that I would go out on you with another woman.

Brenda: Sonny, if you want to have dinner with a beautiful blond, I understand.

Sonny: Brenda, you are the only woman that I want, period. Mrs. Jacobs is my accountant.

Brenda: Your accountant? And you had dinner with her the other night as well.

Sonny: Yes, she is the only woman that I’ve had dinner with in a long time. You and I just can’t seem to get around to eating when we are together.

Brenda: Well, we were kind of busy the other night.

Sonny: Yeah! Now will you please tell me what your hang up is with blondes. Why do you think that I would rather be with any blonde than you. Blondes don’t have more fun Brenda, I guarantee you that!

Brenda: My sister Julia is blonde. She is beautiful and smart and perfect. I am the “Other” one.

Sonny: That’s not true Brenda.

Brenda: Yes it is, you can ask anyone. Ask AJ.

Sonny: AJ? He would rather make love to a bottle of booze than a woman. His opinion means very little to me. Besides, I think that you are perfect, *He starts to kiss her hand.* perfectly smart and sexy and perfectly beautiful *He unclenches that hand that she has the locket and bracelet in.*

Sonny: What have we here?

Brenda: I did come to return these to you.

Sonny: The locket too? *He looks hurt.*

Chapter 33

Brenda: I felt it would be best. It is your grandmother’s.

Sonny: It used to belong to her, but now it’s yours Brenda.

Brenda: Sonny, I wouldn’t feel right keeping it if we’re not together.

Sonny: We are together, even when we are apart. After all I have your blood running through my veins, so a part of you is always with me. The night I gave you that locket, I gave you my heart. I couldn’t take it back if I wanted it, which I don’t. It belongs to you Brenda. Now turn around.

She turns around and he puts the locket back around her neck and then he kisses her neck.

Sonny: Now promise me I will never see it off your beautiful neck again.

Brenda: I promise. I feel like it was made for me.

Sonny: It was made for you. My grandmother was just keeping it safe until you came along sweetheart.

He turns her around to where she is facing him and starts to kiss her slowly and very passionately. In a few minutes they break apart.

Brenda: I’m sorry that I overreacted about you having dinner with your accountant.

Sonny: You didn’t know. I wish that you would have come to talk to me the first time you saw us together.

Brenda: I should have I guess. I think that my friend is wrong.

Sonny: About us spending time apart?

Brenda: Yes, I mean I bet she would not be willing to try that with the guy that she is involved with.

Sonny: Does that mean you’ll keep the bracelet?

Brenda: Yes, I will.

Sonny: Brenda, I sure would like to have that drink with you, say maybe at my place?

Brenda: Maybe another night Sonny we are going to have to take things slow. Will you walk me home?

Sonny: Whatever the lady wants. You are worth waiting for Brenda

They walk hand in hand along the docks.

Chapter 34

Sonny walks her to the door of the Quartermaine mansion.

Sonny: Will you have dinner with me tomorrow night? I promise you an adventure.

Brenda: Every day with you is an adventure. As long as it’s not your place, I would actually like to eat for once.

Sonny: I promise we will eat.

He moves closer to kiss her. Just before he succeeds the front door opens. It is Jason.

Jason Sonny, I need to talk to you.

Sonny: Fine, but we are going to have to work on your timing.

Brenda: Good night Sonny. *She kisses him on the cheek.* See you later Jason.

Jason leads Sonny into the study.

Sonny: What is on your mind?

Jason There is going to be an ELQ board meeting tomorrow evening, All the board members should be attending.

Sonny: Even your interlopers?

Jason From what I understand yes. Damian Smith will defiantly be there and I believe that Jasper Jacks is flying in especially for the meeting. I’m not sure about Hernando Rivera.

Sonny: It is not likely that a man like him would show up. He might send a representative or have whichever member of the family sold him the stock vote his shares.

Jason What should I do at the board meeting?

Sonny: Watch a lot and learn. Try and find out who the allies are and where the weaknesses are.

Jason You mean size up the opposition?

Sonny: You’re good at this. That is exactly what I mean. I’m picking Brenda up for dinner tomorrow night.

Jason Can you stay for the meeting?

Sonny: No, I wouldn’t help your cause and besides, I’m not going to miss a date with Brenda for some boring board meeting. But, I will look things over when I come to pick her up.

Jason Thank you Sonny, for all your help.

Sonny: This is your game Jason. I’m just an advisor and an on-looker. I can see myself out.

Jason I really appreciate it. Would you mind not leaving by the front door, I don’t t want to make anyone suspicious.

Sonny: No problem.

He leaves by the terrace door. He gets out to the front of the house and then doubles back and goes in the back door, the one that Brenda came out of on Valentines Day. He goes up to the second floor and starts counting doors. He hopes that he remembers correctly, because if he knocks on the wrong door and gets Edward by mistake it is not going to be a pretty sight. He takes a deep breath and waits for the door to open. It is a little girl, Emily. He used to be much better at that sort of thing.

Emily: Who are you?

Sonny: Sorry sweetie, I was looking for Brenda.

Emily: Her room is across the hall.

Sonny: Across the hall, right.

Emily: Are you supposed to be up here?

Sonny: Sure, I’m a friend of Brenda’s. Go on back to bed.

Emily: Okay.

He crosses the hall and knocks on Brenda’s door. She opens it without asking who it is. She has just gotten out of the shower and is wrapped in a towel.

Sonny: Is it usual for you to open your door only wearing a towel?

Brenda: Sonny! I thought you were probably Emily. Sometimes she has bad dreams and comes to my room to talk about them.

Sonny: Is that Emily? She is a cute kid. Is she a Quartermaine?

Brenda: No, her mother just died and was a friend of Monica’s. She is staying here for a while.

Sonny: She doesn’t look like someone who just lost a parent.

Brenda: She is very strong. I lost my mother when I was about her age, so I can relate to her pretty well. What are you doing here? How did you get past Edward?

Sonny: I didn’t. I took the back stairs. And to answer your other question, I came for my kiss.

Brenda: What kiss?

Sonny: My good night kiss, the one that Jason so rudely interrupted.

Brenda: I don’t think that Jason has a rude bone in his body. If Edward catches you here. His room is right next door.

Sonny: Let me worry about that.

Sonny moves closer to her and bends down to kiss her. They kiss for a while and then he pulls away.

Sonny: Well, that was nice, but I need to being going before things get out of hand. Because you standing there in a towel is not good for my self-control.

Brenda: Wait, let me go put something on and can you stay and talk for a while.

Sonny: I can do that. Maybe I’ll just go visit with Emily for a while until you get dressed.

Brenda: Don’t you dare, you probably scared her enough for one night.

Sonny: I’m scary?

Brenda: Only to people who don’t know you.

She goes back into the bathroom and he sits down on her bed. She comes back in a few minutes wearing a robe.

Sonny: Come here *He pats the bed*

She goes to the bed and he wraps his arms around her. They both lean back.

Brenda: So, what should we talk about?

Sonny: You said that you were about Emily’s age when your mother died?

Brenda: Yeah, my Dad and my sister Julia tried to help me deal with it, but it just seemed like I was an outsider. It is kind of what Emily is feeling, so by helping her to deal with her mother’s death, I’m finally dealing with my mother’s death.

Sonny: How did your mother die?

Brenda: I’m not really sure. I know she was sick and in the hospital and then one day she died.

Sonny: You don’t know what your mother was in the hospital for?

Brenda: My father and Julia never would say. I guess they thought I was too young.

Sonny: Were you too young?

Brenda: I was too young to loose my mother, but not to understand what was going on. Shortly after she died my father started to send me away to boarding school. I never really had a chance to feel sorrow at loosing her.

Sonny: I’m sorry Brenda, you shouldn’t have been cheated out of grieving for her.

Brenda: I know that now, and like I say, helping Emily deal with her mother’s death has helped me to face my own feelings about my mother’s death. It is hard for a child to lose a parent.

Sonny: Yes it is. I was a little older than you and Emily when my mother died, but it was still hard.

Brenda: How old were you?

Sonny: I was 18. She died after having surgery for appendicitis.

Brenda: At least you knew why she died, even if it was still hard to accept.

Sonny: Yeah, I guess those are the things that shape our lives and make us who we are though.

Brenda: I just hope I can help Emily to deal with her loss.

Sonny: I’m sure you will be able to help her. You are so amazing.

Brenda: Thank you. I’m glad that we talked.

Sonny: Me too. But, I really had better go before our luck runs out and Edward finds me here.

He kisses her lightly on the lips.

Sonny: I love you Brenda.

Brenda: I love you too.

They kiss again and this time it becomes more passionate.

Sonny: I really need to go. I’ll see you tomorrow night.

She watches him leave. When he is gone Emily sticks her head out of her room.

Emily: Was that Sonny Corinthos?

Brenda: Yes it was. How do you know about him.

Emily: I hear people around here talking. For some reason they all think I’m deaf or something.

Brenda: Don’t you hate it when they act like that. So what do you think of him?

Emily: He is really nice and super cute, but not as cute as Lucky Spencer!

Brenda: Of course he isn’t. Is there anything that you want to talk about?

Emily: Not really. How about you?

Brenda: No, I think I’m going to go to sleep.

Emily: And dream about Sonny?

Brenda: Of course! See you in the morning

Emily: Goodnight Brenda.

Chapter 35

Sonny arrived early to pick Brenda up. He hoped that she would not be ready and he would have a chance to check out the players at the ELQ meeting. Jason opened the door to him almost before he rang the door bell.

Jason I was wondering when you were going to get here. Jasper Jacks has already arrived. You are not going to believe this guy when you see him.

Sonny: Where is he at?

Jason He is in the study with Brenda and Emily.

Sonny: We had better go and rescue them, they are probably being bored to death by the stories of some old stuffed shirt.

Jason Not exactly.

They hear laughter coming from the study. Jason opens the door and Sonny sees Jasper Jacks in all of his plastic glory, and Brenda is obviously flirting with him. Emily looks bored.

Brenda: You really landed the plane in a field and made the ambassador walk?

Jax: He insulted me cooking.

They turn to see Jason and Sonny standing in the door. Sonny walks over to Brenda and grabs her and passionately kisses her. Jasper Jacks looks shocked, Jason looks a little embarrassed and Emily just sighs.

Jax: Brender, do you know this man.

Brenda: *In a dazed voice.* Uh-Hu.

Sonny: Brender?

Brenda: Yes Sonny?

Sonny: Don’t be cute!

Jason Perhaps some introductions are needed. Sonny have you met Emily?

Sonny: Yes, we met last night. How are you tonight sweetheart?

Emily: I’m fine, Mr. Corinthos.

Sonny: Call me Sonny, please.

Emily: Okay.

Jason: Jasper Jacks this is Sonny Corinthos

Neither man extends his hand, in fact Sonny actually glares at the other man.

Brenda: Jax was just telling us some stories about flights that he has had. He owns his own plane.

Jax: I fly it too.

Sonny: That’s nice, Jasper.

Jax: Me friends call me Jax

Sonny: I’ll remember that. Are you ready to go Brenda?

Brenda: I guess so.

Jason gives them a pleading look, as if to say “Don’t leave me with this guy.”

Emily: I have some homework to do. I’ll see everybody later.

Sonny: We had better go Brenda, we are going to be late.

Brenda: Okay, see you later Jason. Nice to meet you Jax.

Sonny: See you around Jasper.

Jax: I expect that you will. I will be staying in Port Charles for a while and Ned has graciously allowed me to stay here at the mansion.

Sonny: That is just great.

He and Brenda walk out into the hall. He tries to help Brenda get her coat on, but she pulls away.

Brenda: Would you like to tell me what that was all about?

Sonny: What?

Brenda: You were downright rude to Jax, and what was that kiss all about?

Sonny: You mean I can’t kiss you to say hello?

Brenda: That was not what you were doing. You were putting a mark on me, establishing me as yours in front of Jax.

Sonny: Do you think that is the impression he got?

Brenda: Sonny, I’m not your property! You have no right to get upset just because I’m talking to another man.

Sonny: You weren’t just talking, you were flirting shamelessly with him.

Brenda: I was just being nice. You’re jealous of Jax?

Sonny: Of candy boy? I don’t think so.

Brenda: Yes you are.

Sonny: You were jealous of my accountant and I was not even flirting with her.

Brenda: Yes you were.

Sonny: Brenda, she is a married woman, and she doesn’t even really like me.

Brenda: But, she is attracted to you.

Sonny: What are you talking about?

Brenda: Sonny, you flirt with every woman that you have contact with. You may not mean to, but you have this chemistry with every woman you have contact with. It is kind of cute to watch.

Sonny: You want to see chemistry? Come here, I’ll show you what happens when you mix two explosive elements. *He pulls her too him and they kiss with a breath stealing passion.*

Brenda: I think I like chemistry. I like it a lot!

Sonny: There is a lot more to learn.

Brenda: I’m sure there is, but it does not really fall into our “Taking things slow program.”

Sonny: I’m really starting to dislike the program. Tell me again, why are we taking things slow?

Brenda: Because of the explosive nature of our feelings for each other. The physical pull that we have to each other is so powerful that we need to make sure that there is some other foundation to our relationship. Don’t you want to make sure that there is more to our relationship than just good sex?

Sonny: Good sex?

Brenda: Okay, great sex, but I need to be sure that there is more to our relationship than sex.

Sonny: I already know that our relationship is more than just a physical attraction. We are not just connected through our hearts Brenda, we have a connection that goes straight to our souls.

Brenda: Do you realize that we just had our first real fight?

Sonny: Is that what we were doing?

Brenda: Uh-Hu and now we get to make up.

She grabs him and kisses him.

Sonny: I think that we should fight more often, so we can “make up.”

Brenda: I guess this makes us a real couple.

Sonny: Not really, real couples usually make it out on real dates, which reminds me, are we going to go eat or what?

Brenda: Lets go.

Sonny: Do you mind if we make a stop first?

Brenda: That depends on where you want to stop and if I have to wait in the car or not.

Sonny: Why would I make you wait in the car?

Brenda: I don’t know, maybe you are going to knock over a liquor store or something and you need me to drive the getaway car.

Sonny: Since you know better, I’m not going to take that statement personally. Actually, Luke Spencer wants to ask you some questions about the night that I was shot. Only if your up to it of course.

Brenda: Have the police come up with any information about those guys?

Sonny: No, but I’m not surprised. I don’t think they are trying too hard.

Brenda: I want to help in any way that I can.

Sonny: Okay, we’ll drop by the Spencer’s house and see what you can remember.

He helps her on with her coat. As they are leaving by the front door Damian Smith is coming in the door. Brenda looks at him and thinks that he seems familiar, yet she can’t place where she has seen him before.

Damian: Good evening.

Sonny: We were just leaving, the party is in the study.

Damian: Thank you.

They leave and he heads into the study.

Chapter 36

Sonny and Brenda are waiting for Luke to come and open the door. They are freezing and he is taking for ever.

Sonny: Come on Spencer. If you don’t answer the door soon you are going to have to thaw us out.

Brenda: Are you sure he is home?

Sonny: Yes, he is just ignoring us or something.

Finally the door is opened by Lucky.

Lucky:: Hey, Sonny! What are you doing standing out there on the porch? It must be 20 bellow zero!

Sonny: We’ve been waiting for you to answer your door. Is your Dad around?

Lucky:: Yeah, he is upstairs. *Calling upstairs.* Dad, Sonny is here to see you. He will be right down.

Sonny: Lucky, do you know Brenda Barrett?

Lucky:: Just from her magazine ads.

Brenda: You read magazines with my ads in them?

Lucky:: Well, really I just look at the pictures.

Brenda: I’ll bet. I’ve heard a lot about you from Emily.

Lucky:: How is she doing?

Brenda: She is pretty good most of the time.

Lucky:: I should go see her sometime.

Brenda: She would really like that. In fact, now would probably be a good time. The family is having a board meeting that I’m sure she would love to be rescued from.

Lucky:: Okay, will you tell my Dad where I’ve gone?

Brenda: Sure.

Sonny: If he ever gets down here. We didn’t interrupt anything did we?

Lucky:: No, my Mom’s not even here. See you guys later.

Brenda: That is a very worldly kid.

Sonny: Yeah, but he is a good kid. Considering the conditions that he grew up under.

Brenda: What do you mean?

Sonny: The Spencer’s moved around a lot while Lucky was growing up. You should probably have a long talk with Laura before you get in too deep with me.

Brenda: Honey, I think that it is already to late for that. I love this house.

Sonny: I like the porch. I spent enough time on it to learn to appreciate its charm.

Brenda: When I was a girl, I used to dream of living in a house like this one. You can feel the love in a place like this and the wood is spectacular.

Luke has just come down the stairs and hears her last statement.

Luke: Thank you, Laura refinished the wood herself.

Brenda: It is really beautiful.

Luke: Have you remembered something about the night that Sonny was shot.

Brenda: I want to help in any way that I can, but I’m not sure what I can tell you.

Luke: We’ll just go over what you remember and maybe together we can find some kind of clue.

The three of them sit on the couch.

Brenda: I don’t really know where to start.

Sonny: Start at the beginning. You left Kelly’s around 6:00, did you go straight to the tower?

Brenda: No, first I went to the docks and when you weren’t there I headed for the tower and the agents passed me on the way up, which must have been about 6:30.

Sonny: So, we know that they were still alive at that time.

Luke: What happened when you reached the end of the road?

Brenda: I saw some one collapse in the road and then I realized that it was Sonny.

Luke: You didn’t recognize him at first?

Brenda: Not at first, it was dark and snowing, and then my car skidded on the ice and hit an embankment.

Luke: I didn’t know about that. Were you knocked unconscious?

Brenda: No, I wasn’t hurt at all.

Luke: Not even dazed?

Brenda: No, I got out right away and when I realized that the person who had collapsed was Sonny I carried him to my car and called Cusack and the rest you pretty much know.

Luke: Do you know what time it was by then.

Brenda: I checked my watch when I called Cusack, it was 7:00. He and the doctor got there about 7:45.

Luke: Do you remember seeing anybody else in the area of the tower, either before or after you found Sonny?

Brenda: Not that I remember.

Luke: Is there anything that you have left out?

Brenda: I don’t think so, nothing about the shooting. I haven’t really helped much have I?

Sonny: You’ve done fine sweetheart.

Brenda: Does this house have a back porch?

Luke: Yes, off of the kitchen.

Brenda: Do you mind if I go take a look?

Luke: Be my guest.

She goes to look the back porch.

Luke: Thanks to Brenda, we now have a good time line of the evening.

Sonny: You don’t think that Cusack killed them do you?

Luke: Anything is possible. He had the motive and the opportunity. When Brenda called him he realized that his goons had flubbed the job and so he whacked them on the way up to save you.

Sonny: Then he found my cell phone and planted it at the murder site to frame me?

Luke: It makes sense, who else would be concerned about your new position in the organization?

Sonny: It’s possible. But, whoever did this was sloppy and that is one trait that doesn’t describe Cusack.

Luke: You think that there was somebody else on that mountain?

Sonny: Yeah, I do. I think that somebody was watching our friends Larry and Johnny and saw how badly they messed up and took care of them while Brenda was taking care of me.

Luke: So, what do we do.

Sonny: We keep looking until we find out who hired them.

Luke: Did you show the papers on the club to your accountant?

Sonny: I did, and she looked them over and agrees that it would be a good investment.

Luke: Okay, now all we have to do is find a location for our club.

Sonny: I thought that we could use the Paradise Lounge building.

Luke: That is not the best neighborhood Corinthos, no offense.

Sonny: None taken. It’s true, but I figure we could buy some of the surrounding warehouses and clean up and revitalize the whole neighborhood

Luke: You’re the money man. Whatever you can afford.

Sonny: I would also like to buy this house.

Luke: This money pit? Why?

Sonny: You heard Brenda, she always dreamed of owning a house like this.

Luke: So what? You can build her one just like it, but you can’t have my house.

Sonny: I would make you a really good deal.

Luke: It would never be good enough for Laura. She is really attached to it.

Laura has just walked in the door.

Laura: I’m really attached to what?

Luke: This house, why is beyond my comprehension. Sonny wants to buy the house.

Laura: No way. I love this house, there is such a sense of history and roots here.

Just then Brenda comes from in the kitchen.

Brenda: I just remembered, I did see someone else on the mountain that night, and I even know who it was.

Chapter 37

Brenda walks over and sits on the couch in the Spencer’s living room. Sonny sits beside her and puts his arm around her.

Luke: You’ve remembered more details about the night that Sonny was shot?

Brenda: Yes, I don’t know why I didn’t remember this sooner. It is very important.

Sonny: It’s okay sweetheart, just tell us what else you remember.

Brenda: Like I told you, I was on my way up the mountain and I saw a figure collapse on the road.

Luke: You saw Sonny and then your car skidded?

Brenda: Right, but before the car skidded I also saw someone else.

Sonny: Are you positive?

Brenda: Yes, because I wondered why the person that I saw didn’t help the person that had collapsed. When I saw Sonny and realized that he was hurt, I completely forgot about the other person that I had seen.

Sonny: Was the person that you saw some one that you knew?

Brenda: I had never seen them before in my life, until this evening.

Sonny: What are you saying?

Brenda: As we were leaving the house, that man that was coming in the door, he was the man that I saw that night.

Sonny: That makes perfect sense, why didn’t I think of him?

Luke:: Who?

Sonny: Damian Smith!

Luke:: Junior?

Sonny: The one and only.

Luke:: I think that we need to pay Junior a little visit and have a friendly chat with him. Where did you say he was?

Sonny: The Q mansion.

Luke:: Shall we head on over there?

Brenda looks at Sonny with disappointment written all over her face.

Brenda: Sonny you promised we would go out to dinner!

Sonny: You heard the lady, Spencer. Smith will wait; my date with Brenda will not.

Laura: Brenda and I could go to the Outback and wait for you guys to talk to Damian. Mary Mae Ward is singing there tonight.

Brenda: I love her singing! She sang at a party that the Quartermaine’s threw last Christmas. Everybody loved her, except for Edward. He was a nervous wreck the entire night!

Sonny: What, now you want to dump me Brenda. No way, We’ll stop by the Outback on our way to dinner. Luke, you and I will go visit Damian, Tomorrow!

Luke: First thing in the morning then?

Sonny: We’ll see, give me a call and I’ll let you know how I’m feeling. Good night everybody.

Brenda: Good night Luke and Laura.

Luke: Thank you for your help Brenda.

Brenda: Whatever it takes to help Sonny

He takes Brenda by the hand and they go outside. Joseph has been waiting outside and watching the house.

Brenda: *Indicating to Joseph* Doesn’t he get cold just standing around waiting for you?

Sonny: If he does, he doesn’t say anything.

Brenda: What are you going to do with him after this whole shooting business is over.

Sonny: At first I was a little uncomfortable with having someone watching me all the time, but I’ve gotten used to having him and Pete around, I think I’ll hire them for good.

Joseph: You ready to go boss?

Sonny: Plus, I have really gotten used to someone calling me boss! Yes we’re ready to go.

Sonny and Brenda get in the front seat of the Jaguar and Joseph sits in the back seat.

Sonny: Everybody ready?

Brenda/Joseph: Yes!

Sonny: Okay, than lets go!

Brenda: You could have gone with Luke, I would have waited at the Outback for you.

Sonny: Your not getting out of having dinner with me, I’ve been looking forward to spending time alone with you all day.

Brenda: Where are we going?

Sonny: First we will stop by the Outback and have a drink.

Brenda: And then?

Sonny: It’s a surprise, but I think you’ll like where I’m taking you.

Brenda: Is it the tower?

Sonny: No, unless that is where you want to go?

Brenda: Not if you have some place else in mind. I trust you.

Chapter 38

The outback parking lot was packed with cars when the Jag pulled up.

Brenda: This place is packed. We probably won’t be able to get in.

Sonny: I thought you had an in with the hostess.

Brenda: If Robin is working tonight, then maybe she can find us a table. But otherwise we probably won’t even get in the door. Mac found out that I took Robin to your apartment the other morning. Needless to say, he was not very happy about the situation.

Sonny: Stone didn’t mention that to me. Is Robin okay?

Brenda: Yes, she is used to Mac blowing up about Stone. He did suggest that she not spend so munch time with me. He said that I was a bad influence.

Sonny: As if you made Robin’s decisions for her?

Brenda: I guess. So, now I’m pretty much on Mac’s hit list, so I don’t expect any miracles tonight.

Sonny: Let’s go give it a try. Joseph wait here in the car.

Joseph: You got it boss.

They walk into the Outback, which is indeed packed. Robin is nowhere in sight, but Mac sees them standing by the door and walks over to them.

Mac: May I help you?

Sonny: Yes, we would like a table.

Mac: In case you hadn’t noticed, we are very busy and there are no tables available.

Brenda: Just sit us at the bar.

Mac: Brenda, I can’t sit you at the bar, you’re under-age, and while that might not matter to some people. It matters to me.

Mac walks off.

Brenda: Wait a minute! Sonny, are you just going to let him treat us that way?

Sonny: It’s his club and he has the right to refuse service to anyone. But, you had better believe when Luke and I open our club, Mac is going to get similar treatment from me.

Brenda: You and Luke are opening a club? When did you decide this?

Sonny: Right after I got back from Canada. We are going to use the space that used to be the Paradise Lounge.

Brenda: What kind of club?

Sonny: Strictly class A. A blues club with live entertainment. In fact, as soon as it’s open we’ll have Mary Mae Ward give a private concert for just the two of us.

Brenda: That sounds good honey, but you don’t even know Mary Mae. How do you know that she will perform privately for us?

Sonny: I may not know her, but Luke and Laura do. Maybe I should have Luke approach her about working for our club exclusively. I’d like to see the expression of Mac’s face if we managed to scoop her from under his nose.

Brenda: You are amazing, I was upset about the way that Mac treated us and you have somehow managed to make me feel better.

Sonny: I try my best sweetheart. You can’t let the way people feel about me get you down.

Brenda: You deserve to be treated well by everyone and besides I think that at least ½ of Mac’s anger was aimed at me.

Sonny: Look, there are Jason, Ned and that Jax guy. I’ll bet that Mac could find you a seat at their table.

Brenda: Yeah, then you could sit on my lap!

Sonny: There’s an idea!

Jason has noticed them and walks over.

Sonny: Do you mind giving me a minute with Jason?

Brenda: Not at all, I go over and say hello to Ned and Jax.

Brenda goes over the table and Jason walks up to Sonny.

Sonny: That had to be the fastest Board meeting in history.

Jason We never really got to the meeting part. It turned into a typical night at the Quartermaine’s. The whole family started fighting.

Sonny: Did you even find out why the meeting was called?

Jason Yes, Grandfather wants to collect the family shares and redistribute them.

Sonny: Did he say why?

Jason No, and it did not seem to really affect the shares held by Damian Smith or Jasper Jacks.

Sonny: I get the feeling that if you let Edward redistribute your shares you are all going to be shortchanged.

Jason I had already considered the possibility. It is hard to think of your own Grandfather as a cheat.

Sonny: I don’t think that he would do it for personal gain. One of the non-family shareholders must be putting pressure on him for a bigger slice of the ELQ pie.

Jason Well, the rest of the family does not seem to be concerned.

Sonny: As you said, It is hard to believe that a family member is cheating you.

Brenda has walked over to Jax and Ned’s table.

Ned: Hello Brenda.

Jax: Will you join us?

Brenda: I just came to say hello, but I can’t stay. Sonny and I are on our way to dinner. Ned don’t even start about Sonny. I am a big girl and I can decide for myself who I want to date.

Ned: I just wish that you would consider some one with a more respectable job.

Jax: I don’t remember Mr. Corinthos indicating what exactly it is he does for a living.

Sonny: That’s because I didn’t indicate what I did for a living. I’m in the import/export business.

Ned: Is that what they are calling racketeering these days?

Brenda: Sonny is going to open a club with Luke Spencer.

Ned: I thought he already had one, no wait, the police shut it down because he was exploiting underage girls.

Brenda: You know what Ned, we do not have to stand here and listen to you talk about old news.

Sonny: That is right, we don’t and we aren’t. Lets go Brenda.

They leave.

Jax: I take it that you don’t like Mr. Corinthos?

Ned: Brenda is like a sister to me and I don’t like to see scum hanging all over her. Sonny Corinthos is only going to hurt her in the end. He is not good enough for her. No I don’t like him.

Jax: Well, I like Brenda, I want to get to know her better, and you are going to help.

Ned: You’re not good enough for her either, why should I help you?

Jax: Because I know your secret and unless you want the entire corporate world to know who Eddie Maine is, you will help me with Brenda.

Ned: I’ve given you ½ of my ELQ stock. Why should I have to sacrifice Brenda on your altar as well?

Jax: You sold me ½ of the stock that you had left after selling Damian Smith ½ of your stock.

Ned: What can I say, you joined the party late.

Jax: You’re mine Ashton. You will do what ever I ask and whenever I ask it.

Sonny is at the door helping Brenda put on her coat and watching the discussion between Ned and Jax with interest.

Sonny: How long have Ned and Jax known each other?

Brenda: I don’t think they have known each other for very long. Tonight was the first time that I had ever met or heard of Jax. Why?

Sonny: They just act like seasoned enemies. Do you how Jax got on the ELQ board?

Brenda: I think he bought the stocks as part of a portfolio.

Sonny: Are you ready for your surprise?

Brenda: I’m always ready for a surprise and loving you, I know that there could be one around every corner.

Sonny: Lets go then

Chapter 39

After being thrown out of the Outback Sonny has taken Brenda to the No Name Club. They have just finished dinner.

Sonny: Did you enjoy your meal.

Brenda: It was delicious, You can tell the chef he can cook for me any time.

Sonny: He will be glad to hear it.

Brenda: I know people who would kill for this chef.

Sonny: Don’t joke about things like that in here.

Brenda: What, are you going to tell me that the chef is dangerous?

Sonny: Does that turn you on?

Brenda: All I need is you to turn me on, but you want to know who’s creepy? That fat bald guy over there.

Sonny: That’s Red, actually he’s a very nice man.

Brenda: Oh, so these are your friends?

Sonny: That isn’t what I said.

Brenda: But you know them, right? You do business with them? Come on, Sonny you can tell me. Isn’t that why you brought me here - so you can impress me and seduce me with your glamorous, gangster lifestyle?

Sonny: No, I brought you here to buy you an excellent dinner. And as for seducing you, have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?

Brenda: Not yet, but I figured you would get around to it sooner or later.

Sonny: It should have been the first words out of my mouth. Do you know how much I want you right now?

Brenda: If it is half as much as I want you, then I think I can imagine.

Sonny: Then what are we waiting for?

Brenda: Well for one thing, this is a public restaurant.

Sonny: I can solve that problem. Just let me get the check and we can go to my place. Stone is going to be gone for a couple of days so we will have the place to ourselves.

Brenda: Sonny, we hardly know each other.

Sonny: I’d say we got to know each other pretty well the other night.

Brenda: True, but I’m not just talking knowing each other intimately.

Sonny: I know that I love you and you say that you love me.

Brenda: I do love you.

Sonny: Do you believe me when I say that I love you.

Brenda: Yes, of course I do.

Sonny: Good because I do not throw those words around lightly Brenda. I have never loved a woman before. You touch my heart in so many ways, why do we have to try and understand our love? Why can’t we just let it be?

Brenda: I don’t want to get hurt Sonny and I don’t want to ever hurt you in any way.

Sonny: We won’t hurt each other, I promise you.

Brenda: I want us to be about more than just sex.

Sonny: I want that too. If I just wanted sex I could go anywhere and get it. I think that we have something more than that going on here.

Brenda: So do I, and I want to nourish it. It was so nice the other night at the Quartermaine’s for you to just hold me and for us to talk.

Sonny: I have to admit it did feel good to hold you in my arms and share things with you. Okay, we can talk. What do you want to talk about?

Brenda: Tell me about this club that you and Luke are planing and opening.

Sonny: It is really Luke’s baby. He came up with the idea of us having our own place where we could treat people as badly as we are always being treated. All I’m doing is providing the location and the capital.

Brenda: If I had known that you had money to invest I would have approached you to invest in L&B.

Sonny: Your new record company? Do you need investors?

Brenda: Badly, we have some money to get started, but my friend Lois has gone to every bank in the State of New York and she can’t get any bank to give us a loan. She thinks that it is because we are women.

Sonny: She is probably partly right.

Brenda: Thanks for the vote of confidence.

Sonny: I didn’t say I agreed with it, in fact I could probably swing investing in both L&B and Luke’s club.

Brenda: Are you serious? You would take a chance on us.

Sonny: Why not? It might be kind of fun and you have already told me that your friend Lois is a business genius and I know what you can achieve when you set your mind to it.

Brenda: You won’t regret this, I promise.

Sonny: I don’t think I will. Of course, I have to run it by my accountant and I would have to check out your talent.

Brenda: Oh, our talent.

Sonny: You do have some bands already lined up, don’t you?

Brenda: Well just Lois’ boyfriend, Eddie Maine so far.

Sonny: I’ve never heard of him.

Brenda: Well, you probably know him better as Ned Ashton.

Sonny laughs hysterically

Sonny: Are you kidding me?

Brenda: He is actually pretty good. He is singing in Rochester next weekend. Maybe if your not busy we could go up there together. You can listen to Eddie and meet Lois. You won’t be disappointed.

Sonny: Sounds like a good idea to me.

Brenda: Sonny, you can’t tell anybody about Ned. He has real talent, but he doesn’t want his family to know, not even Jason.

Sonny: Why would I tell Jason?

Brenda: You two seem to be spending a lot of time together.

Sonny: I am just helping him out with some ELQ business. He is a smart kid, a lot sharper than his family realizes. He is worried about the family business.

Brenda: Do you two think that Ned and Jax are up to something?

Sonny: After seeing them together tonight, I’m almost sure that they are up to something. Jax and Ned are two of a kind.

Brenda: I know why you don’t like Jax, but what do you have against Ned?

Sonny: I don’t like people who will do anything to get ahead in business for the sake of getting ahead, including stabbing their family and friends in the back at every turn. People like that have no honor.

Brenda: Is your dislike of Ned going to be a problem when you invest in L&B?

Sonny: I’ll make sure that it isn’t a problem. So what do you think of this place?

Chapter 40

Brenda: Like most parts of your life, I don’t know what to make of this place. What’s it called? There was no name on the door.

Sonny: There’s no name.

Brenda: This place looks like something out of “Casablanca.”

Sonny: “Casablanca.”, what’s that?

Brenda: You’ve never heard of the movie “Casablanca.”?

Sonny: I don’t think so, why don’t you tell me a little about it.

Brenda: It is probably one of the all time most romantic movies of all time.

Sonny: Sounds interesting, tell me more.

Brenda: It is set during WWII. The main character is the mysterious and moody Rick, owner of Casablanca’s hot spot “Rick’s Café Americana.” People from all over German occupied Europe used Casablanca as a escape route to America.

Sonny: Where does the romance come in to this story.

Brenda: The romance comes in when Rick’s true love Elsa comes to Casablanca with her husband, who has escaped from a German concentration camp. She asks Rick to help her and her husband to escape from German occupied Europe.

Sonny: Does he help her?

Brenda: Not at first, she broke his heart when she left him standing in the rain at a train station in Paris, but he still loves her and he wants her to stay in Casablanca with him.

Sonny: Smart man.

Brenda: But in the end he helps Elsa and her husband to leave Casablanca for America.

Sonny: My opinion of this guy just dropped. He let her go and you find that romantic?

Brenda: Yes, it is very romantic, because he makes the ultimate sacrifice so that she can have a better life.

Sonny: I still don’t see that as romantic.

Brenda: Never mind, I guess you would have to see it to understand it. This place just reminds me of Rick’s café in “Casablanca.”

Sonny: Okay sweetheart, whatever you say. Lets dance.

Brenda: Sonny, there is no music.

Sonny: I can fix that.

He goes over to the band. * The” Nearness of You” starts playing and Sonny smiles*

Sonny: They are playing our song *He takes Brenda in his arms*

Brenda: Is this our song?

Sonny: Yeah, one of them. It may not be Mary Mae Ward, but it will do. *Sonny puts his head up to Brenda’s head and they both smile. He removes it, and then he puts his hands on the sides of her face and they kiss The song ends and he leads her back to the table.

Brenda: I think that you had better take me back to the Quartermaine’s.

Sonny: I think that I had better, before we get carried away.

They pick up their coats and leave. He drives up the drive way at the Quartermaine’s and walks Brenda up to the door. Sonny looks around and seems nervous about being out in the open. Joseph is with in ear shot, but he can’t see them from the car.

Brenda: Are you worried about Damian Smith?

Sonny: Not really, Luke and I will take care of him in the morning. I’m more worried about being ambushed by an unfriendly Quartermaine. *He moves into kiss her.*

Brenda: What about a friendly Quartermaine? Isn’t this where Jason usually opens the door and interrupts?

Sonny: Not any more, Jason and I have come to an understanding about his timing.

He leans in and kisses her passionately.

Sonny: Are you sure that you don’t want to go back to my place?

Brenda: I do, but I can’t. For one thing, I have class tomorrow.

Sonny: I could drive you to class in the morning.

Brenda: Tempting.

Sonny: Say the word.

Brenda: I can’t.

Sonny: Okay, do you have time to have lunch with me tomorrow?

Brenda: I have about an hour between classes.

Sonny: Not enough time for what I have in mind.

Brenda: Sonny!

Sonny: A picnic Brenda! That is all I had in mind. We can do it another time though when you have more time.

Brenda: Okay, I’ll hold you to that. I really had a nice time tonight.

Sonny: I’m glad, good night Brenda. Tell Robin and Emily I said hello when you give them the details of tonight.

Brenda: *She laughs.* I will

Sonny watch’s her until she closes the front door and then he goes back to the car. Joseph is driving now.

Joseph: Where to boss?

Sonny: Lets stop by the video store on our way home. Have you ever seen “Casablanca”?

Joseph: No.

Sonny: Good, we can watch it together.

They leave. Brenda meets Ned in the hall of the Q mansion.

Ned: Hello Brenda.

Brenda: Hi Ned.

Ned: Jax and I were wondering if you would like to have lunch with us tomorrow?

Brenda thinks about what Sonny said about Jax and Ned being up to something. Maybe she can help Sonny find out what they are up to by having lunch with them.

Brenda: I only have about an hour between classes tomorrow.

Ned: That is fine. We would just like your beautiful company, even if it is only for an hour.

Brenda: Okay, I’ll try and make it, if nothing comes up during my classes.

Ned: That is all that I ask. The Grill at 12:00.

Brenda: Sounds good.

Ned: Good night.

Brenda: Good night, Ned.

He goes up to bed. Brenda is about to do the same thing, and then changes her mind. She find Reginald in the study.

Brenda: Reginald, do we have a copy of “Casablanca”?

Renaldo In restored 70 mm.

Brenda: Can you put it on for me in the theater?

Renaldo I can have it running in 5 minutes.

Brenda: Thanks a bunch.

Chapter 41 Sonny’s Casablanca Fantasy

Cast of Characters

Sonny Corinthos: Mysterious owner of the Brooklyn Café, one of two clubs in Casablanca. Sonny has a general air about him that is cool and yet detached. He is handsome and distant and his eyes hide obvious pain. His motto is “I Put my neck on the line for no one.” He allows a black market selling transit papers to be operated out of his club, but he does not profit from the selling of the visas.

Stone Cates: Sonny’s assistant, the closest thing to a friend and brother that Sonny has. Stone came with Sonny from Paris and is one of the few people that knows what lurks in the depth’s of Sonny’s murky soul. He also knows why Sonny had to leave Paris when the German army took over.

Robin Cates: Stones newlywed young, beautiful wife. She will do just about anything to get transit papers for herself and her husband out of Casablanca. She is the hostess at the club and she also tries to sell gum, cigarettes and SenSen.

Alex Garcia: The law and disorder in Casablanca. He has an understanding with Sonny. Sonny’s café is allowed to remain open, despite the shady black market dealings and a back room casino. In exchange, Alex wins in the casino. Alex is responsible for issuing exit visas, if the price is right. He has also been known to issue visas to desperate young women, again, if they are willing to pay his price. He has his eye on Robin

Luke Spencer: The head of the black market that deals with transit papers. What he can’t steal he can create out of almost thin air. He works out of the “Brooklyn Café.”

AJ Quartermaine: The owner of the other club in Casablanca, the Cobalt Bottle. He is Sonny’s main competition in Casablanca and one of the few people that Sonny hates that is not a German or a double agent.

Jasper Jax: An Australian pilot and double agent. He has escaped from several German concentration camps. Plans to leave Casablanca and return to the free world with information he has collected on the Germans. Information that he believes is vital to a speedy end to the war. His ego is much larger than his heart.

Brenda Barrett: Is described by many as being the most beautiful woman in occupied Europe. She is traveling with Jasper Jax, who she introduces as her husband. She has had Sonny Corinthos’ heart ever since the two met in Paris, despite the fact that she left him standing in the rain in that city 2 years ago.

Brenda has Fallen asleep in one of the over stuffed chairs at the theater at the Q mansion. She was only half way through watching “Casablanca”, but she has seen it many times before and she starts to dream. Sonny has finished watching the movie and lies down on the couch and starts to fantasize.

The dream/fantasy opens up in black and white with a shot of a small private passenger plane coming in for a landing. The plane flies over a building with a sign on the roof, which reads, “Sonny’s Brooklyn Café.”

Voice Over
During WWII many people in German occupied Europe wanted to escape to America where they could be free and hopefully have a better life. Refugee trails sprang up across Europe and many of them lead to Casablanca. Casablanca became a place of embankment where the fortunate few could buy, beg or steal the transit papers needed to leave occupied Europe.

Sonny Corinthos, the owner of the, “Brooklyn Café,” follows the plane with his dark mysterious eyes until it drops out of sight for a landing. He is always dressed in a white linen suit, that contrasts with his dark wavy hair that is always slicked back. Beside him stood his assistant, Stone, who was the closest thing to a friend that Sonny had. Stone’s wife Robin was also watching the plane.

Robin: Someday Stone and I will be on one of those planes out of Casablanca.

Sonny: Maybe.

Robin: Sonny, why don’t you ever talk about leaving Casablanca and going to America.

Sonny: I came from America, it isn’t that great.

Robin: Nonsense, everybody knows you can have a better life in America.

Sonny: I lost my chance at a “better life,” some time ago.

Robin: You would be just as happy to die alone in Casablanca?

Sonny: Everybody has to die somewhere and we all die alone anyway, so Casablanca is as good a place as any.

Robin: How did you get to be so cynical?

Sonny: Years of practice. Now get back to work, that stuff will not sell its self.

Robin goes off in a huff to try and sell cigarettes, gum and SenSen. As she leaves, Luke Spencer approaches Sonny. He is out of breath and has a wild look on his face. They exchange a few words and then Luke leaves.

Robin: *To Stone* I don’t know why Sonny lets that thief Spencer in his establishment. His Black Market dealings make me sick.

Stone: Only because we can’t afford to buy transit papers from him. Sonny lets him stay because he is not German. The only people that Sonny hates are those that are German or that help the German side.

Sonny approaches Robin.

Sonny: Have you sold anything?

Robin: Not tonight, everybody seems to be buying their cigarettes from the Cobalt Bottle. They sell them for less.

Sonny: That’s because, AJ, the owner of the Cobalt Bottle always shortchanges me on the shipments. It doesn’t matter we more than make up for it with the crowd that we draw with Mary Mae Ward.

Robin: She is the best.

Sonny: Let me have your cart, I need to take it to the back and rotate the stock.

Robin hands him the cart that she uses to push the stuff around the club. Sonny goes to the back and then comes back in a few minutes. Everything looks the same to Robin, but if Sonny says that he rotates the stock, then she believes him, and she gets back to work. In the back ground Mary Mae sings, “Some one to watch over me.” The local police detective Alex Garcia walks in and comes up to Sonny.

Sonny: What can I do for you detective?

Garcia: First of all, two high ranking German officials have disappeared.

Sonny: I haven’t seen any high ranking German officials today.

Garcia: They are believed to be dead.

Sonny: My condolences to the Gestapo.

Garcia: They were carrying important transit papers and your friend Luke Spencer has disappeared as well.

Sonny: I don’t know where Luke Spencer is hiding. The back room is not open yet. Is there another reason that brings you here?

Garcia: Yes, a small private plane has just landed in Casablanca and it is believed to be piloted by a man named Jasper Jacks.

Sonny: Is that name supposed to mean something to me?

Garcia: He is an Australian pilot in the Royal Air Force. He escaped from a Nazi concentration camp. He is being hunted for war crimes and for being a double agent.

Sonny: When are you going to come to the part that concerns me?

Garcia: You may be tempted to help him leave Casablanca, I advise you not to help him.

Sonny: Why would I help him? Remember, I stick my neck out for no one. Besides, I hate double agents.

Garcia: You may not help him, but there is no telling what you would do for the woman that is his traveling companion.

Sonny: What woman?

Garcia: I don’t know her name, but she is rumored to be the most beautiful woman in all of occupied Europe.

Sonny: Let me repeat myself so that we are both clear on one point, I stick my neck out for No One, not even a beautiful woman.

Garcia: Good, I’m glad we see eye to eye on this matter. Now, you understand that I must take you in for questioning in connection with the deaths of the two German officials.

Sonny: Of course.

Garcia: After all, I must keep up appearances.

Sonny: Let’s go.

On the way out they pass Stone and Robin.

Sonny: Garcia and I will be back in less than an hour. You two are in charge, treat the place as if it were your own.

Stone: Sure Sonny, but we are not nearly as good as you are at throwing out drunken Germans.

Sonny and Garcia had been gone for about ½ hour when Jasper Jax strutted into the ,”Brooklyn Café” like a proud peacock. On his arm was his traveling companion, Brenda. She wore a crisp white suit and short gloves to match. Her dark hair was pulled back and up and her pale face was off set by the perfect shade of red on her lips. Stone had forgotten how beautiful she was, but what he couldn’t forget was what she had done to Sonny in Paris. The moment that she walked in the door, Stone knew things were going to get messy.

Robin: Who is that couple that just walked in the door?

Stone: Judging from the way that he holds himself, I would guess that man is Jasper Jacks.

Robin: The famous Jasper Jacks who is wanted for war crimes against the Nazi’s?

Stone: The one and only.

Robin: Lets go greet them.

Stone: I don’t think that is such a good idea.

Robin: Nonsense, Sonny told us to take care of the place.

Stone: I don’t think that is what he had in mind.

Robin is already headed for the door, dragging a very reluctant Stone with her. Brenda notices Stone, but if she is surprised to see him, she hides it well.

Brenda: Hello Stone, it has been a while.

Stone: Yes it has Brenda.

Brenda: Is Sonny here?

Stone: No.

Brenda: But he is here in Casablanca and this is his club?

Stone: Yes Brenda, but please leave him alone. You are the last person he needs to see.

Jax and Robin look confused and at the same time they both ask,

J/Robin: Do you two know each other?

Brenda: Stone and I met in Paris

Robin: Paris! You have been to Paris?

Stone: Yes.

Robin: I want to go to Paris!

Stone: No you don’t, Paris is occupied.

Robin: Occupied?

Stone: Yes, by German troops. That’s why we left.

Robin: I guess I can wait to go to Paris.

Jax: I’m sorry to interrupt, but can one of you tell me where I can find someone to help repair my plane

Robin: Go talk to Joseph, the bartender, he knows everybody in town.

Jax: Thank you, will you be kind enough to show my wife to a table.

Robin: Of course, Mrs. Jacks, follow me.

She leads Brenda to a table in a small alcove at the back of the club.

Robin: Is there anything that I can get for you Mrs. Jacks?

Brenda: We were supposed to meet a man here by the name of Luke Spencer. Have you seen him?

Robin: He was in here earlier, but I don’t think that he will be back.

Brenda: Why is that?

Robin: He is wanted by the police in connection with the death of two German officials.

Brenda: Were these officials important?

Robin: To the local police, all German officials are important, however, these men were probably not as important as the papers that they were carrying.

Brenda: *Trying to sound calm.* What papers?

Robin: Transit papers allowing unrestricted travel with in and out of occupied Europe.

Brenda’s pale face turned even paler.

Brenda: Where are these papers now?

Robin: They have disappeared along with Spencer. I hope that you do not mind me saying this, but your husband is something of a celebrity. The tales of his escapes from German war camps are well known.

Brenda: Yes he has done some amazing things.

Jax has returned from the bar and over hears the comments about him.

Jason Yes I am amazing and Brender here is me inspiration.

Robin: Well, you are both most welcome in Casablanca. Let me know if there is anything that you need.

Brenda: Thank you.

Robin walks off and Jax sits down.

Jax: The bartender gave me the name of a man that can repair the plane. Now all we have to do is wait for Luke Spencer to show up.

Brenda: He isn’t going to show up. He is wanted by the police for killing two German officials and stealing their high level transit papers.

Jax: How could he do this to us! We were so close to escaping, now all of our plans are ruined.

Brenda: Maybe not. What if Spencer gave the documents to somebody else.

Jax: That makes sense. All we have to do is let people know that we want them and then wait for someone to approach us. I hope you do not mind me letting everyone believe that you are my wife.

Brenda: Not at all, we agreed that I was safer if everyone believed that we are married.

Jax: We may not be married, but in my heart you are my wife. You are my inspiration Brender!

Brenda makes a sound like she is clearing her throat.

Jax: Brender, did you just gag?

Brenda: Of course not honey, why would I gag. Oh look, there is Mary Mae Ward.

Jax: I’ve never heard of her.

Brenda: She was my favorite singer in Paris. I’m going to go and request a song.

Brenda goes over and requests that Mary Mae sing “The Nearness of You.” At first she doesn’t want to, but with much begging and pleading from Brenda, and since Sonny isn’t there at the moment, she finally agrees to sing. Brenda goes back to the table. Just then Sonny walks in and goes over to Stone.

Stone: *Who is nervous.* That was quick.

Sonny: It was the usual story, Garcia accusing me of a crime he can’t prove I committed. Then we discussed how much he is going to win in the back room this week, and he said that he wanted Robin. I told him to “take a hike,” on the last bit and then he let me go.

Stone: Maybe you should go back and make sure that he really understands about Robin.

Sonny: He does, why are you so nervous?

Stone: No reason, why do you let Garcia treat you so badly?

Sonny: He knows the truth about why I had to leave Paris.

Stone: How did he find out?

Sonny: It doesn’t matter, but it is in my best interest to keep him happy and it takes so little to make him happy. Did I miss anything while I was gone?

Stone: Not really, things are slow today. Why don’t you go over to the Cobalt Bottle and bother AJ.?

Sonny: I was just over there this morning. What is wrong Stone?

Just then Mary Mae starts to sing.

It’s not the pale moon that excites me
that thrills and delights me
oh no...it’s just the nearness of you

Sonny: I thought I told her never to sing that song again!

Stone: Sonny, please leave. Just go home for today. Just get out of here now!

Sonny: Stone, what are you babbling about?

It’s not your sweet conversation
that brings this sensation
oh no...it’s just the nearness of you

Suddenly Sonny realizes what Stone is talking about. He actually feels Brenda even before he sees her.

When you’re in my arms
and I feel you so close to me
all my wildest dreams come true

She is the only woman that can affect him just by being in the same room with him.

I need no soft lights to enchant me
if you only grant me

He scans the room and their eyes meet for a split second.

the right to hold you ever so tight
and to feel in the night
the nearness of you

The song ends and Sonny walks towards Jax and Brenda’s table. Stone turns away, he can not bare to watch.
Casablanca Fantasy Part 3 
     Robin is at Jax and Brenda’s table when Sonny walks up. 

     Robin: Here is the owner of the club right now. Sonny, Mr. Jacks was complimenting you on how efficiently you run
     the club. 
     Jax: I was just telling your hostess that I have been to many clubs in occupied Europe, but the Brooklyn Café
     makes you forget that you are in the middle of a war. 
     Sonny: I try my best. Hello Brenda. 
     Brenda: Hello, it has been a while. 
     Robin: You two know each other as well? 
     Sonny: We met in Paris and that was the last time we saw each other. 
     Brenda: That was two years ago . I’m surprised that you remember. 
     Sonny: It is a day that I will never forget. We last saw each other on the day that that German troops marched into
     that city. 
     Robin: Has everyone been to Paris except me? 
     Jax: I’ve never been to Paris. 
     Sonny: That is your loss. It is a magical city. 
     Jax: I see that you live up to your reputation for candor, Mr. Corinthos. 
     Sonny: You also have a reputation that proceeds you Mr. Jacks. 
     Jax: What reputation would that be? 
     Sonny: You are reputed to be one of the best pilots in the Royal Air Force. I also know that you are in the possession
     of information that the Germans would prefer did not leave occupied Europe. Information that could turn the tide
     of the war in favor of the Allied Nations. 
     Jax: I think that you over estimate the power of the information that I have. 
     Sonny: Why do I doubt that you really feel that way. Never the less, the Reich would do just about anything to keep
     you from leaving Casablanca. If for no other reason, than the fact that you are a fugitive prisoner of war. 
     Jax: I do not deny that I am an escaped prisoner of war. It is the prime directive of an Allied POW’s to confuse,
     confound and harass the enemy to the best of his ability. 
     Sonny: You are also a well known double agent The only thing that I despise more than an enemy of freedom, is
     anyone that can not decide if he is an enemy of freedom or not. 
     Jax: Again, your candor is refreshing. However, war makes men do desperate things. Will you have a drink with
     my wife and myself? 
     Robin: Sonny never drinks with the customers. 
     Sonny: I will make an exception in this case and join you. 

     He takes a seat opposite from Brenda and gives her a smoldering look. Robin goes to get their drinks. Alex
     Garcia enters the club and approaches the table. 

     Garcia: Aha! Jasper Jacks I presume. 
     Jax: Have we met? 
     Garcia: I am the head of the local law enforcement. As a representative of the Third Reich I must advice you not to
     leave Casablanca. 

     Jax and Garcia continue to argue however, their voices are drowned out by voice-overs of Sonny and Brenda’s
     thoughts. 

     Sonny: She is more beautiful now than she was two years ago. I would give anything to take her in my arms and kiss
     her for hours. 
     Brenda: He is so gorgeous, if only I could feel his arms around me one more time. 
     Sonny: I still love her, but she did break my heart. 
     Brenda: He is the only man that I could ever love, but Jax needs me. 
     Sonny: Does she suspect that Spencer gave me the transit papers? 
     Brenda: Look at that smug look on his face, I’ll bet that with Spencer out of the picture he has the transit papers. Will
     he give them to me? 
     Sonny: Should I give them to her? 
     Sonny: *Out loud* Where is Robin with our drinks? 
     Jax: It is getting late, perhaps we will take a rain check on those drinks. 
     Sonny: We do not get much rain in Casablanca, but perhaps another night would be better. 
     Jax: Good evening Mr. Corinthos. 
     Brenda: Sonny it was nice to see you again, I’m glad that you are doing well. 

     Sonny takes Brenda’s hand and hold it to his lips for just a second longer than was customary. Jax gets up to
     leave. 

     Jax: Come along Brender. 

     He takes her hand from Sonny, who was still holding it, and they leave. 

     Sonny: Brender? 

     Robin just shrugs. 

     Garcia: I should be going as well, To the back room of course. 
     Sonny: Of course, I think that you will find that your luck will be good this evening detective. 
     Garcia: Robin, if you stop by my office tomorrow, I think that I can help you with your problem. 

     Robin looks terrified as Garcia heads to the back room. 
     Robin: Sonny, do you trust Garcia? 
     Sonny: That depends on what you mean? 
     Robin: If a girl were to do a desperate thing in exchange for his help do you believe that he would keep his word and
     help her. 
     Sonny: Probably, but nobody should be that desperate. 
     Robin: I see no other way out. 
     Sonny: There is always another way out. Be patient Robin. You and Stone are safe in Casablanca for the time being. 
     Robin: It is not just Stone and I anymore, Sonny I am due to give birth to our first child in 6 months. I want a better
     life for our child. 
     Sonny: Garcia is a man of his word. Now, am I paying you to sit around and talk to customers? 
     Robin: Sonny, you hardly pay Stone and me at all, except for giving us room and board. 
     Sonny: exactly, now get back to work! 

     Robin gets back to work and leaves Sonny thinking about what she has told him. He walks over to Stone. 

     Sonny: The back room is almost completely empty tonight. 
     Stone: The Cobalt Bottle is having something called Kariokie Night, the customers will be back here by tomorrow
     night. 
     Sonny: I don’t care what the reason is, I want you to go and play the tables. 
     Stone: Sonny, it is against club policy for employees to play the tables. 
     Sonny: I’m making an exception tonight. Jason is getting bored back there. 

     Some time has passed and Stone is loosing money. Sonny goes up to him at the Roulette table. 

     Sonny: I suggest that you put all of your chips on red 12. 
     Stone: Robin’s birthday? 
     Sonny: Yes, and leave them there. 

     Sonny nods to Jason, who spins the wheel. Red 12 comes up 3 times. After that Stone has more than enough
     money to buy transit papers for himself and Robin and have money left over. 

     Sonny: Take your chips and cash them in now! 
     Stone: I don’t know how to thank you. 
     Sonny: Somebody had to get lucky. I would prefer that it was you instead of Garcia. Take Robin and go to America,
     for all the good it will do you. If you have a son you can name him after me. 
     Stone: If we have a son? 
     Sonny: I think that you need to have a talk with your wife. 

     Robin comes up gives Sonny a kiss on the cheek. 

     Robin: Thank you Sonny. 
     Sonny: He got lucky. 
     Robin: We love you Sonny and we won’t forget everything that you have done for us. 
     Stone: Lets go pack! 
     Robin: We have been packed for months. We need to talk though. 
     Stone: Obviously! Goodbye Sonny. 

     Robin and Stone leave and Garcia approaches. 

     Garcia: You have a romantic soul, Corinthos. 
     Sonny: The kid got lucky. Remember, I stick my neck out for no one. 
     Garcia: If you say so. I am going to miss them though, especially Robin. 
     Sonny: Yeah, me too. 
     Garcia: You realize that this means that I’m going to have to close down the club for the evening while my men search
     for the transit papers. 
     Sonny: Of course, one good deed deserves another. 
     Garcia: Exactly! 
     Sonny: Just let me grab a bottle of scotch from behind the bar and you can do what you wish. I’ll be in my apartment
     if you need me. 

     Sonny grabs a bottle and heads up to his apartment above the club. 

     Garcia: *Announcing to the room.* I am shocked to learn that there is gambling in this club! 

     Jason comes up to him. 

     Jason: Here are your nights winnings sir. 
     Garcia: Thank you. Now, everyone will leave the property at once! 
     Joseph: Last call for drinks. 

     Upstairs Sonny is nursing the bottle and his broken heart. He has a record player going and ''The nearness of
     You,'' can be heard in the background. 

     Sonny: Of all of the gin joints in the world, why did she have to walk into mine, not once but twice? 
     Brenda: Just luck I guess. 

     Sonny looks up to see Brenda standing in front of him. She has a sad look in her eyes. 


Casablanca Fantasy Part 4 

     Sonny: It is more than just luck that draws us to each other Brenda. We are like moths to a flame. 
     Brenda: If I had known that you owned this place I never would have come here. 
     Sonny: Oh, gee, a place called ''Sonny’s Brooklyn Café,'' and it never occurred to you that I might be the owner! 
     Brenda: I never wanted to hurt you. Don’t be angry. 
     Sonny: Why not, I have every right to be angry, you broke my heart. 
     Brenda: I didn’t mean to. 
     Sonny: You left me standing in the rain on a Paris train platform waiting for you to show up. 
     Brenda: Something came up. 
     Sonny: We were supposed to get married, have children and grow old together. 
     Brenda: I already belonged to another man. 
     Sonny: Jasper Jacks? 
     Brenda: Yes. 
     Sonny: Then our love was a lie? 
     Brenda: Never! 
     Sonny: A fantasy? 
     Brenda: Partly, when I met you in Paris I thought that Jax was dead. He wasn’t he was being held in a concentration
     camp. The day that we were supposed to leave Paris I got a message saying that he was alive and would meet
     me in a town near Paris in two days. 
     Sonny: You should have told me. I would have waited with you. No questions asked, that was our deal. 
     Brenda: I know, that is why I didn’t tell you. I knew how dangerous it was for you to stay in a German Occupied area
     after what you had done. 
     Sonny: What do you mean after what I had done? 
     Brenda: I know that you were wanted by the Germans for selling guns to underground resistance groups. 
     Sonny: How did you find out? 
     Brenda: Stone told me, before you left Paris. I know that if you were caught they would have sent you to a
     concentration camp. 
     Sonny: I would have died before I would have let them lock me away behind barbed wire. 
     Brenda: I know, Stone told me that as well. 
     Sonny: Is that why you left me, because I sold guns to resistance groups. 
     Brenda: I didn’t care about that. 
     Sonny: Or was I not bad enough for you. A gunner runner was not dark enough, you preferred a double agent? 
     Brenda: Jax is different when he is with me. I am his inspiration. He has vital information that could help the Allied
     forces to win the war. As long as I am with him he will deliver the information to them. 
     Sonny: You can’t be his reason for doing the right thing, he has to decide for himself. Do you love him? 
     Brenda: I just want this war to end. Can you say that you do not feel that the Allies winning the war is important. 
     Sonny: The outcome of the war does not really concern me. Casablanca will continue to exist as long as there are
     desperate fools in the world. It does not matter if the fools speak German or English. 
     Brenda: I don’t believe you. You must care about who wins the war, otherwise why would you smuggle guns to the
     underground groups? 
     Sonny: It was exciting and dangerous and they paid me well. 
     Brenda: The Germans would have paid you better to turn those same groups in to them. 
     Sonny: Did you learn that from Jasper Jacks? You never answered my question, do you love him? 
     Brenda: Sonny, please don’t make me answer that. It will not help the situation and it won’t change what I have to do. 
     Sonny: If that is to hard of a question, then I will ask you an easy one. Do you still love me? 

     Tears start to form in her eyes. 

     Brenda: I could no more stop loving you than I could stop breathing. Both are so natural and so necessary to me. 

     He reaches up and wipes the tears from her cheeks and kisses her gently. 

     Sonny: Why did you come here tonight? 
     Brenda: I think you know why I came here. 
     Sonny: To get me to give you the transit papers? 
     Brenda: Yes. 

     He looks disappointed and walks to the window. 

     Brenda: And to get back Paris. The love and happiness that we felt there. If I can get it back and hold it in my heart,
     then I think that I can live without you. 

     He walks back to her and places his hands on either side of her face and they begin to kiss slowly and
     passionately. They allow the kiss to transport them to another time and place as they begin to make love. 


     Part 5 
     Sonny is standing looking out the window of his apartment, he has a far off look on his face. Brenda comes up
     behind him and wraps her arms around his waist. He leans back against her. 

     Sonny: I suppose that now you want me to give you the transit papers? 
     Brenda: Will you? 
     Sonny: If I do, I will be alone again. 
     Brenda: I will be alone too. At least you will have Stone and Robin. 
     Sonny: There leaving. I realized that I was keeping them here for selfish reasons and I let them go. 
     Brenda, we should not have to be lonely. Stay here in Casablanca with me. 
     Brenda: You know why that is not possible. I have to be with Jax, I’m his inspiration. 
     Sonny: I think that this war will end with or without Jax’s help and his vital information. 
     Brenda: If I stay with you will you give Jax the transit papers and help him to get to America? 
     Sonny: You would leave your husband? 
     Brenda: It probably will not surprise you to learn that he is not even really my husband, and yes I would leave him if it
     meant that he would get to America safely. 
     Sonny: I give you my word Brenda. Be at the airfield tomorrow night at 8:00. 
     Brenda: I have to go now. Jax is at an underground meeting and should be back soon. 

     They kiss passionately again. 

     Brenda: Sonny, can I ask you one question? 
     Sonny: *Whispering* No questions Brenda. 

     He kisses her again. 

     Brenda: But, I just need to know one thing. 
     Sonny: Okay. 
     Brenda: How did you get the transit papers? 
     Sonny: Are you asking me if I killed the German officials? 
     Brenda: I need to know. 
     Sonny: I thought you knew me better than that. The papers were given to me by the man you were supposed to meet
     here in Casablanca. 
     Brenda: Luke Spencer? 
     Sonny: Yes he had a black market operation dealing in stolen and faked documents. He had been running it out of my
     club for some time. When he stole the transit papers he took a real risk and had to go into hiding, but before he
     did he gave me the papers for safe keeping. 
     Brenda: The police searched the club and didn’t find anything. 
     Sonny: That search was mainly for show. Alex Garcia and I have an understanding about these things. Besides, I hid
     the papers where they would never be found. 
     Brenda: Where? 
     Sonny: Under a box of SenSen. Robin never sold any, so I knew that they would be safe there. 

     The sound of an airplane taking off can be heard outside of the club. Sonny gets a sad look on his face. 

     Sonny: Stone and Robin are on that plane out of Casablanca. 
     Brenda: You did the right thing by letting them go. 
     Sonny: I know, they deserve a better life. 

     The sound of foot steps can be heard on the stairs outside the apartment. 

     Sonny: Somebody is coming. You had better leave down the back stairs. 

     Brenda gathers up her things and doesn’t notice when she drops one of her gloves. 
     She gives Sonny another quick kiss. 

     Sonny: I love you Brenda. 
     Brenda: I love you too. Remember that you are always in my heart. 

     Brenda leaves and Sonny opens the door to Jax. He looks worn out and scared. 

     Jax: The underground meeting that I was at was raided. I nearly didn’t escape with me life. 
     Sonny: That happens, even in Casablanca. 
     Jax: The Germans are catching up with me. I will most certainly be sent back to a concentration camp. 
     Sonny: Maybe they will let you stay in Casablanca. 
     Jax: I don’t think so. They may even kill me this time. Perhaps that would not upset you. 
     Sonny: Why would you think that? 
     Jax: I will be blunt. Are you in love with my wife? 
     Sonny is silent. 

     Jax: Your silence is my answer. If you will not give me the letters of transit, will you use them yourself to leave
     Casablanca with me wife Brender? 

     Sonny cringes at his pronunciation of Brenda’s name and his use of the word ''wife.'' 

     Sonny: You would stay behind and allow me to leave with her? 
     Jax: Yes, if it meant that she would be safe. 
     Sonny: But you will be sent to a concentration camp. 
     Jax: I will just escape again and I don’t really think that they will kill me. I am to important. 
     Sonny: Your ego will surely get you killed someday. You would sacrifice Brenda for your ego. 
     Jax: In a heartbeat. 
     Sonny: Be at the airfield tomorrow night at 8:00. 

     Jax leaves, but before he does he notices Brenda’s glove and picks it up without Sonny noticing. 
     After he leaves Sonny pours himself a drink and sits down to think. He is touched by the fact that both Jax and
     Brenda are willing to sacrifice for each others freedom. It leads Sonny to a painful decision. Mr. And Mrs. Jacks
     must both be on that plane tomorrow night.

Casablanca Fantasy Part 6 
     The next morning Sonny stands in the middle of the ''Brooklyn Café,'' just taking in his surroundings. With Stone
     and Robin gone the heart and soul of the club are gone as well. He takes a deep breath and heads for the
     ''Cobalt Bottle.'' 
     The ''Cobalt Bottle'' is a dive to put it nicely, the walls are veneer and the floor is dirt. It is no wonder that AJ was
     always trying to buy Sonny’s club. 

     AJ: You are selling the, ''Brooklyn Café''? 
     Sonny: If you are still interested in buying. 
     AJ: Of course I’m interested. I’m sure that I can find a much better use for this place. 
     Sonny: Such as? 
     AJ: There is a new concept in real-estate that is becoming popular, it is called low income housing. 
     Sonny: Whatever. I have a couple of conditions for the sale of my club. 
     AJ: I’m sure that we can work out a deal. 
     Sonny: I need cash and I need it today. 
     AJ: What is your hurry? 
     Sonny: I’m leaving Casablanca tonight. 
     AJ: Casablanca without Sonny Corinthos is hard to imagine. 
     Sonny: I think that it will survive. 
     AJ: It probably will. You mentioned conditions? 
     Sonny: The arrangements that I have with detective Garcia and Luke Spencer will have to be honored. 
     AJ: Of course. Anything else? 
     Sonny: All of the employees of the club will remain for as long as they wish to work for you. 
     AJ: Of course, what would ''The Brooklyn Café'' be with out Joseph and Mary Mae Ward. 
     Sonny: And Jason stays, as long as he is willing to work for you. 
     AJ: Do you really think that I would fire my own brother? 
     Sonny: You may want to stop and ask yourself why Jason was working for me and not you in the first place. No,
     better yet, why don’t you ask him and listen to the answer. He is smarter than you realize. 
     AJ: If you will step into my office, I think that we can come to terms on a deal for your club. 

     After Sonny leaves the ''Cobalt Bottle,'' he pays a visit to Garcia. 

     Garcia: What can I do for you? 
     Sonny: I want you to know that I sold the club to AJ. Don’t worry, you will still get your weekly cut in exchange for
     looking the other way where certain activities in the club are concerned. 
     Garcia: What do you get? 
     Sonny: A lot of money, ten times what the club is really worth and my freedom. I’m leaving Casablanca tonight and I
     am taking Brenda with me. 
     Garcia: I knew that you were a romantic at heart. I also knew all along that you had the transit papers. Why are you
     telling me all of this? 
     Sonny: I need your help to make sure that Jasper Jacks does not follow us to America. 
     Garcia: It is in my best interest that he doesn’t. 
     Sonny: Good, be at the club at 7:30 this evening and you can arrest him after I give him the transit papers. 
     Garcia: I would be suspicious if you had not told me that you sold the club to a man that you hate, but because you
     did, it makes me believe that you truly do intend to leave Casablanca tonight. I will be at your former club at 7:15
     to arrest Jasper Jacks. 
     Sonny: I said 7:30. 
     Garcia: Right, I will see you at 7:30. 

     Garcia arrives at the club a 7:15, which is what Sonny expected him to do. He finds it dark and empty. He tries
     the phone, but since the club is between owners, it has been disconnected. He waits until 7:45 before he realizes
     that he has been tricked. He races out side and finds that his car is missing. He is stranded at the club and he has
     no way to call for back up. 
     Sonny, Brenda and Jax are at the airfield. Jason pulls up in Garcia’s car and Sonny walks over to talk to him. 

     Sonny: Jason, what took so long. 
     Jason: It isn’t easy stealing a police detectives car you know. 
     Sonny: You did great. Wait for me on the out skirts of town. If I don’t show in an hour that means I ran into problems
     with Garcia. Leave without me. Here is your share of the money from the sale of the club. 
     Jason: I can’t take your money. 
     Sonny: Yes you can. We were partners in the club. It was your business sense that made it a success. 
     Jason: No people came to the club because of you. What I don’t get is why did you sell it. Why not just let me run it
     and pretend that you were coming back some day. 
     Sonny: Everybody had to believe that I was leaving Casablanca for good. That was the only way to make this plan
     work. You were a great silent partner Jason, if I don’t see you again, good luck. 
     Jason: Same to you Sonny. 
     Jason drives off and Sonny walks over to Brenda and Jax. 

     Brenda: What was that all about? 
     Sonny: Nothing much. Garcia will not be bothering you tonight. Jax you can go ahead and put your and Brenda’s
     luggage on the plane. 
     Brenda: What? I’m not going. 
     Sonny: Yes you are Brenda and so are you Jasper. You are both getting on that plane. First I want you to know
     something. Brenda came to me last night and asked for the transit papers. In fact, she was willing to do just about
     anything to get them, but I wouldn’t give them to her. 
     Jax: I know she was there just before I arrived. 

     Jax hold up her glove. Brenda almost faints. 

     Sonny: She cares a lot about you. Now go load up the luggage the plane will be leaving soon. 
     Jax: You don’t have to tell me twice. 

     Jax moves to the plane and just out of ear shot of Sonny and Brenda. 

     Brenda: Sonny, why are you doing this? Why didn’t you tell him about last night.?
     Sonny: Why bother. He is living in a fantasy world where he believes that you love him. What right do I have to spoil
     it. Maybe, someday you will love him. 
     Brenda: Never. I’ll always love you and only you! 
     Sonny: Well then, let me say this. You were right when you said that the most important thing is ending the war. 
     Compared to that, our problems don’t amount to much. Go to America and make sure that he delivers his
     information, and then be happy Brenda. 
     Brenda: We’ll always have Paris. We had lost it until I came back here. 

     Sonny grabs her and kisses her. Jax looks at them and is very uncomfortable. Sonny releases her and watches
     her climb the stairs to the airplane. He wonders how he will ever get along without her. She stops ½ way up and
     turns to look at him with sadness in her eyes. Jax turns her around to face him. He has a dopey look on his face. 

     Jax: I’ll always protect you Brender! 
     Sonny: The hell with it, he can’t even say her name right! 

     Sonny climbs up the stairs to the airplane and punches Jax clear in the jaw. Jax’s limp body slides down the stairs
     and he lands with a thud on the tarmac. He looks up helplessly at Sonny. Sonny turns Brenda around to face him.


     Sonny: I’ve been such a fool. Time apart is wasted time Brenda. 
     Brenda: I don’t want to waste any more time Sonny. 

     They kiss each other with a breath stealing passion. 

     Jax: What about for me, what am I supposed to do? 
     Sonny: I hear the ''Brooklyn Club'' needs a dealer for the back room. You can even say that I sent you. 
     Brenda: Sonny, can you fly this plane? 
     Sonny: Fly it yes, land it ,no! Can you land the plane? 
     Brenda: No, but we’ll figure it out. 

     They both smile and kiss again. The words ''The end,'' appear across the screen and the fantasy fades to black. 
     Sonny is siting on the couch in his apartment above the Paradise Lounge with a smile on his face. 
Sonny: I like that ending much better. 

     At the Q mansion Brenda wakes up with a start. In all the times that she had seen the movie ''Casablanca,'' she
     had never had a dream like the one that she just experienced. In fact, she had never in her life had a dream like
     the one that she just experienced. She reaches over and picks up the phone and dials a number. She gets
     Sonny’s answering machine. She waits impatiently for the beep. Finally she hears it and 

     Brenda: Sonny it’s Brenda. If your there pick up. 
     Sonny: I’m here. 
     Brenda: Can I come over? 
     Sonny: Always. Do you want me to send Joseph, or do you want to drive? 
     Brenda: I’ll drive. It will be faster. 
     Sonny: See you soon. 
     Brenda: Sonny, can you fly a plane? 
     Sonny: Fly one, yes. Land one, no. 
     Brenda: That is what I thought. Sonny, I don’t want to waste anymore time. 
     Sonny: Hurry Brenda! 
     Brenda: I will. 

     They hangs up and both have huge smiles on their faces. 
Chapter 42

Brenda arrives at Sonny’s apartment and runs up the stairs. He has the door open even before she gets to the top. He pulls her inside and closes the door. They begin to kiss hotly.

Sonny: What happened to taking things slow and making sure that our attraction is not just physical?

Brenda: Sonny we are having the same dreams. That is proof enough for me.

Sonny: Maybe yours was a dream, mine was a fantasy. I was in complete control.

Brenda: Sonny, shut up and make love to me.

Sonny: Are you sure that is what you want.

Brenda: Yes! She is already unbuttoning his shirt and slipping it off of his body. He does the same to her shirt. He is walking backwards and she is following. They never stop kissing. They kiss each others neck and chest and trail kisses up and down each others upper bodies. The make it as far as the couch and collapse on it together and continue to make love to each other for hours.

The next morning Sonny is woke up by the phone ringing. It is Damian Smith and he is mad.

Sonny: Hello?

Damian: Corinthos, this is Damian Smith. I want to see you right now!

Sonny: What are you talking about?

Damian: Luke Spencer paid me a visit last night and I am not at all happy. Something has to be done about Spencer now!

Continued
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