Lost and Found (Read 1,380 times)

[blueyed358]

Here's another Deveraux story...


It had been almost five months since he had opened his eyes and seen the light of day. The man who up until that moment, had been know only as 'John Doe' blinked rapidly. The sunlight making his eyes tear. "Do you know your name?" the doctor asked as he pulled open his eye lids. The man could only shake his head slowly. "Where am I? " he croaked out softly. The doctor frowned, "You are in Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago." The man heard the doctor but could not remember even being brought there. " Why..what happened to me?" he asked in a voice that sounded as rough as sand paper. A nurse came along side of him and helped him sip some water. "You were in an accident, though I am not sure what kind. You started off at a small hospital near Salem, but your injuries were severe and they transferred you here to us. You had sustained two broken legs, a fractured pelvis and severe head trauma. You will need to start physical therapy as soon as possible. Do you remember anything?" The man shook his head, " No..nothing, will that be permanent? " The doctor scribbled on to the chart and handed it back to the nurse. " Too soon to say..we will need to run tests. First I want to monitor you for a few days then I will begin to schedule the tests." After the doctor left the man asked the nurse for a mirror. When she too left he held up the mirror and stared at the face looking back at him. Not a bad looking face, he thought. Dark brown hair, bright blue eyes, "yes very handsome" he said as he saw the smirk on the face in the mirror. "Too bad I don't know your name."


For the next three weeks he worked to regain his strength and ability to walk. He pushed himself to near exhaustion. Then he would spend hours in his room, staring into the mirror, trying to remember something...anything. The doctors were amazed at how intelligent he was and they knew he must have had a good education. But where he attended school and for what was still a mystery..as was his name. One day the therapist called him John. "Please..I do not wish to be called John Doe anymore." She helped him down from the treadmill and into a chair. " Okay..what do you want to be called? " He wiped his face with a towel, "I keep hearing these two names in my head, William and Jackson, though the order keeps changing. You know like..William Jackson or Jackson William." The therapist smiled, " That's an excellent start..we can see if there are any missing persons reports on both those names. Which do you want to be called?" He thought about it, " I feel that I'm more of a Jackson..what do you think?" She took a step back and studied him. " I don't know..I can see you as a Bill." He crinkled his nose, "I think I would prefer to be Jackson Williams but I will try Bill first after all I do have that option." "Okay" she said with a laugh, "Bill it is." After his therapy session he met with the neurologist. Bill was told that they believed his memory loss to be permanent. He showed him his latest test results and the damaged areas of his brain. As he was wheeled back to his room he was not sure how he felt about the news he was just given. Perhaps he had led a wicked life and was now being given the chance to start a new life. Or was it that he had a wonderful life..perhaps he was married and had children, a career..real life. But if that was true why had there been not one picture of him in a paper or on the news that he was missing. If he had in fact had people that cared for him why had that not reported him missing.The search on both those names came up empty and he would hate to admit it but he was a bit relieved. The staff had wanted to put his picture in the papers and have a story done about him on the news, but Bill refused. He did not want to return to a family that he did not know or remember if in fact he had one to begin with. More and more he had begun to feel that he was on his own..one of those men that had been married to his career, whatever that was.



The following week Bill met another patient in physical therapy, Thomas Wyatt. He was a rich man who had been injured while visiting Chicago. They would sit and play chess and talk politics. Bill told him his story and about his permanent brain damage. Thomas liked him, he found him witty, sarcastic and highly intelligent. Over the next few weeks the two men became close friends. Bill was the most interesting person Thomas had met in a long time and he wanted to help him. He paid all of Bill's hospital bills but chose not to tell his new friend. One day Bill was reading a local paper and he began commenting on the writing and how poorly edited the article was. Thomas asked him to rewrite it if he thought he could do better or better still rewrite it and edit the one already published. Bill excepted the challenge and spent the next day doing just that. When Thomas read the rewrite and newly edited articles he was extremely impressed. " Bill it seems you have found your true calling. I happened to be the owner of a little paper in New York City, how would you like a job as an editor?" Bill laughed, " Yeah sure.." Thomas laughed, " I am totally serious..if you except I will even set you up with an apartment..what say you my friend." Bill smiled and stuck out his hand shaking Thomas' firmly, " I'd say...I'm about to take a bite out of the Big Apple."


chapter 2

A week after they met Thomas and Bill moved to a Rehab facility. One afternoon Thomas came into Bill's room on his crutches along with his lawyer. " You ready to become Bill Jackson...legally that is? " Bill dropped down on the bed and looked up at him. " I truly don't think I can go through life as a 'Bill"...it just doesn't feel right." Thomas nodded, " I agree..I prefer Jackson Williams. It seems to suit you and that is why I took the liberty to have the papers drawn up with that name. I knew you didn't really care for the other one. In a few weeks you will have a Social Security Card, bank account and once you take a drivers test a license." The newly anointed Jackson stood up, " I can't begin to thank you for everything you're doing for me." Thomas put his hand on Jackson's shoulder. " Don't worry..you will make it up to me on the job." Jackson frowned, " Tell me about this little paper of your." Thomas smiled. "In due time."



Jackson studied his face again. He had begun training his hair to dip a bit low over his forehead to hide the scar. He stood trimming his beard, giving himself what the therapist called the 'scruffy' look. Putting down the razor he stepped back, running his fingers over his face, he was pleased with the results. He frowned for a minute the looked himself in the eye, "Nice to meet you I'm Jackson Williams..." Then he stuck his hand out shaking an invisible hand, " Jackson Williams.." He practiced saying the name and introducing himself over and over. He blew out a long breath and stared into those deep blue eyes, "Who the hell are you? " The reflection answered, " It doesn't matter, from now on this is who you are. Focus on that..the life you use to have is gone..it doesn't matter if it was a good life or a bad one, start building THIS life." He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, blowing it out slowly. " Today really is the first day of the rest of my life."



Jackson worked hard and was now walking with a cane only. In a few weeks that would be gone as well. One day after their usual grueling workout Thomas asked Jackson to meet him in his room after he got cleaned up. " It's a surprise" he said. Thomas was in his late sixties, divorced twice and had no children. When he looked at Jackson he felt as though this was what a son of his would have been like. When Jackson came in he found a tailor waiting to take his measurements. He made a few selections and as he was looking at his reflection i the mirror Thomas commented, "You have good taste. I have several suits by that designer." Jackson's brow furrowed, " You know this may sound crazy but..I feel more at home in this suit then I did in those casual clothes." Thomas stood and placed his hand on Jackson's shoulder, " I know the feeling. You do look like you belong in a suit , I will say that." Jackson turned to look him in the eye, " I can never thank you enough for all you have done for me already and for the opportunity you are giving me. In a few days we will be leaving here, perhaps you can tell me now exactly what it is that you are expecting from me." Thomas laughed and sat down on the edge of the bed. Jackson took the chair across from him. " Well you see...I have this reporter. A real good reporter..won a Pulitzer too. Problem is..she's a ..bit tough to control." Jackson smirked, " How many editors?" Thomas looked down, " Four in the last seven months. Tell me Jackson..are you familiar with Shakespeare?" Jackson thought a moment then smiled, "Yes..I believe I am." Thomas smiled back, " Well, let's just say, you will be living a modern version of 'The Taming Of the Shrew."


Back in Salem someone has arrived at Horton House...


" I thought we might meet Abby later for burgers after we take Parker to the park." Jennifer said as she hugged Dan. "Sounds great..someone is at the door, I'll go" Daniel opened the door and standing before him was a young man, eighteen years old at least. Dan's breath caught at the sight of him, his dark brown hair and deep blue eyes. The resemblance to his father was unmistakable. " Hello..I'm looking for Jennifer Horton, is she here?" Dan stepped aside, " Yes please come in..you have to be.." The young man entered and looked around the room, " Her son..yes. Can you tell her I'm here?" Jennifer came into the hallway, "Daniel who was at the ...JJ! Oh sweetheart what a wonderful surprise." she said as she wrapped her arms around the young man. Daniel watched as the young man did not return her embrace. " Hello mother.." She asked why he had not called her, " I didn't see a reason to. Is Abigail here as well? " Jennifer frowned at the way he dismissed her affections. "No..I'll call her right now.." He turned and stared at her and a chill ran through her. His eyes were cold, as was his his voice, it was without feeling. " No need..I can call her myself later on." Jennifer stepped closer and put her hands on his arms, " Let me look at you..." He took in a deep breath, "It has been a while since you laid eyes on me hasn't it?" Jennifer gave him a sad smile." You are so tall and handsome, you look just like your father." His eyebrow raised, in typical Jack fashion. "Well it's nice to know you can still recall his face." Jennifer glanced at Daniel then back to her son. " JJ .." he cut her off, " Please do not call me that anymore." She nodded softly, " Alright, this Dr Daniel Jonas.." Daniel stuck out his hand and the young man just looked at it. " Yes..I am well aware of who you are Doctor. Look I only came by to tell you I was in town, I didn't want to just run into you without you knowing I was here." Jennifer frowned, "Well you will be staying here won't you..this is your home." He laughed at her, " This is not MY home. No..I will find someplace to stay..thank you." He lifted his suitcase and headed for the door, Daniel stopped him by putting his hand on his arm, " Hey..come on kid, give your mother a break" The young man yanked his arm away, " Take your hand off of me and while we are at it you really need to mind your business. " Jennifer stepped between them, " Please..JJ.." He turned his eyes down to hers, " I said don't call me that." Then looking up at Daniel, " My name is Jack..Jack Deveraux." Then looking back at his mother, " Perhaps the name rings a bell" then he stormed out of the house.




Jack called his sister and had to pull the phone away from his ear as she squealed. " I can't wait to see you. " She told him that she would meet him in the square in one hour. Jack went into the coffee shop and ordered a cup. The two young men talking in the corner began staring at him. Jack took a deep breath and exhaled turning towards them, " What?" is asked harshly. Sonny walked over to him and smiled, " Is your name JJ?" Jack rolled his eyes, " I guess so, I prefer Jack though and you are?" Sonny stuck his hand out, " I'm your cousin Sonny." Jack's features softened, " Aunt Adrienne's son right? You were named for my Dad." They shook hands, "Yes that's right..this is a cousin of yours too, this is Will." Jack frowned for a moment then smiled, " Yeah sure..your Uncle Lucas's son." The three young men sat a round for a while and chatted. Jack liked them and the feeling was mutual. He agreed to meet them at Brady's pub for dinner and Will told him that he would be happy to ask his grandmother to rent him one of the vacant rooms above the pub. "Awesome..thanks. I have to go meet my sister but I will see you two later, thanks again." Jack headed into the square and was standing at the plaque of his great grandparents when someone came up behind him covering his eyes with her hands. " Guess who?" Jack smirked, " Hmm..the Queen of England?" She removed her hands and spun him around hugging him tightly, "I have missed you sooo much JJ!" Despite himself he smiled, " I've missed you too sis." Abby pulled back and studied her brother. " God you are handsome..just like Daddy." He sighed, "Yeah well just like Dad..I prefer to be called Jack okay?" She frowned slightly, " Okay sure..I guess JJ is a bit too..childish anyway. You have grown so much since the last time we've seen each other. Did you see mom? Oh I guess not you still have your suitcase.Are you going to stay around or do you have other plans? Why the hell didn't you call me and tell me you were coming home?" Jack laughed, his head spinning with the speed that his sister rattled off her questions. " Take a breath will you please Abigail." She laughed and nodded, "Okay..sorry." They walked over to table and sat down, " Sooo..tell me" she said slowly. "Yes I saw her, no I am not staying there. I am going to be in town for a while." She stared at him for a while, " Why wouldn't you stay at Horton House..it's our home." He shook his head, " Not to me...I'm not a Horton...I'm a Deveraux." She covered his hand with hers, " We are both" she said softly. Again he shook his head, " You always were more of a Horton, but not me..I'm all Deveraux. Look I don't want to get into this now so let's just say I have issues with...our mother and leave it at that." Her heart ached for him. She knew he had felt abandoned by their mother and had even tried talking to her about it. But Jennifer always brushed her off and reminded her of how happy he sounded when they would talk on the phone. Abby knew her brother pretty well and when he had that tone in his voice there was no getting through to him. "Okay...for now. Are you going to stay a while?" He nodded, " Yes..I'm working on...on a story." Her face lit up, " So you are going into the family business then?" Jack raised his eyebrow, " But of course." She leaned over and whispered, " What's the story..can you tell me anything?" He sipped his coffee, " No, not yet. As soon as I get something concrete..I will tell you all about it, in fact I may even enlist your help." Abby sat back in her chair, "Ooh..well what ever it is..count me in." Jack smiled, " I was hoping you'd say that."


After dinner Jack went upstairs and settled into his room. His cell phone began ringing and he looked at the screen, it was his mother. He pressed the button and dismissed the call. He sighed and unpacked his laptop. He opened it up and turned it on. As it was warming up he began unpacking his suitcase. The final items he unpacked and placed on the dresser in the bedroom. A photo of Abby and one of his father and himself when he had visited him after returning from Afghanistan then one of his father when he was younger that his Grandmother Jo had sent him. When he was done he took the cup of coffee he had brought up with him and the old photo of his father and sat down at the desk. He brought up a file and he stared at the article he had saved. The article was about how his father had been killed in the bombing and was found at the bottom of an elevator shaft. Jack turned and stared at his father's face and whispered, " Don't worry Dad..If you are really out there..I'm going to find you."

[MrsM]

Oooooh!!!! I am LOVING this!!!!

[fluffysmom]

Fantastic beginning Blueyed. I can hardly wait to read more.

[Kpatch]

Great idea for a story, blueyed358. I know it's going to make me disappointed in whatever is planned for Jack Junior's return on air.

[gapeach]

Love it!

[blueyed358]

Chapter 3




Jackson stood staring up at the building. "I thought you said it was a little paper." Thomas smiled and winked at him as he exited the limo. " The New York Times is not just some little paper." Thomas stood next to him as both men gazed up at the giant letters on the building. " Does this intimidate you?" Jackson took a deep breath and let it out slowly. A sly grin spread across his face, " Not the least bit." Thomas slapped him on the back, "Good..now let's go meet your staff."





Jessie Lombard paced the conference room feverishly. " This is ridiculous! Who the hell is this guy? I've never heard of him. I couldn't find anything on him..nothing...zilch...nodda. What about any of you?" The other staff members looked around at each other and they all shook their heads, several mumbling "No" softly. "Relax Jess..we'll know soon enough" photographer Trent McCoy said from his perch on the credenza. He was Jesse's only friend there..not that she cared. "I'm here to report, not make friends" she had told him. He swallowed a gulp of his Coke and smirked, " He must be special if the old man hired him himself."



" That he is Mr McCoy.." Thomas said as he entered the room, but all eyes were on Jackson. Trent jumped down and grabbed the seat next to Jessie. " Everyone I would like you all to meet Jackson Williams..your new Editor in Chief." Jackson smiled at them as they all began shaking his hand and introducing themselves...all but one. Jessie sat at the table arms folded. When Jackson had finished he stood in front of her. " And you MUST be Miss Lombard." Jessie frowned at him, " I am..tell me Mr Williams what are your credentials, where did you go to school?" Jackson smirked, " That's funny I thought I had already been interviewed for this position." The other reports chuckled, anytime Jessie was put in her place was a great source of enjoyment to them. " Sorry...naturally, as I'm sure you'll understand, I'm curious." Thomas frowned and cut her off asking everyone to sit down. After an hour or so they had all been told by Jackson what was expected of them and his vision for how he was planning on running things. He turned his eyes to Jessie, " I hope we can all work together to continue to turn out one of the greatest papers in the country." When they had all begun to file out Trent turned back and cringed as he saw Jessie approach Jackson. "Here we go again.." he sighed. " Mr Williams..I still have a few questions. May I ask..."but she was cut off once again by Wyatt. " No, you may not. Sit down Miss Lombard. You are one of the best reporters out there but you are a royal pain in the ass." Jessie's eyes popped open. " I have lost some very good editors because of you and I will not let you lose me another. If you do not start being a team player here I am going to let you go..mind you I have no desire to have you working for the cometition but enough is enough and that goes for you accomplice over there." he said as he flicked his thumb towards Trent who was standing just outside the door. Do I make myelf clear? " Jessie swallowed and nodded slowly. " I have every confidence in Jackson and that should be...no let me make that better be..good enough for you." Jessie stood up and smiled, " Of course Mr Wyatt. " Jackson watched he tall, athletic shape leave the room. " Well that went well" Thomas said. Jackson chuckled, " Hardly.." Thomas frowned "What do you mean?" Jackson walked over to the door and Jessie glared at him as she sat down at her desk. He turned and looked at Thomas. " Did you not see the fire in her eyes? No..it has just begun, but no matter...I believe I can handle her." Thomas smirked, " Famous last words..come on let's go get you settled in your apartment."



Detective Alex Cavanaugh ate his dinner and read the sports section of the paper as he listened to his fiance ramble on about her days events. "I mean can you believe we weren't even told what his qualifications are? We are just suppose to except him ..no questions asked. I did a preliminary search on him and you know what I found? Nothing ..that's what I found." He nodded his head, " Uh huh.." Jessie frowned, " Are you even listening to me?" Alex looked up, " Yeah...new editor, no info on him...you're pissed." She laughed as she carried her plate to the sink, " You were listening. " He sighed and sat back, " I always do. Besides you always get like this when you get a new boss." She came up behind him and slid her hands down his chest, kissing his neck. " You know...maybe you could.." He put his hands over hers and turned his head, making them nose to nose. " Forget it..I am not running a background check on your editor." Then he kissed her and pulled her down into his lap. " Fine...I'll handle it myself." He buried his face in her neck, " Just once I wish you would play nice with others." Jessie whispered into his ear, " Take me inside and I'll show you how nice I can play." Alex pulled back and smiled at her, " I thought you'd never ask."


Jackson had gone back to the paper and made his desk ready for the morning. He had walked around and made note of his surroundings. He wanted to appear at ease in front of the staff and so he spent hours memorizing the layout of the office and phone system. He spotted a woman standing near Jessie's desk and walked over to her. " May I help you?" His breath caught as the tall shapely woman turned and looked at him. She had black hair and grey eyes and he thought she was beautiful. She smiled shyly, " Oh hello..I was looking for Jessie Lombard. Do you know her?" Jackson smiled back, " I do and I'm afraid she has gone for the day. I'm Jackson Williams her new editor." She stuck out her hand to him, " Oh I'm so sorry for you. I'm a friend of hers, Sophia Dechillo.." Jackson took her hand and a strange feeling came over him. " Pleased to meet you." Sophia held onto his hand a bit longer than necessary then slid it slowly out of his grasp. " Well now I know why she left early." Jackson laughed, " Yes..I have heard how much loves getting an editor." She leaned in close, " A word of advice?" she whispered. Jackson raised an eyebrow, " Please" he said back softly. "Don't let her bully you...and she will try. Be strong and push back..harder if you can. If she thinks that she has met her match..you'll earn her respect. " Jackson nodded, " Thank you, I will keep that in mind." Sophia stepped back, " Well then..it was nice meeting you and good luck." Jackson watched her until the elevator doors closed and she was gone. He blew out a breath, " Sophia...that is a lovely name."




Jackson realized he had not eaten, nor had he done any grocery shopping for his new apartment. On the way home he stopped at a small Italian place and was waiting to be seated when a voice spoke from behind him, " Well we meet again" Sophia said with a smile. Jackson smiled at her, " It must be fate" he said. She raised an eyebrow, " I hope so..either that or I'm following you." Jackson looked down at her, " I would be fine with either." he said making her laugh. She had an infectious laugh he thought. " Would you care to join me...that is if you are not meeting someone." She stared at him a moment, " I'm not..that's why I was looking for Jessie. I would love to join you Mr Williams." The waitress came over and Jackson waved his hand in front of him, " Jackson..please.. after you Sophia." She walked past him, " Thank you." Jackson smiled to himself, he knew he was going to like New York.

[MrsM]

Love it!!!

[fluffysmom]

Looks like a great start for Jack in New York.

[blueyed358]

Chapter $



It had been weeks since Jack arrived in Salem. He had connected with his cousins, Sonny and Will, and hung out with them regularly. Abby would see him at least once or twice a week and had stopped asking him to see their mother. Their mother..Jack had successfully avoided her during his time in town but he knew it was just a matter of time before they had another confrontation, in fact, he was sure it would be today. He now had an accurate account of his father's time in Salem ..before...and read and reread all the articles recounting his heroic "death". Now he wanted, no needed, to see the autopsy report and photographs. Will's Uncle's were big in the SPD and he thought they might be able to cut through some red tape for him..but if they were reluctant..he had another ace in the hole. He stared at the computer screen, his father's face staring back at him. The loud knock at the door made him flinch. Taking a deep breath he whispered, " Here goes" and closed the laptop and got up to answer the door. " Hey guys...come on in." Will and Sonny entered carrying coffee. Sonny handed a cup to Jack as he passed him. Jack sat in the desk chair as his cousins took the arms chairs across from him. " So ...you two keep asking me what I'm up to..now I'm going to tell you and I am hoping you will help me." The two young men looked at one another then back to Jack. Sonny leaned forward, elbows on his knees, " Okay..let's hear it."


Jackson exited the elevator whistling. These past few weeks have been exceptional. He and Sophia were seeing each other several times a week and had become a real couple despite the fact that she did not want Jessie to know about them...yet. Work was going well..even his battle of wills with Jessie seemed to be swaying in his direction. She had not done a single story of substance in weeks. Jackson was trying to teach her a lesson and he thought it might be working. Thomas was a bit worried that she would quit. " I am not trying to get her to quit..rather make her understand and respect that I am her boss." Thomas frowned at those words, " Okay..I just hope you know what you're doing." The staff meeting was going well and he glanced several times at her, sitting arms folded. He knew she was waiting for him to give her yet another fluff piece. A discussion started about the recent murder of a prominent New York socialite. " They think it might be Marilyn Monroe type thing. Murdered because she was involved with the Attorney General." Jesse sighed and sat back in her chair, she wanted that story but wasn't about to ask for it. Doing so, in her mind would be giving in. She knew they had a game of chicken going on and she wasn't going to be the first one to flinch. Alex told her she was being ridiculous but she didn't care...it was the principle. Even Trent told her that Jackson was good at his job. She stared at his cup..wondering how easy it would be to take it after the meeting and have a DNA sample taken from it. She saw the tip of the pencil slide a piece of paper in front of her and she blinked. She looked up and Jackson was the one holding the pencil. " The story is yours...see what you can dig up." Jesse stood eyes wide as Jackson turned to everyone, " Okay people you have your assignments..let's get out there and find some news.." As everyone began filing out Jesse hung back. As she reached the door she stopped and spun on her heels, holding the paper between her thumb and index finger. She held it up and said, " Why?" Jackson smirked and sat on the edge of his desk and folded his arms in front of him. " Let's call it a cease fire...for now. This story has the potential to be explosive and despite our differences, I want the best reporter working on it. " Jesse nodded and turned back to the door, then spun around again, " Well as far as I'm concerned..it's over. This is me...flinching" she said as she stuck her hand out to him. Jackson smiled and shook her hand, " Welcome to my team...now get the hell out of my office and find me a story." Jesse smiled back, " You got it."


Will and Sonny stood staring at Jack. " Well...say something" he said to them after a few minutes. Will shook his head slightly, " Believe me I can understand what you are feeling but...it's a bit far fetched don't you think?" Both young men looked at Sonny. He exhaled and stood up pacing for a minute. " You know...if this was anyone else I would completely agree with you Will..but this is my Uncle Jack we are talking about. I have heard the stories...well most of them. Crazy things happen to him all the time, he gets into some outrageous situations. So I'd have to say..where Uncle Jack is concerned..anything is possible. What do you need us to do?" Jack smiled up at him, " Thanks..I just need you to make a couple of phone calls for me."




Sophia smiled as Jackson relayed the mornings events over lunch. " Wow..I'm really impressed." Jackson raised his eyebrows, " As am I..I think we can work well together." Sophia stared at him, " Does she know about you..you know your memory loss?" Jackson shook his head "No...no one but Thomas and you know about that." She covered his hand with hers and gave him a sad smile. He sighed, " Sophia..are you sure that you are okay with this? I would completely understand if you chose not to see me any more. I know you must be wondering if I have a wife out there somewhere." She squeezed his hand, " It does cross my mind..but you make me so happy..I am willing to take the chance." He lifted her hand to his lips, " You make me happy too..thank you for sticking with me." Sophia's eyes grew wide, " Uh-oh..." Jackson furrowed his brow, " What's wrong?" Sophia plastered a big smile on her face, " Just follow my lead.. Hey Alex, what are you doing here?" Alex walked over and leaned over kissing her on her cheek, " Hey Soph..I have to talk to the staff..working a case and the victim was last seen here having dinner." Alex turned and looked Jackson up and down. "Detective Alex Cavanaugh..and you are?" Sophia swallowed her water, " Oh..how silly of me..Alex..this is...uhh.." Jackson stifled a laugh, " Jackson..Jackson Williams, pleased to meet you." Alex chuckled, " Jackson Williams..Jesse's editor?" Jackson nodded, " Yes..that's right." Alex looked at Sophia and started laughing, " "Oh man.. this is priceless..can I tell her...please?" Sophia pinched his arm, " You will do no such thing!..I am going to tell her...soon." He pulled out a chair and sat down, " I'm Jesse's fiance'. So... I am dying to know..how did you two meet?" Jackson looked at Sophia with a smile and she buried her face in her hands. " I guess I'm telling the story..well you see one night."


Jack sat across from Roman Brady in his office at the SPD. Will had called his Uncle and arranged the meeting for him. Jack explained to him that he wanted a copy of his father's autopsy and had hoped that Chief Brady would expedite it for him. Roman sat back in his chair and studied the young man. He was not sleeping well, he thought to himself. There was something in those deep blue eyes too, an anger, laced with sadness, he thought. " What does your mother think of you looking at this?" Jack smirked and shook his head. " I have no idea..we are barely on speaking terms. Look chief Brady, this is a matter of public record, I am his son and I am eighteen. I don't believe I need her permission for anything. I was hoping to just get the copies and be on my way." Roman shook his head, " I'm sorry Jack, I am going to have to deny your request and recommend you not get a copy through the proper channels as well. Believe me..this is for your own good, it was a very difficult scene to witness. I know, I was there. Talk to your mother first and if she agrees then I will get a copy for you." Jack stood up, " You can't deny me, it's public record as I have said. If I'm not mistaken ..you could be violating my rights." Jack opened the door and nodded. " Good thing I brought my attorney..you know...just in case." Justin stood in the doorway and Roman sighed. After a brief conversation, Roman relented and sent Jack down to retrieve what he wanted. " You are a lot like your father" Roman said as he sat back down. " Thank you" Jack said as he turned the door handle. " I never said that was a complement." Roman added as he shuffled some papers around on his desk. Jack furrowed his brow, " When you call my mother..as I know you will do as soon as your door closes, tell her I said hello." Justin stood just outside waiting for him. " Thank you Uncle Justin for all your help." Justin put his hand on Jack's shoulder, " I didn't really do anything. Jack..I hope you find closure or whatever it is your looking for." Jack smiled, " So do I."



" I like him..he's seems like a good man." Jackson said as he and Sophia walked down the street hand in hand. " He is..Alex is a wonderful guy and a great cop." Jackson frowned as he glanced over at her, " When will we tell her? I mean we aren't sworn enemies anymore." Sophia laughed, he loved her laugh. " That was what I was waiting for, that or you quitting. I have the perfect time. In a few weeks my designs will debut at a big fashion show. There is a black tie event afterwards..that's when we'll spring it on her." Jackson stopped at the corner and they faced on another, " Sounds like a plan, see you tonight? " She reached up on her tip toes and kissed him. " Yes..it's your turn to cook." As she walked down the street he shouted to her, " No it's not!"



Jack sat on his bed, the autopsy photos spread out, reading the report as he choked down the last bite of his burger. It was difficult but the more he read the more he knew in his heart...this was not his father. The coroner had not bothered to do a DNA test or even a dental records check. They had gone by eyewitness accounts only. He was the lone passenger of that elevator when it went down, Abby and their mother had told the police. The identification came by way of his personal effects only. Once again a knock at the door made him flinch. Was this Will and Sonny coming to see how he was doing? No...no he knew who it was. He composed himself as he went to the door. He took one last deep breath and opened the door. " Hello Mother...I've been expecting you."

[MrsM]

Oooh, this is getting good!!

[fluffysmom]

Great chapter. Looking forward to reading more of the story.