@krispick – thanks!!! although if i had to choose between alex and ryan… wow that would be tough… which makes it a lot easier that i’ve never met an alex or a ryan… where are they?!!!!

@cfone – believe it or not… your comments convinced me to post both chapters today… of course this does mean that you might have to wait a bit longer for the next update but i hope you’ll forgive me haha…

@m_rave – hehe… don’t fall off… believe me i’ve done that… it hurts!

@bvhall – yeah she is a good person… i guess everyone has their demons. it’s how they cope with them that defines them as a person… i just wonder if a person like alex would ever be able to forgive her mother for what she did… it takes a lot to forgive a person’s transgressions…

@scurry – mystery is the spice of life… or was that excitement… no… hang on… it’s on the tip of my brain… oh yeah… ***** is the spice of life! ok… that doesn’t quite sound right… but it will do haha…

@lenab41 – t? thievery? damn now you got me racking my brain… does this person go by a nickname that is generally used to cool beverages… cause then you’re almost right… let’s say it’s a middlewoman…

Previouslies

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Either you get with the program or you leave. Angelina smiled at this and walked towards the door.

No, darling sorella, either you get with the program or you will be forced to leave, she said her voice dripping with unveiled hate before she left closing the door of Marinas office behind her.

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Do you still love her, Shane? Alex asked deciding not to beat around the bush. Shane looked at Alex shocked. She shook her head vigorously.

No, of course I dont love her. She paused thinking for a moment. Im not sure it really was love. I guess I just wanted to feel like I belonged. Alex nodded. She could understand that.

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Im a match. Lucy turned her look back to Alex at this. Shane looked at Alex in surprise. Shed had no idea Alex had even gotten herself tested. In fact Alex hadnt even told her yet what was wrong with her sister.

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Why did you decide to help her?

Because I couldnt not help her I know it sounds weird. Shane shook her head.

No it doesnt, I knew you would do the right thing. Alex starting laughing at this. Shane looked at her questioningly.

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HAUNTED

Chapter 10 – To Break Up Or Not To Break Up?

Her eyes swept over the sleeping figure next to her in the bed. She looked so peaceful when she was asleep. Angelic almost. But then again she looked quite saintly even when she was awake. She reached out and stroked her hair tucking a strand behind her ear and bending forward to place a soft kiss on her forehead. The figure moved a little but didnt wake up. Alice swung her legs over the side of the bed and got up. She slowly tip toed out of the room and went to the kitchen to make herself some coffee.

Alice went to the front door to get the morning paper. The accident at the restaurant had barely made it to the fifth page. Merely two paragraphs drew attention to the unfortunate incident. Alice noticed that there was no mention of J-Star Industries or Steven Jaffe for that matter. Maybe then the story would have made the front page. Alex and Shane had filled them in on Steven Jaffes role minutes before the doctor had shown up and had told them the news. Dana had taken the news very badly and it had taken a lot of persuasion to get Dana to come home to get some rest. Alice had almost felt guilty for feeling jealous of Lara. Of course she had felt sorry for what happened to Lara, but she couldnt help thinking Danas reaction was in part due to the fact that she still had feelings for her ex girlfriend. Feelings that extended beyond mere friendship.

Shane had promised to keep an eye on Lara and to call the moment she woke up. The doctors were hopeful that Lara would wake up soon, but they were not sure how serious the consequences of her injury would be. Alice took a sip of her coffee. She grimaced when she nearly burned her tongue. Her fingers ran over the small article in the paper. Maybe it wasnt really about Lara. In fact Alice knew it wasnt about Lara. Things hadnt been right between her and Dana for a while. She couldnt even count the amount of times they had broken up and gotten back together on one hand.

Alice loved having Dana around, but they hadnt slept together in over a month. In fact they were more roommates than lovers. They hung out together, went out together and lived together. But no matter how Alice looked at things, somehow they had gotten back to that place they had been in before the kiss. They were back to being friends. The question was, was this a bad thing? Alice sighed and took another sip of her coffee while she perused the rest of the paper.

*****

Marina looked at the print out on her desk. She sighed and walked over to the window to take in the magnificent view. On a lot of days it was this view that managed to remind her of the beauty around her and to keep her sane. She turned back and looked at the picture of her family on the desk. The picture had been taken five months after Franco had been born. They had looked so happy at the time. Of course appearances can be deceiving. The only reason Paolo was in the picture was that once again he had been suspended from school. And although she and her sister looked taken with each other it was only minutes before that they had been trying to pull each others hair out. Ironically her sister was still trying to pull her hair out. And Paolo was still up to no good.

Marinas little helper had managed to trace the transfers of money from six different bank accounts to half a dozen dummy corporations. Now all he needed to do was find out who was behind these corporations. If Marina had solid proof linking either her brother or sister or both to embezzlement, she might be able to force them out of the business without resorting to the kind of tactics her father used to excel in. If not she would well and truly step into her fathers footsteps.

Marinas train of thought was disturbed when there was a knock on the door. She quickly glanced at the clock on the wall. It was way beyond office hours and she hadnt thought there were many people left in the building.

Yes come in. The door opened to show her mother peaking around the corner. She smiled and gracefully entered closing the door behind her.

Cara mia still at work so late. You need to go home and rest, she said worriedly moving towards Marina and placing her hand against her cheek. Marina smiled at this and took hold of her mothers hand. She placed a soft kiss on it. Being close to her mother again meant so much to her. And she appreciated her support, because she knew how hard it was for her mother to take sides in the matter.

I have some work to finish, maman, Marina said moving to the desk and subtly burying the print out underneath the other papers.

Well, you will just have to finish it tomorrow, because I am taking you home right now, her mother said and Marina could tell from the tone of her voice that she would not take no for an answer.

Ok, Marina said laughing. She took one look around her deciding that everything could indeed wait till tomorrow and she locked the door behind her.

A few minutes after Marina and her mother had gotten on the elevator, a figure emerged from a side corridor and moved towards Marinas office. He took a key out of his pocket and quietly unlocked the door. He turned on the torch in his right hand not willing to risk alarming anyone by turning on the light.

The figure moved towards the cabinets by the far wall and after fiddling with the lock for a few minutes it sprang open. He quickly flicked through the files and moved on to the desk when he didnt find anything of importance. He started shuffling through the papers on the desk not expecting to find anything. He was about to move on to the desk drawers when his eyes settled on a print out. His eyes scanned over the numbers on the print out and the various businesses mentioned. His brow was furrowed now. His boss would not be pleased about this. It seemed they had underestimated Marina Ferrer. If she got any closer they would have to take care of her. The man smiled at this. Taking care of things was one of the perks of his job.

The man tried to replace the papers as he had found them. He silently got up and walked towards the door locking it behind him.

*****

Alice fiddled with her coffee mug trying to avoid looking at Shane. She hadnt known who else to talk to. The only person who sprang to mind was Shane, the in-house Romeo who had had more experience with women than anyone.

Well, say something, she finally cracked. But then again Alice wasnt exactly used to being part of a conversation in which no one was conversing.

Jeez, Al, I dont know what to say. I thought you guys were doing good, Shane spoke. Alice and Dana had looked really good together. They truly seemed happy. Of course theyd had their spats, but thats what relationships were like Shane figured. She used to argue with Cherie once in a while. And Bette and Tina used to argue all the time. *****, they were still arguing now even though theyd decided to take a break from each other for a while.

That had been an equally large shock for Shane. Theyd been like her ideal. They gave her hope. If Bette and Tina couldnt make it, then what chance did she and Alex have, shed thought. And now Alice was talking about breaking up with Dana. Its like their little group was falling apart. Tina and Bette were fervently trying to avoid running into each other. What would happen to them if Dana and Alice did the same thing? She couldnt imagine not having their morning chats anymore. They were her safety net. They all kept her grounded.

We were I mean we are Its just, Alice hesitated for a moment.

Its like were friends again. We dont even have ***** anymore, Alice concluded with a moan. Shane shook her head sympathetically and reached out putting her hand over Alices.

Thats harsh, dude, Shane paused thinking for a moment.

Well, what am I supposed to do, Yoda? Alice quipped trying to lighten the mood but her face was as serious as it had been before.

Well, what do you want to do, Al? Do you wanna break up with Dana? Alice groaned out loud causing several heads to swivel in their direction.

I love her. I really do. But I need to be with someone who loves me in the same way. I want the whole package.

The whole package? You mean *****, dont you Al? Shane smiled knowingly.

Oh God, Im so shallow, Alice let her head drop to the table. Shane squeezed her hand.

Of course youre not. Al, youre my best friend and I want you to be happy, Shane paused uncomfortably. She couldnt believe she was going to say this, but it sounded like the best thing for both of them.

Maybe you guys need a break. Alice looked up with tears in here eyes.

Yeah, maybe youre right, she said before she broke into sobs letting Shane envelop her in her arms.

*****

Alex took a deep breath and followed the secretary into his office. The minute she walked in she felt the testosterone wafting towards. The whole office screamed male chauvinist pig from the oak desk in the center of the room to the African masks on the walls.

Come on in, Steven Jaffe said warmly waving her to one of the leather chairs in front of his desk. Alex grimaced to herself. It was amazing how courteous people were when they were dealing with someone they had major business dealings going on with. Or rather someone whose father they had major business dealings with. So far Alex had always managed to avoid the Jaffes. She knew their reputation and had gladly passed on their account to her brother Mark. Alex walked to the desk Jaffe had pointed at and sat down casually leaning back in the chair.

So, Alex, what can I do for you? Jaffe asked his voice coated in sugar. Alex pulled out a copy of the paper and threw in front of him on the desk.

And its Ms. Morris to you. Jaffe picked up the paper, which was folded open to the article on the collapsing building. His face frowned for a split second, but he recovered very quickly. Not quick enough for Alex not to have noticed it though.

So? he asked letting the paper fall back on his desk. Alex leaned forward her face instantly taking on a professional look. The kind of look she got when dealing with clients or employees.

I know that this is your building, which makes you responsible.

Actually, Alex, sorry Ms. Morris, I relinquished all responsibility for that building when I signed it over, he replied smugly.

Wrong, Alex said producing a piece of paper from her pocket.

This little piece of paper is the contract you signed stating that the building was perfectly sound. Meaning that the building collapsing proves you lied. You are in deep ***** Steven, she drew out his name. Jaffes face took on a cold property.

You really want to try proving that?

What makes you think I want to prove anything? Alex face broke into a big grin.

First I catch your wife macking on my girlfriend. Then your building collapses on my best friend. Tell you the truth Ive had quite enough. I dont want to prove anything. Alex got a pensive look on her face.

Come to think of it by the time Im done with you there wont be anything left to prove, Alex said before turning around leaving a dumbfounded Jaffe in her wake.

*****

Just as Alex was getting into her car her cell phone started chirping.

Yeah. Oh hi. Alex listened for a few seconds her smile slowly fading.

Are you sure?

Ok, Im sending Ice to come keep an eye on you Im not taking no for an answer. After hanging up Alex stayed in her car for a while. It seemed like the problems were piling up. She wondered how many balls she would be able to juggle especially considering one of these balls was across the ocean.