The Best Laid Plans - Chapter 37
 
 

" So, Justus, are you going to tell me where we're headed?"

" I don't know why not. San Francisco."

" San Francisco?"

" Yes. You don't like the city?"

" Actually, it's one of my favorite American cities."

" Then, I'm glad that I chose it."

" And what do you have in mind for this trip?"

" I don't know. Maybe we get to know one another better?"

" Oh. I believe that I am for that."

" Good." The phone rings. " The pilot says that we will be landing shortly."

" Here's to safe landings."

Justus and Sasha make in into S.F. fine. They arrive at the Fairmont Hotel, atop of Nob Hill, the finest part of San Francisco. They settle into separate suites, and Sasha meets Justus down in the lobby.

" You said bring an overnight bag, so here I am."

" Yes. Shall we go."

Sasha and Justus take the limo. From the drive, Sasha could tell that they were leaving San Francisco and going to the Napa Valley-wine country. They arrive sometime later at this enormous old Victorian. The winery sign at the entrance said B&W Winery.

Sasha and Justus got out of the limo. An elderly gentleman came out and got their bags, and talked to Justus.

As they were walking to the house, Sasha asked, " So, how did you pick this winery for us to visit."

" I own it."

" Oh. "

" Yes. It was part of the trust."

Sasha and Justus enter the house. It is beautifully down with antiques. Something out of a spread in Architectural Digest. They got settled and then spent the rest of the day touring the winery. Justus had a lot to learn. But, Sasha was willing to help him, since the Cassadines owned several wineries throughout Europe and one in Chile. They had dinner served, outdoors, under some candles.

" So, Mr. Ward. What do you intend to do with this winery?"

" I suppose, just drink the wine and count the profits for as long as possible."

" Sounds like a good plan. You didn't tell me how your sister reacted to the news."

" She was stunned to say the least. But, she signed the papers, and now she owns half the trust."

" She's how many years younger than you?"

" Five."

" That's a lot of money for someone so young."

" THIS from a woman who made her first billion by the time she was 22?"

" I've always considered myself exceptional."

" Oh. Well, you definitely don't lack self-confidence."

" Are you put off by women with self-confidence?"

" No. Not at all. A woman without a brain and spine isn't worth having."

" Did your Dr. Hardy have a brain and spine?"

" Yes. In abundance. Simone was a triple threat: beauty, brains and brawn."

" So, if she was so wonderful, why didn't you marry her?"

" The fault was mine. She did nothing wrong. We went wrong because of mistakes that I made. Speaking of mistakes, what about your marriage to Jerry Jacks?"

" I can say that the fault was mine. For not seeing who Jerry was before we got together. Once I did, the situation was corrected."

" And there's been no one else?"

" No. But, you can't say the same. I saw you look at a woman the night we had dinner at the Port Charles Grille. She was with Jasper."

" Her name is Dara Jensen."

" And?"

" And, what? There is no more. Yes, we dated. But, it just didn't work out."

" Because of Jasper?"

" He didn't help."

" Is that why you want my help in destroying him?"

" Among other reasons. Would you like to inform me of how OUR plans are going?"

" The foundation is being set now. A good ruination Justus, takes planning, precision and patience. If you lay a good foundation, then, watching it come to fruition, is almost like watching a fine meal being prepared. All the ingredients have to be there, just so."

" And the ingredients are there?"

" Yes. We are attacking the South American division of J&J Jacks, as we speak. Subtlety. Quietly. While, friends of mine, are making sure that major things are going wrong for the Jacks' in their two main projects in China."

" Typical diversionary tactics."

" Yes. And that's all you need to know. But, soon, you will have to approach Jacks about supporting you, in a takeover of ELQ."

" How do you know that he'll believe me now, since Edward has given me this new power."

" He'll ESPECIALLY believe you, now. From Jacks' perspective, you are even a better partner than you were before. He believes that with your newfound power, you will have no reservations, nor hesitations to go for the brass ring. Now that you no longer need the Quartermaines, you'll do what's best for you."

" Which is to betray my own family."

" Exactly."

" I think that you need to do something, that deals with the trust. One of the companies, or businesses. And that it needs to get into the business papers. Possibly, you could also make a donation to charity, and have it written up. So that Jax knows that you have your own money and an independent center of wealth. I assure you. He'll come to you once he knows."

" And I turn him down. Several times."

" Of course. It will stroke his ego. You'll become a challenge. Turn him down...but don't turn him DOWN. Keep part of his brain occupied with you. That will be one less part.."

" That will notice his company faltering south of the border."

" You catch on fast."

" So I've been told."

" Well, if we've concluded our business for the night." Sasha begins to stand up. Justus grabs her arm.

" Sasha, wait."

" For what reason?"

" Are we to be doomed to being business partners?"

" When doing business, I consider private matters to be a destraction."

" I never considered myself a distraction. Or, I never thought you considered me one."

" I don't. But, while we are business partners, anything else, would defeat our goals."

" How would us enjoying each other's company, defeat anything?"

" Goodnight, Justus."

Sasha leaves and goes upstairs to her room. She unwinds by soaking in the tub. As the moonlight comes in from the windows, she smiles as she thinks about the progress between her and Justus. His interest in her, will be used by her, as she keeps him destracted, while she makes her end run on ELQ. She found Justus handsome, of course, and even charming. His wit is undeniable. But, she had goals. And one of those goals, is the takeover and dismantling ofr ELQ. And whatever has to be done, would be done.

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After a lazy morning, Justus drove Sasha to an open field.

" What are we doing here?"

" Waiting for our transportation. And, if I'm not correct, I see it coming."

Justus pointed to the sky, and there was a hot air balloon coming their way. They spent the next couple of hours, flying above the Napa Valley, sipping champagne and eating strawberries.

" What are you trying to do?"

" Show you that I can be a very interesting distraction."

After the balloon ride, they rode back to San Francisco in silence. Justus dropped off Sasha at her hotel room.

" Please be ready for a formal evening, in about 2 hours."

" Further distractions?"

" Of course."

Sasha decided on the red strapless Armani that was she had sent up from the boutique downstairs. She decided on the diamond studs and to wear her hair down. She was going for 'soft' this evening. When she opened the door, she had to stop herself. Justus looked so, well, striking, in his tuxedo. He had the 'classic' physique. Well built, Broad shoulders, he had even more of an air of confidence than usual. Well, $700 million dollars will do that to a man.

" Shall we go?", Justus asked. They went downstairs. Sasha went towards the limo, but Justus stopped her.

" No. We won't be taking a limo."

" We won't?"

" No. We'll be taking that." Justus pointed over to an empty trolley car.

" You're kidding."

" Nope. We'll be late. Come on."

Justus and Sasha ride the Trolley all the way down to Fisherman's Wharf. They went to the end of the pier, where there was some new renovations that had just been complete. She and Justus had a sitdown dinner, in the new Chinese Restaurant that was there. Just the two of them. Sasha knew the owners of the restaurant. They were owners of her favorite Mandarin restaurant in Vancouver. One brother decided to follow his twin sons down to Stanford and Berkeley Med Schools, and thought that the restaurant would keep them busy. They feasted on the best Chinese food, and enjoyed themselves. After dinner, Justus took her to the newst part of the wharf. There was a completely black room. Justus said, " Hit it!" And suddenly, Sasha saw the lights of a beautiful, old-fashioned Carousel come on, complete with great music.

Justus extended his hand. " Shall we?"

They got up on the Carousel, and Justus even helped Sasha onto the tallest horse. They had fun just going round and round. After a while, they found themselves sitting together, in the love seat.

" How did you know that I like Carousels?"

" I just knew. Do you like my distraction?"

" Yes."

" Well, I like being one." Justus leans in to kiss Sasha, but she turns away. " OK. I was being presumptuous."

" Yes you were. I think it's time we went back."

" Fine."

They rode back on the trolley, in silence. Sasha couldn't even enjoy the view of San Francisco that she saw. All she could think of was the carousel. She had loved them ever since she was a little girl, and Stefan put her on one in Paris. She even had him buy it, and had it shipped to Greece.

She and Stefan had only a few places where they could talk, and be open with one another completely. And rides on the Carousel, were something that they did everyday, when they were on the island together. They would talk about anything and nothing. It didn't matter. It was the private time that they spent ALONE, away from everyone, including Nikolas. And she didn't like the way that Justus was looking at her. As if he knew her. She didn't get to KNOW people. You only get hurt when that happens. Keeping a cool distance is not only smart, but neccessary.

As soon as the Trolley stopped in front of the hotel, Sasha turned to Justus and said, " Thank you", and walked away, not even waiting for Justus to walk her to her door.

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Sasha met Justus once again in the afternoon.

" I was wondering if you were even speaking to me after last night.", Justus commented.

" Of course, I am. The Carousel was just a surprise. It's been a very lazy day for me. And yourself?"

" I was in the middle of finishing up a purchase. I wanted you to come see it."

" Here? In San Francisco?"

" No. Up in the hills."

Justus and Sasha drive for about an hour outside of San Francisco up into the mountains. They drive up and up the winding roads, until they arrive at a gated community. Justus gives the guard his name, and they go right on through. They drive until they arrive at an enormous white house, built almost like a Grecian Temple. Justus stops the car in the driveway.

" Your house, Mr. Ward?"

" Yes."

They go inside. From a quick glance, Sasha sizes up that the house is at least 9-10,000 square feet. Complete with ballroom, living room, formal and informal dining room, a sunken family room. A kitchen complete with every convenience. A tennis court. And a wonderful pool  and jacuzzi.

Justus has already arranged, for a cook to have a BBQ all set up for them on the patio. As they have dinner, Sasha is full of questions.

" So, tell me Justus. Why this house?"

" I'll answer all your questions, if you'll go for a swim with me."

" I don't have a suit."

" I made sure that a varied selection was in your size."

" Oh. Well, we're not supposed to go into the water for at least an hour after eating."

" Then, I'll see you in an hour. I have some phone calls to make."

Sasha looks at Justus, wondering what was going on with him.
She met him down, in the pool, in a little over an hour. He was standing there, waiting in the pool. With nothing but swim trunks on, she didn't believe it, but he was even more handsome. She could tell that he really does keep in shape. She chose the most conservative one piece bathing suit in the bunch.

" Come on in", Justus asked.

Sasha came into the pool. It was one of those that looks like it drops off into nothingness. Justus was at the edge. She waded over to him.

" So, Mr. Ward. Why the pool."

" Sssshhh. Look." Justus pointed and Sasha's breath was indeed taken away by the view. The sun was setting, and it illuminated from behind the mountains. And there were these rainbowed hues mixed with clouds. It was something out of a postcard. It was so serene. So tranquil.

" The first time I saw a sunset like that, explained to me why people would live here in the first place. It was something else. I was overwhelmed. I never saw anything in California, but floods, fires and earthquakes. It never occurred to me that there could be such beauty here. But, here it is. When I was in prep school, one of my classmates on the debate team, his father was transferred out to California. They have a house, about  10 minutes from here. When he told me that he didn't even live in the city, I told him that I felt sorry for him. He said, if you saw what I saw from my window every morning and evening, you wouldn't feel sorry for me ever. I came out to visit, and understood. And vowed that I would have a house with those views."

" And now, you do."

" Yes. I do."

" And what are we doing here, Justus?"

" I wanted to share it with you."

" Why?"

" Strange thing is, I don't know why. I'm doing this because I know I can. And that means more to me than you'll ever know."

" What is it about me?"

Sasha's back is up against the wall of the pool. Justus is in front of her. There's barely any space between them.

" It's the occasional flicker of connection that I see in your eyes, between us."

" Connection? I think that we work well together."

" It's more than that."

" No. I don't think so. And I think that this conversation is over."

Sasha turns to get out of the pool. Justus stops her and kisses her. She resists, at first, but then responds to him. She does, finally, him away.

" And you say that there's nothing there? Who's kidding whom? I know the drill. I'll be ready to leave in about 30 minutes."
Justus gets out of the pool, leaving an upset Sasha.

The rest of the trip, back to the Fairmont, then to the airport, and even back to Port Charles, is spent in silence.