JON BOLTED OUT of his office. He was vaguely aware that Lucas followed him. Oliver and Rick looked at him with wide, alarmed eyes as he bounded past, closely followed by Lucas. They stood still for half a second before running after Jon. Jon entered the elevator with Lucas slipping in at the last moment. "What are you doing?" Jon asked Lucas as the elevator went down. Lucas didn't answer. The elevator was moving too slowly for Jon's face-paced mind. He nervously tapped his foot, as if that would speed it up. As soon as it touched ground at the underground garage and the door started sliding open, Jon jumped out and into the BMW, not waiting for Luke, his driver, who was nowhere to be found. He started the engine and started speeding away when Lucas jumped in beside him too into the passenger seat. Jon looked at his stepbrother who shrugged and said, "What?" He laughed, "I'm just here to offer support and comfort. I'm sure you need it." He reached behind him to pull down his seat
JON WALKED INTO his office in confident strides. His head was already planning what next to do. "Oh, I thought you lot had gotten lost," Lucas said when he saw Jon walk in. "Shut up, Lucas," Jon snapped. He walked to his table. "What is going on with you?" Lucas asked even though he did not really care. Jon ignored the question, "What colour are you wearing tonight?" He asked. Lucas shrugged, "What does it matter?" "Dad said we need to show a united front," Jon explained. "That doesn't mean we get to dress alike," Lucas said, patting his hair. "Just tell me –" "I am wearing the normal traditional black suit," Lucas snapped, "Happy now?" Jon nodded and glanced at his watch, He had about some hours to prepare. Nicole Bishop had not still returned his call, He sighed. She was the fiance of one of his rivals, he should not think about her this much."I'm headed back home," Jon said, "Stay here and run the company," He walked out muttering, "That's what you want anyway."Lucas
THE PARTY WAS being held in a beach house that instantly put Jon in awe as soon as it came in sight. He kept his eyes on it as they approached. Lucas jabbed him in the elbow and said, "Don't look like that. It's not a sophisticated look." Jon frowned and asked, "How does that concern you?" "You will be seen with me. We will be seen as partners," Lucas said, brushing his cuffs, "Any slip-up of yours will be a slip-up of mine too." Jon huffed, "Yeah, right. I won't slip up." "Good," Lucas nodded. Luke pulled the car to a stop just at the mouth of the horde of paparazzi and media. The cameras started flashing even before the car came to a complete stop. The door opened and Lucas stepped out and flashed a brilliant smile at the camera. Jon stepped out too and they recognized him from the upset at the art exhibit. They went crazy with excitement. Numerous lights flashed as the cameramen took pictures. Jon's smile felt more like a grimace as he was temporarily blinded. Lucas, who st
LUCAS WAS SURROUNDED by a group of about 7 people and he was in their middle. Their eyes and concentration was focused on whatever it was that he was saying. They had even forgotten to drink their wine, the glass cups just hung loosely on their fingers, like it would drop at any moment. Jon walked closer to them and heard Lucas just ending his story, "... AND SO I concluded that those Spanish have no idea how to do business," Lucas ended his story wuth a mock bow and the people around him burst out in laughter. Jon shook his head, his stepbrother was really a natural in this setting. It was like he was born into wealth. Jon rested his hand on the counter of the bar and looked around. There was no familiar face. He saw no reason for him to be here anymore since he had already known that it was Maxim and Antonio Orsatti that was behind the building on his shore space. Jon rang Luke and told him to bring the car over to the front door. He walked up to Lucas and his circle of friend
JON WOKE UP feeling hungover. He felt a very serious migraine."What did I have to drink last night?" He mumbled to himself as he rolled over. His head felt like a game of catch was being held in his skull. He swung his leg over the side of his bed and sat up. His head was pounding as he headed to the bathroom to wash up. He still had no idea of what to do next regarding his business life. Should he play safe and leave it as it is, and keep on enjoying the rewards of his father and grandfather? Or should he go against the odds and try again, risking running at a loss and humiliation?Those were the thoughts circling his head as he stood in the cold shower and shampooed his hair. He washed up and came out a few minutes later, dripping water all over the floor. He opened his closet, not in the mood for any type of suit, so he picked a shirt and suit pants. He left the top button open, folded the sleeves of the shirts and as an afterthought, he grabbed a thick woollen sweater and hun
IN A FEW minutes, Jon had arranged a meeting with Nicole. More like a date in Jon's point of view. If Maxim wanted to play dirty, Jon could play even dirtier. He smiled as he ended the call and turned to his friends and stepbrother that were watching him. Jeff raised an eyebrow, "Well?" "I have it under control," Jon said, feeling important. "Bullshit," Lucas snapped, "You are incompetent and should not be let to run the family because the only place you can run us, is to the ground." Jon glared at him but did not say anything before taking a deep breath and entering the next room. Stefan still sat at the table as their help cleared away dirty dishes. Jon took a seat opposite his father and said, "I have it under control." Stefan nodded, "I'm sure you do," He pinned Jon with a dead pan stare and said, "But that is bad, Jonathan. Bad for you, bad for the family name." Jon nodded, "I know.""What do you have in mind to do now?" Stefan asked. "I am not still sure yet," Jon sai
A SILENT 30 minutes drive later, Luke parked the car in the underground garage. Lucas and Jon stepped out. Lucas patted his shoulders and said, "While you'll be away on a date, I will be taking care of the family's business." He smirked at Jon and walked to the elevator.Jon frowned and followed Lucas. They both got into the elevator. Lucas smirked and said, "You are going to stand your date up?" Jon remained silent. The elevator opened and Oliver was standing outside."Good morning, sirs," Oliver greeted. Lucas scoffed and walked past, Jon nodded at Oliver's greeting. "What of Mr Richard?" Oliver asked. Jon shook his head, "Rick won't be coming anymore." Oliver looked like he wanted to pursue the matter but he kept quiet. "What do I have to do today?" Jon asked, walking to his office. "Well, you should be expecting a guest by 1 p.m.," Oliver said. "Who is that?" Jon asked, stopping in his tracks and looking at Oliver. "Someone called Mr Bach," Oliver said, looking at his
NICOLE SMILED AND asked, "I know of the rivalry between you and Maxim." "Hmm," Jon said. A waiter came by, "Can I get you anything?" "We'll think about it, but for now, just get a glass of coffee please."The waiter nodded and bowed before leaving them. Nicole leaned closer before continuing with what she was saying, "You seem like a pretty decent guy," She said, "Don't let Maxim drag you down…" Jon smiled, "You don't seem like you fancy your fiancé so much." Nicole scoffed, "Trust me, I don't. I think I told you before, I'm only with him out of family duties." "Well, he's a lucky guy," Jon said. "He surely doesn't see himself as lucky," Nicole replied. Jon started to say something but stopped as the waiter approached. The waiter carried a jug of black coffee in a wide tray that held small empty cups, and cups of milk, cream, sugar and little spoons. "Thank you," Nicole mouthed silently to the waiter, while Jon simply nodded. The waiter poured some black coffee into the two
"HOW ARE YOU feeling today?" Jon asked as they left the hospital. His hand was around Nicole's waist, supporting her as they walked out with her nurse in tow. "A lot better," Nicole smiled. "That room was starting to feel a little crampy." Jon chuckled. "There is a lot of space where you are going now." Nicole smiled. They got into the waiting limousine and Jon's driver pulled out of the parking lot. It had been a week since Maxim fled for Russia and things had been relatively quiet. There were no talks about assassins or attempted murders anymore. For Jon, the only annoying part was Antonio Orsatti, strutting around like a peacock. He had to do something about him. But what? He asked himself. "What are you thinking about?" Nicole's voice drew Jon back to the present. He shook his head. "Nothing, nothing. I'm excited you are coming home with me." Nicole gave him a knowing smile and said. "Maxim is behind us now."Jon coughed out a laugh. "Why said anything about Maxim?" He as
JON DROVE TO the hospital parked, at the end of the lot and sat in the car, taking deep breaths and calming himself. He ran his hands over the steering wheel. There was a loud whine of an engine behind him. He turned to see a Porsche squeal into the parking lot some yards away from him. He turned to see Antonio get out of the car. He flipped a loose strand of his long hair behind his ear. He put on sunshades and then walked into the hospital. Jon was in awe of what Antonio was doing here. "What the fuck?" Jon muttered under his breath. "When did they even release him?" He asked himself. He wanted to follow Antonio and confront him about what he was doing here, but he decided to wait it out and see how it played out. He did not have to wait for long because, after a few minutes, he saw Antonio coming back out. Jon opened his car door and folded himself out. Antonio was taken aback for half a second when he saw Jon standing in the parking lot. He looked hesitant to approach Jon bu
THE MANSION WAS lit up with sirens the following morning. A servant tapped on Jon's door to wake him up. He brushed his teeth, washed his face, and went down in his pajamas. Alex Brandon and Mirtovic stood in his grand foyer. He stepped out just at the same time as Vincent, who was a little more formally dressed than Jon. "Head director," Vincent nodded at Mitrovic, and then he turned to Brandon, "Head director," he nodded again. "To what do I owe this surprise?" Jon asked dryly. Lucas came out of his suite and eyed the men. If looks could kill, both Mitrovic and Alex would have dropped dead. "Have a seat and drinks maybe," Mitrovic said. Jon snorted and led them into the study room. Lucas poured out 5 glasses of Whiskey. Vincent declined his, "A little too early for alcohol. Don't you think?" Jon nodded in agreement. He collected the glass from Lucas but did not drink it. "What do you have to tell us?" Mitrovic took a drink from his cup before saying, "News just got to us.
"YOU CAN GO in now, Mister Stone." Jon stood up and gave a small nod at the FBI agents who had spoken to him. He walked into the room to see Lucas seated. Lucas looked up and gave a smile that did not reach his eyes. "I told you something would happen," Lucas said when Jon came in. "They screwed it up, didn't they?" Jon nodded. He paced the small room and massaged his eye socket. "You should call Vincent," Lucas said. Jon stopped and looked at Lucas like he was about to argue. But then he nodded again, "I will. What were the charges against you? Why did they bring you in?"Lucas scoffed. "Did they need to have a reason?" He asked back. "I saw the way the Brandon guy looked at me that first time, he wanted to bring me in from there." Jon didn't have anything to say to that. So he sighed and said, "I am going to get you out of here." Lucas nodded as Jon left the room. He got back into his car and sped out of the parking lot. His mind was spinning as he drove into the mansion. H
IT WAS ONE importance of having numerous contacts in every area of the world. One of his contacts had informed him of the incoming arrest. Maxim had been in the kitchen, making himself breakfast when he received a text from his contact saying that there was a big arrest of a Russian coming the next day, all the bosses in the head offices were riled up and prepared. That was all the heads up that Maxim needed. He tossed the eggs into the trash can and left the house without even parking a bag. Just his car key and the clothes on his body. He hopped into his G-wagon and drove gently – He didn't overspeed. Nothing to catch their attention – to the airport. He told his pilot to take a one way flight to Russia immediately but that was not possible. The pilot had told him that the fuel wouldn't carry them nonstop, so they had to make a stop in France to refuel, before making the last half of the journey. That sounded fine. He just wanted to be out of New Jersey when the FBI came knockin
JON HAD A very short night. He woke up 3 hours after he closed his eyes, and his eyes remained open. After lying prone for a long time, he turned and glanced at the bedside clock. It was 6 a.m. "I might as well prepare for my flight back to New Jersey," He muttered as he threw the covers back and swung his leg over the edge of the bed. He grunted to his feet and went to the bathroom. He stepped into the cold shower to wake him up for the morning. After washing up, he headed downstairs where the maids were already setting the table. Vincent had told them last night that the big boss was going to leave very early the following morning, so they had to wake early to make sure he is well taken care of.Jon took a seat at the dining table and nodded as his meal was served. "Have one of you get my bags from my room upstairs," He said to a servant boy who nodded and headed up immediately to get the bag. Jon took a bite of his breakfast and then turned to another servant nearby, "Go knock o
JON COULD NOT believe his ears. He stood on the port deck and watched the distance as Chambers approached their closest ship docked in the open sea. "Did you hear what I said, Master Stone?" Vincent asked. Jon nodded and said, "I just need some time to process the information." Vincent nodded and held his hand behind his back. He let Jon mull over the information in silence. After a few minutes, Jon asked, "Are they going in hot?" Vincent nodded, "Frok what he told me, They've got the FBI and Interpol with them. I don't see any way Maxim Ivanov would escape his arrest." "Lucas seems to think they'll screw it up somehow."Vincent gave a sad chuckle. "Your stepbrother has always had a pessimistic outlook. But I want you to see the bright side." Jon nodded, "By tomorrow, everything will be over. Maxim will be behind bars or facing trial snd my fiance will be safe again." Vincent nodded. "Yes. You should be glad."Jon was not sure how he was feeling. He still had a tugging at the b
JON HAD BEEN flying constantly between New York and New Jersey over the last week. More guards had been stationed from Washington D.C. to his house and office. He had a fleet of 8 large vessels now and was finally going to speak with Miguel about the trading routes. He was just finishing a cup of coffee when Oliver popped into his office. "Sir, there's someone here to see you," He said. Jon raised an eyebrow, "Who is it?" Oliver cane in and closed the door gently behind him. He cleared his throat and said, "She said she's from the NBC news station. They want to run a story on you." Jon was surprised. "Me?" He asked. Oliver nodded. "Personally, I don't like the media. I can turn her away if you like. The desk downstairs held her." Jon swiveled on his chair and thought aboht it. Then he shook his head and said, "No. Let her up." Oliver nodded dutifully and walked out. Jon shook his head and smiled wryly. He picked up his telephone and called Lucas's office. He was answered wit
IT WAS ALMOST a week since Jon went to see Mitrovic with the evidence. The past week has moved in a blur and it had been relatively calm. There was no assassination attempt, no faked accident. It was just a week of business, visiting Nicole, staying in constant communications with New York, and handling things in New Jersey.Jon was at the office when Oliver walked in, "I just secured another deal for a large vessel." "Hmm," Jon nodded. "That makes it the seventh.""Yes, sir.""How much did this one go for?" Jon asked. "Uh, 120 million dollars," "Is it worth it?" Jon asked. Oliver nodded. "Yes, yes. For sure." "Okay then," Jon rubbed his palms together. "Have it sailed and docked in New York. I will be headed there by the end of this week. I'll have the workers ready too." Oliver nodded. "We would need a sea line plotter," Jon paused and looked up, "What do you mean?" Oliver cleared his throat, "We'll, sir. They can't just be roaming the free waters like some pirates. They nee