The Jaxon Effect

by KC Michaels

  Losing track of time, Kate checked her watch and three hours had passed. She was satisfied with the amount of work she had gotten done and even more satisfied with the fact that for three hours she was able to avoid thinking about anything Jaxon Remington related. That was already a good sign. Her presentation was almost finished and all she needed to do now was a spelling and grammar check to make sure it was polished before she handed it over to Dr. Richards.

  Thankfully she didn’t find too many errors and within twenty minutes she had her work completed and transferred onto a memory stick. She planned to go to the hospital to check in on Jade later so she would drop off the report to his office then. Since her computer was already up and running she figured she could kill some time and check her emails. There were several since the last time she checked which was probably a week ago. Most of it was junk mail, including one from a Russian diplomat that was apparently being held prisoner in a place called Baskavia, a place she had never heard of because it likely didn’t even exist. He had fifty million dollars in a bank account and he wanted her to accept his money into her account via bank transfer for safe keeping until he was able to become free from the Baskavian government. All she had to do was provide him with her banking information so he knew where to send the money. For being a Good Samaritan he promised her she could keep half of his bankroll.

  She wondered if people actually fell for those types of emails and pressed delete. There was so much spam and junk mail in her inbox she almost missed her most recent credit card statement that had been sent to her electronically three days prior. Kate wasn’t a tree hugger but she did like to do her part to help save the trees by signing up for e-statements whenever it was an option. Kate was able to log in and successfully open her statement. It was a small miracle in her eyes, since she also had trouble recalling passwords. She began to go through her transactions as she did every month before she cleared the balance. There were the usual charges on there for her highway transponder and gas for her car. She had ordered a couple of medical books online and those charges were on there too, as was one charge she had forgotten about from Remington Entertainment Industries. It was from the package she purchased for Jade. Her heart sank as she again thought about Jaxon. She paid her bill and exited her email account.

  Kate sat for several minutes staring at her blank computer screen. There was something she really wanted to do and she was trying to talk herself out of it. She needed to put Jaxon Remington behind her but as if her fingers had a mind of their own she began to type Remington Entertainment Industries in the space that Google provided and pressed enter. Several articles had popped up. She didn’t know why she was doing this after all she had ended things with him but somewhere deep inside her she still wanted to know something more about Jaxon. Not that she was going to find all of the answers she was looking for on the internet.

  Most of the stories that had popped up that were related to Remington Industries were articles announcing when the company went public, discussions on stock prices and an announcement that the company had reached the milestone of achieving the Forbes top fifty companies in 2011 and so on. There wasn’t really anything about Jaxon himself, so Kate decided to Google his name. There seemed to be very little at first. Most of what she came across appeared to be unrelated to her Jaxon Remington. She was about to give up until she noticed an archived article from the New York Times. She scanned through the article and was mortified when she realized this story was in fact about her Jaxon. Actually the story was about a man named Bruno Levinski and a girl named Cassie Winter. Bruno owned a male strip club called Seductions. The club had been closed down and Bruno and Cassie were charged with human trafficking, embezzlement, and some drug related charges. The article went on to say that Jaxon Remington a former employee of the club, and someone named Maksym Petrova were the main people who assisted authorities with the investigation leading to the arrest and the indictment of both of those people. There was a picture of the two of the criminals on the page. Bruno looked like a slime ball but Cassie could have been anyone’s best friend. She was a cute redhead with freckles and bright green eyes. It just went to show that you couldn’t judge a book by its cover. Jaxon was somewhat of a hero, she wasn’t surprised and it was yet another reason to think he was amazing. Realizing that scouring the internet for information on him wasn’t going to help her get past the fact that things didn’t work out between them she shut down her computer and picked up her memory stick and car keys and walked out the door.

  Before she reached Jade’s hospital room Kate did a few mind clearing deep breathing exercises. Jade was only going to see positive, optimistic Kate today. The same police officer who was there the last time Kate visited was standing in front of Jade's door again.

  “Good afternoon Doctor Sims."

  “Hi,” Kate said. “Is she alone?”

  “Yes, the doctor just left. I think she has some good news for you.”

  Kate walked into Jade’s room hopeful; she needed to hear some good news.

  “So I hear you have something to tell me?"

  “Kate, you’re back!” Jade said excitedly.

  “What’s the news?”

  “I’m finally getting released,” Jade answered happily.

  “So when is this happening?”

  “As soon as the papers are ready and my take-home prescriptions are arranged I am free as a bird.”

  “Oh Jade that is great news.” She hugged her friend. “It just so happens I have the next couple of days off so I can be at your beck and call for whatever you need.”

  Jade should have looked happy, but she didn't, she looked unsure.

  “What’s the matter?”

  “I'm afraid Kate. I'm afraid to go back to that house.”

  “Stay at my place then,” Kate said, without a second thought.

  “I can’t impose on you like that, Kate.”

  “Don't be ridiculous. Actually, I would love the company.”

  “Well, if you really wouldn't mind.”

  Kate jumped up and clapped her hands. “I’m going to go see if I can speed up your paperwork; I might be able to pull a few strings.”

  “Thanks Kate, once again, you are my saviour.” Kate offered her a half-hearted smile; she didn't feel like a saviour, this was the least she could do.

  She took care of everything and had Jade's release papers and prescriptions ready in minutes. Membership had its privileges. She also spoke to the officer at the door and gave him her address, so they could have someone posted outside her house while Jade was there recovering.

  “Okay honey, are you ready to go?” Kate asked, when she returned.

  Jade smiled brightly and nodded. “The sooner the better.”

  The traffic wasn’t heavy during that time of day so it didn’t take them long to arrive at Kate's house. Kate eyed Jade as they drove into the quiet subdivision. She expected to see signs of emotional trauma in Jade's expression as they got closer to Jade's house—the scene of the crime—but Jade remained stoic.

  “Someone mowed my lawn,” Jade said, surprised. “Kate you really didn't have to.”

  “What are you talking about?” Kate asked.

  “My lawn; it's been cut and the bushes have been trimmed.”

  “That wasn't me,” Kate replied, seeing that Jade was right. Someone had taken the time to take care of Jade's yard maintenance—very strange.

  “Then I wonder who it could have been,” Jade said, half under her breath, feeling uneasy.

  When they pulled into Kate’s driveway they were greeted by an officer, who had already taken up post at the door. The police department didn’t waste any time; someone was making sure that things were taken care of, as far as this case was concerned. Kate figured it was probably Maria. She made a mental note to ask call her to see if they had any new leads on Kenny's whereabouts.

  Kate showed Jade into the spare room. “Make yourself comfortable, I’m going to go fill your scripts. I won’t be
long.”

  “Thanks Kate, I really appreciate everything.”

  “I know,” Kate said, giving Jade a hug. “Maybe we can watch some eighties movies tonight. We can have a Molly Ringwald marathon.”

  “Oh yes, Sixteen Candles,” Jade said with a smile. “I wonder what ever happened to that guy who played Jake Ryan.”

  “Beats me,” Kate said. “Sixteen Candles, followed by Breakfast Club, and Pretty in Pink for the finale.”

  “Sounds wonderful,” Jade concurred.

  “I'll pick up snacks while I'm out too. Anything specific you want?”

  “No, surprise me.”

  “Will do,” Kate said. “If you need anything, the officer is right outside.”

  Having picked up Jade's medications and enough junk food for ten people, Kate was leaving the parking lot of the drug store when her cell phone rang. She didn’t recognize the number.

  “Hello!”

  “Hello Kate.” The voice was dark and menacing. Instantly Kate felt a shiver crawl up her spine. She knew that voice.

  “Where are you Kenny? The police are looking for you. You need to turn yourself in.”

  He laughed into the receiver and he sounded downright evil.

  “Oh Kate, now why would I turn myself in? That would make it impossible for me to play with you.”

  “What are you talking about Kenny?” Kate asked frightened, knowing full well she didn’t want to know. He was sounding like he was out of his sane mind.

  “I know she's staying with you, Kate. I want you to send her home. She and I have some things to work out.”

  He knew Jade was staying with her. Adrenalin had taken over as Kate unconsciously stepped on the gas toward home.

  “Listen Kenny, I know you’ve had a lot of stress at work lately. It’s okay, it happens to everyone. If you turn yourself in to the police they can get you help. You don't have to run Kenny; everyone will see it wasn’t your fault. You are sick and they will help you get better.”

  “Nice try Kate. Do you think I’m stupid?”

  “No, of course not. I just want—”

  “But you are right about one thing,” he said cutting her off. “This isn't my fault, it’s yours. I am coming for you Kate. I don’t care how many police officers are in front of your house. I will get you, both of you.”

  He was watching the house. “You are a fucking coward, Kenny, and when the police get you—”

  “Shut the fuck up, you two are going to pay!”

  Kate immediately broke the connection and called 911. By the time she had reached her street the police cruisers had already been there. Kate found Jade sitting on the couch where she had left her.

  “Jade are you okay?”

  “Yes,” she answered softly. “Are you?”

  “I’m fine; I was just so worried about you.”

  “What did he say to you?”

  Kate wrestled with answering the question. Although there have been times where Jade’s strength had astounded Kate there were still hints of fragility under the surface.

  “Let’s not worry about that right now okay. The main thing is that you are safe.”

  Jade jut her strong chin forward and looked at Kate square in the eye. “What did he say to you Kate?”

  Before Kate had a chance to respond an office tapped her on the shoulder. “Excuse me Dr. Sims can you come with me please I have something to show you.”

  Kate gave Jade her best apologetic look even though she had no intentions of telling her any of what Kenny had said.

  “We’ll talk about this later. I’ll be right back.”

  Kate walked into her bedroom behind the officer. The colour drained from her face and she became weak at the knees. Not only had Kenny been watching her house he had managed to get himself in and he left his calling card to prove it.

  ***

  CHAPTER 17

  Jaxon waited impatiently as the airport valet retrieved his car from the long-term parking area. He hadn’t expected to be back in New York so soon. He should never have shown up in Chicago in the first place but he did, and seeing Kate again confirmed what he had been denying all along. He had feelings for her that went far beyond lust. The smart thing to do was to stay away from her and forget about her, but the pang of emptiness he felt when he considered that told him it wasn't going to happen. She was like his new drug of choice and like a junkie needing his fix he was going to find her. No amount of therapy was going fix this particular problem.

  He had no idea what he was going to say to her but Jaxon found himself at the top of the street where Kate lived. As he rounded the bend he could see half a dozen police cars; parked haphazardly in front of her house. Fear momentarily paralyzed him as he got closer; punching his breaks to the floor he jumped out of the car and bolted toward the house not even bothering to shut the car door.

  The scene inside the house caused him further confusion and panic. There were a few uniformed policemen in the main living room but no one seemed to even notice he was there. He spotted Jade sitting on the couch. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying and she had her arms wrapped around herself. Experiencing the same feeling as if he received a physical kick to his gut he faltered when he realized he didn’t see Kate.

  “Jade what’s going on? Where's Kate?”

  Still quite shaken by whatever had transpired, it took a moment before the recognition of who he was had registered on her face. She pointed toward the bedroom. Not sure what he would find, Jaxon darted toward the doorway when he was stopped by a large man in a police uniform.

  “This is a crime scene; you can’t come in here.”

  “The hell I can't!” he shouted and tried to push past him without much success. Before long there were three policemen on him, keeping him from getting into the bedroom.

  Kate heard shouting and recognized the voice immediately. She quickly ran out to see Jaxon being forcibly held at bay by three policemen.

  “Jaxon what are you doing here? She looked to the men holding him. It’s okay officers, I know this man.”

  “Are you sure ma'am? We would be more than happy to toss him out of here. Frankly, I don't like his attitude.” The big burly cop who was still holding him blurted. Jaxon hissed at the guy bearing his teeth as if he was a rabid dog.

  “Yes, of course I’m sure, please let him go.”

  Reluctantly the officers did as she asked. “I have my eye on you pal, and don't touch anything this is a crime scene.”

  Jaxon ignored the officer and put his focus back on Kate. “What is going on here? Why all the police?”

  “I really don’t think that should be any of your concern,” she replied hastily.

  “Kate, don’t play with me right now because I’m not in the mood.”

  His tone was sharp and she knew he was definitely pissed.

  “Fine,” she had witnessed his anger in the past with Nikki and she didn’t ever want to be on the receiving end of that temper. “Kenny called me and made some threats. I was worried so I called the police, but it's fine. We're okay.”

  Kate's eyes shifted over to Jade, who was watching from the couch, offering a questioning look. Kate shook her head lightly to refrain Jade from telling the rest of the story. For some reason she knew he wouldn’t take it well if he knew that Kenny had broken in.

  “What aren’t you telling me?”

  There were enough people in the room who knew the answer so hiding it from him wasn’t an option. It was likely going to be in the front page of the papers tomorrow anyway.

  “He broke in.”

  Before Kate could say anything else Jaxon rushed toward the bedroom in haste.

  “Hey, don't touch anything,” one of the officers ordered.

  “I won't,” Jaxon ground out, before he disappeared into the bedroom.

  Lying in the centre of Kate's bed was a pink satin negligee. At the very top of the bodice where Kate’s head would normally be, if she had been wearing it, was a picture of her face. Jaxon could
feel his pulse quicken and his body shake. He was going to kill the bastard. On the mirror was a note, written in lipstick, saying CANT WAIT BITCH!!! He bent down to pick up a broken tube of red lipstick that was lying on the floor when Kate walked in.

  “The police said not to touch anything.”

  “Pack your shit! You are coming with me.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “You heard me!” he barked. “You are not staying here.”

  “But Jade—”

  “Jade is coming too. Neither of you are safe here. Now move it!”

  “Look,” she replied, angrily following him out of the bedroom. “You can't order me around like that; I can take care of myself.” She was furious at his audacity. If he thought he could just say jump and she would ask how high, he had another thing coming. They weren’t even together any longer.

  “As much as it pains me to say this,” the burly policeman interjected, shooting Jaxon a sour look, “I say the pretty boy is right. I think you and your friend would be safer away from here for a while; at least until we find this asshole and get him behind bars.”

  Kate glanced over at Jade who nodded, her eyes pleading that Kate accept Jaxon’s offer. This was not happening to her. She knew he was right. They were all right and it wasn’t safe for her and Jade to remain there. She couldn’t help but think about the fact that by staying with Jaxon she was risking a hell of a lot as well. It was lose –lose. But that was her problem and hers alone, more importantly right now she had to think about Jade.

  “Okay fine! We will come with you, but know that this doesn't change things between us.”

  The policeman snorted at the comment as if he had suspicions about what Kate was eluding to. Jaxon appeared like he wanted to throttle him.

  “I have to make some calls while you pack. I will be back in a few minutes.” Jaxon decided he would address Kate’s comment later in private and he exited the front door with his phone to his ear.