Twists of Fate Chapter 4
Title: Twists of Fate (4/?)
Chapter 4
Pairing: Jo/Blair
Rating: T
Disclaimer: This is Facts of Life Fan Fiction. I don’t own Jo, Blair, or their counterparts from the TV shows…I only wish. I am going to be adding a few of my own characters however.
Summary: Zayne (Jo) and her family are heading back to the states for the trial. Will she come face to face with her past? Will Pavel Nicholaevich become a nightmare she can finally leave behind? Read and find out.
Thanks to all of you who have reviewed and to those who are now following along. I hope you continue to do so. Now on with the show. ;-) Enjoy your reading.
Previously… Zayne had never set out to become one of the richest people in the world and did everything feasible to keep that fact quiet. Although it was getting harder by the day, as was it to keep her face out of the media. She had many close calls and was glad of her computers. They had come in handy when destroying the few photos that tried to leak.
Nearly two years after finishing her surgical training, and a little over twelve years since leaving her old life behind, Zayne answered her door to find Interpol Officer Michelle Ferguson standing on her stoop along with another officer she didn’t recognize.
FoL FoL FoL FoL FoL
Chapter 4
“Officer Ferguson, it’s been a while. Please come in. I hope you’re here to give me good news and not bad.” Zayne waved them into the sitting room.
“We believe it is good.” The officer looked around. “You have a lovely home Zaynedria. I hear you are a doctor now. I also heard about your wife, our condolences for your loss.”
“Thank you and yes, I completed my training as a trauma surgeon two years ago.”
“Congratulations then. You certainly don’t sound like a girl from the Bronx any longer, you sound like a native of Cambridge.” Officer Michelle Ferguson smiled.
Zayne nodded. “I lost part of my Bronx accent when I went to boarding school and then college. When I came here I tried hard to drop anything that could give away where I came from. Being around the accent every day made it easy to begin speaking like those around me. It also reassures my patients I think. Many do not want some American poking and prodding on them. The accent is now natural and I don’t think it would be easy to lose.” The doctor glanced at the man sitting beside the officer. Ferguson cleared her throat. “Sorry, I forgot you two hadn’t met. This is Special Agent Jake Montgomery. He took over the Nicholaevich and Igorovich case when Special Agent Banton retired.”
Zayne offered her hand. “Nice to meet you Agent.” The man looked fit and in his late forties with dark hair graying at the temples and dark eyes. He stood around six feet tall. The Agent had on a typical FBI suit, but the small tie pin of Tweety Bird made her smile. Maybe he wasn’t as much of a stick in the mud as his predecessor.
“It is nice to finally meet you in person.” He shook her hand. “I hope you consider what we have to say as good news. We have captured Pavel Nicholaevich. His partner Leonid Igorovich was shot and killed during their apprehension. The last twelve years had not been kind to them. Between the many government agencies looking for them, as well as, many prominent underworld families, along with their lack of funds, they did not fare well at all. Pavel was captured on American soil. California to be exact and is currently being transported to a Federal holding facility in Washington D. C. where he will undergo trial within the next few weeks. The American people need to see this man brought to justice as quickly as possible. We are counting on your testimony.”
Zayne heard her children run through the back door and laughing in the kitchen with Fiona. “You will have it. With him put away my family will finally be safe from that threat. Let me know when I will need to be there and I will.”
“We will keep your identity safe until you walk in to testify and will only call you by your old name not your new unless you wish it.” Montgomery assured.
“Good. Can I get either of you anything to drink or eat?” The doctor heard Maria and her daughter Anna laughing with her children. Maria and Anna helped cook and clean around the house and occasionally watched the girls as well. They were more family now than employees and had been with them since they all bought the place over six years ago. Charles, Anna’s husband, helped keep the grounds and the outside of the house in good shape. Marie would scold her if she knew Zayne hadn’t offered refreshment to her guests right away.
“No thanks, Zayne.” Ferguson smiled, she too heard the joyful commotion from the kitchen. “We only wanted to drop by and inform you of the latest developments and make sure you were still on board to testify.” She and the Agent stood.
Zayne followed suit escorting them to the door.
“You will be hearing from one of us soon.” The FBI Agent shook her hand before leaving.
Michelle Ferguson did the same before following him out.
Zayne simply leaned against the door. She was going back to the states. There was a good chance she would come face to face with a past she never thought to truly see again.
FoL FoL FoL FoL FoL
Since Zayne’s parents had officially retired six months prior and Fiona had when Faith passed away, the whole family decided to travel to the states together, because it was unknown how long Zayne would need or want to be there. Zayne took a leave of absence from the hospital. Many thought she might be going to the states to check out the hospitals that were recruiting her pretty heavily. Marie said she was going with them too, to take care of them, and besides she had never been to the states before. Five year old Abigail and Zoe, were also excited about the trip.
Zayne had been informed that the trial was not going to be held in Washington DC, but in New York City, where Pavel Nicholaevich had been unmasked. The family flew together First Class and were met at the airport by Special Agent Montgomery of the FBI and Officer Ferguson of Interpol. The two escorted them and their luggage to the two waiting SUV’s. Their luggage was put in one vehicle that two young Agents were driving and the family climbed into the other with Agent Montgomery at the wheel and Officer Ferguson riding shotgun. The vehicle was designed for the transport of up to twelve people so the nine of them easily fit.
Zayne used her wealth and the power that it brought her to lease an estate in South Hampton. It had 12 bedrooms, 12.5 baths, an indoor and outdoor pool, a tennis court, paddle court, gymnasium, and more all sitting on 9 acres with a private beach on the Atlantic Ocean. She had also reserved two suites at the Ritz-Carlton, Central Park. All had great views. Because the grown-ups were so tired and so were the kids they went to The Ritz-Carlton first. Zayne would surprise everyone with the South Hampton estate later when they were ready to escape the city.
They all loved the hotel and their suites were next to one another. Zayne, the kids, Fiona, and Marie were staying in The Royal suite together. It had two large bedrooms, plenty of baths, two living areas, a kitchen, and dining area. Martin and Teddy were staying in a smaller suite on the same floor. They were all excited, but exhausted at the same time. Room service was delivered to Zayne’s suite since it had a dining room table for eight. Upon checking in the dark haired woman decided to rent another small suite on her floor for the security detail that would be with her everywhere she went for a while.
That night she lay in bed with her two girls laying on either side of her, and thought about how much her life had changed since she had last been in the city. She was no longer that broken girl who lost everything. Although the loss of her old life hurt, Zayne was proud of the one she had built. It was at times like this that she missed Faith the most. The woman could almost hear Faith whispering to her to stop dwelling on the past and enjoy the life the heavens gave her. Smiling at the thought the mother snuggled down into the bedding holding both her precious girls close as she drifted off to sleep.
The next morning the doctor left her girls with their grandparents and Marie before heading to the suite she rented for the security detail to meet with the prosecutor of the Nicholaevich case. Zayne’s memory of that night had not dimmed. How could it when it changed the course of her life so dramatically. The prosecuting team were sure that with the pictures she had taken that night and her testimony, along with the videos retrieved from Pavel’s hidey hole, that the case would be easily won.
Over the next week the family toured the city. Zayne often with sunglasses and a hoodie on or a cap of some sort. She didn’t want to run into anyone that might recognize her before she appeared in court. The woman had no idea that only someone who knew her really well and got a very close look at her might recognize her. Her extra height gained from yoga, her trim muscular form, and her fashionable haircut and clothes, coupled with her more slimmed angular facial features and educated Cambridge accent made it nearly impossible to see the slouchy Bronx tomboy of the past.
The following Monday Zayne and her family, who refused to stay behind, all went to the courthouse. The family was shown into a private chamber to wait. Only Zayne would be allowed in the courtroom during her testimony, it would be a closed courtroom for her day in court. There was a door connecting to another private meeting area in the room, but it was closed. Zayne got her girls settled, each had their IPads out and earphones on watching movies when she left the room with hugs, kisses, and good lucks from her loved ones. The doctor had just been shown into the courtroom when her past entered the courthouse.
FoL FoL FoL FoL FoL
“I can’t believe it has taken over twelve years to bring this man to justice.” Actress Dorothy Ramsey stated as she made it through security and turned to wait as Blair Warner, Natalie Green, Mrs. Garret, and Beverly Anne Stickle followed her.
An eager young law intern met them. “Ms. Warner, it is a pleasure meeting you. The courtroom is closed at this time, however I reserved a private conference room for you and your part to wait in.” The intern led them to the room next door to the one Zayne’s family was in.
The group all sat making themselves comfortable. “Do you know why the courtroom is currently closed?” Natalie, a CNN reporter, inquired.
“Well” The intern glanced around like someone outside the room might hear. “I heard it was for a witness to testify. It is some wealthy doctor that barely survived a run in with Nicholaevich and Igorovich. She was left for dead and spent nearly a month in a coma. I only caught a glimpse of her, but she is gorgeous and had the most lovely English accent. Her family is through that door there,” She pointed to the connecting door. “In the next room. I heard she is a widow. Her wife was killed a few years ago when their daughters were not even two. I saw the precious things when they came into the courthouse from the private secure entrance. They look like they are about five years old now.”
Blair was glad for the information, yet she would never have this woman work for her. Her lips flapped much too easily.
“Do you know who the doctor is?” Nat pressed.
The woman hesitated for a moment, but having a famous actress, a well-known CNN reporter, and the Warner heiress in front of her wanting information broke down any resistance she had. “You must promise not to tell anyone or I could lose my position here and this woman could crush me and any of us for that matter, if we leaked who she was to the press and caused harm to her family. The woman is one of the wealthiest people in the world.”
Now this really intrigued her audience. Nat looked around at her friends, they nodded in agreement. “We won’t tell. None of us are eager to face off with someone that powerful.”
“Dr. Zaynedria J. Masters from Cambridge, England.” The intern’s voice was just above a whisper.
“Oh my god! Really?” The younger woman nodded silently. “Everyone has been trying to get a photo of her or an interview, the woman has went to great lengths to avoid any contact with the press. Now I understand why. She was afraid a serial killer would find her and her family!” Natalie exclaimed as she focused on the door to the room that held Dr. Masters’ family.
Everyone turned and stared at the door. They all jumped as a loud knock came from the next room. The intern made her way to the connecting door as someone knocked again. Opening it she found a petite woman in her late forties or early fifties standing before her.
“Hello!” The small woman said in a lovely English tones. “My granddaughters need to visit the ladies room and there is some scuffle going on in front of our door. I heard from one of our escort that there was a private restroom in this conference chamber. Would you mind if we used it?”
Mrs. Garret rose. “No, not at all. Come on in. Your granddaughters don’t need to go out in that.”
The door opened and two little girls, one with straight long strawberry blond hair popped around her grandmother closely followed by a girl with long dark wavy hair. The strawberry blond had beautiful blue eyes and the brunette’s were a dazzling green.
“Hi! Can you show us where to go, we are really in a hurry?” The little blond smiled.
Everyone laughed and the intern quickly showed them into the adjoining restroom. The grandmother accompanied them. An FBI Agent stepped into the room and stood near the conference room entrance. The women could see another Agent standing by the entrance to the other conference room.
Martin and Teddy recognized who the women were, but weren’t sure how to proceed. It wasn’t long before the little girls came hurriedly out of the bathroom.
“Thank you for letting us use your restroom.” The dark haired girl said.
“You’re very welcome.” The two little girls reminded Blair of someone, yet she couldn’t place exactly who.
“Hi, again.” The strawberry blonde stepped up offering her hand. “I’m Abby and this is my twin sister Zoe. It is nice to meet you.”
Smiling Blair shook the offered hand. “I am Blair. It is a pleasure meeting such delightful young women.”
The girls beamed at being called young women instead of little girls. Zoe pointed to her grandmother. “That is our Nana Fi, but you can call her Fiona since she isn’t your Nana.” The dark haired girl turned pointing to the two men standing by the connecting door. “Those are our grandpa’s Poppi Teddy and Pappa Martin, but you can call them Teddy and Martin. The lady behind them is Auntie Marie and she takes care of us all. She is the best cook in the world. She is really good at making cookies, even though Mom tells her not to make them too often, because they aren’t good for us. But Mom still sneaks downstairs with us for late night milk and cookies when Auntie Marie does make them. Mom makes sure we take a long walk or a swim the next day. She says it may not hurt us much, but she says she doesn’t need to aid Mother Nature too much in that department.” Zoe spouted rapidly.
Abby nodded. “Our mom is really awesome, but I never understand that. She looks like one of those fitness models on the television.”
“You stinkers, it is because your mom eats healthy most of the time and exercises so much that she looks like that.” Martin explained.
“It sounds like your Mama is pretty remarkable.” Dorothy commented.
“Oh, she’s not our Mama. She is our Mom. Our Mama died when we were real little. We can’t remember her much, but Mom tells us all the time how much she loved us and how much they loved each other, and we watch the movies of her and us all the time so we know who she was, and can always remember her that way.” Abby confided.
“Yeah, we watch the movies of Mama and Mom before we were born too. They loved each other lots. They are always hugging and kissing in the movies.” Zoe added.
Abby carried on. “And Nana Fi says we are a perfect blend of our mothers. I have Mama’s hair and Mom’s eyes and Zoe has Mama’s eyes and Mom’s hair. Mom said we were lucky because Mama had a twin brother and he helped them make us.”
Zoe was nodding. “Yeah, Mom explained that Mama carried us and gave birth to us, but they used Mom’s eggs and Uncle Farren’s fertilizer, that way we were a part of both of our parents and our uncle too.”
“Wow that makes you two very special doesn’t it?” Mrs. Garret was charmed by the twins.
The girls simply shrugged. “Our Mom thinks so.” Zoe answered.
The women were all delighted by the little girls. Blair took a moment to introduce the rest of the women in the room.
“So what do all of you do? Our grandparents are all retired now, but Pappa is still a doctor and Poppi still works on computers. Nana used to be a Business Manager, but she mostly manages us and takes lots of movies and pictures now. And Auntie Marie cooks and manages our house.” Zoe explained.
“Our Mama was a nurse and our Mom is a very important surgeon. People are always trying to get her to come to work at their hospital. We’ve heard them say Mom has magic hands. Several women have said that they would like Mom to use her magic hands on them, but we don’t really understand that either. If mom did that wouldn’t that mean you were bad hurt? Why do they want to be hurt?” Abby wondered.
The grown-ups all laughed. “Girls, I think you two need to slow down in the talking. At the rate you are going your Mom is going to lock us all in our rooms for the rest of our stay.” Poppi Teddy wheezed between laughs.
Everyone sat down together to wait for the courtroom to open up. It was an hour later when gun shots rang out somewhere nearby in the courthouse.
The Agents drew their weapons and ushered everyone into the same room, closing and locking both doors.
The little girls were worried about their Mom who was out there somewhere. “I’m sure she is okay. Your Mom is one tough woman. You’ll be seeing her soon.” Martin reasoned, praying he was right.
One of the Agent’s phone rang. He spoke rapidly before ending the call sliding it back into his pocket.
“Dr. Masters is fine and unharmed. Pavel Nicholaevich tackled a guard grabbing his gun before attempting to shoot the Doctor after she gave her testimony. He was shot in the head during the take down and is dead. This place is going to become a zoo soon and we are going to get you out of here and back to your hotel.” The Agent informed them.
Marie loaded up each of the girl’s back packs scanning the rooms to make sure nothing was left behind. Fiona took one of the packs from her. While Martin and Teddy each picked up a girl to carry out of the courthouse.
The Agents looked at the other women. “You ladies can follow us down and I can have a separate car take you somewhere safe.”
“Thank you Agent that would be appreciated since we all came by cab.” Blair stated.
“But what about Mom? I want my Mom.” Abby cried.
“Me, too. We can’t leave without her.” Zoe declared.
“FBI and Interpol Agents are taking care of her and escorting her down to the vehicles. She will meet you there.” One of the Agents said.
All of the group followed except for Nat who wouldn’t leave such a story behind.
When they got to the SUVs Dr. Masters wasn’t there, but another Agent was. “Dr. Masters said to get her family out of here. She is unharmed, but the Judge was shot by Pavel during the take down. The Doc is busy saving his life. Dr. Masters is pretty amazing. The courtroom is going crazy and she is calm as a cucumber barking orders like she owns the place while she began working on the judge.”
“That sounds like her. Come on girls load up. You’ll see your Mom after she takes care of the judge.” Fiona said as they all climbed into the vehicle. She turned to the other ladies. “I have a feeling I will be seeing all of you again soon. It was nice meeting you.”
The door closed. Blair and the others were escorted to another SUV before they all left the courthouse.
FoL FoL FoL FoL FoL
After leaving the conference room and her family behind Zayne was escorted into the courtroom. She slid into the front bench seat behind the prosecutor’s desk. Special Agent Montgomery sat on one side of her and Interpol Officer Ferguson on the other. No one else was in the gallery. The attorney for the defense was present, as was the prosecutor, several federal armed officers were placed around the room. The bailiff, court reporter, and the jury were also present and ready to go. It appeared they were waiting on the judge and Pavel Nicholaevich.
The bailiff called everyone to order as the judge came in. Judge Raymond Sledge was of medium height and build with graying hair and icy blue eyes. They flicked around the room missing nothing. Everyone sat when he did.
The judge turned to the bailiff instructing him to bring in the defendant.
Zayne felt her heart rate increase, it was a moment she had been dreading. The last time she had seen the man he had tried to kill her.
Pavel Nicholaevich was escorted in with a ring of Federal Officers around him and lead to his seat. So far the trial consisted of evidence gathered and testimony from psychiatrists who had spoken with the defendant. Today was the only day the prosecutor would be putting a witness on the stand before he rested his case.
When the prosecutor finally said he would like to call witness JoAnna Polniaczek to the stand. Zayne didn’t immediately respond it had been so long since anyone had called her by that name. With sweating palms she rose and took the seat on the witness stand and was sworn in. The doctor’s stomach felt like it was in knots the entire time the prosecutor led her through the events of the night over twelve years ago.
Everyone watched as Pavel’s face reddened as the events of the night were retold.
The defense cross examined causing those knots to grow, although no one could tell how tense the dark haired woman was. Nothing helpful was gained for the defense during the cross.
“Ms. Polniaczek you may step down.” She did, but before she made it fully off of the witness stand Pavel tackled an armed guard screaming that he had killed the bitch. He pulled the gun free of the unconscious officer, whose head had been slammed forcefully into the wall. The gun swung towards Zayne who dove down behind the witness stand, but the bullet went wide as Pavel was shot several times by the Federal Officers in the courtroom. The judge had stood to escape and had been hit in the stomach area. Zayne was at his side immediately. Her training and instincts taking over instantly. Ferguson and Montgomery were by her side in no time. The doctor informed them that they needed an ambulance right away and to get her family out of the building and returned to their hotel room ASAP. The officers were impressed by the calm collected woman before them who cared little for the Armani suit she wore as she worked to save the judge’s life.
When Ferguson was done with her call for an ambulance Zayne spoke to her without looking up. It was a last minute decision for her, but it felt like the right one. “Michelle I am aware you know who my friends were from before. I heard you telling another officer they had been at the trial every day. Could you please get them all together and let them know I am alive. I don’t know if the truth will slip out, but if it does I don’t want them finding out on the news. I’m going to have to go to the hospital with the judge here and can’t tell them myself.”
Michelle had been one of the officers who informed the women of Jo’s passing. She had also talked with them during the trial. They were all good women. “Yes, I will take care of it as soon as I am able.”
Paramedics streamed into the back of the courtroom and Dr. Masters took over once more. The doctor worked with them to get the judge as stable as they could for transport before racing out the back way to a waiting ambulance. They were rushed to Mount Sinai Medical Center. It was a hospital that had been trying to recruit Zayne.
The EMT reported to the ER what and who they had in their bus, patient and doctor. Because of a multi-vehicle accident flooding the ER Dr. Masters was the surgeon who scrubbed up and operated on the judge, saving his life.
One of the EMT’s was in the break room off the ER talking with a few of the nurses and doctors that stopped by. “Doc Masters sure saved that judge’s life. I don’t think we could have stabilized him well enough for transport. His stomach looked like hamburger to me, but she worked hard and fast stabilizing him in ways I knew nothing about. She was awesome. I heard you guys were trying to get her to work here. You should try really hard, because I have seen nothing like her. She is the bomb!” Many in the room who had seen her work agreed.
Zayne went back into the locker room she had been shown into upon arriving and stripped out of the dirty scrubs, showered, and changed into clean ones before slipping back on the crocs, which had been rapidly purchased in one of the hospitals shops. She had already tossed her ruined suit in the trash, there was no saving it. Zayne was mentally and physically drained. The man who had tried to kill her and had changed the course of her life in such a dramatic way was now dead as was his partner. She was completely free of the nightmare they posed on her life. It felt like a weight she didn’t even realize she was carrying had been lifted away.
The doc sighed pulling out her cell and calling her family. Fiona answered at once. “My goodness Zayne are you okay? The Agents said you were, but when we didn’t hear from you we all began to worry.”
“I’m fine Mom. I had to operate on the judge. He was in a bad way and I only just got out of surgery. How are the girls? I hope they aren’t too upset.”
“They’re fine, but I think they would be better if they could talk with you.”
“Well put them on Mom. I hope that I will be able to head to the hotel room soon. If we can I think I would like to head out tomorrow to a little surprise I set-up for everyone.”
“Alright dear. Ah, here’s your little munchkins now.”
“Mom are you okay? We heard gun shots and we were rushed out of the building along with women from the room next to us. They were all really nice and I’m glad they made it out with us because it sure seemed like everyone was going crazy.” Zoe spoke rapidly.
“Yeah, Mom. The Agents said you were okay and were helping someone who got shot and that the bad guy was killed. Is that all true Mom?” Abby spoke just as rapidly as her sister.
Zayne laughed, her girls were something else. “I am fine and the judge was injured, I had to go to the hospital with him and operate on him. You also heard right that the bad guy did die. It sounds like you two are very wound up. You need to wind down some. Maybe I can take you down to the pool when I get in and we can all unwind together.” She laughed as her girls squealed into the phone. “Nana! Mom is going to take us swimming when she gets here. We have gotta go find out suits.” Zayne heard as the phone was handed off to their Nana Fi.
“You are such a good Mom. You know that Zayne? That is exactly what those girls needed.”
“I try Mom. I told Michelle Ferguson from Interpol to let my old friends, who had been coming to the trial, know I was alive before they had a chance to find out some other way. I don’t know when, but I will have to see them sometime in the near future. I am a little scared about that. They may be mad at me for what I did.”
“I bet they will understand and be happy that you are alive and doing so well. Don’t dwell on it sweetheart. Now go do what you need to do and come back to the hotel as soon as you can.”
“Alright, Mom. I will see you soon. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
Zayne slid the phone back into the small purse she had carried with her to the courthouse and exited the locker room. She spoke with a few doctors and hospital administrators about the judge and managed to get out of the hospital a little over half an hour later.
FoL FoL FoL FoL FoL
Michelle Ferguson saw Natalie Green outside the courtroom speaking with some of the officers that had been in the room.
“Hello, Ms. Green. May I speak with you privately please?”
Natalie nodded and followed the Interpol officer into the conference room she had been in earlier. “Ms. Green I need to speak with you and your friends who have been coming to the trial. It would be best if you were all together and if it could happen immediately if possible.”
“Why?”
“I can’t tell you until you are all together. If you can set this up for me now, I will tell you what went on inside that courtroom. I have looked into your background. I know you are good at your job and actually care about what you report. Can you do this for me?”
Natalie studied the older woman for a moment before nodding and pulling out her phone to call Blair. The reporter found out that they were all still together at Blair’s penthouse. She told the blonde to keep them there and that Michelle Ferguson from Interpol wanted to speak with them all and that is was important. Blair agreed with little question.
Natalie pressed end and looked up at the officer. “Well, take me to Blair Warner’s penthouse and we can talk on the way.”
FoL FoL FoL FoL FoL
Michelle sat in a chair as the other women sat on a large curved sofa that created a barrier between the living and dining areas. She was glad they were all together because the officer had a feeling they would need each other’s comfort soon.
“I was asked to come speak with you about something now rather than later because of the potential for a leak to the press. It may never happen, however the person involved did not want to take the chance of you finding out any other way. This is in regards to the death of your friend Jo Polniaczek twelve years ago. You know what she did and how grievously she was injured. Jo made it through surgery unlike what you were told, however she was in a coma. Nicholaevich hired men to enter the hospital and kill her before she could talk and also out of revenge for what she did.”
“It was decided after the men were interviewed and then murdered in jail that it would be safer for Jo and all of you if Nicholaevich and Igorovich believed she died during surgery. The officials on the case had no idea if she would have ever awoken from her coma. Two weeks after her funeral, Jo did wake only to find out that everything she had ever known was lost to her. Your friend still had a long recovery ahead of her and mourned greatly for all she lost. You all were one of the first things she asked about when she awoke. Jo was and still is a very strong woman. Your friend decided to choose who she would become and she has made herself. When you see her again I know you will see the same. The woman is no longer known as JoAnna Marie Polniaczek and says she never will go by that name again. She says she is now who she made herself to be and doesn’t feel the need or the desire to take the name given to her by parents who disowned her the night before her run in with Pavel.”
The women on the couch sat stunned. Jo hadn’t died. She had been put into protective custody to keep herself and every one of them safe.
Tears fell from all of their eyes. Yet Dorothy ‘Tootie’ spoke first. “Why did her parents disown her? They always seemed to love her so much. I don’t understand.”
“She told them that she broke-up with her boyfriend and was tired of trying to be someone she wasn’t. Your friend told them she was gay and they turned their backs on her.”
“That’s why they didn’t come to her funeral, she was already dead to them.” Mrs. Garret said sadly.
“Jo had planned on coming out to all of you before she started the Police Academy, but never got the chance.”
“My god! She’s the one who testified today! Jo is Dr. Zaynedria Masters isn’t she?” Natalie inquired with equal parts awe and excitement.
“Yes she is. Zayne has worked hard to make herself and she has done very well indeed.”
“Can you believe it? Jo is one of the wealthiest individuals in the world. She is even worth more than Blair’s family now.” Tootie voice was filled with amazement.
“Those little girls we met today, they are her daughters. She is a widow and from what I heard a very skilled surgeon.” Mrs. Garret commented. “Her girls are precious and I am sad to hear she lost her wife. Nonetheless, I am proud of the life she has built for herself even through all of the hardships she has faced.”
“She’s a real whiz with a computer too. Andy was talking about some of her innovative programs a few weeks ago.” Beverly Anne added.
Blair was the only one who hadn’t spoken yet. “When can we see her? I am not taking no for an answer. The bad guys are both dead now. There is no reason for her to hide from everyone anymore.” Blair was adamant.
“I am not sure, when I saw her last she was working her ass off to try and save the judge. One of the Agents assigned to her protection detail said that she was roped into performing surgery on him and isn’t out yet. I think calling and speaking with her mother-in-law Fiona will be your best bet to set things up. Zayne’s first priority when she gets out of surgery will be her children. They were pretty shook up by everything.” Michelle answered.
Mrs. Garret agreed with her. “I will call Fiona tomorrow. She gave me her number when we were all together today. I suspect she and Martin and Teddy knew who we were.”
“That would be best and I suspect they did. Zayne told her wife, Faith, as much as she could without naming names, places, or specifics before she proposed. Zayne always did everything she could to be honest with her family as much as possible. Dr. Casto and his husband Teddy have been with Zayne since she came out of a coma. They basically adopted her and she thinks of them and Fiona as her parents now.” Michelle looked down at her phone as it vibrated from an incoming text. “I am sorry, but I must go. There is still a lot of loose ends to take care of after today’s incident. I did as Zayne requested and told you all the truth before you found out some other way. She felt you should be among the first to know.”
FoL FoL FoL FoL FoL
The five women sat in silence after the Officer left.
“Incredible.” Natalie of course was the first to break the silence. “It’s like something from a movie.”
“I can’t believe Jo was or is gay!” Tootie exclaimed.
“Really? She always was a big tomboy. I never guessed it, but I can see it. Her little girls sure are adorable and talk a lot more than their mother ever did.” Natalie smiled.
“That is who they reminded me of. I kept trying to place who that was when we were with them at the courthouse today. Now I know they reminded me of Jo. They carry a lot of her in them and I can also see Fiona’s genes in them. I bet Faith was pretty if she favored her mother any. Their little girls are already heartbreakers.” Blair commented thoughtfully.
Beverly Anne leaned forward. “I wonder what Jo looks like now. From the few descriptions I heard she is rather lovely.”
“It may be a bit startling to hear her talking without her slight Bronx accent.” Mrs. Garret propped her elbow on the side of the couch with her chin resting on her fist.
The others all nodded agreement.
“It is good thing we are all in the city together for the trial and all of us have arranged for long leave of absences and things for it. Now we can be here together to get to know our old friend again.” Natalie sighed. “I have really missed her over the years. You could always count on her, she was a rock.”
“You get that meeting set-up Mrs. Garret. We are all going to be there.” Blair was probably more eager than the others to see Jo. She had been the greatest friend she had ever had and the blonde had felt lost without her in her life. Maybe if Jo had been around she would have kept her from marrying Tad the womanizing jerk. Blair was so glad she divorced him four years ago, but wished her mother would stop trying to set her up with more men just like him.
The women all had dinner together before Nat and Tootie left for Tootie’s penthouse. Mrs. Garret and Beverly Anne were staying in Blair’s guest rooms.
FoL FoL FoL FoL FoL
This chapter turned out a little bit longer than the others. So what do you guys think? It is holding your interest? I hope so because I am having fun writing it. I am already typing up the next chapter so hopefully it won’t be too long before Chapter 5 is ready for publishing. So please, now that you have read, let me know what you think. Until Next Time…