Episode 5:
Light at the End of the Tunnel.

It was crunch time for Jack and Jennifer. February 10th had arrived at last and this was the day that Mickey had the contract ready for Hawk to sign. Jennifer had seen Hawk once in the last two days and he seemed enthusiastic to invest in The Spectator. Jack, Jennifer and Vern were all in Jack's office waiting for Mickey to arrive. Jack was his usual self, restless and jumpy. Even though they had only been waiting about fifteen minutes, Jack had made continual trips to his water jug where he gulped down the icy liquid like a man dying of thirst.

"Jack, calm down. Mickey will be here soon."

"It's not Mickey I'm worried about. It's Baby Howie. You're sure about him Jennifer? You are sure?"

"Well as sure as I can be. We talked about the contract and he said he was ready to go. I didn't give him a time frame. I just told him to meet me here this afternoon."

Vern interrupted, "Jack, the last time I saw Hawk he was talking it up big. I don't think you have anything to worry about."

"Vern, Vern, Vern, I'm not worried. I'm scared stiff. He has my money Vern. My money! And that son of a...pardon me Jennifer...has to pay."

Jennifer walked over to Jack and took the water glass from him. "Jack, it will be all right. Mickey will have the contract here on time. Hawk will sign it and..." as she spoke Mickey popped his head in the door.

"Vern, Jack. Hi honey. I guess this is what you're waiting for." He pulled two copies of a contract out of his portfolio. Jack grabbed one and leaned over the desk to peruse it. As he read he questioned Mickey.

"So this is airtight? Airtight? No loopholes, no fine print, no microprint?"

"Jack, if there's one thing I know how to do, it's preparing a legal document. Trust me Jack, this one is tighter than a drum. Once Hawk signs this there is no going back. It's as good as a cashier's check. It's money in the bank Jack."

Jack sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "I'm sorry Mickey. I wasn't saying you don't know your job but this is our last chance to get the money back. Without it, I've lost the paper.

"I understand that Jack but I've done my part. Now what is your plan?"

"Well Jennifer has told Hawk to meet her here this afternoon. She hasn't mentioned the co..." Jennifer took over from Jack. "I haven't told Hawk that the contract will be ready to sign. We decided that it would be better if we sprang it on him and he was put in a position where he had to sign it or lose face." Jack filled Mickey in on the rest of their plan. "Vern will be here as editor and I will be hiding..." Jennifer burst in. "Hiding Jack? Hiding? Oh no you don't. We talked about this last night. You cannot be here Jack. I won't be able to do this if I know you're watching and besides, you will probably get restless and expose yourself."

"Please Mrs. Deveraux, not in front of the help. I would never expose myself."

"Be serious Jack. You are going home. Home!" Jennifer's mouth was set hard and firm as she glared at him.

"Jennifer I think it would be better if I just stayed out the..." he didn't get to finish his sentence before Vern joined Jennifer in a chorus. "Home Jack, HOME!"

"All right, all right. I'm going, I'm going. Talk about a lack of confidence in me. I think you both might like to remember who's the boss around here.

"OUT, NOW!", they both echoed.

Jack took a deep breath and wrapped his arms around Jennifer. "Are you okay? You're sure now? You can handle this without me?"

"I'm sure Jack. I want to do this for you. I was the one who encouraged Hawk's friendship and let him into our lives. I have to do this for you, for us."

They stood together with their arms entwined about each other. They had no need for words. Jack bent down and kissed her gently then mouthed the words, I love you. He ran his fingers down her hair and quietly followed Mickey out the door. The trap was set.

Jack was seated at a stall, drinking coffee. He pulled back his right sleeve and looked down at his wrist, only to realize he was not wearing his watch. He looked over at the clock on the wall, and mentally calculated that he had been waiting for twenty-seven minutes. Jack was getting anxioux, he had been waiting far too long for HawkThe plan was to accidentally run into Hawk for the last stage in the sting.

He finished his coffee, just as Maggie walked over to his table. "Any sign of that Joe Buck wannabee?"

"Joe Buck?"

"Yeah, Joe Buck, Midnight Cowboy?"

Maggie laughed, "No, but Alice is on look-out. She'll give us the signal when he arrives. Until then how about another cup of coffee?" Jack nodded his head as he looked up at the clock, as she poured him his third cup -- he had now been waiting twenty-nine minutes. Just then two customers walked into the room and Maggie went over to seat them.

Maggie returned. Noticing that Jack finished his coffee, she offered him another refill.

"Thanks, but I think I shall pass. I really have to...." Jack mouthed the words "go to the restroom really bad." Maggie laughed as she watched Jack walk away rather quickly.

A much relieved Jack, was washing his hands when Hawk walked into the restroom. Jack was taken aback by the surprise, but thinking about he felt that it served his purposes better -- it made the meeting seem more coincidental. Jack detected that Hawk seemed slightly discombobulated at seeing him.

Stuttering, "Howdy.... Billy."

"Yeah, I know, folks do it all the time, confuse Jack with me. We look -- I mean" flashing a depressed look, "looked alike, but if you looked closely there was a big difference between us. Jack was the better looking one, chiseled features, aristocratic nose. And he had that Fortune 500 look. Though politically and socially not my cup of herbal tea, but I still... well, you know what I mean."

Hawk nodded.

"If you have time I'd like to buy you something to eat and talk to you about things. I've been talking to Jenny and she speaks very highly of you. And I know people, I teach some course -- I frankly don't even know the title -- at Bezerkley, I deal with students, faculty, administrators all the time. Anyway, I can tell a real Uriah Heep when I see one."

"Uriah Heep?'

"Oh, a character in Dickens's David Copperfield who was always 'umble.

Anyway, I know that you have her best interests at heart."

Jack exited the restroom and walked back to his seat. Maggie walked over to him. "Jack, I'm sorry, you already had gone into the restroom when Alice spotted him."

"That's okay; actually I think it worked better this way. But it is now or never. Throw out the line and see if the big country Jaws takes the bait."

Just then Maggie saw Hawk and signaled to Jack. "So, I'd like some more Java for myself and I and whatever my friend, The lone cowhand from the Rio Grande, desires."

Hawk sat across from Jack, and Maggie poured him a cup of coffee, and took Hawk's order. Jack tried to restrain himself as he listened to Hawk's rather large request.

"You see Hawk, I feel compelled to help Jenny out. My brother's obsession with money has brought her a great deal of grief. Jenny really loves the paper, you know. She's very sentimental about it. She's a very loving and caring person. She sees the paper as a means to an end -- to crusade for the common people; for truth; for justice; for the American way; and for all that is good." Jack smiled for affect, but also at the thought of how these qualities were one of the reasons he loved her so much.

"My Granpappy taught me to tell a good horse by lookin' in his eye. I can tell that you're a good man there Billy, by looking in your eyes."

Jack wasn't too sure if he liked that analogy very much. When it came to Hawk, it was not the eyes that he equated with him, but what came out the other end. However, keeping a poker face, he smiled, "Well, thank you. I hope that's true. I try my best." Jack inwardly grimaced at his own feeble reply.

"Anyway, I also have learned a lot about you from Jennifer. She speaks very highly of you too. You're always crusading for some cause ter 'nother."

"Well, I try. I wish I could do so much more. And that's another reason I have been thinking very seriously about acquiring The Spectator. I can use it to further champion environmental causes--"

Hawk thought to himself that he was not too sure about letting this dude cut him out of what could be a very lucrative deal. The more he thought about some flaky California teacher beating him to the draw, the more determined he was to give Jennifer the money himself. He learned all he knew about fleecing greenhorns from old Howard and then through his own smarts surpassed anything Howard taught him. Although all these intellectual types had all that fake book knowledge, they were no match when it came to street smarts. He was going to string Billy along and get information out of him. Then make his final decision "So, you're plannin' on quitting the teacher stuff and move to Salem and work on the paper?"

Jack could tell that Hawk was coming around. Just another tug or two on the line and he would swallow the bait. "Oh, no, but I do have a couple quarters of sabbatical stored up, and I was thinking about staying here, helping Mom, and Jenny. Of course I wouldn't have much control over the paper. Maybe the occasional article or two. But I plan for Jenny to be, for all intents and purposes, the de facto head of the paper. She can write the articles she always wanted to write, but Jack never allowed her to. Anyway, of course teaching and activism are my first loves. So, after a few months I would return to Cal. But even I cannot overlook such a lucrative business as The Spectator; whatever my brother may have been and what he may have done, he did know about business.

"Though from what I've heard from Jennifer, it'll take a bunch of money to pay off all your brother's reckless debts. I've heard how you professors don't make that much money 'n all. I would'n want you to waste all your money on the paper. Money you prob'ly don't got.

"True, we aren't paid according to our worth. But I did...." Jack leaned in towards Hawk, "Can you keep a secret.... you see I've been doing some ghost writing, numerous environmentally focused books for a certain party, who is rather well known, with a very high profile job." Jack winked.

All the while Alice and Maggie, who had been seated at a nearby table, were listening amusedly, at the interchange. Then on cue Maggie could be heard talking to Alice. -- though she was having a difficult not laughing at Jack's last remarks. "I was wondering how the proceeds from Alice's have been, do you think that there is enough money to buy the new MRI?"

"No, we had so many expenses last month, and unfortunately they ate up most of our profits."

"Hmm, Mrs. Horton--" Billy called over to Alice.

Alice walked over to the table, yes, "William?" She then smiled, "And Hawk." Looking very innocently ,"I'm sorry did you boys want something else?"

"I apologize for eavesdropping, but I heard that you were having some financial problems?"

"Now William, you already donated far too much money already. Tom and I couldn't accept any more from you. Especially after all the support you've been giving our Jennifer Rose.

Jack reached into his back jeans pocket and took out his wallet. Hawk tried to hide his surprise at how thick Billy's wallet seemed -- these hippie types never seemed to have much dough. Jack opened his wallet to reveal a large wade of cash. Hawk, choked on the coffee he was drinking."

Feigning concerning Alice replied, "Oh, dear are you okay?

Coughing, "Yesss.... just went down the wrong way."

"Darn, I know I had a least one check in here," Jack made sure to allow Hawk to see the denominations on the bills, several hundreds, fifties, and smaller bills. "Oh, here it is. Darn, I don't have a pen."

With a shrewd smile, Alice handed Billy a pen."

Jack made sure to speak out loud everything he wrote down on the check, "Let's see...."date" February 10th. 'paid to': Salem University Hospital ; 'amount:' Hmm, five thousand dollars

, and then he signed it dramatically, 'Billy Johnson.'

Hawk's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. Jack and Alice exchanged I pleased look.

Hawk thought that if he did not act quickly BillyBoy would beat him out of a sure thing. He looked at his watch, "Danggit. I forgot that I have an appointment I can't miss. Gotta run. Billy, next time the food is on me.

Alice and Jack exchanged another pleased glance, Alice spoke, "Hawk, let me at least escort you out."

Seeing Hawk leave Maggie came over to Jack's table. A few moments later Alice joined them, flashing two thumbs up.

Jack let out a deep breath, feeling almost optimistic for a change, "Well, if all goes well by tonight the paper will be mine, and I can go back to being Jack Deveraux again, and all that it entails.

Maggie, replied "You and Jennifer being able to live like husband and wife again--"

"Jennifer? Who's talking about Jennifer. I mean back to wearing Armani suits, and ties -- though Jennifer always thinks it is funny to accuse my use of ties with what she refers to as eccentric behavior--" Both Maggie and Alice laughed. "--all of which no thanks to that.... that.... that..... cowboy -- I can finally go back to dressing like my station in life dictates. Anyway, ladies, I must be off."

Alice grabbed Jack by the arm "Make sure when you see that beautiful wife of yours to give her a kiss for me," Alice said, as she gave Jack a kiss on the cheek.

Jack blushed, "Well, I don't know, that is asking for a bit much--'

Laugh, "Well, try to make that supreme effort will you?" Embarrassed Jack started out to leave, but Alice stopped him again, and kissed him a second time.

"Another kiss, or is that in case I forgot about the first one?

"No, no that's for my favorite grand-son-in-law."

Jack blushed and rolled his eyes. He walked off whistling Scott Joplin's The Entertainer.

Maggie called out, "Bye Jack." Jack did not turn around, but gave a slight wave, and continued to whistle. Alice and Maggie looked at each other and laughed.

If Uncle Mickey glanced at his watch one more time Jennifer was going to scream. "He'll be here," she told him. "Hawk will be here." But Jennifer wasn't sure if she was trying to convince her uncle or herself.

She glimpsed two reporters leaving work early by slipping out the back stairs as she paced from Jack's desk to the door and back again for the twelfth -- no, make that the thirteenth time. It must really be getting late, she thought. Where's Hawk?

"Jennifer, I can't sit here all afternoon for one of your and Jack's games," Mickey complained as he began placing his papers into his briefcase.

"You can't go. And this isn't a game," she insisted.

"I have to go back to work."

She pulled out the papers as quickly as her uncle packed them. "I won't go home tonight and tell Jack that we don't have that money. I won't."

"Jennifer," he said taking the papers from her hand and placing them into his brief case yet again. "I have to file an injunction on the Barton case and --No, don't give me that look."

"Please, Uncle Mickey. Another half hour," she begged. "Please."

Mickey sighed. "You know, sometimes you get this look and I'm so reminded of your mother that I -- " He stopped abruptly. "All right, I'll stay. But just for a half hour."

Vern rushed in. "He's here."

"Right." Jennifer pulled the papers out of her uncle's briefcase one last time. And looked at him with staged expectation. "Now, you were saying that if Billy signs these papers--"

"Knock, knock," Hawk said as he stuck his head through the door. "I hope I'm not interrupting."

Jennifer turned as if she was startled by his arrival. "Hawk! I . . . Oh Hawk, I'm sorry, Uncle Mickey and I were just going over a couple of business contracts."

"Business?"

"Yes, you see--"

"Jennifer," her uncle interrupted, "discretion is the better part of business you know."

"That's valor, Uncle Mickey, and Hawk is a friend. I don't have to keep good news from him."

Hawk smiled. "Good news? What good news is this, Jenny girl?"

"It's the best news. The best possible news. Billy has agreed to give me the money to for the paper. All of it. The Spectator is saved!"

Hawk's vapid smile disappeared and became a frown as Jennifer grinned up at him. "Whoa, girl, have you thought this through?"

"That's what I keep asking." Vern added then winked at Jennifer behind Hawk's back.

"What's to think over?" Jennifer asked. "Billy has promised--"

"Look, nothing against ol'Billy-boy, but what does he know about publishing a newspaper?"

"Oh, I'll be running the paper," she assured him.

"Then business," Hawk argued. "What does Billy know about business? He teaches tree hugging out in La La Land. What can he know about stock prices or. . .or. . ."

"Monthly invoices? Payroll?" Jennifer offered.

"Exactly! What can Billy-boy know about any of that? And he lives in California. He wouldn't be offering hands on help with the paper." He continued before Jennifer had a moment to speak, "Look I know Billy has mentioned moving to Salem to help out, but is that fair? I mean, think about his spotted pigeons--

"Owls," Jennifer corrected. "Spotted owls."

"Owls, pigeons, whales, whatever. It wouldn't be right to ask Billy to give up his work to do something that he isn't cut out to do. Deep down you know he'd hate business. He belongs out on the Pacific with some Greenpeace group chasing an oil freighter. He would never be happy here."

Jennifer frowned so that she would look like she was considering Hawk's arguments. "You have a point, Hawk, but. . ." She sighed. "It's not like I have much of a choice.The Spectator needs an infusion of cash and needs it now. And Billy is the only one offering."

"Nonsense," Hawk countered with visible desperation. "I'm offering. Just give me another week or two and--"

"Jennifer, can't wait another week," Mickey intervened. "If she doesn't have the money today there's no point."

"Today?! Why would she need the money today?"

"Balloon payment," Vern answered quickly.

"Jack took out some loan," Jennifer added, "and the balloon payment is due and. . . Oh Hawk, I would love it if you bought into the paper. I think with your help with the business end of things and my knowledge of the paper we would make a great team. But I can't wait. I'm sorry. I have to take Billy's offer."

"No, you don't."

"Yes, I'm afraid I do."

"No," Hawk said emphatically. "You don't. Where are those papers? Where do I have to sign?"

Jennifer frowned and looked at her uncle. "Can Hawk sign? I mean, can he use the contract that Billy was going to use?"

"As a lawyer, " Mickey answered. "I would have to advise that Mr. Hawkins have his own lawyer look over--"

Jennifer surreptitiously kicked her uncle in the shin. "But Billy's lawyer, Mr. Cochran, went over those papers with a fine tooth comb."

"Yes, of course he did," Mickey covered his mistake. "He did. You know, I think if Mr. Hawkins is willing to trust us, that I can simply substitute Hawkins for Johnson and--"

"Then it's a done deal!" Hawk exclaimed excitedly as he grabbed a pen from the desk. "Just show me the dotted line."

"It's a substantial amount of cash you're obligating -- Ow! --" Mickey shot his niece a pained look as Jennifer jabbed her high heel into his foot. "But knowing about your inheritance," he continued, " money shouldn't be a problem."

"No problem, no problem at all. But, about the paper, how much of the profit would I be entitled to?"

"Thirty-five percent," Jennifer told him.

Hawk paused. He looked down at the contract. Jennifer held her breath unwilling to even entertain the idea that this scam wouldn't work. "I don't know, Jenny girl," Hawk drawled. "Like your uncle said, I'm committin' to a lot of money here. I don't want to be difficult or anything but I'm going to need a bigger share of the profit.'

"Forty."

"Jenny--"

"Fifty."

"Sixty-five," Hawk said. "And not a penny more. I don't want to take advantage of you."

I just bet you don't, Jennifer fumed but pasted on a serene smile. "Sixty-five," she agreed. "So it's a done deal?"

"It's a done deal." He signed on the dotted line then looked at her in a smugly satisfied way. "So how does it feel to have to have the ol'Hawkster make your dream come true, Jenny?"

"Good," she told him. Then she laughed joyously. "Who am I kidding? It feels great. Just great!"

Jennifer was reclining in Jack's chair. She was euphoric, exhilarated, invigorated. She felt that as long as she and Jack worked together they were virtually invincible. Working together -- just like old times -- they had outsmarted Hawk, got their money back, and the paper. She was joyously happy for Jack, she knew just how much the paper meant to him; She could not envision anyone owning it, working at it, except for Jack. Her eyes closed, smiling blissfully, she thought of their private celebration together later that evening. Preoccupied, she did not hear her Uncle Mickey and Hawk enter the office.

Hawk called out, "Jennifer? Sleepin?"

Jennifer opened her eyes, still grinning from her thoughts, "Oh, I didn't hear you return. I was just so.... I don't know what to say.... so thankful, thinking about not losing the paper, it seems like a miracle. And of all the people to get the money from, I couldn't think of anyone that I would want it from, except you, Hawk."

Hawk, flashed a smug smile. Well, Hawk old boy he thought to himself your plans worked perfectly, you've got the paper; and now the girl is so grateful that she'll do anything to thank you!

"Hawk?"

"Oh, I was just thinking how.... well shucks.... thankful I am that I could be of service to such a fair filly as yerself." Tonight, tomorrow night at the latest Hawk old buddy, you'll be enjoying that filly all to yourself.

All Jennifer cared about now was ditching this hayseed and going home. The other night Jack surprised her with a wonderful evening, tonight was her time to do likewise.

Mickey spoke, "Anyway, Hawk and I were going over the fine points of the contract. And we agreed that there is no reason to delay, I am dropping off the contact at the courthouse on my way home. Which reminds me, I have to leave post haste. I need to go home and change, tonight's that benefit at the museum, and as you know your Aunt Maggie is the arts chairperson. If I am late, she'll kill me."

Jennifer walked over to Mickey, and gave him a big hug and kiss on the cheek, "Thanks for everything. You and Aunt Maggie have been so supportive what with all that has happened." She paused and looked towards Hawk and smiled, "Of course Hawk gets most of the credit for saving the paper, but if it hadn't been for you--"

"Jennifer, you're family.... don't mention it. Well, I better be off to the courthouse to file this and then for all intents and purposes you will have the paper free and clear." He gave her another hug and left.

Jennifer smiled over towards Hawk. Hawk was too preoccupied to notice, he was mentally trying to figure out a way to get himself invited to the benefit. It could not hurt to get to know the movers and shakers of Salem, especially now that he was 65% owner of the local newspaper; and he had the perfect ticket to do so in Jennifer.

"So, you prob'ly need to be heading home? huh? Getting ready for that fancy shindig this evening?"

"Well, actually I was hoping to go home and just zonk out. The past few days have been very stressful. I can finally relax now, knowing the paper is saved and the workers' jobs are secure.

"Well, I thought that we could celebrate and all. Saving the paper.... My humble way of thanking you."

Oh, brother. "Hawk, no it should be me thanking you.

"Well, don'tcha have to cover the gala for the studio or the paper."

"No, Vern is a dear and is covering it for the paper. And someone else is covering it for the news."

"Well, I think it would be good for you, dress up, and go to a nice party with your family and friends, and I hope I am one. I know I am not sophisticated and all--"

Trying to be polite but getting more disgusted by the moment. "Hawk, of course you're one of my friends, my best friend. And under any other circumstances I would love to go with you but, Jack was my husband, and I don't think it's right--"

"Oh, I understand," he had her where he wanted her and he did not want to do anything to ruin that now. "I understand, I'm sorry. I just... well, how about this. What about a quick dinner at Wings? My treat?"

Jennifer could see she was not going to get away from this jerk. Damn. She had to go along with him and hope to ditch him ASAP. Feigning a smile, "Sure why not, I'd love that."

After filing the papers, Mickey told Jack a blow-by-blow account of what had happened after Jack left, going into detail concerning Jennifer's role. Jack had been listening intently, beaming with intense pride and deep love for his wife -- his feisty cub reporter. Though he always knew it, this just reinforced his realization of how special and dear she was to him -- how she brought such light and warmth and love to his life.

"Anyway, Jack... Jack....." Jack was still deep in thought. "JACK."

"Oh, sorry.... Yes?"

"I must run.

Jack put out his hand, "I appreciate all you have done for us. I realize you are doing it for Jennifer, and all. And I really am grateful."

Shaking Jack's hand, "Well, Jack Jennifer's family, and so are you. Anyway, welcome back to the land of the living. But now I've gotta go, if I'm late well, the next family event will be my funeral ."

MEANWHILE, JENNIFER AND HAWK WERE SITTING AT THE WINGS' BAR.

Dave arrived with their drinks, for Hawk bourbon and for Jennifer white wine. Jennifer had decided to have a drink and that was it. But the trick was how to ditch Hawk. She thought that it was only for a little longer, then all this would be over, so here goes. She picked up her glass, "To the savior of the day, to the person who I have to thank for everything that has happened to me the past few months, to Hawk."

"I don't know what to say.... Jennifer...." They clinked glasses and each took a sip of their drinks. Hawk put his hand out to stop her as she was about to drink her wine down in one gulp. "It's my turn now. To a very special lady, who I am very pleased to call a friend. And to a very long and successful relationship.... business relationship."

Jennifer flashed an artificial smile. Then her expressed changed to a look of concern.

"Is there anything wrong?"

"Darn, I just remembered, I forgot to ask Jack's secretary to make sure...." Trying to think up something plausible. "....that the article on...on.... the on going investigation into Bo Brady's kidnapping will appear in tomorrow's paper." Jennifer inwardly smiled at her own ingenuity. "Hawk, I apologize, but can you excuse me for a few moments.

Jennifer ran into Dave. Whispering, "Dave, I need to call Jack , and I don't want Hawk hearing me. Can I use Julie's private phone? Oh, and can you please preoccupy Hawk for me."

"Of course Mrs. Deveraux, anything for a lovely member of the Horton clan." Jennifer left, and just as Dave was about to go see Hawk, a problem arose in the kitchen. Since Julie was not there he was in charge. Forgetting Jennifer's request he rushed towards the kitchen.

Jennifer walked into Julie's office and preceded to dial home. After a few moments she heard someone answer the phone, "Jack--"

"This is the award winning journalist and publisher Jack Deveraux, you have reached chez Deveraux, we are not home, obviously, at the beep leave your name, number, and if we deem your call worthy we will call you back.... but chances are do not hold your breath."

To her self, "Damn, where are you Jack." She heard the beep, "Jack, I need help getting away from BabyHowie. Get your cute butt over here and do something And we need to talk about that answering machine message!"

Lawrence Alamain had watched Jennifer Deveraux walk into the manager's office before crossing the restaurant. Signaling the bartender he simply ordered "Stoli on the rocks" and sat next to Hawk.

"Salem is actually quite a lovely town," he murmured idly. "There are several fine examples of Chicago School early twentieth century architecture here. I have noted Richardson, Hunt, and Sullivan. I have even heard rumors that there is a residence designed by Frank Lloyd Wright somewhere, but I fear it is indistinguishable from the early sixties ranch houses east of the city."

"What in the Sam hill are you talkin' about?" Hawk asked incredulously.

Lawrence affected an expression of surprise. "You are not here to see the sights? Surely you are not still in town due to business. I was under the impression that your business concluded with the unfortunate demise of--"

"Oh stop talkin' in doublespeak. Jenny girl isn't here."

"I am well aware of that. If she were I would not be talking with you. My question is why you are here talking with her?"

Hawk smirked. "Business." He took a swig of his bourbon and crowed, "You really underestimated me, Larry. Told you I could push this further, and while you've been outta town I have. Hail Mary pass and touchdown!"

"And that football metaphor would translate to mean. . .?"

Hawk stuck out his hand. "Meet the new majority stock owner of The Spectator. Snapped it right out from under old Billy-boy Johnson."

Lawrence's drink had arrived but he pushed it away unnoticed. "Would you care to repeat that?"

"Ha! That got your attention didn't it. Yeah buddy, I now own 65% of The Spectator"

"An interesting bit of information, but I was actually referring to the Billy Johnson comment. Exactly what did that mean?"

"Guess you have been outta circulation for a while. Where did you go anyhow? All your butler guy would say was Europe--"

"You digress," Lawrence interrupted to admonish.

"Huh?"

"Billy Johnson. What were you saying about Billy Johnson?"

"Oh! Well, he showed up for his brother's funeral."

Lawrence was growing impatient. "Other than conveniently forcing him to leave the embassy when I needed to leave the country, what does that have to do with this conversation? I am well aware that Jack attended his brother's funeral "

"You got that backwards. It was Billy who went to Jack's funeral. Then he offered to lend Jenny-girl the money to save her precious paper. How a hippie guy like that has that much money, I'm not sure. I thought saving spotted owls and whales and rainforrests didn't pay much. As scams go, it was never one that appealed to me but if it pays Billy-boy enough to fork out the kind of cash Jenny was needin' then I should probably check it out--"

"Stop right there," Lawrence interrupted. "Let me see if I am following this. Jack's brother Billy Johnson arrived at Jack's funeral?"

"Shocked me right outta my boots. That twin thing is kinda freaky."

A ghost of a smile and a spark of appreciation almost lighted Lawrence's eyes. "Billy is Jack Deveraux's identical twin?"

"You didn't know."

Lawrence's smile threatened to grow larger so he turned and sampled his drink. "No, I was well aware that Billy Johnson and Jack Deveraux share amazing resemblance." He glanced back at Hawk. "Do go on with your story. I'm riveted."

"Well, see, I knew that The Spectator is a valuable thing. You and that Greek guy."

"Victor Kiriakis."

"Yeah, him. You both seem to want it real bad. And of course it's really important to Jenny girl so I figure if I beat old Billy to the punch and give Jenny the money, I'd be killin' three birds with one stone."

"And no doubt I am a bird."

Hawk looked at him smugly. "Well, you do want that paper don't ya?"

Lawrence signaled the bartender handing him a large tip and stood. "I am afraid, Mr. Hawkins, you have vastly overestimated my interest in the newspaper. My interest was in destroying Jack and Jennifer Deveraux's lives. Since you appear to have been an abysmal failure in that area, I believe our business together has concluded."

Hawk jumped to his feet. "What are you talkin' about failure?! Jack Deveraux is dead, I own his newspaper, and I'm about to get laid by his wife."

Lawrence smiled and shook his head ruefully. Finally he simply had to laugh. "I am not sure exactly how he did it, but I have no doubt that whatever it is that leads you to believe that you are the majority stock holder of the newspaper just made Jack and Jennifer Deveraux very happy beneficiaries of your largesse."

"Huh? What are you talkin' about? Jack's dead."

Something in Lawrence's eyes made Hawk think that the man was laughing him. "Mr. Hawkins, Billy Johnson is as fake as. . . well, as a cowboy who grew up in Brooklyn."

Hawk looked stunned. "You knew?"

Lawrence's eyes danced with an unnamed emotion. "Consider me omnipotent. Unlike yourself, I prefer to research both allies and enemies." He crossed his arms. "Tell me, Mr. Hawkins did you ever bother to actually read the dossier I sent you on the Deverauxs? Their penchant for disguises and impersonations? The fact that prior to his adoption, Jack Deveraux's name was Billy Johnson?"

"Billy is. . .?"

"Jack? Yes. And I believe the game is now check and mate." He glanced at his watch. "Now, if you will excuse me I have a dinner engagement. Consider our association . . . terminated." When he reached the door, Lawrence paused then turned to Hawk once more "Oh, and Jack's real brother, Steve Johnson is dead. Believe me."

Hawk stared after Lawrence for several silent, fuming minutes, then with rage in his eyes he turned to stare at Julie's office door. "Jenny, you little bitch, you and Jackie boy are going to pay for this. You're going to pay big."

Jack was feeling a lot more at ease. He had just met Mickey at the court house and filed the contract that Hawk had signed. They had him now. It was all legal and Jack was going to get his money back. He walked from his car to the Penthouse elevator and as the doors closed, Jack began thinking about how his plans had changed and gone haywire all because of that stupid cowboy. It was relief to have Hawk well and truly tied up in writing. This time there was no escape.

At last he could begin his life again with Jennifer exactly as he had planned it when they got married. A house, that's what he wanted. A home, with all the trimmings. He and Jennifer deserved that. He daydreamed about the house they designed in the cabin ages ago before they were married. He remembered how large she had made her office and how small his had been. They were such good times-- tense times but good times. For a while there he thought they wood never be married. She was so distant, so remote. No matter how hard he had tried to reassure her, she had rejected his advances. He had thought seriously of walking away then, leaving her so that she could move on without the constant reminder of Lawrence and that night.

As the elevator climbed Jack's mind drifted back to that other elevator ride down from Jennifer's loft the night that he tried to hold her, the night he had accused her of sleeping with Lawrence. That was the night Jo had shown him the Penthouse and he had decided to buy it. He smiled to himself. Not much in their lives together had happened at ground level. Well except for the cave. He had never forget that time when she gave herself to him for the first time. His fingertips burned even now as he thought of that first touch of her body. She was so precious to him that there would never be a life without Jennifer. She was his only reason for living in this soulless world. The elevator jerked to a halt and Jack returned to the present. Yes they could start planning immediately.

He called her name as he opened the door. "Jennifer, Jennifer!" The Penthouse was dark and deathly quiet. He walked to the bedroom door. "Jennifer, are you in there?" Again there was no answer. "Hmmmph, what the hell." He quickly glanced around the living room and there was no sign that she had returned before him. How very odd. He walked to the kitchen and put down his keys at the same time checking that the champagne was still in the fridge. She just might have come up with a better alternative for their celebration. No, everything was as they had left it that morning. Where was she? Well there was no use worrying. She was as anxious as Jack to get this over with.

Jack walked to the bedroom to change out of his Billy clothes while he waited for her to return. He had had enough of his mythical twin. It was time to take a stand for Jack Harcourt Deveraux, publisher of the country's leading rural newspaper The Spectator. He pushed off the Birkentstocks he was wearing, followed by the faded jeans, tossing them aside in a heap. He pulled on a pair of casual pants and changed his shirt. As he rolled up the sleeves he pushed his feet into his favorite loafers. It was nice to feel himself again. He strolled out to the living room and glanced around looking for a note or some message from Jennifer.

He walked over to the desk and noticed the answering machine was blinking. There were two messages. He pressed "Play" and the machine rewound. Jack was jumpy. He hated listening to messages. The machine clicked over and the message began.

"Jack, I need help to get away from BabyHowie. Get your cute butt over here and do something. And we need to talk about that answering machine message!"

Jack stopped the answering machine and started talking out loud. "Ah, Jennifer, where is here? I'm not a mind reader. I do have to talk to that girl about her messages. Where the hell have you gone with that cowboy? Hmm, you're talking to yourself again Jack." There were only a couple of places that Jennifer would go with Hawk. It had to be Wings or Alice's Restaurant. He pressed "Replay" hoping that he could identify the background noises. After a few seconds he was sure it was Wings. "Damn, we should be celebrating here Jennifer." He grabbed his keys and was almost out the door when the second message began. Jack froze as he heard Hawk's voice.

"Jackie Boy! Yes that's right Jack, I know you're alive. You thought you'd got away with it, didn't you? Well you are deadly wrong, Jackie boy. The game is up and this time there will be only one winner, me. You see I have the ultimate prize. I have your wife. Dear sweet innocent little Jennygirl is right here with me and if you don't turn up with that contract in your hand, then you'll never see her again -- alive that is."

Jack was shaking with rage and fear. Hawk had Jennifer. Part of his brain thought this was impossible but Jennifer had said she was with Hawk. The message continued as Jack tried to sort out what to do next.

"You have until 6pm to get here. I'm at The Spectator, on the roof and it's a long drop to the street. You get the picture? Accidents do happen from places like this and you know how accident prone Jennygirl is. At 6pm Jack, with the contract in your hand or you will never look in those baby blues again. And I hate waiting around."

Jack glanced at the clock. It was 5:45pm. Jack's mind raced as he made instant decisions. He had 15 minutes to get back to the paper. He also had to have the contract. He couldn't get the contract but he could take what looked like the contract. At least that would give him time. The police! Should he call the police? There was no time and they might screw things up. He knew Hawk better than anyone. Yes he would go alone. There was no time to do anything else. Jack grabbed a folder containing what could be a contract. Yes that would do for a start. He ran out the door and pressed the button for the elevator.

As the elevator started down, Jack clenched his fists and his upper lip turned white with rage. Control, he had to remain in control. As he ran to the car he pressed the alarm off and opened the door. The engine sprang to life immediately as he turned the key. He sped out of the garage and the tires screeched as he wheeled right. "Jennifer, why do you always get in trouble in high places. I hate heights."

Jack drove reckless into his parking space in the underground parking lot of The Spectator. Sweating, disheveled, and breathing heavily, he jumped out and ran to the elevator. He fell against the wall, and repeatedly pushed the "up" button. He could not concentrate, too many thoughts, memories, possibilities were flooding his mind.

It seemed like an eternity, and the elevator still had not made it down. He glanced at his watch and noticed that it was 5:57. "Dammit." It was 5:57, so where the hell was everyone. Now was not the time to be preoccupied with this.

He ran over to the door leading to the stairwell and tried to open it. He pulled and pushed with the full force of his body and it would not open. Jack willed himself to be calm, he had to think. The stakes were too high, Jennifer. No, he could not let himself-- He had to figure out a way to get to the roof. He could not let himself worry now. He took in and out a couple of deep breaths in a vain attempt to relax; to think. Then suddenly it came to him. The fire escape on the outside of the building.

He ran up the ramp of the deserted park garage. The sound of his shoes echoing and bouncing off the walls took on a sinister and ominous sound -- as if a death toll of a bell. Jack shook the thought from his mind.

Out of breath Jack finally reached the outside level. He still had to run around to the side of the building and then run up the five flights to the roof. Outside the tomb-like bitter cold of the February evening hit him hard. In his hesitation he had even forgotten to put on his coat.

Jack began to run up the stairs. Dammit. why?, he thought to himself. This time it's going to be different. Not like before not like with Lawrence. I swear This time outloud, his voicing breaking from anguish, " Jennifer, It will be different....

Jack continued to run up the stairs. He reached the second level, mentally thinking over what he was going to do to say; nothing seemed right.; nothing seemed to be the best option. Imagines of Jennifer, of the two of them flashed to his mind. He then pictured himself arriving too late, Jennifer's lifeless body.... Hawk lying over her.... NOOO.... As he continued to run he rubbed his forehead trying to erase the image.

He continued to run up the stairs. Now, on the third level. Images from just a few nights before, he and Jennifer -- everything had been so wonderful; he, Jack Deveraux, had been so happy. Then today, so assured, they had won -- working together. And now this. Jack stopped to rest. His heart pounding. His lungs aching and burning from the cold and physical exertion. Jack thought if the situation were not so desperate he would make a joke about his need for some time at the local fitness club.

Just moments earlier, coming up the elevator to their Penthouse, he thought of their life together, finally after that insanity of the past few months things were coming to get for them. As he had rode up the Penthouse elevator to be with Jennifer, he made his decision, that with the return of their money he would sell the Penthouse, and find Jennifer her dream home -- she deserved it; they deserved. He continued to run, out of breath, his mind continued to wander remembering the same thoughts, repeating the same words, and reliving the same images.

Jack cursed the gods. Why just when things were going well for him they pulled the rug from under him. He and Hamlet -- Fortune's fools. It seemed to be the story of his life, how in a moment things turned. It may be a cliché -- he detested clichés -- but it was true -- happiness could be snatched away from you in a blink of an eye. That was the story of his life. Steve; he and Steve were just finally acting like brothers; then he was taken away. After all the hardships to be together, Jennifer and he were finally together, married, and Hawk entered their lives, interrupting their time together as newlyweds. Now Jennifer.... No... He had to wipe that from his mind.

He reached the fourth level. He could not allow himself to think the worst. Jennifer always tried to convince him of the power of prayer. Too much had happened in his life to hold much stock in it. However, now he found himself asking God, the gods, or whatever life force that was out there to make Jennifer be alright. Jennifer was so much apart of his life. He could not lose her; would not lose her. In his rush he had forgotten to look at his watch. It was now 6:02. Dammit! Jack slipped and fell down a few steps. Too late. Not again, he thought. Not again. It seemed that was all he ever did -- fail Jennifer.

Jack pushed himself even harder. He froze. The final ascent to the roof, was an unprotected ladder, bolted to the side of the building, and a few feet away. He looked down. His vertigo kicked in, causing him to sway. Jack took in a deep breath, "Mustn't look down," swallowed, and leaped over to the ladder; he then quickly climbed up and reached the top.

Closing his eyes, He willed his mind not to think the worst. He opened his eyes and scanned the roof. No sign of Jennifer -- or BabyHowie. Then at the far end, standing, facing the elevator door he saw him. He repeated in his mind that everything was just fine, Hawk had not done anything yet. He smiled slightly realizing that coming up this way turned out to be an asset, Hawk would not expect him to come from this way. Though he had to be cautious; he had to make sure he did nothing to anger Hawk and thus jeopardize Jennifer. He then realized he had not thought up what to say or do. He was resigned to just wing it.

Jack coughed out loud, and then slowly walked towards Hawk; hopefully affecting an air of confidence he spoke, "Sorry for being late, but you wouldn't believe that traffic at this hour it was hell."

Immediately a surprised Hawk, spun around to face Jack. "You're a little late there JackieBoy, yes Jack, I know it 's you. You and your bitch wife really thought you could scam me."

Hawk's defamation of Jennifer made Jack furious, he nearly shook with rage, his eyes hardened to a deadly gaze. It took all that was in him to suppress his dark thoughts; it was not the time. "Well, it seems as if we have done just that--" Before Jack could continue Hawk interrupted him.

"Hmm, well, don't crow over your success just yet. Yer actions put Jennifer in danger. And as I said if you don't hand over those papers I signed earlier, well..." He grinned.

A feeling of hopelessness and terror shot through Jack's body, and flashed momentarily in his eyes. Jack hoped Hawk did not see it, he could not let Hawk see any signs of weakness. Jack told himself that Hawk had not done anything as of yet: He did not have the time, and he he was greedy. Jack continued to scan the roof for Jennifer. However, there was no sign of her. A new fear gripped him. The fear turned to back dark anger. He tried to suppress both.

"Okay JackieBoy, hand me the contract, now, if you want to ever see your loving bride ever again. And don't try anything heroic"

"Not until I see Jennifer first!"

"Right, and you will pull another pathetic switch on me. Forget it JackieBoy, until I have that contract in my hands you'll never see Jennifer. And if you don't hand it over pretty damn quick, you'll never see her again -- alive that is."

His heart pounding, and feeling sick, Jack reached for the phony contract in his back pants' pocket. He hoped that it would be enough to stall Hawk long enough for him to see Jennifer.

"Hey watch it there Jack, no tricks.

"The contract is in my pocket--"

"I think I'll get it. And if you try anything, just think of that lovely, accident prone wife of yours having an deadly accident.

Jack wanted to kill him, but he complied. He was nearly shaking; he hoping that it would work. He prayed again as he felt Hawk pull the fake contract from his back pocket. Hawk moved towards the elevator.

Shouting, "WHERE THE HELL IS MY WIFE!"

"Jack, that attitude might cause me to change my mind."

Trying to calm himself down, "Okay, I gave you back the contract. I won't say anything you can keep the paper." Jack's voice was pleading, "But Please, Jennifer."

"Hold your horses, Jack. That bitch wife of yours is fine. I have her in the elevator. But if you do anything well you know...." with that he pressed the elevator button.

Jack's mind was clouded, but only temporarily. A slight smile appeared on his face. Jack was becoming more optimistic. Hawk had been watching the elevator, which meant he expected Jack to come up in the elevator; ergo, there is no way that he was keeping Jennifer. Jack felt his confidence gradually returning.

Just then the elevator door opened, "Oh, by the way Jack," laughing, "I knew you're a sap. I ain't got your wife--"

Jack let out a relieved sigh, and jumped into the elevator, out maneuvering Hawk. Smugly, "Oh, there's one thing I forgot to mention BabyHowie, that," mimicking Hawk, "ain't the real contract. Looks like the Deverauxs got you again. "

However, before Jack could close the elevator door, Hawk reached out his left hand, causing the door to open; then with his other arm he reached into the inside pocket of his coat, pulled out a gun, and aimed it directly at Jack's chest. "Hahah, well, Jack, look who's got the upper hand now. GET THE HELL OUT. Don't move or I'll blow your head off--"

Trying to mask his fear, "Well, actually you are aiming at my chest--"

"Don't be so smug, JackieBoy. Okay, we're going to take a little walk," with his head he motioned to the edge of the roof, "and then you're gonna take a short walk; oh, and watch the first step it's a doosey. And yes, I don't got that tramp wife of yours, but I knew you'd come, you're so predictible Jackie. I don't care who pays as long as one of you does. And with you well.... already dead, I can't be convicted. No, Jack it's your choice a bullet through the head, or becoming street pizza."

Jack crossed his arms and leaned against the laminated panel at the rear of the elevator while Hawk remained trapped in the awkward position of attempting to keep the door from closing. "You know, Howie, perhaps you should investigate a new line of business. Being a scam man doesn't seem to be working out for you."

"Maybe I should look into being a hit man." Hawk waived the gun. "Get out."

"No, I don't think so. First off, I was in such a rush I forgot my coat and it's cold outside. Second of all.... well to be blunt, you're trying to kill me and -- What was that phrase you used? Road pizza? Not the most attractive image."

Hawk stumbled as the elevator doors attempted to shut. "Dammit!" he cursed and slammed the emergency button that kept the doors open. "You think I won't shoot you where you stand? I'd be glad to do it and I'd get away with it 'cause--"

"Yes, yes, I've heard your dissertation about my already being dead," Jack muttered. "However, I have to warn you, Howie, that your understanding of double jeopardy is seriously flawed -- and no, I'm not talking about a game hosted by Alex Trebek."

"You think you're so smart--"

Jack couldn't contain his smirk. "I fooled you didn't I? And now if you wouldn't mind stepping out of the door, I'm going to take my toys -- and by that I mean my money -- and go home."

"I already told you--"

"That you were going to kill me. Yes, Howie, I heard you. You don't have to repeat yourself. But I warn you that you can and most definitely would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Think you're up to being North cellblock's Big Bert's best girl and loveslave?"

"You forget you're already dead, Jackie boy, and I was cleared of killing you. I can't be tried for the same crime twice."

Jack laughed. He couldn't help himself. "You honestly, don't get it do you? It wouldn't be double jeopardy. If you shoot me now it's a brand new crime, not the 'same' crime as a couple of weeks ago."

"But the police think you're dead already!"

Jack feigned a look of surprise. "They do? Really?"

"They're in on it." Hawk belatedly realized.

"Yes, Howie, they're in on it. Everyone is in on it. It's relatively common knowledge that Jack Deveraux and Billy Johnson are one in the same person. After all it is the name I was born with."

Hawk's face flushed a dull red and slowly, deliberately he released the safety on the gun. He's going to shoot, Jack realized with shock. The son of-a-bitch is really going to shoot me. Dammit, why did he never learn that he couldn't push someone's buttons simply because it amused him? He never knew when enough was enough. Jack swallowed convulsively. "Come on, How.... uh.... Hawk, you really don't want to do that."

Hawk shot elevator control panel. Electrical sparks and tiny missiles of plastic flew in the compartment. One cut Jack's cheek. "Well, lookee here," Hawk drawled with a maniacal grin while looking at the damage he'd done. "Looks like your only way out is through me."

Jack touched his hand to his face and when he pulled it away he saw blood on his fingertips. "What am I supposed to do now?" Jack asked with cool annoyance. "Attack you? Go for the gun? We struggle and you shoot me in self defense? I don't think so. Unlike you, I hate to repeat myself and we've already used the 'self defense' routine. Besides as Jagger said, time is on my side. Someone will come looking for me, or have you forgotten the message you left on my answering machine?" Jack glanced at his watch. "A quarter past seven. All I have to do is sit tight and wait for the police to arrive."

Hawk snapped. He stormed into the elevator and shoved the gun against Jack's temple. "Or I could just kill you and get away before they get here."

Jack swallowed again.

"Ah, so you are scared. Not ready to die for real, Jackie Boy? Too bad." He started to pull the trigger.

"Wait," Jack said breathlessly.

"For what? The police to arrive?"

Jack searched his suddenly blank mind for something to say. "The money. If you kill me you'll never get the money. And it's been the money you wanted all along."

Something other than rage flickered in Hawks eyes. Greed? God, Jack hoped so. Jack stepped away from Hawk and out of the damaged elevator. He heard the ballast on the roof crunch under his feet as he backed away. As Hawk followed him out of the elevator, Jack scanned the area for a path of escape. "Think about it, Hawk, if you shoot me, you're a wanted man. If I give you the money you get your revenge and walk away a free man."

Hawk frowned as he appeared to think about it. Jack spotted the door to the roof mechanical room. Isn't there a stairway into that? Jack couldn't remember, it wasn't as though he kept track of the maintenance procedures at The Spectator. Still, logic demanded there had to be a stair into the space. He stepped in that direction. Hawk looked at him suspiciously and Jack shoved his hands into his pockets and strove to look casual.

"You know, Jackie boy, your idea about buying me off isn't half bad. Bet you would like that wouldn't you? The old Hawkster out of you way."

"It has its appeal," Jack observed dryly.

"But if I had your money you'd come after me. You're too stingy to let it go, and you'd just accuse me of robbery."

"Considering the gun you're aiming at me the more correct term would be extortion." Shut up, Jack, he railed at himself. You aren't helping your own cause here. "But we could have Mickey Horton write up something legal. Something that would make it impossible for me to come back after the money."

"Yeah right. Something like that thing I signed today."

"No. Something to your advantage this time. Something legal."

Hawk shook his head. "Gotta hand it to you, Jackie boy. I thought you was easy pickens, but I underestimated you. You're as sneaky and underhanded as I am. How many people have you stabbed in the back?"

"Quite a few."

"I bet."

"But I wouldn't stab you in the back."

"Sure you wouldn't."

"Hey, my life is on the line here. Why would I double cross you?"

Hawk aimed his gun at Jack's heart. "Because that's what us backstabbing bastards do--"

"No!" Jennifer screamed as she threw open the door to the mechanical room. Jack surged toward her. Slipping on black ice he fell ignominiously onto the roof hitting his head against an exhaust vent as Jennifer ran toward him and knelt beside him. So much for replays, Jack thought woozily. Here we go again.

Hawk laughed. "Change of plans," he drawled. "Looks like it's gonna be a double homicide."

Jennifer screamed, "JAAAAAACK!" as she knelt beside him. Seeing the blood on his face brought back the pain she felt when he was shot the first time. "You shot him Hawk, you shot Jack!"

Time seemed to freeze for a split second as Hawk absorbed what was going on. "I....I didn't shoot him. I didn't...."

"Shut up Hawk, shut up. Jack is dead and you killed him."

As Jennifer began to stroke Jack's forehead, he stirred. "Ooooooh, what was that?"

"Jack? You're alive....you're alive!"

"At this point I'm not so sure. Jennifer....Jennifer what are you...."

She burst in with frantic words. "Jack it's all right. I called the police. He can't escape. I heard the message when I got home and I called the police. They're on their way. It's over Hawk, it's all over." As her last words came out, she saw the gun pointed at Jack's chest. She shivered with fear as the night closed in and the damp mist crept into her lungs. "Jack? Jack, the gun. He still has the gun."

Hawk gave a contented chuckle at having the upper hand.

"I know he has the gun Jennifer." There was something about the look in her eyes that made Jack more afraid than he'd ever been in his whole life. "Jennifer, please, I'm asking you to leave now. Just leave. Walk down those stairs and leave me to deal with this."

Hawk watched the little scene play out as Jack pleaded with Jennifer. "Haven't we done this before Jackie boy? Only this time there're no blanks, no fake blood. This time ya blood is goin' to spill all over your rooftop. It's kind of ironic, don't you think? Dead publisher dies again but this time on roof of newspaper. I can see the headlines now. OOOOO-WEEEE!" Hawk yelped like a dog that had got its prey.

Jack staggered to his feet. "I wouldn't be so sure of that." Jack knew he could outwit guys like Hawk in his sleep. He just had to bide his time until Hawk was distracted enough to allow him to grab that gun. But Jennifer was there now. He had to get her away so that he could concentrate solely on Hawk. "Jennifer, I'm asking you again, leave! Go get the police Jennifer. Get the police."

He chanced a momentary glance at her. She was afraid but there was a fire in her eyes that he'd seen before. She wasn't listening to him at all. "Jennifer, listen to me. I need you to get the police."

She didn't take her eyes off the gun as she replied. "I told you Jack, I called the police. They're on their way. I can't leave you Jack. I can't."

Hawk seemed genuinely stunned at their commitment to each other. He never did understand that they were willing to die for each other at any time. "Well it seems to me that I'm the winner here. I get two for the price of one. Jenny girl, your loyalty to this bum always had me baffled. What do you see in him?"

"Hawk you will never know what it is to love someone with your whole being. To care so much that your souls are joined. To know by the glance of an eye what the other person is feeling and thinking. To have your chest ache with the sheer joy of a love that strong. Jack and I are one. Don't you understand that? Nothing you can say or do will ever break us apart. Jack is my strength, my completion."

Jack and Hawk both listened to her words and the raw emotion that she echoed across the city on that dark sinister night. It was a proclamation to the world. "I love you Jack. I love you. Nothing else matters." She flicked a quick glance at Jack and continued to talk. Jack knew now that every word she was saying was for him but it was also keeping Hawk's mind away from what Jack was doing. "You see Hawk, you can't win. You can never win against our strength and our bond. Do you really think I fell for that lousy ego of yours? Little Jimmy Dickens!!! Give me a break. And the bolo. Do you honestly think I would wear some crummy cowboy cast-off of yours? And you know the most conceited thing of all Hawk? The fact that you thought I would fall for you with Jack gone. That I could actually even like somebody as low as you after knowing Jack. You aren't even good enough to be on the same planet as Jack. You are despicable. You are a lying, cheating, conman who's dumb enough to believe that he could outwit.... JAAAACK!"

Despite her resolve to remain calm, Jennifer couldn't help but scream as Jack suddenly launched himself at Hawk to grab the gun. As Jack moved forward Jennifer ran and leapt at Hawk reaching him before Jack. She clutched him around the neck and held onto his shirt collar. Hawk staggered backwards with Jennifer still clinging to him as Jack bellowed at her to stay clear.

"Jennifer, Jennifer, get away from him. Jennifer!" Jack's desperate plea resounded over the city.

Jennifer seemed oblivious to anything Jack said as she punched and kicked at Hawk. "Don't you touch him Hawk. Don't you ever touch Jack!" She was obsessed. At last she felt free to eke out whatever pain she could on him.

Hawk seemed confused for a few seconds. Instinctively he lurched sideways in an attempt to get her off his back and she fell to the roof with a painful scream. Jack moved to help her but Hawk grabbed her first and edged towards the rim of the roof with his arm tightly wrapped around her waist. She continued to fling her body around but it was no use. He was too tall and strong. "Well Jackie boy, it seems the little wifey has come to help. Lucky for me, now I get both of you." He held Jennifer with one hand while the other pointed the gun back at Jack.

Jack shook with rage and his voice broke as the words came staggering out. "Jennifer, I'm going to ask you to do exactly what I say. Exactly."

Terror filled her eyes as she looked at Jack. "Do you hear me? I want you to stop struggling. I want you to listen to me.Jennifer. Stop!" This time she heard the urgency in his voice and froze. "Thank you. Now you listen Hawk. Let Jennifer go and we'll settle this like men. There is no use getting women involved in our battle."

"And why would I let go my single biggest bargaining chip, eh, Jackie? You must think I'm a real chump."

"Not only a chump Hawk, but an extremely stupid chump. What have you to gain by holding Jennifer as a hostage? I mean it's me you have the battle with, not her. If you hold her then the police will bring charges for kidnapping. Let her go and we can get back to the real business at hand. You're a conman Hawk and I have to admit that I have some respect for a decent conman."

Jack's intellect had always outwitted Hawk and Jack knew he wasn't capable of differentiating the truth from fiction. "So you think I'm the best, eh Jack?"

"Oh you're the best all right. Simply the best." Jack's eyes were fixed on Jennifer. She stared back at him, both knowing what the next move would be. Jack inched forward causing Hawk to lose concentration and loosen his grip a little on Jennifer. She made a break and slipped down under his arm before he knew what was happening. As she flung herself to the side to escape his grasp, Hawk jabbed his fist sideways and caught her across the jaw with a sickening thud. Her head rolled backwards and she slipped to the ground. Jack's lips turned white with fury. He couldn't control himself anymore and he lunged forward grabbing Hawk's hand holding the gun. He forced it up and backwards as Hawk launched a belly blow to Jack's stomach with the other hand. The gun spun across the rooftop as Jack got control of Hawk's arm. They grappled with each other in a contest of pure strength.

Meanwhile, Jennifer staggered to her feet. The whole side of her face was pounding as her eyes came into focus. Her first sight was the gun lying about ten feet away from her. Quickly she saw that Jack was keeping Hawk away from the gun hoping she could reach it. She staggered up but just as she made a lunge towards it, Hawk freed himself from Jack's grasp and threw himself on top of the gun. He rolled over and pointed it straight at Jennifer. Jack froze and his breath turned to heavy pants as he looked at the gun.

"Well now Jackie boy. Once again I win. You two are no match for the Hawk."

Jack's mind raced as Jennifer stared down the barrel. He's not going to shoot immediately or he would have done so. He needs to prove he's a winner first. Play on it Jack, play on it.

"I guess you are no match for us Hawk. No match at all."

Hawk laughed, the sound almost hysterical. He's losing control, Jack thought. What to do, what to do. Jack's mind raced assessed a series of ideas in seconds. Instantly he knew what course to take.

"Jennifer, I want you to remember something. Remember the night I proposed to you on the roof?" Jennifer was puzzled at why Jack would bring this up now. "Jack, just give him the money. Let him go Jack."

Jack endeavored to keep Jennifer's mind on track with his. "The proposal Jennifer, remember. `With love's light wings do I o'erperch these walls.' Remember the walls Jennifer, remember the leap of faith I took. Remember?"

She cleared her head and thought over that night. Jack was giving her a message. The proposal, a leap of faith? Jack leapt off the roof! He jumped down to the firestair landing. It had scared her. Yes, he was reminding her of that.

"Jennifer I want you to take that same leap of faith now."

"Will you two shut up? I've had enough of this horse play. It's over Deverauxs. I've won Jack. You lose Jennifer, you lose your life. I take the money. You're right, you're no match at all for me."

"That's right, Hawk. You could never match us. You aren't even in the same air space. You're dumb Hawk. Plain, stupid, dumb. You only use the a tiny portion of the front lobe of that minuscule brain of yours. You have no idea what to do next. No idea at all. You're stumped by better brains."

As Jack kept Hawk busy with his words he kept his eyes riveted on Jennifer. He was willing her to understand what he wanted her to do. "Jennifer did you hear me? Trust me, take that leap of faith."

She glanced sideways and realized she was only inches from the edge of the roof. The outside firestairs were just next to her. He wanted her to leap down to the landing. I can't do it. I'm scared.

"Jack's right. It is time for prayers Jennifer because this is goodbye. Hawk stood up slowly and aimed the gun at her. His finger slowly pulled the trigger and as the sound reverberated in Jack's ears, he saw Jennifer disappear over the edge.

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