Chapter 26: Chapter 26

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Prioritize his tasks. Done.

Ease his workload. Check.

Cook him dinner. Done.

Join him for dinner and clean up. Also done.

If he really had to travel to New York tomorrow by himself, she should check and prep his go bag and include sanitary toiletries. Rubbing alcohol. Gel sanitizer. Wipes. Soap. Face masks. A face shield.

Like Kel said, "better safe than sorry".

Jenson appeared physically fit on the outside, but he wasn't getting enough sleep lately. Work and stress-induced anxiety or something.

The previous travel restrictions were getting a bit laxer now. Well, here in the US at least. Only 300 or so positive cases so far. Mostly in New York and here in California. Hot spots due to the population density in the main cities.

Social distancing, masking up and hand hygiene protocols were still encouraged all over the country. In the big crowded cities, especially. Health experts had already concluded months ago that it was a serious flu-like epidemic and seemingly more contagious.

Strict implementation of isolation protocols for detected cases was also mandatory now, like the quarantining of incoming tourists and other passengers from out of the country. Would Jenson also be required to isolate himself once he arrived in New York? Or maybe he'd only be quarantining for a few days.

Jessi dried her hands with the clean dishcloth while staring at her phone on the table. The screen lit up just as her message alert tone dinged.

It was another text from Kel, asking again about her next off days. Jessi smiled as she typed a lengthy reply to her friend. She missed Kel and Enzo's engagement party last time because of the imposed travel restrictions announced by most states that same month. Kel had sent her some photos and videos, though.

Simple gathering at Enzo's new house in New York. Not a lot of guests. Less than ten, and Jessi recalled the guests wore masks in photos and maybe during most of the get-together. So far, the couple seemed to be going strong.

Jessi sent another text to her friend, and then checked the time.

Jenson must be lounging on the divan now after another long work day. Or being stubborn again and sorting through some of the pending paperwork.

"A-plus workaholic," she murmured while making a face. She didn't like it whenever he overworked himself; he would get moody and rather uncommunicative afterwards. But nothing she couldn't handle. She now loved working with him, in fact.

Before she could put her phone in her pocket, a strange noise coming from outside stole her attention. A loud clank. It came from the other side of the wall.

Then two male voices talking quite loudly. "No. I'm done!"

"Hey."

"Sick and tired of this shit."

"Yo. Chill out."

A moment of silence. Then someone mumbled something she didn't catch.

"Yeah. 'Cause that's all you care about. Hypocrite. Why d'you think Charm's always goin' away? You that insensitive or just dense?"

Oh shit. It was Darren talking, and yelling at Jenson for some reason.

"Pipe the fuck down. We're not— Hey. The heck are you going?"

"Away from all this shit! I'm just done!"

Oh heck. Not another fight.  At the sound of Darren mouthing off again, her throat constricted.  Her breathing paused. Jessi stealthily stepped towards the closed door, eavesdropping and worrying about the guys' heated argument.

Why did Darren sound so upset with her boss? And what did he mean by he was "done"? So he's quitting the show? Oh no.

"DJ." Jenson let out a noisy sigh. "Would you chill out for—"

"Call him right now! I don't give a fuck. Done taking orders from that greedy, money-obsessed asshole."

"Hey. I said, calm down." Jenson sighed shortly. "Let's step outside if you wanna talk."

"And how's being his errand guy on speed dial by the way? Havin' a blast yet?" Darren wasn't yelling again but the conversation still sounded tense. "Is it fun? Just letting him control you and your life? But the pay's nice, I bet."

"I said shut it. We're not al—"

"Wake the fuck up, Jenson! He'll just keep wanting more and more and everything else his filthy money can buy. He doesn't really give a shit about you or me. Stop deluding yourself. For once."

"Listen." Jenson paused to heave another sigh. For a moment, the office fell dead silent again. "I know you don't like it as much as me, but he still calls the shots because he can. Just how it is. Don't need to remind you, do I?"

Jessi stayed put behind the door, her heartbeat speeding up and just pounding in her tight chest. Should she interrupt their conversation? Try to break off the tension a bit?

The calmer one was definitely Jenson, talking to Darren alone in his office. Then someone grunted twice, followed by some heavy dull sounds.

"Shit. No." She grabbed her phone on the table and rushed out the door without bothering to turn off the lights.  She wasn't mistaken.

Beside the work desk stood a scowling, messy-haired Darren chokeholding Jenson till Jenson's veiny face grew almost beet-red. "What the actual fu—"  Shit! Not this again...

"You're just like him! Always treating me like a stupid, dumb kid!" Darren groaned while his muscular arm coiled tighter around Jenson's neck, probably crushing his windpipe already. Darren's cheeks looked damp and pinkish, his tousled and wavy brown hair covering half of his snarl.

Was it sweat on his face? Or tears?

"You coulda just told me months ago! Selfish asshole!" Darren's pale lips quivered as he whimpered behind Jenson, his voice gruff and filled with anger and some hint of...despair?

"The fuck you talkin' about? Let go—" Jenson choked out while trying to peel Darren's arm off his neck. "How could I've known she was pregnant?"

Pregnant? Who was pregnant? What the heck's happening?

"I said don't fuck with me!"

"Argh!" Jenson groaned. "The he—  DJ!"

Immediate panic and indecision just left her speechless, stupidly arguing with her own logic whether she should physically break up the fight now. She should do something, but...

The two were easily twice her size, and neither looked ready or willing to tap out. She held her breath and gawked at the scene. Jessi stood only a couple of feet away from Jenson's desk, her legs frozen and her feet pinned on the carpeted floor.

Before another thought could sink in, Jenson hit Darren in the face with the back of his arm till Darren's legs hit the armchair in front of the messy desk. "I didn't know she would end up like that! Alright? I didn't kill her!" Darren finally let go of Jenson's neck when Jenson shoved him away with his elbow, hitting Darren's chest twice.

Darren toppled onto the floor and landed on his rump. While he tugged at his own hair, he cried to himself, smothering his sobs with his sleeve. "I love her. I loved her..." He sniveled repeatedly. "Why the fuck would I kill her?"

Kill her? Pregnant? Was Darren intoxicated or something? What the heck were they fighting about? That missing girl named "Ramona"?

Stunned, puzzled, and unable to speak, she just watched it all unfold while her heart ached and thumped in her ears. Like her vocal cords, her legs just wouldn't cooperate with her brain.

More tears dampened Darren's cheeks. He mewled and sat still on the carpet, his shoulders drooping. His demeanor seemed rather calm now despite his obviously emotional state.

"Shit.  DJ," she muttered before rushing to his side. With slightly trembling legs, Jessiah stood in between Jenson's stiff figure and a slouching Darren with her arms outstretched, keeping Darren's vulnerable state somewhat safe with herself as a flimsy barrier. "Enough." She stared at Jenson. "Please."

Jenson ignored her. He unclenched his fists as he stared down at Darren on the floor, his chest still heaving. His lips were pursed by a scowl that crinkled his brows and forehead. "Go home. Take your meds. Sober the fuck up."

Darren didn't say anything. He kept his head down while his shoulders faintly shook. He was sniveling, too.

"I'm not lettin' you throw your life away just 'cause of that girl. Understand?" Jenson looked away and mumbled an expletive. "Like it or not, I'm still lookin' out for you, 'cause that's what I'm supposed to do." He glared at Darren again, his voice low and restrained. "I'm still the Beta, and he's still the boss. Get over it."

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Contingency plan.

She heard too much.  A lot of things she didn't need to know.  Things that could ruin him and Darren.

Their career.  Their life.    Everything.

He could have stopped Darren from blurting out their secrets, but, too late.  And Jessiah could've called the cops already.

Dammit.  Too risky.  He needed to do something now. No time for procrastination or feigning optimism.  Jenson swore in his head.  He slid a pill into his pocket.

Maintain control of the situation.  Not let more shit hit the fan.  A lot was at stake.

Before rushing out the door, he glanced at Darren in the corner.  The guy remained on the divan, clutching his phone, facing the wall while lying on his side, almost in a fetal position.  Darren seemed sedated now.  No longer crying.  Or hysterically shouting things no one should hear about.

Two full-dose wolfsbane pills in one gulp usually did the trick for half-bloods like them.  A physical outburst that intense warranted that much dose.

Most likely Darren wasn't taking his meds the past couple of days.  Thus the hostility.  Just being reckless and stupid all over again.  He didn't even flinch when he saw someone else in the office.

"Hey." Jenson curbed the urge to sigh and shook his head when he got no response. "Stay in here."

Darren didn't say anything.  Just pretending to be asleep.

"Get some sleep." Jenson shut the door and locked it from the outside with an old padlock, taking no chances.  He had to make sure Darren wouldn't escape.  They would have to deal with the other things later.

While he stood alone outside his office kitchen, Jenson took out the pill and stared at it.  At first glance, it looked normal.  Nothing suspicious.  The usual caplet shape.  A bluish-lavender shade.  Barely half the size of his thumb.

It wasn't cheap or easily accessible, but, considering their kind's limited population and their dire need for  "treatment",  not really surprising how scientific pursuit mixed with capitalist greed again.

It was basically a potent sedative, a neurotoxin inhibitor, and a painkiller all in one.  A good way to avoid detection and bloody rampages, in short.

Constant medication and self-discipline.  It wasn't a one-off deal.  Never been.  Just cons of their genetic abnormality.

"How is he?" Jessiah watched him as he stepped into the small kitchen slash dining area.  She sat in the corner chair while gripping her phone, her eyes squinting at him.

"Fine," Jenson sighed.  Something about the way she sat quietly and alone made him feel like a predator honing in on its prey.  Or maybe it was just the slight nervousness and anxiety leading his thoughts into a darker route.

"You sure?"

"Talked him out of it. He's exhausted. Gonna be snoring in a minute."

"So, he's staying here overnight?"

"No." He walked towards the small fridge to grab the pitcher full of juice.  She prepared it for him earlier. "I'll drive him home."

"So...um..." Jessi cleared her throat, her voice hushed by some uncertainty.  "Should I report it to security?"

"No. No need." He turned his back to her and poured juice into a clean glass.  As quietly as he could, he crushed half of the pill with his thumb.  "Sorry it startled you," he sighed, swiftly pouring the powdered pill into the glass of pineapple juice.  "He just drinks too much sometimes."

"Yeah," she murmured with a quick sigh.  "I noticed."

"Thanks for stayin', and for dinner."  Jenson stared at the powdery substance as it dissolved and mixed with the pale yellow liquid.  His heartbeat picked up the pace while he stood still next to the fridge, patiently waiting with his back to her.  Not a lot.  It shouldn't taste weird.

It wasn't a guaranteed solution to his problem, but he had to try.  In high doses, the pills would be toxic to an ordinary human—especially the dosage for purebloods—but he had to try at least.  Desperate times.  Desperate measures.

On the other hand, he could try convincing her it was just another bender, but she'd heard and seen too much, and he didn't have hypnosis skills.  Unlike Magnus.  Anyways, it was just a pinch of the drug.  It shouldn't cause heart paralysis or fatal respiratory issues, like the back labels warned.

He wasn't planning on seizing her phone, or scaring her to stop her from contacting the authorities.  Neither did he plan on physically restraining her to stop her from getting out of his office.  That would only escalate the problem.

It would definitely cost him her full trust, too.  "You okay?" He stood beside her and handed her the cold glass.

"Yeah. Thanks." Jessi nodded faintly before she drank the juice in slow gulps, barely moving in her chair. Her lean arms and shoulders looked tense under her blazer.  Her voice sounded faint, and she still seemed uptight.

It was none other than the shock.  After what she saw and heard from him and Darren just minutes ago, he couldn't blame her and her reaction.  Most likely she was planning to call the police after Darren's violent behavior.  The physical assault was just undeniable.  "Need a ride home?"

"No. I'll get a cab."

"You sure?" Jenson took a deep breath as he stood closer to her with his hand splayed on the table.  He smelled a hint of fear in her scent.  He also recognized the bewilderment in her brown eyes, but she was putting on a calm expression for him.  "I can drive you to your place. No biggie."

"No. It's fine. Thanks."  She put the glass down on the table. "What time will you leave tomorrow?" Her brows scrunched when she stared at him. "Your flight, I mean. 'Cause I gotta prep your things, for the travel. I just read the updated list of travel requirements."

Unbelievable.  Still in PA mode.  He grinned to himself and almost shook his head in disbelief.  The woman just liked her job way too much.  "You don't have to. I'll do it."

"Okay."

"Just go home. Sleep it off."  Jenson glanced at the almost empty glass beside her pale hand.

"You should, too."

"Don't worry about it. Try to enjoy your weekend, for once."  He put on a smile and looked her in the eye, waiting for something in her blank expression to change.  He needed to check for dilated pupils, chest pains, shallow intakes of breath, some neurologic symptoms, or anything serious.  So far she still looked and sounded normal.  He held in a sigh of relief.

"I'll try," Jessi mumbled after looking away.  Then she got busy on her phone for a moment.

He stood beside her while peeking at the screen.

She wasn't calling 911 or anything.  Just scrolling through a social media app.

"Did you...call the cops?" he asked after a minute or so of total silence.

"No." She looked up from her phone to stare back at him.  "Should I?" she murmured with a slight pout.

"No. It's fine. I'll sort him out."

"How did he..." She glanced away again and scratched her brow.  "Why was he saying he didn't 'kill her'? Did he mean, that girl, Ramona?"

"Yeah." Jenson sighed and crossed his arms, minding the confusion in her pretty eyes.  "He told me he's been having nightmares. Then he drinks too much when he can't sleep and it just..."  He swore under his breath.  "Doesn't end well most of the time."

"I can imagine." She scoffed and shook her head weakly.

They both fell silent when he didn't say anything more.  Well, she didn't need to hear a more specific recounting of the highly suspicious incidents concerning him and Darren.  Or Magnus' involvement.

"So she's dead? Not missing anymore?"

"Sadly."  He watched her closely while sitting next to her.  If he lied about the whole thing, she would find out eventually.  Then she would no longer trust him and his word.  He'd rather give her half-truths now than worry constantly and deal with the repercussions of his big lies later.  "I heard her parents buried her in their hometown months ago."

Jessi tutted and reclined, her expression one of  disappointment.

"He thinks it's somehow his fault. Must be 'cause of the nightmares."

"How did she die? Do you know?" she asked with a steady gaze focused on her phone screen.

"Overdose."

"Shit."

"Yeah. He told me she was a runaway teen once," he mumbled.

"And she was pregnant?"

"According to the medical report. DJ just found out."

"And the parents? They know already?"

"Yeah, most likely."

Jessi sighed out loud and palmed her forehead.

"It was an accident," he clarified.  "She was abusing drugs since she was a teenager."  Or at least that's what Darren and Magnus said.  Jenson got up from the chair, but Jessi's hand clasped his forearm before he could walk away from the table.

"Wait. So, she was...   It was definitely Darren's baby?"  She stared into his eyes now, murmuring her words, seeming eager to hear more direct answers.

"He thinks so." He stood still next to her while  blocking off the keen urge to swear.

Best case scenario: the pill was already working and she would forget about their entire conversation by tomorrow morning.

Worst case: her memories of everything that happened today would stay intact and she would be sleeping off the aftereffects of the drug during the entire weekend.

Absolute worst case:  she wouldn't wake up from her sleep and it would be too late before she ended up in the nearest emergency room.

Shit.  Starting tonight, he should check up on her every few hours.  Jenson grabbed the glass beside her hand and drank the rest of the juice.  Good.  Still fresh.  Even for someone with a highly sensitive nose, the cold drink tasted fine.

"He's fine. Just needs a lotta sleep," he commented, using a more casual tone.

Darren must have fallen asleep by now.

"I'm worried about him, honestly." Jessi covered her mouth with her fist and blankly stared at the doorway.

"I'm thinkin' of taking him to rehab, when I get back from New York. Just, y'know, insurance."  He sat beside her again, waiting for her to look him in the eye, anticipating her next reaction.  When she didn't respond, he breathed out a sigh.  "He's no killer, Jess.  Okay?  Just a troubled guy with issues."

"Yeah," she murmured before looking away, seeming a tad doubtful.  "I won't tell anyone, if you don't want me to."

Good.  She understood the stakes.  "Yeah. Thanks."  Whew...

"But in case you're gonna report it..." Jessi got up from her seat and grabbed her phone. "You can use the CCTV footage as proof."

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