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phantismaFandom: RPS (Supernatural with added Buffy, Angel, SGA, STNG)
Title: In Service, Part 7(Previous parts found: Part One Here, Part Two Here, Part Three Here, Part 4 Here, Part 5 here, Part 6 here)
Pairing/Characters: Jensen Ackles/Jared Padalecki, Chris Kane, Jeffery Dean Morgan, OCs
Rating: R (for recurring themes)
Word Count: 3264
Summary: Jensen is really feeling the strain. It's been a month and nothing is getting better, and just to make matters worse, Chris' brother-in-law shows up with Jared's younger brother, demanding Jensen take responsibility for him. Just when he thinks things can't get any worse, Jeff arrives on his doorstep with dire news.
A/Ns & Warnings: Ummm...yeah totally AU. It's...crack...No, seriously...total crack. I take great liberties with the families of the celebrities I...um...use...creating siblings, erasing siblings, aging and de-aging siblings...pretty much doing anything I want. Um...and just about anyone is game. As to Warnings: This is slave fic, dubious con to some degree...though there is no sex in this installment.
“My Lord, you have a visitor.”
Jensen looked up from the papers he was looking at and squinted toward his secretary. “Who is it?”
“He said his name was Jordan.”
Jensen frowned and handed the paperwork off to an aide. “Get these down to Samantha, have her look them over and get back to me.” He turned back to his secretary. “Show him to my office. I’ll be right there.”
Jensen paused at Jeff’s office, poking his head in. “I’m going to have to cancel on our lunch.”
“Something wrong?”
“I’m not sure. Something personal.”
Jeff nodded. “I’m knee deep in these programming changes anyway.”
Jensen sighed. “I’m not sure I even want to know how bad it is.”
“We’re getting clobbered.”
“I’ll leave it in your hands, Jeff. I trust you.”
Jensen left him then and headed back for his office. A little over a month and nothing was any better. If he believed in curses or hexes, he’d say he had one…or the studio did. He opened the door to his office. Chris’ brother-in-law stood there. Beside him, sitting in one of the chairs was a young man, maybe 16.
“I wasn’t expecting you.” Jensen said by way of greeting and Jordan nodded.
“I realize. I’d say I’m sorry, but…” He looked down at the boy. “This is JP.”
Jensen looked at him, wincing as he realized this was Jared’s brother. “Why are you bringing him here?” As if he didn’t have enough problems of his own.
Jordan looked uncomfortable. “We won. Lisa beat Stewart in court, got the boy out…but we couldn’t take him home. In fact, we had to relocate the family. Stewart is furious and he has influence in Austin.”
Jensen shook his head. “I have enough trouble here as it is…I’m barely keeping this place afloat. I can’t…I…what is it you want?”
“This whole thing is on you. He needs a place to stay.”
“And you think I should take him in?” Jensen asked, shaking his head. “Why me?”
Jordan crossed his arms. “Lisa said you’d react this way. I thought I saw something that night. I thought maybe you’d started to see the light.”
Jensen shook his head. “This is unbelievable.” He turned his eyes on JP. He met his eyes briefly, then looked away, looked down…all submissive and looking like Jared. “JP, huh?” The kid nodded. “How long?”
“A few weeks. We’re trying to get him a new identity, get him into a program. We just need someplace to put him where Stewart won’t look.”
“What makes you think he won’t look at my place? You do realize he fucking gave me this nightmare, don’t you?” Jensen gestured at the office. “I’m thinking more and more that he knew exactly what he was doing.” He fell into his chair and sighed. “Okay, a few weeks. I’ll….find him someplace. It’ll be fine.”
“Good. I’ll be in touch.” He turned to go, but JP jumped, grabbing his hand. “It’s okay, JP, Lord Ackles is going to take good care of you. I’ll be back to get you soon.”
JP turned to look at Jensen, then back at Jordan. “You promise?” Jordan nodded and pulled his hand free.
“Promise.”
When Jordan was gone, Jensen sighed and JP turned back to him. “Are you the one who has Jared?”
Jensen nodded. “Yes, Jared is with me.”
“May I see him?”
Jensen blew out a breath. “I-I don’t know. We’ll see. He didn’t react very well to seeing your parents. I’ll have to talk to him first.”
JP nodded. “Jordan told me that you took him there.”
Jensen looked up sharply. JP looked sheepish. “My Ma, she told him. She was so happy to know he was okay.”
It was obvious the kid hadn’t gone through a whole lot of training. Jensen wondered if Jared would be this talkative if he had been allowed to grow up normally. “Okay, let’s….let’s see if we can get you settled.”
Jensen led the kid out of the office. “Marcy, I’ll be out of the office for a few hours. Have Jeff cover for me in the meeting at one, okay? And have my car meet us out front.”
The ride home was quiet, strained. JP looked very out of place in his torn jeans and dirty t-shirt. They pulled up out front and Jensen sighed. “Okay, come with me. I’ll set you up in one of the guest rooms, and introduce you to Chris. He’ll…help…or something.”
Jensen opened the door. He led JP in and up the stairs, down the hall past his own suite and the room where Chris was living and into the room at the end of the hall. “It isn’t much, but you should have everything you need. Bathroom.” Jensen pointed to the bathroom door. “I…ah…we’ll get you some clothes.”
JP looked around the room, and ventured toward the bathroom. “I’ll just go see if Chris is home.” Jensen closed the door shaking his head. He didn’t know what he was doing. That much was obvious. This was totally out of control. He knocked on Chris’ door and opened it. He was only a little surprised to find Chris still in bed, and only slightly more surprised to find he wasn’t alone. Eliza raised her head and pushed dark hair out of her face.
“Hey,” she mumbled before she laid back down. Chris squinted at him.
“I need to talk to you.”
Jensen went back into the hallway and paced until Chris opened the door, coming out in his boxers. “Look, your brother-in-law just laid a load on me. I need your help.”
“Jordan?” Chris looked sleepy and cross. “What’s going on Jen, I’ve only been in bed three hours.”
“Sorry. I just…I can’t handle this right now.”
“This what?”
Jensen dragged him down toward JP’s door. “Jared’s brother. He’s in there.”
“Jared’s what?”
“Wake up and focus Chris. His name’s JP. He’s like sixteen and he’s in there and I don’t know what to do with him, and I don’t know how Jared’s gonna react….fuck this is messed up.” Jensen licked his lips, pulled out his wallet and handed Chris a credit card. “Take him out. Get him some clothes, feed him…something. Just give me time to get Jared used to the idea.”
Chris nodded and took the card. “Yeah. Okay. Anything else I can do?”
Jensen shook his head. “I’m going to take Jared to work with me for the rest of the day. I’ll call when we’re on our way home. Come on, I’ll introduce you.”
He knocked and opened the door. JP was standing next to the bed, looking a little stunned. “Hey, this is my friend Chris. Chris, JP.” They looked at each other and nodded. “Okay. Chris is going to take you out and get you some clothes, stuff to keep you busy….books, movies, whatever.”
“You’re Lisa’s brother.” JP said and Chris nodded.
“Yeah.”
“She’s something else.”
Chris chuckled and nodded again. “Yes, she certainly is.”
“Okay. I have to get back to work.” Jensen licked his lips, looking at JP, trying to decide if he was going to be okay with Chris.
“Go on. I’ve got this.” Chris said.
Jensen exhaled slowly and went to his room to get Jared. He was asleep on his bed. Jensen smiled. That at least was a step in the right direction. He crossed to him, kneeling beside the bed to touch him softly, kissing his bare shoulder. Jared stirred, opened his eyes, then looked alarmed. “My—Jensen. I wasn’t expecting you.”
Jensen smiled and soothed him. “It’s okay. You looked so pretty sleeping there. I had to touch you, make sure you were real.” Jared blushed. “Get up though. I’m taking you with me.”
“Where are we going?” Jared sat up dutifully, reaching for clothes.
“Work.”
“My lord?” Jared’s brow creased as he eased into his brown pants and reached for his shirt.
“It’s a long story…and I just…I want you close today.”
Jared nodded. Jensen knew he wasn’t buying it completely, and by the time they came home, he’d have to explain. But for now, he just wanted to get them out of the house. “Shoes,” he reminded and Jared turned around to find his sandals. Ten minutes later they were back in the car and headed to the studio.
It was well after five when Jensen’s cell phone rang. He looked around his desk for a minute before finding it and flipping it open. “Chris?”
“You two coming home tonight?”
“Yeah. Just…finishing up some stuff.”
“The kid’s asking about his brother.”
Jensen shook his head, looking up to where Jared was sitting on the couch, flipping through a magazine. “I haven’t told him yet.”
“You waiting for Christmas?”
“Funny. We’ll be home soon. Just keep him calm.”
“He’s calm, talks a lot, but he’s calm.”
“Just…keep him company or something. I’m on my way.”
Jensen closed his phone and reached for his intercom. “Marcy, call my driver. I’m going home.”
“Mr. Morgan wanted a few minutes before you left, my Lord.”
“Tell Jeff I’ll see him in the morning. I can’t handle anything more right now.”
Jared looked up expectantly. Jensen smiled and stood. “Let’s go home, Jared. The cook is making lasagna and I don’t know about you, but I’m hungry.”
In the car, Jensen opened his mouth several times, but they were half way home before he got the words to come out.
“Jared…there’s a reason I brought you to work today. I sort of wanted you out of the house.”
Jared looked at him, his green eyes open and curious and Jensen just knew the news about his brother was going to change that. “We have a new guest at the house, and…I wanted him to get…settled. I didn’t want it upsetting you.”
Jared nodded a little. “No guest of yours is upsetting to me.”
Jensen looked all around, pressing his lips together. “Yeah, well, this one might. And I don’t want him to. I want you to…be okay with his being there.”
“I am not sure what you are trying to say, my lord—Jensen.” Jared didn’t slip up on that anymore unless he was nervous.
“Remember the trip to your parents’ house, Jared. You freaked out on me. It was my fault. I should have prepared you for it. This time, it’s not my fault, but they needed someplace for him to be safe.”
Jared’s face had paled. “Who is this guest?”
Jensen licked his lips. “Your brother.”
“JP?” Jared’s voice was shaking now, his fingers curling in his pants.
“Yes, you remember Lisa and Jordan, Chris’ family, right?” Of course he did. The whole night had been a disaster. “They found JP, got him free. They took your family and hid them. And JP is staying with us for a few days until they settle everything.” Jensen looked at Jared, watching as he marshaled his fear and nerves and nodded.
“He was taken to training.” Jared said softly. “Like I was.”
Jensen nodded slowly. Jared swallowed. They were pulling up in front of the house. “Will I see him?”
“He’s been asking for you….but if it makes you uncomfortable…you don’t have to.”
Jared shook his head. “I will see him.”
Jensen sighed in relief. He wasn’t sure he could keep JP away from Jared if he wanted to. “I’m glad, Jared. Very glad.”
Jared was shaking, though he tried to hide it as they got out of the car and headed for the house. Jensen slipped a hand into Jared’s, hoping it was soothing. Alecia, the newest of the household staff met them at the door, taking Jensen’s briefcase and jacket. “Where is everyone?”
“Master Chris and his guest are out by the pool. The new young man is in his room.”
Jensen nodded. “Come on, I’ll take you up to him.”
Jared followed, his head down, murmuring something to himself. Jensen knocked on the door, then opened it. JP was on the bed, reading a book. He looked completely at home in pajama bottoms and a t-shirt. He looked up, then sat up. “Hey.”
Jensen moved into the room, bringing Jared with him. JP jumped to his feet. “Jared!”
Jensen held up a hand. “Easy, and slow.” JP nodded and Jensen felt Jared’s hand tighten, then loosen in his, telling him he was okay. He let go. “Okay, good.” It was already better than the whole debacle with his parents. He looked up at Jared. His face was still tight, but he was looking at JP. “You two probably don’t need me for this. Take your time, I’m going to send some dinner up for you guys.”
He backed toward the door, then Jared turned to him suddenly. “Thank you, my Lord.”
Jensen closed the door behind him. He was sweating. This whole fucking thing was insane. He was exhausted. He headed down the stairs. He wanted a drink and a quiet dinner and to sleep into next year. He saw Chris wave from the living room door to the outside. Fat chance he was going to get what he wanted. Why start now? The last thing he’d gotten that he had wanted was Jared, and look how that had all turned out.
As he got to the bottom of the stairs and turned for the bar, the doorbell rang. “Now what?” He beat Alecia to the door and pulled it open, stopping short when he found Jeff there, his face dark. “Jeff?”
“We need to talk.”
Jensen stood aside, let him in, even though he was scowling, even though Jeff was the last thing he needed to deal with right then. “Yeah…can’t it wait?”
Jeff shook his head. “You got an office, someplace private?”
Jensen pointed and led the way, stopping and gesturing to Alecia. “Make sure Jared and our guest get dinner delivered, and they are not disturbed otherwise.” She nodded and Jensen continued into the office.
“Guest?” Jeff asked as Jensen closed the door.
“Yeah.” He shook his head. “What is this about?”
“You’re not going to like it…but I figure you should know.”
Jensen sighed. “I’m not sure I can handle more bad news right now.”
“Then you better sit down.” Jeff paced a little, then stopped and leaned on the desk. “Did you read the transfer papers Stewart delivered with the studio?”
Jensen scowled deeper and shook his head. “My father did, I assumed. He’s the one who told me to sign them.”
“Then your father either has an over-abundance of confidence in your ability to fix this mess, or he’s one sick fuck.” Jeff said. He stood back up and wiped a hand over his face. “We both know that Stewart is…a sick fuck, I mean.”
“What are you talking about?”
“My nephew works in central filing. He’s…nosy. He came across copies of the transfer. He brought it to me. So far it’s just him and me that know…but…if word got out.” He was back to pacing.
“Jeff…I’m tired. I’m stressed. I’ve got personal issues I’m dealing with and you’re starting to really piss me off. Would you get to the damn point?”
“Stewart set you up. He didn’t give you the studio because he respected you, he did it to get revenge.”
“What?” Jensen’s mind swirled around the accusation. Of course, he’d come to wonder if that wasn’t the case, but obviously Jeff had more information. “How?”
“One of the terms of transfer is that you have three months to raise ratings by 20%, and six months to raise them by 50%, and within a year you have to turn a profit.”
“Or what? He gets the damn thing back? Fine, let him take it.” Jensen sat heavily in his chair, thinking that would solve at least half of his problems.
“Not just the studio, Jensen. He gets the studio, and Jared…” He turned and looked Jensen in the eye. “…and he gets you.”
“Me?”
Jeff nodded. “Stripped of title and In Service.”
“What?” Jeff couldn’t be serious. His father would never have agreed to that. His father would never have let him sign something like that. “No…you must have…misinterpreted them…” He shook his head.
Jeff pulled a folded up bunch of papers from his jacket pocket and dumped them on the desk in front of Jensen. “I marked the parts you should read.”
Jensen looked up at Jeff, then down at the papers, licking his lips as he pulled them toward him. He was wrong. He had to be wrong. He flipped through the first five pages. “Keep going.” Jeff’s voice was deep, dark, frightening.
Jensen wiped his mouth and flipped a few more. Finally he found a section blocked out in yellow highlighter. He read through it. Then again. He shook his head. “I need a drink.” He stormed out and to the bar, pulling out the bottle of Jack and pouring a shot of it with shaking hands. He tossed it back, followed by another. “Fuck. Fuck.”
He ran a hand through his hair. He was fucked. He was totally, irreversibly fucked.
“We can do it. The three month mark at least. It’s going to be tough, but we can…if we can half of the current programming right away, rather than giving it time to draw. We can plug the holes with movie premieres…it’ll cost, but…Jensen?”
He was shaking his head, trying to wrap his mind around it all. He didn’t even feel the tears. He was going to lose Jared. After all of this….after…Jeff was suddenly there…right there, his hand on Jensen’s cheek, pulling him into a hug.
“We can get through this, you hear me?”
Jensen sniffed, wiped a hand over his face and stepped back. It felt awkward that Jeff stayed so close, looking at him with all that concern…his face just there…Jensen shook his head. “Three months. That means we’ve got two left.” Jensen paced away, leaving Jeff standing by the bar. “Twenty percent in two months.” His head hurt and he rubbed at his temples. Suddenly he nodded. “Okay. We’ve already marked the third that we planned to cut. Do it tonight. Plug the gaps with whatever big names we’ve got left. I’ve got an idea.”
“What kind of idea?”
Jensen felt the rush of creativity he had only ever felt working with Chris in college on big projects. “What sells anything? Drugs, sex, crime and controversy.”
Jeff looked perplexed.
“Get Samantha up here. The three of us have some work to do tonight.”
“You going to let me in?”
Jensen nodded, a smile coming slowly. “We’re going to do a month long exploration of the seedy side of Service. Sex, money, heartbreaking stories, children sold into slavery. I want news specials, documentaries, movies, special episodes...the works.”
Jeff’s frown deepened. “Are you sure that’s wise?”
Jensen shrugged. “What do I have to lose? We need to get graphics up and promos running as soon as tomorrow.” He waved his hand at Jeff. “Go, call…get people up here. We’ll need to arrange interviews….Servants, former Servants, trainers…Lords and Ladies if we can get them. Stewart himself, if he’ll do it. I want to use reporters who aren’t nationally known. Chris!” Jensen left Jeff and went out on the back patio.
Chris surfaced and swam to the side of the pool. Jensen squatted beside him. “I need you to get your sister here. Tomorrow if possible. I’ll pay the airfare.”
“What’s going on?”
Jensen shook his head. “I have an idea.”
Chris grinned. “Well then, I’ll call her now. You’ve got that look in your eye. It must be big.”
“Yeah. Bigger than anything.” Because if it didn't get him killed, it just might save his life.
Title: In Service, Part 7(Previous parts found: Part One Here, Part Two Here, Part Three Here, Part 4 Here, Part 5 here, Part 6 here)
Pairing/Characters: Jensen Ackles/Jared Padalecki, Chris Kane, Jeffery Dean Morgan, OCs
Rating: R (for recurring themes)
Word Count: 3264
Summary: Jensen is really feeling the strain. It's been a month and nothing is getting better, and just to make matters worse, Chris' brother-in-law shows up with Jared's younger brother, demanding Jensen take responsibility for him. Just when he thinks things can't get any worse, Jeff arrives on his doorstep with dire news.
A/Ns & Warnings: Ummm...yeah totally AU. It's...crack...No, seriously...total crack. I take great liberties with the families of the celebrities I...um...use...creating siblings, erasing siblings, aging and de-aging siblings...pretty much doing anything I want. Um...and just about anyone is game. As to Warnings: This is slave fic, dubious con to some degree...though there is no sex in this installment.
“My Lord, you have a visitor.”
Jensen looked up from the papers he was looking at and squinted toward his secretary. “Who is it?”
“He said his name was Jordan.”
Jensen frowned and handed the paperwork off to an aide. “Get these down to Samantha, have her look them over and get back to me.” He turned back to his secretary. “Show him to my office. I’ll be right there.”
Jensen paused at Jeff’s office, poking his head in. “I’m going to have to cancel on our lunch.”
“Something wrong?”
“I’m not sure. Something personal.”
Jeff nodded. “I’m knee deep in these programming changes anyway.”
Jensen sighed. “I’m not sure I even want to know how bad it is.”
“We’re getting clobbered.”
“I’ll leave it in your hands, Jeff. I trust you.”
Jensen left him then and headed back for his office. A little over a month and nothing was any better. If he believed in curses or hexes, he’d say he had one…or the studio did. He opened the door to his office. Chris’ brother-in-law stood there. Beside him, sitting in one of the chairs was a young man, maybe 16.
“I wasn’t expecting you.” Jensen said by way of greeting and Jordan nodded.
“I realize. I’d say I’m sorry, but…” He looked down at the boy. “This is JP.”
Jensen looked at him, wincing as he realized this was Jared’s brother. “Why are you bringing him here?” As if he didn’t have enough problems of his own.
Jordan looked uncomfortable. “We won. Lisa beat Stewart in court, got the boy out…but we couldn’t take him home. In fact, we had to relocate the family. Stewart is furious and he has influence in Austin.”
Jensen shook his head. “I have enough trouble here as it is…I’m barely keeping this place afloat. I can’t…I…what is it you want?”
“This whole thing is on you. He needs a place to stay.”
“And you think I should take him in?” Jensen asked, shaking his head. “Why me?”
Jordan crossed his arms. “Lisa said you’d react this way. I thought I saw something that night. I thought maybe you’d started to see the light.”
Jensen shook his head. “This is unbelievable.” He turned his eyes on JP. He met his eyes briefly, then looked away, looked down…all submissive and looking like Jared. “JP, huh?” The kid nodded. “How long?”
“A few weeks. We’re trying to get him a new identity, get him into a program. We just need someplace to put him where Stewart won’t look.”
“What makes you think he won’t look at my place? You do realize he fucking gave me this nightmare, don’t you?” Jensen gestured at the office. “I’m thinking more and more that he knew exactly what he was doing.” He fell into his chair and sighed. “Okay, a few weeks. I’ll….find him someplace. It’ll be fine.”
“Good. I’ll be in touch.” He turned to go, but JP jumped, grabbing his hand. “It’s okay, JP, Lord Ackles is going to take good care of you. I’ll be back to get you soon.”
JP turned to look at Jensen, then back at Jordan. “You promise?” Jordan nodded and pulled his hand free.
“Promise.”
When Jordan was gone, Jensen sighed and JP turned back to him. “Are you the one who has Jared?”
Jensen nodded. “Yes, Jared is with me.”
“May I see him?”
Jensen blew out a breath. “I-I don’t know. We’ll see. He didn’t react very well to seeing your parents. I’ll have to talk to him first.”
JP nodded. “Jordan told me that you took him there.”
Jensen looked up sharply. JP looked sheepish. “My Ma, she told him. She was so happy to know he was okay.”
It was obvious the kid hadn’t gone through a whole lot of training. Jensen wondered if Jared would be this talkative if he had been allowed to grow up normally. “Okay, let’s….let’s see if we can get you settled.”
Jensen led the kid out of the office. “Marcy, I’ll be out of the office for a few hours. Have Jeff cover for me in the meeting at one, okay? And have my car meet us out front.”
The ride home was quiet, strained. JP looked very out of place in his torn jeans and dirty t-shirt. They pulled up out front and Jensen sighed. “Okay, come with me. I’ll set you up in one of the guest rooms, and introduce you to Chris. He’ll…help…or something.”
Jensen opened the door. He led JP in and up the stairs, down the hall past his own suite and the room where Chris was living and into the room at the end of the hall. “It isn’t much, but you should have everything you need. Bathroom.” Jensen pointed to the bathroom door. “I…ah…we’ll get you some clothes.”
JP looked around the room, and ventured toward the bathroom. “I’ll just go see if Chris is home.” Jensen closed the door shaking his head. He didn’t know what he was doing. That much was obvious. This was totally out of control. He knocked on Chris’ door and opened it. He was only a little surprised to find Chris still in bed, and only slightly more surprised to find he wasn’t alone. Eliza raised her head and pushed dark hair out of her face.
“Hey,” she mumbled before she laid back down. Chris squinted at him.
“I need to talk to you.”
Jensen went back into the hallway and paced until Chris opened the door, coming out in his boxers. “Look, your brother-in-law just laid a load on me. I need your help.”
“Jordan?” Chris looked sleepy and cross. “What’s going on Jen, I’ve only been in bed three hours.”
“Sorry. I just…I can’t handle this right now.”
“This what?”
Jensen dragged him down toward JP’s door. “Jared’s brother. He’s in there.”
“Jared’s what?”
“Wake up and focus Chris. His name’s JP. He’s like sixteen and he’s in there and I don’t know what to do with him, and I don’t know how Jared’s gonna react….fuck this is messed up.” Jensen licked his lips, pulled out his wallet and handed Chris a credit card. “Take him out. Get him some clothes, feed him…something. Just give me time to get Jared used to the idea.”
Chris nodded and took the card. “Yeah. Okay. Anything else I can do?”
Jensen shook his head. “I’m going to take Jared to work with me for the rest of the day. I’ll call when we’re on our way home. Come on, I’ll introduce you.”
He knocked and opened the door. JP was standing next to the bed, looking a little stunned. “Hey, this is my friend Chris. Chris, JP.” They looked at each other and nodded. “Okay. Chris is going to take you out and get you some clothes, stuff to keep you busy….books, movies, whatever.”
“You’re Lisa’s brother.” JP said and Chris nodded.
“Yeah.”
“She’s something else.”
Chris chuckled and nodded again. “Yes, she certainly is.”
“Okay. I have to get back to work.” Jensen licked his lips, looking at JP, trying to decide if he was going to be okay with Chris.
“Go on. I’ve got this.” Chris said.
Jensen exhaled slowly and went to his room to get Jared. He was asleep on his bed. Jensen smiled. That at least was a step in the right direction. He crossed to him, kneeling beside the bed to touch him softly, kissing his bare shoulder. Jared stirred, opened his eyes, then looked alarmed. “My—Jensen. I wasn’t expecting you.”
Jensen smiled and soothed him. “It’s okay. You looked so pretty sleeping there. I had to touch you, make sure you were real.” Jared blushed. “Get up though. I’m taking you with me.”
“Where are we going?” Jared sat up dutifully, reaching for clothes.
“Work.”
“My lord?” Jared’s brow creased as he eased into his brown pants and reached for his shirt.
“It’s a long story…and I just…I want you close today.”
Jared nodded. Jensen knew he wasn’t buying it completely, and by the time they came home, he’d have to explain. But for now, he just wanted to get them out of the house. “Shoes,” he reminded and Jared turned around to find his sandals. Ten minutes later they were back in the car and headed to the studio.
It was well after five when Jensen’s cell phone rang. He looked around his desk for a minute before finding it and flipping it open. “Chris?”
“You two coming home tonight?”
“Yeah. Just…finishing up some stuff.”
“The kid’s asking about his brother.”
Jensen shook his head, looking up to where Jared was sitting on the couch, flipping through a magazine. “I haven’t told him yet.”
“You waiting for Christmas?”
“Funny. We’ll be home soon. Just keep him calm.”
“He’s calm, talks a lot, but he’s calm.”
“Just…keep him company or something. I’m on my way.”
Jensen closed his phone and reached for his intercom. “Marcy, call my driver. I’m going home.”
“Mr. Morgan wanted a few minutes before you left, my Lord.”
“Tell Jeff I’ll see him in the morning. I can’t handle anything more right now.”
Jared looked up expectantly. Jensen smiled and stood. “Let’s go home, Jared. The cook is making lasagna and I don’t know about you, but I’m hungry.”
In the car, Jensen opened his mouth several times, but they were half way home before he got the words to come out.
“Jared…there’s a reason I brought you to work today. I sort of wanted you out of the house.”
Jared looked at him, his green eyes open and curious and Jensen just knew the news about his brother was going to change that. “We have a new guest at the house, and…I wanted him to get…settled. I didn’t want it upsetting you.”
Jared nodded a little. “No guest of yours is upsetting to me.”
Jensen looked all around, pressing his lips together. “Yeah, well, this one might. And I don’t want him to. I want you to…be okay with his being there.”
“I am not sure what you are trying to say, my lord—Jensen.” Jared didn’t slip up on that anymore unless he was nervous.
“Remember the trip to your parents’ house, Jared. You freaked out on me. It was my fault. I should have prepared you for it. This time, it’s not my fault, but they needed someplace for him to be safe.”
Jared’s face had paled. “Who is this guest?”
Jensen licked his lips. “Your brother.”
“JP?” Jared’s voice was shaking now, his fingers curling in his pants.
“Yes, you remember Lisa and Jordan, Chris’ family, right?” Of course he did. The whole night had been a disaster. “They found JP, got him free. They took your family and hid them. And JP is staying with us for a few days until they settle everything.” Jensen looked at Jared, watching as he marshaled his fear and nerves and nodded.
“He was taken to training.” Jared said softly. “Like I was.”
Jensen nodded slowly. Jared swallowed. They were pulling up in front of the house. “Will I see him?”
“He’s been asking for you….but if it makes you uncomfortable…you don’t have to.”
Jared shook his head. “I will see him.”
Jensen sighed in relief. He wasn’t sure he could keep JP away from Jared if he wanted to. “I’m glad, Jared. Very glad.”
Jared was shaking, though he tried to hide it as they got out of the car and headed for the house. Jensen slipped a hand into Jared’s, hoping it was soothing. Alecia, the newest of the household staff met them at the door, taking Jensen’s briefcase and jacket. “Where is everyone?”
“Master Chris and his guest are out by the pool. The new young man is in his room.”
Jensen nodded. “Come on, I’ll take you up to him.”
Jared followed, his head down, murmuring something to himself. Jensen knocked on the door, then opened it. JP was on the bed, reading a book. He looked completely at home in pajama bottoms and a t-shirt. He looked up, then sat up. “Hey.”
Jensen moved into the room, bringing Jared with him. JP jumped to his feet. “Jared!”
Jensen held up a hand. “Easy, and slow.” JP nodded and Jensen felt Jared’s hand tighten, then loosen in his, telling him he was okay. He let go. “Okay, good.” It was already better than the whole debacle with his parents. He looked up at Jared. His face was still tight, but he was looking at JP. “You two probably don’t need me for this. Take your time, I’m going to send some dinner up for you guys.”
He backed toward the door, then Jared turned to him suddenly. “Thank you, my Lord.”
Jensen closed the door behind him. He was sweating. This whole fucking thing was insane. He was exhausted. He headed down the stairs. He wanted a drink and a quiet dinner and to sleep into next year. He saw Chris wave from the living room door to the outside. Fat chance he was going to get what he wanted. Why start now? The last thing he’d gotten that he had wanted was Jared, and look how that had all turned out.
As he got to the bottom of the stairs and turned for the bar, the doorbell rang. “Now what?” He beat Alecia to the door and pulled it open, stopping short when he found Jeff there, his face dark. “Jeff?”
“We need to talk.”
Jensen stood aside, let him in, even though he was scowling, even though Jeff was the last thing he needed to deal with right then. “Yeah…can’t it wait?”
Jeff shook his head. “You got an office, someplace private?”
Jensen pointed and led the way, stopping and gesturing to Alecia. “Make sure Jared and our guest get dinner delivered, and they are not disturbed otherwise.” She nodded and Jensen continued into the office.
“Guest?” Jeff asked as Jensen closed the door.
“Yeah.” He shook his head. “What is this about?”
“You’re not going to like it…but I figure you should know.”
Jensen sighed. “I’m not sure I can handle more bad news right now.”
“Then you better sit down.” Jeff paced a little, then stopped and leaned on the desk. “Did you read the transfer papers Stewart delivered with the studio?”
Jensen scowled deeper and shook his head. “My father did, I assumed. He’s the one who told me to sign them.”
“Then your father either has an over-abundance of confidence in your ability to fix this mess, or he’s one sick fuck.” Jeff said. He stood back up and wiped a hand over his face. “We both know that Stewart is…a sick fuck, I mean.”
“What are you talking about?”
“My nephew works in central filing. He’s…nosy. He came across copies of the transfer. He brought it to me. So far it’s just him and me that know…but…if word got out.” He was back to pacing.
“Jeff…I’m tired. I’m stressed. I’ve got personal issues I’m dealing with and you’re starting to really piss me off. Would you get to the damn point?”
“Stewart set you up. He didn’t give you the studio because he respected you, he did it to get revenge.”
“What?” Jensen’s mind swirled around the accusation. Of course, he’d come to wonder if that wasn’t the case, but obviously Jeff had more information. “How?”
“One of the terms of transfer is that you have three months to raise ratings by 20%, and six months to raise them by 50%, and within a year you have to turn a profit.”
“Or what? He gets the damn thing back? Fine, let him take it.” Jensen sat heavily in his chair, thinking that would solve at least half of his problems.
“Not just the studio, Jensen. He gets the studio, and Jared…” He turned and looked Jensen in the eye. “…and he gets you.”
“Me?”
Jeff nodded. “Stripped of title and In Service.”
“What?” Jeff couldn’t be serious. His father would never have agreed to that. His father would never have let him sign something like that. “No…you must have…misinterpreted them…” He shook his head.
Jeff pulled a folded up bunch of papers from his jacket pocket and dumped them on the desk in front of Jensen. “I marked the parts you should read.”
Jensen looked up at Jeff, then down at the papers, licking his lips as he pulled them toward him. He was wrong. He had to be wrong. He flipped through the first five pages. “Keep going.” Jeff’s voice was deep, dark, frightening.
Jensen wiped his mouth and flipped a few more. Finally he found a section blocked out in yellow highlighter. He read through it. Then again. He shook his head. “I need a drink.” He stormed out and to the bar, pulling out the bottle of Jack and pouring a shot of it with shaking hands. He tossed it back, followed by another. “Fuck. Fuck.”
He ran a hand through his hair. He was fucked. He was totally, irreversibly fucked.
“We can do it. The three month mark at least. It’s going to be tough, but we can…if we can half of the current programming right away, rather than giving it time to draw. We can plug the holes with movie premieres…it’ll cost, but…Jensen?”
He was shaking his head, trying to wrap his mind around it all. He didn’t even feel the tears. He was going to lose Jared. After all of this….after…Jeff was suddenly there…right there, his hand on Jensen’s cheek, pulling him into a hug.
“We can get through this, you hear me?”
Jensen sniffed, wiped a hand over his face and stepped back. It felt awkward that Jeff stayed so close, looking at him with all that concern…his face just there…Jensen shook his head. “Three months. That means we’ve got two left.” Jensen paced away, leaving Jeff standing by the bar. “Twenty percent in two months.” His head hurt and he rubbed at his temples. Suddenly he nodded. “Okay. We’ve already marked the third that we planned to cut. Do it tonight. Plug the gaps with whatever big names we’ve got left. I’ve got an idea.”
“What kind of idea?”
Jensen felt the rush of creativity he had only ever felt working with Chris in college on big projects. “What sells anything? Drugs, sex, crime and controversy.”
Jeff looked perplexed.
“Get Samantha up here. The three of us have some work to do tonight.”
“You going to let me in?”
Jensen nodded, a smile coming slowly. “We’re going to do a month long exploration of the seedy side of Service. Sex, money, heartbreaking stories, children sold into slavery. I want news specials, documentaries, movies, special episodes...the works.”
Jeff’s frown deepened. “Are you sure that’s wise?”
Jensen shrugged. “What do I have to lose? We need to get graphics up and promos running as soon as tomorrow.” He waved his hand at Jeff. “Go, call…get people up here. We’ll need to arrange interviews….Servants, former Servants, trainers…Lords and Ladies if we can get them. Stewart himself, if he’ll do it. I want to use reporters who aren’t nationally known. Chris!” Jensen left Jeff and went out on the back patio.
Chris surfaced and swam to the side of the pool. Jensen squatted beside him. “I need you to get your sister here. Tomorrow if possible. I’ll pay the airfare.”
“What’s going on?”
Jensen shook his head. “I have an idea.”
Chris grinned. “Well then, I’ll call her now. You’ve got that look in your eye. It must be big.”
“Yeah. Bigger than anything.” Because if it didn't get him killed, it just might save his life.
