Island Hearts (Jenny's Turn and Stray Lady) Read Online Free PDF

him. Thank God for George!
    “Jennifer? Where are you?”
    She clenched her hands together, called out, “I’m in here! In the library.” He came around the corner, wet with rain, smiling over something he was about to tell her. “Jake, I’ve got to talk to you about—”
    “I’ve got some great footage on that city hall demonstration – just have a look at this video tape!”
    Startled, she asked, “What demonstration?”
    “A delegation turned up at city hall, leading a cow into the council chambers – protesting re-zoning to put a slaughterhouse in their neighborhood. The whole thing descended into chaos! Police, aldermen, the Mayor! One of the demonstrators threw a pitcher of water at Gerstch, and Gerstch is suing for assault. Can you believe it? Gerstch’s supporters are picketing city hall.”
    “And the cow?”
    He grinned widely, revealing a deep dimple in his chin. “I think the cows have been arrested – they left, led away by two city police officers. It’s going to hit the National News tonight. I’ve already got it sold to both networks – oh, and that crazy woman who wants to pass a law about couples kissing in Stanley Park is trying to propose a motion to ban cows in city hall.”
    “It sounds like a circus.”
    “Edit this tape, will you?” He dropped the tape onto her desk. She could see the excitement still gleaming in his dark eyes. “I need a short – about five minutes – for the networks. The sensational stuff, commentary—” He spread his hands out in an all-encompassing gesture of the work he wanted her to do. “You know the routine. Then deliver it for me, please. I’m going over to the North Shore— yes, Charlotte? What is it?”
    Charlotte was hovering, holding out a pink slip of paper to Jake. “Your lawyer called – he called twice. He needs your signature on a contract.”
    He said briskly, “You call him. Tell him I’ll drop by tomorrow morning.”
    “And Monica called,” Charlotte added, revealing a second pink slip.
    “I’ll call her later. Remind me when I get back from the North Shore. No!” He waved her away. “Don’t tell me the rest of the messages! Anything that can’t keep ‘till tomorrow?”
    Charlotte frowned at the papers in her hands. “Well, no, but—”
    “Then leave them for tomorrow. Too busy today. Jennifer, you look after anything that won’t hold. I—”
    “Jake—” If she meant to go through with it, she would have to make him listen now. Jenny insisted, “Jake, I’ve got to talk to you. Now! ”
    He shook his head, turning away. “Not now. Tomorrow morning. I’m off now.”
    She followed him out through the outer office. “ Jake, it can’t wait! “
    “Impossible. If tomorrow won’t do, call me at home tonight. Charlotte, send some flowers to Monica for me – and a note.” He stopped suddenly. Jenny was following him so closely that she almost crashed into him. He looked down at her with a sudden, penetrating intensity. “How’s George?”
    “George is fine,” she answered impatiently. “Charlotte’s waiting to know what to put in Monica’s note.”
    He blinked. “Oh, yes. Ah—” He looked at Charlotte, said, “ ‘Sorry, darling. Can’t get away tonight. Thanks for a lovely weekend.’ How’s that?” he asked Jenny with a smile.
    Charlotte turned away. So did Jake. If she didn’t stop him now, it could be days before she got another chance. Desperate to stop him, she found herself shouting, “ Jake! I’m quitting! ”
    There was a sudden, total silence as Jenny’s words echoed. Charlotte’s jaw dropped, showing her gold capped tooth. Jake didn’t say a word, just grabbed her arm and dragged her across the office in three short steps, then pushed her into the studio and slammed the door behind them, closing Charlotte out – and Jenny in, alone with Jake.
    “All right,” he said grimly. “You’ve got my attention. Let’s have it.”
    She took a deep breath. With his eyes boring into her,