Twists and Turns in Monte Carlo: A Formula 1 Affair

{6.1}

The weather was breathtaking in Miami. The sun beat down on the city, and Joanne was annoyed with herself for wearing a sweater. Still, she wasn't here to have fun.

Joanne entered Frank Jr.'s office, noting the familiar trappings of power and prestige that decorated the room. The large mahogany desk, the state attorney's seal prominently displayed on the wall, and the framed accolades spoke volumes about her cousin's ambition.

She strode confidently to his chair and sat down, leaning back and crossing her legs, taking in the view from behind his desk. The desk alone radiated a power that she could get used to.

Moments later, the door swung open, and Frank entered, followed by his secretary. He looked surprised to see Joanne already seated in his chair, but his surprise quickly turned into a smirk.

"Thank you, Angela. That will be all for now," he said, dismissing his secretary. As she left, he closed the door behind her and turned to Joanne, eyebrow raised.

"Making yourself comfortable, I see," he said, crossing his arms as he approached the desk.

Joanne leaned back further, a playful smile on her lips. "Well, someone has to keep this chair warm until you get your act together, Franky. I could get used to this, you know! If they fire you for this, I might look for your job. Miami is an amazing city to live in."

He chuckled, shaking his head as he moved to sit opposite her. "Always so damn cocky, aren't you, Joanne?"

"Runs in the family, doesn't it?" she shot back, her eyes gleaming with challenge.

"If so, get your dirty shoes off my desk."

Joanne groaned and complied with his request. After all, there had to be peace here.

Frank sighed, the weight of their situation quickly overshadowing their banter. "Alright, let's cut to the chase. We're in deep shit. Marcus Reed is threatening to go public unless he gets more money."

"Why do they always want more money? What was his thing again, drugs? Should he not be swimming in one dollar bills?" Joanne turned around, staring out of the window, overlooking the city.

"He has leverage," Frank admitted, frustration evident in his voice. "Documents, possibly recordings. Enough to cause a real scandal, make me lose my job, and get you into some serious trouble."

"I think actually it's a bit funny, you know?" She stated after a while.

Frank's features slipped from his face. "Are you fucking serious?"

Silence, for his liking, too much silence.

"Finished enjoying the view?" he asked sarcastically, "after all, we have something to sort out."

Joanne let out a deep sigh as she turned back to face her cousin. "I was thinking, not enjoying the view."

Frank raised an eyebrow, his frustration mounting. "Enlighten me, then. What's so funny about all of this?"

"Blackmail and bribery work both ways, Frank. If Marcus Reed wants to play dirty, we can play dirtier. This can't get out, under any circumstances." Joanne's voice was steady, her confidence unwavering. She walked around the desk and leaned against it, facing her cousin.

Frank eyed his cousin carefully, understanding for the first time what their grandfather meant when he said Joanne was a Kennedy.

Frank rubbed his temples. "And how do you suggest we handle it? He's got documents, recordings—real leverage. This isn't something we can just sweep under the rug."

Joanne's eyes narrowed. "We need to discredit him. Find out what skeletons he has in his closet. Everyone has something to hide, and if we can find it, we can use it against him. I have a few people that owe me favors. I'll call them in."

Frank sat back, contemplating her words. "And if that doesn't work?"

Joanne crossed her arms, her determination evident. "Then we find those documents and recordings and make them disappear. Or we ensure they never see the light of day by discrediting their authenticity. This isn't just about you losing your job, Frank. If this gets out, it'll ruin both of us. We need to stay ahead of this."

Frank sighed heavily. "Alright, but we need to move fast. Reed isn't the type to make idle threats. He'll act soon if he doesn't get what he wants."

Joanne nodded. "Agreed. I'll make some calls. In the meantime, you need to keep a low profile. Don't do anything that could draw attention to yourself. Act like everything is normal."

Frank stood up, running a hand through his hair. "Easier said than done. But I'll try."

Joanne smiled faintly. "We'll get through this, Franky. We always do. We are family."

As she turned to leave, Frank called after her. "Joanne, be careful. This is dangerous territory."

She glanced back, her expression softening for a moment. "I know. But I've got this. We've got this."

On the way out, she said a quick 'bye' to Angela, who looked at Joanne attentively. As soon as she stepped out of the cool building, the Miami heat hit her in the face.

She was already here, so she might as well make a few more contacts. She made a quick call to her friend Gina, who wouldn't say no to a party, and then made her way to her apartment.