UNDATED (AP) – J.C. Penney has forestalled a bankruptcy filing by making a $17 million interest payment. The retailer had skipped an interest payment of $12 million in mid-April, kicking off a 30-day grace period. Another non-payment would have meant default. Today’s payment comes as reports are swirling about an expected bankruptcy filing. Penny would become the fourth major retailer to file for bankruptcy protection. J.Crew, Neiman Marcus and Stage Stores have filed for Chapter 11 this month.