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SoapQueen89

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  1. SoapQueen89
    Chapter 10 - Episode 1

    Durant invited Zander into his office and offered him a seat. Before sitting, Zander removed his leather jacket and revealed to Durant the 9mm in his shoulder holster. Zander's detective badge could be seen in plain sight, hanging on one of his front belt loops. The shiny badge caught Durant's eye as he took a seat behind the large mahogany desk. Zander took a seat in front of Durant, and was ready to get down to business.

    "So, you have some information you think I would be interested in?" Durant said as he started off the conversation.

    "I have a stack of charges waiting in Miami for Sonny Corinthos, but we're having a hard time connecting him to some other crimes and making sure it sticks." Zander revealed.

    "How do you think I can help you?" Durant asked, still curious as to what Zander wanted from him.

    "I was hoping that you had a few charges of your own to stick on Sonny and perhaps we can connect him to more crimes in both states. I want to make sure he doesn't find a loop hole this time."

    "My first question to you is ... I get the feeling you have something at stake here, Detective?" Durant questioned Zander.

    Zander evasive and not wanting to tip his hand to Durant, but there was more at stake for Zander then anyone. But he wasn't quite ready to reveal all he knew or why he wanted Sonny behind bars, so bad. He would reveal the truth when he was good and ready, now, was not it.

    "Hey, I'm a detective working on a case, Durant. I want to make sure the charges stick this time, Sonny has eluded us for far too long." Zander explained.

    "And what about Ric? Doesn't that bother you, I mean, you and Alexis are close, no?"

    "Yeah, I'm going to be sorry about that, but Ric is still a criminal just like his brother. I know arresting Ric will hurt Alexis, and I guess I'm hoping Ric will turn states evidence against Sonny for Alexis' sake."

    "You're taking a big gamble there, aren't you? I mean, Ric turning against Sonny is something I don't see happening."

    "Maybe, maybe not. I guess we'll see who Ric loves more .... his brother or his family."

    As Zander and Durant discussed more about the case, they were interrupted by Zander's cell phone ringing. He excused himself from the conversation and answered his phone.

    "Smith ...." Zander answered when he flipped open his phone.

    "Zander, can we meet to talk?" the voice on the other requested.

    Zander looked towards Durant and the expression on his face gave Durant the inclination his plans to take down Ric were about to come to light.

    "Sure we can meet, Alexis." Zander replied as a grin came across his face.

    "Kelly's ... in about an hour?" Alexis suggested.

    "I'll see you in an hour." Zander replied and flipped the phone closed. He took a seat back down in front of Durant and put his phone back into his jacket pocket.

    "I don't think I have to tell you to tread lightly with Alexis, Detective. You know if you go after Ric, you will have to deal with Alexis, and trust me, she's the last person you want to go toe to toe with."

    "Believe me, Durant, I know Alexis probably better then anyone and I know what she is capable of."

    "Just watch your back, if I know Alexis, she will protect her husband and her children if it comes to that."

    Zander had a few more errands to run before meeting Alexis. He got up from his seat and grabbed his jacket. He headed towards the door, but before leaving the office, he turned back around towards Durant ..."Think about what I said, maybe together we can take down Corinthos."



    Coming soon ....

    ~Alexis goes fishing for answers
    ~The 5 families have a meeting
    ~Emily surprises Jason with some good news
  2. SoapQueen89
    Episode 2


    After his meeting with Sonny, Jason tracked down Emily at the hospital. It had been a while since he last saw his sister and they had a lot to catch up on. Jason stepped off the elevator and his eyes met his wife's, who was supervising the nurse's station. He approached and a smile appeared across her face.

    "Hi ... I didn't expect to see you today." Elizabeth said as Jason walked up to the desk.

    "I was hoping to find Emily here, I heard she and Zander came home."

    "Yeah, she's around here somewhere. Her and your parents were in the lounge talking for a while."

    "Okay, I'll look around. I'm sure we'll run into each other."

    Jason leaned over the desk and gave his wife a kiss before leaving her to go look for Emily. He didn't have to look for very long when he found Emily coming out of the doctor's lounge.

    "Hey, Emily wait up ...." Jason called out as he approached her from behind.

    Emily heard a familiar voice call her name and she spun around quickly to see Jason approaching. She missed him so much and was anxious to talk with him. She ran into his arms and almost knocked him over. "I missed you, Jason ..." she replied as she felt her brother's strong arms around her.

    They parted and walked back into the doctor's lounge for some private time to talk.

    "So what brings you back home?" Jason asked as Emily and he sat down at an empty table.

    "Zander and I have some good news we wanted to share."

    "You couldn't do that over the phone?" Jason asked curious as to the real reason she and Zander came back.

    "We could, but this is something we wanted to do in person."

    "So, what's the good news you brought with you?"

    "Zander and I are going to have a baby ..."

    Jason shocked with Emily's news, happy for her, but surprised to hear it, nonetheless.

    "I'm happy for you Emily ..." Jason began.

    "No you're not ..." she quickly remarked and Jason gave her a concerned look.

    "Look, Zander and I have our differences and our history is not best friends, but I want you to be happy, Emily. I really do. You deserve to be happy and if it's with Zander ...."

    Emily got up from her seat and went to hug her brother. As he held her in his arms, she felt just how much Jason loved her and how much he wanted things to go right for her.

    "Have you told Alan and Monica, yet? I'm sure they will be thrilled."

    "Yeah they were pretty happy about it, but they too have worries about me. Dad and Zander never did get along, and I'm sure Grandfather is going to blow a blood vessel knowing that a great grandchild of his, will have Zander as a father."

    "But I'm sure Edward will be happy to know there is another child coming into the family that he can mold into his image." Jason finished her thought.

    "Em, we need to talk about Zander." he continued.

    Emily sat back down with Jason, curious as to what he wanted to talk about regarding her husband. She put two and two together when she noticed how Jason was acting.

    "Jas, if you're going to ask about any cases he's working on, I don't have an answer for you." Emily replied.

    "I know, and I don't want you in the middle of this, Em, but there is something just not right about what's been going on here recently."

    "And what? You think Zander has something to do with it? Is that what you're saying, Jason?" Emily started to get defensive.

    Jason stayed silent. His non response was enough for Emily.

    "I can't believe you Jason!" Emily got up from her seat and distanced herself from her brother.

    "Em, look, I can't tell you what's going on, and believe me I wish I could. But the more you know the more you will be in danger. I couldn't live with myself if something happened to you, you know that." Jason replied as he got up from his seat and went to her.

    "Zander didn't have anything to do with whatever is going on, he's a cop, Jason! He left the mob life a long time ago..." her words drifted off and tears began to well in her eyes.

    Jason noticed she was upset and tried to console her. "I'm sorry Em for upsetting you. That was not my intention. I hope you're right, because if Zander has played any part in what is going down, Em, I can't promise he won't get hurt."

    Jason kissed her forehead and turned to leave. She called after him .... "Jase, be careful ..." Jason turned back around ... "It's not me you need to be worried about."


    Coming up ...

    ~Zander meets Alexis at Kelly's
    ~The 5 families gather in PC
    ~Zander visits with Ric in the hopes of finding new evidence against Sonny.
  3. SoapQueen89
    Episode 3


    After his visit with Sonny, Trevor went back to the hospital to see his son. He stepped off the elevator and walked down the dismal hallway of the hospital towards Ric's room. Frankie stood guard, just where he was when Trevor had left a few hours before. Frankie made eye contact with Trevor as he approached.

    "I didn't expect to see you again, tonight, Mr. Lansing." Frankie greeted as Trevor approached him.

    "I wasn't planning on it, but something has come up that I thought Ric should know." he replied as he looked in at Ric.

    Frankie stepped aside and left Trevor pass. Ric sitting up doing some paperwork, looked up and saw Trevor in the doorway. He motioned for his father to enter the room and come closer.

    "This isn't bad news is it?" Ric joked.

    "No, well I don't think it is. But I wanted to keep you abreast of the situation."

    "So what did Sonny do this time?" Ric questioned.

    "He called a meeting of the 5 families. It's schedule for tomorrow night at one of his warehouses."

    "Sonny must be worried about something important to call a meeting so soon."

    "I just left Greystone and yes I would say Sonny is worried. And I don't think it's just about the missing shipments and Faith Roscoe. I think there is someone else he's concerned about." Trevor explained.

    "Yeah I'm sure Sonny is concerned about Zander being in town. He and Sonny never did see eye to eye."

    "Zander? I don't think I know the name, care to explain?"

    "Zander Smith, it's complicated but he and Alexis are quite close. For a short time Alexis was his attorney."

    "Legal troubles he had, did he?"

    "You could say that, he use to work for Sonny. Now he's a detective for the Miami-Dade police department."

    Trevor raised an eyebrow and a concerned look overcame his face. Miami certainly rang a bell for him.

    "Why do you think he's in town? A coincidence isn't it?" Trevor asked as he grew more concerned as to why a Florida detective was conveniently back home.

    "I don't think Zander is anything to be concerned about. Alexis told me he had heard of the shooting and came to be supportive when she needed it. End of story."

    Trevor thought a little more and his concern grew noticeable, but he hoped Ric wouldn't see it. There was reason to be concerned when a detective is snooping about and with the 5 families meeting in the same town -- it could spell disaster for everyone involved. Trevor quickly changed the subject.

    "You don't have to worry about the meeting tomorrow night, I'll go in your place."

    Ric looked up from his paper work with a raised eyebrow. "You are, are you?"

    "Of course I am, you don't think a meeting like this will go on with some representation in your place, now do you? That wouldn't look good in front of the 5 families. It would come across as you being left vulnerable and weak. You cannot afford that, Ric."

    "I suppose you're right, but just don't do anything stupid. I know you and Sonny don't get along, so don't try to take over the situation, let Sonny handle things. He knows what he's doing."

    "Don't worry, I'll protect your interests." Trevor boasted.

    "Yeah, that's what I'm afraid of."



    Coming up ...

    ~Alexis wants answers from Zander
    ~The 5 families want answers from Sonny
    ~Jason and Zander exchange threats
  4. SoapQueen89
    Portrayed by Rebecca Herbst


    Wife of Jason Morgan, surgical nurse at General Hospital and mother of two children, Cameron, and Addison.

    Best friends with Emily Quartermaine Smith, Nikolas Cassadine, and Lucky Spencer.

    Elizabeth is also an aspiring artist and maintains an art studio near the waterfront.
  5. SoapQueen89
    At a warehouse on the docks ...


    The room was silent as the members of the five families had their guns drawn on the door, awaiting the unexpected visitor. The door swung open and in stepped the blonde vixen, herself. She slithered in with three bodyguards in tow, and noticed the guns drawn on her.

    "Whoa, gentlemen ... You can put those weapons away, I am no threat to you." she said as she stepped inside and the door closed behind her.

    "Faith you are a threat to everyone in this room .... you were not invited." Sonny stepped forward and faced her.

    She ran her index finger underneath his tie and pulled it slowly out from behind his buttoned jacket. "I didn't come here to fight Sonny ..." she whispered.

    "Then state your business and leave ..." he replied as she flirted with to distract him.

    "I'm just here to make sure my investment is protected." she seethed as she took a seat at the table and very obviously crossed her slender legs. Her bodyguards standing close to her when she took her seat.

    The other gentlemen at the table put their weapons back in their holsters, but still uneasy with her sitting at the same table. They were on guard throughout the entire meeting.

    Faith had heard enough and she soon left the private meeting. Afterwards, the families discussed how they would strategically take her out of the game. They discussed their next course of action. It had been decided that Sonny would be the one to take her down, she seemed more to want what he had, more than anyone else there. The decision had been made when the meeting was interrupted once again. The door swung open and Trevor stepped inside the room.

    The family representatives were surprised to see him at the meeting. They didn't know he was back in the business, they had been told he had retired when Ric took over a few years prior.

    "Gentlemen ..." he greeted as he approached the conference table.

    "It's nice to see you again, Trevor." Javier greeted with a handshake.

    "Javier ... how's your papa doing?"

    "Papa is doing well, thank you for asking." Javier replied.

    Trevor went down the line and greeted everyone who was in attendance. "I hope you don't mind me stepping in to represent Ric's interests. I would of been here earlier but I had an appointment, it couldn't be helped."

    "That's quite alright Trevor. A man in your good standing, can certainly be forgiven for lateness." Javier praised.

    "If I may ...." Trevor began and Sonny motioned he had the floor to speak.

    "I am sure we are all aware of our pesky problem, who seems to be becoming a bigger problem for some of us more than others."

    The men at the table nodded in agreement and Trevor continued. "We have to eliminate this threat before she gets out of control."

    "What do you propose, Trevor?" Tomas spoke up.

    Trevor explained to the men his plans, and they all agreed. Faith had to be eliminated and quickly. The meeting came to a close, Trevor feeling quite proud of himself, a bit too proud. It felt good to be in control again, though Sonny still was uneasy about Trevor being involved in the business again.



    At the hospital - Ric's room

    Zander stepped off the elevator and approached Frankie, who stood guard at Ric's hospital room. Frankie stepped in front of the door, refusing Zander access. Zander shown Frankie his badge and told him he had a few questions for Ric regarding some past business. Zander had to get some answers from Ric if he wanted to get Sonny on the pending charges in Miami.

    Frankie opened the door and he entered the room, leaving Zander in the hallway. Frankie opened the door from the inside and allowed Zander access to Ric, but only for a few minutes. Zander thanked Frankie and entered Ric's room.

    "I'm not sure what you want from me, Zander." Ric said as Zander approached his bedside.

    "How about the truth, Ric?"

    "The truth about what? I'm not sure what you're talking about."

    "The truth about Miami and the incident that occurred there last year .... ring a bell, Ric?" Zander tried to jog Ric's memory.

    Zander mentioning the incident in Miami had an effect on Ric. Zander noticed he became evasive and nervous about the questions he was asking. There was something Ric wasn't telling him and he needed Ric to tell him everything.

    "Dammit Ric!" Zander was getting frustrated with the run around he was getting with Ric. "Look, just tell me what went on, the truth, now."

    Zander pulled out some mug shot photos he had in his jacket pocket and handed them to Ric. "Tell me who it was, Ric ... I need some thing."

    Ric took the photo sheet and stared down at the photo array of suspects. He knew 3 out of 6 on the sheet, and two of them were involved in the incident they were talking about. Ric looked up at Zander. Ric couldn't tell him the truth, it would be an of betrayal.


    Coming up ....

    ~ Zander gets evidence against Sonny
    ~ Alexis encounters Faith
    ~ Ric takes control back
  6. SoapQueen89
    At the hospital --


    Zander stood waiting for Ric's answer, though Ric was reluctant to point to the suspect he believed Zander wanted. Zander grabbed the photo sheet from Ric in disgust. He knew Ric wasn't going to tell him the truth, no matter how long he stood there and waited. Ric noticed the frustration from Zander.

    "I'm sorry Zander, I don't recognize anyone."

    Zander rolled his eyes at Ric's comment. "You honestly don't expect me to believe that, do you?"

    "Yeah Zander, I do."

    "You know I figured you'd do the right thing here, Ric. But you know what? I don't need your ID, I have enough evidence to put both you and Sonny away for a long time, without you."

    "If you did, Zander, I would be in handcuffs by now!"

    Zander knew what Ric was saying was the truth. He didn't have enough evidence, but he surely didn't need Ric's testimony to get warrants for both he and Sonny. Zander turned to leave, but turned back towards Ric.

    "For Alexis' sake, Ric, I hope you know what you're doing. I would hate to see you regret your decision."



    Somewhere on the docks --


    Alexis was heading towards the launch, where a boat waited for her to take her to Wyndamere. She had made plans to visit with Nikolas to go over a few details about Cassadine business. As she approached the launch, she encountered someone.

    "Well, well .... It's nice to see you again Alexis..." the shadowy figure said as she came into the dim light of the moon.

    Alexis tensed up when she realized who was approaching her. "Faith ... what do I owe this pleasure?"

    "I was hoping you could get a message to your husband."

    "Oh really, and who's to say I'm going to do this for you, Faith?" Alexis replied as two of Faith's bodyguards came from out of nowhere and came up behind her. Alexis felt their presence beside her and she tensed up even more.

    "You are going to deliver this message for me, Alexis, because if not ..." Faith seethed and nodded to her two goons, who then grabbed a hold of Alexis' arms to hold her steady, as Faith approached her.

    Faith stepped up and got in Alexis' face, standing nose to nose with her nemesis' wife. "Let your husband know, I am coming after him, and if he stands in my way, those he loves .... let's just say accidents do happen." she threatened.

    Faith's goons released Alexis from their grip, and Faith stepped back and away from Alexis, letting her pass, now. Faith and her goons disappeared into the shadows once again, leaving Alexis on the docks alone. After the encounter, Alexis quickly fled the docks and headed to the hospital to tell Ric of her encounter with Faith Roscoe.



    Coming Soon

    ~ Durant issues warrants for Ric and Sonny
    ~ Ric takes back control
    ~ Emily is hospitalized after she encounters problems with the baby
  7. SoapQueen89
    Durant's Office


    Durant sat in his large leather upholstered swivel chair, his feet propped up on his desk as he laid back looking over one of his files. He was startled by a knock on his door and invited whomever it was inside. Zander peeked his head in and asked if he was interrupting. Durant waved Zander into the office, and then removed his glasses as he sat upright in his chair.

    "To what do I owe this pleasure, Detective?" Durant greeted as Zander approached the desk.

    Zander stepped forward and handed Durant a thick file folder. "Here ... this should get you a conviction."

    Durant took the file folder and laid it open on his desk, a rap sheet staring up at him. "What's this?" he asked as he flipped through the file.

    "That is what is going to get you a conviction on Sonny and quite possible Ric. It's all you need, Durant. Have fun..." Zander's words drifted off as he turned to leave the office. Durant calling after him, stopped him in his tracks and turned back around.

    "Wait! I thought you'd want to be in on this Detective? You're just handing over your case?"

    "Look, I've been working on this damn case for 3 years, Durant, but I have another case building against Sonny that is more important then racketeering and drug charges."

    Zander's words piqued Durant's interest even more. "You do, do you? Care to share what's going on?"

    "I gave you enough to put Corinthos and Lansing away for a lifetime, what more do you want from me, Durant?" Zander reluctant in sharing his case that was still pending.

    Durant felt some hostility coming from Zander, though he didn't feel it was directed towards him, but more towards Sonny. "Hey I don't mean to step all over your toes, Detective. I was just asking ..."

    "I know and I'm sorry for snapping. It's just the case I have building against Corinthos is ... personal. And I have to do this case alone, Durant. You understand, don't you?"

    "Yeah, of course I do. Dealing with Corinthos all these years, I have my own stake in seeing him behind bars. Thanks for the file, Detective." Durant replied as he acknowledged Zander's help.

    "You're welcome. I hope you get the bastard. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go meet my wife at Kelly's for dinner." With that, Zander walked out of the office and headed to Kelly's to meet Emily.

    Durant sat back down at his desk and picked up the phone. He punched in a number and waited for someone on the other end to answer.

    "This is John Durant, I need search warrants on both Corinthos and Lansing's residence, warehouses, vehicles ... the works. And I need it tonight!"



    At the hospital


    Ric was up and walking around, he shouldn't be, but he had spent enough time in that hospital bed. He needed to get out of there before he lost his sanity. Frankie stood guard outside the door of the private room as Alexis stepped off the elevator, obviously in a rush to see Ric. She didn't even stop to talk with Frankie, she barged right into Ric's room, startling him as he stood by the window.

    "What are you doing?! You should be in bed." she barked as she entered the room and saw her husband staring out the window.

    "Alexis, I'm fine. What are you doing back here? I thought you went to see Nikolas?"

    "I was going to, but I had a run in with Faith when I got to the launch."

    "Oh my God, are you okay? She didn't hurt you, did she?" Ric asked, worried about his wife.

    "No, I'm fine. She just tried to scare me by making threats towards you."

    "Frankie!" Ric called for his body guard without questioning Alexis any further.

    "Ric? Now don't go doing anything stupid. I'm fine, really." Alexis trying to calm him down.

    "Yes sir ..." Frankie said as he came into the room.

    "I want you to call some of the boys and have them go out there and find Faith. Put a scare on her a little bit. If her goons are with her, give them a little taste of what we can do to them if they come near my family again." Ric ordered.

    "Yes sir." Frankie noticed Alexis' concern before leaving the room, and he hoped she was alright.

    Ric grimaced and applied pressure to his side with his hand as he searched for his clothes. He wasn't staying one more night in the hospital. Faith was getting too close and he needed to protect his family.

    "Ric, calm down, you're going to open up those stitches. You are not well enough to leave this hospital!" Alexis barked at him as he found his clothes in the drawers of the dresser.

    "Look, Faith got close to you tonight, too close! I can't have that happening again!"

    "The boys can take care of that, you need to stay in the hospital! You're not ready to face Faith alone! Dammit Ric! Listen to me, please!"

    Ric stopped and sat down on the bed, his clothes lay beside him. He held his hand out to her, she took it and was pulled in towards him. "I love you, and I will protect you at all costs, Alexis."

    "I love you too, Ric, but you are still healing. You are in no shape to go after Faith alone."

    They were interrupted by Ric's cell phone. He reached for it and flipped it open to answer it.

    "Lansing ..."

    "We have trouble, sir."

    "What kind of trouble, Thomas? Faith and Lorenzo?"

    "No, not that kind of trouble. It's Durant .. he's out for blood. Our sources at the PCPD are telling us that Durant got a judge to issue search warrants for both you and Sonny's property .... homes, cars, warehouses .. everything."

    "Dammit! Okay, have Davis and Mario come to the hospital to pick up me and Alexis. We'll go to the cabin till all this blows over. And make sure Sonny meets us there."

    "Yes sir, right away."

    Ric flipped closed the phone and with some pain in his side, he got dressed as quickly as he could. Alexis concerned and wanting to know what was going on.

    "Now what? What's going on, Ric?!"

    Ric hurried her out the door. "I'll explain on the way ...."

    "On the way? On the way, where? Ric?"




    Coming Up ...

    ~ Emily and Zander get a scare.
    ~ Ric and Sonny are searched
    ~ Alexis steps down
  8. SoapQueen89

    Zander Smith

    By SoapQueen89,

    Portrayed by Chad Brannon


    Zander Smith is a reformed bad boy, who married Emily Quartermaine, town rich girl. He and Emily reside in Miami, Florida and he is now a Detective in the Special Investigations Division of the Miami-Dade County Police Department.

    He and Emily are now back in PC after a living in Florida for the past 5 years. Zander has been working on a case and he believes his case connects somehow to Sonny Corinthos.
  9. SoapQueen89
    Portrayed by Amber Tamblyn


    Emily Quartermaine-Smith, wife of Detective Zander Smith, and daughter of Drs. Alan and Monica Quartermaine. Emily is a Cardiac surgeon at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami. She and Zander are expecting their first baby soon.
  10. SoapQueen89

    Lorenzo Alcazar

    By SoapQueen89,

    Portrayed by Ted King


    A mob kingpin who resides in Port Charles. A rival of Sonny Corinthos and Ric Lansing. Lorenzo's past is not yet known, other then he had a love, by the named of Sophie.
  11. SoapQueen89

    Lucky Spencer

    By SoapQueen89,

    Portrayed by Greg Vaughan


    Lucky Spencer, a Detective for the Port Charles Police Department, much to his father's chagrin. Lucky resides at his aunt's Brownstone with his live in girlfriend, Maxie Jones. They are raising their two year old daughter, Sierra.
  12. SoapQueen89
    On the docks --


    Lorenzo meets Faith for a midnight meeting on the docks. He's concerned about the next step in Faith's plan to take over the territory, and Faith is boasting about a job well done.

    "I hope you know what you're doing," Lorenzo said as he came upon Faith.

    "Of course I do. It's working fabulously so far." she replied as she approached him.

    "Yeah that's what I'm afraid of. When Sonny and Ric find out what we've done, we're good as dead."

    "You worry too much, Lorenzo."

    "No, I'm being cautious, Faith. Too much too soon will cause mistakes and mistakes we don't need right now. We should be keeping a low profile, instead we're setting up Sonny and Ric and ...."

    "And reaping the rewards ..." she finished his sentence for him and grinned.



    At the safehouse --


    The long black limo droved down the narrow dirt path towards the secluded cabin the woods, as Davis and Mario accompanied Ric and Alexis back to the safehouse.

    The car parked out in front of the cabin, and Ric emerged from the car. Alexis followed behind him as Davis helped Ric up to the porch. Viola inside with the girls, Alexis was relieved to be back safely with her family. Davis assisted Ric to the couch and then took his place outside standing guard with Mario. Frankie stood inside the cabin and waited for his orders from Ric.

    Alexis and Viola snuck up the stairs to take a look in on the girls, while Ric and Frankie discussed business.

    "I want you to get me everything on what went down tonight. I need to know what Durant is up to and what he found at the warehouse."

    "Yes, sir." Frankie replied and then he turned back towards the door.

    Alexis stood at the top of the stairs and watched Frankie leave the cabin before she came back down. Ric heard her on the stairs and watched her as she came over and sat with him on the couch.

    "Everything okay?" she asked.

    "Yeah, we'll be fine here at the cabin. No one else knows about this place but us, not even Sonny."

    "Durant thinks he has you, doesn't he?"

    "Yes I suppose he thinks so. But it's not him I'm worried about."

    "Oh ... "

    Ric shook off his suspicions of Zander and the case that was building against him. Zander had enough evidence to put both he and Sonny away for a long time.

    "I'm worried about you and the girls. The four of you should of went to the island with Carly and the boys."

    "No, I'm not leaving you here. We're better off here at the cabin then thousands of miles away without you."

    Alexis snuggled up close to Ric on the couch, his arm wrapped around her, as she leaned in against him. He winced when he felt her up against his aching body.

    Frankie had left to go do what he was told, while Davis and Mario stood guard outside the door of the cabin. The two bruts taking turns walking the perimeter of the property every hour as a safety precaution. No one was getting close to Ric and his family, they were safe, at least for tonight.



    On the docks --


    As Lorenzo steps into the shadows and disappears into the night, Faith is startled by a visitor.

    "Who's there ...." she says as she can hear footsteps come up behind her.

    "It's me ..."

    Faith turns around when she recognizes the deep voice, and comes face to face with Trevor.






    Coming up ....

    - Trevor threatens Faith

    - Zander and Jameson arrest Sonny

    - Jason returns home
  13. SoapQueen89
    On the docks --


    Faith surprised to see Trevor, her first instinct was to rush into his arms, but she thought better of the idea. She and Trevor had had a long on going relationship, both business and personal, but both had cooled off over the past few years. Trevor had divorced from his wife many years ago, it had been said that Faith was the reason for shambles their marriage was in, though in reality there was a lot more to it.

    "Long time no see, Faith." Trevor said as he approached her.

    "It sure has been a while, Trevor. As always, it's nice to see you again." she purred.

    The initial encounter was a little awkward, she unsure of herself and her feelings she still had for this man she had once called her partner in crime.

    "What can I do for you, Trevor?"

    "I have a business proposition for you Faith."

    "Oh you do, hmmm .. is that all you have for me?" she flirted.

    "I'd be lying to you if I told you I didn't come here to see you for a more personal reason, but there's a time and a place for everything, Faith. Now's the time for business, pleasure will come later."

    She flashed him a smile that would make any warm blooded man beg for mercy. "What is it that you want, Trevor?"

    "I want you to stay away from my family, Faith."

    "Or else what? You're going to kill me?"

    "You will be swimming with the fish before sundown." Trevor threatened.

    "Now is that anyway to treat the best lover you've ever had?" she replied as she tried to seduce Trevor by rubbing her hand up and down the front of his chest.

    Trevor grabbed her hand and squeezed. "I never said you weren't a smart and sexy woman, Faith. But my family comes first."

    "That's funny because you never thought of them before..." she reminded him of their past together.

    "Well things change, Faith. Ric is all I have left and I am not going to stand by and let you of all people ruin his life."

    "No Trevor, you did that a long time ago." she replied and then her lips pressed against his. "Remember ..."

    "Yeah I remember, you're pretty hard to forget."

    "Don't worry, Trevor. Ric won't be harmed unless he gets in my way. I just want what he has. And if he gives it up without a fight, I might let him live long enough to enjoy that family of his." she threatened.

    Trevor grabbed her arm and squeezed it tight. "No, you listen Faith. You come anywhere near Ric or his family, you will pay dearly. And you know me Faith, I don't threaten, I make promises. You will not live to see the sunrise. You got that?"

    Faith knew Trevor didn't make idle threats, he meant every word he said and she knew she'd be as good as dead if she harmed Ric or the family.

    Trevor released his grip on her when he saw she got the message loud and clear. "Now you need to get this straight Faith, Ric and his family are to be left alone, and you will take your sexy little ass back to Miami within the next 24 hours, or I will be paying you another visit. And next time, I will not be so gentle with you."

    "Oooh, promise..." she replied trying not to let on he shook her with his threats.

    Trevor grabbed her arms with both his hands and pulled her to him with one quick jerk. "Promise ..." he replied and then pressed his lips hard against hers, leaving her a bit breathless and shaken.

    Trevor turned and walked away from her, leaving her standing on the docks alone, and weak in the knees. He was a man of power and at that moment, she was left feeling she had no other choice but go back to Miami to lick her wounds. At least she was alive to fight another day. She would get her hands on Ric's territory, she just needed to take Trevor out first.



    At the PCPD --


    Durant entered the squad room with warrants in his hand. He came upon Mac, Lucky, Zander and Jameson who were still discussing their strategy to bring in Sonny and Ric. Durant slapped the warrants down on the desk.

    "Here are the warrants, now go and bring the two of them in!" he ordered as Lucky picked up the warrants and handed the warrant for Sonny to Zander.

    "Here, I'll let you do the honors ...." Lucky said as he patted Zander on the shoulder.

    "Be careful, Sonny and Ric don't play games. They are to be considered armed and dangerous." Mac said concerned for his men as they went out after the two mob bosses who have run amok in Port Charles for far too long.

    Durant approached the holding cage where Carlos Escobar was still waiting for someone to get his statement. "You, I want to talk with you ..." Durant said as he pointed at Carlos.

    Another officer unlocked the cage and Carlos was handed over to Durant. "We're going for a little walk ..."

    "Ooh where are we going? Carlos asked as Durant took him by the arm and shoved him in the direction he was suppose to go.

    "Never you mind where we're going ... walk ...." Durant ordered as he and Carlos headed down the hallway towards his office and gave Carlos another shove.

    "Hey, you know this is police brutality?!"

    "Shut up and move ...." Durant replied getting annoyed with Carlos' back talk.

    They walked down the hallway and stopped at Durant's office door. Durant opened the door and pushed Carlos inside the room.

    "Take a seat ..." Carlos did as he was told and sat down in the chair in front of Durant's desk.

    "You know you should be extra nice to me if you want the information I have that can put Corinthos away ..."

    Durant sat down behind his desk and glared at Carlos. "What is this information you say you have? Perhaps we can make some kind of deal."

    "Now see, I don't like to make deals without my attorney. And well, since I don't seem to have one here at the moment, I don't feel oblige to tell you anything.... you know just so I don't incriminate myself."

    "Well, why don't we just chalk this up to a friendly conversation off the record. Start singing!"

    Carlos didn't see any other choice, he obviously wasn't going to get anywhere with Durant. It wasn't in his best interests to talk, but he knew maybe if he talked he could make some kind of deal later, a deal that would exonerate him and hang Corinthos.

    Little did Carlos know but Durant had started to record the entire conversation they were about to have.



    At Greystone --


    Two patrol cars pulled up outside Sonny's estate, Zander and Jameson were sent there to do a job and they were going to execute the warrants they had been given. They waited till more back up arrived before entering the premises. Once more patrol cars had arrived, the two emerged from their car, guns drawn before they hit the front door of the mansion. No guards at the front gate which seemed a little odd, and the two approached the situation with caution.

    As the two stormed the house, they found no one on the inside, an empty house was all quiet, little did they know they had tripped an invisible wire when they opened the front door. A keen eyed Jameson noticed something on the far wall of the foyer.

    "Everyone out! Now!" Jameson grabbed the back of Zander's jacket and pulled him back out the front door.

    Before anyone knew what had hit them, the mansion exploded. Jameson and Zander fell forward from the impact of the blast, landing close to the patrol cars, face down in the dirt. The other officers took cover behind the patrol cars to protect themselves from the explosion.




    Coming up --


    - Faith leaves town
    - Ric hears of the explosion at Greystone
    - Jason escapes capture
  14. SoapQueen89
    Outside Greystone --


    The explosion rocked the neighborhood and soon the TV crew was on the scene, as the officers tried to get their bearings in the aftermath. The fire and rescue units were called and the street soon became a chaotic disaster area. Unknown as to who was in the house when it exploded, Sonny and his family were everyone's concern.



    Cabin safehouse --


    Alexis had just put the girls to bed and had sat down on the couch. She curled up in the corner of the sofa and threw the afghan over her for warmth. Ric had walked into the living room and sat down beside as his cell phone began to ring.

    "Lansing ...." he answered

    "Boss, turn on the news .. you are never going to believe what has happened!" Thomas replied.

    Ric and Alexis stared at the chaos surrounding Greystone as shocked looks came over their faces. Ric still hanging on the line with Thomas .... "Get me all the info you can, Thomas! I want details and I want them now!"

    "Oh my God, Sonny and ....." Alexis overwhelmed with what she was watching unfold on television.

    Ric pulled her close to him as they sat and watched the news report about the explosion and what was known at this time, which wasn't much according to the local news station.

    Ric fought the urge to go back to town to find Sonny, but Alexis held him back and reminded him that he was also in danger, that he would be safer staying at the cabin. He hoped that someone would be calling with information to put his mind at ease about Sonny and the family.


    A few blocks from the chaos --


    "It went off without a hitch." said the dark figure hidden in the shadows as he talked into his cell phone.

    "Good .... keep me informed."


    The dark figure closed the phone and stood at a safe distance watching the chaos unfold as news crews showed up on the scene, and fire and rescue extinguished the flames. Flashing lights lit up the neighborhood as police cars arrived one right after the other. It was a spectacle to witness. Things were going as planned and no one suspected a thing.



    On the docks --


    Faith knowing full well that Trevor would follow through with his threats, she was planning on living to fight another day. She met with Lorenzo to tell him what had happened and to tell him she was going back to Miami. She would come up with another way to get Sonny and Ric's territory. She had to take out Trevor first. Lorenzo realized this might be the opportunity he was waiting for, he could move forward with the plans to gain the territory without Faith's help. It was already set into motion, they had done all the work over the past few months, he wasn't about to let it all go to waste. Trevor was after Faith, not him, he could do it alone and take it all for himself. He didn't need Faith for the plan to work.



    At the hospital --


    Emily and the family were informed that there were complications, but they were treatable. Relieved to hear, Emily breathed a little easier. She tried to call Zander to let him know, but she got his voice mail. She had been prescribed bed rest and plenty of it. The less stress she incurred the better, which seemed impossible being a cop's wife, but she had to try for the sake of their baby. She tried calling Zander over and over, but to no avail, he wasn't picking up. She began to worry about him and fear the worst. Her parents there with her, tried to keep her calm and relaxed but her mind just began to wander and to think of the worst case scenarios. Being a cop's wife, it came second nature. Her worries escalated when Monica got a page to go to the ER, there had been an explosion and a few officers were injured.

    Emily feared the worst and it took everything in her to stay in bed instead of going down to the ER to see if one of those officers was her husband.




    Coming up --

    - There's a new threat in town
    - Emily receives word about Zander
    - Ric and Alexis fear the worst about Sonny and the family
    - Lorenzo sets a plan into motion to take over the territory
  15. SoapQueen89
    The scene opens in the bedroom of Zander and Emily's penthouse apartment, the bedroom is dark, dimly lit by the storm that's brewing outside the window.

    The rain pounded hard against the elongated window, the wind outside howled as the storm made it's presence known. Zander stood looking out across the bay into the darkness as the lightning flashed in the distance, thunder rolled across the sky and he turned and with concern and worry in his eyes towards the one true love he has ever known, the woman who had his heart, his wife, Emily. She lay in slumber only a few feet from him and the flashes of light that filtered in through the window as the storm drew closer illuminated her form just enough so he could admire from across the room.

    The early morning hours drew near and he was restless, he couldn't sleep, he slipped quietly from bed, so as not to wake her. He gazed out the window into the midnight and wondered if his life was to end in tragedy as well. He had always known that the life he led was dangerous and deadly, but it was the only life he knew. His father was in over his head, killed by his rival when Zander was just a boy, but old enough to witness the murder and know who had done the deed. A man who was close to his father's side through out the years, his father's right hand man, a dirty player in the game who only had one thing to gain by killing his long time boss, power. Power and greed were the motives for his father's death, and he couldn't allow power and greed take over the life he had worked so hard for.

    The dark, dangerous, and sometimes deadly life had always been on his mind, he could never guarantee or promise he'd return, he couldn't promise he'd be home every night at a reasonable hour, he couldn't promise a life of safety and security, the only thing he could promise was that he would protect and love his family. His wife, Emily, knew that walking into this relationship and then marriage ... But he was still worried and fearful of the life she'd have if God forbid he was to leave one evening and not return. If tragedy struck and he'd be killed by a rival organization it would devastate her, she'd be lost with out him. He was in way to deep to turn back now, there was no way out. His life now threatened by another powerful organization who wanted control of the territory he was handed down by his family. He had never thought he and Sonny would be on opposing sides, their relationship was never cozy but they were friends and had been for some time. Now his mentor was the one who was threatening to take his life.

    Had never wanted to bring fear into the eyes of those he loved, and lately he had seen it in the eyes of his wife and child. He couldn't leave the life he built for himself, he couldn't make promises or guarantees to Emily or to his child that he'd always be with them, he couldn't turn back now, there was too much at stake.

    The storm raged on outside as he thought about all his options, there didn't seem to be answer for him as he stared out into the darkness. The driven rain pounded against the glass as he turned and walked towards the bed. He brushed back a stray strand of Emily's auburn hair and softly kissed her cheek. Tenderness and devotion filled his eyes as he watched her sleep. He quietly left the bedroom and walked down the stairs, he knew there was no sleep for him tonight, he had a lot on his mind. Only dressed in his black silk pajama pants, the tile of the living room floor was cold as he stepped down off the last step of the stairs. His feet patted across the floor as he picked up a clean glass from the wet bar counter. He poured himself a drink, he didn't care what, it needed to be strong. He poured himself a double and walked towards the mahogany desk. He sat in his chair, opened the file that lay on the desk, and stared down at it. He ran his hands through his cool black hair and wondered if his rival, Sonny Corinthos was as restless as he was. He flipped the folder closed in frustration and took the last swallow of his drink, he grimaced as it went down his throat. He set the glass on the desk and walked away leaving it there till morning. He headed back up the stairs towards the bedroom.

    He slipped in quietly and walked to his side of the bed. He sat down on the edge of the bed and laid back down. He folded his arms underneath his head and stared at the ceiling. She heard him come in and slip back into bed. She moved slowly towards him and wrapped her arms around his waist, she nuzzled in close and laid her head on his shoulder. Still unaware what was on his mind, she closed her eyes again and fell back asleep in the arms that she knew would protect and love her always.

    He drew in a deep breath and closed his eyes, his mind raced with worry, fear and concern as all his thoughts could give him was what ifs. He slowly moved down and laid his head on the pillow, hoping he could fall asleep. The storm now upon the town of Port Charles, it raged on as the thunder rumbled and the lightning cracked loudly as it struck the ground across town. It shook him awake in a cold sweat fearfully he had been the victim of a gunshot. He still groggy from sleep, felt up and down both their bodies fearing the worst. He found nothing wrong as he awoke fully and breathed a sigh of relief it had only been the storm.



    Across town someone else worries --

    She heard the key in the door as she lay awake on the couch waiting for him to come back from his midnight meeting at St. Timothy's church. She removed the afghan from her body and rose from the couch to meet him as he opened the door and stepped into the apartment.

    "Oh thank God!" she rushed into his arms so glad he was alive. She had been having nightmares of a fateful night like this night and finding out from one of the guards he had been shot.

    "Hey, hey it's okay. I'm alright. I'm home now." he replied as he tried to comfort her worries.

    She looked up at him, he drenched from the rain. She touched every inch of him, finding him in one piece, no wounds to speak of. He looked at her confused as to what she was doing.

    "Elizabeth, what are you doing?" he asked as he felt her hands touch him all over.

    "I'm looking for war wounds, what do you think I'm doing?" she replied in a serious tone as he chuckled at her actions.

    "I'm okay...really." he answered as he removed his leather jacket and hung it on the back of the desk chair.

    "Well, I ... I wanted to be sure." she said still concerned about what could of happened tonight.

    He and she walked together towards the couch and sat down. She covered herself with the afghan once again as she felt a chill in the air that gave her the quivers. She leaned into him as he wrapped his arm around her. He kissed the top of her head and rubbed up and down along her arms with his hand.

    "I was worried about you....you didn't call and I didn't know what to do, Jason." she flinched as the lightning outside struck once again. She jumped frightened by the storm that raged on outside. He held her against him in the hopes of soothing her fears.

    He could only imagine what she feared for him. He had been leading the dangerous life for a long time and he told her before initiating a relationship with him that it would not be a life she would of hoped for. He had told her from the beginning he couldn't promise her a life of security, a life free from danger, all he could give her was a dangerous lifestyle with guards and guns.

    He slipped out from underneath her and covered her up with the afghan. He brushed back a stray strand of hair from her face and gently touched her cheek with the back of his hand. She was the most precious thing in his life, he would protect her at all costs. He turned and walked towards the window. He stared out into the darkness as the lightning flashed and the thunder rumbled so he could feel it in his gut.

    Jason knew he was in too deep to leave the organization, there was no turning back. He wasn't surprised that the rival organization wanted the territory he and Sonny had possession of. It was prime real estate that would bring in huge dollars to those who had possession of it. He wasn't shocked to hear that his brother in law was the opposing party who was in after it, the territory he had possession of, laid against the territory already owned by Zander's family. There was a war about to begin, he was fearful for his sister and his wife. He glanced over his shoulder and watched her sleep so peacefully, he went to her side and scooped her up into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and nuzzled in close. He carefully walked up the stairs and to the bedroom. He laid her down gently and covered her with the blankets. She turned into the pillow and sighed. He smiled and walked to the other side of the bed. He removed his tee shirt, and then his jeans and boots. He slipped into bed beside her as she felt the warmth of his body against her and she was overwhelmed with the feeling of security.

    For tonight, he was home safe and his arms wrapped around her. For tonight, he was home unscathed from the storm that raged on.


    The next morning --Zander and Emily's Penthouse

    The late night summer storm blew through Port Charles only to leave behind a beautiful sunrise and a clear blue sky. Emily awoke early that morning by the sound of Devon's crying. She quickly slipped on her ruby silk robe and her terry slippers, she looked over her shoulder to see Zander still sleeping soundly for the first time that night. He'd been restless last night, though he didn't realize she was aware, she was. She stood up from the edge of the bed and went to Devon's room to comfort him. When she reached his room he had pulled himself up to the collapsible side bar of the crib, his face lit up when he saw his mommy standing in the doorway of the nursery. He not quite 7 months old, was her and Zander's miracle. She had been told by countless doctors that she would have a difficulty becoming pregnant, and if she were to become pregnant, she would have a hard time carrying the baby to term. Both were pleasantly surprised when she found out she was carrying Devon. Doctors had put her on the strictest routine because she was at risk. Plenty of bed rest and absolutely no stress ... a difficult thing not to have when she's married into the mob lifestyle.

    Devon, a dark haired little boy, was certainly happy to see his mother when he woke up every morning. Emily not knowing how having a child would change their lives, she was just overwhelmed with being a mother. She reached into the crib and lifted him up to her. He smiled and cooed as his mother just smiled at how big he was getting over the last few months. He'd be walking and getting into mischief in no time. She had to laugh at the faces he was making as she stood and held him close to her. She changed his diaper and got him all ready for the day. The morning sun created funny shadows on the Noah's Ark wallpaper of the nursery as Devon smiled and pointed to the sunspots that were scattered on the walls. She headed out the door of the nursery with Devon in her arms as she peeked in at Zander and noticed he was still sleeping. She left him sleep and took the baby down stairs for breakfast.

    She sat Devon in his highchair and took out a bottle of milk and his baby food from the refrigerator. She laid a terry bib on the counter and grabbed a baby spoon from the drawer. Devon sat waiting patiently as he watched his mom gathering his breakfast. She was surprised at how good he was when it came to feeding him. He rarely made a mess for her to clean up or was fussy with what she was giving him to eat. She sat down in front of him and opened up the jar of strained bananas. She put the terry bib on him and snapped it closed in back. He cooed at her and she smiled and laughed with him. She turned when she heard the pattering of bare feet from the living room. Zander had awaken and walked across the tile floor of the living room and into the kitchen.

    "Morning sweet heart..." he said and kissed her on her cheek and then said good morning to his son as he brushed the side of his pudgy cheeks. "Any coffee?" he asked as he walked towards the cabinet for a coffee cup.

    "Sorry, honey ... didn't get a chance to make a fresh pot." she apologized as she spooned another small portion of strained bananas for Devon. Zander began to fill the filter with coffee just as the phone rang. He stopped what he was doing and went to answer it. Emily rolled her eyes cause she knew this was only the beginning of their day, it was sure to get worse as the day went on.

    Zander came back in a few minutes, without saying a word he went back to making a fresh pot of coffee. She noticed his demeanor and didn't ask who was on the phone. She finished giving Devon his strained bananas and handed him a bottle of milk. He grasped onto the bottle and started to suckle the tip. She held it for him as he drank so he wouldn't drop it on the floor.

    Zander filled his coffee cup with his morning caffeine fix and took a seat at the table with his wife and son. He looked at Emily feeding his son and wondered if all of the danger was worth it. How life with his family away from the mob would be different. He ran his hands through his hair and answered his own questions .... what other life did he know ... why worry about the what ifs when all they were, were his dreams.


    Jason and Elizabeth's Penthouse across town --

    Jason's morning began like any other morning as he turned towards Elizabeth to watch her sleeping peacefully. He brushed back a stray strand of her hair and kissed her gently on her lips. She stirred as she felt the sensation of his soft lips on hers and returned the gesture as she wrapped her arms around him.

    "Good morning, beautiful..." he said as she began to stretch out the sleepiness in her body. She yawned and looked at the digital clock that sat by the bedside.

    "Jason ..." she whined as she noticed it was only 5am. "It's so early ..." she continued as he smiled and caressed her upper arm with his strong hand.

    "Yeah, it is .. but I wanted to tell you that I would be leaving again for a few days, and I couldn't leave before I did." he said as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes and saw that he was dressed in a black tee shirt and jeans.

    "For how long?" she asked as he sat up and reached for his watch that sat on his night stand next to the bed.

    "I don't know .. I'll have to call you when I get there." he replied hoping she wouldn't push the subject with him about where he was going.

    She noticed the look on his face and thought better of asking any more questions that she knew he couldn't answer. He leaned down and kissed her gently, she wrapped her arms around his neck not wanting to let him go. He reached up and pried her arms from him as he got up from the bed. He knew she wanted him to stay, but he had to leave her for a while, he'd be back soon enough. He gave her one last longing look and grabbed his duffle bag as she watched him walk out the bedroom....always on her mind, if it would be for the last time.

    She turned and sunk her head into the down pillow as she heard him return as the door squeaked as he opened it slightly. She turned towards him as he peeked in "I love you..." he said as she smiled and said "I love you too..." He blew her a kiss and was off to somewhere she didn't know.

    She laid in bed alone, with nothing to think about but what would be happening to him while he was away from her. She knew he would return in a few days, he would come back to her as he had done many times before. She turned onto her side, reached out her arm and caressed his side of the bed....still warm from his body, she grabbed his pillow and held it close to her, still having his scent deep in it's fibers, she took in a deep breath and closed her eyes. He would come back to her .... she just needed to believe that.



    *Note: If these episodes are too long, please let me know and I'll cut them back.*


  16. SoapQueen89
    The hospital ER --


    Elizabeth pulled back the curtain, and was taken back by what she saw. A white gauze patch on his forehead held in place with opaque hospital tape, an IV hooked to his left forearm, wires pressed against his chest, an oxygen mask that was covering his nose and mouth, her husband was in critical condition. She slowly walked towards him and took his hand in hers. Amy was checking his vitals on the machine that was standing next to him and jotting down the numbers on her clipboard.

    "You can talk to him, but I doubt he'll respond. He's on a lot of medications, it may be a while." Amy remarked as she pulled the curtain closed and left Elizabeth alone with her husband.

    Her head fell to the metal sidebar along the gurney and she sobbed. This was her worst fear coming true and she couldn't control what was going to happen. She said a little prayer and squeezed Jason's hand. She told him that she loved him and that he would be alright. He was in the very best hands, the doctors would take care of him. As she spoke the words to Jason, she needed to believe them herself. Tears trickled down her cheek as she sat with him for a while hoping that he would know she was there with him.

    Monica appeared and walked up behind her. "I have some news."

    Elizabeth startled by Monica's presence she rose from the swivel stool she was sitting on and waited to hear the prognosis. Emily came to be with Elizabeth as she heard the news about Jason.

    "We have done the best we can right now. Jason will need surgery to remove the bullet, however I don't want to go in there blind. So we have administered a self inducing coma medication to keep him sedated for a while. We can slowly bring him out of it when we think it is safe enough to go in and removed the fragments. His vitals are not stable enough to do that now, thus we need to get him stabilized before we go in search of the bullet and the fragments it may have left. Xrays tell us that it doesn't look like it punctured any major organs, which is good. However the bullet has lodged itself in a compromising position, and for us to remove it, we need to know that Jason is strong enough to handle the surgery. He is by no means out of the woods, the next 24 to 48 hours are critical." Monica knew that it was a lot for Elizabeth to comprehend right now, but she needed to know how things were looking for Jason.

    Elizabeth gave her a tearful thank you for telling her all she could and returned to be with Jason.




    The hospital chapel --

    A few hours had passed and Emily had tried to stay positive about Zander. She had left Devon with Alexis and Ned who had come to see what they could do for her, while she went to the chapel to light a candle and to say a prayer.

    She pushed open the chapel doors to find Sonny kneeling at the alter. She was hesitant to enter, but she had a few choice words for him so she moved forward. The doors swooshed closed and Sonny rose to his feet. He turned and saw Emily standing in the back of the chapel, her hands folded in front of her, her eyes filled with anger.

    She took a few steps towards him before he stepped down from the alter.

    "Emily....I'm so sorry." he spoke softly as her arms fell to her side, her fists clenched in anger. Emily stiffened as he walked passed her and through the double doors.

    She turned and watched him go, not saying a word to the man who put her brother and her husband against one another. Her heart filled with hate for the man, everyone called Mr. Corinthos.

    She lit a candle for Zander, and a candle for her brother Jason. She took a seat the nearest pew and whispered a prayer for them. She heard the doors open once again and she looked up to find her dad standing in the doorway.

    "We have news about Zander."


    Emily stood up slowly from the pew and turned towards her father. She took a deep breath and approached him, unsure of was coming next. Alan reached for her hands and held them tightly in his. Her father's hands strong and always comforting to her, she knew the news about Zander wasn't good.

    "Zander's out of surgery. He stayed strong during the procedure and is stable." as he finished Emily sighed relief.

    "May I see him?" she asked as she sniffled back the tears.

    "Come, I'll take you to him." he dad said as he escorted her out of the chapel.

    "How's Jason?" she asked as they turned the corner and headed towards the recovery room.

    "The same. Elizabeth's with him." His concerned look didn't help comfort her own fears as they reached the enclosed room where Zander lay lying in a hospital bed connected to all sorts of machines.


    Outside Zander's room --

    The large glass windows revealed to her, her husband who lie lifeless. She cautiously peered around the corner and stood in the doorway. She walked slowly into the room and towards his bedside. The small stool squeaked as she rolled it closer to the bed. She sat down and took his hand in hers. She held it close to her lips and kissed it gently as her free hand brushed back the few strands of coal black hair of his forelock from his eyes. Her hand brushed against his cheek as she brought it back down to her and wrapped her hands around his. She kissed his hands once again as she whispered against them how much she loved him.

    She sat and listened to the silence. The distinct sound of the breathing machine continued as the deflator moved in an up and down motion with every breath. Zander was pale, his color had not returned to what she had remembered, the bronze tone had vanished from his face, his arms, his hands were cold to the touch. She knew she had to bring him back to her. He had the fight of his life staring him in the face and he had to stay strong and fight to be with her ... yet again.
  17. SoapQueen89
    Jason's hospital room


    Elizabeth sat with Jason as Monica jotted down his current vitals in his file. Her concern for husband was apparent when she asked Monica how he was doing.

    "He's getting stronger and that's always a good sign." Monica replied and touched her gently on the shoulder as reassurance.

    "When will he wake up?" Elizabeth asked as she caressed Jason's hand.

    "It shouldn't be long now. You can talk to him, he should respond to your voice. But don't force him to wake up, he'll come around on his own." Monica left Elizabeth and Jason by closing the door behind her.

    She peered through the glass window at her son who was in critical yet stable condition. Alan's strong arms came up from behind her and embraced her.

    "He's going to be alright." he said trying to reassure her. Monica sniffled back the tears and leaned back into him.

    "You cannot guarantee me that, Alan" she replied as she turned into him and held him close.

    "No, I can't but I can tell you that Jason is strong, and he's a fighter. You have to believe that." Her motherly tears moistened Alan's white coat as they stood outside their son's room.

    Since that fateful day many years ago, they had truly tried to be parents to Jason Morgan, yet he fought so hard to dismiss their affections. Even though they were not as close as they would of liked to be with Jason, he was still their son.

    Elizabeth spoke no truer words to her husband as he lye lifeless in the drab sheets of the hospital bed. She hoping that her soft voice would bring him back to her. He began to stir, she could feel the grip of his hand grow stronger with every word she spoke. A few brief moments past, and his eyes fluttered open slightly. She breathed a sigh of relief and said a little prayer of thanks for bringing him back to her. She turned and noticed Alan and Monica standing outside the room observing what had happened between her and Jason.

    "Dr. Quartermaines'! It's Jason .... I think he's waking up!" she stated overly excited about seeing Jason awaken from his medicated state.

    "Okay, okay .... let's check him out. It could be his body reacting." Alan said as he pulled out his light pen and checked Jason's eye reflexes.

    Jason stirred a little more and moaned groggily. His dry mouth inhibited him from speaking, but his eyes worked well as he noticed Elizabeth sitting by his side with the smile he loved so much. As Alan checked Jason reflexes to stimulants, Jason's eyes adjusted to the bright lights of the hospital room.

    Elizabeth's soothing voice reassured him of where he was and what was happening to him.

    "All looks good, Jason. Reflexes are all normal." Jason held his hand at his side and grimaced as he tried to re-position himself.

    "Okay, Jason .... " Monica said as she tried to prevent him from moving.

    "You're going to have lie still ... we don't want you moving around." she continued as Jason moaned in disgust.

    "Jason, you gotta listen to the doctors ... okay?" Elizabeth said trying to convince him he had to do what he was told.

    He tried to speak but the breathing tube was causing an obstruction, so Alan explained to him that it needed to be removed before he tried to speak. Jason nodded that he understood and Alan went on about how they would remove it.

    "On the count of three, Jason ....okay?" Jason nodded again that he understood and in one fluid motion the tube was removed from his throat. He coughed as it exited his mouth, his voice hoarse, and rough, but it was a relief to be rid of the machine.

    "Now, can .... can I have a ... drink of ... water?" Jason asked in his rough voice. Alan smiled and chuckled.

    "Yeah, you can have a drink of water." Monica handed the white paper cup filled with water to Elizabeth and she stuck a straw in it for him to drink from.

    The water cold, it was irritating to the raw membranes of Jason's throat. He coughed as he tried to swallow the wetness.

    "Easy ... it'll take some time for your throat to heal. Take your time." Monica replied as Jason handed the cup back to his wife.

    Jason rubbed his throat with his hand in a soothing motion and tried to speak a few more words.

    "What .... *cough* .. what happened?" The three of them looked at each other and then at Jason ..

    "You don't remember?" Elizabeth asked. Jason turned his head and looked at his wife.

    "No ... tell me ..." he replied as he swallowed hard trying to relieve some the rawness in his throat.



    At the PCPD


    Lt. Taggert sat relaxed in his leather desk chair with his feet propped up on his mahogany desk looking over a case file that was given to him that afternoon.

    "Damn it! Another mob shootout! This needs to stop, and stop now!" he said loudly to himself as he got up from his chair and headed towards the door. He opened the door with purpose only to find a young man standing on the other side.

    "Lt. Taggert?" Taggert looked sternly at the young stranger and sighed in disgust.

    "Yeah, who the heck are you?" he replied as the young man passed him and entered his office. Taggert closed the door and looked over the young stranger who barged in unannounced.

    A rough, rugged young man in blue jeans, a tee shirt, and a hooded sweatshirt jacket, certainly not someone who looked like any importance.

    "Lt. Taggert, I'm Det. Jake Steel from the Miami Police Department." said the stranger as he extended his hand to Taggert.

    Taggert shook his hand and then passed by him throwing the file in his hand on the desk. He quickly turned around asked why he was there.

    "Well, Sir ... it seems my investigation has led me here to Port Charles and I'm hoping you can help me." the Detective replied as he took a step toward Taggert.

    Taggert intrigued by this young man, he offered him a seat and asked what kind of help he was looking for.


  18. SoapQueen89
    At the hospital --


    Detective Steel stepped off the 8th floor elevator at General Hospital looking for some answers. He had spent over an hour with Lt. Taggert and had found out about the recent shootout on the docks. His curiosity got the better of him and he went to the hospital to see for himself what kind of danger had come to this city.

    As he reached the nurse's station, Amy noticed the stranger approach and asked him if she could help him. He reached in his coat pocket and flashed his badge telling her who he was and that he was there to talk with the victims of the shootout that had been admitted. Amy hesitant and cautious of his intentions and his credentials, she pointed him in the direction of the ICU. She watched him as he walked passed her and then down the hallway.

    The detective was approached by Alan out in front of the ICU as he glared in at Jason lying in the hospital with Elizabeth sitting beside him. The nameplate on the door to the room read "Jason Morgan" "ICU # 2A", Jake jotted down his observations in his memory as Alan approached him.

    "Can I help you?" Alan asked as he looked over the rugged young man who stood watching his son.

    "I was told this young man is one of the victims of the shootout the other night." Jake replied as he turned around and faced the brut form of the Chief of Staff.

    "May I ask who you are?" Alan questioned as Elizabeth noticed the commotion outside the room. Jake pulled his badge from his jacket and explained to Alan who he was and that he was there to talk with Jason.

    "Alan?" Elizabeth said as she appeared from her husband's room. Both Alan and Jake turned towards her when she spoke, acknowledging she was there.

    "Mrs. Morgan?" Jake asked extended his hand to her. Elizabeth glanced down at it and hesitantly shook his hand.

    "Yes? I'm Jason's wife. Can I help you?" she inquired as Alan stepped in between Jake and Elizabeth.

    "Perhaps this isn't a good time, you should be in there with Jason." Alan replied and tried to guide her back into the room. Jake reached for Elizabeth's arm as she walked back into the room.

    "Wait .. I'd like to talk with you." he said as she turned around and looked over the young man.

    "Who are you?" she asked again, insistent this time.

    "Detective Jake Steel from the Miami PD. I'm here to talk with your husband about the shooting." Elizabeth looked back over her shoulder towards Jason and stepped out of the room so they wouldn't disturb him.

    "Jason's in no condition to talk to you .... Det .. Detective." she replied as she kept a watchful eye on her husband.

    "And I don't foresee him talking with you or any one else wearing a badge." she added as she looked at him sternly. She turned and walked back into the room and took her seat once again next to her husband.

    "I guess you will be leaving now." Alan stated as the young man watched Elizabeth and Jason through the plexi-glass window. She noticed him watching and went to close the blinds. Jake got her point and turned towards Alan who stood in the doorway of the room.

    "And the other person involved is ....?" Jake inquired as Alan crossed his arms in front of his chest.

    "On another floor. He was moved last night to another room." he replied giving Jake very little information about Zander's whereabouts.

    "You gonna tell me where to find him, or am I going to have search the hospital floor by floor?" Jake replied sarcastically. Alan sighed as he passed behind the young man and started walking away.

    "I can tell you, he's not going to be telling you anything either, Mr. Steel." Alan added as he turned back towards him.

    "I would at least like to see him." Jake added as he followed Alan down the hallway to the elevators.

    "4th floor ... room 228." Alan answered as he pushed the elevator down button. Jake nodded in acknowledgement and stepped onto the elevator as Alan continued down the hallway, knowing full well that with Emily there with Zander and Monica hanging around, he was sure the detective was going to come up empty in his search for answers.



    Outside Zander's room --


    Jake stepped off the elevator on the 4th floor and made his way to the nurse's station. He asked where he could find Zander's room and the nurse graciously pointed him in the right direction. As he approached the room he noticed the door was standing open, and respectfully knocked on the door before entering the room. Emily sat by her husband's side as she noticed the young man appear in the doorway.

    "May I help you?" she asked as she got up from her seat and approached him with caution.

    "I hope so." Jake replied as he took one step into the hospital room. He noticed the equipment Zander was hooked up to before focusing on the young lady in front of him. Jake extended his hand and introduced himself.

    "I'm Zander's wife, Emily .... how can I help you? Detective." she replied as she escorted him outside the room so they not disturb Zander who was sleeping.

    She was sure to keep a watchful eye on her husband as she stood in the doorway of the room.

    "I was hoping to talk with your husband, Emily." Jake inquired but by the look Emily shot back at him, he knew that wasn't happening.

    "I'm sure you know, Detective, my husband has been through alot over the past 3 days, he's in no condition to talk with anyone." she answered as she heard Zander becoming restless.

    Jake peered around the corner of the doorway to see if perhaps her husband was awake so he could ask him some questions.

    "I know it's been a terrible time for both of you, but if you could just give me 5 minutes ..." she interrupted with a direct and honest "...uh no." "I would really appreciate it if you'd come back at another time. My husband needs his rest and I can tell you this now, Zander's not going to tell you or anyone else wearing a badge, anything."

    Emily added as she turned away from the detective and back into the room to be with her husband. Zander was no where near ready to talk with anyone, he was still recovering from surgery the day before and Emily wasn't about to allow some Detective to lurk about her husband like a vulture waiting for his prey.

    Jake stood outside Zander's hospital room for a couple more minutes just watching and observing her demeanor. Emily noticed him still hanging around outside the room, and she got up and closed the door to the room. Steele reached into his jacket pocket and stuck his business card in the nameplate outside the door hoping that either of them would change their minds and call him.

    "Okay, that went well ...." he mumbled under his breath as he walked down the hallway towards the elevators. As he walked passed the waiting area, he was approached.

    "I thought I told you to leave my hospital?" Alan said as the detective tried to avoid a confrontation with the big man.
    "Well now I have what I came for, I will be leaving." Steele lied through his teeth to the Chief of Staff, but he'd be back another day to get his answers.

    "I very much doubt that, especially if you were just talking with my daughter. You'd be lucky to get the time of day wearing that badge." Alan chuckled as Steele gave him a smug look before walking off.

    Alan knocked on the door to Zander's room and Emily cautiously opened it for him. "Hi sweetheart." he greeted her and gave her a peck on the cheek. "How's he doing?" her father asked as he approached Zander.

    Alan checked the monitors Zander was attached to and read the numbers hoping they would improve from the day before.

    "He isn't awake yet, so I guess he's doing about the same." Emily replied as she sniffled back the tears, wanting so much to stay strong.

    Alan checked Zander's pulse as he held Zander's wrist in his hand. Alan's face didn't tell Emily what she wanted to hear.

    "Dad, what's wrong?" she became worried and agitated.

    "Nothing, sweetheart. There isn't anything wrong, I was expecting a stronger pulse that's all. He's fine." Emily sighed heavily, she didn't know what she'd do if she lost him.

    "How's Devon?" she asked. Devon had been staying at the mansion while Zander was in the hospital, she wanted to spend as much time with him as she could, so her parents had offered to take Devon for a while.

    "Devon's great. He's really a blessing in our house. Your grandfather is spoiling him rotten." Alan laughed. "I can just imagine ...." Emily replied with a smile. It's the first smile Alan had seen on his daughter in days. He wished he would have some good news to tell her to bring a smile to her face like that one. Zander was just the same, and the prognosis wasn't looking any better as time went on.

    "Do you think Reginald could bring Devon by later? I'd love to spend some time with him, I could take him to the children's center for a while." Emily asked. She missed her little boy and just needed to tell him how much she loved him.

    "Sure, I'll call home and have Reginald bring Devon to the hospital." he agreed with her request and she got up from her seat and went to him. "Thanks Dad, it really means alot to me to have Devon here." Alan embraced his daughter and gave her all the love he could muster.

    Emily sniffled back the tears as she watched her husband sleeping, she prayed he'd wake up, he needed to wake up if he was going to get better. The longer he was out, the worse his chances got of a recovery.

    "Don't worry, Zander's gonna be fine, he's a fighter, Em. He survived our family hasn't he?" Alan joked hoping to see that smile again on Em's face. She mustered a giggle. "Yeah he has." Her tears moistened her father's white doctor coat as she kept watch on her husband.

    Alan pulled from the embrace and cupped his large hands around Emily's chin. "Zander is going to get through this, you have to believe that, Em." He could see it in her eyes, she wasn't holding on to much hope.

    "I know. Would you come with me to the chapel? I want to light a candle for Zander and for Jason." she asked as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

    "Sure I'll go with you, sweetheart." he replied with sincerity as she looked once more at her husband before she left the room. Alan walked out of the room and waited for her in the hallway. She pulled the door closed and they went to say a prayer to bring Zander back to her and their son.



  19. SoapQueen89
    Jason's room at the hospital --


    Emily stood in the doorway of her brother's room and cautiously approached his bedside. She had waited till Elizabeth had taken a walk before she came in to see Jason. She didn't feel the tension would be good for his recovery. As she approached him, he awoke from his light sleep.

    "Hi." he said as she took a seat on the swivel stool next to the bed. "Hi." was all she could say. She wasn't sure what to say to him. He had always been there for her and now they were on opposite sides. She didn't want anything to come in between them, but something had. She sat searching for the words to express how she felt at that very moment, her brother and her husband both fought so hard to survive this ordeal, words were hard to come by. Jason reached for her hand and she squeezed it tight. She knew he was of few words and with one squeeze of her hand, she felt she needed no words to express how much she loved him and how sorry she was that this had to happen.

    Jason cracked a smile when his wife appeared in the doorway. Emily turned to see Elizabeth standing there with a cup of coffee in her hand and a smile on her face.

    "I ... uh ... just stopped by to see how he was doing." Emily said as she rose from the stool and headed towards the doorway. "Oh ..." Elizabeth replied softly and nodded as she passed and left the room. Emily stood outside and blew a kiss to Jason through the plate-glass window.

    She hated that a friendship like Elizabeth and she had was strained because of the feud between their husbands. Emily just wished it could be like it was before all this had started a year or so ago. Zander had inherited his portion of the territory after his uncle passed away last year, he had been molded by Sonny, and she thought Jason resented that from the start, but he never spoke of it with her.

    After Zander took over the territory, the tension between she and Elizabeth grew to enormous proportions. It had taken a tragedy like this one, to bring them to speaking terms, but she figured who better to know how you feel is the best friend who is going through the same thing she was.
    Emily turned and walked down the hallway back to Zander's room.



    Zander's room at the hospital --


    It had been over a week since his surgery and Zander was awake and being poked and prodded by his father-in-law it was not something he was used to. He grimaced as he tried to re-position his body so he'd be more comfortable. He hated hospitals, and it seemed he always ended up there for one reason or another. Before leaving, Alan jotted down a few notes in Zander's chart and told him his prognosis was good. Zander's eyes lit up when he saw Emily walk into the room, as she passed her dad on his way, he told her that Zander was doing fine and he was alot stronger then he was the day before, he'd back later to check in on Zander again.

    She watched her dad leave the room and took a seat on the edge of the bed. "Listen, there was a guy here last week, and he wanted to ask you some questions about what happened on the docks." she began as she could see the concerned look on his face.

    "And ...?" he replied wanting to hear more.

    "And ... I told him to go away, I told him that you were in no shape to talk with anyone, even if he did wear a badge." Zander groaned as he propped himself up on the pillow.

    "A badge? A cop?" he inquired still wanting details about this stranger asking questions.

    "He told me his name was Detective Jake Steel and he was from Miami. What I can't figure out is why he'd be interested in anything that's going on here in Port Charles?" she had a few questions of her own, and from the evasive look on Zander's face, she wasn't sure if he really wanted her to pursue it.

    "I need you do something for me, Em. I need you stay away from this Detective." Emily bit her bottom lip wondering why. She was about to ask, and he told her not to, just do it. She agreed, even though in the back of her mind, she wondered why her husband asked this of her.

    "One more thing, Em ..." he continued.

    "Anything." she replied with a smile as always.

    "I need you to call Ric. I need to see him." Just something else that posed more questions.

    "Why Ric?" she thought, but she did as he asked. "Okay, I'll see if I can track him down."



    At Kelly's Diner --


    Ric Lansing hadn't been town all that long, less than a year and had already found what he wasn't expecting to find when he stepped foot in Port Charles. A well educated man, he had been given a lot of material things growing up as a child, more material then emotional. So much pressure from his father to do well in school, in life. It was hard to live up to. He was a young boy when his parents divorced, he living with his father till he was 18, then off to college to earn a degree in Business, then Law school ... only the best for the son of a Senator. His mom, still young, remarried a wonderful man in her eyes, Ric wasn't too pleased. He was into dirty dealings and had shady connections that were dangerous. Ric was surprised to find out when he came home from college during a winter break that his mother had a child with this man. A man he thought was all wrong for her. Ric had just hoped that this young child would not fall victim to his father's controlling and dangerous ways.

    Arriving in Port Charles, one thing had brought him to this waterfront town ... Sonny Corinthos. He soon found out that Sonny was not the only reason he needed to stay. The two half brothers were surprised to find each other eating at the same diner for months and not even realizing who the other was. It surely took Ric by surprise when he sat eating breakfast one morning and saw a young man walk into Kelly's who seemed familiar. His eyes seemed to have something Ric had seen all his life ... it was like looking in the mirror and seeing a part of you staring back. He approached the young man and introduced himself. Being leery of a stranger, the other young man was cautious. Ric reassured him that he wanted nothing from him, just some answers to a few questions. The young man shook Ric's hand and introduced himself as Zander Smith.

    Zander and Ric got acquainted and found that they had similar pasts. Zander not really knowing much about his family, he had spent most of his time away from home in boarding schools and when he was home, he was pushed aside like last week's news. It was like putting the pieces of a puzzle together, when each piece was finally in it's rightful place, it had revealed that these two who had just met, were indeed half brothers. For Zander it was a chunk of his life he had soon forget, being unwanted by parents, never loved as he should of been, he ran away from that life a long time ago and never looked back. Ric, wishing he could of run from a family life that was suffocating him.


    Ric sat eating his lunch at his favorite eatery, Kelly's. He had moved out months ago, but still love to come and people watch.

    As he took the last bite of his sandwich, his cell phone rang. He reached in his jacket pocket and flipped it open.

    "Yes." he answered. He recognized the voice on the other end without her telling him who she was.

    "Ric? It's Emily Smith. Zander needs to see you at the hospital." He didn't ask questions, he told her he'd be there within the hour and flipped closed his phone. He paid his bill and grabbed his overcoat and headed out the door.

    "Now what, little brother. What have you got yourself into?" he mumbled under his breath as he stepped outside into the winter chill.



    At the hospital --


    The automatic doors of the hospital opened as he approached and he made his way to the nurse's station, only to find Emily waiting for him.

    "Hi. Thanks for coming so quickly." she said as she extended her hand to him.

    "Sure, why wouldn't I come. My brother needs me." he replied as he shook her hand out of respect. "Come on, I'll take you too him." she said as she escorted him down the hallway.

    Emily and Ric reached Zander's room, and he smiled when he saw both of them approach the bedside.

    "Sweetheart, could you leave us alone for a little while?" Emily smiled and kissed him on the cheek.

    "Sure, I'll go see how my brother's doing." Zander thanked her as she stepped away from him. Ric took a seat next to the bed after he removed his overcoat and laid it across the bottom of the bed.

    Zander moaned as he tried to prop himself up so he could sit more erect in the bed.

    "Thank you for coming." he said as he looked at his brother sitting next to him.

    "No thanks needed. It sounded urgent." Ric replied.

    "Yes it is .... His name is Detective Jake Steel.


  20. SoapQueen89
    At the hospital --


    Another week had passed and Zander was finally ready to be released from the hospital. Emily and Devon had been playing in the waiting room for about an hour before Monica came to get them.

    "Hey, there's my big boy!" she said to Devon as she approached him. He looked up, smiled and reached for the person he knew as grandma. She picked him up in her arms and kissed him on his cheek, just hugging the stuffing out of him. Emily collected Devon's toys laying on the table in front her and put them back in the diaper bag that sat next to her on the floor.

    "So can I take Zander home?" Emily asked as she zipped the bag closed. Monica was admiring how big Devon was getting, as he took hold of the stethoscope around her neck.

    "Oh, yeah, sweetie. Just a few more minutes." her mom replied as Alan approached them. Alan came up behind Monica and smiled at Devon. He smiled at his grandpa and reached for him.

    "Oh come here." he said as he held out his hands to his grandson.

    "Hi sweetie, you guys here to pick up Daddy." he said to the young toddler.

    "Yes dad we are, if we can get all the paper work in order." Emily noticed a volunteer pushing her husband in a wheel chair around the corner and headed towards them. "Finally." she exclaimed as she hurried to him. She embraced him as her parents and Devon approached.

    Alan was carrying Devon in his arms and his face just lit up when he saw his daddy for the first time in over a week. He reached for him wanting to sit with Zander on the wheel chair. Alan passed Devon to his father as Emily signed the last piece of paperwork for Zander's release. She turned back towards her family and took the bag from her mother and hung it on her shoulder.

    "How's Jason?" she asked as she heard Zander and Devon giggling behind her.

    "Jason's going to be fine, a few more days in the hospital to rest, he should be good as new." her mom replied just as the beeper she had in pocket began to beep.

    She reached in her pocket and checked the message. "I gotta go, I will call you later, sweetheart." she gave Emily and Devon kisses on their cheeks before she raced to the emergency that called her away. Alan signed the release papers and Zander was free to go.

    "Can I go home now?" Zander asked as Emily took Devon from him.

    "Yes you can, but I wouldn't try to do too much for the next couple of days, take it easy, okay." Alan replied as he saw his son in law was anxious to go home.

    "He'll take it easy, believe me." Emily replied as she reassured her father that Zander would not strain himself once he got home.

    The volunteer wheel Zander to the elevator and pushed the button to go down. Emily held Devon in her arms and they entered the elevator as Alan watched from the nurse's station, he waved and Devon waved in return. Alan smiled at his grandson as the elevator doors slid shut.



    Zander and Emily's Penthouse --


    The limo pulled up outside their apartment building and shut off the engine. Emily gathered Devon's things and climbed out of the car. Their driver, Marcus, opened Zander's door and assisted him from the car. Emily released Devon from his car seat and scooped him up into her arms as Zander leaned on Marcus and walked towards the door of the building. Emily grabbed the bag and followed them thru the automated sliding glass doors and towards the elevators. Zander left Marcus know that he and his family would be okay, and Marcus could tend to the limo. Marcus followed the instructions his boss gave him as Zander and his family entered the elevator, the door slid shut as Emily pushed the button for the top floor.

    The doors slid open when it reached it's destination, and Zander cautiously stepped out into the hallway of the 19th floor. Cord was standing guard outside their penthouse and came to assist his boss and the family. Emily opened the door of their apartment and went inside as Zander talked a few minutes with Cord just outside the doorway. Cord nodded in acknowledgment and Zander came inside. Emily unloaded her shoulder as she dropped the diaper bag on the floor and carried Devon to the couch. She took a seat next to him and unzipped his jacket. Zander slowey moved towards them stopping for a minute to take a look at the papers laying on his desk.

    "Oh no .. no work, you are suppose to rest, remember?" Emily said as she quickly picked up Devon and hurried towards her husband who was reading what the papers contained.

    "I was just reading, geezsh!" Zander replied as Emily's hand flipped closed the folder and then grabbed his hand wanting him to follow her. He reluctantly followed, wanting so badly to throw himself back into work, against doctor's orders.

    Emily was ready to place Devon into the playpen but Zander couldn't resist reaching for his son as he sat down on the couch. Devon smiled at his dad as Zander took him into his arms and sat him on his lap.

    "You have grown so big ..." he said to the toddler as he ran his hand over the toddler's thin black hair.

    Emily just smiled at knowing she finally had her family all together again. She loved to watch Zander and Devon, they were a lot alike, in so many ways. Devon had Zander's eyes, he had Zander's hair, he definitely had Zander's strong will and stubbornness, he certainly was father's son, no doubt.



    Later that same night -- Zander and Emily's Penthouse


    The darkness fell on Port Charles, as Zander watched over Emily and Devon drifting off to sleep on their queen sized bed. He scooped his son up in his arms and slowly walked with him to the nursery across the hall. He placed his son in the mahogany crib and rubbed his tummy in small circles trying to soothe him back to sleep. Zander kept his balance by leaning against the crib, and quickly turned as he heard the soft footsteps creep up behind him. Emily stood in the doorway and watched a few precious father and son moments from afar.

    "Hey ...." Zander whispered as she approached.

    "I thought you were asleep?" he asked as she walked closer to him.

    "And I thought you were suppose to rest?" He pulled her close to him in a loving embrace and gently kissed her.

    Devon was sleeping soundly as they left the nursery and walked across the hall to their bedroom, Emily went to turn down the bed as Zander followed. She walked to the other side of the bed and turned down the blankets, and removed her silk robe and slippers. She climbed into bed and watched him slowly removed his navy blue robe revealing the white gauze bandages around his waist that hid the results of the worst fear that had come true.



    Outside Harborview Towers --

    Meanwhile, Detective Steele kept watch on the front door of the apartment building from his car across the street. Unbeknownst to him, he was being watched from afar.



  21. SoapQueen89
    Zander's Penthouse --


    Daylight soon came over the horizon of the bay, and Zander awoke to the ring of his cell phone that was tucked away in his jacket pocket which hung on the back of the chair. He slowly slipped from the bed and tried to keep his balance as he walked over to answer it, wincing with every step. He flipped it open and said hello to who was calling.

    "Zander? You have company that has been sitting outside the building all night." the voice said as Zander padded out into the hallway with his bare feet.

    "Is it Steele?" Zander asked as he walked to the elongated window the looked out over the street.

    "Yeah, he's been sitting out here waiting since you got home last night." his brother replied as Zander caught a glimpse of the unmarked car sitting towards the end of the block.

    "Why don't you come on in for some coffee and we'll talk about it?" Zander offered and his brother quickly accepted.

    A few minutes later Ric was at the door, Zander grabbed his robe and went downstairs. Cord opened the door for Ric just as Zander reached for the door knob. Ric came and threw his jacket over the chair. The two shook hands like brothers should, and walked into the kitchen. Ric took a seat at the kitchen table while Zander made a fresh pot of coffee.

    "Emily upstairs?" Ric asked as he glanced up towards the stairs.

    "Yes she is, so we have some time to talk about Steel before she comes down and has to feed Devon." Zander poured two cups of coffee and set one cup in front of Ric and kept the other in his hand as he took a seat at the table.

    "What did you find out about this Det. Steel?" he inquired as he cautiously took a sip. Ric reached for the packets of sugar that sat on the table and opened a few of them into his cup.

    "First, how are you?" Ric concerned about his brother. "I'll live, so what did you find out?" Zander replied bluntly wanting to know more about this Detective.

    "Detective Steel? Well, Detective Steele is on a murder case, a cold case that went cold about 2 weeks after it happened. Lack of witnesses, I guess. No leads to go on, so they stashed it in the cold case files. His father worked on the case originally and when he became Detective, he picked it up off the pile and started digging. Apparently the trail as led him to you." Ric explained

    "What else did you find out?" Ric sipped his coffee and told Zander as much as he could about the man who was apparently quite interested in his comings and goings.

    "So in other words, my family is still ...." Zander snapped at his brother as Emily stood in the doorway with Devon. "....in danger." she continued his thought as she walked passed him and sat Devon in his high chair.

    Worry and concern over took Zander and Ric's faces as Emily became a part of their conversation. "Unfortunately, yes that's what it means ... at least until we find out why the trail led this Detective to Zander."

    Suddenly there was noise coming from outside in the hallway. Ric rushed to the front door, Zander followed leaving Emily and Devon in the kitchen. The door flew open as Cord had the dark haired stranger by the scruff of the neck, Marcus soon followed close behind.

    "I'm sorry sir for barging in but we found this one lurking around, thought you may want to have a word or two with him." Cord explained as he released his grasp with a shove and the stranger stumbled to regain his balance.

    "Hey watch the suit!" the stranger said as he adjusted the attire he was wearing. The dark haired stranger was nicely dressed in a dark navy blue suit and tie, Ric had his own suspicions about this Detective but didn't let on to what they were.

    Emily peered out from the kitchen to see what was going on, Devon in his high chair waiting to be fed breakfast, she turned and went to give him his morning bottle. She scooped him up in her arms, grabbed the bottle from the table and whisked him out of the kitchen and away from harm as she scurried through the living room and up the stairs, not taking a second look at what was going on right there in front of her.

    The dark haired stranger noticed her as she hurried passed them and up the stairs, Zander glared in his direction as the Detective watched Emily disappear at the top of the stairs. "Answer me this, who are you and what are you doing lurking outside this particular building." Zander asked as he winced when he felt some pain around the wounds that were healing.

    "So you're Zander Smith." Steele said as he walked towards Zander.

    "Yeah now we know who I am, why don't you tell us who you are?" Zander had always had the cockiness when confronted, Ric smirked at his brother's remark.

    "I was the stranger that came to see you a few weeks ago in the hospital, I'm sure your lovely wife told you about it." he still evading the question, Zander still not amused with the stranger standing in his living room.

    "Why don't you just tell us who you are and why your here?" Ric demanded, he was losing his patience, even if Zander wasn't.

    The stranger went to pull his badge from his jacket pocket and Marcus stepped forward, ready to take him down if need be. "Hey, woah .. I'm just reaching for my identification, big guy." he snarked and Marcus backed off a little bit. Steele pulled out his badge and handed it to Zander. Ric grabbed it first and inspected it. Ric didn't really need to see any identification from Steele, he already knew more about Steele then Steele knew about himself.

    "The badge still doesn't tell us what you're doing here in Port Charles, especially all the way from Miami." Zander said as he handed the badge back to the Detective.

    "Well, ya see, funny story ... I kinda inherited a case .. a murder case, from my father, and though the trail was cold 15 years ago, it's getting alot warmer over the past few months. And it led me to you." Steele answered as Ric and Marcus had words, and Marcus returned to his post outside the door.

    Steele noticed the cold eyes Zander had, it was apparent he wasn't about to tell him much of anything about this case. "And see the shooting a few weeks ago, I seem to think that the two are connected somehow. Care to tell me about the how you got shot?" Steele asked as he noticed Zander holding his hand against his side that was bandaged.

    "I don't ...." Zander began, but Ric stepped in. "Don't say a word, Zander. Not a word."

    "What are you his attorney or something?" Steele asked as Ric came face to face with him.

    "As a matter of fact .. yes I am. As of this minute, I'm his attorney of record. Do you have a problem with that Detective?" Ric said sternly.

    "You can't do that. That would be a conflict of interest for you ... Mr. Lansing." Steele replied knowing full well who he was talking to.

    "And why do you say that, Mr. Steele." Ric answered as Steele grinned.

    "Oh yes, you're name came up Mr. Lansing in some of our reports over the past few months, actually having alot to do with your little brother, there. He's been in alot of messes lately." Ric tried to remain calm as he closed the gap between he and the Detective.

    "I don't know what you want from Zander, but he isn't talking to you or to any one else about this murder case or about the shooting a few weeks ago. And I suggest, that if you want to keep breathing, you will be leaving this apartment ... in 10 seconds." Ric threatened as Steele became very nervous.

    "Did you just threaten me, Mr. Lansing?" Steele asked as his confidence was given a shot in the arm.

    "Me? I didn't threaten you, Mr. Steele ... just giving you some friendly advice, is all. Now whether you take it or is up to you." Ric smirked as he smoothed out Steele's suit with his hands. He knew he had Steele squirming in his boots and he was going to enjoy ever minute of it.

    Zander stood back and enjoyed the show as he grinned watching his brother do what he did best. If this wasn't proof that he and Ric were related he didn't know what would be.

    "Looks to me like you're running out of options, Detective." Ric added as he went to the door and opened it for the officer.

    "Looks to me like the two of you will be seeing me again." Ric returned a smirk. "We'll be looking forward to it, Detective."

    Steele walked out of the apartment and to the elevators, hearing Ric's last words before the door slammed shut.


  22. SoapQueen89
    The Penthouse --


    Emily waited till she heard the door slam before she took one step down the stairs. She had put Devon back in his crib after feeding him his breakfast, she figured he'd go back to sleep for a few more hours, that seemed to his routine lately. She made her way down the stairs just as Zander and Ric began talking about something she shouldn't be hearing, because as soon as they noticed she was in the room, they clammed up as usual.

    "Don't mind me, I'm just heading to the kitchen, please continue to hold your conversation that you don't want me to hear." she cracked as she passed through the living room on the way to the kitchen to get breakfast for herself.

    "Is she always like that?" Ric asked with a chuckle. "The attitude?" Zander asked. "Yeah ever since Devon came along, it's gotten worse." he added with a roll of his eyes.

    They both sat down on the couch as Emily walked through the living room again, and smirked in Zander's direction. As she made her way up the stairs he shouted to her ...."And no listening at the top of the stairs, either." She peeked down from the landing ... "I wasn't going to, but that's not a bad idea." she teased. "Hey aren't you suppose to be resting? she asked. "Can't rest, not with Steele out there building a case against me or whatever he's out there doing." Zander replied and watched her disappear up the stairs.

    "So what do you want me to do?" Ric asked as he poured coffee from the decanter that sat on the table, into a coffee cup that sat on the tray next to it. "About Steele? Nothing. Let's see what he digs up first. He may end up doing all of the work, and we can reap the rewards." Zander replied as he placed his hand on his side again.

    "First thing we have to take care of is Jason. I have that shipment coming in tonight and I don't want anything to go wrong with it." Zander continued as he winced because he leaned to reach his coffee cup on the table in front of him. "You don't have worry, I've got things taken care of." Ric replied.

    "Yeah that's what I heard the last time, and I got shot. I'm not taking any chances this time. I spent a week cooped up in the hospital, and I didn't waste my time playing checkers. I have a plan already set to go in motion tonight, a few hours before the shipment is suppose to be delivered. Just make sure someone else in the department knows about the shipment tonight and the rest will take care of it itself. Trust me." Zander said with a devilish grin.

    Ric wondered what his little brother had up his sleeve. He was planning something and usually that meant Sonny or Jason was taking the fall. "Care to fill me in?" Ric asked wanting to know what he should expect at the warehouse.

    "No, the less you know the better. It keeps you out of danger and lets you keep your job." Zander replied as he got up from the couch and started walking around the room, hoping by moving the twinges he was feeling would go away.

    Ric took the last swallow of his coffee and set the cup down on the table. "Well, I must be going. I have a few appointments this afternoon at the courthouse. We will talk later." He excused himself and left.

    Nightfall came soon enough as everything Zander had planned was in place. He had sent his men to the warehouse and had them prepare for the shipment, just as they were expected to. He knew if Jason couldn't be there, Sonny would, he wouldn't let a shipment pass through his territory that wasn't his own. Zander laid back against the cushion of the couch and thought about the satisfaction he would be getting in a few hours.

    Emily had taken Devon to visit with her parents, so Zander was left alone to fend for himself till she returned. He was interrupted though as Cord knocked. "Yeah, what?" he asked as he lifted himself from the couch, holding his bandaged area with his hand.

    "You have a visitor, sir." Cord announced as he opened the door and stepped inside. Zander didn't get the chance to ask who it was before they stepped inside the apartment. "Sorry sir, she didn't want to wait. She says it's important."

    "Elizabeth, you shouldn't be here." Zander said as she stepped further inside the penthouse.

    "Yeah I know but I wanted to see the man who shot my husband." she said as he stepped towards her. His eyes widened in surprise that she'd risk it to confront him about the shooting.

    "Hey wait I didn't shoot Jason, remember I was shot myself." he replied as he showed her his bandages.

    "Yeah well, Jason isn't that lucky, Zander. He's still in the hospital thanks to you."

    "Okay, I can see this isn't going to go anywhere, so why don't you go back to the hospital and be with your husband." Zander replied trying to convince her to leave. She turned to leave just as Cord opened up the door and Emily stood face to face with her friend.

    "And what are you doing here, Elizabeth? Shouldn't you be at the hospital with my brother?" Emily lashed out. "I just came to see Zander and to confront the man who put your brother and my husband in the hospital! Zander should be the one lying in the hospital bed, not Jason!" Elizabeth snapped back at Emily.

    "You know what, don't even go there with me, Elizabeth. We both know that Zander nor Jason deserved to be shot that night, they should of been with us, but they weren't, they made their own choice to be on docks. It happened, and there's nothing that can change it. Now I am sorry Jason was hurt and that he's still in the hospital. He's my brother for God sake and I love him! I never wanted any of this to happen, but it did. Now if you want to stand here and compare rap sheets .... by all means, fire away. Cause you and I both know, neither of our husbands are saints and neither of them have a squeaky clean background! But go ahead, let's see who racks up the most points. Shall we?" Elizabeth turned to leave after Emily's rant. "Yeah didn't think so." Cord followed Elizabeth to the elevator and Emily slammed the door.

    "Wow, you are a fiesty one aren't you?" Zander said as he followed Emily into the living room area.

    "Yeah got something to say about it?" she spouted off at him.

    "No I just think it's mighty sexy on you, though." he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her to him. She giggled at his remark.

    "Uh huh, I suppose you're going to tell me I shouldn't of done that, ranted like that with Elizabeth?" she asked as he leaned down and kissed her.

    "No not at all, actually I found it quite entertaining." he said jokingly.

    "Hey I thought you were bringing Devon home with you?" he asked as he noticed he wasn't with her.

    "No mom's keeping him overnight. He was out like a light and I hated to wake him to bring him home, besides they love to have him sleep over." she replied.

    "Have you had dinner yet?" he asked as he still held her in his arms.

    "No what did you have in mind?" she teased.

    "Well, not that since I'm suppose to be taking it easy, doctor's orders." he smirked.

    "We could order in .. I don't feel like cooking tonight, if that's okay with you?" she sighed heavily as if she was exhausted from a hard day's work.

    "Yeah that's fine with me." he replied as she smiled cause she got her way again.

    "Great, I'll go get the take out menus, you sit and relax. You're suppose to resting." she giggled as she squirmed away from his grasp on her and left the room.

    He sat down on the couch and leaned back, still snickering at the fiestiness she possesses. He didn't know she had it in her, but when push comes to shove, he knows Emily will stand by him, she always has.



    Later that night ---


    He and Emily had ordered in pizza for dinner, which made her happy, and that in turn made him happy. He was glad Devon was spending the night with the Quartermaines, just in case the plans for bringing down Sonny were to go wrong, he was sure Mac would be knocking on his door first. His cell phone rang shortly after midnight, which wasn't unusual. Emily turned away from him as he got up to answer it.

    "Yeah, this better be good news." he said to the person that was calling.

    "Turn on your television, boss." You're not going to like it." the voice said and he quickly went to turn it on.

    The screen became clear as he stood watching the chaos that had erupted on the docks.

    "Dammit! Talk to me, what did we lose?" he questioned.

    "I don't have the exact figures, but enough, whatever was in that shipment is now scattered across the Port Charles bay."

    Zander wasn't liking what he was hearing about his shipment. "Anyone hurt?" he asked concerned about his guards who went down to make sure the shipment arrived.

    "Nobody hurt, just a whole lot of bang." said his contact.

    "Yeah I can imagine. Well, get the men back here, I want to meet with all of you .. now." he ordered as he stood and watched what the local news was reporting about the explosion in the harbor earlier that night.
  23. SoapQueen89
    "Hey what's the big idea having the television on, some people are trying to get some sleep." Emily said as she shielded her eyes from the light coming off the tv.

    "It's nothing, go back to sleep. I gotta go. I'll be back as soon as I can." he said as he quickly got dressed.

    "You are in no shape to be going anywhere, Zander. You're still re-cooperating from having a bullet taken out of you." she replied concerned for him.

    "This can't wait, sweetheart. I have to go take care of something. I'll see you in a little while." he replied as he gave her a kiss on the cheek before leaving her alone for the night.

    Zander had left in such a hurry he forgot to turn off the set. Emily sat up in bed and watched the chaos that was happening down on the docks.


    "Earlier tonight a ship coming into dock at Pier 12 exploded. No injuries were reported, and we are still waiting to hear from investigators as to what really happened here tonight. We have no new information about this situation, other then the ship that exploded was owned by Port Charles business man, Zander Smith. We have yet to make contact with Mr. Smith to find out the details regarding why the ship was in Port Charles harbor and what if anything the ship was carrying. The Port Charles police department are on the scene and are still investigating this most recent explosion, this coming on the heels of a shooting 2 weeks ago involving a few individuals from Port Charles. Names were not disclosed to the public, but our sources tell us that Jason Morgan and Zander Smith were both taken and admitted to General Hospital for gunshot wounds. We will have more on this story, as well as the explosion here tonight, as soon as more information becomes available."


    Emily shut off the television as she quickly got out of bed and went to the window to see if she could see the chaos the reporter talked about.

    As she peered out the window into the darkness, the sky lit up in red lights as she watched from the 19th floor penthouse across town. She knew this is where Zander had run off to, and immediately became concerned for him. She was glad Devon was at her parent's, she didn't want him to see what was going to happen if Mac would come to arrest Zander, yet again.

    She slipped on her robe and slippers and padded her way downstairs to the kitchen. She was wide awake now and there was no sleeping for her tonight, not till Zander returned home safely. She made a pot of fresh coffee and sat down at the counter with the cell phone in her hand. She wanted it to be near her in case Zander would call.

    She heard the door and quickly went to see who it was. She ran out into the living room area only to find Johnny waiting for her. She sighed heavily, disappointed it wasn't Zander. Johnny saw the disappointment in her eyes.

    "Sorry, I know you were expecting him." Johnny replied as Emily approached him.

    "Yeah I was. Do you know where he ran off to?" she asked even though she knew Johnny couldn't tell her anything.

    "You know I can't tell you that. Don't worry, he'll be fine. Marcus and Cord are with him." Johnny tried to reassure her that her husband would come home to her safe and sound.

    "I just came in to check on you. I'll be on guard outside the door if you need anything." he said before he left, leaving her to worry about her husband, alone. She headed back towards the kitchen, the coffee should be done brewing by now. She thought to herself.

    She sat down on the stool at the counter and poured herself a cup. She sat worried about her husband and wondering what was going on down on the docks. She peered out the kitchen window and saw the red lights flashing from all the emergency vehicles on the scene. She turned on the small television that sat in the corner, on the counter, and changed the channel to watch the news broadcast about the explosion. She watched in fear, afraid that at any moment, the police could be arresting her husband for what had happened.

    It had been hours, since Zander had left and she was becoming more and more worried about him. She sat on the couch waiting for him, like she always did. She began to fear the worst, when the door opened and he walked in.

    "Oh thank God" she cried as she got up quickly and went to him. "Are you okay? I was worried." she asked as he embraced her.

    "Yeah I'm fine, just had a little business to take care of." he replied and walked with her to the couch.

    "It was all over the late news. Anything to be concerned about?" she asked as he laid back against the cushions of the couch.

    "Nothing for you to be concerned with. Things are all taken care of." he replied. She knew when to stop talking, and this was the time.

    "Well, I'm going to bed. You coming?" she asked as she got up and headed for the stairs.

    "Yeah in a minute." he replied as he turned his head back to look at her.

    "Okay...." she said before she climbed the stairs to the bedroom. As she disappeared out of sight, Cord came in the front door.

    "Sir, your brother is here to see you." Cord announced as Ric stood in the doorway.

    "Come on in, Ric." Zander said as he motioned for him to enter the apartment.

    "What the heck happened tonight?" Ric questioned as he approached Zander.

    "I don't know, it was obviously done on purpose." Zander wasn't too concerned with finding out who did it, he already knew who.

    "You think Sonny did this?" Ric asked. "Yeah I do. I think it was retaliation for the shooting. I think Sonny thinks I was the one who set up the ambush on the docks and got Jason shot." Zander answered.

    Ric looked at him point blank and asked "Well did you, Zander? Did you set Jason up?"

    Off the record?" Zander asked before admitting to anything.

    "Never mind, I don't want to know." Ric replied as he turned and headed towards the door. "I'll see you tomorrow, get some rest." he added as he left the apartment.

    Rest? Zander couldn't get any rest, his shipment just blew up in the Port Charles harbor. He went to the door and locked it when his brother left. Zander retired for the evening, thankful he was alive to live another day.

    When he entered the bedroom, he noticed Emily asleep, or so he thought. He got himself undressed and climbed into be with her, pulling the blankets up over him. He laid on his back and stared at the ceiling. Both of them lay awake concerned about what tomorrow may bring down on their family. It was only a few short hours till daylight and his day started all over again. He closed his eyes and tried to get some needed sleep.

    She turned her head towards him to see if he was asleep. He hadn't said a word when he came to bed, though she didn't think he knew she laid awake waiting for him. Being careful of his healing wounds, she moved closer to him slowly, and he felt her against him as he winced when he felt a twinge of pain. He wrapped his arm around her and tipped his head down and kissed on top of her head.

    "I love you, baby." he said and she looked up at him.

    "I love you too." she returned and with a smile. She closed her eyes and fell asleep in the arms of the man she loved.
  24. SoapQueen89
    The Penthouse --


    Emily came down the back stairs with her bags in hand and dropped them on the floor at the bottom of the stairs. She noticed he was in deep thought about something and went to him.

    "Are you okay? What's wrong?" she asked as she stood there next to him caressing his back with her hand.

    "I just got reamed out by my older brother." he said with a blank face.

    "Well did you deserve it?" she giggled, not knowing why he was given the third degree by Ric.

    "I don't know if I deserved it or not but it surely gave me something to think about while we're away." he replied as he reached up with his hand and rubbed it against his scruffy chin.

    "While we're away? I thought just Devon and I were going?" she questioned.

    "No, I think it best we all go together, I'm going to make arrangements to stay at the safe house till all this blows over. Besides, I'm suppose to take it easy, remember?" he smiled at her and pulled her into his arms. She sighed against him relieved that he was coming with them.

    "Why don't we get Marcus to put the bags in the car, we'll go pick up Devon at the estate and we'll leave town right away." A big smile came to her face when she heard that from him.

    "Okay." She went and picked up the bags from the floor and took them out to the living room and set them by the door.

    Emily opened the door to find Cord standing guard and asked him to call up Marcus to take the bags down to the car, they'd be leaving in a few minutes to go pick up Devon, as soon as Zander got dressed and ready to go. As Zander walked up the back stairs to the bedroom all that was on his mind was what his brother said to him. After thinking about it a little while, he realized Ric was right. This was too much of a risk for him to take with his wife and child. He had to find another way to bring Sonny down and to hold on to the territory he had inherited from his family. He reached in his jacket pocket and pulled out his cell phone. He flipped it open and dialed one of his contacts.

    "Hey, it's Zander. Listen I want you to call off everything we talked about. Why? Just do it!" he flipped close the phone and stuck it back in his pocket.

    He grabbed a few extra things from his dresser that he needed and headed down the stairs to meet Emily who was waiting.

    "All set?" he asked and she nodded. "Marcus is bringing the car around." she replied as Cord stood with Emily just outside the doorway.

    "Cord, I need you here all the time, 24/7 .. if not you then someone else. I don't want this place left alone for one second. Got that?" Cord nodded in agreement with his boss as the elevator doors opened and Marcus appeared.

    "Car is waiting for you, sir." Marcus said as he approached the penthouse.

    "We'll be at the safe house till all this blows over, I will call you with any more instructions." Zander filled his guards in as the elevator waited for them. Marcus followed and boarded the elevator with his boss and Emily.

    "We're going to the estate to pick up Devon, then we're going to the safe house .... the mountain cabin." Marcus nodded in acknowledgement as the elevator came to a stop and they all got off on the parking garage floor of the hotel. Zander didn't want anyone to know that he and his family had left town, it was business as usual.

    Zander and Emily climbed into the car and Marcus climbed into the drivers seat. Marcus started the car and drove out onto the street, heading the car towards the Quartermaine estate. It didn't take them but a few minutes to get there and soon they were driving up the long maple lined drive towards the house. Once stopped Emily got out of the car and went inside to get Devon.



    The Quartermaine's --


    Reginald met her at the door and she went inside.

    "Hi Reginald. I came to get Devon. Can you go see if he's ready for me?" Reginald said he would and went up the staircase to the nursery, while Emily stood and waited for him in the foyer.

    The house was quite, she assumed everyone was either at work or not home, till it erupted in the living room. Shouting, yelling and anger could be heard from the living room close by. She knew she didn't want to get into that argument, so she stayed put in the foyer and waited for Reginald to return with her son.

    She looked up at the top of the stairs and saw Reginald carrying Devon down in his arms. She met him half way and took Devon from him.

    "He was just put down for a nap, and I see he's still sleeping for you." Reginald said as he handed Emily her son.

    "Thanks Reginald. Tell mom and dad that I'll be gone for a while. I'll get word to them when I'll be back, cause right now I'm not sure." she whispered hoping not to wake Devon who looked so peaceful.

    "I'll tell them. We'll miss you." Reginald replied with sentiment as he opened the door for her and saw a limo waiting to whisk them away.

    The family heard the front door and hurried out to the foyer to see who came to visit. Reginald closed the door and went about his business, not telling them that Emily had just left.

    "Reginald?! Who was just here?" Alan said as he watched Reginald head for the staircase.

    "Emily, she came and picked up Devon. And she left a message for you. She said she was going away for a while, and that she'd get word to you when she'd be returning, she wasn't sure right now." Monica and Alan knew things were getting dangerous if Zander had taken Emily and Devon out of town. Worry and concern for them set in and Monica turned to Alan for comfort.

    "Don't worry, Zander's with her, he'll keep her and Devon safe." Alan said trying to soothe Monica's fears.

    "That deviant has never kept that poor child safe, in all the years they have known each other!" Edward bellowed.

    The family returned a unanimous "Shut up, Grandfather!" .. he stomped off in a huff.

    Alan looked down at Monica in his arms and said .... "Don't listen to him, they'll be alright, I'm sure Zander has a plan."



    The safe house --


    Zander and his family reached the safe house which was set deep into the forests someplace in New York state. Marcus drove the car up the longest drive Emily had ever seen and then stopped in front the most quaint log cabin with a wrap around front porch. Marcus got out of the car and went to open up the door for Zander and his wife. Emily unbuckled Devon and scooped him up in her arms as Zander and Marcus unloaded the trunk of their bags.

    Emily's eyes widened as she looked over the cabin from the car. "Wait till you see the inside." Zander teased as he and Marcus led the way to the front door. Emily gawked at the landscape that welcomed her and her family.

    "Zander, it's breathtaking." she remarked as he opened the front door with the key from his pocket. He pushed the old wooden door open and stepped inside. He dropped the bags he was carrying and went to enjoy the reaction from Emily as she stepped inside the log cabin.

    Her eyes widened even further as she walked into the the quaintly decorated cabin, with Devon in her arms. "Welcome to you home for as long as you'd like to stay." Zander said as he took Devon from her so she could go explore the house she so anxiously wanted to see. It was like letting loose a child in the a candy store. She was in awe of everything that decorated the cabin.

    Zander had Marcus take the bags up stairs to the master bedroom while, he tried to follow Emily from room to room as she explored every inch of the place. She ended the tour of the house in the living room area, as she entered the room, the large stone fireplace drew her attention.

    "Oh Zander, it's beautiful." she remarked about the fireplace as she went up to it and her fingers glided across the stone.

    She overjoyed with the accommodations Zander provided for her, she took a seat on the overly stuffed sofa and invited him and Devon to join her. Marcus came down the stairs had taken the bags upstairs to the master suite, Emily then realized there was an upstairs she hadn't seen yet. She jumped up from her seat with a smile on her face and rushed past Marcus as Zander laughed at her enthusiasm.

    "Thanks Marcus. I'll be in touch." Zander said as he walked Marcus out to the front porch. He turned and came back into the cabin, Devon still in his arms, he closed the wooden door behind him and then peered up the steps to hear if Emily was still exploring.

    "Oh my God, Zander! This is just wonderful." she said as she came down the stairs towards him.

    "Well I'm glad you like it." he said as he followed her into the living room once more.

    "Like it? I love it! How long can we stay here?" she giggled.

    "As long as you want, sweetheart." he replied and pulled her in for a kiss.

    All their worries had seemed to disappear the minute they stepped foot in the cabin. No more stress, no more worries about who was coming after them next, all the danger concerns were gone.

    Devon sat on Zander's lap and Emily noticed a little yawn and his droopy eyelids as he began to drift off to sleep. "I think someone has had too much excitement for one day." she giggled as she brushed her finger against his chubby cheek.

    Zander picked him up in his arms and turned Devon into his chest, holding him against his shoulder. Devon relaxed against his dad's shoulder as Zander took him up the stairs to the extra bedroom. A crib sat waiting for the sleeping toddler, as Zander laid down Devon gently. He laid his son on his back and gently rubbed his fingers in circles on Devon's tummy. Emily stood in the door way of the room and watched on, bringing a smile to her face as she was witness to the most beautiful moment between a father and a child. Zander leaned on the railing and watched as Devon fell to sleep.
  25. SoapQueen89
    ***WARNING***
    This episode contains R material for a fade to black love scene.


    At the cabin --

    Darkness had soon fallen around the cabin, as they enjoyed each other's company in front of a roaring fire, and two glasses of wine. She had gotten up from the sofa and took the afghan from the rocker in the corner and brought it back to wrap herself in as they watched the crackle of the fire in the stone fireplace. He leaned in and brushed his lips against hers, a kiss so gentle, so sweet. Her lips parted and invited him in as the kiss became more passionate. It deepened as she left out a moan of pleasure that echoed within him. She straddled his lap, and began to nuzzle his neck, his hands caressing her back, he pulled her to him, her hair falling around his face as their mouths met once more.

    His kisses traveled down her neck as he began to unbutton her blouse. She watched him fumble with the buttons in the dim light of the roaring fire. She reached up with her hands and helped him remove the blouse from her, revealing to him a pink lace bra, her rounded breasts overfilled the lacey material that formed around them. He began leaving his kisses on her neck once more and led a trail down between her perfectly round mounds. It had been too long since he had her so close to him, he wanted to taste every inch of her beautiful body.

    She got up slowly from his lap, leaving him wanting more, and grabbing the pillows from the chair and placing them on the floor in front of the fireplace along with the blankets that she found in an old cedar chest in the corner. She spread out the blankets and threw the pillows on top, then reached for his hand. He took her hand in his and walked towards her. He took her in his arms, their mouths met once more as they went to their knees, he laying her gently on her back. He stood up and slowly removed the shirt he was wearing, revealing to her the white gauze bandages that only reminded her of what they had left behind.

    She was so beautiful in the soft amber glow of the fire that raged on in the fireplace, he knelt down to be with her on the blankets and she invited him to her, opening her legs to him. He laid his hips between her thighs, she could feel him underneath his trousers. He began to rub against her which aroused her as she caressed him, being careful of his healing wounds.

    "Are you sure?" she asked as she looked down at the bandages.

    "Yeah I'll be fine..." his words drifted off as his lips met hers and she started to remove the pants he was wearing.

    A night of lovemaking was apparent as they continued to explore each other with the tenderness and gentleness of touches and caresses. As the fire raged on in the fireplace, the fire within them, burned passionately, as they once again became one.


    Fade to black


    At the hospital -- Jason's room


    As Zander and Emily shared a night of passion, Elizabeth sat by her husband's bedside holding his hand and hoping that he'd be stronger in the morning so the doctors can go in and get the bullet that was lodged close to his spine. She had been sitting with him night after night for the past 3 weeks, hoping that the next day would be the day for the doctors to make him well again. Sonny and Carly both had visited on numerous occasions, both together and separately. Both concerned for her and Jason.

    It was now close to 2am and he had been down for a very long sleep, Monica had given him something for the pain he was feeling and it knocked him out. He had been heavily medicated since had been brought in that fateful night that turned their lives upside down. She held much anger about what had happened and blamed only one person for it, and that was Zander.

    Jason began to wake up from his long sleep, and he woke her up by caressing the back of her head as it laid on the edge of the bed. She looked up at him and he cracked a smile, even that took some strength for him to do. She quickly went out to the ICU nurse's desk to let them know he was awake. He reached for her as she walked back in the door, followed closely behind by the night duty nurse, Judy. She checked his vitals and wrote down the numbers that she saw on the machines.

    "He's stronger, right .. he's getting better." Elizabeth was hopeful that tonight was the night that Jason would be strong enough to sustain the surgery needed to remove the bullet that came from Zander's gun.

    "I don't know yet, let me check with the doctor on call." Judy replied as she headed for the door.

    "No, I want Drs. Quartermaine to look at him, no on call doctor." Elizabeth wanted only the best for her husband, and Monica and Alan were the best GH had on staff.

    "Okay, Mrs. Morgan, I'll give them a call." Judy replied before she left the room and went back to her desk.

    Jason squeezed her hand and she turned and looked down at him. His eyes filled with worry and fear about his condition and what was going on around him.

    "What's .. going on?" he asked as she sat back down on the swivel chair next to his bed.

    "The duty nurse is calling your parents to see if they can come in and check to see if you're strong enough to do the surgery you need." Elizabeth explained as she noticed his lips were dry and he had become very pale.

    She reached behind her and took the styrofoam cup filled with ice chips. She took one from the cup and rubbed it across his lips to moisten them. He opened his mouth and the melting chip fell into the opening.

    "You weren't suppose to take it." she giggled and he cracked a smile. "Sorry, I'm thirsty." he managed to say as she reached in the cup for another ice chip. "These are all Monica gave me to give to you, sorry." she apologized to him because she couldn't give him water in a cup to drink.

    As she rubbed the second ice chip on his lips, he once again opened his mouth and it fell in against his tongue. As the chip melted he swallowed what little water there was left after most of it seeped into his dry mouth.

    She didn't know how much time had passed and she was still waiting for Jason's parents to arrive. She began to pace the room back and forth as Jason watched her from his lying down position. He had been in a hospital bed for the last 3 weeks, and he too was getting stir crazy in the enclosed room, machines hooked to him, medication every 2 hours or so, all he wanted to do was to hold his wife in his arms.

    Elizabeth heard familiar voices out in the hallway and went to see if Monica and Alan had shown up. As she left the room, she saw Drs. Quartermaine talking with the night duty nurse about Jason's vitals. Elizabeth approached them hoping that Jason could finally have the surgery they had been waiting to do.

    "So .. is he strong enough to do the surgery?" Elizabeth asked

    "Yeah his vitals look good. We're calling in the surgeon to remove the bullet and we'll prep Jason for surgery." Monica said in a soothing voice, trying to keep Elizabeth from worrying.

    As Elizabeth stood outside the room peering through the large plexiglass window, she watched as the duty nurses prep'd her husband for surgery. She folded her hands and said a little prayer as they brought Jason out of his room on the gurney.

    She stopped them as they rolled him passed her.

    "I'll be right here waiting for you, when you come back." she said as she took his hand in hers and held it tight. He cracked a smile and she kissed him gently. "I love you ...." were her last words to him as the orderlies rolled him down the hall towards the surgical wing.

    "He's going to be fine, Elizabeth. Dr. Thomas is the best we have on staff here at the hospital. And I'll be scrubbing as well, so I'll be with him every step of the way." Elizabeth softly smiled and felt somewhat better knowing that Monica would be with Jason during his surgery. "We'll keep you updated as much as we can." Monica added before she walked down the same hallway and through the same double doors towards the surgical wing.

    Alan took Elizabeth to the waiting area outside the ICU and sat with her, duration of Jason's surgery.



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