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SoapQueen89

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  1. SoapQueen89
    Two more of Zander's body guards have been cast. These two young hopefuls are part of the Michael Bruno Group. They will be portraying two of the bodyguards, Trent and Jerry, respectively.


    "Trent"

    Will be portrayed by Dean Cochran, most known for competing on SOAPnet's "I Wanna Be A Soap Star."





    "Jerry"

    Will be portrayed by Jason Campbell


  2. SoapQueen89

    New Fic Coming Soon!

    By SoapQueen89,

    I have decided to return to SONBC and I am bringing with me a new fanfic. CUFFS is a Zander Smith centric fic that takes place 8 years after the accidently death of his true love, Emily Quartermaine. Zander's guilt made him flee the town of Port Charles to his home town in Florida. Over the past 8 years, he has cleaned up his act and became a police officer for the Miami Dade County Police Department. He was promoted to a Detective of the Narcotics Division only a few short years after being on the police force.

    Though the nightmare of losing Emily still haunts his dreams, he and his partner Det. Jack Keys are on a case that brings Zander home to Port Charles. Along with Zander and Jack comes a Narcotics Task Force which includes Detective Melissa Roberts (Rebecca Staab,) Detective Maria Rodriguez (Catherine Gardner,) Detective Erik Morrison (Eric Dane,) Detective Chris Baker (Nathon Fillion,) Detective Randy Williams (Mykel Shannon Jenkins,) and Detective Marc Cortez (Marco Sanchez.) There is someone special in Zander's life, although due to department policies, their relationship has hit a few snags. Special Agent Lorna Ortiz (Charisma Carpenter) will be brought in on the case, and with her now on board things between she and Zander are sure to heat up!

    Readers can look for most of the GH cast to make an appearance throughtout the story. Some old faces are expected to emerge as the story progresses, readers are asked to expect the unexpected with CUFFS. As with all my fics, this story will focus on the criminal element in PC, the mobsters are again mixed up in criminal activity that not only effects the residents of PC but they are also connected to Miami, FL.

    CUFFS begins on Thursday, November 1st. Casting news will follow shortly.


    As always, thanks for reading and I appreciate the comments and feedback.
  3. SoapQueen89

    Nikolas Cassadine

    By SoapQueen89,

    Portrayed by Tyler Christopher


    Nikolas Cassadine, heir to the Cassadine fortune, resides on Spoon Island at Wyndamere. He is the nephew of Alexis Davis-Lansing and is a brother to Lucky Spencer. He resides at Wyndamere with his wife, Gia and their son, Spencer.
  4. SoapQueen89

    Ric Lansing

    By SoapQueen89,

    Portrayed by Rick Hearst


    Ric Lansing grew up in the middle of a mob life with his father Trevor. He and his brother, Sonny Corinthos, though raised in two separate households, both were exposed to the life of crime. It wasn't until recently the two combined their territories and raised the stakes.

    Ric married to Alexis Davis, the Port Charles District Attorney, for the past 5 years. They raise two daughters together, Kristina and Emma. Kristina's biological father is from a previous relationship Alexis had with Sonny Corinthos.
  5. SoapQueen89
    BACKGROUND

    Ric Lansing and his half brother, Sonny Corinthos had been raised by two different fathers, yet grew up in the same business ... the dangerous business of the mob. Both families were in deep and the two brothers learned the business as youngsters. Without knowing each other, the two finally met and were reunited long after they were of age. When Ric turned 18, his father Trevor dealt him into the business as an enforcer. Ric soon learned the business aspect of the family as he grew older and he removed himself from the violence end of it. When Ric turned 30, his father transferred most of the business accounts over to him, leaving Trevor with only a few shares of stock, but enough control out vote Ric if need be. Sonny, on the other hand, was raised with an abusive father who did business in the most violent way. Bloodshed was a daily occurrence for Sonny and his family, he learned at an early age to be hard and to never back down from anyone.

    When Ric found out about his step brother, he moved his entire organization to Port Charles and joined Sonny. The two of them had built the largest organization and retained the entire East Coast. Those whose organizations were against them, fought hard for many years to take over Ric and Sonny's territory. Leaving destruction and death in their wake. Always in danger, the two had a difficult time keeping their families safe from the threats of rivaling families.

    Alexis Davis was an aspiring attorney in Port Charles, when Ric Lansing came to town. It wasn't long before she was smitten with the man, he literally swept her off her feet. They were married and soon had a their first child, Kristina, named after Alexis's sister. Alexis came from the distinguished family of Cassadines, a family rich in history in the town of Port Charles, she was a descendent of royalty ... Russian royalty. Her family was made up of murder, blackmail, and adultery, not a far stretch from the life that Ric had grown up with.

    The two of them happily married and living in a penthouse at Harborview Towers, while Sonny and his family lived just outside of town on a 5 acre estate called Greystone. The two brothers ran their businesses with a strong hand and without much resistance from law enforcement .... that is until Federal Prosecutor John Durant came to town a few years ago. Durant had a reputation for taking down the mobsters he was after and it became his mission in life to take out Ric and Sonny.

    Kristina had just turned 3 years old and Alexis found out she was pregnant again. Baby Emma was born amidst the dangerous life of mob, and she brought even more happiness to Ric and Alexis. Three months had passed and all was quiet, until news spread of Sonny's hardships with his family. Sonny became vulnerable and those who were wanting his territory came after it.

    Will the new threat to their territory mean the end of Ric and Sonny's business? Or will the help of an unexpected ally help them to keep it?


    CHARACTERS

    Ric Lansing - Brother of Sonny Corinthos, and major mob boss of Port Charles
    Alexis Davis Lansing - Wife of Ric Lansing and mother of their two children, also Port Charles DA
    Sonny Corinthos - Brother of Ric Lansing, and major mob boss of Port Charles, he & Ric are share territory
    Carly Corinthos - Wife of Sonny Corinthos, owner of the Metro-Court Hotel
    Jason Morgan - Sonny's right hand man and enforcer
    John Durant - Federal Prosecutor, father of Carly Corinthos
    Lorenzo Alcazar - Mob rival of Sonny and Ric, owns territory on the waterfront
    Faith Roscoe - Mob rival of Sonny and Ric, looking to gain their territory
    Detective Zander Smith - Detective for the Miami-Dade Police Department, friends of Alexis'
    Emily Smith - Zander's wife, best friends with Elizabeth Webber
  6. SoapQueen89
    *Disclaimer - Love scene ahead - and I tried my best to keep it as clean as possible.*

    The rain pounded hard against the glass windows, and lightning cracked as it hit somewhere across town. Ric Lansing found himself sitting in the plush chair in their master suite not being able to sleep. It was one of many nights these past few weeks he had not been able to sleep a whole night through, it was like clockwork. He removed himself from the queen sized bed so his wife, Alexis could sleep in peace. He looked over at the bed and she was so peaceful, he hoped she was dreaming good dreams about he and the kids, not about the dangers that surrounded them.

    The thunder rolled across the sky as he sat with a glass of bourbon in his hand contemplating the next move his brother Sonny would make against the newest enemy who wanted their territory. That too was like clockwork, there wasn't a moment of peace for their families, never would be he guessed. When one is in as deep as the two of them were, it would be impossible to leave the business. His head jerked towards the bed as he heard Alexis stir. He went to her when she called out his name, she feeling he wasn't beside her, she quickly worried where he had gone. He sat down on the bed and she reached for him.

    "Is there anything I can do?" she asked, her eyes still closed but awake.

    "Shhh ...I didn't mean to wake you, go back to sleep..." he replied as he set his glass down on the nightstand.

    She opened her eyes to see the worry on his face and propped herself up on her elbow, reaching for him with her hand. She caressed his face and he leaned into the touch. He saw the concern for him come across her face as he leaned down and kissed her lips.

    "I'll be okay ..... don't worry."

    "But I do worry about you Ric. I worry all the time."

    "I'm sorry. I guess sometimes I forget how this life effects you." he replied as he pulled her into an embrace.

    "I guess it would do no good asking you to leave the business so we can have a somewhat normal life?"

    "Alexis, you know that isn't ever going to happen. I can't leave the business, not now .... I've been in this business far too long to get out. There are people who will come after me even if I do leave. This is who I am, this is my family and what we are. I cannot change that, even though I wish many times I could." Ric explained as he got up from the bed and walked towards the window.

    "You know I shouldn't of said anything. I married you knowing full well what the life entailed, but I love you Ric .... and I worry about you." Alexis grabbed her silk robe and climbed out of bed. She went to him and wrapped her arms around his waist, looking out across the city over his shoulder.

    As the storm came down on Port Charles, it was another sleepless night for Ric and Alexis. He sat down on the plush chair, she eased down onto his lap, he holding on to her waist. They watched the lightning light up the midnight sky as the rain came down hard and pounded against the windows.

    "I love you so much, Alexis. I swear I won't let anything happen to you or the children."

    "I know .... I love you too." she replied as his head lay gently on the soft skin of her chest, he felt her heartbeat against his ear and it was the most soothing sound he had ever heard.

    She sat cradled in his arms for a while as they sat in the darkness of their master suite. It was the most secure she had felt in a long time. She knew he wouldn't let anything happen to her or the children, it was just sometimes she wished they could go away and leave everything behind. Ric had been involved with the violence of the mob for so long, he grew up in the business, and she knew that no matter how far they'd go to escape it, it would find them. There was no way out .... not anymore.

    Alexis got up off his lap and leaned down to kiss him goodnight. "Come to bed ...." she said as she reached for his hand. He noticed the look in her eye and conceded. He took her hand and he followed her back to the silk sheets of their queen sized bed. She climbed in and he after her. He laid next to her, his arms wrapped around her tight. It was the most comforting feeling she could ever know. Being in the arms of her husband she fell asleep quickly, while he laid awake still worried about the threat that was lurking in the darkness of the city. He guessed he would never feel completely safe but he would always make sure she did. He'd lay down his life for her and the children, and no one was going to take them from him.

    ---------------------------------------------------

    Alexis heard the cries of their youngest child, and climbed out of bed hoping not to wake Ric who was finally sleeping peacefully. She wrapped herself up in her silk robe and patted her way to the nursery. Screams from the baby could be heard throughout the penthouse as Alexis opened up the door to find the 3 month old child crying in her crib. She quickly picked up the child and held her close hoping to comfort the tears away.

    "Shh ... it's okay ... Mommy's here." Alexis said soothingly and it seemed to quiet down the baby.

    Alexis wiped the baby's tears from it's cheeks and kissed her softly. "We don't want to wake Daddy, do we?" Alexis changed the baby from her jammies to a day outfit and got her ready for the day. The sun barely above the horizon, Alexis cradled the baby in her arms and started down the stairs, but not before she heard little footsteps coming up behind her.

    "Wait for me, Mommy....." Kristina said as she came scurrying down the hallway in her pink fuzzy footed pajamas towards Alexis.

    "What are you doing out of bed so early? The sun is barely up, sweetie." Alexis said to the 4 year old.

    "Emma got me up, she cries so loud, Mommy." Alexis giggled at her child's remark.

    "Come on, let's get some breakfast."

    As Alexis reached the bottom of the stairs, Viola was there waiting for her and took Kristina by the hand. "You too, huh?" Alexis giggled as Viola yawned. "I can say this, Emma surely has a good set of lungs on her ...." Viola replied. Alexis laughed ... "I wonder where she gets those from..."

    Alexis holding Emma in her arms as she sat down at the kitchen table, and Viola lifted Kristina into her highchair. As Viola went to start making Kristina's pancakes, Alexis opened up her silk robe for Emma. The baby didn't waste a second to find nourishment as she quickly began suckling on Alexis's nipple.

    "I take it, Mr. Lansing is still sleeping?" Viola asked as she poured the pancake mix into the hot pan on the stove.

    "Yeah, he had a rough night again. Hopefully he can get some sleep this morning without interruption." Alexis said as she looked towards Kristina, implying it was her who needed to let Daddy sleep in.

    Kristina noticed her mother's look towards her and lifted her hands up and said ..."What?"

    "You know what ... you need to let Daddy sleep this morning, okay?"

    "'kay I promise." Kristina replied as she looked over her shoulder to see where her breakfast was.

    Viola flipped Kristina's pancake on a plate and walked it over to her. She sat it down in front of her and Kristina licked her lips. "Mmmm... pancake..." she replied as her eyes devoured the large pancake in front of her. Viola handed her a fork to use. Kristina was just getting the hang of using the large utensil as she bobbled around with it in her tiny hand.

    "Here, let me do that ..." Viola said as she cut up Kristina's pancake and fed her the first piece.

    Alexis removed Emma's mouth from the nipple and draped a cloth over her shoulder. She lifted the baby from her arm and rested her against the cloth. Alexis closed her robe and began to pat Emma's back as Viola brought her first cup of coffee to her. Alexis smiled a thank you to her and sat keeping a watchful eye on Kristina eating her breakfast.

    Alexis left Emma with Viola and Kristina as she went back upstairs to get dressed and to check in on her husband. She walked into the master suite and heard the water running in the bathroom, the bed empty. She closed the door and went to her closet to find something comfortable to wear. She was still on maternity leave from the DA's office, so there was no need for those power suits that hung next to her blue jeans .... at least for now. As she pulled out a pair of jeans and a sweater to match, Ric emerged from the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist and the water beads dripping from his chiseled body. He not noticing she was in the room, he was taken by surprised when she pulled the towel from his waist, leaving him wearing nothing but the stream of water that drizzled down the front of his chest.

    "Hey .... gimme that back .." he said as he tried pulling the towel from her, and drawing her to him. As he did, her body slamming against him, her arms quickly wrapped around his neck and she planted a morning kiss on his lips.

    As she held onto him, his hands went to untie the robe she was still wearing. It fell open, her soft skin lay upon his as the kiss became deeper and more passionate. Moans of pleasure escaped her as he backed up towards the bed, she falling gently on top of him as he laid down. As he moved his body up against the pillows, she followed with a hungry look in her eyes, and devoured him as she moved up along his body. An excitement came over him as he felt her body rub against him and he removed her silk robe revealing her shapely figure to him. His hands caressed her as they became one with each other. He reached up and kissed her mid-drif, leaving kisses against her soft supple skin. He scooped her up in his arms, she sitting atop of him, her legs wrapped around his waist, she felt them become one again. He felt her muscles contract against him, as he moved in and out. He took her hands in his and held her arms over her head as he thrust hard in a rhythmic motion. Whimpers of pleasure escaped her lips as her hands tightened around his, as they went over the edge, together, into ecstasy. Her tongue moistened her lips as she tried to catch her breath and she fell relaxed beside him.

    She draped her arm across his chest and their eyes met .... "Hungry for breakfast?" she said as his hand brushed back the hair from her face. "Not anymore .... you're all that I hunger for." he smiled. He leaned down and kissed her softly. They lay together for a few more minutes, till she realized what time it was.

    "I have to get ready .... " she said as she quickly got up from where she was laying and put her robe back on.

    "Why, where do you have to go today?" he asked as he watched her walk towards the bathroom.

    "No where really, but Kristina and Emma are downstairs with Viola eating breakfast. I need to make myself look presentable to the children. I can't go back down there looking like this, can I?" she replied as she pulled her robe closed and scurried into the bathroom.

    Ric climbed out of bed and got himself dressed. As Alexis showered, he left the bedroom and headed down stairs, dressed in his dark navy suit ready to do business. As he walked into the kitchen, Viola handed him a cup of coffee with one hand as she cradled Emma against her. Kristina was still sitting in her highchair and her face lit up as she saw her Daddy for the first time that morning.

    "Hi Daddy .." she said as Ric went to her and gave her a morning kiss.

    "Morning sweetie ...."

    "Where's Mommy?" she asked as Ric sat down at the kitchen table and unfolded the morning paper.

    "Mommy's in the shower, she'll be down in a minute."

    Ric's expression changed as he read the morning headlines on the front page of the newspaper.

    "Mob shootout leaves two dead" the headline read and Ric read further in disbelief. He hadn't heard about last night's altercation and was upset that he wasn't kept informed.

    He quickly got up from the table and rushed to his study, he needed to find out more about what happened last night and why the men who worked for him hadn't called to tell him about it. He picked up the phone and dialed.

    "We need a meeting this morning about last night ..... you better be here within the hour!"

    He slammed down the phone and fell back into the leather high back desk chair. As soon as he did, the phone rang and he answered it.

    "Lansing ..."

    "I hope you have a handle on last night's situation?!" Sonny replied.

    "I already have a meeting set up within the hour." Ric replied.

    "You didn't know about this?"

    "Of course I didn't know, I read it in this morning's newspaper."

    "I know I didn't order this, and if you didn't order it either, then we have another one to contend with, Ric ..."

    "Sonny, be here within the hour and we can discuss it further."

    "I'll be there." Sonny replied.

    Ric hung up the phone and went out into the living room and called for Marcus. The bodyguard opened up the door and acknowledged his presence.

    "I need you to gather the men .... I'm calling them all in right now!"

    "Yes, sir." Marcus replied and went to do what was ordered.

    "Dammit!" Ric yelled out of frustration as Alexis came down the stairs.

    "What happened?" she asked as he composed himself in front of her.

    "You and Viola need to take the children out for a little while, okay?"

    "Okay, but ..."

    "Don't ask questions ... just do it. Take Greg with you." Ric replied and pulled her to him into an embrace.

    "Is it something I should know about?"

    "No ....nothing I can't handle. It's going to be fine, I just need to have some private time for a meeting."

    "Something went down last night, didn't it?" she asked as worry overcame her.

    "Yeah something did happen last night, but Sonny and I are going to handle it." Ric replied and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Don't worry...."

    She walked away from him .... "Fat chance on that..." she said under breath as she headed towards the kitchen. He watched her walk away and quickly turned his attention back on to the situation at hand.

    ----------------------------------------------

    Viola handed Emma back to Alexis and then lifted Kristina out of the high chair. She quickly ran passed Alexis and into the living room where Ric was pacing back and forth contemplating on what their next move would be.

    "Morning Daddy .." Kristina said as she clung onto Ric's leg.

    "Morning again sweetheart ..." he replied with a smile and lifted her up into his arms.

    "Daddy .... what's wrong?" the toddler asked when she sensed something was not right with Ric.

    "Nothing for you to worry about, okay." he replied as Alexis and Viola emerged with Emma from the kitchen.

    He gave her a kiss on the cheek and smiled. "Come on sweetheart, let's go get you out of those jammies." Alexis said as Ric left Kristina down. Viola took Kristina by her hand and led her up the steps towards her bedroom as Alexis went to Ric once again.

    He leaned down and softly kissed the top of Emma's head, then kissed Alexis. "I love you ...." he said as she caressed his jaw with her free hand. "We love you too..." she replied then walked away from him and headed up the stairs.

    He watched her climb the stairs and said a promise to himself never to allow anything to happen to the ones he loved more than life itself. His family meant everything to him and he would protect them at all costs. Danger was knocking on the door now, and he would fight like hell to keep it from coming inside and taking what was his. Ric knew the war had escalated after the shootout last night and he hoped all the protection he could provide was enough to keep the ones he loved safe from the danger.
  7. SoapQueen89
    Alexis and Viola left with Greg following close behind after receiving the orders from Ric on keeping a watchful on his family. Greg, one of Ric's men who had been with him the longest, he felt comfortable in leaving his family in Greg's care. He knew Greg would lay down his life for Alexis and the children, just as he would for Ric.

    Alexis had been only gone a few minutes before Marcus announced to Ric that Sonny had arrived. Sonny stepped into the foyer of the penthouse and Ric greeted him. Sonny laid his overcoat across the back of the sofa with Ric leading the way into the living room.

    "So what can you tell me about last night?" Ric asked as he offered his brother a seat on the couch.

    "Other than there's a new threat in town .... apparently a Miami family is looking to gain our territory."

    "I gathered that much from what I read in the newspaper. Any idea who the family is?"

    "I'm expecting a report shortly." Sonny replied checking his cell phone.

    "Yeah so am I." Ric went to the door and asked Marcus to come inside.

    "You told the men I wanted to see them, right?" Ric asked of Marcus.

    "I did sir, they should all be here shortly." Marcus replied just as they heard some men in the hallway.

    "Show them in Marcus." Ric ordered and Sonny stood up from his seat.

    Marcus invited into the penthouse 6 of Ric's men, Thomas, Davis, Frank, Mario, Tony, Leo and Ian. The six men stood before their boss, who was not looking at all happy, and they knew a reprimand from him was coming for all of them.

    "It has come to my attention that there is a dangerous threat coming after mine and Sonny's territory and I called all of you here to make sure the orders I give are carried out. There is no room for mistakes .... mistakes right now could and will put my family in more danger."

    "Yes sir..." the six men answered in unison

    "I need a detail on the vehicles, as well as at the warehouse, Alexis's office and here at the penthouse. I want the tightest security until further notice. Got that?!"

    "Yes sir.." they replied.

    "Good .... now .... Thomas and Frank, I need you at the warehouse with Johnny taking care of the shipments. Davis and Mario, I need you with Alexis around the clock, I want the two of you to become her shadow, do not let her out of your sight. Tony and Leo will be on vehicle detail along with Derek. Ian and Greg will be with me and Marcus will keep the penthouse secure. I want up to date reports from all of you every hour."

    "Yes sir ..." the men acknowledged their orders

    "Davis and Mario stay here, the rest of you can leave." Ric ordered and the men left, leaving Davis and Mario with Ric and Sonny.

    Davis and Mario stood in front of Ric waiting for orders from him.

    "I asked the two of you to stay because Alexis and the children are a top priority. There is no room for mistakes or miscalculations. They are my family and the two of you need to know just how important of a job this is."

    "Yes sir, we understand." Davis replied as Marcus opened the door and Alexis with Viola and the children came back from their walk.

    "Good, you're back." Ric replied as he went and greeted his wife with a kiss.

    "You said we should give you a little private time with the men. I didn't want to stay away too much longer, Emma should be laid down soon for her nap." Alexis replied and she acknowledged Mario and Davis.

    "Daddy ..." Kristina said as she clung onto Ric's pant leg.

    "Hi sweetheart." Ric said as he picked her up and into his arms.

    "Mario and Davis are going to be with you, Alexis. I do hope you won't be giving them any grief."

    "Are they for me too, Daddy?"

    "Yes sweetheart, they are." Ric replied and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

    "You do know this is no way to raise the children, right?" Alexis upset took Kristina from Ric's arms after passing Emma to Viola. "Bodyguards on us all the time...."

    "Alexis, please ... can we not get into this now? You know Mario and Davis are here to keep you safe."

    "I'm in danger in my home, is what you're telling me?!" Alexis getting more upset at the thought of having two guards inside their home.

    "Look, Marcus will be outside the door ... Mario and Davis are for the times you need to go out. Let's not make this any more difficult."

    "Yeah, okay." Alexis stormed up the stairs with Kristina, and Viola following behind her.

    Ric counted to himself ... "1 .... 2 ... 3 ...." and then heard the bedroom door slam upstairs and he jerked at the sound.

    "Is she always like this?" Sonny asked.

    "Not usually."

    "I'll wait for you in your office." Sonny said as he nudged Ric to go after Alexis and talk to her.

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Alexis sat on the bed and frustrated with the situation began to cry. Kristina crawled up on the bed with her and gave her a hug. "Don't cry, Mommy." the child said as Alexis held her tight in her arms.

    "Listen, don't you worry about Mommy, okay? Maybe you want to show Viola what Daddy bought you yesterday?"

    Kristina looked at her confused. "You know the new game Daddy brought home for you?" Alexis replied and gave a wink to Viola.

    "Come on sweetie, show me the new game you got..." Viola said as she reached for Kristina's hand.

    Alexis wiped the tears from her eyes and smiled at Kristina as Viola led her out the door. She heard Ric coming up the steps as she took a tissue from the box on the nightstand and dabbed her eyes. Ric walked in and closed the door behind him. Alexis reached for the tissue box and threw it in his direction. He ducked as it whizzed by his head and hit the door. It fell to the floor at his feet and he picked it up.

    "I guess I should feel lucky this wasn't the lamp, huh?" he joked.

    "Now is not the time for jokes, Ric!"

    "Okay, I'm sorry. Can we at least talk about this?" he replied as he set the box of kleenex back on the nightstand.

    "You want to talk .... I don't know if I'm in the right mind to talk about this, Ric!" she pushed herself away from him and walked to the other side of the room as he reached for her.

    "Now don't be like this, Alexis."

    "Don't be like what? Upset? Worried? Oh, that's rich."

    "Look, I know this situation upsets you, it does me too. I don't like keeping guards on my family 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. But I have to, to keep you safe." Ric replied trying to make her understand.

    He tried to wrap his arms around her to comfort her but she wiggled away from him, wiping the tears from her eyes with the tissue she held in her hand.

    "This happens every time there's a threat in town, and I am about tired of it, Ric! I'm just sick and tired of all of it!"

    "What would you like me to do about it?! I'm doing all I can right now to protect you and the children!"

    "What I would like for you to do, is the impossible."

    "You mean get out of the business?"

    "Yes that's what I mean!"

    "You know as well as I do that won't happen. I can't leave, Alexis! The best I can do is do what I can to keep the family safe from the danger, and that means body guards on you and the children constantly."

    "Do you even know the threat this time?!"

    "No, which makes this all the more dangerous for you and the children."

    Alexis seemed to be calming down a bit and Ric went to embrace her. She accepted his arms around her and held on to him tightly. "I'm sorry sweetheart, what about you and children going to one of the safe houses for a while, at least till all this is done?"

    She pulled back from him and sniffled back the tears. "What about you?" she asked with concern.

    "I have to stay here and figure out who is after the territory. You, Viola and the children should go to the cabin, it's only an hour from here. I can send Mario and Davis with you and I'll be sure to see you every night." he offered to her an alternative.

    "Can't Sonny handle this without you? I want to know your safe from all this?"

    "I know you do, but Sonny and I need to handle this situation together. It's our territory that is threatened not just mine. Look, you can slip out of town this afternoon. The cabin is stocked with a few months worth of food, and I'll bring some things later tonight, okay?"

    Alexis thought about her husband's offer and decided it would be best for her and the children to get out of town and away from the danger that threatened them. She nodded her head in agreement and a crooked smile came across Ric's face. He breathed a sigh of relief that his family would be safe from harm ..... this time. He gave her a kiss and left her alone in the bedroom while he went to give instructions to Mario and Davis who were still waiting in the living room.

    Alexis went down the hallway to Kristina's room to find Viola and Kristina playing a game on the floor. "Viola, we're going to have to pack some things for the children. Could you go and pack a bag for Emma, please?"

    "Sure, Alexis ...." Viola replied as she got up off the floor and handed Emma to Alexis.

    "Where we goin' Mommy?" Kristina asked as Alexis went for her daughter's suit case that was in the closet.

    "We're going on a little trip." Alexis replied as she opened up the empty case on the bed.

    "Daddy coming with us, too?" the child asked as she watched her Mommy fill the case with clothes.

    "No sorry, sweetie. This trip is just for you, Emma, Viola and Mommy."

    "No Daddy? Not at all?" Kristina replied ready to cry.

    "Daddy will be coming to see us tonight, but we need to leave soon. Can you get some of your toys to take with us?"

    "Are we goin' for a long time, Mommy?"

    "No not too long .... I hope."

    "Where are we goin'?"

    "We're going to someplace safe."

    "Isn't here with Daddy a safe place?" Kristina asking her usually 20 questions.

    "Sweetheart can we just get ready to go, Mommy will explain later, okay?"

    ---------------------------------------------------------------

    Ric headed down stairs to give instructions to Mario and Davis who stood waiting for him in the living room. Sonny emerged from the office and met up with Ric before the guards were dismissed.

    "Alexis and the children with Viola are going to be staying at the cabin. I need the two of you to keep watch on them for the duration. I will join them when I can, hopefully later tonight."

    "Yes sir."

    "Now, I'll have Derek drive all of you there and the two of you do not leave the cabin till I get there."

    "Yes sir."

    "Who's idea was this?" Sonny asked as Mario and Davis left the penthouse with their orders.

    "Mine. Alexis and the children will be safer at the cabin then here at the penthouse. I'll be with her later, she'll be fine till I get there."

    Sonny agreed with Ric on the plans for his family. The two of them headed back to the office to discuss strategy against this unknown enemy that now threatened them, their families, and their territory.
  8. SoapQueen89
    The long black limo turned off the main road and onto a dirt drive lined on both sides with dense forest. Alexis, Viola, and the children sat in the back seat for the last hour awaiting their arrival at their final destination. Ric promised her he would be at the cabin later that night after he dealt with some business regarding the new threat that was in town. Derek pulled the limo up to the cabin that sat deep in the woods, away from every one and every thing back in Port Charles. Mario and Davis helped Alexis and Viola with their bags as they all walked up towards the log cabin. Kristina stopping at the bottom of the stairs to the porch and smelled the colorful flowers that outlined the covered front porch. Mario took the keys to the cabin out of his pocket and opened up the door for it's guests.

    Alexis with Emma in her arms walked into the rustic cabin as Viola walked in with Kristina, Mario and Davis set down their bags by the door and closed the door behind them. Alexis explored the kitchen while Kristina ran upstairs to see which room was going to be hers. Viola chased after her and Davis followed. Mario stood in the foyer as Alexis walked from room to room taking in every inch of her new home.

    "Everything should be ready for you, Mrs. Lansing." Mario said to Alexis as she passed by him.

    "Thank you, Mario. I think we'll be fine."

    "Davis and I will be here for the duration. If you need anything, just call us." he said as Davis came back down the stairs with Kristina in his arms.

    "We're going to have to keep a special eye on this one." Davis laughed and Kristina giggled.

    "Put me down!" Kristina wiggled away from him and jumped from his arms to the floor.

    "Thanks Davis." Alexis replied as the two guards stepped outside onto the front porch.

    "Viola!" Alexis called from the bottom of the stairs.

    "Yes, maam .."

    "I assume one of the bedrooms is set up for Emma?"

    "Yes, Mr. Lansing thought of everything."

    "I'm sure he did. Could you watch Kristina while I put Emma down for her nap?"

    Viola came down the stairs and took Kristina's hand. "Sure .... "

    "I shouldn't be long. If Daddy thought of everything, I'm sure he thought of the chocolate chip cookies you like so much." Alexis said to Kristina and she took off towards the kitchen.

    "You said those magic words again, Alexis." Viola giggled and went after Kristina.

    Alexis headed up the stairs to the nursery to put Emma down for her nap. As she turned the corner to go down the hallway, she noticed the master suite's door was ajar. She pushed it open with her foot and stepped inside. There were rose petals sprawled across the king sized canopy bed, a bottle of wine sitting on the dresser with two crystal glasses waiting for her and Ric. Her eyes widened as she noticed the gift box sitting on the chair in the corner, and she couldn't resist taking a peek at what he bought her. Emma wiggled in her arms and she decided to put the baby down before exploring the rest of what was waiting for her.

    She closed the door behind her and walked down to the end of the hall to the nursery. She opened the door and was taken back by what was waiting there for her. The room was decorated in a delicate pink with a rocker in the corner, and a mahogany crib just waiting to hold Emma. She placed the baby gently in the middle of the crib, hoping not to wake her, she covered her with the pink blanket that was draped over the railing. She snuck quietly out of the room and closed the door. She then scurried back to the master suite to see what else her sweet husband had waiting for her. Before she even reached the bedroom, Kristina came running down the hall towards her with chocolate fingers ready to grab her.

    "Mommy, are you coming down for some cookies?"

    "You going to show me the way?" Alexis asked and the toddler took her hand.

    Alexis followed her daughter but still keeping her eye on the master suite as long as she could before reaching the bottom of the stairs. "Hurry up, Mommy...."

    Alexis looked back up the stairs before turning towards the kitchen and following Kristina to the cookies. "I hope you saved some for me?" Alexis smiled as she sat down at the table with Viola and Kristina.

    The afternoon passed fairly quickly as Kristina was entertained by the cartoons on the television and Viola had brought along those romance novels she likes to read so much. Alexis of course, sat and worried about her husband and hoped everything was going okay back in town. She sipped the tea Viola had made for her as she sat and watched out the window just waiting for Ric to arrive.

    "He'll be here, Alexis ...." Viola spoke up as she saw Alexis watching for Ric.

    "I know, I'm just ...."

    "Worried ..." Viola finished Alexis's thought.

    "It shows, huh?"

    "Yeah it's quite obvious." Viola replied as she laid down the book she was reading.

    "You're right, he'll be here." Alexis replied as she looked once again at the clock that sat on the mantle of the fireplace.

    The darkness began to fall upon the log cabin and Alexis worries overcame her as she began to pace the hard wooden floors. Viola was in the kitchen making dinner as a black limo pulled up in front of the cabin. Alexis didn't hesitate as she went out onto the front porch thankful he was there with her now. Almost knocking him over as she took him into her arms and embraced him.

    "It's okay, I'm here now ...." Ric said as they stood on the front porch together, she not wanting to let go of him.

    "Everything quiet here?" he asked Davis as he walked with Alexis into the house.

    "Everything has been quiet here, sir." Davis replied and Ric nodded in acknowledgement.

    Alexis's fears disappeared as soon as Ric had arrived. The two of them sat together on the couch, till Kristina came flying down the stairs and into Ric's arms. The toddler climbed all over him and finally settled herself in his lap. "I missed you Daddy.." she said as he kissed her on her cheek. "I missed you too, sweetheart." Ric replied and than looked over at Alexis. He gave her a kiss on the cheek too. Kristina giggled as she felt Daddy's fingers tickling her tummy. Viola came around the corner of the staircase to let them know that dinner was ready.

    After the family ate dinner, Alexis excused herself to go feed Emma. She didn't feel comfortable feeding the baby during dinner, she always made it a private time between her and the baby. Viola cleared the table and kept a watchful eye on Kristina as Ric quietly followed Alexis up to the nursery. Alexis sat in the rocker with Emma in her arms and gave her access to the nourishment she hungered for. As Alexis fed their daughter, Ric stood in the shadows of the doorway and watched over them. It was the most precious thing he had ever seen. In those few minutes he stood and watched Emma suckling, all that was going on around them seemed non existent. He wished they could stay in that moment forever. He walked away from the moment and left Alexis feeding Emma in the quiet of the nursery. He walked quietly down the stairs just as the cell phone he had attached to his belt loop began to ring. He quickly went into the study and closed the door before answering it.

    "This better be something I want to hear." Ric said once he flipped open the phone.

    "Well, hello to you too, son ..."

    Ric groaned when he heard it was his father, Trevor. "Yes dad, hello to you too. What can I do for you?"

    "Isn't it okay still for a father to call his own son without asking what he wants?" Trevor replied a little disappointed.

    "Sure it is, but right now, I am a little busy for you, dad." Ric walked with purpose to his desk and began looking over some warehouse files that laid staring back at him.

    "I just wanted to let you know that I'll be arriving in Port Charles the day after tomorrow."

    If he wanted Ric's attention he certainly had it now. "What for?"

    "I hear through the grapevine that my help is needed."

    "Well, news travels fast, doesn't it? Who called you .. wait let me guess .... Alexis?"

    "No she didn't call me, should she have?"

    "No, Sonny and I can handle this, there is no need for you to come to our rescue."

    "Rescue nothing .... I'm coming and you have no say. Plans are already made, Ric."

    "Okay ... if you think you need to be here, I'm not going to argue with you."

    "Thank you. Finally doing something I ask of you, perhaps this is the start of a trend."

    "Let's not push it."

    "I'll call you when I get into town. I'll be staying at Metro Court."

    "I guess I'll talk to you in a few days."

    Ric flipped his cell phone closed and was ready to throw it across the room, but thought better of it. He rolled his eyes as he thought of his father getting involved in the situation, but he wasn't going to argue with the man. It was just as much his father's territory as it was Ric and Sonny's. But he hoped just this once, his father would stay out of it and let him handle it. He and his father had some serious trust issues to work on, but he couldn't worry about that right now, he had other things that weighed heavily on his thoughts. He poured himself a snifter of brandy and fell back into his leather desk chair, just wanting some time to himself to think about the next move he and Sonny needed to make.

    The time he had to himself didn't last long when his cell phone rang once more. He flipped it open hoping there was good news coming in from the other end.

    "Lansing..." Ric answered

    "Sir, we have problems."

    "Don't tell me that, Thomas!"

    "Sorry sir, but we need you back here at the warehouse, right away."

    "What's the problem now?!" Ric demanded to know.

    "John Durant."

    "Dammit! Do not tell him anything till I get there!"

    Ric flipped closed the phone with anger and stormed out the door of his office. Alexis came down the stairs just as he was about to head out the door and back to Port Charles.

    "Where are you going now?" she asked as she reached the bottom of the stairs.

    "I have to go back to town. There are problems at the warehouse." he gave her a kiss goodbye. "And don't wait up .... I'm not sure how long this will take."

    As Ric walked out the door, Alexis over heard him telling Mario to call Justus and meet him at the warehouse. She knew there was trouble once he called Justus ... legal troubles ... and she guessed it was John Durant trouble.

    ---------------------------------------

    "I want every inch of this warehouse searched!" Durant bellowed as he and the officers entered Ric's warehouse.

    He slapped a search warrant in Thomas's hand as he brushed passed him. "You can tell your boss, I have all the paper work in order."

    Thomas, Frank and Johnny stalled the officers as long as they could, but Durant didn't want to hear what they had to say. It wasn't long before Ric walked through the door of the warehouse with purpose.

    "What do you want now, Durant?!" Ric demanded as he approached.

    "Oh lookee here, the big boss man is here now. Should I be scared?" Durant remarked as Ric came upon him.

    "Yeah, perhaps you should be." Ric threatened.

    "Ooh is that a threat, Mr. Big Bossman?"

    "Take it anyway you want to Durant."

    "Oooh I'm quivering in my wingtips. Perhaps it should be you who should be scared, bossman."

    "Oh and why is that, Durant?" Ric blew off Durant's comment

    "I have a search warrant." Durant slapped the warrant against Ric's chest and smirked.

    "What the hell is this?"

    "That is a search warrant, a warrant to search the premises and anything and everything inside and outside of this said building." Durant now becoming more cocky.

    "Gimme that ..." Justus said as he came up behind Ric and reached for the warrant.

    "It's all legal like counselor." Durant said as he dispersed the officers to search the building.

    "Yeah I'm sure it is...." Ric replied with an eye roll.

    Justus read over the warrant as the officers ransacked the warehouse in search of evidence. "What exactly is he searching for, Justus?" Ric asked his lead counsel.

    "Apparently looking for evidence in regards to the shootout last night." Justus replied.

    "Well, he isn't going to find any."

    "Oh maybe not, but I'm sure I'll find something to arrest you for." Durant smirked. "If there's something here, I'll find it."

    "Don't worry, you won't."

    "We'll see Lansing, we'll see ....."
  9. SoapQueen89
    Durant finished the search of Ric's warehouse and found nothing. He and the officers left with just as much as they came in with, nothing but a piece of paper. Ric smiled as Durant passed him on the way out.

    "I told you wouldn't find anything, Durant."

    "One of these day's Lansing I will and then I'll put you and your brother away for a very long time." Durant once again having the last word, as he walked out the door of the warehouse with the PCPD officers.

    As soon as Durant was out of sight and gone, Justus laid into Ric.

    "I'm telling you, Ric ... Durant is going to find something to put you and Sonny both away for a long time. He will not give up till he finds it, and even if he doesn't find it, he'll make it up to find it."

    "Look, Justus, I appreciate the words of advice, but right now I don't have the time to worry about Durant. He's the least of my problems."

    "Problems as in last night's shootout?"

    "Sonny and I are on top of the situation." Ric replied just as his cell phone rang.

    "Lansing ..." he answered.

    "I think I have some information about the unknown threat.." Sonny informed Ric.

    "I'll be there in 15 minutes." Ric replied and flipped his phone closed.

    "Greg! Let's go ...." Ric and Justus walked out of the warehouse together and to Ric's limo that was waiting.

    "If I need you again, I'll call you." Ric said to Justus as he climbed in the backseat of his car.

    "Where to sir? Greg asked as he started to pull away from the warehouse.

    "I have to meet Sonny at Greystone."

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Greg pulled the black limo up in front of Sonny's compound and Ric emerged from the backseat of the car. Max was at the gate to greet him.

    "Sonny's expecting you." Max said as he opened up the gate and allowed Ric inside.

    "Thanks Max." Ric replied and he walked up to the front door of the dark and dreary manor.

    Once inside, Ric found Sonny in the living room at his desk.

    "You found out some information on the new threat in town?" Ric asked as he walked into the living room.

    Sonny got up from his chair and went to the wet bar to refill his glass. He offered Ric a drink before getting down to business.

    "I did, and I think we have a serious problem." Sonny said as he handed Ric a glass of bourbon.

    "So who are we up against? He can't be all that almighty powerful." Ric replied as he took a seat on the couch.

    "She ..."

    "She .. who?"

    "The "he" is a she and yes she is quite powerful and deadly." Sonny replied and then took a sip of his drink.

    "Well who is she and how can we put a stop to her?"

    "She is Faith Roscoe and she's a viper when it comes to business. We're going to have our hands full with this blondie."

    "You sound like you know her." Ric asked.

    "I know of her and she can be deadly. She has taken out entire families without getting her hands dirty. She normally hires out to do her killing, but it certainly seems she's taking care of this job herself."

    "How can you tell?" Ric asked

    "Because instead of two dead last night, they all would of been." Sonny smirked.

    Ric gave him a crooked smile and now really became worried about Alexis and his children.

    "What ever Faith wants, Faith gets and she doesn't care who has to die for her to get it. If she wants our territory, everyone who is close to us is in danger. She'll stop at nothing till she gets it."

    "Okay, so what's the game plan then? It's going to be impossible to tell who her next target is going to be, how can we possible protect everyone?"

    "You sent Alexis and the kids to the safe house, and I sent Carly and the boys to the island with Jason. He's coming back after they are settled in."

    "Well while you were checking into Faith, I did find out earlier that the men who were killed last night were part of Alcazar's crew of goons. So it looks like Faith is systematically taking us down one at a time." Ric replied.

    "Since she's playing right now with Alcazar, it may buy us some time to plan our move against her." Sonny took the last swallow of bourbon in his glass and set it down on the table in front of him.

    Ric did the same and stood up from his seat on the couch. "I have to get out of here, I have a long ride back to the cabin. I'm sure Alexis is pacing the floors with worry just about now."

    "If I hear anything else, I'll call you." Sonny said as he walked Ric to the front door.

    The two of them shared a brotherly embrace before Ric walked out the door, he heading back to the cabin and to his family.

    -------------------------------------------------------------

    Alexis just put Emma down for the night, Kristina in bed for a while now, and Viola is upstairs in her room reading. The cabin was quiet, the most it's been all day. She sat on the couch and cuddle up with the afghan and watched as Mario and Davis stood guard outside on the front porch. She felt safe and secure, but worried about Ric not being back yet from town. As she snuggled up on the couch, safe and secure within the cabin, danger lurked outside amidst the darkness and shadows of the woods surrounding the property.

    As the darkened figure was about to make an approach, Ric's limo pulled up at the front porch of the cabin. Greg emerged from the driver's seat and opened the back door for Ric. Ric walked behind the car, just as shots rang out from the darkness a short distance from the house.

    Davis and Mario both saw Ric fall down to the ground and reacted quickly by drawing their weapons on the unknown assailant. They fired a few rounds into the darkness but had no idea if they hit anything or not.

    Greg quick in reacting, rushed to Ric who was lying face down on the ground, while Mario rushed inside the house to make sure Alexis would not rush out to her husband. Davis went to Ric's aid as well, and found him still alive but barely. Davis turned Ric over and saw he had been shot in the chest. Davis quickly got Ric back into the limo and before Greg could take off, Alexis came rushing out of the house wanting to go with Ric to the hospital.

    "Ric!" she cried as Davis came upon her, hysterical.

    "Greg's taking him to the hospital ....." Davis said as he tried to keep Alexis from getting inside the car.

    "I'm going with him Davis! And you're not going to stop me!" she screamed at him and opened the back door of the limo. She climbed in with Ric and saw that he had been shot in the chest. She rushed to find something to stop the bleeding with and all she found were towels that were kept in underneath the seats.

    "Let's go Greg! He's been shot in the chest!" Alexis cried frantically.

    Davis slammed the door closed the Greg sped off down the dirt drive heading back to the main road, then towards town. Viola had heard the shots and came rushing down the stairs just in time to see the limo's taillights. She questioned what happened and Davis told her that Ric had been shot, Alexis had gone with him to the hospital. Mario and Davis helped Viola get the children ready to go into town to be with Alexis. But Viola stopped and thought better of it. The hospital is no place for the children, especially at a time like this. She decided they'd wait to hear from Alexis.

    Greg pulled up the limo outside the ER and quickly jumped out of the front seat and opened the back door. Ric barely conscious, Alexis had a bloody towel in her hands as she held pressure on the wound to help stop the bleeding, but to no avail. His wound was just to severe. Greg went into the ER and demanded a doctor to help with Ric who was still in the limo with Alexis.

    Alexis opened her door so the orderlies would have access to Ric. He was put on a gurney and rushed inside the hospital where a doctor was waiting to see him. Alexis and Greg rushed in behind him but were stopped before going too far. The front of Alexis's blouse was covered in Ric's blood and the nurse asked if she too was hurt. Through the tears, Alexis told her no that it was Ric's blood.

    Alexis sat in the waiting area for a few hours, as the doctors worked on Ric. Soon one of them emerged from the "No Admittance" area and walked over towards her. She got from her seat, and tried to compose herself enough to talk with him.

    "How is my husband?" she asked frantic to know his condition.

    "We're prepping him now for surgery. You're husband was shot in the right side of his chest. He is really lucky to be alive." the doctor replied knowing she wanted to hear some good news.

    "So .. how long will he be in surgery?" she sniffled back the tears.

    "It will be a few hours. That's all I can tell you right now, I'm sorry." the doctor turned and walked away.

    Alexis stood alone in tears and then she heard a voice from behind her, someone who was familiar to her and she was glad he was there. She rushed to him and threw her arms around him. After all she had done for him, it was his turn to be there for her.

    "Who called you?" she asked and then noticed he was not alone.

    "I got here as quickly as I heard. Emily and I took the first flight out of Miami." Zander said as Alexis gave Emily a hug too.

    "How's Ric?"

    "He's in surgery for the next few hours." Alexis replied and walked with them to the waiting area to sit down.

    Zander sat down next to Alexis and tried to comfort her as they waited for some news about Ric. Emily left Zander with Alexis and went in search for her parents. She hadn't seen them in a long time and had hoped she'd have the chance once her and Zander were back in Port Charles.

    "So how are you and Emily doing?" Alexis asked hoping to keep her mind off of Ric if she heard about Zander's life in Florida.

    "We're doing okay .... I made Detective a few months ago, so that helps with making the mortgage payments on the house. And some other good news but I think I should wait and have Emily tell you."

    "I am so happy for the two of you. You really seem to have a handle on everything."

    "Well, I can't say our life is all rosey but it's certainly better than what we had here in Port Charles." Zander replied remembering all the trouble he had when he lived here.

    As Zander and Alexis talked, Emily had found her parents and spent a little time with them before returning to the waiting area where she had left Alexis and Zander. As she came upon them Zander stood up to greet her with a kiss.

    "So have you told her yet?" Emily asked as she sat down with Zander on the couch.

    "No I was waiting for you, I thought we could tell her together." he replied as Alexis now started to see how anxious the two of them were to tell her something.

    "Tell me what? Please tell me it's good news. God knows I need to hear some."

    "Oh its good news ... very good news." Emily smiled, just about jumping out of her skin from excitement.

    "Emily's pregnant." Zander announced as any proud father to be should.

    As the words came out of his mouth, Emily's friend Elizabeth walked up from behind them and over heard the good news. "Emily's ... what?"

    "I'm pregnant!" Emily thrilled to see Elizabeth and she jumped up off the couch and went to hug her dearest friend.

    Zander and Alexis left the waiting area and took a walk together to talk some more. Elizabeth and Emily stayed back and caught up on old times. As Alexis and Zander walked the halls of the hospital, Alexis told him about the situation Ric was in and that she and the family had moved temporarily to the cabin safe house. She felt comfortable and safe in telling Zander, she had known him for quite a number of years and she knew he would not tell anyone else.

    "So where are the kids?" Zander asked as he and Alexis stood outside the doors of the hospital chapel.

    "Viola .... Viola is taking care of them." she replied and realized she hadn't called to check on them since she and Greg brought Ric in over 4 hours ago.

    "May I borrow your cell phone?" she asked Zander.

    "Sure ..."

    Alexis walked a short distance from him and made a call to Davis. She felt better once she talked with Kristina and Viola, she knew the children were in very capable hands until she could be with them again. After making the phone call, she and Zander went into the chapel and lit a candle for Ric. Although she not overly religious, she said a little prayer for her husband. The two of them left the chapel and headed back to the waiting area in the ER. Alexis had hoped by now that he was out of surgery and the doctors could tell her he would be okay.

    Zander and Alexis sat a little while longer together before a doctor came down to talk with her about Ric. He approached and sat down in the chair next to her. He introduced himself as Dr. Dixon and that he was the surgeon who performed the operation on Ric.

    "I have news on your husband's condition."
  10. SoapQueen89
    "Your husband is a very lucky man." the doctor began and Alexis let out a sigh of relief. "We stopped the internal bleeding and removed the bullet. We repaired the lung which had collapsed because of the damage done by the bullet. He's resting comfortably now, but I don't see him coming out of the anesthesia till sometime tomorrow."

    "Thank you. Can I at least go sit with him?"

    "Sure .. I'll have a nurse take you up to recovery. He'll be there till he comes out of it and we can get him into a private room."

    As Alexis and Zander were happy to hear that Ric had pulled through the surgery, there still were questions the police were going to have as to why Ric was shot. While Alexis went to be with her husband, Zander made a few phone calls.

    The duty nurse led the way to Ric's room, Alexis followed close behind. She stood in the doorway of her husband's room, and couldn't believe what she saw in front of her. The man who was her world was now fighting for his life and she couldn't do anything to help him. She approached the bed and looked at all the machines that were attached to him by tubes and wires. She sat down on the swivel stool and reached for his hand. She held it in hers hoping that he could feel her there with him, even though he was still under medication. She sat and talked to Ric for hours, telling him all about the kids and how much they needed him, and how much she needed him. She was startled by Sonny who stood in the doorway, not wanting to interrupt her time with Ric.

    When she saw him standing there, she got up from the chair and went out into the hallway with him. She had a few words to say to him, but she would leave it for another time, the hospital was no place for what she had to say to Sonny.

    "How's he doing?" Sonny asked as they stepped away from the door.

    "He's doing fine. They'll be moving him to a private room as soon as he wakes up."

    "Any questions yet from Durant about why Ric was shot?"

    "Not yet, but I'm expecting they'll show up here any time now."

    "Well I'm sure you'll know what to say ... or not to say when they come around asking questions."

    "Oh yeah I'm sure I will." Alexis replied with an eye roll and a smirk.

    "She doesn't need to worry about that." Zander said as he approached Sonny and Alexis.

    He had a hug and a kiss on the cheek for Alexis, but only a snide look for Sonny. The bad blood between the two of them was still evident as Sonny made himself scarce once Zander showed up.

    "I know Sonny is Ric's brother, but dammit, I can't help but dislike the man."

    "I know the feeling." Zander replied as he turned her towards him.

    "What did you mean I didn't have to worry about the questioning in the shooting?"

    "I took care of it, at least for now."

    "How?"

    "I had a chat with Mac. I'm a detective now, remember."

    Alexis smiled ..."Oh .. well thank you."

    "No need for thanks .... you and Ric have been through enough, you certainly don't need the cops hanging around asking questions ... at least not now."

    Zander may be a detective on the Miami Dade-County police force, but he is still Alexis friend. He's been involved in the business Ric's in and knows how the business operates. Zander left her go back to sit with her husband and he went to meet up with Emily for breakfast. He would check back on Alexis later, hopefully Ric would be awake when he returned. Zander had a few questions of his own for Ric.

    -------------------------------------------------

    Sonny was surprised to see Zander was back in town and it raised some questions as to why. Once he got back to Greystone, Sonny made a few phone calls. He wanted to know what Zander was doing back in Port Charles, there had to be another reason besides Alexis.

    He didn't have to wait too long for the answers about Zander being back in Port Charles. And he didn't like what he heard. Zander being a detective from Miami, didn't sit well with Sonny. Zander was fishing for some answers about a case he was working on and had hoped that those he was looking for were now in Port Charles and could be the reason for Ric getting shot. If there wasn't enough Sonny had to worry about, now he had to worry about Zander getting enough evidence against them to help Durant put both he and Ric in prison.

    Max knocked on the door to the living room and then left Jason in. He had gotten Carly and the boys settled in and was back to take care of business.

    "I think you better have a talk with your sister."

    "Emily's back in town?" Jason surprised to hear she was back.

    "Yeah her and her cop of a husband." Sonny replied.

    "And what does that have to do anything?"

    "Ric was shot last night, and if I'm not wrong, I think it was Faith who ordered it."

    "And .... still doesn't tell me what that has to do with Zander being a cop?" Jason replied still not understanding what Sonny was trying to say.

    "It does because he's here on business .... another case he's working on, I'm sure of it. If he finds out why Ric was shot last night, I would hate to think of what he'd do with that information. Durant is already sniffing around. And let's not forget Zander and Ric are not friends, he tolerated Ric because of Alexis. Alexis had become as close to a mother as Zander has got, and the two became very close when he lived in Port Charles. If he's fixed anything, he did it for Alexis." Sonny answered.

    "I did find out where Faith is staying while she's here ..... she's at Metro Court."

    "Yeah and I'm sure didn't do the hit last night, but I'm sure it was on her orders. I just don't understand why she would go after Ric when she still has Alcazar to contend with. Faith wouldn't of made a mistake like this."

    "So what do you want me to do?" Jason asked.

    "I need you to keep an eye on Faith. I need to know where she goes, who she talks to ... and info on anyone else who could be connected with her, anyone she may have helping her, perhaps she struck a deal with someone for part of the territory. When you find anything, call me." Sonny instructed.

    "I'm on it." Jason replied and left.

    As soon as Jason left, Sonny picked up the phone and dialed. If Faith was in town to take his territory, she must be in the market for territory elsewhere. Sonny sat down at his desk and pulled out a black book. He paged through the book till he found the phone number he was looking for .... "Felix Escobar ..... good place to start" .

    Sonny dialed the number and waited for someone to answer.

    "Felix Escobar, it's Sonny Corinthos." Sonny said as soon as someone picked up on the other end.

    "Yes, Corinthos, what can I do for you?" Escobar said when he picked up the extension

    "Faith Roscoe ...." was all Sonny replied

    "Oh that vixen, yeah she's been through here .... shot 5 of my good men. The orders have been executed by Sabata."

    "Sabata? And Faith's still alive? I didn't think he was one to miss his targets?" Sonny questioned. He had known Sabata for years, and when Sabata ordered hits, he never missed. He always got his man.

    "Yeah well that slippery little vixen has dodged the bullet once to often for my tastes, but with the contract still out there from Sabata, no one else has dared to go over his head. Sabata is no girl scout these days."

    "Has he ever been?" Sonny chuckled.

    "No but Faith hit him pretty hard, you know how she can be, Corinthos."

    "Yeah I do, and now she's here."

    "If you take her out, Corinthos, Sabata would be ever so grateful ..."

    "The information is appreciated, Felix."

    After talking with Escobar, Sonny started making plans for a meeting. Faith was making mistakes and she needed to be taken out before she could gain anymore strength. Sonny called a meeting of the 5 families, it was time to take care of Faith once and for all.

    -----------------------------------------------------------

    It had been hours since Ric's surgery, and Alexis had sat with him the entire night by his side. She sat with him holding his hand and talking to him, hoping he would hear that she hadn't left his side. She was hoping it wouldn't be too long before he woke up.

    "Ric .... please if you can hear me, wake up for me .... please. The doctors tell me it's not good that you are still sleeping. Come back to me, Ric ...." she tearfully said to him as she held up and kiss his hand.

    "Kristina and Emma miss their daddy, Ric .... I miss their daddy ..." she continued.

    As she sat talking to him, she felt a slight squeeze from his hand and a surprised look overcame her face. "Ric? You can hear me! Open your eyes for me, please ...."

    He tried with all his might as his eyes fluttered open, still very groggy but he was awake and that's all she cared about. He had come back to her and the girls. She quickly went out to the nurse's desk to tell someone he was awake.

    The duty nurse followed her into Ric's room and checked the machines and his vitals. Ric's eyes followed the nurse around the room, he still didn't seem to know where he was or what had happened to him. They had intubate him because he needed help breathing, so they had inserted a tube down his throat and into his airway, so he couldn't talk. As soon as he was give a thorough examination, the tube would be removed from his throat. The duty nurse asked Alexis to leave for a few minutes while the attending physician gave Ric a full examine.

    Alexis stood outside in the hallway and watched through the glass window while the doctor and nurses removed the tube and attended to her husband. She wiped the tears from her eyes as she waited for any news about Ric's condition.

    The doctor soon emerged from Ric's room and stopped to give her an update.

    "Ric is still groggy but he is fully aware of where he is and what's going on. He's going to have a rough time talking for a while, it's normally after having a breathing tube taken out, nothing we should be concerned with. We have to keep an eye on his condition, but he is a lot stronger then he was last night. Which is a good sign. And he's asking for you."

    "Thank you so much, doctor." Alexis replied, she was so relieved to hear such good news.

    Alexis rushed to her husband's side and a tearfully hello was evident.

    "The doctor says your going to be just fine. God I thought I lost you ..." she said and he lifted up his hand and brushed the side of her face.

    "You're never going to lose me, Alexis ..." he replied, his throat was hoarse and rough. "Where are our girls?" he added.

    "They're with Viola ... they're fine, but they miss you ..."

    "I miss them too .." he replied. He just couldn't stop staring at her, he was so happy she was there with him. He wouldn't know what he'd do without her.

    "I love you so much ..." she said as she smoothed back the hair around his temples.

    "I love you too .." he replied wanting so much to kiss her like he used to.

    "Greg? and Mario and Davis?" he asked

    "We're fine sir ...." Greg said as he stood in the doorway of Ric's room. "I'm sorry for barging in ..." he apologized.

    "Don't worry about it ..." Alexis said as Greg stepped into the room and stood at the foot of the bed.

    "The guys and I were concerned and thought we should come by and see how he was doing." Greg replied as some of the men moved towards the doorway of Ric's room.

    "He's doing much better than last night."

    "Sure seems like it." Greg replied with a smile. "You don't have to worry about anything, sir .... just get better." he added before turning to leave.

    "Greg ...." Ric called out to him.

    "Yes sir ..." Greg stopped and turned back towards Ric.

    Ric looked at Alexis and she knew it was her cue to go get some coffee. She offered her seat to Greg as she got up and walked towards the door. "I'll be back in a few minutes." she said before leaving Ric with Greg.

    Greg sat down next to Ric's bed waiting hear what his boss had to say.

    "Faith Roscoe .... find her and take her out, Greg...take whomever with you, I trust your judgement."

    "Yes sir..." Greg replied not questioning Ric's order to kill Faith.

    "It's business as usual ...."

    "Yes sir ... is that all, sir?"

    "I want Frankie outside this room at all times, got it?" Ric instructed.

    "Yes sir. I pray for a quick recovery for you, sir."

    "Thank you, Greg."

    Greg got up from the stool and walked towards the door. The other men stood just beyond the doorway and waited to hear any instructions Ric may have given for them. Thomas stepped up and was the first to ask.

    "So....?"

    "Frankie .... he wants you on guard at this door at all times." Greg replied as Frank stepped forward. "And he's says it's business as usual."

    Ric's men dispersed and left Frankie standing guard at Ric's door. "We have business to take care of ..." could be heard from Greg as they all walked away from the room.
  11. SoapQueen89
    Alexis came back from stretching her legs and noticed Frankie standing guard at the door to Ric's hospital room. She made a remark about it being business as usual and Frankie nodded to her to say hello. Ric was sleeping when she came into the room, so she quietly sat down on the chair in the corner of the room and watched over him. Alexis hadn't slept either and before long she felt herself falling into a peaceful slumber in the chair. A duty nurse came in and woke her when they had Ric's private room ready for him. They would be moving him up to the 7th floor for the duration of his stay.

    Alexis followed the orderlies as they moved Ric to his private room, Frankie following along behind. The nurses re-set the machines Ric was attached to and left him and Alexis alone. Frankie closed the door of Ric's room and stood guard just outside as he had been instructed. Ric and Alexis finally were able to spend some alone time together and enjoy the second chance they had, thankful he was alive.

    "I don't know what I would of done without you ...." Alexis said as she held onto his hand tightly.

    "You don't have to find out cause I'm going to be okay .." Ric replied and looked longingly at her.

    "This time ... what about next time?" she questioned him, being concerned about someone coming after him to finish the job.

    Ric didn't have an answer for her, he knew she was right, there was always going to be a next time and he was a sitting duck just lying in a hospital bed. He couldn't show that he was now vulnerable, it would be asking for someone to come back and maybe not missing the next time.

    "I don't want you to worry about the next time. Can't we just focus on the here and now?" he answered seeing the concern in her eyes.

    "I am worried about the next time, but this is not the time to talk about this, you need to get your rest and get well so you can come to us." she told him and then leaned in to kiss him.

    "Why don't you go home and see the kids, I'm sure they're missing you too." Ric suggested.

    She didn't want to leave him, but she agreed the kids probably were worried about her being away so long. "Okay, but I'll be back later." she replied accepting his suggestion.

    She gave him a long kiss goodbye and headed for the door to leave. "Alexis ....."

    She turned around and their eyes met. "I love you ..." he said, his eyes fixated on only her. "I love you too.." she replied then turned towards the door and left. On her way out she stopped for a brief moment and stood in front of Frankie. "You take care of him, Frankie ..... he's all I got and our girls need their daddy." Frankie looked down at her and reassured her. "I won't let anything happen to him, Mrs. Lansing." Alexis satisfied with Frankie's assurance, she continued down the hallway to the elevators.

    "Frankie ..." Ric callled.

    "Yes, sir .."

    "Make sure someone is waiting for her when she steps off the elevator in the lobby."

    Frankie got on his mobile unit and called down to Greg who was parked in the parking lot of the hospital. "Mrs. Lansing is coming down the elevator and into the lobby. Meet her there to take her home." A brief moment passed before Greg answered. "Taken care of." Frankie gave Ric a nod to let him know Alexis would be meeting Greg in the lobby.

    Alexis pushed the button to go down and the doors of the elevator opened up. She stepped inside, there was a brut of a man already in the car, and she very well aware of his presence as she joined him. She pushed the button to go down to the lobby and leaned back against the side wall of the car. She wore a necklace around her neck and began to clutched with her hand. Ric had given it to her a number of months ago, inside the pendant was a transmitter that would alert Greg if she felt she was in danger. As the elevator descended to the lobby, she eyed the man next to her. Feeling uneasy about him, she tried to distance herself as much as she could. A sigh of relief escaped her lips when the car came to a stop on the lobby floor and the doors opened up. She quickly exited the car and literally bumped into Greg who was waiting for her. The brut of a man existed behind her and turned the other direction. Greg noticed the man and was made aware of Alexis's uneasiness as they both watched the man standing across the lobby watching them.

    "Come on, the limo is right outside the doors." Greg said as he hurried Alexis to the car.

    "Do you know that man, Greg?" Alexis asked as she felt that Greg had seen the man before and knew he was trouble for them.

    "Let's just get you back to the cabin..."

    Alexis didn't need to hear any more from Greg. His reply to her question was proof enough for her that he did know the man and he smelled trouble. Alexis climbed into the backseat of the limo and Greg got in the driver's seat. As Greg drove the limo away from the ER entrance, the large man appeared and watched the car drive away. Greg picked up his mobile unit and informed Frankie there could be trouble for him. Greg then radioed Marcus and a few more men to come to the hospital to make sure Ric was protected. With Ric being immobilized in a hospital bed, it was their job to protect him.

    Greg drove Alexis back to the cabin, where Davis was on watch over Viola and the children. Greg walked Alexis into the cabin, Viola greeting her at the door. Kristina and Emma were down for an afternoon nap, so it was a good time for Alexis and Viola to discuss Ric's condition and her worries about all that had happened. Viola makes them some tea and they sit together at the kitchen table talking for awhile about Ric and her concerns for her husband. Alexis was glad she had Viola to talk to, it was nice to hold a conversation with another woman. Things she didn't dare talk to Ric about, she could open up with Viola. She thankful to have someone like Viola in her life, there were times she just needed another woman to confide in. Viola not much younger in age than Alexis, they shared some of the same experiences, had quite a few other things in common, though Viola was there more for the children, she had quickly become Alexis's confidant.

    "I am so worried about him, Viola ..." a concerned Alexis said as she sipped her tea.

    "He's not any worse is he?"

    "No, no .. he's going to be okay ... this time." Alexis replied hinting that there would be a next time.

    "You think who ever did this is going to come back and finish the job..."

    "That's exactly what I'm thinking. And he's like a sitting duck there in the hospital bed."

    "His men are there, aren't they?"

    "Yeah Frankie's with him, it's just ...." Alexis remembers the man she met in the elevator and became overly scared for her husband.

    "Alexis .... what's wrong?" Viola noticing that something Alexis remembered rattled her so.

    "Nothing, he's fine .... he's got Frankie and if there was any trouble we'd hear from him." Alexis replied as she tried to dismiss the notion the man she saw was going to finish the job he started.

    "Ric's going to get well, and come home to you and the children ... he will." Viola said trying to comfort Alexis with reassurance.

    "Yeah I know, I'm just being overly afraid for him, I guess."

    "You have every right to feel that way, Alexis. Ric is your husband and he was shot last night. Nothing wrong with feeling this way."

    "He wouldn't of been shot last night if he would just leave this life he so wants to live." Alexis blurted out not wanting to lay her problems with Ric onto someone else.

    "Have you talked to him about that .. leaving the life, I mean?" Viola asked her in a soothing voice.

    "Yeah I have and as every time before, it ended in an argument. He's not leaving this life, Viola. I don't know why I waste my breath."

    "Because you love him and you are afraid for him, Alexis."

    "He just doesn't understand how this all effects me and the children, it's like it's this life or nothing. He tells me he's in too deep, even if he left the business we'd still be in danger from his enemies. Either way, leave or stay, he's always going to have a target on his chest. This time someone didn't miss their mark, thank God he's alive but what about next time. And we all know there's going to be a next time. He might not be so lucky. I almost lost him last night, and it didn't even phase him that he almost died and left his children without a daddy!" Alexis unloaded her feelings on Viola, who sat and listened to her fears. "I'm sorry ... I shouldn't be dumping all this on you." Alexis apologized.

    "No no, please unload if you have to. It's not healthy to keep this all bottled up inside. I'm here for you, Alexis. Please know that." Viola replied letting Alexis know she could always come and talk to her.

    "Thanks, but right now I think I want to go and see the children." Alexis replied and stood up from her chair, taking the last sip of tea in her cup.

    Viola watched Alexis go till she disappeared up the stairs. She cleaned off the table and washed the dishes that were left in the sink from when she fed the children lunch a few hours prior.

    Alexis walked up the stairs to see Kristina and Emma before she went back to the hospital to be with Ric. She first checked on Kristina who was sleeping peacefully in her single bed. She walked over to her and kissed her on her cheek. She tucked the child in and whispered to her how much she loved her. As she left the room, she closed the door quietly and than walked down the hall to the nursery. Emma sleeping as well, she quietly peeked in on her. Alexis snuck out of the nursery and headed to the master suite so she could freshen up before going back to town.

    The feeling that Ric was in danger was still with her, she couldn't shake the notion. As soon as she freshened up, she hurried down the stairs and asked to be taken back to the hospital to be with Ric. Greg drove the car around and she climbed into the backseat. Before Greg pulled away, he radioed Frankie and told him Alexis was coming back to the hospital and someone should meet her in the lobby. When Greg arrived at the hospital, Ian was waiting for them just outside the hospital entrance. Alexis thanked Greg for the ride and climbed out of the back seat. Ian escorted her to the elevators and rode with her up to the 7th floor. He walked with her to Ric's room as he had been instructed to do. Ian passed Alexis to Frankie and she gave him a nod of thanks.

    "All's quiet here, Frankie?" she asked as she peeked in at Ric.

    "Yes Maam, all afternoon." Frankie replied. "He's been asking for you, ever since you left."

    Alexis smiled and walked into her husband's room. He was awake and smiled when he saw her come in.

    "So I hear you missed me ..." she smiled.

    "Of course I did, I always miss you when we're apart." he replied as he reached for her and she came and sat down beside him.

    "The kids are fine, and Viola and I had a nice long talk ... but I couldn't wait to get back to be here with you." she replied not mentioning the brut of a man she ran into as she left the hospital earlier.

    "I need you to be careful, okay..."

    "I have Greg, Ian and Davis ... I'm as safe as I can be."

    "I know but ...." he replied worried about her safety, especially now that he's considered very vulnerable.

    "You're suppose to be resting now worrying about me."

    "You can't tell me you're not afraid for me, yourself or the children?"

    "Of course I am, it comes with being a wife and a mother."

    "Don't give me that, Alexis ... I can feel your afraid when I hold your hand and I see it in your eyes ... this is more than just being a mother or a wife. Talk to me .." Ric replied as he saw how much she was afraid when he looked into her eyes and he could feel her hands shaking when he held it in his.

    Alexis sat quiet, unsure about telling him about the man who scared her earlier. "Alexis, I can't protect you if you don't tell me who or what has you so afraid."

    "When I left earlier, there was this man in the elevator with me and when I met with Greg in the lobby, the man watched us as we left the hospital. He just freaked me out a little, that's all." she dismissed the notions again about the man she saw.

    "Frankie ....." Ric called.

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

    Ric looked at Alexis ..."You tell Frankie what this man looked like .."

    "He was a big man, about 6'2, dark hair, wearing a dark gray suit ... I didn't recognize him but Greg seemed to know him." she replied describing the man she saw.

    "I want you to find out who this man is and why he is following my wife ...." Ric ordered.

    "Yes sir." Frankie replied and went back out into the hallway. He called a few of the other men to find the man who scared Alexis earlier that day.

    Alexis felt a little better knowing that she wouldn't have to worry about the man following her anymore. But it didn't take away the fear she still felt for her husband and the children. She guessed that fear would never go away, she was the wife of a mobster, the fear came with the job.
  12. SoapQueen89
    It was getting late and Alexis said goodnight to Ric, the children were waiting for her at the cabin with Viola. She hadn't spent any time with them on her brief return to home earlier that day. She gave Ric a soft kiss goodbye and walked towards the door. She looked over her shoulder to see him smile, one last reassurance for her that everything was going to be all right. Greg waited for her outside Ric's room, ready to take her where ever she wanted to go. The two of them said goodnight to Frankie, who stood guard outside Ric's room, and then they headed for the elevators.

    The night was sure to be lonely for Ric as he had not spent one night without Alexis since they had married. He closed his eyes and tried to get the well needed sleep his body was asking for. As he slept, the elevator doors opened and a well dressed man stepped out. He seemed to not know where he was to go next but he followed the hallway to find Ric's room.

    Frankie noticed the stranger looked lost and approached him. "Can I help you, sir?" The gentleman was startled by the young man. "Yes, I guess I'm a little lost. I'm looking for Ric Lansing's room?"

    Frankie skeptical of the stranger and would need to know more about him before getting close to Ric or his room. "May I ask who you are, sir and why you've come looking for Mr. Lansing?"

    "I understand, you must be one of Ric's bodyguards? I'm sorry I should of introduced myself, I'm Ric's father, Trevor Lansing." the older gentleman extended his hand to Frankie.

    "Hello sir, Mr. Lansing didn't mention you would be visiting this evening."

    "I don't think he knew I was coming early, I was to arrive tomorrow. I heard about the shooting and I came a day early. I guess I should of called him."

    Frankie looked through the glass window in the door to see Ric sleeping peacefully and made a decision not to disturb him. "I'm sorry sir, but your son is sleeping, maybe you want to come back tomorrow?"

    "I'd really just like to tell him I'm here, do you think I could sit with him for a while?"

    Frankie hesitant but he opened the door for Trevor and left him inside. Trevor walked into Ric's room, the room dark but a dim light was lit above Ric's head. Trevor sat down on the chair next the bed and reached for his son's hand. Ric felt the touch of a masculine hand and his eyes slowly opened to see his father sitting next to him.

    "What are you doing here?" Ric asked still not fully awake and coherent.

    "I heard you were shot and I jumped on the next plane out of Miami."

    "You didn't have to do that .... I wasn't expecting you for another day or so." Ric replied as he propped himself up against the pillows that supported his back.

    "I know but you're my son, I wasn't going to not be here with you. How are you feeling?" Trevor replied concerned for his son.

    "I'll be fine ...." Ric winced in pain as he adjusted his position.

    "And the family?..."

    "They're safe .... I have guards on them 24 hours a day."

    "I'm sure you do. Faith is not one to take lightly."

    "You know Faith is here?"

    "Yeah I figured she'd make her way up here after she left her mark on Miami. She's out for blood, Ric."

    "Yeah I take notice." Ric chuckled under his breath.

    "Why don't you let me handle Faith? You're in no shape to run things." Trevor replied worried about his son.

    "Thanks but no thanks. I've got things under control."

    "Yeah I see that." Trevor raised an eyebrow.

    "I'm not 10 anymore, dad .. you don't have to protect me. I can take care of myself, my family and my business. Even if it's from a hospital bed." Ric replied hoping to convince his father he didn't need his help against Faith.

    "Look, I know you can, I'm just concerned that Faith will come back and do the job right the next time, Ric. She knows you're vulnerable now, she's got you where she wants you."

    Ric knew his father was right. Faith wasn't going to stop till she got what she came for. Trevor saw Ric's hesitation to give up control on his territory and pressed him even more.

    "Think of it this way, I still own partial shares in this territory, I'm protecting my investment. You can still run the organization from this bed, I'll just be out there where Faith can see me and she can think that you are unable to run this business, but really, you've just added re-enforcements."

    "I can't let you do that. I can't just let you put yourself out there in the open for Faith."

    "You're not letting me do anything .... I'm volunteering. Your objection is dually noted." Trevor replied hoping that Ric would agree to his plan.

    Ric's meeting with his father was interrupted by one of his men who had rushed to inform him of some not so good news. Frankie opened the door and Johnny stepped into the room.

    "I'm sorry for interrupting sir, but we have problems." Johnny said not wanting to upset his boss.

    "What's the problem, Johnny? Don't tell me there's trouble with the shipment that came in tonight?"

    "Yes sir ... it's missing."

    Not wanting Ric to get more upset then he already was, Trevor stepped in.

    "What do you mean it's missing?" he asked. Johnny hesitating to speak freely.

    "It's okay, Johnny. He's my father ... you can tell him."

    "We unloaded the crates, took inventory of what had been delivered, and somehow now the entire shipment has been removed from the warehouse."

    Trevor raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like Faith has struck again."

    "No I don't think so, sir. I recognized a few of the men as they took off with it."

    "Who were they, Johnny ...."

    "They were part of Alcazar's crew, sir."

    "Could Faith be working with Lorenzo?" Trevor asked, knowing of Lorenzo Alcazar, he had dealings with him in the past.

    "If she is, he's dumber than I thought." Ric replied not amused by the latest developments.

    "What do you want us to do now, sir?"

    "Go see Lorenzo ... I want my damn shipment back! Take Mario and Ian with you."

    "Yes sir." Johnny replied and went to do as instructed.

    "If Faith has struck a deal with Lorenzo, you can bet she has organized a fatal assault against your territory, Ric."

    "Yeah, yeah ..." Ric waved off his father's concern.

    "Faith is no one to mess with Ric ... she will eat you alive if you are not careful. I know I've been up against her before and she takes no prisoners."

    The more Ric thought about his father's plan, the more it became the only way to hold on to his territory. He needed his father's help, though he didn't want to admit it and was hesitant to agree to such a foolish plan, but it was his only option at this point.

    "Okay .... "

    "Okay....what?" Trevor questioned.

    "If this plan of yours doesn't work, and you get hurt or worse ... I will never forgive myself." Ric replied and agreed to Trevor's plan.

    "Oh it's going to work, don't you worry about that. Faith can't resist a vulnerable territory, but little will she know, and I'll be there waiting for her." Trevor replied and walked towards the door to leave.

    "Dad ....."

    "Yeah ...."

    "Thanks. If this works, I owe you one."

    "Ric ... you won't owe me anything. I'm protecting my son, that's my job." Trevor turned and left Ric alone to get the rest he needed to get well.
  13. SoapQueen89
    In a warehouse across town ...

    "If this plan of yours doesn't work, I'm a dead man." Lorenzo scowled towards her.

    "Don't worry, it's all planned out. What could possibly go wrong?" Faith seethed as her and Lorenzo looked out across the new shipment they swiped from Ric's warehouse.

    "For one, you're playing with fire. Sonny and Ric are not going to take it lightly that their shipment was stolen from underneath their noses."

    "I know ...."

    "Are you insane?" Lorenzo barked at Faith in return. "Starting a war with Corinthos or Lansing is not in your best interests."

    "It is when I want what they have." she purred as she rubbed her well built body up against him.

    "Yeah and get me killed in the process! I thought we had a deal?" Lorenzo now concerned about his own life and what was rightfully his.

    "Shhh .. we do have a deal, Lorenzo. Once I get my hands on what I want, I'll cut you in .... cross my heart." she replied as she made an x over her heart with her index finger.

    Lorenzo certainly leery about the deal he made with the devil herself, but this was about survival and if he didn't make the deal, he would for sure be dead already. The silence was broken by the shrill of his cell phone ringing and he reached into his pocket to answer it. He flipped open the phone and said hello.

    "Tell me you have good news, Gino ..." he said to the voice on the other end.

    "Sorry to say boss, I don't." Gino replied waiting for the tongue lashing he was about to receive from his boss.

    "How bad is it?"

    "The others got word that Lansing's shipment came up missing, and they've put a hold on all shipments in and out of Port Charles until the threat is eliminated."

    "Wonderful, so now no one is receiving anything? Do they realize how this pushes my schedule back? Dammit!" Lorenzo barked and flipped closed his cell phone.

    "Ya know you are becoming more trouble than you're worth!" he barked at Faith.

    "Now, now, it can't be that bad." she purred.

    "Oh yes, it can be that bad! Because of your stunt by taking this shipment, everyone's shipments are put on hold till further notice. I'm going to lose a lot of money because of this!"

    "You worry too much, you know that?"

    "Oh do I now? Hmm.... let me see .... because of you and your plan, I've lost a few million dollars in the last 5 minutes, and I'm probably going to lose a hell of a lot more till this deal is done. Not too mention losing my life, if Sonny or Ric have anything to say about it. And I'm not suppose to worry?"

    "Sonny nor Ric know you are part of this plan, and besides, you'll make more than you know once the deal is complete."

    "That is if we don't end up at the bottom of the harbor, first."

    Lorenzo turned to leave her, and she latched onto his arm. He looked down at her and pulled back his arm, yanking it from her. "I'm going back to my office, when you have news about what is to come next, you give me forewarning. Till then, we don't know each other." He walked off leaving her alone with the stolen shipment.



    Outside the warehouse ...

    Three of Ric's guards pulled up in a black Lincoln, hoping to have a chat with Lorenzo about Ric's missing shipment. There were 2 men standing guard at the door to the warehouse. They approached the Lincoln as Ric's guards climbed out, their hands firmly positioned on their weapons, ready to draw if need be.

    "The three of you can go back the way you came." one of the brut men snarled.

    "I don't think so. We'd like to have a conversation with your boss." Johnny said as he stood by the driver's side door, it still standing open.

    "And I said you can turn back around and leave." the guard threatened as he stepped closer to the car.

    Mario and Ian came around to the driver's side of the car to assist Johnny as the two guards threatened bodily harm to one of their own. A fight ensued, and Ric's guards soon overpowered the two guards who were to stand watch for Lorenzo.

    "No, I told you we wanted to see your boss!" Johnny shouted angrily at the one guard as he stood over his lifeless body.

    Mario, Johnny and Ian walked with a purpose towards the warehouse door. The dim light above the door showed them the way and the three of them entered the warehouse without so much as a knock. The three stood in the warehouse gawking at the missing shipment and had their answer. Their boss wanted to know if Lorenzo had his shipment, and there in plain site, it was. All of it. The three of them were made aware that someone had just left the warehouse by the sound of the car tires screeching down the back alley. The took chase after the mystery man in the hopes of catching who they believed was Lorenzo Alcazar.



    Meanwhile back at the hospital ...

    As Ric rested quietly, Frankie kept his watchful eye on him. Down the hall, the elevator doors opened and Durant stepped out of the car. He walked down towards Ric's room, anticipating to ask some questions about the shooting, but he was stopped before he even had the chance to ask any.

    "Mr. Durant?" Zander asked as he stepped out of the shadows and cut off Durant's path to Ric's room.

    "Yes, and who might you be?" Durant asked as he looked over the young man who stopped him.

    "Oh, I'm sorry ... Detective Smith" Zander replied as he pulled out his badge from the inside jacket pocket.

    "Hmm .. okay? What can I do for you?"

    "I think you and I need to have a chat."

    "And why would we need to do that?"

    "Because I think I have some information you'd be very interested in." Zander replied and he noticed he piqued Durant's interest just a bit.

    "I'm on my way to interrogate someone, call my office tomorrow and set up an appointment." Durant turned and started to walk away from him.

    "I don't think you would want to wait on this information, Durant. It's about Sonny Corinthos."

    Hearing the name Sonny Corinthos stopped Durant in his tracks. He turned around and walked back towards Zander. "I'm listening ..."

    "I'm sure you are and I'm sure you will find what I have could very well put Sonny Corinthos behind bars for a very long time."
  14. SoapQueen89

    Sonny Corinthos

    By SoapQueen89,

    Portrayed by Maurice Benard


    Sonny Corinthos and his brother, Ric Lansing control the northern territory and no one exports or imports without their knowledge. They themselves import and export out of the Port Charles Harbor on a daily basis. Shipments of illegal content are run through the town of Port Charles, underneath the noses of the Port Charles Police Department.

    Sonny, married to Carly, father of 2 boys, Michael and Morgan and resides on a 30 acre estate at the edge of the city limits. Sonny is also the biological father of Alexis Davis-Lansing's daughter Kristina.


  15. SoapQueen89
    SONBC ANNOUNCES PREMISE FOR "PORT CHARLES: AFTER MIDNIGHT"NETWORKS FIRST PRIMETIME DRAMA BEGAN PRODUCTION JUNE 22
    PREMIERES IN LATE JULY

    Series Reveals What Happens With “Port Charles'” Favorite Characters




    Manhattan, NY – (July 7, 2007) – Jennifer Snyder, Head Writer of "WICKED" and Consulting Producer/Associate HW of Port Charles: End Game, announced a 'first ever' will be brought to SONBC. In collaboration with Ryan Chandler, Executive Producer and Co-Head Writer of "Port Charles," the two talents will write and produce Port Charles: After Midnight, a night time spinoff of the SONBC Nominated "Port Charles."

    "Port Charles: After Midnight" will mainly focus on the lives of doctors and nurses at General Hospital as they encounter one crisis after another while working in the ER. In addition, there will be some non-hospital players involved as well. “My idea for the night time spin off will deal mainly with the hospital and the staff who encounter many challenges as they try to work together to save lives. Friendships between the new doctors and nurses will form as some of the cast of "Port Charles" will become entangled in the storylines on After Midnight,” states PC:AM Head Writer, Jennifer Snyder.

    “We will also be bringing back history as we re-introduce to the viewers The Nurses Ball. As history returns, so does the tradition of Lucy Coe spearheading the plans for the huge extravaganza. We are excited about bringing back the Ball, and we know the fans have missed it immensely.”

    “The plans for the first season have already been laid out, and you can expect to see many After Midnight characters appearing on Port Charles," says Ryan Chandler. "We have some great surprises set up for viewers, as well as some casting choices that will make you all quite happy."

    "Port Charles: After Midnight" will be a weekly episode, but episodes could appear more than once a week, as needed. If more than one episode is set to appear, an announcement will be made following an episode of Port Charles,” Chandler says. “Since PC: After Midnight is prime time soap, Jennifer and I can push the envelope and give After Midnight a racier and sexier edge. If you think Port Charles is hot, wait till you see After Midnight.”

    “Port Charles: After Midnight” began production on Friday, June 22 and will premiere Friday, July 27. Jennifer Snyder, consulting producer/associate head writer for "Port Charles" and Ryan Chandler, head writer & executive producer, "Port Charles'" will write and executive produce "Port Charles: After Midnight".

    Expect a cast announcement to be made shortly.
  16. SoapQueen89

    Stand Off

    By SoapQueen89,

    Stand Off

    Jason, Zander and Faith
    At the Cellar


    Zander froze. His hand clenched tightly around the 9mm hand gun as he held it to the back of Jason's neck. Jason's hand still snuggly wrapped around Faith's throat, Zander could see it was hard for her to breathe as Jason squeezed tighter.

    "Jason, don't make me shoot you." Zander managed to get out as he swallowed hard, trying to not let Jason see him sweat.

    "Zander, if you pull that trigger it will be the last thing you ever do."

    Faith watched as Zander got a better grip on the gun and held to Jason's neck ... "Just shoot him already!" she cried out as Jason's hand fit snugly underneath her chin. Zander's mind was racing, his heart was pounding so fast, if he pulled the trigger, it would be because the adrenalin that pumped through his veins gave him the courage to do it.

    Neither Jason nor Zander flinched as the situation became more intense, the feeling in the room made it hard to breathe.

    "Let her go, Jason! Now! Or I swear ...." Jason's eyes were cold, they were hard, as they stared through Faith, who was helpless and depending on Zander to save her life.

    "Or what? Go ahead, Zander .. shoot me! Prove me wrong!" Jason left go of his hold on Faith and turned his attention to Zander, who was still holding his gun pointed directly at Jason. Jason pulled his gun from his waist band and held it on Zander. Faith fell back in the chair behind her as she rubbed her throat where Jason's hold was.

    "I should of shot you when I had the chance, Zander." Jason said without feeling. Zander's stare became cold, his eyes held no feeling for the man who stood before him. He felt his hands were moist as he adjusted his grip on his weapon.

    "Are you guys gonna kiss now or shoot each other?" Faith said as she stood beside them. Jason glanced at her with his cold eyes.

    "Zander's not worth the bullet." Jason replied as his eyes focused back on Zander.

    "I may not be but you are!" Zander said as he cocked his weapon. Jason's face showed no fear as he stared down the barrel of the gun.

    Faith stood beside Zander feeling the power as he held his weapon and took a solid stance up against Jason.

    "Any last words, Morgan?" Faith purred as her hand brushed against Zander's shoulders from one side to the other, keeping her eyes focused on Jason.

    "He doesn't have the guts to pull the trigger." Jason was confident that Zander couldn't kill anyone, it wasn't in him to do it. The gleem in Zander's eyes was gone, the coldness had already over taken him, his mind was clear, his attention focused on the trigger.

    Faith leaned in and whispered in his ear. "Shoot him." Zander's eyes drifted to Jason's stare as he felt his finger slowly add pressure to the trigger. Jason still holding his weapon up in defense, he saw Zander make the move to shoot and he did the same.

    "Don't do it Zander. Cause once you pull that trigger, it's all over, for you and me both." Jason replied.

    Faith stepped away from the stand off and walked towards the bar. She poured the liquor into a shot glass, she didn't flinch as shots rang out. She looked towards the doorway to see Zander standing over Jason. She walked over with the shot glass in her one hand, and the bottle in the other. Zander put his gun back in his waistband as she approached.

    "Drink?" He glanced down at the glass, and then the bottle, and then back at her.

    His hand reached for the bottle ... without saying a word he took a swallow, he could feel the coldness of the liquor all the way down. He wiped the excess liquor from his mouth with his hand and looked down at Jason's lifeless body lying on the floor. Faith stood in the doorway with a smile on her face, she had finally found someone with enough guts to do what others have only thought of doing.

    Zander stepped over Jason's body without a second thought about what he had done. He walked to the bar and sat down on the stool, he glanced back over to Jason, the coldness in his eyes became a permanent part of his demeanor, the transformation was now complete. He could now say he was a cold blooded killer, and the man who took out Jason Morgan.
  17. SoapQueen89
    The Chair
    by George Strait

    Well, excuse me, but I think you've got my chair.
    No, that one's not taken, I don't mind
    If you sit here, I'll be glad to share.
    Yeah, it's usually packed here on Friday nights.

    Oh, if you don't mind, could I talk you out of a light.
    Well, thank you, could I drink you a buy?
    Oh, listen to me, what I mean is can I buy you a drink?
    Anything you please.

    Oh, you're welcome, well, I don't think I caught your name.
    Are you waiting for someone to meet you here?
    Well, that makes two of us glad you came.

    No, I don't know the name of the band, but they're good.
    Aren't they, would you like to dance?
    Yeah, I like the song too, it reminds me of you and me.
    Baby do you think there's a chance
    That later on I could drive you home?

    No, I don't mind at all.
    Oh, I like you too, and to tell you the truth
    That wasn't my chair after all.
    Oh, I like you too, and to tell you the truth
    That wasn't my chair after all.



    Alexis had plans to go out Friday night, so she had made sure Viola would watch Kristina for a few hours. She really needed to just relax and let her hair down, it had been a long time since she had done so, she was overdue. She didn't want the noise of Luke's place, so she decided she'd take a chance on Carly's place, The Cellar. It was a quiet club in the basement of Kelly's, and sounded like a nice place to just have a drink and unwind. She had just bought this little black dress at Wyndhams and tonight was the perfect night to try it out. She slipped on her black stilettos and grabbed a black shawl from her closet before heading out the door to paint the town red. She used the back entrance of the night club and found herself an empty chair at the bar. She sat down and the bartender asked what she was having to drink. Alexis thought she'd go a little wild tonight and she ordered a Cosmopolitan. It was a night for her to treat herself and she wasn't holding back. As she sat and sipped her drink, she took a look at the other patrons sitting at the bar with her. She crinkled her nose at the gentlemen who looked her way, they just were not her type. She wasn't at all there looking for romance, perhaps just someone to strike up a conversation with.

    A handsome gentleman strutted into the club and approached her.

    "Excuse me, I believe you are sitting in my chair." he said as he stood behind her.

    "Oh, I'm sorry ..." she apologized and stood up from her chair to allow him to sit back down.

    "You may sit here, next to me if you want.... I don't think that chair is taken." he replied with a smile. "First time here ...?" he added as he moved her drink closer to her.

    "Yeah ... it is .. it's full for a Friday night, isn't it?" she replied.

    He noticed that her glass was about empty and offered to buy her a drink. "May I buy you a drink?" he offered.

    "Thank you ... Cosmopolitan."

    "I'm sorry .... I didn't catch your name..."

    "Alexis ... Alexis Davis ..." she replied as the bartender sat down a second drink for her.

    "Ric Lansing ... " he replied and extended his hand to her.

    She took it in hers and noticed he wasn't wearing a wedding ring .. always a good sign in her book.

    "Are you waiting for someone?" he asked

    "No ... just myself tonight.." she replied with a shy grin.

    "Well than it's good I came along .. I hate to see such a beautiful lady sit alone." she blushed at his compliment.

    She began to sway her body with the music and he noticed. "Care to dance?"

    "Thanks .." he took her hand and she stood up from the chair .."I'm not very good .." she pointed out.

    "I'll lead then .." he grinned.

    They took a few turns around the dance floor as the three piece trio played and as the song came to an end, he leaned her back in a dip. She laughed and he complimented her again. "You have a wonderful laugh ...." she smiled and quickly composed herself after he stood her up and released her from his arms.

    "Thanks for the dance .." she said as she walked back towards the bar, him following close behind.

    She reached for her drink and took the last sip in the glass. She was feeling the alcohol as he caught her in his arms when she became off balance. "Perhaps I should take you home ..." he offered.

    "Yes I think you should." she accepted.

    Ric helped her to his car and sat her in the passenger seat. She put her seat belt on as he got in on the drivers side and then started the car. "Okay ... where to?" he asked. She returned a confused look before comprehending what he had asked her. "Oh .... um .. Bayview Towers...."

    As they stood outside her apartment, she fumbled with the keys and tried to unlock the door. Ric took them from her and opened up the door.

    "I had a nice time tonight ...." she said as she stepped into the apartment.

    "I did too ... do you think we could do it again sometime?"

    "Well ... um .. sure I guess ..." she stammered.

    "I do have one confession to make though ... to tell you the truth ... that wasn't my chair after all."



  18. SoapQueen89
    <object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="
    name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src=" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

    The Grand Tour
    by George Jones
    Performed by Aaron Neville


    Ric returned home after a late night at the office, and he wasn't looking forward to spending another night alone in the empty house that once was filled with love and laughter of his wife and children. It had been a few months since he and Alexis separated, and he still lived in the house he had bought for her, he couldn't bare to part with it or the memories that still lingered. As he turned the key and opened the front door, he reached in the mailbox that hung on the wall, and grabbed the mail from that day to take into the house with him. He stepped inside the cold house and threw his keys on the table in the foyer. He sifted through the mail hoping there was a letter or something from Alexis. She didn't tell him where she had gone, but he knew it was probably to the furthest corners of the earth to get away from him and the life they had together. He had confessed to the one night he had with another, and Alexis couldn't forgive him, not yet .... it would take time. Time and space was what she wanted, so he left her go, hoping that in time she'd return to him and their life together.

    As he moved to the living room, he removed his blazer and then unfolded his newspaper as he took a seat in the oversized chair. The frontpage headlines read nothing new, the mob war was escalating, another reason Alexis had for leaving him. He paged through the afternoon edition, reading the sports scores for the night before and then flipping to the stock market section. He quickly folded up the paper and laid it down on the coffee table in front of him. "Well, that took 5 minutes ...." he said to himself.


    He poured himself a glass of bourbon and sat back down in the chair. He loosened his tie and unbuttoned the top button of his dress shirt as he leaned his head back and began to remember the days when he and Alexis would cuddle together after a long day at work. He sighed heavily and took a long sip from his glass. "There's no reason to dwell on the past, Ric." he scolded himself for remembering the good times he and Alexis shared. He got up off the chair and headed for the grand staircase that led him to the upstairs bedrooms. Her smell still lingered in the air as he breathed in deeply and remembered.

    As he walked into the master suite, the king sized bed brought back more memories for him. He could picture there waiting for him in her black teddy, the one he loved so much just inviting him to her. He shook off the visions and undid his tie. He pulled it through the collar of his shirt in frustration and threw it towards the bed. He unbuttoned the top button of his dress shirt as he walked over to his closet to find something more comfortable to wear. As he passed the mahogany dresser, Alexis jewelry glittered a hello and reminded him of the time he gave her the diamond bracelet at the Cellar on their 2nd anniversary. They were happy together, she knew how much he loved her, now .... now she doubted his love and couldn't trust him. He threw it all away with one night that he couldn't take back, even because he wanted to. She needed time, and he was going to do everything in his power to give it to her.

    He picked up the picture that sat on the nightstand and ran his index finger across the face that stared back at him. A lonely tear trickled from his eye as memories of her leaving flooded his thoughts. He swiped away the moistness from his eye and composed himself. He changed his clothes and headed for the door. As he stepped out into the hallway, his eye caught a glimpse of the nursery that they had decorated together.

    His eyes filled with tears and his heart with love, as he remembered the long hours he and Alexis spent painting and decorating the nursery. It had taken months for them to decide on the pattern they should use for the curtains so they'd match the decor. He smiled as he remembered the day the baby furniture had arrived and Alexis sat in the rocker for the first time. He knew one day he would have her back with him, but until that time came, his would miss all the new things his daughter would be learning without him. He wiped the tears from his cheeks and turned towards the staircase. As he reached the top of the stairs, his cell phone began to ring. He flipped it open to answer it.

    "Hello ...." he answered.

    "Ric ..... it's me .." he recognized the voice was Alexis. ".... I'm ready to come home ..."


  19. SoapQueen89
    The Night the Lights Went Out (In Georgia) by Reba McIntire
    Originally performed by Vicki Lawerence

    He was on his way home from Candletop
    Been two weeks gone, and he'd thought he'd stop
    At Web's and have him drink 'fore he went home to her

    Andy Wolloe said hello, and he said hi, what's doin', Wo?
    'Said " Sit down I got some bad news, and it's gonna hurt"
    He said "I'm your best friend and you know that's right
    But your young bride aint't home tonight
    Since you been gone she's been seeing that Amos boy Seth"
    Now he got mad and he saw red
    Andy said "boy don't lose your head
    Cause to tell you the truth I've been with her myself"

    Chorus:

    That's the night that the lights went out in Georgia
    That's the night that they hung an innocent man
    Well don't trust your soul to no back woods southern lawyer
    Cause the judge in the town's got bloodstains on his hands

    Well, Andy got scared and left the bar
    Walking on home cause he didn't live far you see
    Andy didn't have many friends, and he just lost him one
    Brother thought his wife must've left town
    So he went home and finally found the only thing
    Daddy had left him and that was a gun
    He went off to Andy's house
    Slipping through the back woods quiet as a mouse
    Came upon some tracks too small for Andy to make
    He looked through the screen at the back porch door
    And he saw Andy lying on the floor
    In a puddle of blood and he started to shake

    The Georgia patrol was making their rounds
    So he fired a shot just to flag 'em down
    A big bellied sheriff grabbed his gun and said
    "Why'd you do it"

    The judge said guilty in a make believe trial
    Slapped the sheriff on the back with a smile and said
    "Supper's waiting at home and I got to get to it"

    Chorus:

    That's the night that the lights went out in Georgia
    That's the night that they hung an innocent man
    Well don't trust your soul to no back woods southern lawyer
    Cause the judge in the town's got blood stains on his hands

    Well they hung my brother before I could say
    The tracks he saw while on his way
    To Andy's house and back that night were mine
    And his cheatin wife had never left town
    And that's one body that'll never be found
    You see little sister don't miss when she aims her gun

    Chorus:

    That's the night that the lights went out in Georgia
    That's the night that they hung an innocent man
    Don't trust your soul with no back woods southern lawyer
    Cause the judge in the town's got blood stains on his hands

    That's the night that the lights went out in Georgia
    That's the night that they hung an innocent man
    Don't trust your soul with no back woods southern lawyer
    Cause the judge in the town's got blood stains on his hands


    <HR>

    After finding out the truth, Alexis and Sam had agreed to try to be civil to one another, and perhaps even begin to form some type of relationship. Alexis knew it would take a lot for them to ever feel like mother and daughter, but she had to try. She had agreed to meet Sam at Kelly's for coffee and to talk. Alexis had arrived early and had sat down at an open table. Mike brought her the cup of coffee she ordered as she waited for Sam. She kept checking her watch, it had seemed Sam was late for their meeting. Alexis collected her thoughts about what she was going to say to Sam once she had arrived, she knew anything related to Manny would spark an argument and she wanted to avoid another battle with Sam. As she sat in thought, Sam walked into the diner and approached her.

    "Hi ....." Sam greeted and Alexis invited Sam to join her.

    "I'm glad we could meet and talk about this." Alexis replied as Mike approached to take Sam's order.

    Mike left the table, leaving the two women hesitating to start a conversation.

    "Sam, I know the subject of Manny is a delicate one and we don't necessarily agree about him or what I had to do for him, but I need you to be careful. I fear Manny is still a threat to a lot of people."

    "You don't have to worry about me, Alexis. I can take care of myself."

    "Well, the situation between Jason and Sonny has made things a lot more volatile and with Manny still out there ...." Alexis replied implying that Manny could make his move against Sonny and Jason at any time, being their vulnerable right now, due to the situation their in.

    "I'm sure Jason has a handle on Manny." Sam replied confidently.

    "I'm not sure he does. There have been times that I have the feeling Manny is lurking about and he's coming up with a plan. One that's even worse then the previous ones he's come up with."

    "Jason has bodyguards on anything that moves, I'm sure he's ready for anything that Manny has planned."

    "Someone should be doing something ...."

    "Alexis, what are you suggesting?"

    "I'm not suggesting anything, I'm just saying that Manny is a threat to all of us, and until he's stopped, we are all targets of his psychotic behavior until that happens."

    As Alexis and Sam talked, Ric walked in the door and approached them. He leaned down and gave Alexis a kiss hello and then acknowledged Sam. Feeling it was time to make her exit, Sam stood up from her seat and left Ric sit down.

    "Thanks Alexis for the coffee and the talk." Sam said politely.

    "You're welcome, Sam. I hope we can do this again sometime." Alexis smiled.

    "Yeah, me too." Sam replied as she left the diner, leaving Ric and Alexis at the table alone.

    "So it went well?" Ric questioned as he removed his jacket and got comfortable.

    "Yeah I think so. I mean Sam and I aren't going to become best pals overnight. It's going to take some time to work things through, but I think we have a good shot."

    "Well, good. I hope you can."

    Alexis noticed that Ric seemed a little distracted. "Are you all right?" she asked as she noticed he looked a little flushed.

    "Yeah I'm fine. I got a pile of files on my desk at the office, that's all."

    Alexis sipped her coffee not believing his excuse but didn't press the issue. If Ric wanted to tell her, he would.

    *******************************

    Sam left the diner and took the shortcut through the park as she headed back to the penthouse. Her thoughts on what Alexis had said about Manny and how he was a threat to everyone until he was stopped. Because of Jason, she knew Manny was no longer living at Kelly's, but had moved to a room over Jake's. It was on her way home, she decided to stop and have a chat with him.

    She walked into Jake's, Coleman behind the bar cleaning glasses and he nodded a hello as she walked by. She headed up the stairs to the rooms above the bar and knocked on Manny's door. No one answered. She reached for the doorknob and turned it, hoping it was open, perhaps she could do some snooping if he wasn't there. Sam opened up the door and saw Manny lying on the floor in a pool of his own blood. She stepped closer to him, not taking notice she had left her footprint in the stream of blood. She could see he had been shot in the chest and his body lay lifeless. Leaving the door open, she quickly ran down the stairs and out the back door of the bar, ending up in the alley. She took a moment to calm herself before going back to the penthouse. Her mind racing of thoughts of who she saw and what she did over the past few hours, she knew Durant would point the finger at her or Jason. After all Manny had done to her, she knew she'd be on the top of the suspect list.

    As she ran down to the end of the alley, she could hear sirens in the distance. She quickly ran away from the scene and reached the penthouse in record time. As she rushed in the front door of the penthouse, Jason was waiting for her on the couch. He noticed something was wrong and began questioning her. She explained to him what she had found and that soon Durant would be at their door. Jason quickly tried to think of what to do next. It didn't take long before the PCPD was at their door asking questions and wanting to take them both down to the police station for further interrogation.

    *********************************

    Alexis and Ric still sitting at Kelly's in conversation was unaware of what was going on but was soon alerted as Alexis' cell phone rang. She flipped it open and answered it.

    "Sit tight, I'm on my way." she said and then flipped it closed again.

    "What happened?" Ric asked as Alexis gathered her things and than jumped from her seat.

    "I'll tell you on the way ... let's go." Before he could even get his jacket on, she was out the door.

    By the time Alexis and Ric arrived at the police station, Durant had Sam in handcuffs and she was being interrogated about Manny's murder. Alexis stepped up and took Sam's case without even thinking twice about what she was doing. Her daughter was in trouble and it was the least she could do after all that had happened between the two of them.

    She rushed into the interrogation room and put a stop to the questioning immediately. "My client has nothing more to say." she announced as she barged into the room.

    "But ..." Sam began.

    "No buts ... Mac, please can I have a few minutes with my client."

    "Sure ..." Mac replied and then left the room.

    "I didn't ask for you to come down here." Sam said sternly as Alexis took a seat across from her.

    "I know you didn't. Jason did. He's worried about you and he asked me down here as a favor."

    Sam looked up and saw Jason looking through the glass window of the interrogation room. She noticed the worry in his eyes and complied to having Alexis as her attorney.

    "Tell me what happened."

    "Durant says they have enough evidence to arrest me for killing Manny."

    "What kind of evidence?"

    "Apparently they have my fingerprints and foot prints at the scene or something."

    "Or something?" Alexis started to get worried herself. It was getting grim as Sam continued to tell her story.

    Alexis sat and listened to Sam, she knew she had to do something, or Durant would pin this murder on Sam, regardless if Sam was innocent. Alexis excused herself from the conversation and walked out into the squad room. Durant and Mac were huddled together as they discussed their next move. Alexis approached them and took a deep breath. She had to do it, they had enough substantial evidence to arrest her daughter for something she knew Sam wouldn't do. There was no time to think about it, she would do it for Kristina or Molly, she had to do it for Sam.

    "You have the wrong person in handcuffs." Alexis said calmly. Ric standing in close proximity he heard what she had said to Durant and Mac, and quickly reacted.

    "Alexis, no! You can't do this!" Ric bellowed as he rushed to her side.

    "I have to, Ric. I have to tell them the truth."

    "And what might that be, counselor?" Durant asked as Alexis wrung her hands as Ric stood by her side and worry came over him.

    This was not what he had planned, not at all. It wasn't suppose to happen like this. But what was he suppose to do. His wife about to confess to a crime she didn't commit to save her daughter who had been arrested for the same crime. He couldn't let Alexis do this, she had to think of Kristina and Molly. He had. Manny was a problem and he had to protect his family.

    "I killed Manny." Alexis blurted out.

    "Oh really." Durant said, not believing Alexis' abrupt confession.

    "Alexis think about what you're doing!"

    "Yes Alexis, think about what you're doing." Mac agreed.

    "I know what I'm doing. I killed Manny. I had no choice. He threatened my family, my children. I had to do something."

    "Well, Alexis, I don't believe you. You're covering for Sam. Any parent would. Their child is in trouble and their first instinct is to help them any way they can. Isn't that right?"

    "No, I'm not covering for Sam. I did it! I shot Manny in the chest! I killed him!" Alexis shouted wanting them to believe her.

    "Okay, okay. If you did it, where's the gun?"

    "The gun?" Alexis had to think quickly. She had to think of something to tell them about the gun. She stammered as she thought of a good story to tell them about what she did with the gun.

    "Yes, the gun. We didn't find one at the scene. It's the only key piece of evidence missing from the crime scene."

    As Alexis thought of a story, Ric could do only one thing. He left her side and laid his briefcase down on the desk next to him. He opened it up and his eyes quickly looked down inside the case, a 9mm staring up at him. The weapon the police were in search of, the weapon that he used to kill the bastard that was threatening his family. He stood in front of this briefcase for what seemed like a very long time contemplating on what options he had. He could only think of one.
  20. SoapQueen89
    The Reckoning will begin airing on SONBC on Monday October 1st. It will be a continuation of WICKED and will consist of the same characters/actors with a few minor additions. These additions are as follows:



    Amanda Welles will portray Chelle Barlow, a NY attorney who has been transferred to Port Charles and will begin working in the DA's office. She has ties to PC she is unaware of. She is widowed and has been raising her son alone for the past 10 years.





    Brad Hawkins will portray William (Will) Barlow. He blows into town with his mother, Chelle, and he's looking for trouble. He's reckless, he's defiant, and he's just looking for a fight. Though he's a rebel of sorts, he is well educated and after 10 years, he's still angry over his father's death.





    Roma Maffia will portray Camilla Cortiz, a specialist who has been asked to advise on a patient's case at General Hospital. She has studied at the best of medical schools and is the top in her field. Look for her to get involved with a select few doctors at the hospital.





    A Martinez will portray Martin Alvarez, an adversary of Sonny Corinthos from Miami, FL. He brings with him his two sons.







    Nicholas Gonzalez will portray Richie Alvarez, the eldest son of Martin Alvarez. He is the loose cannon of the family and the one who prefers brut force to get what he wants. He is also as an eye for a beautiful woman.





    A.J. Lamas will portray Nickie Alvarez, the youngest of Martin's sons. He is quite green in the business and the over achiever. He tries to make his father proud, which sometimes leads him into trouble.




    Readers of WICKED who will be continuing with The Reckoning can expect twists and turns throughout this new book. Sorrow, tragedy, and romance will be found, but the mob war will still remain the focus of the new book.

    The Reckoning will debut on SONBC on Monday, October 1st.





  21. SoapQueen89

    The Storm

    By SoapQueen89,

    The Storm - Background

    Two mob forces are about to have an all out war to gain territory owned by Zander Smith, which was once owned by his father, Frank Smith. Jason Morgan and Sonny Corinthos will do anything to get what they want. Zander learns of his family secrets and finds out the truth that has haunted him since he was a child. The truth will effect everyone involved and brings about even more conflict.



    The Storm - Characters

    Zander Smith - Port Charles mob boss, son of Frank Smith (deceased)
    Emily Smith - Zander's wife, daughter of Alan and Monica Quartermaine
    Alexis Davis - Zander's friend and attorney
    Ric Lansing - Port Charles' District Attorney, Zander's brother
    Mac Scorpio - Police Commissioner
    Marcus Taggert - Police Detective
    Sonny Corinthos - Rival mob boss in Port Charles
    Jason Morgan - Rival mob boss in Port Charles, Emily's brother
    Elizabeth Morgan - Emily's best friend and wife of Jason Morgan
    Lorenzo Alcazar - Rival mob boss in Port Charles
    Alan Quartermaine - Emily's father and Chief of Staff at General Hospital
    Monica Quartermaine - Emily's mother and Cardiologist at General Hospital


    Zander's Bodyguards -
    Thomas
    Greg
    Marcus
    Cory
    Frank
    Trent
    Wade
    Jerry
  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--



    The smoke from the explosion hours earlier had cleared the way for the sun that rose over the horizon of the harbor. Zander climbed out of bed and slipped on his robe and slippers. He looked back over his shoulder and saw her sleeping peacefully. He walked down the stairs to the kitchen and made a fresh pot of coffee. After last night he need something stronger, but with the medications he was taking, coffee was the strongest drink he'd be having for a while. He noticed as he passed through the living room, Cord had already brought in the morning paper and laid it on his desk.

    While the coffee was brewing, Zander walked out to his desk to get the newspaper. He stopped shy of the desk and read the big headlines on the front page. "Mob Takes Another Hit". He got closer to read the subtitle of the article, but he didn't have to read the rest of the aritcle to know it was about him and his feud with Sonny and Jason. "PC Businessman's Ship Explodes in PC's Harbor"

    "Great! Just freakin' great! This is all I need, a front page story. Don't these people ever sleep?! Dammit!" he cursed as he heard the door open and Cord enter behind him.

    "Sir? You alright?" his guard asked as Zander leaned himself against the desk chair.

    "Call my brother, and get him over here. Now." Zander ordered. Cord did as his boss told him to and Zander picked up the paper and took it with him to the kitchen.

    He was sure his shouting woke up Emily, and she was bound to see these headlines. He threw down the paper on the counter and poured himself a cup of coffee. He went and sat down on the stool and opened up the morning edition of the Port Charles Herald.

    Zander didn't hear Emily sneak up behind him as she looked over his shoulder at what he was reading. "That's a nice picture of you, honey." she snickered and then gave him a kiss on the cheek.

    "Ya think? I thought the other one last week was better." he replied with sarcasm. "You're enjoying this aren't you?" he added, trying to make light of the situation. She turned around and looked at him.

    "Now why would I enjoy seeing your picture on the front page and especially with the heading "Mob Takes Another Hit"?" she asked with a serious expression. "That ship last night could of been our limo or could of been this apartment, Zander. ... no I am scared to death and making a joke out of this is alot easier to do then face the fears that I'm feeling right now." she added with a scowl on her face.

    "I'm sorry, you have every right to be afraid. You're right it could of been the limo or this apartment, that's why I have asked Ric to stop by. I'd like to have more security put in place around here." he replied as she took her first sip of her morning coffee that she poured herself.

    Zander even hated to suggest what he was thinking, but he did anyway and waited to hear her object to it. "I think Devon should stay with your parents for while. I don't want him around this stuff going on right now. Maybe it would be safe for the two of you to stay at the estate for a while, at least till all this blows over." She stood and thought about what he said and she thought he was right.

    "Maybe your right. I think it would be safer for us to stay at the house, at least for a while. I don't want to bring Devon home to this warzone, and that's what this is, Zander."

    Zander shocked that she agreed with him, they were always on opposite sides when it comes to what was best for her and Devon. She set down her coffee cup hard on the countertop and walked out of the kitchen. He knew from the tone in her voice, she was upset with him for asking that she and Devon stay at her parents for a while. He thought it best for his family. "She'll get over it." he muttered to himself as he heard Cord calling him from the other room.

    "Sir, your brother is here to see you." Cord announced as Zander appeared from the kitchen.

    "Thanks Cord." he replied as Ric walked in the door.

    "I take it you saw this morning's paper?" Ric asked as he followed his brother into the kitchen.

    "Yeah I did and lets just say that on top of this, Emily's not happy with me this morning." Ric helped himself to a cup of coffee as Zander sat back down on the stool.

    "Why is she upset with you this time, what did you suggest now?" Ric chuckled.

    "I suggested she and Devon stay at the Quartermaines for a while till all this blows over. I'm thinking of their safety, Ric. I don't want what happened to the ship last night, happen to the limo she rides in or the apartment she lives in. At least if they are staying with her parents, she and Devon are our of harms way." Zander's explained.

    "So she wasn't keen on the idea, huh?" Ric assumed.

    "Oh she was all sorts of keen on this idea, it was the attitude that came with it, that gave me the clue she was pissed of with me for even suggesting it."

    "So what did youu want to talk about?" Ric asked changing the subject as he refilled his coffee cup.

    "I wanted to find out where I stand in all this sh*t that went down last night. I would assume, I'm at the top of the Commissioner's list to talk to. Since my name is now all over the front page of the morning paper." Zander replied as he pushed the morning paper towards Ric who could see the headlines from where he sat.

    "If you didn't do anything to cause last night's attack on the ship, then you have nothing to worry about. Right?" Zander raised his eyebrow to his brother. "Tell me you didn't set up last night's explosion?"

    Zander didn't answer his brother's question. "Oh my God! You did it .. you blew up your own ship to set up Sonny and Jason?!" Ric shocked to hear that Zander would take this feud that far.

    "I'm not saying anything on the recommendation of my attorney." Zander smirked.

    "Oh man you are not funny, Zander. This could end very badly you do know that right?" Zander nodded in agreement.

    "Thus the reason for getting Emily and Devon out of this house. I don't want this to come crashing down on my family."

    Ric stood in disbelief that Zander would put himself and his family in this position and a very dangerous one at that.

    "You do realize now they are going to come after you and hard." Ric said as Zander read over the article again. "Little brother, you just put yourself in the line of fire, and Sonny is standing there holding the gun!"

    "Zander for once listen to me! This plan of yours is going to back fire on you and you are going to lose everything you have worked so hard for. Your territory, power and not to mention your wife and baby. This is just suicidal. If you think that Sonny coming after you is in any way a good thing, God help you because it's not, Sonny isn't going to stop with just you, you have an organization to think about plus your family, your wife and your child. I'm not asking you to reconsider this plan, Zander ... I'm telling you to drop it before it goes any farther because in the end, you are not guaranteed that you will be the one left standing. And while your signing your death warrant, consider this ... What about Emily and your baby? If this goes wrong and Sonny kills you, what happens to your wife? She'll be left alone with a toddler to care for by herself, Zander. This plan of yours has way too much risk to even be thinking about." Ric finished his speech and left penthouse, leaving Zander to think about what the plan may cost him if he continues.


  25. 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.
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