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SoapQueen89

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  1. SoapQueen89
    ***WARNING***
    This episode contains R material for a fade to black love scene.


    At the cabin --

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


    Fade to black


    At the hospital -- Jason's room


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    She stopped them as they rolled him passed her.

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

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

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



  2. SoapQueen89
    At Ric's Office --


    While Zander and Emily were safely away at the mountain cabin, Ric was on the case of Detective Steele. He too was curious as to why Steele was focusing the investigation on his brother. He had made a few phone calls to contacts he had in Florida to get more information about the murder case Steele was digging into.

    "Look, I know you don't have much information about this case, but I need to find out more information then what I do have." Ric ordered as he spoke with someone in the DA's office in Miami on the phone. "Yes I know this is a 15 year old case, but ..." he just seemed to be getting doors slammed in his face at every corner. No one was talking or they didn't have the information he needed. This case was closed up tighter then a drum, which made him wonder why, what was so top secret about this 15 year old murder case. It just didn't make any sense to him.

    As he sat frustrated in his office, there was a knock on his office door.

    "Come in!" he barked from behind his desk. Detective Steele peered in as he opened the door to Ric's office.

    "Bad night counselor?" Steele said as he pushed the door open and saw Ric sitting behind his desk.

    "Yes it has been and I should be home, but I'm not, I'm here working on a case at 2am in the morning. What can I do for you Detective Steele?" Ric was not at all happy with Steele and this was just the wrong night for him to come calling and fishing for information.

    "I have it on good authority that your brother and his wife skipped town, is this true?" Steele asked as he stepped towards Ric's desk.

    "I have no idea what you are talking about, Steele." Ric replied as he closed the folder he was reading closed, weary of Steele.

    "It seems kind of funny that this investigation finally can bring your brother some closure on his father's death and he's conveniently out of town with his wife, don'tch ya think?" Steele replied as Ric got up from behind and his desk and walked towards him.

    Ric pushed Steele down in the leather chair behind him and said ...."Well since you are just source of information, why don't you sit down and tell me all you know."


    Steele sat down hard in the leather chair and Ric sat on the edge of his desk glaring at the person who was about to tell him all about a murder that so obviously included his younger brother. "I want to know what you know Steele. And I want to know right now." Ric said calmly as his insides were ready to knock the smug look off Steele's face.

    "Alright. I'll tell you all I know." Steel replied as he reached into his jacket pocket for the small tablet he had been writing things down on while investigating the case.

    "I'm listening." Ric said as he got up and went to sit down in his leather chair behind the desk.

    "15 years ago, your brother's father was the head of an organization that powered over just about the entire eastern seaboard, including some territory here in Port Charles. His right hand man, though a young, was aggressive and wanted more then what was offered to him, by his boss. In the end, the boss was dead and the young man was never found, obviously skipping town, and the country to evade prosecution. It never was truly proven that the young right hand man did the deed, it was suspected enough to have charges waiting for him once he was found." Steele explained.

    Ric sat and listened but it still didn't tell him how Zander was involved in this, he was only 8 when this murder happened, how much would an 8 year old know about his father's business. "And how does Zander tie into all this...?" Ric asked.

    "I'm getting to that ...." Steele said and then continued. "From what we know, Zander was witness to this and when investigators talked with him, he couldn't tell them anything. Shock, I guess."

    "So now you expect him to remember? After 15 years? If he couldn't tell them anything back then, I'm sure he's blocked out the memory of it by now. What happened to the young suspect? Ever find him?" Ric inquired hoping Steele could give him something to go on.

    "Actually I think I'm closer then any of the others who have taken on this case." Steele piqued Ric's curiousity.

    "And .. where is he? There's no statute of limitations on murder, he can still hang for this." Ric said as Steele flipped through his black notebook.

    "According to what I have, the young suspect apparently ran to his family in Puerto Rico and had been underground for some time there. He had gotten in the business there and built his own organization in the islands before bringing it to shore and building it up in the states. As far as I can tell, he's as powerful now as he's ever been, owning most of the important inlets and outlets of the eastern seaboard." Steele described someone sounding very familiar to Ric, but he couldn't be sure.

    "So have you found him?! You found the man who murdered Zander's father?" Ric asked again as Steele looked up from his notebook.

    "You're not going to like it. Cause he's been right underneath your nose for the last 10 years." Steele grinned.

    "Steele, I hate riddles, just tell me who I can go arrest for this 15 year old murder." Ric getting impatient now with Steele.

    Steele grinned smuggly .. "The man's name is Sonny Corinthos."



  3. SoapQueen89
    Ric's Office --


    Ric picked up the phone and dialed it quickly. "I need an arrest warrant drawn up, now! I don't care what time it is, I need one immediately! Name? Sonny Corinthos Charge? First degree murder .. Yes you heard me right. And I want it on my desk ASAP!" Ric slammed down the phone and turned his attention back on Steele.

    "Now, if you excuse me I have an arrest warrant to serve." Ric added as he got up from his desk and directed Steele towards the door.

    "Now wait a minute, Mr. Lansing .. this is my case .. I want in on this bust!" Steele reminded Ric if it weren't for him Sonny wouldn't be arrested or charged with the murder of Zander's father.

    Ric thought a brief moment, and guessed he'd give Steele the collar, he did do all of the work to get Sonny charged with first degree murder. "Come on, let's go ..." Ric replied as he grabbed onto Steele's jacket and led him out of the office.

    The warrant was waiting for Ric when he arrived in the squad room with Steele by his side. He called over a few other officers and explained what he had planned.

    Three officers, Ric and Steele walked out of the squad room with the arrest warrant in hand and went to see Mr. Corinthos.



    At the cabin --


    Darkness still lingering, Zander's cell phone rang. He reached over to the night stand and flipped it open to answer it. "Hello .." he answered still half asleep.

    "Zander, little brother, if you want to see a murderer come to justice, I'd suggest you meet me at the PCPD in about an hour." Ric being cryptic didn't leave Zander much choice.

    "I'll be right there." Zander replied and flipped close the phone. He slipped from underneath the sheets and quickly got dressed. As he went down stairs he called Marcus to come pick him up, he'd let Emily sleep but he left a note on the table explaining his absence.

    It didn't take long before Marcus picked Zander up at the mountain cabin, and they sped away heading back towards town to the PCPD.


    At the PCPD -- the squad room


    They arrived in record time and Zander walked into the squad room wondering what his brother had been trying to explain to him on the phone. Marcus stood by Zander while he waited and saw that his boss was becoming more and more anxious.



    Sonny's Penthouse --


    The officers and Ric along with Steele arrived at Sonny's penthouse, the warrant in his jacket pocket. Ric pounded on the door and waited for someone to answer. It was a few minutes before he heard movement towards the door. The door opened, Sonny in his robe and shocked to find Ric standing in the hallway with 3 officers.

    "Ric do you know what time it is?" Sonny said as he stepped away from the door and they stepped into the apartment.

    "I know what time it is Sonny, and I came on official business." Ric replied and handed Sonny the arrest warrant.

    "What is this?!" Sonny asked as he threw the warrant back in Ric's face.

    "That is an arrest warrant. You're under arrest for the murder of Frank Smith. You have the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law, you have the right to an attorney, if you cannot afford one, one will be appointed to you by the state of NY ...." Ric recited as the officers slapped cuffs on Sonny in the middle of his living room.

    Carly had heard the commotion and raced down the stairs to see her husband in a pair of handcuffs. "Hey what's going on here?" she shouted as she went to her husband.

    "You can meet us at the police station, Carly .. and bring some clothes for your husband." Ric told her as they walked Sonny out of the penthouse and then onto the elevator.

    Carly raced back upstairs and grabbed what she could and followed the police cars downtown.



    The PCPD - Squad Room


    Zander sat waiting for Ric to come back, when he looked up to see Ric and Steele walk into the squad room. Three officers followed and they had Sonny with them in handcuffs.

    "Hey what's going on here, Ric?" Ric pulled Zander into an interrogation room for a little privacy to tell him that Sonny was the one who murdered his father.

    "What?! Sonny killed my father?!" was heard from inside the interrogation room and soon Zander stormed out from the room, his eyes piercing through Sonny like knives.

    "You bastard!" Zander shouted as he pulled back his arm and laid his fist against Sonny's jaw before anyone could stop him.

    "Zander! That's enough." Ric said as he grabbed his brother before he did more damage to the suspect. "Take him into the interrogation room, please." Ric instructed the officers in what to do with Sonny.

    "Would you calm down!" Ric said to Zander as he saw Zander's fists were clenched and the anger just boiled inside of him.

    "Calm? You want me to be calm? That son of a bitch killed my father and you want me to be calm?! After 15 years, I found out the man who took my father from me was under my nose the entire time!" Zander barked back.

    Ric understood Zander's rage and didn't blame him one bit for feeling what he felt. "Just let me do my job, I want these charges to stick!" Ric said before he headed into the interrogation room to question his murder suspect.


    Zander watched from the squad room as his brother questioned Sonny about his father's murder. He began to pace the floor and wringing his hands together in anticipation of Ric emerging and telling him the case was finally closed that Sonny was going away for a very long time. At this moment the business didn't matter, this was personal and Sonny was going to pay dearly for what he had done.

    Tempers flared and loud voices could be heard from the interrogation room, as Zander couldn't tear himself away from observing what was going on inside. Suddenly the door to the room flew open and Ric emerged, his rage could been seen to those in the squad room.

    Zander approached him with anticipation to know what happened in there. "So, Ric, tell me he's not getting out of this, tell me you can make this stick!" Ric turned to his brother wishing he could tell him what he wanted to hear, knowing that they would need Zander's testimony to put Sonny away for killing Frank.

    "Yeah we can .. but ... I'm going to need your help." Zander looked at his brother confused.

    "My help, what hell do you need me for?" Zander questioned.

    "I'll tell ya about in my office." Ric led the way to his office and Zander followed close behind wanting to know what he would have to offer this case against Sonny.



  4. SoapQueen89
    At the hospital --



    Meanwhile at the hospital, Jason still unconscious was wheeled out from the surgical wing and into a recovery area till he woke up.

    Monica emerged from the double doors and saw Elizabeth and Alan still sitting and waiting in the chairs outside the ICU. She approached cautiously, trying to think of the words she would tell Elizabeth. Jason's recovery would not be easy, nor will it be short term.

    Elizabeth looked up when she heard someone approach. "Is it over?" she asked as Monica sat down with her.

    "Yeah it's over. Jason's in the recovery area, he's still unconscious."

    "Is he going to be okay, did you get the bullet out?"

    Monica paused a moment with a worry in her eyes as Alan wrapped his arm around Elizabeth to steady her for the news Monica obviously had to tell her.

    "We got the bullet out, it was difficult but we got it, all of it. Now it's up to Jason. It's not going to be an easy road, but Jason's strong, he can handle what lies of ahead of him."

    Elizabeth wiped a tear from her eye as she listened to what Monica had to tell her. "When can I see him?" she asked.

    "Give him some time to rest, a few hours should be okay. Why don't you go home and some rest, you've been here all night, Elizabeth." Monica suggested as she looked towards Alan to offer something.

    "Why don't I drive you home, Elizabeth?" Alan offered and she looked up at him.

    "No thank you Dr. Quartermaine, I'll get Johnny to take me home. I guess there isn't much I can do here till Jason wakes up. But you will call me as soon as he does, right?"

    Monica stood up from her seat and removed her surgical mask from around her neck. "Sure, we will." Elizabeth felt the urge to give Monica a hug for all she did for Jason, she felt close to Jason's parents, even if Jason didn't. Monica surprised by the hug from her, but returned the embrace just the same.

    Alan and Monica watched Elizabeth walk somberly down the hallway towards the elevators. Alan reached for Monica and pulled her into him. He looked down at her ..."Come on .. I want to go see our son."




    At Ric's Office --


    Ric offered Zander a seat as they walked into the office and Ric closed the door behind them. Zander watched as his brother took a seat in the chair behind his desk.

    "So are you going tell me what this all about? Why do you need my help?" Zander asked still baffled by what was going on.

    "I need you to remember, Zander. I need you to remember all that happened that night, the night your father was killed."

    "Ric, I'm sorry, but I don't remember anything about that night." Zander replied without wanting to go back to that night.

    "Look, I know you a small boy, and I know that the night has probably haunted you years afterward but Zander, I need you to remember. You are the only one who can put Sonny at the crime scene."

    "I can't go back there, Ric. It took me a very long time to rid myself of those nightmares, and you're right, I had been haunted by the memories, and I finally got rid of them, Ric. I don't want them back!"

    Ric sighed heavily. "I'm sorry Zander, I need you to go back there. You don't get this do you? If we don't have you as a witness, we don't have Sonny on murder charges. It's that simple."

    Zander dreaded even the thought of remembering that night, but he knew he had to if he wanted to send his father's killer to prison.

    "Alright! I have to. What now?" Zander replied.

    "Now? Well, now we should get a statement of what you remember from that night."

    "Which isn't much. I told you Ric, I don't remember all of it. I was 8 .... how much do you expect me to remember after 15 years?"

    "I expect you to remember enough to send Sonny Corinthos to prison, Zander. If we need to, we can make an appointment with someone who can help you remember."

    "What, like shrink? You're kidding, right?"

    "No I'm not kidding. A professional can help you remember what you selectively forget."

    "So who's on tonight to take my statement. Let's get this over with." Zander sighed, he certainly wasn't ready for this but wanted to get this ordeal over with as soon as he could.

    Ric picked up the phone and dialed down to the clerks office for a transcriber, he had no luck at this hour. He pulled out a tape recorder from his desk and set it on top near Zander and turned it on.

    "Whenever you're ready." Ric said as he leaned back in his chair and waited for Zander to begin telling his story.

    Zander breathed in deeply, he concerned with reliving the past, but he had to if he wanted a conviction of his father's killer. "It was late, after midnight I think. I had gotten up and had gone downstairs to the kitchen. Mom always kept a special jug of milk in the refrigerator for me, she said it to help me go back to sleep, she called it the magic milk.

    Zander hesitated as more memories of that night came flooding back to him, "Anyway, I went down to the kitchen and I passed by the study and I noticed a light was on, nothing unusual in my house, dad always worked late. It was the topic of my parent's fights most of the time. I didn't hear anything, so I walked into the kitchen for the milk and then returned to my room. On my way back from the kitchen I heard voices. There were at least 2 voices arguing, so I pushed open the door just a little to see what was going on. I don't think any of the men saw me peeking in because the arguing continued. I don't know what they were talking about, but it was loud and my father was upset with them. It all happened so fast ...."

    Zander stopped. Ric sat up in his chair and reached for the tape recorder to turn it off. Zander's hand came up and stopped him. Ric backed off the recorder and Zander continued.

    "I remember hearing the shot and my father falling back in the chair, the men grabbed what they could from the room, they knew he kept lots of money in drawers of his desk. When they were done stuffing their pockets they came towards the door, and I hid. I didn't make a sound as I hid in the shadows and I watched them leave the study and walk out the front door of the house."

    "Who was the person you saw shoot your father, Zander? Who killed Frank?"

    Zander sat in the chair and became agitated. He tried so hard to forget that night, his mind and body not wanting to remember, he tried to shake off the feelings that had all rushed back and overwhelmed him. The fear, the sadness, the sense of loss, he sat in the chair and began to feel the sweat beads form on his forehead and he became uncomfortable in the chair.

    Ric asked him again .. "Zander, who was the man you saw shoot your father?"

    The answer Ric was asking was something that Zander never remembered, in his nightmares, he never saw the faces of the two men who were in the office that night with his father. He could of met the person on the street and never knew it. Images of that night flashed in Zander's head as he sat in his brother's office, but nothing that made sense to him enough to piece that night all together. The faces were blurry, he couldn't get the pictures to focus enough to see who they were.

    "I'm sorry, Ric. I don't know. I can't remember." Ric sighed and turned off the tape recorder.

    "It's okay, Zander. We'll try again another time."

    Ric got up from his desk and thanked Zander for trying. He had Sonny on other charges to keep him at least 36 hours, he'd give Zander a little time, if he pushed him too much, he may not be able to remember at all.

    Zander stared down Sonny as he walked back into the squad room, Sonny cuffed to a desk chair. Ric encouraged Zander to keep walking passed, that he didn't want any more problems with the case. Ric walked Zander out and then came back in to finish up the paperwork on Sonny's arrest.

    Zander walked down to the limo, Marcus was waiting for him. "Let's go, Emily I'm sure is waiting for me back at the cabin." he said to Marcus as he opened the back door for his boss.

    "Yes, sir." Marcus replied and then shut the door.

    Zander arrived at the cabin and he noticed a flicker of light in the living room. Marcus stopped the car and got out. He walked to the back of the car and left Zander out of the back seat.

    "Thanks Marcus, you can go back to town now." Zander instructed before walking up to the front door of the cabin.

    He peered in the window and saw Emily lounged on the couch in front of the fireplace. He unlocked the door and entered the cabin quietly trying not to wake her up. As he approached her, she awoke and saw him standing over her.

    "Zander, oh my God, I was so worried about you!" she said as she jumped up from the couch and latched onto him. "I'm sorry I had to rush off like that. I think there is something I need to tell you."



  5. SoapQueen89
    At the cabin --


    Zander sat down with Emily and took a deep breath before telling her about Sonny's arrest for killing his father. Zander hadn't talked about his father's death to anyone, not even to Emily. He had made excuses for the nightmares that followed over the past 15 years to anyone who would ask about them. She saw the seriousness in his face and an overwhelming concern came over her.

    "Zander, what is it?"

    "There is something that I haven't told you, something that has haunted me and I had rid myself of the nightmares, or so I thought. Tonight that nightmare came back and I need to tell you about it before you hear it from someone else."

    Emily was getting scared just listening to Zander talk about whatever it was he had to tell her. Scared for him, scared for herself because she didn't know if she could do anything to help him through it.

    "Zander whatever it is, you can tell me." she replied as he looked into her eyes and knew what she said was true. He could tell her anything and she'd always be there to support him, no matter what.

    "My father ..... my father was killed 15 years ago and ... I was there, I saw it happen." Tears began to well in his eyes as he told her what happened and she pulled him into an embrace wanting to take the pain away. "No, Em I need to tell you this." he pulled from her and sniffled back the tears.

    "Detective Steele ... he was investigating my father's case and he found the man .. who killed him." Zander continued.

    "Well that's good right, I mean now they can arrest him and he can pay for it." she got excited for a minute before Zander brought on more of the truth.

    "I'm the only one who can identify the man who shot and killed my father, Emily and I can't be sure on who that man was." he replied in disgust with himself for not remembering all of what he saw.

    "You were eight years old, Zander .. you can't expect to remember 15 years later .. especially something this traumatic. Give yourself some time, it will come back to you."

    "Em, I don't have that kind of time." he sighed heavily. "Detective Steele and Ric served an arrest warrant tonight on who they think killed my father. Without me, they have no case against him. I need to remember, Emily."

    "Zander, who did they arrest?" Emily questioned.

    "Someone we both know ... Sonny Corinthos." he blurted out and noticed her jaw drop reaction.



    At the PCPD --


    Ric kept Sonny in the interrogation room till his attorney arrived and while he finished up the report on the case. As Ric sat behind the desk and signed the last of the paperwork, he looked up and noticed someone standing in front of him.

    Ric stood up from his seat and extended his hand to the woman who stood before him. "DA Lansing, and you are?" he asked as she took his hand and shook it.

    "I'm here to see my client, Mr. Corinthos. I'm Victoria London." Ric smiled and led her to the interrogation room to see Sonny.

    "Mr. Corinthos, your attorney is here to see you." Ric announced as he opened the door to the room and saw Sonny sitting at the table shackled to the floor. His attorney noticed the shackles when she entered the room and asked for them to be removed.

    "Are those necessary?" she asked about the shackles as she stepped into the room and set down her briefcase on the table.

    Ric rolled his eyes at her question and then called in an officer to remove the cuffs from Sonny's ankles. "Spencer!

    Unshackle Mr. Corinthos." Lucky looked at Ric like he had lost his mind. "Just do it." Ric replied before he stepped back into the squad room.

    Sonny and his attorney talked a while, while Ric looked on. She was very attractive, deep auburn curls, shoulder length hair, piercing blue eyes, the prettiest he's ever seen. Ric was smitten. As he stood there observing, he didn't hear Alexis approach him from behind.

    "Do I need to be worried about you Ric? Spying isn't becoming of a District Attorney." she joked as she walked up on him.

    She startled him back to reality and turned around with a snap. "I wasn't spying, Alexis. I was just observing. There's a difference." Alexis chuckled at his way of thinking.

    "Who is that by the way?" Alexis asked when she noticed Sonny was talking to someone.

    "She's Sonny's attorney." Alexis intrigued by that for some reason as she peered thru the window and watched as Sonny spoke with his attorney in private.

    "Now who's spying." Ric smirked and walked away towards the desk he had been working at earlier. Just as Alexis turned and walked towards him, the interrogation room door opened and the auburn haired attorney emerged.

    Alexis and the attorney locked eyes on one another and then excited squeals could be heard throughout the squad room.

    "Alexis?" the attorney asked as she stepped forward slowly. "Vicki?" Alexis replied as she took a few steps towards the her.

    "Oh my God ... it is you!" they squealed like giddy school girls as they embraced each other.

    "How long as it been? 20 years?" Victoria asked as Ric came upon them. Alexis nodded to Victoria's question when she saw Ric standing there.

    "So I take it the two of you know each other?" The two attorney's smiled at each other and then at Ric.

    "Vicki and I went to law school together, we were sorority sisters for a while." Alexis replied with joy to have her closest friend in town with her.

    "We definitely need to catch up." Victoria said.

    "Come on, we can go to my office and talk." Alexis offered and led the way to her office, Victoria following close behind.


    Alexis' office --


    Alexis opened the door to her office and invited Vicki in. "Have a seat." Alexis said as she showed Vicki one of the leather chairs in front of her mahogany desk.

    "Mmm.. Assitant DA. Very nice Alexis." Alexis looked around her office and didn't think it was the greatest job she had had over the past 20 years, but it was something that kept her out of trouble with those questionable clients.

    "So what about this case against my client, Alexis? You're seriously not going to prosecute on the evidence you have, are you?" Victoria asked as she reached into her case and pulled out a folder.

    "I thought our intentions were quite clear in our reports, Vicki. This is open and shut." Alexis replied as she put on her black rimmed glasses and opened up the case folder in front of her.

    "Without a witness, Alexis, the state doesn't have anything to hold Mr. Corinthos on or any charges to bring against him."

    "Oh but we do have enough to hold Mr. Corinthos for questioning in this murder, without the witness." Alexis replied as she peered over her glasses. "And according to my watch, we have him for another 32 hours." Alexis added hoping that within those hours, Zander would be able to remember if it was Sonny who shot his father or not.

    "I'm going to let this slide for now, Alexis. I have yet to read over thoroughly the case, but Mr. Corinthos does have the right to counsel during questioning."

    The phone on Alexis's desk rang a piercing sound and she quickly picked it up. "Davis." she answered. "I'll be right down." Alexis replied and jumped up from her seat.

    "Let's go ... your client wants to talk." she said to Vicki as they both rushed out the door and down to the squad room.



  6. SoapQueen89
    At the cabin --


    Zander laid with Emily in his arms till they both had fallen asleep on the overstuffed couch in front of the fireplace. She began to stir and woke up in Zander's arms. She quietly got up from the sofa and went up stairs to check on Devon, who had slept through night, surprisingly. Zander felt her get up off the sofa and he turned into the cushions waiting for her to return.

    Emily walked down the stairs and went back to the couch to check on her husband. She pulled the afghan up over him leaving him sleep a little while longer. She knew he was exhausted from the long night before, and he could use the extra rest without interruption.

    He heard her walking away after covering him up and called out to her. "Em...where you going?" he asked as he turned over.

    "I was going to let you get some sleep, you were so tired last night." she said as she came back towards him.

    "No I'm good...." he said groggily as he wasn't quite awake yet. She giggled cause she noticed she was right and he did need his rest.

    "Come here, lay with me." he asked as he reached for her hand to join him on the sofa.

    She looked up towards the upstairs thinking Devon would be okay for a little while longer, he was still asleep too. "Okay just for a few minutes. Devon will be up soon." she said as she took his hand and laid back down on the couch with him.

    He wrapped his arms around her and held her close to him. He felt so content with her by his side, her body fit so right with his, just like the right piece that completed the puzzle.

    She didn't want to fall asleep with him, but she did. The sun filtered in through the windows and made funny shapes on the hardwood floor in the living area where they slept.

    They were awaken by the rapping on the cabin door, and Zander awoke with a start. He wondered who would be knocking, no one knew they were there but one other person. He and Emily got up off the sofa and went to the front door to answer it.

    Zander peered out the window as he pulled back the curtain and noticed someone he knew standing on the front porch. He went to open the door as Emily scurried to the kitchen to make some coffee.

    "Alexis ... what are you doing here? How did you know ..?" he greeted her and invited her inside the cabin.

    "Beautiful place, Zander." she said as she entered the cabin and walked around the first floor.

    "Thanks, but you didn't answer my question, Alexis. What are you doing here?"

    Alexis turned towards him ... "I was in the neighborhood and decided to stop by." she managed a smile for him.

    He cracked a smile in return. "Seriously, Alexis. It must be something important for you to drive up here to talk with me, what's going on?" he asked as he turned away from her and walked into the living room. She followed him and took a seat that he offered her.

    Alexis looked up at him, as he stood next to her, she replied ... "What's going on is that we have 24 hours to come up with something to charge Sonny with or he's going home."


    "Alexis, what do you want me to do? I can't just force the memories to come into my head, ya know. It's going to take me longer then 24 hours to know for sure it was Sonny."

    "I know, Zander. I'm sorry for pressuring you like this. But it's important that we have all our angles covered, because right now, Sonny's attorney is not all too happy that we have him locked up on suspicion of murder."

    Emily emerged from the kitchen with a tray of coffee mugs and a decanter of fresh coffee.

    "I thought you guys might need some of this." she said as she sat down the tray on the coffee table. "Hi Alexis, how are you?" Emily greet their guest as Alexis smiled and pulled her into a hug.

    "I'll be better when I know I have a case against Sonny I can win." she glanced at Zander who was pouring some coffee into one of the mugs.

    "Yeah Zander told me all about it. I guess it's riding on him right now, isn't it?" Emily asked as she sat down on the couch.

    "Unfortunately, yes it is. What about talking with a professional?" Alexis suggested and Zander shot a glare towards her.

    "No shrinks, Alexis. I'll remember on my own, thank you." Zander objected.

    "Okay, no shrinks. I have to be getting back to town, now, but thanks for the coffee and conversation." Alexis said as she turned and walked towards the door.

    "Zander if you remember anything, even if it's the smallest detail, you call me. Okay?" she added as she turned around towards him.

    "I will Alexis, don't worry, you'll be the first person I'll call." Zander replied as Emily went to see their guest to her car.

    Alexis and Emily walked down to Alexis's car that was parked out in front of the cabin. "I don't know what to say Alexis, I don't know how to help him." Alexis eyes were filled with concern for she and Zander.

    "I know but pushing the issue isn't going to help him remember, he's going to remember when he's ready to. And all you can do is be there for him when he does. Because I have a feeling when he does remember, he's going to need you more then ever."

    Alexis pulled Emily into a hug and gave her a quick peck on the cheek goodbye. "Thanks for coming all the way up here, I know it's a ride from town." Emily appreciative of Alexis going out of her way to make sure they were alright. Alexis smiled and then got into her car.

    Emily turned back towards the cabin as Alexis turned the car around and headed back out the long dirt driveway. Emily made her way back into the house and closed the old wooden door of the cabin. When she stepped into the cabin she heard Devon's cries from upstairs. Zander so deep in thought, he didn't flinch at the sound of his son crying for them.

    Emily rushed up the stairs to comfort Devon and soon the crying had stopped. Emily emerged from upstairs with Devon in her arms as she came down the stairs with him in her arms. Devon's eyes were puffy and red from crying as his face lit up when he saw Zander sitting on the couch. Devon reached for his dad as Emily walked into the living room.

    "Would you watch him for a couple minutes till I get his breakfast ready?" Emily asked of Zander as she sat Devon down on the couch.

    "Yeah sure, go ahead, we'll be fine. Won't we?" Zander said as he picked his son up in his arms and fell back with him on the couch. Devon giggled. Zander laid down on the couch with Devon sitting on top of him. Devon watched as Emily disappeared into the kitchen and Zander bounced him up and down on him. Emily could hear Devon's giggles as she put together his breakfast.

    All seemed right with Zander and the family he loved so much, but the past was still lurking and just waiting for him to remember what he tried so hard to forget.



    At the hospital --


    Jason was getting stronger and stronger every day, and every day it was getting harder and harder to keep him in the bed. He didn't want to stay much longer in the hospital, he had had enough of the dismal place.

    "Okay, so when am I getting out of here?" he asked the duty nurse who was on that particular morning.

    "I don't know Mr. Morgan, I'll have to ask the attending physician on your case." she replied as she checked his vital signs for the third time that morning.

    "Okay, you go do that. I want to get out of here. I have a business to run and I can't run it from this hospital bed." he remarked as the duty nurse turned and walked out the door.

    "Well, you're feeling better I see." Elizabeth said as she stood in the doorway.

    "I do feel better and I want to go home, I can't take much more of this place." he replied and reached for her hand.

    Elizabeth knew she had to tell Jason about Sonny being arrested, it was all over the front page of the morning paper, he was bound to see it or hear someone talk about it. She went and sat down on the swivel stool next to his bed and he could see in her eyes something was on her mind.

    "What's wrong, Elizabeth?" he asked.

    "Something's happened, Jason. And I think I should tell you before you hear it from someone else." she replied.

    He could see that this was difficult for her to do, so he prepared himself to hear the worst. "What is it?" he asked again.

    "It's Sonny, Jason .... he's been arrested on suspicion of murder."



  7. SoapQueen89
    It had been a few days since Elizabeth had heard from Jason and she was now getting worried. He was never gone this long without calling her. She had double checked the locks downstairs and had retired for the evening by turning out all the lights and heading upstairs to the bedroom. The house felt so empty without him in it, the bed felt so cold as she lay awake hoping she could fall asleep without him by her side. The fear of hearing the worst had been bringing her nightmares when she closed her eyes at night, she didn't want to fall asleep but she knew she had to.

    She pulled the covers up over her shoulders and turned onto her side and faced into his side of the bed, still empty, still cold. She missed him so much. As she lay there, she had this overwhelming feeling of something awful had happened. Fearing for her husband, she opened up the nightstand and pulled out the cell phone she kept there. She quickly dialed, he didn't answer. She called the next person who would know what could be happening. She dialed the number feverishly, her fingers pushing down the keys on the keypad quickly. It rang, and rang, finally someone familiar answered on the other end.

    "Hello..." the voice said groggily. "Sonny .. It's Elizabeth. Have you heard from Jason?" she said now hysterical and worried about him. Sonny heard the worry and concern in her voice and tried his best to calm her down over the phone.

    "Elizabeth? What's wrong? He isn't back yet?" Sonny replied now concerned himself about Jason.

    "No Sonny, damn it! He's not back yet! And I have an awful feeling something's happened." There was a brief pause without any word from Jason's best friend, Elizabeth repeated her words to him again.

    "Okay.....we'll be right over." Was all Sonny said and the phone line went dead.

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

    Emily was pacing the hardwood floor of the bedroom as she kept checking on Devon making sure he was alright, not knowing what to do or who to call. Zander wasn't back from his business trip and she was getting worried about him. He always called to check on her and Devon, no matter what time it was, Zander called. She was restless, couldn't sleep, concerned and fearful something had happened.

    She had just come back from checking on Devon when the silence was broken by the ring of the telephone. She rushed to pick it up hoping it was Zander. As she picked up the receiver, a feeling rushed over her, a horrible feeling that this phone call was not good news.

    "H-Hello Zander?!" a brief pause before the voice on the other end answered her.

    "No sweetie, it's mom." Emily's heart sank to the floor, her insides contracted and she felt the worst had happened. Without giving her mother a chance to say anything her eyes welled with tears.

    "Oh my God! Mom, is he alright? Tell me he's alright!" she said frantically. She trembled as she held the phone to her ear and listened to her mother explain the reason for the call.

    "Emily, sweetie....you need to stay calm and listen to me. Okay." Emily's insides quivered with fear as she trembled and tried to reply to her mom's request.

    "O-Okay..I'll try." Emily stammered.

    "You need to get Devon. You and he need come to GH, we're in the ER. I'll explain when you get here." There was no reply from Emily on the other end.

    "Em! Emily! You still there....honey...you need to get to GH. Zander's been shot." Emily hadn't heard the last remarks from her mother as she left the phone dangling on the floor, she had rushed to Devon's room and got him dressed and bundled to go to the hospital.

    Emily packed the diaper bag and wrapped Devon in a blanket, took him back to their room and got dressed. She and Devon rushed down the stairs and out the door. She needed to get to the hospital .. her husband needed her. She met Louie at the elevator, he had been standing guard at the front door since earlier that evening. He noticed she was frantically trying to get the elevator to open up, when he asked her what was wrong. She tried to explain that she needed to get to GH and that Zander had been brought in. Louie escorted her to the car and helped her with Devon into the back of the limo. He drove her as fast as he could to the ER and walked her in to find her mother.

    "Mom!" Emily shouted as she rushed into the ER with Devon in her arms. "Where's Zander? How is he?"


  8. SoapQueen89
    At the cabin --



    A few days had passed since Alexis had visited the cabin, and Zander was no closer to remembering then he was 3 days prior. He was getting frustrated with himself because he couldn't remember, all he wanted to do was to punish the man who shot and killed his father. Emily sat with him every night trying to keep his mind off of his past the best she could, but it was getting more and more difficult as time passed. The pressure on Zander to remember began to tighten on him, the longer he couldn't remember, the worse it was for the case against Sonny. Emily could see how exhausted Zander had become over the past few days, he wasn't getting his rest at night and Devon kept him going during the day.

    Zander had locked up the downstairs tight and turned out the lights, as Emily climbed the stairs slowly, keeping the pace slow till Zander could catch up to her. She led the way to the master bedroom as Zander followed close behind her. His hands latched on her waist and guided her into the bedroom, closing the door behind him by kicking it closed with his foot. She could tell by his demeanor that he was in no way tired to sleep, he had other things on his mind.

    Once inside the bedroom, Zander scooped Emily up in his arms and carried her to the bed. He needed to just relax and he knew a night of lovemaking with is wife was just what the doctor ordered. As they lye in each other's arms afterwards, Zander had finally drifted off to sleep. Emily lay watching over him and slowly she too fell asleep.

    Flashes of that fateful night sparked in his mind, and Emily felt Zander become restless, tossing and turning against her. She was afraid to wake him, not knowing what he might be dreaming, she had read that waking up a someone in midst of a nightmare could be harmful to those who were dreaming and the person who was doing the waking, so she left him continue for a little while longer.

    The memories of that night filtered into Zander's mind so easily, it replaying back to him the events that happened frame by frame.

    -dream sequence-

    A little boy walk down the stairs to go to the kitchen. As he turned the corner, he seeing the light from underneath the door of his father's office, curiosity in him led him to the light to listen to what was being talked inside the room, all he heard was silence as he placed his ear to the door. He turned away from the study and patted to the kitchen for some milk. He reached up for the jug of special milk his mom always had for him. After taking his drink, he placed the jug back in the refrigerator and walked back towards the staircase. Shouting could be heard now from the study, as he leaned up against the door to get a better listen.

    "I can't believe you'd betray me like this Michael! I trusted you with my family, with my life! We've been partners for years and you go and do this to me!" dad shouted at his right hand man, Michael.

    "Mr. Smith, it just happened! I didn't know what I was doing, I couldn't control myself, sir!" Michael shouted back.

    "You couldn't control yourself? How could you not control yourself, Michael? You disrespected me in the worst possible way someone could! You know what I do to people who betray me, Michael!" dad yelling at Michael, but listening closely enough to hear the gun snap into firing position.

    "Tell me something Michael, did my wife beg for it?!"

    The room became silent again, but I couldn't tear myself away from the door, and I just listened.

    "What am I suppose to tell my child when he grows up, Michael?! What am I suppose to tell Alexander?! Tell me!" dad started yelling again at Michael.

    "I don't know Frank, he's your son!" Michael replied.

    "That's right he is my son! My son, Michael .. not yours! Mine! I raised him, I provided for him, I protected him from people like you, Michael! I love that child like he was my own! He might of come from a violent act, but he's know that he is loved by his mother and me!"

    Things turned from bad to worse as another gun was pulled and cocked.

    "You filthy son of a bitch! How could you let an innocent child pay for your crime, Michael?!"

    "Alexander isn't going to pay for my crime, Frank .. you are!"

    Gunshots rang out ...

    -end of dream sequence-


    Shots rang out and it startled Zander awake from his dreams.

    Emily sitting by his side as he sat up in bed, covered in sweat, his breathing erratic.

    "Zander, are you alright?" Emily asked as she noticed he had fear and anger in his eyes. "Did you remember something?" she continued as he wiped his brow with the back of his hand.

    He looked at her confused, and distant. His eyes glazed over, he wasn't in the room with her, he may have been physically but psychologically he was someplace else.

    "Zander, focus on my voice. Did you remember anything?" she said as she made eye contact with him, she knew she wasn't reaching him.

    He began to shake off the nightmare and she saw in his eyes, he was slowly coming back from where ever it was that his dream took him.

    "Oh my God, Em!" he latched on to her and squeezed her tight, she could feel the fear inside him, it sent shivers up her spine. Something he remember seriously scared him to death.

    Zander pulled back from Emily's arms and shook off the feelings that were left inside of him from the dreams.

    "Zander, did you remember something?" she asked as sat on the edge of the bed.

    "Yeah I did." he replied as he glanced back over his shoulder.

    She crawled to his side and sat with him. "Do you want to talk about it?" she asked as she caressed his back with her hand.

    "I just can't believe it." He was shocked to see in his dream what he had once blocked out of his mind for so long.

    "Why don't you tell me about it, we can work through it together." she said as he got up from the bed.

    What he dreamt couldn't be true, he couldn't be who the dream said he was. It's not possible. He tried to put that part of the dream aside and focused more on the the actual shooting and who the person was who pulled the trigger.

    "Zander, what did you see?" she asked hoping to coax him into telling her about his dream.

    "I saw everything Em and I heard them talking. I heard the gunfire and saw them leave the study, just like I said before." he replied as she got up from the bed and walked towards him.

    "Did you see who it was? Was it Sonny?" she asked again. Zander slipped to that far away place again, and was set back to reality when she called his name a few times.

    "Yeah it was Sonny but there's more Em .... " he said as turned into her. "The argument they were having was about me, Em .. it was about me."

    Emily pulled him into her as he felt guilt wash over him. His father was dead because of him, not because of some business deal gone wrong, but because of him.

    "It's all my fault." he said as they walked back towards the bed and sat down once again.

    "This is not your fault Zander, you were 8 years old. You were just a little boy, so don't go blaming yourself." he knew she was right but he just kept thinking about the argument between his father and Sonny. And then it hit him, like a punch in the gut as he remembered more of the argument and why they were arguing over him.

    His mind went back and forth between Frank and the man he knew only as Michael, because that's what his dad called him as. "But Frank wasn't my father .... that's what they were fighting about ..."

    The more Zander remembered about that night, the tears in his eyes welled as he realized what had actually happened that night, how much he had truly heard coming from inside the study.

    "Zander, you lost me again. Frank wasn't your father? Then who was?" Emily asked as he kept slipping in and out to that far away place.

    "Michael .... that's what the fight was about." he repeated as he snapped back from empty blank stare.

    Emily sighed. "Okay, who's Michael? Someone you knew, a close family friend, who?"

    He stared into her eyes and said bluntly....."Sonny."


  9. SoapQueen89
    Emily steadied herself against the bed post so she wouldn't fall over from shock when Zander told her that Michael was name Sonny used when he first got into the business with Frank.

    "Sonny Corinthos is your father?!" she replied in complete amazement at Zander's revelation.

    Zander scratched the top of his head and really wondered to himself if what he had dreamt was the truth. "I don't know Em, I'm just telling you what I remembered. Sonny shot Frank because Frank was going to shoot him for betrayal and for sleeping with my mother."

    Zander quickly got passed the tears and found himself quickly with anger building inside him as he remembered more of the conversation between Frank and Sonny.

    "Wait.... " he got up from the bed and began to pace the room, like pacing would make him remember more. "Frank was furious with Sonny for sleeping with my mother, but it wasn't a mutual fling .... that son of a bitch raped her!" Zander yelled out in anger as he remembered more clearly the argument between Frank and Sonny.

    His fists clenched in rage, he felt the urge to release it on something and picked up the vase and threw it against the wall. The impact shattered the vase and all that was in it on the floor. Emily jumped as the shattering vase made a loud sound as it hit the wall and broke in a million pieces. She had never seen such anger from Zander before and she was over come with fear. She knew he'd never hurt her that way, but she was afraid for him, and what he might do now knowing what he knew.

    Zander realized what he had done and what he had remembered so vividly now, his knees buckled underneath him and he went down onto the floor. Tears began to fall from his eyes and Emily went to him and held him in her arms wishing she could take the pain he was feeling all away.

    Zander cried out in pain as he realized what his mother had endured all those many years ago and that he was the result of the violent attack that was done to her.

    Emily wrapped her arms around him and tried to comfort him the best she could. He klinged to her like he had become the small boy he once was, the small scared little boy who witnessed the murder of his father by the hands of another.

    Emily sat with him on the floor of their bedroom rocking back and forth, as the tears just flowed from him, as if all 15 years of sorrow and pain was released. As she sat with him in her arms she smoothed back his hair with her hands, trying to soothe him the best she could. She just wanted to take the pain away, but she knew he was the one who was going to have to work through his knowing what had truly happened that night.

    "I am so sorry ...." he whimpered under his breath over and over again.

    "Shhh .. Zander this not your fault, you are not to blame for any of this." she whispered to him hoping he was listening to her on some level.

    She had felt for some time that as a little boy had suffered something very traumatic but she would of never guessed something like this.

    They sat a while on the floor before she tried to get him to the bed where he'd be more comfortable. He stood up with her and followed her to the bed. As he wiped away the tears that he had cried, more just fell from his eyes. He felt his chest tighten as he tried to choke back the tears, she handed him a tissue to dry his eyes with and sat down next to him on the edge of the bed.

    It seemed all the emotions he had built up inside him had been released and as he tried to piece together a coherent thought.

    "I'm sorry about the vase." he apologized as he glanced over to the shattered vase lying on the floor.

    "Oh don't worry about the vase ... to tell you the truth, I didn't like it anyways." she replied and cracked a smile. He chuckled.

    The tension in the room was broken and they both felt relief when it had dissipated from the air. Now that he remembered, it was time to take the next step.... to make sure Sonny was brought to justice for all his crimes.

    Emily left Zander sleeping as she headed downstairs to make a phone call to Ric. He needed to know that Zander remembered, but she'd let Zander tell him what it was all about. She quietly picked up her cell phone and called Ric.

    She listened to it repeatedly ring, Ric wasn't answering. She decided to leave a message for him on his voice mail, hoping he'd return the call as soon as he got it. She flipped the phone closed after she left Ric message to call her and laid it back down on the table before heading back upstairs to bed.

    She slipped back into bed with Zander, trying not to wake him, after the night he had, he needed his rest. She laid awake listening to the silence of the night and watched over her husband laying next to her. She smoothed back his forelock wondering what was going on inside his head as he slept. She hoped now that he remembered what had happened that night Frank was shot, his nightmares about it would subside.


  10. SoapQueen89
    At the cabin --


    The morning sun filtered through the trees and into the bedroom window, she awoke to being alone and she sat up in bed quickly. "Zander?" she called out for him with no answer.

    She slipped from the bed and put on her robe and slippers before she headed out the door of the bedroom and down the stairs. She searched the down stairs and found no one, but a fresh pot of coffee that was made. She went to the front door and opened it, thinking that Zander had gone to see his brother, she wasn't expecting to find him sitting alone on the front porch.

    He turned and looked towards the door when he heard it open. "Morning....." he said as he saw her standing in the doorway.

    "Morning, what are you doing out here, Zander?" she asked as she stepped out onto the front porch with him.

    "Just thinking." he replied as he held a cup of coffee between his hands to keep them warm. Emily sat down on the step with him and snuggled close.

    "Have you told your brother yet?" she asked as she looked up at him. His arms wrapped around her as their hands wrapped around the one cup of coffee.

    "Not yet." he replied and she didn't question his reasons for not calling Ric, he'd do it in his own time she guessed.

    As they sat with each other on the steps, they were startled by the sound of a vehicle coming down the dirt road. Zander rushed Emily into the house and he followed closely behind, not wanting anyone to know they were there. He peered out the window from behind the curtain as the vehicle pulled up to the rustic cabin. He realized he knew the vehicle and went to open the door for their visitor.

    "Hey little brother ..." Ric said as he emerged from the black SUV and then came into full view as he walked around the front of the truck. Zander handed his cup of coffee off to Emily before he stepped out onto the front porch of the cabin.

    Zander came down the stairs to greet Ric with a brotherly embrace. "Hey you weren't kidding when you said it was a well hidden place." Ric chuckled as the two of them went into the cabin.

    Zander explained to Emily that he had called Ric earlier that morning to come and see them. He didn't want to tell his brother all that happened in the middle of the PCPD, the cabin was more appropriate.

    Zander and Ric took seats on the sofa in the living room as Emily went to get them all some coffee.

    "You're call sounded urgent, so I came as soon as I could." Ric said as he unbuttoned his suit jacket and made himself more comfortable on the couch.

    "Yeah urgent would be a good word for it." Zander smirked.

    "I hope you have some good news for me, and we can pick up Sonny again for murder." Ric replied anxiously awaiting what Zander had to tell him.

    "Good news? Well, for you maybe, but not for me. What I remembered just brought on more questions for me, Ric. But I do remember that Sonny shot Frank." Ric found it strange that Zander used their names and didn't call Frank, father like he had done before.

    "Is there something more, Zander? If there is, I'd like to hear it." Ric replied as Emily came into the room with a tray and she set it down on the coffee table in front of them. Zander reached for a cup of coffee and took a sip before beginning his story what had happened. Emily heard the cries of Devon from upstairs and excused herself to check on him.

    "Have anything more to tell me, Zander?" Ric asked as he held the cup of coffee between his hands.

    "You mean like from what I remembered last night that Frank Smith was not my father, but that Sonny is?" Zander replied.

    "Sonny? .... Is your father? Are you sure, Zander?" Ric questioned surprised to hear what Zander had told him.

    "As sure as I want to be right now, believe me, it was a shock to me too. But that's what I remembered about the argument between Sonny and Frank that night. Frank accused Sonny of raping my mother 8 years earlier, he had found out that I was Sonny's son, not his. He was furious with Sonny, and wanted to kill him for doing what he had done to his family and to his wife. Sonny shot Frank before Frank got a shot at him."

    Ric sat and listened as Emily came down the stairs with Devon in her arms. She turned the corner with him and headed into the kitchen to feed him his breakfast.

    "Well, I'm sure the statute has run out on the rape of your mother, but we certainly can arrest Sonny for killing Frank....with your testimony, Sonny should get alot of years behind bars." Ric replied.

    Zander's stomach churned at the word "testimony". He didn't want to talk about that night to anyone, it was painful for him just to think about it. But if it would put Sonny in jail for what he had done, he'd have to tell his story in front of a judge.

    "Are you ready for that?" Ric asked as he saw Zander went pale at the mention of testifying against Sonny.

    "No, I'm not ready to testify against Sonny ... my father, but I have to, I'm the only witness you have that can put him away for this." Zander replied.

    "I'm sorry for all the pain that Sonny has caused, he certainly deserves the punishment that the judge hands down on him. He's hurt alot of people over the years and it's time he pays for all he's done." Ric said trying to be sympathetic towards his brother.

    "Yeah he has caused alot of pain to many people, but my only concern right now is that Sonny gets charged with murder and that he go to prison for a very long time for it. He's taken way too many years from me, Ric. I'm not going to let him get away with it!"



  11. SoapQueen89
    Ric's Office --


    A few days later, Zander had agreed to meet Ric in his office to talk about the case against Sonny. Ric had already served the arrest warrant and searched Sonny's penthouse for anything that may help build his case. Alexis was asked to sit in on the discussions, since she and Ric both would be handling this case.

    Ric sat behind his desk jotting down some notes on his legal pad, when he heard a few knocks on the door. "Yeah, it's open." he called from his desk. The door opened and Ric looked up from his papers and saw Zander standing in the doorway. He invited his brother into the office and to have a seat. They'd wait for Alexis who would be showing up at any minute.

    Zander and Ric didn't wait more then a few minutes before Alexis walked into the office with her briefcase in hand.

    "Alexis and I will be working on this case together, Zander. I asked her to sit in on our get together this morning, so she can get up to speed on what's going on." Ric explained.

    Zander glanced towards Alexis who took a seat next to him in the empty chair. Alexis cracked a smile as she and Zander made eye contact for a brief moment.

    "Zander, I need you to tell us about the night Frank Smith was shot. And I need every little detail you can remember, even if it doesn't seem important, it could be helpful." Alexis said as she took out her legal pad and pencil to take notes.

    Alexis was very thorough and she wanted to be sure she had all the information she needed to win. Ric took out the mini tape recorder from his desk and set it up in front of Zander. Zander saw the recorder and froze in his seat. The last time he saw the recorder, it wasn't a pleasant experience for him, and he certainly didn't like his story being on tape for everyone and anyone to hear.

    Ric noticed Zander's reaction to the tape recorder. "Sorry, we need to have this down on record." Ric replied hoping that Zander wouldn't let the recorder or Alexis keep him from telling his story.

    "Nah, that's okay. You need to get this down, I understand." Zander replied as he tried to get comfortable in his seat.

    "Whenever you're ready, Zander." Alexis said as she sat waiting for him to tell his story to her.

    He tried to relax in the chair as he began telling them what he remembered about the night Frank was killed, but his insides twisted as he thought of what Sonny had done to his mother and the man he knew to be his father.

    "It was late, after midnight, I think. I woke up and was thirsty, so I went downstairs to get a drink. I saw a light on in my father's study, which wasn't unusual, dad often worked late. I went to the kitchen and got a drink, and on my way back to bed, I heard loud voices coming from the study. The door now slightly open, so I could see who was in with my father, before the door was closed tight and I didn't hear the voices when I came down, just when I was going back. I stood and listened at the door, making sure they didn't see me. Frank and his visitor were arguing back and forth, dad was furious with Michael about something but I didn't understand why, and he didn't tell the whole story while I listened. Dad shouted about betrayal and what he did to those who betrayed him. He shouted at Michael about sleeping with my mother and then he said that Michael would pay for his crimes, and it wasn't fair that I had to pay for what he had done. Michael said that he would make my father pay for the crimes he committed against my mother and then he shot him. After hearing the shot, I hid in the shadows till I saw Michael leave the study in hurry. I ran upstairs and back to bed like nothing had happened."

    Ric turned off the tape recorder as Alexis finished up writing down notes on her legal pad. Zander sighed heavily as he sat a little more relaxed in his chair after telling his story for the third time.

    "Okay is that everything you remember, Zander?" Alexis asked and Zander glared at her.

    "Isn't that enough?! I just gave you Sonny Corinthos on a silver platter, what more do you want from me?!" Zander snapped back as he stood up from his chair in disgust.

    "We just need to be sure we're not missing anything, Zander. Any little detail can be called on and then we have problems." Ric said trying to convince his brother why they needed all of what he remembers.

    "Look, I found out last night that my mother was raped by my father's ... sorry, Frank's right hand man, and that the right hand man, is my real father, not Frank. Let me make this clear, for the two of you, my father is Sonny Corinthos! Is that clear enough for you?" Zander said as he noticed the looks coming from Alexis and Ric both. "And the two of you want more? What do you want, blood?!" Zander continued and Alexis raised an eyebrow.

    "A blood sample wouldn't hurt, we could prove conclusively that you are Sonny's son." Zander returned another glare towards her.

    "You're kidding right? I already know that the man is my father, why would I need to have DNA to prove it?! He raped my mother, and he murdered my stepfather! I want nothing to do with the man and I hope he spends the next 25 years to life in prison for it!" Zander stormed out of his brother's office in anger.

    Ric leaned back in his chair and watched his brother storm out of the office. "Wow, that went well, don't you think?"


    "Do you think he'd see a professional?" Alexis asked as she put the legal pad back into her case. Ric sat up and leaned forward on his desk.

    "Zander? Are you kidding? No, I'd say a shrink is not something Zander would do willingly." Rick chuckled. "Besides, he's not on trial here, Sonny is." he added and got up from his seat.

    "Okay, you're right. He wouldn't go willingly, but he needs to talk with someone, Ric. He's very angry and ..."

    "And what, Alexis? I can certainly understand why Zander's angry! Hell, I'm angry about it .. remember, this was my mother too! But I'm handling it alot better then Zander is. I didn't witness the killing of Frank or hear it first hand what happened, and of course I'm not the child of a rape! But taking into consideration all that boy has been through over the past 15 years and more importantly over the last few days, he's doing considerably well."

    Alexis could see that Ric was getting more agitated the longer she stayed and tried to convince him otherwise about his brother, so she decided to take her thoughts and her case elsewhere.

    "If you need anything else, I'll be in my office." she said as she headed out the door.

    After Alexis left the room, Ric's knees buckled underneath him and he fell into the chair. He had heard Zander's story, but he didn't really listen and once he did, it finally sank in that what had happened to Zander's mother, had happened to his. He was too busy trying to build a case against Sonny to realize what Sonny had done, he had done to his mother. Ric was 12 at the time, and didn't live with his mother and her new family. He had been enrolled in boarding school and spent most of his time away from home. He only came home to visit during the summer.

    Ric sat alone in his office and stared at his surroundings. He had worked so hard to get where he was, his mother made the sacrifices any other mother would make for her child, a good life, a good school, all the love she could give him and for someone like Sonny Corinthos to strip that from her was inconceivable, it didn't seem real. As he sat alone, he could feel his eyes fill with tears, he couldn't imagine what Zander was going through.

    He was startled by a knock on the door, and he quickly wiped his eyes dry with his hands, hoping that no one saw him crying in the dark. He composed himself and got up from his seat. "Yeah, what is it?" he asked as he approached his visitor.

    "I just thought you'd like to see this, sir." the young intern said as he handed Ric a manila colored folder. Ric thanked him for bringing the information to him and closed the door. He went to take a seat behind his desk and opened the folder to read what it had to say.

    He read over the papers inside and slammed down his fist on his desk in disgust. "Dammit!" he shouted to an empty room. "He's not going to get away with this! Sonny Corinthos is not getting off this easy!" Ric got up from his seat and stormed out of his office. Ric was on a mission and he wouldn't rest until he saw Sonny Corinthos behind bars, and no one was going to get in his way to put him there.


  12. SoapQueen89
    The PCPD Squad Room --


    Ric walked into the squad room with a purpose, the folder in his hand. He slammed down the folder on the desk of an unexpecting police officer. As he did, Mac came out from the interrogation room wondering what was going on in his squad room.

    "What is going on out here?!" Mac asked as he approached Ric was obviously upset about something.

    "You tell me that Sonny isn't walking out of here tonight, Mac?! Give me something we can hold him on!" Mac hung his head. He knew Ric wanted Sonny so bad he could taste it, but Mac didn't have enough evidence to hold him this time.

    "I'm sorry Ric, we don't have anything but Zander's word for it. The other evidence got thrown out, loopholes from the previous investigation." Mac replied somberly. He wanted as much as Ric did to get Sonny for killing Frank, but screw ups in the previous investigation prevented some evidence to be presented to the court, and without it, they had nothing to charge Sonny with.

    Mac and Ric stood together as Sonny emerged from the interrogation room. "Can we remove the cuffs now?" Sonny's attorney said as she stood beside her client.

    "Spencer, remove the cuffs." Mac ordered.

    Lucky hesitated. "Now, Spencer." Mac ordered again. "Yes sir." Lucky did as he was ordered to and released Sonny's wrists from the cuffs.

    As Sonny walked past Ric, he smirked and said smugly .... "Better luck next time, counselor."

    Ric's angered eyes followed Sonny towards the door. It took everything he had inside him not to grab Sonny but he left him go. He would have his day with Sonny and when he did, he'd be sure no one would be witness to it.

    Ric muttered to himself .... "Don't you worry, Sonny .... next time will be here sooner then you know."



    Ric's Office --


    Ric stormed out of the squad room and back to his office. He was angry, he was frustrated and he was going to put Sonny Corinthos behind bars for what he had done to his family if was the last thing Ric would ever do. He reached his office and slammed the door. He chuckled to himself and wondered what his colleague, Alexis would think about his behavior now, she'd probably send him to see the shrink.

    It was back to square one with the case against Sonny. He was just hoping that after 15 years, those who were interviewed back then would be willing to talk with police now. He sat down behind his desk and reached for the file folder on this case. As he did there was a knock at his door.

    "Yeah, come in!" he shouted from behind his desk. The door opened slowly and his visitor peered inside.

    "I'm not going to get hit or anything if I come in, am I?" Steele joked.

    "Nah, not right away, Steele. Come on in." Ric chuckled as he invited the Detective into his office.

    "Look, I'm sorry about the case falling through like it did. But all is not lost, sir." Steele said as he stepped into Ric's office and closed the door.

    "Not all lost? As of right now, yeah it is." Ric said as he flipped open the file folder.

    "Not quite yet. I still have a few aces up my sleeve. Would you like to hear the hand I have yet to deal?" Steele replied and what he had to say certainly interested Ric.

    "Sure, pull up a chair, Steele. Tell me about it." Ric replied as Steele accepted Ric's offer and sat down.

    "I don't think we can get Mr. Corinthos on murder charges, but that may change in time, but what I do have is evidence, hard evidence that can convict him on numerous other charges. At least it would give us time to gather the evidence we need for that murder charge." Steele said.

    "What other charges are we talking about, Steele?"

    "The kind that can put a man away for the next 20 to 25 years. The kind that would consist of drug running from here to Florida and back again."

    What Steele had to say piqued Ric's interest. Whatever would tie up Sonny's attorney for a while was good enough for him. It would buy them some time to gather evidence for a murder conviction.

    "And how did you come about this evidence?" Ric asked as he leaned forward in his chair.

    "Various sources, but mostly from digging in the right places and talking to the right people." Steele replied, though vague with his answer.

    "I'm listening." Ric replied wanting to hear more.

    "Friends of mine in a different precinct have folders on Mr. Corinthos, dating back 10 to 15 years, but just didn't have enough to charge him with anything in particular. Witnesses paid off, disappeared or worse. Evidence collected disappeared or not logged and fell through the cracks ... there was always something that happened to force the release of Mr. Corinthos. But all of it put together would bring some mighty hefty charges against him....perhaps Federal charges as well." Steele explained.

    "I see. Am I too assume that these files are still in Florida and that by tomorrow afternoon you could have these cases for me?" Ric asked hoping Steele could get what he needed.

    "Yes, I guess you could assume that." Steele smirked.

    "Good .. get them for me ASAP. I want to see them right away. And while you're at it, I want all the information you can get on this 15 year old murder case. Everything, from transcripts from the court files to witness statements to the evidence that was logged in. I want to know if Sonny Corinthos got a parking ticket in Florida during the time he was there!" Ric ordered.

    "You got it. It might take a while for some of it but I can get it to you." Steele replied knowing his mission was a large one but it could be done.

    "Good .. I expect full reports from you by tomorrow afternoon."
    Steele nodded in acknowledgement of Ric's request and got up from his seat.

    "Don't worry, we'll get him, sir." Steele added before he left Ric's office.

    Ric felt a little better after his conversation with Detective Steele. One way or another he was determined to file charges against Sonny Corinthos that would stick. He could feel it inside him, it was going to happen very soon.




  13. SoapQueen89
    On the docks --


    After leaving Ric's office, Zander found himself sitting on the docks for a while. He sat alone on the bench just looking out over the choppy waters. The breeze had picked up and the water rippled in and out against the pier. He decided he had stayed long enough in town, it was time to go back to the cabin and be with his family. He reached in his jacket pocket and pulled out his cell phone.

    "Marcus ... can you pick me up at Pier 33? No, everything's fine, I'd just like to go back to the cabin now. Thanks." Zander flipped the phone closed and stuck it back in his pocket. He sat on the bench till he saw the headlights of his limo approaching. He got up and walked towards the car as Marcus got out and went to open the back door for him.

    Marcus drove Zander back to the cabin where Emily was waiting for him. She greeted him on the front porch as he walked up to her.

    "Hey, how did it go?" she asked as he pulled her into embrace.

    He sighed heavily. "Not well. I don't think they have much of a case against Sonny. Not unless Ric can find some new evidence to present."

    He could see in her eyes that she was disappointed. "I'm sorry, Zander. I know you were expecting some good news." she said somberly as they walked into the cabin together.

    "Yeah I was and I know Ric was too." he replied as he sat down on the couch. "All we can do now is wait to hear from Ric, which might take a while till he has something concrete to take to court." he added.

    "Well, I know Ric, he's not going to stop till he gets a conviction. He's bound and determined to get Sonny and he won't stop till he does." she said as she sat down with him.

    They snuggled together on the couch for a while till they heard Devon from upstairs. "I'll go ..." he said as he got up from his seat. Emily smiled and watched as he went up the stairs. She knew Devon would be able to put a smile back on Zander's face, he always did.



    The courthouse - a few days later --


    Zander and Emily walked up the front steps of the courthouse together, she could feel that he was nervous about testifying. She looked down at her watch and saw they had about an hour or so before he had to report. The two of them walked down the hallway towards the courtroom and took a seat on one of the empty benches along the wall and waited for Ric and Alexis. Emily was glad they had made arrangements for her parents to keep Devon for the day while they were at the courthouse.

    Zander went over his testimony in his head while he waited with his wife, his hands were collecting moisture the longer he sat there thinking about what he had to say. This was only the Grand Jury hearing and if the court found enough evidence to indict, they would, then he'd have to tell his story all over again for a jury. He needed to focus and concentrate on the matters at hand, there was no room in his mind for business matters that had popped up the night before, the Jason problem could wait.

    As he and Emily sat together quietly, he noticed Ric appear from around the corner with his briefcase in hand. Nicely dressed in a dark suit, dark blue shirt and dark blue tie, his shoes polished till they shined, he walked with purpose as he approached them.

    "No Alexis yet?" he questioned as he looked around the corridor for her.

    "No not yet." Zander said as he wrung his hands together. Ric noticing his brother was nervous.

    "You're going to do fine, Zander. Alexis and I will be there every step of the way." Ric reassured his brother.

    Footsteps were heard coming up from behind Ric and he turned to see who was approaching him. Alexis neared wearing a dark black pinstriped double breasted suit with a white silk blouse, she looked ready for her day in court.

    "You look nice." Ric complimented her on her appearance.

    "Thanks." Alexis cracked a smile.

    "I didn't know the two of you were ... um ..." Zander began and smiled.

    "Oh, we're not ...." they replied quickly. "Strictly platonic ...." Alexis replied .

    Emily and Zander looked at each other and smiled. "Oh okay ... we just thought .." Emily said as Ric and Alexis tried to disparage them from thinking there was anything else going on. Emily giggled trying to hide her amusement at the two of them.

    Alexis looked down at her watch and noticed the time. "We should get in there." she said to Ric. "After you .." he replied as he stretched out his arm and left Alexis lead the way.

    "You'll be called by the bailiff when we're ready for you, Zander." Alexis said before walking away and towards the door to the courtroom.

    Emily stretched her arm across the back of the bench and caressed Zander's shoulders trying to help him relax. This was only the beginning for him, and she wanted to support him as much as she could through this ordeal. It wasn't going to be easy and he wasn't making it so by worrying.

    They sat there a while before the bailiff came out and asked him to step inside and take the stand. Zander got up from the bench and Emily took his hand. They walked in together and Emily took a seat behind Alexis, as Zander walked passed them and took the stand. He adjusted his tie and unbuttoned his jacket before he sat down in the chair. He ran his hand through his hair nervously as he sat and waited for Ric to start his examination. Zander tried not to make eye contact with Sonny who sat at the table with his attorney, Zander knew if he did, he would freeze up and he couldn't let his mother or his brother down. He needed to do this.

    Ric stood up from his seat and buttoned his jacket before walking towards Zander in the witness box. Zander cleared his throat and got himself prepared to tell his story to those who were in the courtroom that day. Ric gave Zander a nod of reassurance as he stood before him.

    "Please state your name and occupation for the record." Ric instructed.

    "Zander Smith, and I am a business man here in Port Charles." Zander replied and he looked over Ric's shoulder at Emily sitting in the front row.

    "Now, Mr. Smith tell us how you are involved in this case against Mr. Corinthos, please." Ric asked as he walked back towards the prosecution table.

    "I am the son of the man Sonny murdered 15 years ago in Florida." Zander replied with a glare towards Sonny.

    "Objection, your honor ... my client has not yet been convicted of this crime." Victoria spoke up.

    "This may be true, counselor, but this isn't a trial, it's just a hearing to see if the prosecution has enough evidence, so your objection is overruled. You may continue, Mr. Lansing." Judge Cooper replied.

    "Thank you, your honor." Ric replied "Now, Mr. Smith can you tell us in your own words what happened the night of March 21st, 15 years ago?" he instructed Zander as he approached the witness box once more.

    Zander cleared his throat before he began telling his story of what he remembered about that night. He felt his heart beat pound inside his chest as images of that night flashed in his head, each image more vivid then the last. His palms began collecting moisture as he became more and more uncomfortable in his seat. His mouth became dry like cotton as he moistened his lips with a swipe of his tongue.

    This was going to be more difficult then he thought, but he looked towards Emily smiling at him lovingly and he knew everything would be alright, he just had to tell the truth about that night and this nightmare would soon be over.
  14. SoapQueen89
    The Courtroom - Zander testifies --


    Zander looked over at Sonny sitting at the table to his left and felt nothing, there was no love for the man who shot his stepfather. Sonny was in for a rude awakening if he thought he was going to get away with raping his mother and killing Frank. Zander assumed that Sonny remembered all of what happened that night, the argument that ensued between he and Frank, he didn't realize that much of that night and led up to it was a big black hole for Sonny too.

    Ric saw that Zander was in distress about telling his story and nodded in encouragement. Zander glanced at Ric and then at Emily before he began, he knew he had the support of his family to help him through this.

    "Please tell us Zander, what transpired that night." Ric coaxed.

    "Um, it was after midnight, and I couldn't sleep. So I went downstairs to the kitchen to get a drink. I saw the light on in my father's office, which wasn't unusual, he often worked late. I didn't hear any voices coming from the office as I passed to go to the kitchen. I got my drink and walked back passed the office to the stairs. Voices were now arguing and very loudly." Zander stopped as Ric interrupted him.

    "And how old were you, Zander?" Ric asked.

    "I was 8 years old. And I was curious as to what was going on in the office, so I stood and listened at the door. It wasn't closed tight, but I stayed out of sight just the same." Zander continued.

    "And who was arguing inside Frank's office?" Ric asked.

    "Um, it was Frank and his right hand man, Michael Corinthos." Zander replied as he looked at Sonny.

    "And Michael Corinthos for the record is Sonny Corinthos, is that right?"

    "Yes, Michael Corinthos was the name Sonny used while he worked for my ... for Frank." Zander replied and corrected himself.

    "And Zander, do you remember what the argument was about? Please tell the court."

    "The argument was about my mother. Frank accused Michael of sleeping with my mother and betraying him by doing so." Zander replied as images of what was said flashed in his head.

    Ric looked towards Sonny and then back at Zander. "Was this affair consensual, Zander? Or did Mr. Corinthos rape your mother?"

    "Your Honor! Rape was not specified in the list of charges against my client, it should not be mentioned now!" Victoria stood up from her seat and objected to the line of questions.

    "Your Honor, the mention of rape wasn't mentioned in the charges because the statute of limitations has run out for the charge, plus it is part of the argument that led up to the killing of Frank Smith. It is very much relevant in this case." Ric argued.

    "Sit down counselor. The word rape will be removed from your question Mr. Lansing." Judge Cooper ordered.

    Ric turned towards Zander and asked again. "Was the affair consensual?"

    Zander looked up at the judge for approval to answer. "No it was not. And Frank was furious with Michael for taking advantage of my mother."

    "And how long before this argument did this non consensual affair happen?" Ric asked and noticed Zander's eyes as he asked the question, knowing his answer would shock Sonny right out of his shoes.

    "About 8 years prior to the night Frank died."

    "8 years? Huh? Would it be a pretty good assumption that you Zander Smith were a result of that non consensual affair between Michael Corinthos and Frank's wife?"

    Zander sat in the witness box, his eyes locked onto Sonny's, he wanted to see the reaction to the man who was his father. "Yes it would be, Mr. Lansing."

    Those sitting in the courtroom gasped and whispers could be heard from the back of the courtroom. Sonny did react in any way to Zander's revelation. Victoria though gave her client a good long look.

    "What happened next?" Ric asked after the courtroom got silent once again.

    "Frank threatened Michael and told him that he would pay for his betrayal. I saw Frank pull the gun out of his desk drawer and point it at Michael. Michael then pulled his gun and pointed it at Frank. He told Frank that he wouldn't be paying for his crimes, that Frank would." Zander replied.

    "And then what happened?"

    "Then Michael shot Frank before Frank could shoot him." Zander startled as the sound of a gunshot went off in his head.

    "Thank you, Zander. No further questions. You're witness." Ric replied as he passed Victoria and sat down at the table with Alexis.

    Victoria rose from her seat and buttoned her jacket. Sonny staring directly at Zander still in the witness box. Victoria approached the stand with a legal pad in her hand.

    "Wow, this must of been very traumatic for you, Mr. Smith, being only 8 years old at the time. Why didn't you come forward about this alleged crime till now?" Victoria asked.

    "I didn't come forward about this till now, because I didn't remember till now." Zander answered as his eyes locked on Emily sitting in the front row. Her smile encouraging him.

    "If I may ask, Mr. Smith .. what kind of business are you in?"

    "Objection, your honor. Mr. Smith's business is not relevant to this case." Ric objected as he stood up from his seat.

    "It certainly is your Honor. Goes to credibility and character of this witness." Victoria replied.

    "I'll allow it. Mr. Smith answer the counselor's question."

    Zander cleared his throat and looked towards Alexis and Ric for an okay to answer Victoria's line of questioning. Alexis nodded it was okay to answer. Being that Ric was the DA in this case, Alexis had agreed to become Zander's attorney on record.

    "I'm in the import and export business." Zander replied with hestitation.

    "Oh so you're following in your father's footsteps?" Victoria asked. Zander knew where she was going with these questions and hesitated to play along.

    "After Frank died, my uncle took over my father's company. Until a few years ago, after he died, I inherited the company and all it's holdings."

    "Have you ever been arrested, Mr. Smith?" Victoria shot back.

    "Your Honor, where is this going? Zander Smith is not on trial here." Ric got up from his seat and question trying to save Zander from the line of questioning from Victoria.

    "Move it along, counselor." Judge Cooper ordered.

    "Isn't it true that DA Ric Lansing is your brother?" Victoria asked as she moved off the topic of Zander's business.

    "Yes it's true. He's my half brother." Zander replied.

    "Half brother? Your mother is Ric's mother, isn't that right?"

    "Yes that's right. He's 12 years old then I am."

    "And where was he the night Frank Smith was shot?" Victoria asked glaring at Ric.

    "He was at boarding school. He wasn't home much, just summer vacations." Zander quickly replied wondering where she was going with this.

    "So Ric wasn't in the house that night?"

    "No he wasn't." Zander locked his eyes on Ric and gave him a look of confusion.

    "Are you sure?"

    "Your Honor, I think it was established that I was not in the house that night, it's been asked and answered." Ric spoke up.

    "He's right counselor. You asked, and the witness answered. Any other questions for this witness?" Judge Cooper asked from the bench.

    Victoria flipped through some paperwork that laid on the table, Sonny's eyes never leaving his focus on Zander.

    "Yes your Honor I do. Are we to believe that Mr. Corinthos is your biological father?" she asked and Zander stiffened in his seat.

    "Yes that's right." Zander replied glaring at Sonny.

    "So this would mean you will be testifying against your own father?" she asked hoping to spark something inside the witness to make it apparent there are old wounds left open.

    Zander took a deep breath before answering. He knew what she was up to and wasn't going to let her get the better of him to blow the case against Sonny.

    "Sonny Corinthos killed a man 15 years ago, he needs to be punished for the crime. It doesn't matter who is, Frank Smith was the only father I knew and that man killed him!"

    Zander's answer surprised her, she was expecting an outburst from him, but he kept calm and answered her question directly with no hesitation.

    "No further questions." Victoria said in defeat and took her seat.

    "You may step down, Mr. Smtih. Court will adjourn while it deliberates on the case at hand." Judge Cooper replied with the stroke of his gavel.

    Zander stepped down from the witness box and walked in a bee line to Emily. She stood up and greeted him with a loving embrace. "You did great up there, I am so proud of you." she replied as he held onto her tightly.

    Now came the waiting, waiting for the judge to come back with his decision, Zander hoping there was enough to indict Sonny for the murder of his father.



  15. SoapQueen89
    The Courthouse--


    As Zander stood with Emily talking with Alexis and Ric, he could feel Sonny's eyes piercing through him. His attorney came over to the table and congratulated Ric on a job well done. Ric accepted her hand and shook it graciously. Sonny got up from his chair and rubbed against Zander as he passed him on the way out of the courtroom. Zander glared in Sonny's direction as he walked out the door.

    "I can't believe him. He now knows that he is my father and still has no words for me." Zander said angered by Sonny's demeanor towards him.

    "You weren't expecting fatherly love from Sonny, were you?" Ric replied as he put some papers back in his briefcase.

    "No but I was expecting some acknowledgment to the fact that he's my father."

    "Come on, let's go grab some lunch at Kelly's, this might take a while for the Grand Jury to re-conveen." Alexis suggested as she passed behind Ric and headed towards the double doors of the courtroom.

    "I want to call my parents first and check on Devon." Emily said as she and Zander followed Alexis out into the hallway, Ric bringing up the rear as he grabbed his briefcase from the table and followed.

    Emily called her parents and checked on Devon as Alexis and Zander along with Ric talked amongst themselves for a few minutes till she finished her conversation on the phone. Zander gave her a look of concern when she re-joined them.

    "He's fine. Alice is reading him his favorite story." Emily smiled and the four of them walked out of the courthouse onto the front steps and noticed the media frenzy that was gathering at the bottom of the cement stairs. Ric led the way around the reporters and the rest followed quietly not wanting to bring attention to themselves as they bypassed the chaos that was apparently waiting for them.



    Kelly's Diner --


    As they walked into Kelly's, Emily noticed Elizabeth at the counter and excused herself from the group to go and talk with her friend.

    "Hey." Emily said as she came up behind Elizabeth.

    "Hey. Big day in court for you guys, so I hear." Elizabeth replied as she glanced over to the table that occupied Zander, Alexis, and Ric.

    "How's Jason?" Emily asked concerned for her brother and trying to avoid the conversation about Sonny and Zander.

    "He's doing fine. It's going to take some time till he's 100 percent but he's getting along just fine. He misses you, you know."

    "I know, and I miss him too. I will make a point of it to call him, it's just that with all that's going on right now .. well, you know." Emily replied she disappointed in herself for not taking the time to keep in touch with her brother.

    "I know and Jason understands, I'm sure. I gotta get back to the penthouse, I don't like to leave him alone for too long." Elizabeth answered as she grabbed the take out food she ordered in her hand.

    "Okay, well tell Jason that I'll call him, and soon." Emily reminded Elizabeth before she walked out the door of the diner. Emily re-joined Zander at the table.

    Penny came shortly and took their lunch orders. She poured some coffee in the cups that were on the table for them while they waited for their food. Emily noticed the looks exchanged between Ric and Alexis and began to wonder just how close they really were getting.

    "So what's really going on between the two of you?" she asked bluntly.

    Alexis's eyes widened at Emily's boldness and looked at Ric as he shrugged off the question asked. "There's nothing going on, why would you ask that?" Alexis replied wondering herself where the question came from. She didn't think it was so obvious that there was more to the courtroom antics between them.

    Ric snickered at the thought of he and Alexis becoming more then what they already were, which was nothing more then colleagues.

    "And what are you smirking about? There isn't anything going on between us." Alexis repeated.

    "I was just thinking of the thought of us together, you know *that way*." he chuckled. "It's a ridiculous idea." he added as Alexis folded her arms in front of her.

    "You got that right, utterly ridiculous." she agreed.

    "Uh huh." Emily smiled at the two of them, still thinking there was more to them then they were letting on.

    The four of them sat and ate lunch together, they had a few hours to fill, Ric figured. The Grand Jury could take a while to return their decision, so they spent their time at the diner. As they finished up, the ringing of Ric's cell phone could be heard from his jacket pocket. He reached in and flipped it open to answer it.

    "Okay, we'll be right there." he said then flipped it close again. "The Grand Jury is re-convening in 20 minutes." he added before taking on last sip of his coffee. He reached into his pocket and pulled out enough bills to pay for lunch and they all walked out of the diner together.



  16. SoapQueen89
    As they walked into the front door of the courthouse, Zander asked .."What are the chances we'll get the decision we want?"

    "I think the chances are pretty good, Zander. With your testimony and the circumstantial evidence we submitted, I think we have a good chance of a victory." Ric replied as the four of them walked down the hallway towards the courtroom.

    Ric opened the door to the courtroom and they all filed in and took their seats. Alexis and Ric at the prosecution table and Zander with Emily sat behind them in the first row. Emily latched on to Zander's hand for support and he squeezed it to thank her. She smiled and leaned into him, placing her head on his shoulder. "It's going to be alright." he said before the bailiff appeared from the side door.

    Sonny and his attorney appeared in the back of the courtroom and took their seats at the opposing table. Victoria looked over at Ric and Alexis and then sat down in her seat, seemingly nervous for her client.

    "All rise. Court is now in session, the Honorable Judge Cooper presiding." the bailiff announced as Judge Cooper emerged from the side door and took his seat on the bench. Once he was seated everyone else sat down, and he opened up his court by the stroke of the gavel.

    Zander's insides twisted and turned with worry that Sonny would get off once again for killing his father. He felt Emily's hand laced with his, and he knew that whatever happened in the courtroom that day, he would always have her love and she would always be there for him.

    "We have re-conveened here in this courtroom because the Grand Jury has reached their decision in the case against Mr. Sonny Corinthos." Judge Cooper said as he unfolded the piece of paper in front of him. "The Grand Jury has found sufficient evidence for the prosecution to proceed with charges against Mr. Corinthos for murder in the first degree."

    Rejoice from the prosecution side of the courtroom could be heard and they were quieted by Judge Cooper.

    "Being that this case will be taking some time out of the docket calendar, we will begin this trial in 3 weeks from tomorrow. I'm sure all of you will be able to make it .... and counselors, please come prepared for court." the judge continued as Victoria stood up from her chair.

    "There is a matter of bail, your Honor." she stated.

    "Well, why don't we skip the formalities, counselor. We will settle bail right here and now."

    "Your Honor, the prosecution wishes to have on record that we are objecting to bail in this case. Mr. Corinthos certainly should be considered a flight risk, he has the means and all his assets at his disposal. The prosecution recommends no bail and he be remanded to county lockup till trial." Ric spoke up.

    "Your Honor, Mr. Corinthos has family ties to the community, he has a flourishing business he is a part of and he has a family waiting at home for him. Mr. Corinthos is no more of a flight risk then you or I." Victoria argued.

    "Ultimately this is my decision, counselors. And I have read over Mr. Corinthos's file and have taken notice to his means and I also do believe him to be a flight risk and if I may add a threat to his new found family." Judge Cooper replied as Ric turned and looked at Zander and Emily with a smile.

    "With that said, I do concur that Mr. Corinthos should be remanded to the county lock up till trial."

    "Your Honor, if I may ..... If Mr. Corinthos is to be jailed till trial, we would like to suggest he be kept at the jail in the basement of the PCPD. My client would be more comfortable close to his family then 50 miles away at the county prison." Victoria replied, still pleading Sonny's case.

    Judge Cooper sat and pondered the request from the defense. "Considering Mr. Corinthos's business and his connections here in Port Charles, I have to deny your request, counselor. Mr. Corinthos will spend the next three weeks in the county prison till trial."

    "Your Honor, at least give Mr. Corinthos some time to get his affairs in order before leaving." Victoria replied desperately pleading with the judge to see Sonny's side of things.

    "Your Honor, the State objects to the defense's request. Giving Mr. Corinthos the time to get his affairs in order would be giving him time to plan his next move to flee this jurisdiction." Ric spoke up once again objecting to Victoria's request on behalf of her client.

    "Mr. Corinthos has one hour and it will be supervised by an officer of this court. After that, he will be taken to the PCPD and processed and then taken to the county jail to serve out the 3 weeks." the judge ordered and slammed down his gavel after his ruling.

    Zander exhaled a sigh of relief, at least for 3 weeks, Sonny would be off the streets and away from Emily and Devon. Though still not letting his guard down, because knowing Sonny, he had plans for Zander and his family.


  17. SoapQueen89
    The Penthouse --


    Sonny stormed into the penthouse, his anger could be seen by everyone. Victoria and the officer that was assigned to Sonny followed him into the apartment.

    "You have an hour Sonny, you better use the time wisely. This tantrum is not helping anything, you know that." Victoria said as Carly heard the commotion downstairs and came running down the stairs.

    "What is going on down here?! There are children sleeping upstairs." she said as she saw Sonny outraged about something.

    "What's going on down here is that Zander has sent me to the county jail for 3 weeks, that's what's going on!" Sonny shouted.

    Carly got worried, Sonny would never last 3 weeks in a jail cell, his claustrophobia would get him first. She tried to calm him down, but nothing seemed to work. He was furious and the only thing she could do was to let him go, it was dangerous to stop him.

    "So ... what? They're going to take you right away?" Carly asked when she noticed the officer standing by the door.

    "Yes, Sonny has one hour, and we were lucky to get that." Victoria said as she stood holding her attache case in her hands.

    "Should we call Jason or something?" Carly said as she went to the phone ready to pick it up.

    "No, I'm sure Jason's heard already, it's all over the news. He knows what to do." Sonny replied as he headed for the stairs.

    "Where are you going?" the officer asked when he saw Sonny heading up the stairs.

    "I'm going to say goodbye to my children. Is that okay with you?" Sonny snapped back.

    The office took one step back and left Sonny go up the stairs and he disappeared into the darkness. Carly excused herself and followed her husband, making sure he was alright. Victoria and the officer waited patiently in the living room for Sonny, while he and Carly said their goodbyes in private.

    They emerged from upstairs and he kissed her goodbye. The officer handcuffed Sonny and opened the door to leave. Carly stood watching him go and her eyes filled with tears as Victoria looked at her with a disappointed look.

    "I'm so sorry, Carly. I'm going to do everything I can to get him out." Victoria followed the officer out the door and to the elevator.

    Jason stood at the door to his penthouse watching as they stepped onto the elevator and the doors closed. As soon as they did, he walked over to the penthouse to check on Carly.

    When she saw Jason standing in the doorway, she ran to him and fell into his arms. "Jason ... what are we going to do?" she cried, her tears moistened his black tee shirt as he held her against him, trying to comfort her the best he could.

    "We're not going to do anything. There isn't anything we can do. Sonny's attorney I'm sure has her own plans set into motion and I have mine." he replied as he stood there with her in the middle of the living room.



    The PCPD Squadroom --


    Victoria and the officer escorted Sonny into the squad room of the PCPD, and Ric was waiting for them. A grin came over Ric's face when he saw Sonny walk into the room in handcuffs. There was no snickering or smirking coming from him now, just a blank stare.

    "Take Mr. Corinthos down to booking and get him processed. He'll have to spend a few hours in lock up till the wagon arrives to take him to the county prison." Ric instructed as the officer did what he was told.

    "You know that 3 weeks in the county prison will kill him, right?" Victoria said as she approached Ric.

    "And do you know, that I don't much care. What he did to my mother was inexcusable and what he did to Zander's father was unforgivable. He deserves to be punished for his crimes."

    "Well, I am sorry about all of that, it must of been difficult for your brother and for you ..." her words drifted off as she noticed the extremely handsome man she was talking to.

    "Thank you, but that doesn't make up for what your client did to my family, counselor."

    "I know, and I'm sure this case opened up alot of old wounds for both you and your brother." she replied as she tucked a few strands of her hair behind her ear.

    "Yes this is a very long time coming for Zander and I ... putting Sonny away for these crimes has almost been worth the wait." he smirked.



    At the cabin --


    Zander and Emily arrived back at the cabin with Devon, and Marcus was given his orders before he left to drive back to town. Zander walked Emily and Devon to the front door and unlocked it with his key. He escorted her inside and took Devon from her arms as she set down the bag she had draped over her shoulder.

    It was getting late and it was time for Devon to go to bed. She took him from Zander and walked up the stairs to the nursery, while Zander sat down on the couch.

    Zander laid down on the couch and stretched out his entire body. His nightmare was finally over, at least for a while. He was sure he would have to testify again at the trial. He heard Emily come down the stairs and made room for her on the couch with him. She removed her shoes and laid down next to him.

    He wrapped his arm around her and kissed the back of her neck. "Thank you ..." he said and she turned into him.

    "For what?" she replied as her hand smoothed back his coal black hair.

    "Thank you for believing in me and for being my rock through all of this." he replied.

    She caressed his face with her hand and smiled. "You don't ever have to thank me, Zander ... you know I would do anything for you because I love you."

    He leaned in and brushed his lips against hers. The kiss lingered and left her wanting more when it was released. She turned herself outward, her back laying against him and she snuggled close, her body fitting perfectly against his curves.

    He leaned in and whispered to her ... "I love you too...."



  18. SoapQueen89
    Elizabeth slipped on her silk robe and slippers and went downstairs to wait for Sonny and Carly. Max announced them as she was pacing the floor waiting for them.

    "Sonny .. please give me good news. Please!" Sonny and Carly exchanged glances and she knew the news they had for wasn't what she wanted to hear. Sonny took her by the arm and asked her to sit down on the couch. Carly followed and sat on the other side of her and tried to be there for her when Sonny started to explain. Elizabeth's cries echoed through the apartment as she leaned into Sonny for comfort. He tried to reassure her that Jason would be alright, but Elizabeth wanted to see for herself. Carly helped her upstairs to get dressed, she was going to the ER to be with her husband.

    Sonny called for Max to take Elizabeth to GH and to go in with her to the ER, he and Carly would follow them there. Max did as he was instructed and he escorted Elizabeth to the limo that was waiting for her in the parking garage. Max drove her there as fast as he could knowing that this night had to be one of Elizabeth's worst fears coming true.

    He pulled up to the ER and tried to walk Elizabeth in, but she rushed passed him as soon as the automatic doors of the ER opened. She saw Monica and Alan tending to a patient and rushed up to them to see if they knew anything about Jason. Bobbie interceded and tried to keep her from pursuing towards the patient that laid still on the gurney.

    Elizabeth didn't need anyone to tell her who the person was as she cried out for her husband. "Jason!!!" her legs buckled underneath her as Max was there to catch her before she fell to the floor. She leaned on Max as he tried to steady her against him. Sonny and Carly walked through the automatic doors of the ER and Sonny rushed to Elizabeth's side to help. He and Max walked her to the waiting area and sat her down on the couch. Elizabeth trembled as tears fell from her soft brown eyes, fearful for her husband, not knowing anything, she tried to get as close as she could to see him.

    As she tried to rush to his side, she noticed her best friend Emily was standing on the other side of the nurse's station talking with her mother. Elizabeth wiped away her tears and composed herself the best she could and walked over to see if she could help. She was in no shape to help anyone, but she needed to be there for her friend.

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

    Emily and Elizabeth had been the best of friends for as long as they could remember. It had been rough over the last year or so since Elizabeth had married Emily's brother Jason, Jason being Zander's adversary, it made things difficult for the two of them to stay connected. Elizabeth rushed to her friend's side and Emily fell into her arms, without a thought about why they were not close anymore, nothing else mattered. Emily needed her friend right now and she knew Elizabeth would be there for her.

    "Oh my God, Emily!" Elizabeth asked as her friend sobbed uncontrollably. She held her like any friend would and tried to comfort her the best she could. "Come, let's sit down." Elizabeth took Emily by her hand as she wiped the tears from her eyes with a tissue from her pocket.

    "Emily .. listen to me. We're gonna get through this. We're gonna do it together." Elizabeth trying to stay strong for the both of them as she saw Emily's parents walking towards them.

    She stiffened and Emily felt her demeanor change as she turned around and saw her mom and dad approaching. Emily rushed the two of them as they drew closer and Elizabeth followed wiping the tears from her cheek and trying to compose herself enough to understand what they were about to tell her.

    "How's Zander?" Emily asked as her mom took her hand and tried to steady her for the news she was about to tell her.

    "Zander's in surgery. It will be a few hours before we know anything." Monica replied as Emily's fear worsened.

    "Well, why aren't you in there with him?! I want ..." Monica tried to explain that he was getting the best care that GH could offer him and that she should try to calm down.

    Elizabeth took Emily's hand in hers and squeezed it tightly. "How's Jason?" she asked as another doctor approached them.

    "We're working on him ... I can't give you much more than that. I am so sorry. We'll know more soon, though." Alan replied as he and Monica tried to reassure the girls.

    "I want to be with him!" Elizabeth insisted as she saw the gurney Jason was on being moved to an enclosed exam room. The curtain was drawn closed and she wasn't able to see what was being done to him.

    "Give me a few minutes, okay. Then I'll let you see him." Monica replied as she turned and went to see what could be done for her son.

    Emily and Elizabeth stood together watching as Monica went behind the closed curtain. What seemed like hours for Elizabeth, Monica appeared in a few minutes and led her to be by Jason's side. Emily sat in the waiting area with her dad and Devon as she anxiously awaited news about her husband.



  19. SoapQueen89
    Jason's Penthouse --



    Even though Jason had been laid up from the shooting for weeks now, he was still on top of things that were going on in Port Charles, and what was happening with Zander and Emily. He wasn't happy at all about Sonny going to the county jail for 3 weeks till the trial and had his own plan ready to go into motion on his order. The only problem Jason had with his plans, was his sister getting caught in the crossfire.

    Elizabeth had gone shopping, like every Friday before. While she was out, he would take the first step in his plan, and that was finding where Zander had taken his family. Jason called a few of his contacts to see what he could find out about Zander's whereabouts, and he finally got a hit amongst a few of the misses.

    "I don't want you do to anything to him, you understand me? My sister is with him and I don't want her hurt. Just follow him and his driver Marcus. I want to know where Zander goes on a daily basis, if anywhere." Jason flipped closed his cell phone wondering if he should pay his sister a visit.

    He grabbed his jacket and his keys before heading for the door to leave. As he opened up the penthouse door, he found Emily on the other side ready to knock.

    "Hi." she said as his momentum almost pushed him into her.

    "Hi." he replied as he invited her inside.

    "I know I shouldn't be here, Jase. But I had to see you. Is Elizabeth home?"

    "No, she went on her regular Friday shopping ritual."

    "Oh, good. I came to see you about Zander."

    Jason wondered what she had swirling around in her mind. He closed the door and walked towards her. "What about?" he asked as he showed her a seat on the sofa.

    "I want you to promise me, Jason, that you won't come after Zander."

    Jason taken back by her request. "You know I can't promise you something like, Em." he replied, her eyes filled with disappointment.

    "Look, I know things between you and Zander are to say the least .. strained. But can't you do this for me, Jase. At least till this trial mess is over with."

    "Em, your husband sent my best friend and partner to prison and he's going to testify at Sonny's trial! How can I not retaliate?" Jason stood up and walked away from her.

    "I know, but Sonny is Zander's father, how would Sonny feel if you hurt his child, Jason?!" she threw the only card she had left at him, hoping for some sympathy.

    "Don't you dare use that with me Em! Zander is not the victim here!" he snapped back.

    "How can you say that, Jason .. of course he is! He's spent years of his life trying to forget all the hurt and pain that Sonny and Frank caused him, and now that the secrets are out, he's still living the nightmare! Zander is so the victim here!" she shouted back at her brother.

    "Okay, I'm sorry, Em. I'm not that unfeeling for Zander's pain and hurt but he's putting Carly and her children through their own nightmare, they have lost Sonny for God knows how long! How are they suppose to deal with this situation?" Jason asked as Emily got up from her seat and went to him.

    "I know this is a bad situation for everyone involved. And I am sorry that Carly and her boys have to endure it as well, but dammit Jason, can't you just see passed it and let it go. Stop it before it gets way out of hand and someone else gets hurt!" Emily replied hoping she was making some sense to Jason.

    "Look, I can't guarantee anything ... our lives don't come with guarantees or promises." he replied as she cracked a smile.

    "Thank you." she replied as she wrapped her arms around him in a hug.

    "You be sure to tell your husband, that after this is all over, it's back to business and then those promises are null and void." he threatened.

    Emily walked towards the door, feeling a little better then when she had arrived. "I'll tell him." she smiled as he opened the door for her and she stepped out into the hallway.

    "I'll tell Elizabeth you stopped by." he said before saying goodbye to Emily and closing the door.



    Elevator Leading to the Parking Garage --


    Emily stepped onto the elevator and pushed the button to go down, Marcus was waiting for her in the parking garage to take her back to the cabin. But she thought before she'd go back, she do a little shopping while she was in town. She quickly called Zander and left him know that she was going to shop for a little while and that she'd be back before dark.

    The elevator came to a stop on the parking garage floor, and the doors opened up for her. She stepped out and noticed the limo was parked there waiting, but she didn't see Marcus. She called for him a few times, but he didn't answer. As she walked around the car she got the uneasy feeling she was being watched and it scared her considerably. She quickly became aware of her surroundings and reached inside her bag for her cell phone. When she flipped it open she realized she had no service inside the garage and it did her no good to call Zander.

    She reached the back end of the limo and the back door flew open. It startled her so, she jumped back and heard a voice from inside demanding her to get in the car. Her heart began to race faster and faster and she froze where she stood, her feet firmly planted to the cement floor. Her eyes widened when the person the voice was attached to emerged from the back seat of the limo.

    "I think it would be in your best interest to get inside the car, Mrs. Smith." the tall and distinguished man said as he held the door open for her.

    "I'm not going anywhere till you tell me who you are and what this is all about?!" she demanded as the man scowled at her.

    The man pulled a 9mm from the back of his waistband and pointed it at her discreetly. "Now, I don't think you would like what your other option is." he replied with no emotion.

    She slowly walked around the door and got in as she was told. "What did you too Marcus?" she asked as she sat down in the back seat with the stranger.

    The stranger ignored her question as he closed the door, still holding on to his gun and pointing directly at Emily. "All I want to do is talk with you, Mrs. Smith. There's no reason to be alarmed."

    "No reason to be alarmed? You are pointing a loaded weapon in my direction and forced me inside this car with you, and I don't even know who you are or what you want!"

    The stranger sat back against the cushion of the seat and laid the gun on the seat beside him. Her eyes watched as he carefully laid his hand on top of the weapon, though not in his hand anymore, it still was very much threatening.

    "So who are you and what do you want from me?" she asked again as the stranger stared at her, he was like studying her every feature making sure he remembered every inch.

    "My name is Damien Smith and I want you to take me to see my nephew."



  20. SoapQueen89
    In the limo--


    "You didn't come here to hurt him, did you?" Emily asked now afraid for her husband's life.

    "Of course not. I came to help him, Mrs. Smith. It's Emily isn't it?" Damien replied as he leaned forward and laid his hand on her knee.

    She pulled herself from his hand quickly. "Yes it is, and I wish you didn't do that." just the thought of being in the car with him made her nervous and afraid. He may have been Zander's uncle but it didn't give him the permission to make advances like he did.

    "I'm sorry, it isn't my intention to make you afraid, Emily. I just wanted for you to take me to see Zander. I had exhausted all my avenues to find him, so when I saw you come to town ... well, I thought you'd be able to help me." he explained as she heard the driver's side door open and Marcus slip in the driver's seat.

    "Marcus are you okay?" she called to him keeping her eyes focused on the man who sat before her.

    "Yes, maam, I'm fine. Are you okay?" he asked genuinely concerned for her.

    "Yeah, I'm fine. We can go home now." she replied and instructed Marcus to drive back to the cabin.

    "But ... " Marcus hesitated and began to question her instructions.

    "It's okay Marcus, I'll call Zander once we're out of the parking garage, I'm getting no service whatsoever right now."

    Marcus started the car, and drove out into the traffic of main street, and Emily pulled her cell phone from her bag. She hadn't realized that she left the phone on and it quickly dialed the last number she had called, Zander was already on the other end listening and knew about Damien before she realized he was there.

    "Don't talk, just listen." Zander instructed. "Tell Marcus to take you the warehouse, he'll know which one and tell him that I am there waiting for him to pick me up." he continued.



    At the cabin--


    Zander had already set a plan into motion to rid him of his uncle and the problems that were about to arise. He had men already set at the warehouse, while hanging on with Emily's cell phone, Zander used the phone in the cabin to call who he needed to, for his men to be waiting at the warehouse. He knew his uncle was about to take everything he worked so hard to keep and he wasn't about to let it happen. He couldn't let Damien take everything from him, though worried and afraid for his wife, he made sure his men knew to do what they needed to keep her safe. She was to be safe at all costs.

    Emily did what she was told before they got too far towards the end of town. "Marcus ... you are to take us to the warehouse, Zander is there, he had to go in to meet some suppliers. He asked if you could bring his uncle there instead." she lied hoping Marcus understood his instructions correctly from Zander.

    "That's good, baby. Now when you get here, I don't want you to get out of the car. When Marcus gets out and opens up the back door, you let Damien out first and Marcus will close the door, leaving you inside. You understand?" Zander instructed her.

    "Yeah I do. We'll see you in a few minutes." she flipped closed her phone and knew there were steps being taken at this moment to ensure her safety, but she was still afraid and worried about the ambush they were about to drive into.

    Marcus pulled the limo up to the back of the warehouse and stopped the car. He got out and came to the back door and opened it, Damien wasn't suspecting a thing as he climbed from the back seat and Marcus closed the door quickly leaving Emily inside away from harm. When the it closed, the doors locked automatically, a safety feature Zander had installed when he bought it. Marcus heard the doors lock and then walked Damien into the warehouse without questions.



    In the limo --


    Emily sat inside the limo, and she jumped in her seat startled when the shots rang out. A few seconds later the back door opened and a few of her husband's men got in. Marcus climbed in the driver's seat and started the limo. "Let's go Marcus .... now!" one of the men ordered from the back seat as Emily sat frozen in her seat but filled with worry and concern about Zander. "We have to get Mrs. Smith back to the safe house!" he added as the limo pulled away in a hurry, leaving tar from the tires on the pavement.

    "Where's Zander? Please tell me he's back at the cabin!" she yelled in a panic worried about her husband.

    "He's fine .... we're taking you too him now." Gregory said as he put his weapon back in it the holster he was wearing.

    "And Damien?" she not sure she wanted to know what happened to him but asked.

    Neither of the men answered her and she figured it was for the best, she already knew what had happened to the man, the look on their faces was enough.

    Gregory's cell phone rang as the limo raced through the city streets. He flipped it open and answered it. "Yes sir, all taken care of. Yes sir, she's right here." he said and handed the cell phone to Emily.

    "Zander?"

    "Emily, are you alright?" he asked concerned for her.

    "Yeah I'm fine, I was worried about you ..." her words drifted off as the night of the shooting months prior flashed in her mind.

    "I'm fine, sweetheart. The boys are going to take good care of you." he said calmingly.

    "Oh my God, Zander, I was so scared. Damien just came out of nowhere, he was in the car, Zander! I didn't know what else to do but to do what he said." she replied frantic, tears began to fill her eyes as she told her husband about what had happened.

    Emily sniffled back the tears and tried to calm herself down, she wanted to be the strong wife who could handle such situations, but her fear got the better of her.

    "I know but your safe now, and the boys are going to bring you back to the cabin."

    Emily wiped the tears from her eyes and an "I love you" passed across her lips before she handed the phone back to Gregory. She sank deep into the back seat of the limo, still shaken from what had happened.

    "Gregory, I want you to take good care of her till you get here, you got that! She's upset and scared .... I want you to do all you can to make the ride up here comfortable for her." Zander instructed him.

    "Yes sir, don't worry, we'll take good care of her." Gregory replied before closing his phone and slipping it back into his jacket pocket. He wasn't quite sure what he could do to curb Emily's fears but he would do what he was told.

    The limo turned onto the dirt road that led back to the cabin, the hour drive seemed like an eternity for Emily. Marcus pulled the limo up in front of the house and Gregory opened the door and stepped out. He helped Emily from the back seat as Zander came out onto the front porch. Emily's eyes locked on him standing there and she ran towards him thankful they both were alright and she was back with him again.



    At the cabin--


    Zander came down the steps of the cabin and met her with an embrace. She fell into him and wrapped her arms around his neck tightly. Tears filled her eyes once more as she held onto him, not wanting to let him go. His hands caressed her back as he held her against him, trying to comfort her and letting her know she was safe now. Gregory, Thomas and Marcus stood and watched the tearful reunion and waited for their orders from Zander.

    "Shhhh .. it's okay, baby." his voice soothing to her as he whispered the words to her.

    He pulled away from her for a brief moment to give the boys instructions, but she lingered beside him not wanting him to leave her.

    "I want you to go back to town and make sure there is nothing left to find of my uncle! You got that?!" Zander barked with Emily still with him.

    The three men nodded in acknowledgement of their orders and got back into the limo. They headed back to town like they were told as Zander and Emily walked back to the cabin, she still shaken. His arm wrapped around her, and helped her up the steps and into the house.

    Zander's cell phone rang as he helped his wife to the couch. "Dammit, now what?" he replied as he flipped open the phone and answered it.

    "Sir ... It's Cory at the warehouse .. we have a problem."



  21. SoapQueen89
    The Cabin --



    "I don't want to hear that Cory .. what's the problem?" Zander asked as he walked into the other room to talk business.

    "Those containers that came in this morning are not filled with all of the product, some is missing." Cory replied.

    "How much is missing, this time?!" Zander replied sternly.

    "Enough not to make the quota and certainly enough to cause concern, sir." This was not what Zander wanted to hear, his mind filling with ideas of who would steal from his warehouse and be bold enough to do so.

    "Dammit .. this is the third shipment in 6 months that we've had problems with!" Anger consumed him as he began to pace the floor of the kitchen.

    "What do you want me to do about it?" Cory asked waiting for more instructions

    "I'll take care of this, Cory. Just let it sit for now. Gregory, Thomas and Marcus are on their way back to the warehouse on Pier 12 to clean up a mess that was made earlier, I want you to go meet them and assist them with that. Keep me posted." Zander ordered and flipped closed the phone in disgust with the situation.

    He walked back into the living with purpose and noticed Emily had laid down and fallen asleep while waiting for him. He scooped her up in his arms and carried her up the stairs to the bedroom. As he laid her down on the bed, she sighed. Sleep was probably the best thing for her, right now. He covered her with the blanket that laid on the edge of the bed and kissed her cheek softly. He walked towards the door and turned off the light. He closed the door quietly and walked down the hall to check on Devon. His naps in the afternoon were usually a few hours and he had just put him down before all hell had broken loose at the warehouse. Devon slept peacefully in his crib and Zander closed the door, leaving it ajar slightly. He walked quietly down the hall and then down the stairs. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone once more. He needed to find out who was stealing from him, though he had an idea, but he had hoped he was wrong for Emily's sake.

    Zander made a few phone calls to some of his contacts. The shooting that had almost taken his life a few months ago was still being investigated, though the police didn't have any new leads, the trail was going cold and it was becoming more and more clear that he and Jason would soon find themselves in alot more trouble then either of them bargained for, he suspected. His thoughts went immediately to Jason as the culprit of his missing product. Jason would certainly be bold enough to come into the his warehouse and he would have the means to make the product disappear into the streets and not be found again.

    Zander deep in thought was startled back as his cell phone rang again. He flipped it open and answered it hoping it was better news this time.

    "Sir, it's Thomas. It's been taken care of." Zander heard from the other end of the line.

    "Good. Now I want you and Gregory to find out what the hell happened to the rest of that shipment that came in this morning! You can start with Jason Morgan!" Zander instructed his men before closing his phone.

    Thomas flipped closed his cell phone and told Gregory what he had been instructed to do. The two of them left the warehouse knowing what needed to be done to get the answers their boss was looking for. As they walked down the docks on a mission, the person they were looking for was standing a short a distance from them. The two men stayed back and just watched as Jason held a conversation with someone else he was with.



    On the docks --


    Jason handed an envelope to the stranger and the stranger took it. He shoved the overly stuffed envelope in the pocket of his leather jacket and walked off. Jason left standing alone on the docks, Thomas and Gregory approached him.

    "So now, Zander sends his goons ... where's the boss man himself?" Jason asked as the two men walked up on him.

    "The boss man is none of your concern Morgan." Gregory snapped back.

    Jason didn't waste his time on pleasantries and pulled his 9mm from the back of his waist band as the two men came closer.

    "There is no need for the weapon, Morgan. We didn't come here to hurt you. Just to talk." Thomas replied as Jason held the gun in his hand, steady.

    Jason's glared at the two men, not yet ready to put his weapon away, held it tight in his hand. His finger laid gently against the trigger, ready to shot if he needed to. The two men were calm, not showing fear at any time while standing in front of Jason with his gun pointed at them.

    "What does your boss want to know?" Jason asked as Thomas walked around him to the other side.

    "The boss wants to know where his shipments have gone to, Morgan." Gregory stated as he didn't back down, like Jason expected him to.

    "Oh so Zander thinks I took them? And he sent the two of you to make me confess?" Jason laughed at Zander's intentions.

    Thomas and Gregory stood their ground with Jason, they weren't going anywhere till they had the answers they had come for. Jason wasn't about to confess to Zander's men, he had no intention to give them what they had come for. He put his piece back in his waistband and began to walk away from the two men.

    "We aren't finished with you yet, Morgan." Thomas said as he stepped towards Jason.

    "Yes, I believe we are." Jason replied as he quickly pulled his piece again on the two men. "I have nothing left to say. And you can go back and tell your boss whatever you like, but I am not the one who took his product." Jason added as he backed away from the men, his gun still pointed in their direction.

    Jason disappeared into the darkness and Zander's men stood on the docks alone. Thomas flipped open his cell phone and called Zander to give him a report as to what just happened.



    At the cabin--


    "Sir, Morgan's not cooperating. He's not giving us anything." Thomas said as he reached his boss.

    Zander sighed. He knew it would come down to this, he was just avoiding the inevitable. "You know what to do to Morgan, he's stolen from me for the last time."

    Emily was hidden in the shadows of the stairs as she heard Zander's orders and she cried out .... "Zander, noooo!"


  22. SoapQueen89
    "Emily! .... " he was shocked to see her standing there listening. "Don't do anything yet, I'll call you back." he continued and flipped closed his cell phone.

    "You're going to have Jason taken out, aren't you?" she said as she came down the stairs and rubbed up against him as she passed by. "He's my brother, Zander .. how could you do that to me?" she scolded her husband for even thinking such an awful thing.

    "Emily, listen to me .. this is business, it has nothing to do with family relations." Zander tried to make her see that what he was doing was protecting what was his.

    "Screw the business, Zander! This is personal and I can't believe you were ready to take out my brother without a second thought!" she hollered back at him in return.

    "Wait a minute, Jason wouldn't take a second thought about taking me out! But you're okay with that!"

    "No I'm not okay with that ... Jason promised not to touch you, Zander .... he promised me he wouldn't!" she cried and fell down into the cushions of the couch as she sat down. Her face buried into her hands and she leaned over her knees like in pain. Tears began to fall from her eyes and she began to cry, cry out of disgust, cry out of disappointment and sadness that this was happening to her family.

    "Wait you saw Jason? When?" Zander asked as he went to her and sat down with her on the couch.

    "This morning before Damien nabbed me in the parking garage. I was there to see Jason about you!" she snipped back as she brushed off his consoling and got up from her seat.

    "When were you going to tell me this, Emily? You know with one phone call world war 3 could start between Jason and I!" he barked back.

    "I'm sorry .. in all the chaos this morning I forgot to tell you, okay?!" Her forgetfulness could of cost her, her brother's life, or worse, her husbands. Guilt of not telling Zander overcame her.

    "What did Jason have to say?" Zander asked.

    "I convinced him not to come after you .. at least not till all this mess is over with Sonny."

    "Well thank you for going to bat for me, Em .. but I think I can handle Jason!" he replied thinking now his reputation with Jason was damaged at least some by Em going to battle for him.

    "You know I didn't only do it for you Zander, I did it for me and Devon too! I don't know what I would do if we lost you!" tears began to trickle down her cheeks once more. She almost did lose him, not too long ago and she was never going to go through that again, whether he liked it or not, she was going to protect him if she could.

    He went to her and pulled her to him, she stood up and wrapped her arms around him as she cried against his chest. "I'm sorry, Zander. I guess being a mob wife I am not." she sniffled back the tears, her voice muffled against his chest.

    He wrapped his hands around her cheeks and lifted up her chin, her eyes red and puffy from crying, he wiped the tears away with his thumbs. "Now you listen to me .. I don't ever want to hear you say that, okay. It took alot of guts to go to Jason this morning. That was a very bold thing to do and I thank you for going there on behalf. Em, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me, you know that and I don't know where I'd be without you. This life isn't easy and I never said it would be, but I will protect you and keep you safe the best way I know how, but you have to tell me where you're going so I can protect you from another Damien Smith. Okay?" he said as he cracked a smile hoping she understood that if she had told him she was going to see Jason, he would of been more on his guard to protect her and Damien may have never found her in the parking garage.

    She understood and agree the next time she'd go into town she'd tell him and not leave herself unprotected like she had this morning with Damien. "Okay, I promise but you have to promise me something too, Zander." she replied.

    "What's that?"

    "You have to promise me not to go after Jason, he promised me he wouldn't come after you, now I want a promise from you that you won't go after him."

    He didn't answer her and flipped open his cell phone and dialed. She watched him wondering what he was planning on doing now.

    "Thomas .. leave Morgan alone." .... "Yeah you heard me, leave Morgan be."....."Yeah this is a direct order, I don't want Morgan touched, you got that." Zander flipped closed the cell phone and stuck back in his pocket.

    Emily stood up from her seat and went to him. She wrapped her arms around his waist and looked up at him. "Thank you for calling off your plans ..." she said as he pulled her into him.

    "No, thank you for making me realize just what's important..." his words drifted off as he couldn't help but think of the day he'd get his chance to take down Jason Morgan.


  23. SoapQueen89
    At the cabin --


    The hard rain pounded against the glass windows as the thunder rolled amidst the dark storm clouds, and Emily sat in the wooden rocker, rocking Devon back to sleep. The storm had kept him up and his cries could be heard throughout the house. She had tried everything with him to get him to go back to sleep, from bouncing to walking to singing and now rocking, nothing seemed to work, he was still crying and he was very sleepy. She heard footsteps upstairs and knew Devon had now waken up Zander. She sighed heavily as she saw him appear on the stairs.

    "Is he okay? He's crying an awful lot, isn't he?" Zander asked as he came into the living room.

    "He's just scared of the storm I guess. Nothing is working to get him back to sleep. Here maybe you have better luck then I did." she said as she handed Zander the scared and still screaming child.

    This was the only part of parenthood Zander hated the most, a screaming child. And between he and Emily, Devon had a good set of lungs on him and he was using them to their fullest potential tonight. He started walking him around the room, bouncing Devon in his arms as he walked.

    "I tried that already ...." Emily said as she watched Zander walk around the room. "It didn't work for me either." she added and got a smirk in return from Zander.

    Every loud roll of thunder sparked another screaming episode from Devon. Zander pressed his soft lips to Devon's forehead to feel if the child had a fever, perhaps he was sick rather then just scared from the storm. Devon did feel a little warm, but he didn't think it was anything to be concerned about, the child had been crying and screaming for the last hour, he was bound to be perspired and warm. As Zander carried Devon around the room, Emily noticed that her son was rubbing his small hand against his left ear alot, it was a sure sign of ear infection.

    She walked up to Zander and stopped him from walking. She pressed her lips against Devon's forehead and felt he was warm to the touch, she also noticed that his ear was cherry red. She became more alarmed that her child was sick after noticing the two main symptoms of an infection. She hadn't been a mother very long, but she knew the important things like when her child would be sick.

    She took Devon from Zander and tried to calm him against her. "We have to get him to a doctor, Zander ... he's running a fever." she said as Zander checked Devon again.

    Zander quickly turned and ran up the stairs to get Devon's blanket and Emily went to get her coat. Zander came down the stairs with a blanket in his arms and took Devon from Emily so she could put on her jacket. He handed Devon back to her and the blanket he covered his son up with. He grabbed his jacket and opened the door for them, turning off the lights as he closed the door. Marcus sat waiting in the driveway and pulled the car up to the front porch. Emily and Zander hurried to the car in the down pouring rain, she covering Devon the best she could as she raced to the limo. Zander opened up the door for her and she climbed in, Devon still wrapped in her arms. Zander climbed in behind her and closed the door.

    "Get us to the ER at General Hospital as fast as you can, Marcus!" Zander instructed and Marcus nodded as he turned the car around quickly and drove out the long drive to the main highway.

    It was about an hour drive from town, and Zander hoped they would get there in time. He didn't know much about child illnesses, but he knew enough to know that every second counts when dealing with child fevers.

    As they sat in the back of the car with Devon, a little more calmer now then before, but still tugging at his ear, Zander called Monica and Alan to meet them at the hospital.



    The Quartermaine Mansion --


    "Quartermaine residence .." the voice said as someone picked up the phone at the mansion.

    "Alice .. It's Zander ... are Emily's parents there? It's an emergency..." he replied very much concerned about his child and hoping the only two doctors he trusted with his son were home.

    "Yes they are .... hold on, let me go get them." Alice replied and set down the phone. She went to look for Drs. Quartermaine, and she hurried when she realized something must be terribly wrong for Zander to call so late.

    She found Monica in the study working on some paperwork.

    "Monica ... Zander's on the phone and he sounds really panicked. He says it's an emergency." Alice said as she entered the study and hurried towards Monica.

    Monica picked up the phone that sat on the desk beside her. "Zander .. what's wrong? Is it Emily?" she asked now concerned for her daughter.

    "No, it's Devon .... Emily thinks he has an ear infection and he's running a low fever. We are about 25 minutes from the hospital .. will you meet us there?" Zander replied as Monica heard Devon's cries the background.

    "Alan and I will be right there .. we're on our way." Monica didn't even say goodbye, she hung up the phone and called out for Alan.

    He came running from the other room and rushed into the study. "What's wrong?" he asked as she rushed passed him and latched onto his arm as she did.

    "We have to get to the hospital, Emily and Zander are bringing in Devon, he's sick." Alan didn't ask questions but he did tell her he'd drive them there.




  24. SoapQueen89
    In the limo --


    The rain still pouring down in buckets, Marcus drove as fast as he could trying to keep the car under control as they passed the city limits sign. "About 20 more minutes, sir ..." he said as they passed into the Port Charles limits.

    Emily trying her best to keep the child comfortable, but she knew with an ear infection there wasn't much she could do to take the hurt away. She held him against her, he still wrapped in the blanket, she tried to bounce him gently in her arms. Marcus must of given the limo wings because it didn't take long before they were pulling up to the hospital's ER.

    Marcus stopped the car and got out. He rushed to the back door and left Emily out, Zander climbed out the other side and the two of them raced in together.



    At the hospital - ER --


    Bobbie was on duty and was jotting down some notes on a clipboard when she heard Devon's screams as Zander and Emily rushed through the sliding double doors of the ER. Bobbie dropped what she was doing and went to see how she could help.

    "We think he has an ear infection ...." Emily said as Bobbie guided her quickly along to one of the exam rooms, Zander following close behind.

    "Well he definitely has a fever." Bobbie replied when she saw how flushed he was.

    As they turned into an exam room, Monica and Alan rushed through the sliding double doors of the ER. They looked around frantically for Emily but didn't see her, but they did hear the screams of their grandchild. They followed Devon's cries and found Bobbie giving him an initial exam. Emily turned to see her parents standing inside the curtain and went to them.

    "We got him here as quickly as we could." Emily said with a worried look on her face.

    Alan wrapped his arm around her and tried to comfort his daughter. "He's going to be okay now, he's in good hands." he said as Bobbie looked up and smiled.

    "How long has he been like this?" Bobbie asked as she took an shiny instrument and checked Devon's ears.

    "He's been crying for over an hour and I just noticed the redness at his ear a little while ago, before we got here." Emily replied and then went to her husband's side as they watched over their child.

    "Well, it's good you brought him in when you did. One can never be too careful with ear infections and fevers, especially in a child his age. We'll give him something for the pain in his ear and also for the fever." Bobbie explained as Emily reached down and caressed the back of Devon's head.

    Bobbie left the room to go get the medication Devon needed and Monica and Alan stepped farther into the room. Emily still worried about Devon, as was Zander. Devon had never been sick like this before and it scared both of them. Monica noticed the scared look on their faces.

    Emily heard Zander's cell phone ringing inside his jacket pocket. He looked down at Emily and saw in her eyes she didn't want him to leave her, that he needed to be there instead of doing business. He wrapped his arm around her and she leaned back into him. The ringing of the cell phone could be heard as the two of them watched over their son, Devon.

    The stormy summer night was the longest night of Zander and Emily's life, or so it seemed. Devon's fever broke a few hours after he had gotten the medication he needed and they were allowed to take him home the next morning.



    Outside the hospital - in the limo --


    The skies cleared for the beautiful sunshine, white puffy clouds could be seen in the blue sky for miles and it felt like a calmness had come over the city of Port Charles. Zander escorted Emily down to the limo which was waiting out in front of the hospital entrance. Marcus was waiting for them as he stood with the back seat door open. He helped Emily climb in and waited for Zander to follow her. Before Zander did so, he gave Marcus a few instructions.

    "You will take her and Devon back to the cabin, but you will be dropping me off at the warehouse .... there's some business that I have to take care of."

    Marcus nodded before Zander climbed in the back seat of the limo and he shut the door. There was still the matter of Zander's missing shipment to take care of, and thought since he was in town, he'd take care of it now. Marcus drove the warehouse as his boss instructed and stopped the limo in the alley behind the main building.

    "Marcus is going to take you and Devon back to the cabin. I have some things to take care of here in town." Zander said to Emily and then leaned in and gave her a kiss.

    "This is about last night's phone call, isn't it?" she asked before he got out.

    He evaded her question with another kiss. "I'll be back as soon as I can." he replied as he got out of the car.

    He closed the door behind him leaving Emily and his son inside. Marcus stood guard by the car as Zander walked to greet his other man, Thomas who was approaching.

    "I want you to go with Marcus back to the house with Emily. I don't want her to be alone out there." Zander said concerned.

    "Are you expecting something?" Thomas asked before getting in the limo.

    "Let's just say I'm taking precautions. I'll have someone bring me back in an hour or so." Zander replied and Marcus opened the door for Thomas. He climbed in and sat next to Emily, Devon wrapped in the blanket in her arms. Emily wasn't expecting to have company on the ride back to the cabin, and it worried her that perhaps Zander thought she needed the extra protection.

    "Something bad is going to happen, isn't it?" she asked Thomas as Marcus got behind the wheel and started to drive away. "That's why he sent you along with me ..." she continued.

    "It's just an extra precaution, Emily. Nothing to be concerned about." Thomas replied trying to calm her fears the best he could without giving her too much information that she didn't need to know.




  25. SoapQueen89
    Zander's warehouse --


    Zander walked into the warehouse with another man, Cory. He was Zander's General Manager, for the lack of a better word. Cory oversaw everything that came and went from the warehouse and knew the inner workings of all that happened there. Cory and Zander walked into the office and Zander took a seat behind his desk. Cory sat down in the chair after he closed the office door.

    "So tell me about the partial shipment we have sitting here. What's missing, how much is missing, and who's responsible for taking it?!" Zander demanded to know.

    "The best we can tell is, it was no amateur, this was a professional hit. And since Morgan isn't cooperating with us, we've run out of culprits. There isn't anyone else in Port Charles who would have enough balls to steal the large amount that was taken. Besides no one else would have the connections to make such a large amount disappear like it has. It has to be Morgan. He's seriously becoming an annoyance, sir."

    "Yes I know he is, but I made some promises that I can't go back on, at least not yet. So Morgan still breaths till I say so. We just have to keep our eye on him for the time being. Which is why I want to heighten security around here and I'll be adding a guard on Emily at all times." Zander wanted to be sure his family was protected even if his gut instincts were wrong.

    It was going to come to a head between him and Jason, he could feel it. The tension between the two organizations had been building for some time and after the explosion a month or so ago, it was becoming quite apparent that there would be more then just a shipment lost, soon enough.

    "We have another shipment coming in at the end of the week that will fill what we lost with the first one. I'll be sure to have extra manpower here at the warehouse." Cory replied as Zander flipped through some paperwork that laid on the desk.

    "Good and I want a 24 hour watch on this warehouse after it comes in. I don't want anything happening to it." Zander instructed as he looked down at his watch.

    "Why don't you go home to your wife and son, sir? Gregory and I can handle things here." Cory suggested as he got up from his seat. "Randy can take you home." Cory added.

    Zander got up from his seat and walked towards the door, passing Cory. "I want to take a look at that shipment first." Zander said as he walked out of the office and waited for Cory to follow.

    Cory led the way to the very large containers that had arrived a few days earlier. He saw a few other men standing off in the distance and motioned for them to come and help him open the boxes so Zander could take a look for himself at what was missing.

    Three big burly men approached and helped Cory open the containers that Zander wanted to see. Once opened, Zander sifted through the paper stringy packing in search of the product that was deep within the crate. Zander reached in with his hand, up to his elbows in packing and pulls from the crate a clear plastic package filled with white as snow powder. Cory pulls a pocketknife from his belt loop and stabs the bag with the tip, extracting some of the product from the bag as he removes the knife. He licks the knife with his tongue to taste the quality of the powder as the others look on and waited for his stamp of approval.

    Zander walked away from his men once Cory nodded that the product was quality powder and the men nailed the crate shut once more. Zander put his hand to his head and massaged his forehead with his fingers as Cory approached him.

    "Do you want to distribute the stuff?" Cory asked and Zander turned on his heel towards him.

    "It's business as usual, Cory." is all Zander said as he began walking towards the enormous overhead door to leave.

    Cory walked towards the others and called for Randy. "Take Zander back to his wife at the cabin." Cory slapped Randy on the shoulder as he passed. "And don't let him out of your sight till he's inside the house!" Cory hollered after Randy. Randy waved in acknowledgment and followed his boss out the door to the limo that was parked in the alley.

    Zander looked down at his watch and noticed he had spent more time at the warehouse then he had expected to, so he used his cell phone and called Thomas to see if everything was okay at the cabin.

    "I take it everything went smoothly getting Emily back?" he asked as Thomas answered.

    "Yes it did, no problems here." Thomas replied.

    "Good, Randy's driving me back now, I'll be there shortly." Zander closed his phone and put it back in his jacket pocket as Randy opened the back door of the car.

    "Is everything alright, sir?" Randy asked noticing his boss looked drained.

    Things were not fine with Zander, he had a bad feeling about things for a while now, he just couldn't shake it. He was hoping that the feeling would pass, like all the others before had. He sighed deeply as he lied to his guard ..."Things are just fine, Randy ....." With that, Randy closed the limo door and climbed in behind the wheel of the limo.

    Zander wasn't sure which is was more worried about, the fact that at that very moment he had a couple hundred thousand dollars in powder in his warehouse, or that he had his wife and child at home waiting under guard for their protection.

    He leaned his head back against the seat and closed his eyes to rest them. He was so completely drained from what had been happening over the past few weeks, he was surprised he knew his own name. He just hoped that the trial would be over soon and he could finally put the past behind him and concentrate on the present and what the future held for he and his family.


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