–noun
1. a reciprocal state or relation.
2. reciprocation; mutual exchange.
3. the expectation that people will respond to each other in similar ways—responding to gifts and kindnesses from others with similar benevolence of their own, and responding to harmful, hurtful acts from others with either indifference or some form of retaliation.
...in other words: Getting as good as you give.
Reciprocity (NC-17)
Summary: Sam McCall has gone legit. Okay, well, mostly legit. Sort of. Technically, she's still willing to break any law as long as it suits her greater good. The only thing that's changed since she came to Port Charles really, is that now all her greater goods concern the safety and well-being of her family and not just herself. The trouble is, although she may have stopped thieving and conning it didn't mean there wasn't a long list of marks out there from the old days who'd love nothing better than to exact a little revenge.
Two years after her bitter break-up with the love of her life, Jason Morgan, Sam McCall's life is finally starting to go well. She and her partner/friend Damien Spinelli are on the verge of turning their small PI firm into the most successful firm in the region. Providing security for high profile corporations, such as ELQ, Cassadine Industries, and Crimson as well as maintaining a higher solved case ratio than even local law enforcement, which is to say McCall and Jackal leaves no case unsolved. This extreme dedication, experience, and precision team work is earning their firm high standing among peers in the industry as well as caught the eye of all the right people. People with bottomless pockets and mountains of drama, paranoia, and all sorts of needs for the discreet results McCall Jackal PI promises and delivers.
On a personal note, her life hasn't just been all about work the last few months. She's helping Lucky raise Cam and Jake and she and Jason have even managed to find their way back to the friendship they once shared. Lately, Jason's behavior towards her has even left her wondering if there could ever be something more between them again? He's been hanging around, seeking her out, more and more recently and she can't deny the prospect of having him that way again isn't appealing to her. Very appealing.
Of course, as McCall luck dictates, things couldn't stay this good for long. Things begin to happen to Sam McCall both with work and in her personal life. It isn't until she and Jason start rehashing everything one night that she's able to retrace the trouble back to the same day a mysterious young woman rode into town. Some things happen to make her suspicious of the woman's true motive and, worried she may have another "Amelia" on her hands, Sam McCall decides to put all her old skills as well as new skills to use to outwit this woman and uncover her secrets one by one.
What Sam quickly begins to realize is that although this woman is young, she may just be well-versed enough to give Sam an actual run for her money. The challenge is on for Sam to beat this woman at her own game, although to Sam this is anything but a game. It's her life, her relationships with family and friends, and her business at stake and she'll do whatever it takes, break whatever laws necessary to keep them from harm. It doesn't hurt, of course, that her former lover/mob enforcer with the body of a Greek god and truest blue eyes she's ever known insists on being her backup.
xxxxx
A/N: Thanks for all of your awesome encouragement! Just a few things to note...1) Greg Vaughan is Lucky in this fic. 2) I'm twisting a few things around w/GH history. I may only hint at certain changes in the beginning, but all things will come to light as the story progresses and true motives are revealed. 3) A couple of lines were pulled directly from transcripts and belong to GH and their respective writer. 4) This story has other characters, but never fear the heart and soul of any story I want to tell has JaSam love at the very center, so I promise to deliver lots of it along the way.
1.
-Waterfront, Port Charles-
The young transient gave a final wave to the old man with the peppered beard as he tipped his hat to her from port bow of his moored ship. He'd always reminded her of a weathered Sean Connery. She'd known him since childhood and his worry for her had been unmistakable, but she wasn't a child any longer. She had business to attend to in this town. The kind of business that got people good and dead if they weren't careful and she fully intended to be the last one standing in the end.
She tucked a lose strand of chocolate hair behind her ear and hefted her black duffel over her shoulder before walking purposefully along the pier. The comforting sounds of cargo being offloaded and tugs lining up freighters faded behind her. She loved her job. It was more than a job to her. It was a way of life. Her life and she couldn't imagine changing it for anything or anyone.
Some might say it was a lonely life and she wouldn't disagree, but that was comforting in its own way too. When you kept to yourself, you had only yourself to disappoint and nobody to let you down. And they would. People would let you down, if you let them. She'd learned the hard way the only person you could count on, could trust, was yourself.
She followed the directions one of the local longshoreman had given her and found herself in front of a small parking lot that housed an older three story building with a giant red and white neon sign. Blink, blink...Jake's Bar. Blinkity, blink...Vacancy. It was this, or the roach motel she'd passed up a block back. She shifted the load on her shoulder and tightened her coat around her as she contemplated the slim pickings. It might be early Spring, but it still felt cold enough to snow tonight.
She rubbed her hands together and blew warmth into them. This place didn't look much better than the motel, but it was too cold for indecision. She also needed a drink and figured it never hurt to make fast friends with the bartender. Besides, she'd rested her head in worse places before. She could suck it up for the night if need be and find better lodging when daylight broke.
-Jake's Bar-
Coleman had lived in this harbor town long enough to spot the short stack in the standard black issued pea coat stepping into his bar was no ordinary merchant marine. He'd never seen one that hot. In fact, he briefly wondered if she were really a merchant marine at all, or just wearing her man's coat? She was tiny, but not too short. Even with the over-sized coat he could tell she was petite. No taller than five foot five without the boots, he ventured. Not a penny over a buck fifteen, if that, and the sea bag against her back had to weigh almost as much as she did. Strong little filly, he mused. He finished refilling a beer mug from the tap and sat it back down in front of a regular before looking back up to check her out some more.
She stepped over the threshold and wasn't immediately assailed with any overwhelming urge to rush back out running, so she guessed that was good. She quickly took in her surroundings. As far as bars went, this wasn't unlike most other port town bars she'd frequented around the world. Jukebox, pool tables, dart board, and a bartender that had been ogling her since she stepped foot inside. Yep, just your typical local watering hole.
The place wasn't jumping tonight and she wondered if it was always this low-key? There was a couple in the corner booth near the dart board old enough to be her parents and only one of the tables in the center of the floor was being used by two guys with looks that screamed frat boys. One of them smiled at her and nudged his friend. Smooth. She rolled her eyes and quickly averted them. She was in no mood for unsolicited flirtation tonight. She needed to get the lay of the land as quick as possible so she could put her plan into action.
There was only one old man at the end of the bar. The bartender had just served him a beer. He seemed friendly enough, the old man not the bartender, but she wasn't in the mood for friendly conversation either so she headed for the opposite end and dropped her black canvas to the floor with a thud before taking a stool there.
"What'll it be, Captain" the bartender gave her what she was sure he must have considered his sexiest smile?
He seemed proud of himself for recognizing her rank by the gold four bars and fouled anchors on her coat's shoulder boards.
"Tequila," she answered flatly, unimpressed with him so far.
"I'll need to see some ID. That's a big drink for such a little lady. You want a beer to chase that down with," he chewed the stirring straw in the corner of his mouth as he waited for her answer?
"Keep your chaser. I can handle my liquor. Call me little lady again and you'll find out I can handle my punches as well," she issued as she handed him her license.
Coleman accepted the identification and held up his hands in mock surrender with a smile. She was a scrapper. He liked it, "Sorry. Hope this doesn't get my bra burning card revoked. I'm all in favor of a woman's right to drink a man under the table...bra-less," he paused, "Name's Coleman. What's yours, now that I know it isn't little lady?"
She studied him curiously. Looking for any sign of threat or malice, but only saw a playful twinkle in his eye. He was a hound dog for certain, but fairly harmless she was sure and her initial impressions seldom let her down. Instincts and experience had taught her to be a quick and good judge of character, "You can call me Chance and I'll keep my bra on tonight. Thank you."
Coleman didn't miss how the initial hardness of her voice had softened more toward teasing, "Chance, huh? Never met a girl named Chance before."
He eyed her license. She was legal by a couple years worth. Height: 5'5". Eyes: Brown. Sex: Female of the hot ass variety, he added. Name: Chance Chancellor. It sounded fake to him. He wasn't too familiar with a Texas driver's license, but if it was a fake it was damn good. He handed her ID back to her and turned to grab the tequila.
"Coleman, I doubt you've met a girl like me before...ever," Chance guessed as he sat her drink down in front of her.
Coleman cocked his head. He had a feeling she was right, but he'd met a hell of a lot of women in his day. Some real lookers and definitely some one of a kind broads. Right here in this very town as a matter of fact, so he decided it was too soon to tell about her.
"Think you're an original, huh? Well, I guess time will tell," he challenged with a smirk.
She narrowed her eyes with a devilish grin and raised her shot glass, "It always does," she replied before slamming the shot back like it was water.
She tapped the glass his way and he poured more amber liquid until it rested just below the rim, "The sign out front says you have vacancies."
"The sign out front is correct. Thought you looked new in town, Miss Texas. I'd never forget a face pretty as yours. So...you need a room," Coleman leaned casually against the back bar?
"Depends, are cheesy come-ons included in the rent?"
"Nope. Thirty a night or a hundred twenty-five a week for the room and I'll give you my top-shelf flirting for free," He winked.
Chance chuckled and shook her head, "Keep your chasers and your flirting and you've got a deal."
Coleman smiled. Things had been pretty dull lately. He actually found himself missing all the excitement and damage Carly, Claudia, and Sam could bring in a night, but he had a feeling this girl was going to liven things up a bit and he couldn't wait.
She pulled out a stack of cash and handed him enough to cover a week. She hadn't seen the room, but she could live anywhere for a week and she had more important things to worry about than finding a place to stay. This was one decision down that got her closer to the next. Besides, her plan was already in motion and other accommodations would arrive by the end of the week.
Coleman ducked in a back room and came out from behind the bar with a key for her, "You're in luck. This room is over the back. It's quieter."
"Thanks," she took the key and picked up her bag.
Coleman reached out and started to help her, but the look she gave him made him think better of it. He pulled his hand short and pointed toward the staircase, "Top of the stairs. Last door on the right. Housekeeping comes by around 11am, so make sure to put up the do not disturb unless you need fresh linens."
Chance nodded and made her way up the stairs. She turned her key in the lock and opened the door. It was small and worn in, but clean. She checked out the bathroom and was surprised it actually looked spotless. She almost felt bad about having such low expectations of the place, until she sat on the bed. It was soft. Too soft like it was worn out and it was creepy to consider how many people may have used this bed before her. Even creepier to consider all the ways they may have used it. She let her bag fall to the floor and stood from the bed. She definitely wasn't ready to sleep and she didn't feel like unpacking either.
Chance decided to make the most of her time. So she took off her coat and sweater, locked her door on the way out and pocketed the key before heading back downstairs. She planned to see just how much information she could get out of Coleman about the players in this town and the more skin, the better. She pulled her tank up a bit at the waist.
Chance stepped off the bottom stair and back around to her previously vacated bar stool and felt every single set of eyes in the place on her with the exception of one. Someone new had entered the bar while she was upstairs. He was a bit taller than her with a head full of raven black hair. She couldn't tell much more about him since his back was turned to her at the pool table, but if his back side was any indication he was fairly well built. She turned her attention back to the bar and her business at hand...working Coleman.
"You keep drooling like that Coleman and next thing you know they'll be in here hauling you off to the old folks home," she smirked.
Coleman closed his mouth and swallowed hard. He'd noticed the sexy black leather boots when she first came in, but the coat had pretty much covered everything else. Those black leather pants must be painted on, because he didn't think he could have a better picture of her tight ass if it was buck naked. Her gray tank top showed off two amazing assets topside and was raised just enough to reveal a firm tan tummy with a belly button just begging for a body shot.
She smiled inside knowing her outfit was doing it's job. She wasn't naïve. She was aware her exotic features and nice body were hard for any man not to notice. Women too sometimes. She chuckled now at the memory of that awkward moment. Her looks were a gift and a curse at times, but she planned to use them tonight and for the duration of her stay to the best of her ability. She'd studied up on her competition and knew she'd need every advantage she could get.
"I'll have another shot," she ordered and Coleman complied.
"So, how long you in town for," Coleman prayed much longer than the week she'd already paid him for?
"Depends on whether, or not my lead pans out. I'm hoping to find work since the regular season just opened again. Know of anyone in need of a ship's captain," she asked wondering just how wired in to this town he was?
Large sections of the Great Lakes froze over in winter, interrupting most shipping except for some icebreakers that could ply the lakes. So, most ports along this route were open for navigation from early April until late December each year. She was a couple weeks late in her job scouting, but the delay had been unavoidable and this trip had been unexpected. She'd have to scramble pretty quick to line up a good cover job during her stay.
Coleman pursed his lips in thought, "Not off hand, but he might."
Coleman gestured over toward the pool table. Chance's eyes followed the sound of balls breaking angrily. Her gaze fell onto the man that had been turned from her as he rose up from sinking a solid in the far corner pocket. He didn't look like he was in a mood to socialize, but she was sure she could change that in this outfit. He took a swig of his beer and eyed his next shot, "Why? Is he in the business?"
Coleman chuckled, "He's...connected you might say. That there is Johnny Zacchara of the Corinthos-Zacchara organization. His sister is married to Sonny Corinthos who owns Corinthos Shipping."
Jackpot! This was exactly who she needed to get in good with, so he could put in a good word for her. Chance downed her shot and rose from the bar with her sights trained. She'd be back to pump Coleman for info later. She needed to strike this iron while it was hot.
"Hey," Coleman called out to Chance and she paused to turn back to him.
"Not that it's any of my business, but you may find it safer to wait until tomorrow and go down to the docks to see about positions with other companies. Their company tends to have openings available a little too often if you know what I mean," Coleman warned.
"Aw Coleman, a little danger is good for the soul. Reminds you you're still alive," she smiled and Coleman couldn't help smile back at the light that danced in her eyes.
Coleman shook his head as she stalked off toward the pool table. He'd spent enough years behind 30 inches of mahogany to know trouble when he saw it and this girl had trouble written all over her.
Johnny was in no mood to socialize. He was in the mood to drink and hit things and, eventually...after many beers...to wallow. His life was a mess. He'd just walked out on Lulu and Maxie after coming clean to Lulu about kissing Maxie during the night of the blizzard and wanting to go back into his family's business. Lulu had told him she was done, so he left.
He loved Lulu with everything in him, but the guilt had been eating at him for over a year now and the one year anniversary only made it worse. He felt complicit in his father's attempt on Sonny Corinthos' life that had ended with an innocent little boy being shot in the head and lying in a coma that doctors said he'd never come out of.
What was worse, is that his sister was being framed for it and he had no way of clearing her name. By the time Claudia and John knew about the hit, it was too late to warn anyone and Michael had already been shot. He didn't know how to live with the guilt he felt and he didn't know to confide in Lulu about it either.
This was dangerous information to have and she was still so fragile after the nervous breakdown over killing Logan. He wasn't sure how much more she could take of his family's life before she broke, but he wasn't about to risk pushing her psyche any further. So instead, he pushed her away. From him and from his deranged and violent family he now realized he'd never truly break free from.
He finished off his beer and nearly choked on the last sip as a brown-eyed bombshell swayed his way. One look at her in those tight black leather pants and he felt his own pants tighten too. He swallowed and sat his empty on the shelf behind him as she approached.
"Care to give it a go," she smiled coyly and glanced down at the table? Perfectly aware of the double meaning that could be derived from her words.
John couldn't help grin at her playfulness, "I don't know if I'll be able to last more than 5 rounds tonight. It's been a long day."
"Best two out of three? ..and I'll promise you'll be completely re-energized by the time I finish with you," she continued to tease.
Johnny chuckled, "You make it hard," Johnny paused and she raised a brow in surprise, "to say no, I mean," Johnny finished.
It was her turn to laugh, "No is over-rated. Yes is way more fun and so am I."
"I have no doubt," Johnny agreed.
"So, you'll play with me," Chance asked with a small smile?
"Sure, but you should probably know I like to play hard," Johnny warned.
"Perfect. So do I!"
Chance chose her stick from the rack while Johnny racked the balls. He let her break and she sunk two stripes and lined another up perfectly for her next shot.
"Looks like maybe I've finally found a worthy opponent," Johnny considered.
"I'll definitely give you a run for your money," she confidently agreed.
They continued the game and harmless flirting back and forth. Chance won the first round, but Johnny squashed her in the 2nd. Chance felt really good about things. She'd managed to build an instant rapport with him and she had to remind herself several times not to let his risque words get her too heated. He was a mark. A hot mark, but a mark just the same.
Johnny kept the beers coming to the table for both of them and by the 3rd and final game he was feeling a whole lot better now than when he'd walked in this bar tonight. Chance was right. There was something about her that completely re-energized him. It could be the shape of her perfectly round ass in those pants, but he had a feeling (another feeling besides the one in his crotch) that it had more to do with her spirit. She was passionate and unpredictable and it was exciting and contagious.
He could see she was about to win their last game and he wasn't ready for his time with her to be over. He couldn't remember how long it had been since he'd had this much fun?
"Care to make a friendly wager," John challenged?
"Name the stakes!"
"Best three out of five. I win and you agree to let me take you to dinner one night this week," he smiled and she knew she had him now.
"And what if I win," she couldn't wait to name her stakes and claim her prize. She almost felt guilty how easy this was going to be.
"Name it," he grinned?
She looked up and to the left while biting her bottom lip as if giving it real consideration, "If I win, Mr. Zacchara, you agree to put in a good word for me with Corinthos Shipping."
A blank expression washed over his face and he was taken aback. She prayed her direct approach hadn't cost her the connection she needed. After what felt like several long minutes, but was actually less than one John laughed and shook his head.
"Why do I feel like I've just been hustled," he wanted to know?
Chance shrugged, "Maybe because you were?" and she smiled a wide smile and her eyes danced and Johnny suddenly didn't even care that he'd been played. Not when it had been so much fun playing with her. Besides, she still hadn't won yet and she'd just come clean about her intentions and he appreciated her boldness.
"You're on, as long as your references check out. I'll put in a good word, though I can't promise my word will hold much weight," John accepted the terms.
"Oh, I have a feeling your silver tongue can work miracles when properly inspired," and she leaned over to take her next shot giving him a perfect view of her bended rear end.
Johnny stifled a groan and muttered weakly, "You may be right."
This girl wasn't playing fair and he knew he'd have to up his game to rank in her league. At the end of two more games Johnny swallowed the last of his final beer of the night and tried to wipe the smug smile from his lips. She had definitely given him a run for his money, but he'd managed to pull a win out of his hat at the very end.
He tried not to be a poor sport by gloating, but it felt good to have something to smile about.
"So, how about tomorrow night," he offered?
Chance let out a deep sigh. She was trying not to be a poor sport, but she was still kicking herself for missing that last shot that opened it up for him at the end, "I'm not sure. I'll have to check my calendar."
Johnny eyed her shrewdly with a slight grin, "You wouldn't be trying to go back on the bet now, would you?"
"I've never welshed on a bet in my life," she scoffed!
"Sorry, it's just that you're new in town so I don't see how your nights could be booked already," he rationalized.
"Well, if you must know, I'm going to be up in a couple of hours chasing down leads for work tomorrow and I'm sure I'll be worn out after my long trip and staying up late tonight," she laid the guilt on just slightly in hopes that he'd still agree to put in a good word for her, but she was telling the truth. She could already tell she wasn't going to be up for a date tomorrow night.
"Fair enough, how about the day after tomorrow. I'll pick you up here at 7pm?"
"Sounds good. See you then," she agreed with a smile. There was something about him she couldn't help liking despite the fact that she hadn't landed her mark.
Johnny handed her his phone, "Mind if I get your number, in case the plans change?"
She took his cell from him and programmed in her number. It didn't matter. It was an untraceable number anyway.
"Alright, then. Guess I better get going," Johnny took his phone back, "and you better get some sleep for that job hunt tomorrow."
She made a face at that and he laughed, "Yep, Corinthos Shipping's loss will definitely be someone else's gain."
He couldn't help admire her confidence. It was a very attractive quality.
"Good night, Chance," Johnny winked.
"Sweet dreams Johnny boy," Chance leaned in and whispered seductively into his ear and then turned and walked up the stairs to her room with an added sway of her hips and without a second glance back.
Damn. He was hard again. She was good. Damn good. Even when he won, she won.
"What the hell was that?" the voice cut through the wonderful tingling sensation Chance had left him with.
Johnny turned to his right to find one angry little blond pixie breathing down his neck.
"What?" Johnny decided to play dumb.
He didn't know how much she'd seen and it was none of her business anyway. He was still mad at her for interrupting his conversation with Lulu earlier, even though all things considered he was glad the truth had finally come out.
"Don't give me that. You know what. Who was that tramp whispering sweet nothing's in your ear just now and giving you her number," Maxie demanded to know?
She wasn't exactly sure why she was so mad, because she loved Spinelli and had realized she didn't want anything to do with John Zacchara. Still he'd only broken up with her friend Lulu, who he'd claimed to love, a few hours ago and here he was with some trashy girl's tongue practically in his ear.
Part of her argued she hadn't actually looked all that trashy. Maxie recognized those pants from the winter line that just passed. Those black leather pants were $800.00, boots another $400.00. Hell, even the simple looking tank top was Marc Jacob which begged the question...what the hell was someone dressed that well doing staying in a dump like Jake's? Prostitute, she thought to herself and smacked Johnny on the arm in disgust, "Oh my God. Did you..did you pay her for sex? Is she some high class hooker," she rolled her eyes on second thought -as if a hooker would know anything about class?"
It was Johnny's turn to be disgusted, "No! Come on, Maxie. She isn't a hooker and I don't have to pay anyone for sex. We played a few rounds of pool and I found out she's new in town. I made a new friend tonight and offered to take her out to dinner. Although, I don't know why the hell I'm telling you this. I certainly don't owe you any explanations."
"Trust me, it's not me that cares if you hook up with some floozy. I just don't want to see Lulu hurt anymore than she already is," Maxie narrowed her pretty blue eyes at him and raised a challenging brow.
"I don't either, but she broke up with me. Maybe it's for the best," Johnny sighed.
Maxie was killing the high he'd been riding with Chance all night.
"What are you doing here anyway? Jake's is about to close," Johnny knew Jake's was not a place Maxie ever hung out willingly.
"I've been looking all over for you, actually. You should try answering your phone when it rings," Maxie scolded.
"Why? Did something happen? Is Lulu alright," Johnny felt his heart tighten and beat faster waiting to hear she was okay?
Maxie sighed, "She's fine. Well, considering. No, I came to give you a heads up that Lulu told me she plans to tell Spinelli about you and me."
Now Johnny's high was definitely gone, "Oh, well, I guess he deserves to know the truth just like Lulu, but I think it would be better if he heard it from you."
"Yes. I know that and I also know Spinelli. He's going to be hurt and outraged and...hurt and he's going to confront you and when he does, I want you to promise me you won't hurt him," Maxie loved Spinelli heart and soul, but there was no way he'd ever be able to take Johnny in a fight.
"He gets one for free, but I only have two cheeks to turn so after that it's all he gets," Johnny offered.
"Understood, just..no guns or knives and no sicking any goons on him," Maxie prodded.
"Maxie, I thought you knew me better than that," Johnny shook his head. Spinelli was a good guy. He'd never fight dirty like that, even if he wasn't under Jason Morgan's protection.
"I do. I'm sorry. I'm just," Maxie shook her head in frustration and wiped away a stray tear, "I'm just afraid I'm going to lose him. It took me too long to find him and even longer to really appreciate what I have with him."
"I'm sorry, Maxie. I really am. I hope things work out for you two better than me and Lulu," Johnny consoled her.
Maxie nodded her head, "Me too," she swallowed.
"See ya around," Maxie turned to leave.
"See ya," Johnny replied, "Good luck."
-Spencer Home-
Sam pulled her car in the drive next to Lucky's and smiled as she unfastened her seat belt and stepped out. She could see Jake's head bobbing up and down in the living room window as he danced on his tip toes in excitement over her arrival. Cameron was also watching, but his face showed none of the exuberance of Jake's.
Her smile softened for him as she approached. She didn't blame him at all. Cam missed him mom and the last month and a half had been so hard on all of them, but especially on Cameron. Sam was just glad that he hadn't openly rebelled against her stepping in to help Lucky take care of him and Jake when their mother couldn't.
She used the key Lucky gave her to unlock the door and barely got inside before she felt two little arms wrap around her knees in a bear hug. He grabbed her with such enthusiasm he almost knocked her over. He was strong like his daddy, Sam thought and smiled to herself. God, what she wouldn't give for Jake to know and feel Jason's love. She knew from first hand experience it was the best feeling in the world.
"Oh my goodness. Did you miss me already," She smiled at the little blond haired blue-eyed toddler who was quickly becoming her biggest fan.
She picked him up to give him a squeeze.
"Uh-huh," Jake nodded his head and squeezed her tight around the neck.
"How could you possibly miss me this much already? We just spent all evening yesterday with each other when I read your favorite story before tucking you in," Sam didn't know how she'd managed to be blessed with this boy's love, but she was grateful for every last drop he gave her.
She made a silly show of plastering him with kisses all over his cheeks and neck until he giggled.
"Jake doesn't like it when you leave. He's afraid you won't come back like...like mom," Cam volunteered shyly and Sam wasn't sure, but she thought maybe Cameron might be feeling the same way?
Loving Jake was as easy and natural as breathing, but loving Cameron was a bit more complicated. She loved him just as much. Her heart broke and ached for him, but it just wasn't easy like it was with Jake. He was holding back and she was too, both afraid to mention the thing that stood between them. The memory of his mother. Jake was barely two, but Cameron was four and his memories were stronger.
Sam knelt down to Cam's eye level as she held onto Jake, "I'll always do my very best to come back to you."
"Pwomise," Jake looked up into her eyes?
"Cross my heart and hope to..,"
"Don't say that," Cameron interrupted, "Don't..just don't ever say that."
Sam's heart sank in sadness and drowned with love for him all at the same time, "I'm sorry, Cameron. You're right."
"I promise, Jake," she smiled at the little boy.
"I promise both of you," Sam gave Cameron a warm smile too and felt better when she saw the tension relax from him as he nodded back at her.
"Where's your dad," She asked Cameron, but turned as she heard his feet rushing down the steps.
"Right here," Lucky made his way down the stairs with the boys outfits half hanging out of the open bags.
"Sorry it isn't as neat as when you do it, but I think I got everything," Lucky looked a bit frazzled. He was making great strides compared to where he'd been a month ago, but he was still trying to find a new rhythm that didn't include Elizabeth in his life anymore.
Sam laughed, "Don't worry about it. I'm sure if anything is missing, we probably have it at my place too. Except Bear bear and blankie!"
Lord knows bedtime would not go over at all if she left here without Jake's bear or Cameron's blankie.
"Those, I remembered this time. I double-checked," Lucky smiled as he handed the boy's bags over to Sam.
"Then we'll be fine. So, when do you get back," Sam already had this information, but it was just reassuring to hear it again? This was the first time she'd have the boys with her for so long without Lucky around.
"My plane departs tonight and I return on the 15th, five days from now," Lucky gave her a reassuring smile. He could tell she was a bit nervous.
"Sam, I can't tell you how much I appreciate you being there for me and the boys like this," Lucky began to thank her again for all her help, but she waived him off as usual.
"Lucky, we're friends. It's what friends do and I love spending time with these boys. We're going to have the most fun ever, right?" Sam looked down at them and they both nodded eagerly.
"Right. Okay, so you have all of the numbers and you know their routines probably better than me at this point. I know they'll be in good hands and you'll be as amazing with them as always," Lucky smiled at Sam.
"I guess this is goodbye until next Wednesday," Lucky gave Sam a hug and kiss on the cheek.
"Be sure to call me when you land and at some point during the week just to let me know how things are going. I know you'll be on the job, but just..you know, call when you can," Sam knew Lucky had felt ready to go back to work after a month and he'd been cleared to return, but she couldn't help worry about him staying focused on the job.
Lucky gave her a warm smile, "I will. I'll be fine, Sam. I can't afford to let anything keep me from coming home safe to my boys and the people I care about. Oh, and I want to hear all about the progress of McCall & Jackal when I call."
Sam smiled at the mention of her new business and he hoped her excitement over it and taking care of the boys would keep her from worrying too much about him. His latest case required travel to Los Angeles, California to team up with the FBI office there to track down a hired killer.
Lucky took a moment to give goodbye hugs and kisses to each of the boys separately. It was tough for them to let him go. They cried. He cried. She cried. Heck, it was hard for her to let Lucky go. She couldn't imagine what kind of fears Cam and Jake must have, but she could guess and those thoughts made her want to grab them up and love them until all their hurt was gone.
Sam finished buckling Jake and Cam into their seats and they waved a final goodbye to Lucky as he watched them drive away. Sam pursed her lips and said a silent prayer for his safe return as he faded from her rear view mirror.
-Morgan Penthouse-
Jason was in a foul mood and Spinelli had wisely given him a wide berth. He hadn't seen the kid since he'd stormed back after leaving Ric at the docks. Man, how he'd wanted to put a bullet in that man's skull and end his miserable life, but he hadn't. Not yet, anyway. Damn Ric and Claudia. They were both incredible liars and he was having a hard time figuring out which one was telling the truth, or if they were both lying?
He'd gone to Sonny's after Sam left and Bernie told him he found proof Ian Devlin wasn't working alone. Devlin kept his money in an offshore account and Bernie arranged to be notified if any money moved. Here it was a year after Michael was shot and Bernie just got a call. Someone thought it was safe to move that money now and they were working to link it to someone specific, but Jason suspected Ric had something to do with it.
He'd told Sonny as much. Devlin was new in town and had no reason to go after Jason or Sonny. He had to be a hired gun. He remembered Sonny's words and his jaw clenched. Sonny thought his hate for Ric was clouding his judgment. He didn't want to believe it, but it was something he had to consider. He wanted the truth. He wanted the people responsible for Michael's shooting to pay with their life just as Devlin had.
He'd questioned Sonny's judgment too. He told Sonny maybe he couldn't handle finding out his brother was involved in Michael's shooting, because he knew Ric should have been dead years ago. It was a harsh truth, but one Sonny needed to hear. Sonny then called Ric over to confront him and Ric had claimed Claudia was the one responsible for hiring Ian Devlin. He claimed to have proof in the form of a DVD left by Jerry Jacks who was also supposed to be involved in this conspiracy, but the DVD turned out to be blank and Claudia vehemently denied any involvement.
Jason wasn't sure why, but he believed her and again he had to ask himself if he truly believed in her innocence or he just needed Ric to be guilty? The confrontation ended with Jason taking Ric to the docks and giving him a serious warning in the form of a gun to the back of his head. He'd only been that close to killing him once before...for Sam.
Sam. Just saying her name silently to himself calmed him. He rotated his neck and relaxed his shoulders as he walked from the terrace doors to sit on the couch. Sam's couch. How many times had he come home to find her asleep on this very sofa? A faint smile crossed his lips recalling her happiness earlier right here in this very living room when Bernie finally agreed to use his license to help Sam and Spinelli open their PI office. She was literally bouncing up and down with Spinelli and he missed it. Jason missed seeing her that happy and full of life. He remembered a time when he made her that happy and he missed that too. Her smile lifted him like nothing else ever had aside from her love and trust and he missed being the one person that could always make her smile.
He wished he knew how to be that person for her again, but he knew of two other little guys that had that job now. Sam had left to pick up some paperwork for Bernie and Spinelli to sign and then she'd gone to pick up the boys. His boy, now her boy too. Maybe he should feel guilty for thinking of Jake this way, but he didn't. Elizabeth wasn't able to be his son's mother anymore and Jason could think of no other woman who could ever give his child more love than Sam.
The mere thought of his little boy wrapped in Sam's loving arms was enough to cause his heart to burst. He'd give anything to be able to be a part of their life, or watch Sam interact with Cam and Jake. He'd seen her with them once briefly a few weeks ago in the park when they hadn't known he was watching and he held that memory closest to his heart. He'd replayed it over and over in his head before falling asleep each night.
Some nights, it was the only thing that could help him find any peace at all. He wanted more of those moments. More of those memories of Sam as the loving mother she was always meant to be. Even if he could never be a part of them, he just needed to see her happy and loving his son as good as she once loved him. Jason closed his eyes and replayed his favorite memory of Sam, Jake and Cameron playing and laughing together in the park and smiled.
Page 18 of 18 Created: 2010-11-10 Updated: 2011-07-11 Words: 7600 Characters: 40158