A/N: This update helps to lay the ground work for the action in the chapters ahead.

2.

Jason pressed his black boot down on the accelerator. He finally had a solid lead and he wasn't about to let it slip away. The last week? It hadn't gone so well. He'd confronted Claudia once again with Ric's accusations. Tried his best to make her slip. Reveal any part she may have played in Michael's shooting, but her argument was believable...even to Sam whose advice he'd found himself trusting once again over all others.

Claudia claimed Ric accused her out of revenge, because she broke off their affair after marrying Sonny and refused to feed Ric information about Sonny's organization. Jason had left Greystone Manor frustrated to have none of the answers he needed, but promised Claudia he would find the truth. If she had anything to do with it, he'd make her pay.

Later that day, Spinelli found a link to the identity of the person who'd accessed Ian Devlin's accounts. Jerry fucking Jacks! When he got back to his penthouse and Spinelli showed him the photographic evidence, he'd reached for the first thing he saw and slung it from the living room toward the kitchen providing a slightly satisfying sound as it broke the glass framed pictures on the wall. He'd wished it was Jerry's face. The son of a bitch was still alive after attempting to blow Sam up on that boat last November and on top of that Jerry was an accomplice to getting Michael shot!

He was still reeling from the news when Sam knocked on his door moments later. She bounded into his living room with a bounce to her step he hadn't seen in months, maybe even years. She'd found office space for McCall & Jackal PI and Spinelli was right. Jason told Sam the timing was good, because Jerry was alive and Jason didn't want Spinelli (or Sam he thought silently) near the kind of danger that psychopath instigated.

Jason hated being the one to take that smile from Sam's face, but Jerry tried to kill her more than once. She needed to know he was still out there. Still a threat, but not for long. Jason would make sure of it. He'd insisted on putting guards on her and the boys, especially while Lucky was out of town. Sam hadn't put up much of a fight, but he knew she only agreed for Jake and Cam's sake.

She probably figured it was no big deal, because she would just slip away from her guard whenever she wanted. Jason smirked and shook his head. Yeah, that's exactly what Sam thought which is why he'd hired the two new guards that specialized with details like Sam and Carly. No one had ever given Joseph or his partner the slip in all of the fifteen years they'd been working as bodyguards.

So now, part of Ric's claims were proven true. They'd found proof tying Jerry Jacks to Ian Devlin. The question that remained was whether, or not, Claudia or Ric had also been involved? Jason had to find Jerry. He was the only one with answers, but Spinelli exhausted his search with nothing to show for it. Jerry had disappeared and it might take months before he accessed those accounts again to provide another lead.

It looked like Jason was just going to have to pay Jerry's brother a little visit. He knew it would be a waste of time, so Spinelli suggested Jason get Carly to help convince Jax to talk. Jason flat out refused, because Carly had just confided to Jason she was pregnant and may have a condition that could kill her or her baby. Stress just might kill them both and this situation had miscarriage written all over it.

Jason shook his head and sighed. Jax helped his brother escape the police after the Metro Court hostage crisis. He knew there was no way Jax would hand Jerry's location over to Jason knowing it was a death sentence, but it was worth a try. He'd do anything to see a little justice served for Michael and to keep Sam safe.

Of course, Jason was right. His confrontation with Jax hadn't gotten him any closer to finding Jerry, but it had shed a little light. Jax hadn't been too surprised when Jason mentioned Jerry was partly responsible for getting Michael shot. In fact, he'd admitted Jerry had sent him a DVD confessing his partnership with Ian Devlin in the hit on Sonny.

Jax had known his brother was still alive. He protected his brother over his own step-son and wife. Again. Jason gripped the steering wheel and wished it was Jax's neck. His and everyone's life he cared about would be so much simpler if he could just do a little housecleaning...starting with Ric, Jax, and Jerry.

Jax continually railed against him and Sonny and how they were dangerous criminals that deserved to go to jail. Jason and Sonny had never been accomplices to anything as heinous as the shooting of an innocent child, or holding a building full of innocent civilians hostage while trying to blow them up. Jax's brother had and yet Jax had done everything he could to see him get away with his crimes. Jason clenched his jaw and breathed deep. Not this time. Michael deserved justice and Jason would see it was served if it was the last thing he ever did.

Michael. He was his nephew, but Jason would always love him like a son. None of his actual fathers...biological, adopted, or step ever put Michael's needs ahead of their own as much as Jason, yet Jason still felt he hadn't done enough. He wasn't there when Michael got shot, but by God he would be there when he made every last one of the bastards responsible pay for it with their own life!

Thoughts of Michael led him to thoughts of Jake which in turn brought him back to Sam. They seemed to be finding their way back to some kind of friendship again and he was thankful for it. She could still read him better than anyone. She could tell there was something bothering him before he even told her about Jerry. Sam also knew immediately how Sonny would want it handled and she'd been right.

Jason loved how they didn't even have to speak to know each others thoughts. Of course, they weren't as in sync about everything as they once had been. He wished he could read her thoughts about how she felt about him now sometimes, but when it came to everything else...Sam knew him inside and out and vice-verse. It was a good feeling and he wanted more of it. They may not ever be anything more than friends again, but the more time Jason spent with Sam the more he realized he still needed her in his life and he'd take whatever he could get.

He knew he should be focused on Jerry right now as he gunned his SUV toward the 10th street parking garage. Jerry Jacks had been spotted back in Port Charles and Jason was on his way to catch up with him now. He couldn't wait to get his hands on him and take him for a little ride to get some answers, but another thought haunted him at the moment. He'd just learned from Sonny that Claudia was pregnant.

She would be the mother of Sonny's child and yet Jason didn't think that would be enough to stop him from killing her if she'd had anything to do with getting Michael shot and that may cause serious complications between him and Sonny. Jason remembered Sam's reaction to this bit of news and kicked himself for blurting it out so carelessly. Hearing Sonny was having another baby hit Sam kind of hard and for a moment brought them both back to the precious memory of the baby they were supposed to raise together. Sam admitted her first thought upon hearing the news was how her little girl would have a baby brother or sister on the way if she'd lived.

Jason wasn't sure what to do, so he just sat next to Sam on the sofa as she coped with the memories. He'd had to fight his first impulse to pull her into his arms, or take her hand like old times. Jason had never been able to see Sam in any kind of distress and not long to comfort her with his touch.

He admired her strength beyond measure and couldn't help smile inside at her frustration when she'd rambled on about Sonny not ever being able to keep it in his pants. He'd felt the same way when Sonny broke the news to him. It never ceased to amaze him just how much he and Sam thought alike. Jason had truly never known anyone who ever knew him better than Sam. He was about to take care of Jerry once and for all and the thought comforted him immensely. Sam and the boys would be safe. He'd never let that bastard hurt anyone else he loved again.

Jason parked his Range Rover out of sight and checked in with his men to make sure Jerry hadn't left yet before finding a good spot to lie in wait.

-Sam's Apartment-

Sam had left Spin at the office pouring over his computers as the painters finished putting their firm's name on the frosted glass door, McCall & Jackal, P.I. She'd stopped to admire the sign and their new office for a moment with Spinelli before heading over to Jason's. Spinelli was in love with the space she'd found. The dark wood trim and hardwood floors, the frosted glass office door with transom window, and wide-blade ceiling fan casting the shadow on the walls fit every classic detective movie he'd ever seen.

Sam and Jason had already laid odds on how soon it would be before she came in to the office to find him attired in a trench coat and wool fedora? Sam couldn't wait to win that bet and collect on a motorcycle ride from Jason. She'd missed their rides so much she came close to buying her own Harley, but hadn't. As much as she loved the ride she was afraid buying her own bike would only prove what she missed most about the ride was holding on to Jason. Deep down she knew there was truth to that notion, but her life was finally going good again. She wasn't about to do anything to upset the fragile balance.

Sam felt good, really good...mind, body and soul. She couldn't explain it really and she didn't even want to try. She was just happy. Happier than she could remember being in a very long time and dissecting the reasons would only allow light to shine on the gray areas of her life that didn't gleam with such cheerful hues.

Her relationship with her mother was still far from perfect, but they were finally at a place where they spoke to one another without drawing blood..at least not every time. Sam knew they loved each other. She just wished they were both better about showing it. It was a work in progress.

She was grateful this wasn't the case with her sisters. Molly and Kristina loved her unconditionally as she did them. She was thankful her mother never allowed the animosity between them to impede her relationship with her sisters. Sam, Molly, and Kristina had grown incredibly close over the years. Molly and Krissy turned to her whenever they found it too hard to turn to their mom which was more often than not as they got older, but Sam was always there with unconditional love and words of wisdom.

She'd finally found a career path that would hold her interest and keep her legit. Well, mostly legit. Sort of...she knew she'd still break any law if it meant saving someone she cared about, but this really wasn't something the licensing board ever needed to know. She was too good to get caught anyway, so it wasn't as if this little detail really mattered.

She'd been hesitant to take on a partner in the beginning, but the more she thought about it the happier she was now to have Spinelli working with her. She would handle the field work while his gifts with a computer made short work of background checks and tracking people down. Aside from his talent, Jason had pointed out Spinelli was a loyal and trustworthy friend. Sam hadn't bothered to bring up how that loyalty had actually only been extended to Jason when they split, because she was trying hard to let the ugly past go...it wasn't always easy. Still, as far as partners went, she could only think of one better. Since she couldn't have him, Spinelli was the next best thing.

Sam had never had many friends. Her life as a con-artist wasn't conducive to trusting anyone other than herself, or staying in one place long enough to make lasting connections. She was also never the kind of woman to have many girlfriends..any really, but she was happy to count Maxie as one now. When things went to hell with Jason, Maxie had ignored conventional wisdom and decided Sam was someone worth knowing. They also shared a mutual love of shoes, Diamond Margaritas, an intimate knowledge of Detective Lucky Spencer, and a keen dislike for his not-so-dearly departed ex-wife, Elizabeth.

Of course, these were the things that initially bonded Sam and Maxie, but over the last two years there wasn't much they didn't share with one another. They were good for each other. Maxie was impetuous and loved to shake things up. She was never boring and her friendship offered a much needed distraction from the pain Sam endured from her messy break up with Jason.

Sam was compassionate and nonjudgmental. She helped Maxie find those qualities within herself, especially after Maxie lost her touch stone...her sister. Sam couldn't imagine losing Molly or Kristina, but she did know what is what like to lose a brother. Her heart truly broke for her friend's loss, so Sam made it her mission to be there for Maxie just as Maxie had been there for her.

There was only one other person in this world Sam trusted to have her back more than Maxie. It was odd to even think it, considering how things had been between them not too many months ago. Still, no matter how far apart they were Jason had always been there for her when her life was on the line. He'd saved her from Jerry when the boat exploded last November and he found her when she'd fallen in the quarry and almost died from exposure while trying to escape the Russians. She wasn't sure what this connection she and Jason still shared meant, but she was grateful for it and the friendship they seemed to be finding again.

Friendship with Jason after everything they had been through was a minor miracle in and of itself, but an even greater miracle was the fact that she was now helping Lucky raise two amazing little boys. Aside from reclaiming her own independence, this change was most responsible for her new found joy. She just wished her happiness hadn't come at such a great expense to Jake, Cameron, and Lucky.

Barely two months had passed now since that late February day when Elizabeth's heart failed. Unanticipated side effects of the bio-toxin released on General Hospital had taken her life. Elizabeth's untimely death was a shock to all of Port Charles, especially Lucky. He'd been assured that morning by Elizabeth's doctors at Mercy she was on the mend. Lucky had shared the good news of Elizabeth's recovery with Sam that afternoon and, in the very same conversation, Sam and Lucky ended their relationship.

They realized they wanted different things. Sam would always crave adventure and need her man to accept this side of her without hesitation. Lucky wanted a woman who was content to live a quiet life with few surprises. Rather than hold on and risk resenting one another for it, they simply wished one another well and promised to stay friends. Considering how everything had changed later that day, Sam was never more grateful for making and keeping that promise. Many lives were effected by Elizabeth's death, but none more so than Lucky, herself, and those two little boys.

She'd been there for Lucky, Cam, and Jake at every turn in the days and weeks to follow. Lucky was a dear friend who lost someone he considered the love of his life. He had two small boys to care for and it just felt right for her to be there for him. Helping him put one foot in front of the other and tending to the everyday needs of Cameron and Jake. She'd gotten close to the boys during the last several months she dated Lucky. It tore at her heart to see their whole world turned upside down.

Lucky insisted he could never do enough to repay Sam for all her help the past two months. He didn't understand that to Sam it was repayment enough just to know her presence comforted him and those two incredible kids. Sam thought back over the last week she'd spent watching Jake and Cam while Lucky had been out of town. It was kind of scary how fast her heart had already fallen for them.

They weren't hers, but she loved them as if they were. She fed them, read to them, played with them, bathed them, tucked them in at night, soothed Cameron's night terrors, sang silly songs with them, and just loved them. She'd tried to remain detached at first. She wasn't their mother and had been reminded of that fact every day she walked into the house Lucky once shared with Elizabeth and the boys as a family. Sam wasn't dating Lucky anymore either, so she tried to guard her heart against the day Lucky was stronger and didn't need her to take care of them anymore. She realized now it had been a losing battle from the start. Sam already loved those boys with all her heart. She just didn't know how to love any other way.

The boys had so much fun they didn't want to leave Sam's place when Lucky returned. Sam managed to distract them from their pleas for her to spend the night by making welcome home cards for Lucky. She was so relieved when Lucky walked in through his front door safe and sound. She worried for him. Lucky was better, but still too distracted in Sam's opinion. She feared he might lose focus on the job at a critical moment and get hurt or worse.

Sam considered Lucky one of her best friends and it was normal to worry for a friend's safety, but she knew her fear went beyond the normal realms of friendship. She felt guilty and selfish for feeling this way, but more than her fear of losing a good friend Sam was afraid if anything happened to Lucky she would lose her connection to the boys. And she just didn't think she could handle losing anymore children after Lila and Hope. She didn't know who she feared she might lose the boys to if Lucky died, but who ever said fear was rational? It was something she struggled with each day, but Sam pushed those thoughts away as best she could. She chose to focus on the positive things in her life rather than the what ifs.

Living in the moment...something she and Jason had in common. One of the many things, actually, and she found herself still missing the life they once had from time to time. There was a sort of shorthand they had lived in, almost like their own silent language. She'd never had that with anyone before, or since and she was thrilled to get a little piece of that back with him now that they were rebuilding their friendship.

She'd stopped by Jason's to offer help locating Jerry. She knew he probably wouldn't take her up on her offer and she'd been right. She still knew him better than most. He'd insisted he needed to handle Jerry on his own. Sam had asked if it was because it was about Michael? She knew Jason loved him like a son and always would. Jason was the master at hiding his true feelings behind that "stone cold" facade as Spinelli put it, but Sam could see how it killed Jason that he hadn't been able to protect Michael from harm. She knew Jason would never rest until everyone responsible paid dearly. She also knew just how slippery Jerry Jacks could be. He'd escaped certain death more than once and Sam had a vested interest in seeing him dead.

Jason stood firm and Sam relented after making him promise to come to her for help when he really needed it. She smiled now around the half-full wine glass resting at her lips as she stared blankly out at the view from her terrace. Jason had given her his smirk-smile. Her smirk-smile, the one that told her he was not just amused with her but happy and maybe even a little turned on?

She refused to let her mind wander on that last part. She'd made him happy, made him smile and the thought warmed her. He'd gotten a call and had to rush off, but not before he told her Jerry had just been spotted back in Port Charles. He made sure the guards he'd put on Sam and the boys knew to be on the lookout and made her promise to be careful. His apparent concern for her in that moment had been awkward, because the tenderness in his eyes and tone was so familiar it made her heart race.

Jason insisted on putting 24 hour protection on her the day he learned Jerry Jacks was still alive, but Sam didn't argue. She knew she could and would lose the guard whenever needed. The other guard detail was assigned to the boys. It had taken a little convincing on Sam's part for Lucky to agree with it. Lucky was afraid Jason's guards would only draw attention to the boys. Sam understood his fear, but explained the only other way to ensure their safety was for her to break all contact with Lucky and the boys. Lucky wouldn't hear of it. He told Sam there was no way Jake and Cam would lose anyone else they cared about no matter what he had to do. So, he agreed to the guard.

Sam's thoughts were interrupted by a harsh knocking at her front door. An urgent...obnoxious knocking. Sam sat her wine glass down on her dining table just inside the terrace and made her way to the door. She could hear a familiar high-pitched tone filled with irritation on the other side as she approached...and opened it.

"Oh thank Gawd, you are home. I was beginning to think you'd given this blockhead the slip," Maxie gave a sideways head gesture to the guard standing a full foot taller than either of them with his mammoth arms crossed against his massive chest.

He reminded Sam more of a left tackle for the NFL than any guard she'd ever seen under the employ of the Corinthos Organization.

"I mean, where did Jason get him? The Giants' locker room? He doesn't even recognize the important players by sight. How is he supposed to guard you, if he doesn't even know what a real thug looks like," She huffed and shook her head at him, "It doesn't look like this," She motioned her perfectly manicured hand down her highly fashionable frame as if on exhibit.

"I'm Maxie Jones. Sam McCall's best friend and one Damien Spinelli's girlfriend and I come and go as I please. Got it?" Her blues eyes narrowed. They could be as piercing as Jason's when she was really ticked, but Sam had to give it to Joseph. He didn't even flinch.

Sam thought she actually saw him trying not to smile at her younger friend and Maxie picked up on that too. She could tell the girl was about to go off on him when she grabbed Maxie by the arm chuckling and shaking her head, "Come on, Maxie. Tell me what's got you all riled up."

Sam turned to close her front door and smiled, "Thanks Joseph..and just so you know, Maxie is always welcome."

"That's right, Joey. Permanent VIP status!" Maxie reiterated her right to be there whenever.

Joseph returned Sam's smile and nodded his understanding. He took the door handle to close it the rest of the way...his smile fading to a deadpan look for Maxie as the door closed shut.

"Ugh! Men," Maxie sighed in frustration as she paced in front of Sam's sofa.

"Maxie," Sam smiled softly, "What's going on?"

Something clearly had the girl upset. Sam, of course, was well aware of the trouble Maxie and Spinelli were having after she'd told Spin about kissing Johnny and admitted her attraction to him. She wondered if maybe something more had happened with Johnny? Maxie was really flustered.

Maxie paused from pacing and looked warily around Sam's apartment, "First things first, is it safe?"

Sam laughed. Maxie was asking her if the boys were still there? Jake, in particular, as Cameron simply adored Maxie, "The boys are with Lucky tonight."

Maxie sighed and sat her purse on Sam's coffee table, "It isn't funny, Sam. I mean, I don't get it. Most kids adore me, not that I spend much time around children...but I mean Emma lights up when I enter the room and you've seen the way Cam and I get along," Sam nodded her head.

Maxie continued, "Jake is just...he just stares at me with those blue eyes of his like he's looking right through me, or reading me. I can't tell which, but it isn't normal for a toddler to go into enforcer mode like that. Never a smile and the only time he ever has a word for me is goodbye. He's a regular chatty Cathy when I'm halfway out the door. He's just like Jason which is odd, because Cameron is just like Lucky and nothing like Zander from what I can see which brings up an interesting point and case on the whole nature versus nurture debate. I mean maybe it all just depends on how dominate the genes are...pf-ft and we all know Jason is the epitome of alpha male."

Sam was still smiling and shaking her head now, "Maxie, he doesn't go into enforcer mode. He's not even two years old yet. He's just shy and please don't let Jason hear you talk like that about Jake. Jason doesn't want Jake to turn out anything like him."

Sam remembered his words to her the night they drove back to Port Charles after rescuing Jake from the Russians.

"Huh," Maxie scoffed, "Too late for that!"

Sam bit her cheek to keep from smiling, "Sit. I'll get the wine and then you're going to tell me everything."

Maxie sat on the couch and Sam headed to the kitchen to retrieve another glass and the the bottle of wine she'd opened when she got home. It didn't bother Sam that Maxie brought up how much Jake reminded her of Jason. Maxie had found out the truth a long time ago when she overheard a conversation between Jason and Spinelli.

Sam remembered how relieved she'd been to finally have a friend she could talk to about all of it. She knew Maxie would never mention anything like that comment to anyone else. She'd kept the secret for over a year now. Sam also secretly loved when other people recognized Jason in Jake, because maybe one day everybody would see the resemblance in the looks, mannerisms, and personality and Jason would have no choice other than to claim and accept his son like she knew in his heart of hearts he always wanted.

Sam sat comfortably at the end of her sofa after pouring Maxie a glass of Pinot and a second for herself, "So, tell me. Who's responsible for putting you in this current...state," Sam asked choosing her words carefully, "Spinelli or Johnny?"

Maxie blew hot air into her longish blond bangs as she sunk into the other corner of the sofa cushions.

"Both," she admitted with a sigh, then sipped her wine.

"Oh no. Maxie, tell me there wasn't more with Johnny. You didn't sleep with him after all?" Sam really hoped her friend hadn't made that mistake and then lied about it.

Not that Sam would ever judge. She just cared about Maxie and Spinelli and didn't want to see either of them hurt.

"No! Sam, I told you, nothing happened between me and Johnny except a few kisses. A few hot kisses, granted, but it never went any further. He..we came to our senses. We couldn't hurt Spinelli and Lulu like that," Maxie's tone was abrupt and defensive at first, but had settled to a softer tone full of regret by the end.

Sam smiled sympathetically, "I'm sorry. I know you love him, Maxie. So, if it wasn't that, then...what? I know Spin's been giving you the cold shoulder this past week, but I think he just needs reassurance from you to get back on track."

"I know, but how am I supposed to reassure him when he refuses to see, or even speak to me," Maxie shook her head and took another sip?

"He just needs a little time. I know he still loves you and I know he can see how much you love him, but this thing shook him and it's going to take some time for him to trust in it again," Sam reasoned, "Trust in you," she added softly.

Maxie nodded her head solemnly and averted her eyes with a few rapid blinks and Sam could tell her friend was doing her best not to cry.

"Unfortunately, I think I only made it worse a few days ago," Maxie turned back to her friend to find a questioning look on her face.

"Spinelli caught me going off on Johnny for flaunting his new bimbo in front of everyone at the Metro Court Restaurant. Spinelli thinks I looked like a jealous lover and taking a step back from it..maybe I did, but I swear it wasn't like that Sam," Maxie's eyes were a soft blue full of pleading to be believed.

Sam had to admit she had her doubts about how things may end up with Spinelli and Maxie? She knew Maxie loved Spin, but she'd also seen an undeniable chemistry between Johnny and Maxie. Sometimes chemistry won out whether you wanted it to, or not. She studied her friend. This isn't what Maxie needed to hear right now. Maxie was hurting. She needed reassurance that she and Spin would make it almost as much as Spinelli, "So, tell me what happened. Maybe I can help."

"It was awful. I still can't believe Johnny," Maxie seethed.

"So, he was on a dinner date at the Metro Court with someone new?" Sam was a little surprised he'd moved on from Lulu so fast, but technically Lulu had broken up with Johnny so he was free to date whomever.

"Yes! Only two days after breaking up with Lulu! Can you believe that? In fact, I found him at Jake's with the floozy the same night he and Lulu broke up. Oh, he claims she's new in town and he just offered to show her around as a friend. BS. She practically had her tongue down Johnny's ear when I found them at the bar and don't get me started on the dress she was wearing the other night at dinner," Maxie was starting to get heated again. She sat up a bit more in her seat as Sam took a long sip of wine and debated how to approach this situation.

"So what happened..at dinner," Sam needed more details?

"Kate called from Rome," Maxie rolled her eyes, "Some last minute change before the courier picked up first thing in the morning and she refused to let me just go in extra early to take care of it. Anyway, I decided to just order dinner to go from the restaurant on my way out. I was waiting at the bar when I saw it all go down," Maxie emptied her goblet and Sam sat up to refill both their glasses.

"Lulu and Nikolas were at one table having dinner when Johnny walked in with the cheap trick glued to his arm. He made sure they were seated in the center of the restaurant. I glanced back at Lulu. Nik's back was to Johnny, but Lulu was getting an eyeful. Johnny was all flirty smiles, laughter, and leaning," Maxie shook her head reliving it.

"Maybe he didn't know Lulu was there," Sam offered, though she wasn't sure why? She was closer to Lulu than Johnny, but she believed despite their break up Johnny really loved Lulu. She couldn't see him going out of his way to hurt her.

"Oh, he knew alright. He's known about Lulu and Nikolas' dinner date for weeks, because Johnny was supposed to go with them. Lulu set it up as a way for Johnny and Nikolas to get to know one another better. And before you say maybe he forgot with all that was going on...it didn't stop him from staying and making a show of enjoying himself after he made direct eye contact with Lulu as he approached his table to be seated!"

"Ouch," was all Sam could say as she cringed.

"Yeah, she was crushed Sam. Watching him hold that other woman's hand and lean in to whisper in her ear...I was proud of her though, she didn't let herself cry in front of him. I was just about to head over there to give him a piece of my mind, but Lulu beat me to it. I didn't hear anything. I was too far away, but Lulu turned and left the restaurant with Nikolas following after her brief exchange with Johnny," Maxie savored her wine.

"Poor Lulu," Sam felt bad for Lucky's little sister. She'd seen how much Lulu loved Johnny and how hard she'd fought for their relationship against his disapproving family. It kind of reminded her of how hard she'd once fought for Jason.

"Yea, well, poor Johnny by the time I got finished with him," Maxie's narrowed eyes had a wicked gleam.

Sam had seen Maxie's defensive nature kick in before when she went off on Jason a few times on Sam and Spinelli's behalf. She knew just how razor sharp that tongue of Maxie's was and how deep her words could cut when provoked, "How bad?"

Maxie paused, "Well, I wasn't about to let him get away with hurting Lulu like that. I may not have thought they're relationship was working for either of them at the end, but I would never do anything to intentionally hurt Lulu." Sam gave her a knowing look.

Maxie dismissed the look with a wave of her hand, "That's all ancient history, Sam. Lulu has become my friend and I just wouldn't hurt a friend on purpose like that, but Johnny knew Lulu would be there. He saw Lulu's pain and still threw a new relationship in her face. What Johnny did was intentional and he deserved to be called on it."

Sam smiled, "and you had his number?"

"Damn straight and I called him out on speed dial, but I kept it focused on Johnny and relatively quiet. It wasn't a big scene at all and I was about to walk away until his date opened her mouth," Maxie breathed deep and Sam picked up on some serious contempt.

"What did she say," Sam was almost afraid to hear how this ended knowing Maxie?

"Well, Johnny said something to me about how no man could be held responsible for wanting to take a lady as lovely as her out and winked at her. She told him he shouldn't feel bad, because he was single and free to do as he pleased. It pissed me off. I may have made a comment something to the effect of 'Yeah, she's quite the looker,' in my most sarcastic tone...," Maxie paused again and Sam waited for her to finish. She knew there had to be more, "only it may have actually come out hooker instead of looker."

"Oh, Maxie," Sam groaned, "What did she say? What did she do," Sam knew what she would have done if someone called her a hooker back in the day?

"She asked me to repeat what I'd just said which I was more than happy to do and she stood from the table to get in my face, but Johnny jumped in between us before it could go any further."

"Did she really look like a hooker," again, Sam wasn't sure why, but she just thought better of Johnny?

Maxie blew steam, "No," she huffed begrudgingly.

"She looked pretty hot which is just one more reason it hurt Lulu even more I'm sure," Maxie finished her second glass.

"Sounds like a pretty nasty scene, but I don't understand how Spin fits into all this," Sam reached for the wine bottle.

"He was there..at the restaurant. He walked in after Lulu and Nikolas left I guess just in time to see me confront Johnny."

Sam winced and emptied the last of the bottle into Maxie's glass, "Not good."

"No. I saw him out of the corner of my eye and realized how he probably interpreted what he'd seen, so I went over to talk to him," Maxie followed Sam to her kitchen for another bottle of wine.

She sat at the stool at the counter as Sam opened another bottle and began to prepare a plate of assorted cheeses, nuts, and fruit.

"What did he say? He didn't mention anything to me about seeing you and what was he doing at the Metro Court anyway," Sam's curiosity was peaked?

"He didn't say much of anything which was what worried me. He just said it was obvious where my priorities lie and that he couldn't talk, because he didn't want to keep his client waiting," Maxie explained.

"Client? What client," Sam wondered? Spin hadn't mentioned having any business dinners to her.

Maxie just shrugged as the relaxing effects of the wine began to take over and nibbled on a piece of cheese.

Sam made a mental note to bring it up with Spin tomorrow.

"So, speaking of business. How does it feel to be Port Charles newest entrepreneur," Maxie sat her glass down on the counter. Her brain hurt and she needed a change of topic.

"It feels great," Sam beamed, "Aside from our original licensing paperwork getting lost in the mail, everything has been smooth sailing. I had to fill it all out again and get everyone's signatures, but I delivered it to them personally this time to avoid any further delay. I don't expect any more trouble."

"What is the world coming to when we can't even trust our postal carriers to deliver," Maxie stated in all seriousness?

Sam shook her head, "No more wine for you," Sam proclaimed and laughed at the offended look on Maxie's face.

"Maybe it's not me that's had too much, but you that's had too little. Drink up," Maxie suggested as she raised her glass to Sam.

"What should we toast to," Maxie wondered briefly?

"We could toast to McCall & Jackal getting our first client this week. Actually, first, second, and third," Sam smiled.

"Cheers to that!" Maxie clinked her glass to Sam's before heading back to the sofa with the wine and snacks.

"Sam, that's wonderful. So, who are they. Ooh, is it adultery? A kidnapping? Messy divorce," Maxie settled into the comfy couch cushions?

"Maxie, you know I can't divulge names and specifics," Maxie frowned.

"I can tell you two of the clients though, since they hired our firm on retainer and don't actually have us working a case yet," Maxie perked up.

"Who," the tiny blond was all ears?

"Edward Quartermaine and Jasper Jacks," Sam smiled.

"Shut. Up!" Maxie exclaimed.

"I know. I still can't believe it," Sam gushed.

"You do realize you've just landed two of the largest international corporations in the United States as clients," Maxie was in awe and incredibly happy for Sam and Spinelli's instant success. They both deserved it more than anyone else she knew.

"Well, we haven't replaced their primary firms, but we do have our foot in the door. Edward insisted on being our first client before we got too busy to take any of his cases," Sam chuckled at the memory.

She'd been shocked speechless when Jason's grandfather walked through her office door two days ago. He'd told her she was the best personal assistant he ever had and he knew a success in the making when he saw it, so she better make him proud. Edward Quartermaine had a way of complimenting while scolding at the same time and before you knew it, the old man had you doing just what he wanted if you weren't careful.

"But how did Edward get that past Tracy and the rest of the shareholders," Maxie knew Tracy never cared for Sam?

"Edward told me he had Justice write a bunch of loopholes for him into the by-laws before he retired. One of them just so happened to be that Edward has the sole authority to hire and fire outside consultants for independent review of any past, present, or pending investigation regarding ELQ, it's partners, or subsidiaries. He plans for us to review everything. He says he can't put his finger on it, but his nose is telling him something is up," Sam smiled at Edward's devilish brilliance.

"That man is good. I need to take notes," Maxie smiled and Sam nodded.

"How did Edward know you were in business? Did Jason tell him? What about Jax," Maxie asked as she nursed her third glass?

"No, Edward dodged when I tried to pin him for the answer. Jax said Alexis mentioned a while back I was pursuing my PI license, but now that I think about it he didn't really say how he knew we were open for business," Sam thought about that and wondered if maybe her mother had put in a good word for her with Jax, or if Jason had mentioned something to Edward?

"So, are you going to be traveling all over the world solving cases for all of Jax's different holding companies? Sam, jet-set PI. Nice," Maxie imagined?

"Not any time soon. Like I said, it's a chance to prove our value first. He's been unhappy the last few months with the results and exorbitant fees of his current US firm. So, Jax hired us on retainer to cover the Metro Court and Crimson for now. We'll see how things go after six months. If he's satisfied with our performance, then we'll talk about making things more permanent," Sam sat her wine down on the sofa table and drew her legs up under her.

"Well, with those two clients alone, you've managed to do in your first week what most new companies fail to do in their first year," Maxie bragged.

"What's that," Sam wondered?

"Keep out of the red," Maxie explained.

"Cheers to that," Sam grinned and picked her glass up again to toast.

"I love our talks. I can't believe it's been a whole week since we've really talked. I think it's the longest we've gone since we became friends," Maxie noted.

"I know. I feel like I've been running around non-stop. I've been so distracted between taking care of the boys on my own this past week and taking care of all the start up things with the business. I'm so glad you came by tonight," Sam loved having someone she could talk with and be herself around without worrying about being judged.

Jason had been that someone for her for a long time. She would always love Maxie dearly for becoming that person for her after she lost him. Sam dated Lucky and he was a good person and a good friend, but there were so many things she never felt safe to share with him. Sam was sure Lucky didn't mean to come off critical and judgmental, but he was about certain things and so there was always a part of Sam that held back with him.

She had Maxie though, and she was very thankful.

"Me too. I always feel so much better after we talk..and even better after you ply me with booze," Maxie giggled and Sam chuckled.

"I stopped by the new office after I left work to see if you felt like going for drinks. I tried calling, but it went straight to voice mail," Maxie laid her head against the back cushion.

"My phone has been acting up the last few days. It seems to pick and choose when it will let a call come through," Sam explained.

Maxie nodded, "Weird. Spinelli was there and of course I tried to get him to talk. We kind of got into a fight which is how I ended up here, even though I wasn't sure you'd be home. He said you left work early to see Jason. I was kind of surprised you weren't still tied up at his place," Maxie's eyes twinkled with a raised brow and slight smirk forming at the corners of her mouth.

"Lower that brow, Maxie Jones. I just offered to help him find someone. That was it. You know we work well together. I figured it was the least I could do since Jason is the reason Bernie agreed to let us use his license to open our office," Sam dodged Maxie's inquisitive glare as she reached for a slice of her favorite aged cheddar.

"I didn't say anything. I just think it's interesting how you two keep finding yourselves in situations that throw you back together. Maybe somebody up there is trying to tell you something," Maxie suggested?

Sam immediately thought of her baby girl and how she and Jason always thought of her as their guardian angel. She quickly pushed the thought away though. Thoughts like that only led to the painful memories of how they ended and all they'd lost.

"No. It's nothing like that. It's Jerry," Sam decided Maxie had a right to know the danger she was in by keeping company with Sam these days.

Maxie sat up alert, "Jerry? Jerry Jacks? What does he have to do with anything? He's dead!"

Sam shook her head, "No. Spinelli found proof he's alive. I can't tell you all of the details, but he's definitely alive and word has it he's been spotted in Port Charles."

"Oh my God. I knew something had to be going on when I saw that guard out front, but I just thought it was a run of the mill mob threat and classic overprotective Jason. Jerry? Sam, are you sure one guard is enough? He's evil and incredibly smart," Sam was touched by her friend's obvious concern.

"I'm sure. I'll be fine. Jason insisted on around the clock protection for me and the boys," Sam bit her bottom lip. She worried Jerry might make the boys his next target.

"Well, I'm not surprised Jason wants to keep you safe. It's obvious he still has feelings for you. I am surprised Lucky went along with it though," Maxie kicked off her heels and curled into the sofa.

"He wasn't happy about it, but when I told him the only other alternative was for me to keep away from them he told me that wasn't an option," Sam smiled sadly.

"Lucky knows how good you are for those boys. They need you, Sam, and it's plain to see how much they love spending time with you," Maxie agreed with Lucky's decision.

Sam smiled bright, "Jake has become my little shadow and I think I'm slowly winning Cam over..."

"You'll win him over. I know it. It's just going to take more time for all of his Elizabitch brainwashing to wear off," Maxie spouted.

"Maxie! That's no way to speak of the dead," Sam chided.

"What? I speak the truth and you know it. Maybe everyone else was and will always remain fooled by her saintly act since she died before her true colors were ever publicly exposed, but you and I know better. I didn't buy into her act when she was alive and I'd be a hypocrite to act like I ever approved of anything she ever did now that she's gone. As far as I'm concerned...ding dong!"

Sam shook her head, but she didn't argue. Maxie was just being honest, "You have a point, but she did love her kids. I don't think any child could miss their mother the way Cam misses his if he hadn't felt completely loved."

Maxie's face softened as she considered her relationship with her own mother, "I know my mother loves me too, in her own way. I would miss her so much if I lost her, but it doesn't mean her love hasn't hurt me. Given time, I have no doubt Elizabeth's kind of love would have crushed those boys. Some people just don't know how to love as good as others. Your love Sam, it builds people up and that is exactly what Jake and Cam need most in their life. I'm glad Lucky is smart enough to know that too."

Sam blinked back the moisture collecting in her eyes. That had to be one of the sweetest things anyone had ever said about her. She knew all about having a parent's love that tore you down, "Can I get a micro version of you to carry in my pocket whenever I need a swift boost to my self-esteem?"

"You already have one," Sam raised a puzzled brow.

Maxie smirked, "It's called a cell phone. Get it fixed and answer the damn thing the next time I call."

Sam laughed and smacked her throw pillow against the back of the middle cushion causing a breeze to blow Maxie's hair back as Maxie laughed with her.

They spent two more hours talking about decorating ideas for the office, the new fashion line coming up and shoes shoes shoes. Maxie had to get up early the next morning, so she told Sam she'd call her and made her way for the door.

"You okay to drive, or should I call a cab," Sam offered?

"No, I'm fine. It's been a couple hours and I only had two glasses. I barely touched the third," Maxie assured her.

"Okay, just be careful. I'll call you tomorrow when I get my new phone set up," Sam walked with Maxie to the door.

Maxie gave her friend a hug, "Just be careful, Sam. Don't take any risks you don't have to take, okay?"

Sam hugged her back, "You sound like Jason. I won't go looking for trouble, but I won't run from it if trouble finds me."

It was the best Sam could offer regarding Jerry Jacks. He'd tried to kill her and now that she had Jake and Cameron's safety to think of she just wanted him in prison, or dead.

"I know you're smart and capable of taking care of yourself, but I feel better knowing Jason won't let anything happen to you or the boys. I mean, he saved you the last time Jerry tried to kill you and you two weren't even as close then as you are now," Maxie smiled devilishly and Sam knew there was no convincing Maxie that she and Jason would never be anything more than friends.

"Good night, Maxie," Sam opened her door and ignored the baited remark.

"Good night. Call me," Maxie ordered as Sam waived goodbye and told Joseph good night as well.

Sam closed the door behind her and smiled as she heard the faint authoritative voice of one young Miss Maxie Jones telling Joseph in no uncertain terms he would answer to her if he allowed Sam to give him the slip and ended up hurt. It felt good to have a friend that had your back no matter what.

Page 20 of 20 Created: 2010-11-11 Updated: 2011-07-11 Words: 8933 Characters: 47777