Chapter 4: Risks and Rewards

Sonny watched the scene play out. He had crept a little closer to hear what was being said, but all he heard was talk about risk and somebody named Kenny. He was more confused than ever. What the hell was going on here? he wondered. He made a mental note to ask Benny to check out this mysterious Cory kid. After listening to the banter of the two friends, he had almost forgotten why they were all here. He had a feeling that he'd better get the handle on what exactly he was dealing with. If Jax had threatened this Kenny guy, then maybe he'd have some leverage to use against Cory to get him to turn. If there's one thing he's learned in this business, it's everyone has his price.

He focused on Pedro, who seemed willing to give him the questions he wanted. He could feel Cory's furious gaze burning a whole in his back. Sonny gave Pedro a reassuring smile as the other man slowly made his way to Sonny's position. Pedro gave a slight smile. "Senor Corinthos, you asked for a story, and I will honor that request." He took a deep breath, casting what seemed to be an apologetic and nervous glance in Cory's direction.

Sonny looked at Cory. The cowboy had his head down, turning his hat into a shield. Despite his nonchalant posture, tension and worry radiated off of him in waves. Sonny couldn't help but wonder, What could Pedro possibly say to cause that reaction?

Sonny forgot about Cory as soon as Pedro started to speak. "The day after last week's heavy storm, the air was fresh and smelled like the earth had been reborn." He sighed, closing his eyes as if he were reliving the sensation. "I walked passed the pier and who did I happen to see but Cory there. 'That can't be', I thought to myself. 'Cory's back at the ranch. Back in Texas.'" A sharp intake of breath drew Sonny's gaze toward Cory, who was once again fiddling with that knife of his. Pedro continued as if he hadn't heard, "So I started to pass by until I started to wonder, 'What if that is Cory?' I decided to investigate. Low and behold, it was my old friend." He smiled, reliving the moment. This story's serious undertone spoke volumes to Sonny. It implied that this is one story that Pedro thought was important enought to get the facts just right. Impatience ate at Sonny. He'd never been good at long, drawn explanations. He wanted the point, now. "After talking with him, I asked him to help me once again. My cousins had just arrived from Mexico, and the English of the rest of my family hasn't been enough to pass the necessary tests." Sonny began to understand the risks Cory had talked about. This man and his entire family were illegal aliens, fugitives from the INS and probably other government agencies! "Cory agreed to teach us English as well as help us find jobs, and that, Senor Corinthos is what you interrupted tonight. An English lesson."

"Why don't you meet at your house?"

Pedro shrugged. "I have small children who run around a very small house. They demand attention, and the house is too small for all of us."

Sonny nodded, a deep sorrow and envy filled his heart at the very mention of children. By losing his two children, he'd never know what that was like. He was beginning to doubt he would ever know what being a father was. He had Michael, but he still longed for a child of his own.

Pedro continued, "Your warehouse is the only one with a light. It would be too suspicious to meet in many other public places at this time of night."

It was then Cory stepped forward. "So what are you gonna do now, Senor Corinthos? Turn us all in?"

That a very good question. What WAS he going to do with this information? Think, Corinthos, think. What is the best course of action in this situation? A plan began to form in his mind. "No, I'm not going to turn you in. I'm going to hire you and your family, Pedro."

"You're gonna what?" Cory asked in disbelief.

"Hire them. I've got a casino in Puerto Rico they can work at or they can stay here and work at the warehouse. It's up to you."

Pedro had tears in his eyes. "I don't know what to say. This is an answer to our prayers."

Sonny smiled. "Just tell me where you want to go."

Pedro cleared his throat. "I have to talk it over with my family, but I'm sure they will agree that staying here would be the best thing for everyone, especially for the children."

Pain emanated once again from the wound that never healed. "I understand." Turning toward Cory, he made the final move in his plan. "I've got a job for you if you want it. You've proven yourself capable of taking care of yourself in difficult situations. I can always use someone like you working for me. "

He waited for a response. An internal struggle seemed to play out on the cowboy's face. Suspicion warred with gratitude, caution warred with need. He understood. After all, they'd only just come out of a situation where the kid had stabbed Johnny and had waved a knife in Sonny's face. Need won out over all the rest. He gave a resigned sigh and said, "Okay, but only in your warehouse."

Sonny gave a fake look of confusion. "What did you think I meant?" Others had been fooled by that particular move, but not this kid.

He simply shrugged and moved on with business. "When do you want me to start?"

"Tomorrow morning. I'll introduce you to the foreman."

"Okay. C'mon, Pedro, let's get you home. Gaby's bound to be worried sick." He gave a slight nod, a movement Sonny recognized as a gesture of gratitude. "Senor Corinthos, thanks." He looked behind Sonny and switched to English, "Zander, I'll see you at Jake's later. We've got a game to play."

"Right, see ya," Zander agreed in a very confused voice.

Pedro nodded. "Thank you so much, Senor Corinthos. I'll let you know our decision tomorrow." They shook hands.

When Francis moved to intercept the two friends, Sonny shook his head. "Let 'em go."

They stepped passed the bodyguard and left the scene behind. Sonny felt a sense of loss as he watched their figures disappear into the night. He didn't know where it came from, probably from the fact that he'd actually gotten to speak in Spanish, a treat in a land full of English-speakers. Cory's Spanish had been impressive, flawless, causing Sonny to think that he'd been raised with it as a first language, an interesting fact if it was true.

"I need to learn to speak Spanish," Zander said, bringing Sonny out of his "brooding" as Alexis would call it. "What just happened?" he asked in a perplexed tone. "One minute you're about to go at it and then the next you're all getting along."

Sonny turned to look at his young protoge. It was hard to explain it to himself let alone to someone else. Besides, Pedro's secret wasn't his to tell, so he told the most pertinent part. "They just got hired."

A pleased smile crossed Zander's face. "That's great! It'll work out for everyone."

Looking back toward where Cory and Pedro had gone, Sonny said, "I hope you're right."