A/N: So in this chapter we're going to speed things up a bit in order to get to the meat of the story. However, there is still some ground work to lay in this chapter. So there will be a lot of snapshots of different points in time to move the story along while still setting up the next chapter.
The next day
Sonny stormed into Alcazar's home, fighting the guards, and throwing open the doors to the parlor/living area.
"What the hell did you do with my daughter?" Sonny screamed at Sage, Milo, and Lorenzo.
"A pleasure as always, Sonny when you barge into my home unannounced," Lorenzo said.
"Let me guess," Sage quipped rolling her eyes, "Kellie left and…"
"Shut up, I don't want to hear anything out of your whiny, sarcastic mouth," Sonny interrupted.
"With all due respect, Mr. C.," Milo said, putting himself between Sage and Sonny, "I don't appreciate you talking to Miss Alcazar that way."
Before Sonny could respond, Lorenzo intervened, "Sage, Milo, I'll take it from here."
Sage tried to protest as Milo covered his hand over her mouth and dragged her from the room.
"To answer your question, Sonny," Lorenzo said, "I did nothing with Kellie other than what she wanted."
"I'm sure you were more than happy to ship her out of town when her family needs her the most," Sonny said, "You hate me and the fact that your niece has a connection to me."
"Your family always needs her," Lorenzo said, "She's so busy cleaning up your messes and pleasing everyone else, she doesn't know what she wants. What she knows she wants, she's too afraid of losing to the violence you are creating. So much so she left her husband to protect him and herself from having to watch him go through the same fate as Michael."
"She's probably not thinking straight because of Michael," Sonny said, "She shouldn't be off by herself. She should be with her husband and her family, so we can help her work through this. I love my children; Kellie knows I'd protect her and Tyler."
"Like you protected Michael?" Lorenzo responded, "No guards at a warehouse. You covered your flavor of the month first. I have a hard time understanding why Kellie would trust your form of protection. You got out of the business and didn't take the necessary precautions in doing so. You've continued to make reckless choices which helped lead to this mess in the first place."
"Like your hands are clean," Sonny replied.
"I don't have time for this, Mr. Corinthos," Lorenzo said, motioning to the guards, "If Kellie's wants to contact you, she will. You should know your daughter well enough by now to know that."
"Don't think this conversation is over by a long shot," Sonny said, before leaving.
Lorenzo wandered back to his study and stared at the pictures of his family on the wall, Gloria and Skye, Sam and her family, Sage, Kellie.
He sat at his desk, picked up the phone, and dialed.
"It's time," Lorenzo said when the voice on the other line picked up; "You need to start putting the plans in motion to bring all of this to an end."
"You've been telling me you want more time to train your protégé every time we call," Lorenzo replied to the call recipient's response, "His current training will have to do. Get him up to speed and start working on getting him into the ranks."
"Look, the timing is perfect," Lorenzo said, "and Kellie won't be an issue. She left town. We don't have to worry about her getting involved if she senses something is off. I can keep her unaware."
"That's what I wanted to hear," Lorenzo said, smiling, "I'll be in touch at our usual time with an update on this end.
October 1, 2008
A country side two hours outside Milan, Italy
Kellie stood by the roadside, resisting the urge to kick her down motorcycle. The front tire was flat and she'd been lucky not to crash before she could stop it when it happened. So much for leaving South America and seeing places she'd mostly only see while on a mission or on business.
Kellie pulled out her cell phone; no service. So she did the only thing she could do and started walking back into town.
Eventually, a dark black sedan pulled up and rolled down its window.
"Could I give you a ride into town, miss?" a male voice asked, "I take it that's your motorcycle a couple miles back."
"My mom told me never to get in the car with strangers," Kellie replied, continuing to the walk. The sedan had slowed down to her pace.
"My name is Dominic Pirelli, and my ma told me never to leave a woman stranded on the side of the road," Dominic said, getting out of the car, "It's two hours before you even hit the outskirts of Milan and that's driving. There's not a house for miles until you are 2o minutes out from Milan.
Kellie replied as Dominic moved to the passenger side of the car, "My name is Riley and you should know I carry a two Smith & Wessons, plus a Glock." Kellie moved her jacket, flashing one of the guns.
"Then you'll be able to protect us both should we encounter any trouble," Dominic said, opening the passenger door, motioning for Kellie to get in.
Kellie slid into the car. Dominic shut the door as she fastened her seatbelt.
"So Dominic, that's a Brooklyn accent if I ever heard one," Kellie said after Domininc got back in the car, "How'd you end up in Milan?"
"I fell in love with all the gorgeous Italian girls," Dominic said, driving down the road, "They line up for miles to be with me."
Kellie laughed, "I highly doubt it, Romeo."
"Where in America do your and husband call home, Riley?" Dominic asked, noticing the ring on her left hand.
"I'm from here, there, and everywhere," Kellie said.
"I notice you didn't mention the hubby," Dominic responded, "And don't think you're avoiding the question, Riley."
"I'm in the process of divorcing him," Kellie said, "He refuses to sign the papers. He says if I want the divorce, according to my uncle, I'll have to return to Port Charles and fight him for it in person."
"Ordinarily I'd say your husband's a control freak," Dominic said, "But you're still wearing your wedding ring. I guess I'm confused since you're the one divorcing him."
"This is not my wedding ring," Kellie said, holding up her left hand, "This is going to sound so stupid. I gave my wedding ring back. After I left him, I'd gotten so used to wearing the ring, I could never get used to not wearing something on my left hand that well you get the picture."
"That you are still in love with him and obviously don't want the divorce," Dominic said, "I highly doubt there's something wrong with him because girls like you who introduce themselves along with their arsenal, only give guys like that the time of day long enough to shoot them. Underneath all the lethal weapon chick of international intrigue exterior, you seem like a good girl at heart. So why are you here in Italy? Why aren't you running home to the lucky guy?"
"Italy because I have spent most of the last six months at my uncle's south of the border mausoleum since I left him," Kellie said.
"Nice uncle to help you run," Dominic said, raising his eyebrows.
"Helps me run, but intercepts the divorce papers since Tyler got the first ones," Kellie said.
"It's been six months and your husband's still holding out for you," Dominic said, "Riley, they don't make guys better than that. I've seen a lot growing up in New York. So I know. If you want my advice, forget the motorcycle and catch the first plane back to wherever home is for you."
"Dominic, I would love to do nothing more," Kellie said, "He's been better to me than I deserve. But my life is not normal. Being with me means he'd always be in danger. It wouldn't matter if I was in the same town as my father or across the globe."
"What's so dangerous about your life that you refuse to let your husband choose to take the risk of being with you?" Dominic asked.
"My father is a very powerful man, so is my uncle on my mother's side," Kellie said, "Not everything they do is legal. Actually most of it's not. Then there's the reputation I've built for myself. As much as I've preferred to stay on the right side of the law, circumstances forced me to straddle the line of both sides of the law. I've tried to play the peace keeper and protect everyone from the dark side of everything. "
"It just becomes a vicious cycle," Dominic said, "There's no way for you to break free of that enough to let your husband in."
"Blood follows," Kellie said, "No matter where I go in this world, it will follow. Unfortunately, my father's a reckless idiot. Until he's neutralized, there's nothing I can do. I'm not sure I'm strong enough to handle the consequences of doing it myself."
"Sounds like you have a love/hate relationship with each other," Dominic said, "I wouldn't be surprised if you've pulled a gun on him."
'Everything but," Kellie laughed, "That's enough about my dysfunctional life. What about yours?"
"Not much to tell," Dominic said, "I travel the globe in search of the next great romance."
"Tell me, Dominic," Kellie asked, "How does an American boy most likely from a family of Italian Catholics who pride themselves on hard work and staying on the right side of the law end up as a foot soldier in the mob?"
Dominic didn't answer right away. When he finally answered, he replied with, "Necessary evil."
"Now that is an answer that warrants an explanation," Kellie said, cracking a slight smile, as Dominic rolled the car to a stop.
"And that is an explanation you won't be getting," Dominic said, "I believe this is your hotel."
"Then I best be leaving before I find myself swimming with the fishes," Kellie said, "Thank you for the ride."
Kellie moved to open the door before Dominic could get out to do it for her.
Dominic gently grabbed her arm, turning her back towards him.
"I hope you take my advice about your husband for your sake," Dominic said, "He's a good man. Do whatever you have to make it work with him, Kellie."
"A Zacharra foot soldier, no less," Kellie said, "You must work for Rudy. Only a Zacharra would have reason to know who I am around here. Tell your boss, he has no need to be concerned about me."
Dominic gave her blank stare.
"I never introduced myself as Kellie to you," Kellie replied, opening the car door and sliding out, "A piece of advice for you, Mr. Pirelli, be damn sure you can live with the consequences before you do whatever is you're doing by getting involved with the mob."
"Spoken like a woman who has regrets," Dominic said as Kellie shut the car door.
"No regrets," Kellie said, "I've just paid a steep price."
Kellie turned to walk away leaving Dominic to ponder her words.
December 21, 2008
Port Charles
Kellie & Tyler's Penthouse
Tyler stared at the divorce papers on the coffee table. Lorenzo had been pretty good at intercepting Kellie's previous attempts at sending them. But this set had made it through.
He'd called in sick to work for the past two days. Two days in which he had worn the same pajamas and bathrobe. Two days in which the penthouse had pretty much transformed into something that resembled a miniature landfill since he hadn't bothered to do dishes or throw away his garbage.
There was a knock at the door. Tyler didn't get up to answer.
"Tyler, it's Alexis, you'll open up this instant if you intend to keep practicing law," Alexis muffled voice rang through the door.
Tyler slowly got up and opened the door to find Alexis, Sam, Kristina, and Molly all standing here.
"We're staging an intervention," Molly said as they all barged in, "Because you obviously need help."
"You'd think he could figure out how to ask Sam's dad where Kellie is without us spelling it out for him," Kristina muttered.
"You hush," Sam said, "He's your brother-in-law and Molly's and my cousin-in-law. I think that's what it is."
"The relations in this family are confusing," Molly said.
"Sit down," Alexis said, guiding Tyler towards the couch, "and let's chat."
They all sat down on the couch.
"I don't think there's a gentle way to put this, so I'm just going to say it," Alexis said, "Kellie is not going to come back to Port Charles, not to be with you and not to ask you for a divorce in person."
"Why don't you just tell him there's no hope then," Kristina said as Sam and Molly glared at her.
"Don't put words in my mouth, young lady," Alexis said, "I never said there wasn't hope."
"He obviously doesn't want to go after her," Kristina said, "If he did, he would have done so already."
"It's a lot easier to take rejection when you're not actually in the presence of the person doing the rejecting," Tyler said, "I can't see the point in going after Kellie when it's going to end in me being rejected in person."
"Don't you get it, Tyler," Molly said, "Kellie can't divorce you if you're with her."
"Yes, she can," Tyler said.
"Don't anyone say another word," Alexis said before Molly could respond upset that Tyler wasn't understanding, "Everyone just breathe."
Everyone breathed except Kristina and Tyler to humor Alexis.
"Okay, Tyler, this is our theory," Alexis said, "The only way this divorce happens is if you sign the papers Kellie sent you. We think the reason Kellie won't come back to sign the papers in person is because she knows she won't go through with it. We're pretty sure the same concept applies to if you go after her. She won't be able to keep asking for the divorce if you are physically in the room with her."
Tyler pondered the theory.
Sam got impatient, "What is there to think about? You love her, she loves you. Just go to her, lay everything on the line and fight for your marriage."
"We're not leaving until you man up and go after the woman of your dreams," Molly said.
"You're serious about this theory of yours?" Tyler asked.
"100% certain," Molly said.
"Kellie mentioned she almost couldn't go through with leaving when you tried to persuade her too stay with you using the gravitational pull you too have," Sam said.
"How do you use a gravitational pull to make Kellie stay?" Molly asked, "Wouldn't you just fall into each other?"
"Something like that, sweetheart," Alexis said, glaring at Sam.
The door knocked. Molly ran to answer it. Lorenzo was standing behind it.
"You're late," Molly said, dragging him inside.
"My phone service wasn't working," Lorenzo said, "Now what is this about?"
"We need you to tell Tyler where Kellie is, so he can sweep her off her feet, and they can live happily ever after," Molly said.
"Actually, Molly," Kristina said, "I'm pretty sure he can just fly Tyler there. He doesn't even have to tell him where she is."
Lorenzo surveyed the situation, trying to figure out how to give Tyler the space he needed to think and make a decision without the girls feeling like they needed to continue making their case before Tyler.
"In two days, I will have a plane ready to fly to where Kellie is," Lorenzo said, "Departure is at 10 a.m."
"You better get packing," Molly said, grabbing Tyler by hand.
"I'm pretty sure Tyler can do his own packing," Lorenzo said, "In fact, so Tyler can get started, why don't I take you ladies to lunch."
"I have to get back to the office," Alexis said, ushering her daughters towards the door.
"I just have to pick up Danny from Jason," Sam said, "But I'm free for lunch."
"May Kristina and I please go?" Molly asked.
"I would be delighted if you and Kristina would joined your sister and I for lunch?" Lorenzo said, looking to Alexis for permission.
"Sure," Alexis said.
"I just need a word with Tyler here," Lorenzo said, "Why don't you girls go pick up Danny and I'll meet you in the hall."
Alexis, Sam, Kristina, and Molly all exited the Penthouse.
"Do you want to fight for Kellie and your marriage?" Lorenzo asked.
"Yes," Tyler said, kind of shaky.
"You don't sound too sure," Lorenzo said.
"I'm scared out of my mind to go after her," Tyler said, "But I have to go. It's the only I way I'll ever know if we have a shot."
Lorenzo stared at Tyler.
"Then I'm all see on the tarmac in two days," Lorenzo said and left.
Out in the hallway, Alexis was waiting.
"Does Kellie know about Sonny's marriage to Claudia?" Alexis asked.
"It hasn't come up in conversation," Lorenzo said, "Mostly because I don't want to be on the receiving end of her reaction."
"I suggest you call and tell her," Alexis said, "Otherwise that poor lovesick husband of hers will be the one to tell her. I'm sure he's about ready to pass out, wondering what he's getting himself into. It really isn't fair to put that kind of pressure on him."
"I can give you Kellie's phone number," Lorenzo said, "if you wish to prevent Tyler from having to tell Kellie she has a new stepmother."
"That's not how this works," Alexis said, "You're the one who helped Kellie run and hide in way we only talk to her when she contacts us. Otherwise, all other contact has to be done through you. So it's your job to keep Kellie updated on all the news, even the news that might upset her."
"I'll do it," Lorenzo said "But I want something in return."
Alexis raised her eyebrows, "What?"
"In exchange for telling Kellie about the Corinthos Zacharra nuptials, you will give me the honor of joining me for dinner," Lorenzo said.
"You can pick her up tonight at 7," Molly said, overhearing the conversation as she, Kristina, Sam, and Danny approached.
Molly began dragging Lorenzo towards the elevator.
"7 it is then," Lorenzo said, leaving Alexis with no reply.
The Next Morning
Tyler boarded the Alcazar Jet. Destination: an island off the coast of South America