7.

-The Lair-

Sam silently observed Jason from the corner of her eye as she drove and wondered if he was having second thoughts. He sat quietly in the passenger seat of yet another car she'd hot-wired, an older blue Honda this time, about a block away from their hotel. Jason had made his decision to save Cameron and, after he'd told her he needed guns, Sam hadn't wasted a moment. Every second counted against the little boy now that replacement killers were hunting him. Sam knew exactly where to find the guns they needed and she couldn't wait to kill two birds with one bullet.

Jason sat lost in thought, each memory of Monica and Emily's loving faces another agonizing rip of his heart. Every minute his trip was delayed further ensured the probability of his mother and sister's death. His remaining connections in Port Charles were depleted and his best ally, Sonny, wasn't an option. He just might want to kill Jason now as much as Zacchara.

He'd told Sam he needed guns back in the hotel room, not expecting her to have an answer, but certainly not surprised when she did. Jason quickly learned Sam McCall was strong, brave, capable, and quick on her feet. Qualities he admired in anyone, but when mixed with her beauty, passion and intelligence they engendered something much stronger than admiration.

This was a woman he considered an equal and he wanted her, wanted her in every sense of the word. He wanted her as a lover, friend, and someone he could share a future with, if they made it out alive. No, when they made it out alive. It was crazy to think she could want him too after the danger he'd put her in, crazy he could feel so much for someone he'd just met.

He needed to focus on what was real, not some fantasy life with the beautiful bad ass Sam McCall by his side. Jason's gut clenched as he recognized the area. They were now in a more perilous neighborhood than the Waterfront District, at least it had been five years ago. From the looks of things, it hadn't changed for the better.

"So, where are we headed?" He knew it used to be called the Asian Quarter, but wasn't sure that was either politically or ethnically correct anymore. They seemed to pass by as many Latino markets as Asian.

"The Lair, it's kind of an underground hangout for thugs and lowlifes." Sam explained as she made a left followed by a quick right.

She parked the car and cut off the lights. They were there, apparently. Sam double-checked the clip of her gun. She'd grabbed it from the glove-box of her car back at the Metro-Court before they left. Jason had no issue with her carrying now since she joined him voluntarily. Besides, he'd already proven her incapable of killing him.

The recollection made her want to shoot him all over again. No matter how much her body craved him, or how she found herself sort of almost maybe liking him it still pissed her off that he'd made her feel weak. Sam was unable to look in his killer blue eyes and pull the trigger, even though her life may have very well depended on it. Hesitation like that could get her dead dealing with the questionable characters she dealt with on a daily basis.

She should have shot first and asked questions later, but something in his eyes spoke to her. It was some kind of connection she felt to him on a level beyond any words she knew to describe it, as if her soul cried out in warning that to end his life would leave her world in darkness. Her mind told her she was a fool to allow her body's desire to sway her, but her heart hadn't wanted to take the chance that her soul was right. And after learning more about him from Luke and things Jason shared, her heart was beginning to fall in line with what her gut told her, that she could trust him. Sam felt her heart slowly opening to the possibility of falling for Jason Morgan and it scared the hell out of her.

Jason checked his clip as well. Slamming them back in place in succession, they exited the car concealing their weapons in the back waistband of their jeans. Jason fell into Sam's lead. She knew this place, knew these players. He'd let her run the show and simply provide backup as needed.

They walked purposefully down a dark alley that ended at an eight foot high privacy fence. Sam flashed some kind of silent hand signal between a young Latino male that stood at the gate. He yelled something in Spanish and Jason recognized part of it as... free to pass. He'd picked up a bit of conversational Spanish during his time at the clinic in Columbia.

The gate opened from the other side and Sam and Jason passed through. Jason had to do a double-take as he took in his surroundings. Tall buildings engulfed a fairly large hidden courtyard on all four sides. He was sure it had to be a well-guarded secret from the PCPD and Corinthos organization considering the flagrant show of arms and illegal drugs exhibited there. Jason shook his head. Drugs in Port Charles?

No way that place would be allowed to exist if he was still with Sonny. He wondered just how bad things actually were for Sonny now. It spoke negatively on his power hold over the city whether he was aware of the place and did nothing, or had no idea it existed. All traces of the park-like setting the courtyard must have been at one time had been trampled out by the criminal element currently taking up residence.

Tricked out cars littered the courtyard with music booming somewhere not too far off. Jason spotted another entrance on the left of the courtyard. The gate was larger. He figured that must be how the cars got in. He remained silent, taking in every detail. Enforcer, or not, he'd be back to see the place returned to the children and families inhabiting the apartments surrounding it. The thugs could leave the easy, or hard way, but they would be leaving and he didn't really care which way.

His total focus was back on Sam in an instant as he sensed her stride quicken. She advanced across the courtyard in a running walk toward an elevated concrete porch extending the length of the building at the rear of the courtyard. She must have found her connection. From what Jason could tell, most were concentrated on that porch playing street corner craps for cash.

Sam saw the traitor from across the courtyard. The sight of him rolling dice, playing games without a care in the world after what he'd done, infuriated her. He'd been the one to tip off Zacchara at the Haunted Star. Sam was sure of it and she was about to make him pay.

Sam's hands hit the floor of the raised porch allowing her to hop onto it in one fluid motion. She stood swiftly, approaching without hesitation. Diego Alcazar squatted over the dice with his back to her. She spotted his piece stuffed in the back waistband and pulled it on him before anyone knew what the hell was happening.

Diego rose and turned angrily to see who'd lifted his .45. "What the fuck?"

Sam clocked him with a hard right to his jaw that knocked him on his ass and the music was temporarily drowned out by the sound of gun safety's being released and chambers loading. About fifteen guns were instantly trained on her and Jason who'd drawn his 9 as well. She aimed the gun steady at Diego's head.

Young Alcazar looked up at her from the concrete floor in smug disbelief. "You picked the wrong place for that shit."

"Oh yeah, well why don't we take it to the jury? See if they'll stand up for a rat?" Sam shook with anger, almost wanting the piece of slime to push her one bit further.

She knew she had him. They might be his "people" right now, but her reputation carried weight with them and once she told them how he'd ratted her out, Diego would be done. He knew it too. Diego knew the one thing that wasn't tolerated on the street was a punk ass rat.

All was silent except the music thumping in the background somewhere. Jason's eyes narrowed to icy daggers, slicing through the crowd with his stone-cold glare and weapon trained. He peeled over each face holding a gun on them, searching for the threats he'd need to take out first should it escalate.

Fifteen guns, he counted. His eyes roamed. Three delinquents reminding him of a thuggish version of the Three Stooges with Larry's frizzy curls in the middle, a fairly beautiful Latina with angry eyes... Hell, all of them had deadly intentions. He wasn't sure how far Sam was willing to take it, but he'd have her back til the very end. They'd have to move fast for cover if they had any chance at all. He hoped Sam knew what the hell she was doing.

It was the large black, possibly part Latino, male Jason had assessed as the biggest threat who spoke first. "What's the story, Diego? Should I unload on'em?"

Diego replied, a little winded. "No. No, no. It's all good. I've got it all under control."

Sam's amber eyes were nearly black with daring fury. "That's good. Now get up. Get up!"

Diego gave the word and his people eased off. He led Sam and Jason to his vehicle to discuss the business at hand in a more private setting. Sam kept Diego's gun trained on him from a more relaxed position at her waist as he walked ahead. Jason had her back.

They headed toward the right end of the courtyard with Diego waving people off as the unusual scene caused alarm. They stopped in front of an open gate Jason assumed at first was another entrance to the courtyard, but realized it was more of a covered garage for some of the thug's vehicles. A muscled up Latino male stood guard with an assault rifle in one hand and the leather leash of a hostile Rottweiler in the other. Again, Diego waved off the attention, vouching Jason and Sam were "his people."

They'd barely passed the gate before Diego started pleading his case. "I know what you're thinking, but it's not even like that. Zacchara's got you two marked by every thug in this town. Now, if I'd been seen with you and I didn't make that call? Hell, I'd be causing myself unnecessary drama."

It was a lie, Diego had called in hopes of getting in good with Anthony, but it was believable enough not to catch a bullet. He hoped.

Sam rolled her eyes at the bullshit sob story being fed to her as they walked, her lack of concern duly noted in her sarcasm. "We wouldn't want that now, would we?"

They moved further into the wide covered corridor between two buildings that formed the right flank of the lair. Jason followed closely behind, counting targets as they sank further into that hell hole. Two at the front, seven to ten scattered around the courtyard, fifteen on the porch, another at the second gate, plus seven more he'd counted after they passed the man with the dog.

If things went sideways, they were screwed. Jason didn't know if he wanted to admire or admonish the ballsy recklessness of the petite woman. She stormed up into that snake pit against thirty armed men and women with balls big enough for the both of them. She may be small, but her bite was just as vicious as her bark and he couldn't help like it.

They halted in front of a black SUV. Jason noted it was also the source of the audibly offensive music assaulting the serenity of night.

"Alright, break out the munitions." Sam knew Diego always carried a small arsenal. His father had been one of the most well-connected international gun smugglers that ever lived. Diego remained in the family trade, even though the business had been taken over by Zacchara years ago.

Shit. Sam was here to take his guns? No way! "That 4 five is all I've got."

Sam looked doubtful. Such a terrible liar. "You sure about that?"

Jason leaned back against the hood of the SUV, his gun still drawn while keeping one eye on targets and the other on Sam. Sam squatted by the driver's side rear wheel well. She hit it with her hand and nothing and then ran her hand up along the inside, feeling around until she found it. Sam stood facing Diego, two guns in hand now. His SIG-P220 two-toned SAO SIGLITE .45ACP was grasped in one hand and the new-found 10mm Colt Delta Elite Chrome handgun in the other.

Sam's patience wore thin as Diego continued to lie his ass off with a smile. "I forgot about that one. You know what? You can have that one. That's on me."

Sam pushed the barrel of the Colt into the front of her jeans and kept the .45 in hand. "Give us your keys."

"What? No no no. Now, you're trippin'!" No way was he going to just give up his ride and his guns.

Sam's jaw clenched. She didn't have time to deal with that asshole. "Do you stand by your product, Diego?"

Diego smirked. "You going to bust a cap in me right here?"

He ventured a glance back at Jason who glared, making no moves from his slightly casual stance against the SUV, obviously unwilling to talk her down.

Sam racked the slide of the .45 and aimed it at Diego's chest, unfaltering. He could see from the look in her eyes now wasn't a good time to push her. He sighed and held out his key-chain. Jason walked by and snatched the keys from him, intent to search the vehicle for more weapons. He rounded to the trunk, lifted the glass, and lowered the tailgate.

Sam grimaced at the deafening music. "Damn, could get that a little louder, Diego?"

"I told you there isn't anything in there. You've got both of my guns." Diego would stick to his story to the end.

Jason searched the custom-fitted cargo area containing an amp, woofers, and other customized equipment. He spotted a fitted box with speakers that weren't thumping like the others. It was a nice conceal, he'd give the little punk that much. Jason felt around, hitting it to release the hidden compartment. A large case was stored inside. He pulled it out and opened it revealing a small arsenal, indeed.

There were four Glock 18 fully automatic 9mm handguns, two with extended magazines and Israeli shoulder stocks, the other two with 100 round capacity beta C-Mags. There were also two more .45's and another 10mm Colt, plus thousands of rounds of ammo and extra clips. Sam had come through, again. He gave her a small smile, closed the case and slammed the tailgate closed.

Jason headed for the driver's seat and Sam made moves for the passenger side. She grinned back at Diego with a wink. "Thanks for the ride."

Diego wanted to fight it, but knew there wasn't a damn thing he could do about it. He wanted to hate Sam McCall, but she was too damn bad-ass and it was sexy as hell. He sucked it up knowing he'd earned the payback and should just be thankful she hadn't shot him for her trouble. Diego walked up to the driver's door and tapped on the glass. He did have one last question. The tinted glass lowered. "How am I supposed to get home?"

Sam leaned forward from the passenger seat. "Blue Honda out front. Just twist the red wire and the yellow wire together." She leaned back and Jason raised the glass leaving Diego shaking his head and pissed with his situation.

Jason tensed as they approached the exit, but Sam issued another hand signal. The armed man opened the larger gate for them without issue, delivering them back onto the seedy streets of Port Charles' most dangerous part of town.

-Diego's Ride-

Jason now had two choices. He could waste time they didn't have driving back to Little Italy for the time and place the old man would have provided his replacements, or he could call on local help to locate Lucky and Cam in order to get to them first. The decision was easy.

"Sam, I need you to call Luke. Tell him whatever you have to in order to get him to track Lucky and Cameron down." He glanced over at Sam to see her already dialing.

Minutes later, Jason was barreling downtown toward the Port Charles Grand Theatre. Lucky called Luke earlier to check on him when the call went out over the radio about the shooting at the Haunted Star. Luke insisted everyone was fine and Lucky not break his plans with Cameron to check on him.

So when Sam called, Luke knew exactly where to find them, but he wasn't about to just give up that info without some of his own. Like, why they hell she and Jason Morgan needed to know? After the gunfire they'd brought down on him earlier, he didn't want them anywhere near his family.

Sam carefully explained they had good reason to believe those hired guns' next target was little Cam as Zacchara's payback for Johnny. It was a sucker-punch in the gut for Luke. He gasped for air then promptly told Sam exactly where they were. Luke insisted he was on his way as well, but Sam and Jason were closer. She just prayed they made it in time.

-Port Charles Grand Theatre-

According to the information he'd gathered from the internet, it was an historical landmark. The first theater ever built in Port Charles with balcony seats befitting an opera house, a grand stage for live performances, as well as a silver screen adapted for color films long ago. There were delicate stained glass panels covering the lights in the high ceilings, gold filigree detailing with ornate iron railing, burgundy velvet ropes and curtains, antique sconces and so many other beautifully maintained features.

Mr. Craig might actually enjoy taking a show there, if he hadn't had a show of his own to put on. A very violent show, he mused. An evil grin formed as he assembled his sniper rifle from his perch in the balcony.

Tonight would not be a repeat performance of the failed attempt on the docks earlier. Mr. Craig had no use for the incompetent partner his client forced on him, but it was how the man paying him wanted it done. So, he'd insisted the arrogant novice act as backup for him tonight. The blond devil really didn't care to kill a kid. It was certain to leave a bad taste in his mouth, but nothing a gourmet meal and nice bottle of wine couldn't wash away, he was sure. It was business, nothing personal. The kid was just another target.

Manny Ruiz lurked in the shadows near the back of the packed theater. The lights were dimmed now and from his spot he could make eye contact with his irritating partner in the balcony while readily accessing the cop and his kid should they try to leave. He hoped they would. He needed that kill to redeem himself after the failure earlier.

Jason swerved into a make-shift parking space on the side street of the theater. He and Sam jumped from the vehicle fully armed, not bothering with the outdoor ticket booth. One icy glare from Jason was all the snotty teenager needed for admittance. There was no time to argue with an usher to stop the film and turn on the lights. They entered the darkened theater eyes peeled. Each took an aisle, waiting for their eyes to adjust to the darkness before slowly moving forward in search of Lucky and his little boy. They were afraid to shout out for them and alert the killers before they could reach them.

Manny observed the petite bombshell enter his side of the theater and couldn't believe his luck. It was exactly the second chance he needed. Manny followed her gaze to the aisle on the other side to see Jason Morgan with her. How sweet. They were there to try and save the brat. Manny remembered how Morgan handled the woman earlier. How Jason pulled her into his arms and nuzzled her neck in the casino. Part of it may have been purely as a cover to get a better look at him, but the sexual tension between them could not be denied. Heat radiated off both of them.

Manny also noticed how Jason had put his own body between the woman and the bullets. She mattered to Morgan. Sam McCall was Manny's ticket to Morgan's funeral. He'd let Craig take care of the boy while Manny got a little quality time with sweetness. His crotch was itching to feel her touch. He'd have his fun and when Morgan came looking for her, Manny would take him out. It was a win-win really.

Mr. Craig balanced the rifle against the balcony rail. He'd spotted the target when they were first seated. Now, it was simply a matter of lining up his shot. For the second time in less than a week, Cameron Spencer was at the end of a sniper rifle's scope. Mr. Craig turned on the laser sighting to assist.

Cameron couldn't sit still in his seat. The movie was just starting and he couldn't wait. He loved it when just him and his dad went to the movies. His dad let him get popcorn, candy, soda... the works. His mom never let him have all that when she was with them. Cam smiled up at his dad. His dad was the best ever. Even when he was busy at work, he always made time for him. Not like his cousins, uncle Nik barely ever spent time with Spencer and poor JJ didn't even have a mom or his dad now. His mom didn't want Cam to know about JJ and what happened, but his dad was always honest with him.

Lucky glanced down at Cameron who'd finally managed to sit still for a minute. He'd talked his ear off about the movie for a week. What was it about boys and dragons? He bet by the time they walked out of there tonight Cameron would be convinced he knew everything there was to know about training one. He and his friends would then begin to try and track one down. Lucky grinned and ruffled his son's hair. This boy was his world.

Sam and Jason spotted Lucky and Cameron seated in the center near the front at almost the exact same time, and then time froze and flew at once. Jason saw the familiar dot of red fall on the back of Cameron's little head poking up above the seat. He drew the gun in his front waistband, ran full force and launched his body in the air hoping to get between the sniper's shot and the boy. Sam saw the sniper's laser on Cameron too and yelled. "Spencer, get your kid down!"

Lucky turned to see the fear on Sam McCall's face, Jason flying toward them, and reflex took over. He pulled his son down, shielding him from danger.

Craig took his shot. Furious Morgan was interfering with his business, but glad to have another chance at killing him.

The bullet missed Cameron, pelting Jason in his upper right arm. He cried out as the bullet ripped through his flesh. He landed on his back and aimed, firing off six into Craig's balcony as he slid across the butter-greased floor to a stop. Craig ducked for cover.

The shots rang out and all hell broke loose with popcorn flying as families abandoned their seats ducking, screaming, and running toward every exit.

Craig recovered and fired off another shot at Morgan this time. Sam turned to take aim at Craig, but was grabbed from behind before she could fire. The surprise and force of the attack disarming her, Sam felt herself being dragged away as she attempted to escape her abductor's grasp.

Lucky lie over Cam on the ground, his eyes meeting Jason's for the first time in five years. Lucky was furious and uncertain what the hell was going on, but also realizing Jason had just helped save his son. Cameron's cries and terrified little eyes pierced Jason's heart. He wondered if that was what Micheal's last moments looked like when it happened to him. He already knew the answer, the photo of Micheal's small lifeless body seared into Jason's memory for all eternity. He wouldn't let that happen to another little boy.

"Go!" Jason motioned for Lucky to run for it. They were pinned on the floor between the seats by Craig's shots. Jason jumped onto the stage, making himself the more tempting target as Lucky darted off with Cameron. They ducked behind an arched column as Lucky scouted for the safest exit. Jason fired once more at Craig before throwing himself into a rolling tumble across the stage as a dragon breathed fire on the screen behind him. He rose from the floor in a flowing motion, firing off three more shots then his heart stopped at the sight of Sam being dragged beyond the front theater doors by the assassin from the casino bar earlier.

Jason continued to draw Craig's fire while working his way toward the doors Sam disappeared behind. Lucky and Cameron had nearly made it to the front exit opposite him. A bit further and the shooter wouldn't have a shot. Suddenly, Luke burst through the doors in front of him. Both nearly shooting each other.

"Get Lucky and Cameron out. I've got to find Sam." Jason motioned toward Lucky and Cameron's position and Luke nodded.

"I saw him dragging her upstairs, but didn't have a clear shot." Luke offered as they made it safely out into the lobby. Luke pointed toward the stairs on the right as he headed to the left for Lucky and Cameron. Jason nodded and charged upstairs to find her.

Sam used every skill she'd ever learned to fight the creep off of her, but it was just no use. His grip was iron tight and his gun was jammed into her side. She had to wait for the right moment to strike, just like Jason had done when they were at Jake's.

Jason made his way up the stairs taking cover as best he could. Both assassins were up there, unless they escaped down the stairs on the other side. He trained his gun into the first balcony on his left, ensuring it was empty. Next door was the ladies room followed by a second balcony on his left. Both were clear. That left only the projection room in front of him and balconies and bathroom on the other side.

Luke made his way to Lucky and Cameron, covering them as they made their way safely to the streets outside. Lucky could hear and see the sirens approaching.

Mr. Craig heard the sirens as well and knew it was time to cut his losses. He made his way down the fire escape without detection. Another botched attempt thanks to Senor Ruiz. Where was his assistance when Morgan showed up? Instead of going after Morgan or the boy, Manny had grabbed the woman. Craig had listened as Manny described in crude detail what he'd like to do to the woman. Manny had let his personal desires effect business. No way in hell would Craig's flawless reputation take a hit for that degenerate's stupidity. He'd make certain Zacchara knew exactly who was to blame and why.

Manny clutched Sam close to his body. Her round ass grazed his crotch, causing it to grow for her. How convenient the projection room had a sofa. Too bad it wasn't a bed, but they'd make do. He locked and barricaded the doors on either side of the room with a desk and heavy set of shelves. Morgan would eventually get through, but not before Manny had his fill of sweetness. He hoped. "Looks like you and I finally get to spend some quality time together."

Sam felt sick. The evil in his eyes confirmed without a doubt he intended to rape her. Sam would die before she ever let that sick freak do that to her. She would die. Better yet, he would die. He'd disarmed her of all weapons except for the gun he'd missed in her boot. If she could just distract him long enough to get a hold of it...

Page 11 of 11 Created: 2010-09-17 Updated: 2015-01-05 Words: 4868 Characters: 26614