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Chapter 12

Jason opened the door after the light tap came and found Johnny on the other side. "Here's the paper. I came in at the same time as Phil. I told him I'd bring it up."

"Come in. Where were you?" Jason asked removing the top section and tossing everything else aside. Johnny was off tonight.

"Claudia and I were coming in from dinner." Johnny told his boss. "I figured since the next few days would be busy I'd take her out now. When I go back down, I'm going to tell her about Sonny's death and then tell her to stay close to her guard until after the funeral." Her going to work wouldn't be a problem because Crimson had its offices in the building next door, which Jason also owned. The two buildings were connected by a skywalk on the second floor. The second building housed only commercial tenants. "Maybe you should consider moving Alexis and Diane from their offices to over here."

Jason nodded hearing every word his friend said. Diane would most likely agree, while Alexis probably would not. At the moment he was looking at a large color photo of Sonny smiling. The picture covered half of the top half of the front page. Underneath was the article. It didn't take long to read it. "Make sure Carly doesn't see this." While she knew it was fake, it would still be upsetting.

"I told Trent to make sure no papers come up." Johnny told his boss.

"Shawn called to tell me that Connor picked up a copy of the paper as well." Jason passed along. His enforcer had gotten the report from the guard who watched Connor overnight.

"His room is bugged so when he calls this in we'll know." Johnny told Jason who just nodded. "So far he hasn't mentioned Elizabeth to Smith since that first time."

Again Jason just nodded. "Have you heard from Cooper?" Jason wanted to know exactly when the police were going to talk to Carly.

"No." Johnny reported. "He isn't in a position to get all the information we need. Most likely he will only be able to give us a heads up if he is in the station when Baldwin leaves to come over." Alexis requested the interview be conducted at the penthouse.

"It won't be Scott." Jason smirked. "He can't come into the building because of a restraining order."

"Damn, Alexis is good. How the hell did she get a judge to sign off on an order to keep Scott away from you?" Johnny wanted to know.

"Not me. Elizabeth." Jason said smiling wider before frowning. "Baldwin put his hands on Elizabeth at the diner. Renaldo got a picture."

"Most likely Dara will come then." Johnny knew that when all the dust settled Jason would me making sure Baldwin paid for touching Liz. "At least she'll be sympathetic."

"She's also sharp." Jason said thinking about the ADA. For once he was glad Carly was such a good liar. "Maximus sent over a preliminary list of families he would like for me to consider aligning myself with. In the morning I will go over it with you and Francis." In other words the meeting was over.

"Sounds good." Johnny said before heading down to his apartment. His girl was curled up on the couch reading a book. It still surprised Johnny that he was settled down, but when a woman as amazing as Claudia gives you the time of day you don't waste the opportunity. "You didn't have to wait up for me."

"I spent the last week sleeping alone. I didn't come back to sleep alone here." Claudia said putting in her bookmark, before standing up. The way Johnny's eyes moved over her body did wonders for her ego. "Are you done for the night?"

"I am." Johnny said loosening his tie before shrugging out of his jacket.

"Can you talk about it?" Claudia wouldn't push if he said no. Having been raised in this life she knew there were some things that simply couldn't be shared. Honestly she tended to take the approach ignorance was bliss where his work was concerned. Her father shared things with her mother, and that was what got Maria killed. After her mother's death Anthony had begun the slide into insanity.

"Sonny's body was found two nights ago in a burned car just inside of town." Johnny felt like a heel for lying. He didn't think his girl would talk, but Sonny, Carly, and Michael's lives were riding on this secret being kept until they reached Italy. It would be best if no one ever found out the former mob boss was alive, but if it had to happen then while he was under Maximus's protection would be the best time.

"I thought he was on the island." Claudia said confused.

"No." Johnny told her.

"Is Jason okay?" Claudia asked after his friend. "I know he has Liz, but he and Sonny were like brothers."

"She is taking care of him." Johnny told his girl.

"What does this mean for the territory?" Claudia knew this could create a power vacuum if not handled quickly.

"Jason's claim has already been approved by Maximus." Johnny knew she was worried about a war breaking out. Claudia had lost both her parents to this life she wouldn't want to lose anyone else. "I have more guys watching your brother and his girl."

"You set that up quick." Claudia appreciated that he would do that for her.

"One phone call." Which was true Johnny had reached out to friends who owed him a favor. John always had a discreet guard, now he had more. "They will keep them safe, and Georgie will never know they are there. John will probably spot them so when he calls you can tell him about Sonny."

"Thank you." Claudia said giving Johnny a soft kiss. "It would kill me if John was hurt."

"I know. Jason needs a favor." Johnny enjoyed how she fit against him. Claudia was no wilting flower. They fought as hard as they loved. Her spirit and fire was the thing that attracted him the most, but at the same time she had a really big heart.

"The local godfather wants a favor, from lowly me?" Claudia said trying to make Johnny smile. Sonny's death would hurt him too.

"Looks that way." Johnny grinned. "Liz needs some pointers on receiving the other wives."

"No she doesn't." Claudia took Johnny's hand and led him into the bedroom. She was going to take care of her guy. Not sex because when you found out a friend was dead wasn't the time for that. They had made love before going out, and would most likely be together again in the morning before he left for work. Right now she would give him some pampering. "I have never seen someone more suited to this life than Liz, which is hilarious because before she met you guys she didn't know any mobsters. She's a natural."

"They had a fight a few days ago." Johnny said kicking off his shoes.

"I know. She told me. I didn't say she was perfect. It's scary, she was allowed a moment of doubt." Claudia said enjoying watching her boyfriend strip down. "It won't happen again." She was positive about that. "But I'll talk with her. I'll also order her some clothes."

Johnny smirked. "She's going to hate that."

"She does well on her own." Claudia admired Liz's personal boho chic style. "She just needs more upscale outfits to fill out her wardrobe. She is Jason Morgan's woman, she needs to look the part from time to time. Liz will understand that. Jason needs to put a ring on her finger."

"I'm sure he is aware of that. It's a good thing she has you. Her own personal stylist. Elizabeth hates to shop." Johnny walked over to his girl. "Enough business."

"Absolutely." Claudia said pushing him down to the bed. "Roll over and I'll rub your shoulders before we go to bed."

"I don't need a massage." Johnny got under the blankets and held them up. "Get in." He just wanted her in his arms.

"You know Johnny if it ever gets out that you're a cuddler it will totally blow your badass image." Claudia loved this side of her boyfriend.

"I'll deny it." Johnny said letting her closeness fill him with pleasure. "I'm going to miss Sonny." He would. Sonny was a good boss.

"I know baby." Claudia said softly. "Try to sleep. The next few days will be busy."

"Yeah." Johnny pulled her closer. "I love you."

"I love you too Johnny." Claudia said closing her eyes and going to sleep.

Johnny stayed awake a bit longer thinking about the changes coming to Port Charles. Jason was a strong leader, and he would keep the area stable. Anyone who tried to move against him, would regret it.


Alone in the living room of his penthouse Jason dialed Sonny's burn phone. "The news broke here tonight."

"Did the papers say nice things about me?" Sonny laughed.

"The paper I have is the one my grandfather owns." Jason said laughing too. "So I'll let you draw your own conclusions."

"Tell me they at least used a nice picture." Sonny figured Edward would highlight his criminal record.

"They did." Jason told his friend. "We are going to make sure that Carly doesn't read any of the stories."

"Thank you. I worry that this is too much for her." Sonny thought his wife sounded sad on the phone.

"She's strong Sonny. In the end this will all be worth it. Maximus sent me a list of families that he wants me to consider forming alliances with. Would you give me your opinion?" Jason asked his former partner.

"No." Sonny said looking out on the water. It was peaceful here on the island. But it was also lonely. He hadn't seen anyone but Max in days. "You don't need me to Jason. You have the sharpest instincts of anyone I know. You will know who to trust. Can I ask you if the Rivera family is on the list?"

"They aren't on the list. I wouldn't trust them if they were. Hector is one matter, but he is sick and I don't think he'll be around for too much longer. Carlos killed his own half-sister to get the territory." Sonny had proof of that, which Jason now had. "I'm just hoping someone takes him out before I have to."

"Don't be lazy." Sonny said laughing harder. "It's your public duty to take out the idiots."

Jason laughed too. "I'm gonna be busy then." He missed his friend. "You doing okay down there?"

"Yeah. I'm good. The new plane arrived." Sonny had gone to see it this afternoon. It was being housed on a neighboring island, and he took a boat over from his private dock. "Looks good." After Carly and Michael arrived they would take that same boat over to where the plane was and stay overnight so Carly could rest a bit. The next morning they would leave for Sicily. "Are you worried that you can't handle being in charge?"

"No." Jason knew to some that would sound egotistical, but not to Sonny. They had been partners for a few years now and the older man knew Jason was ready for this step. "I hate lying."

"I know." Sonny said quietly. Jason was doing so much for him. Odds where Sonny would never be able to pay his friend back. "I appreciate that you would do this for me."

"I didn't say that to make you feel guilty." Jason put his feet on the table. "I said it because it's true. I will however enjoy the first ELQ board meeting I get to sit in on." Edward had been furious when Jason sold the shares to Sonny, having them back in the family, but in the hands of a deviant like him would rankle just as much.

"Your grandfather has a heart condition." Sonny reminded him.

"My mother is one of the best doctors in the country. She'll keep him from keeling over." Jason snorted. "I won't push too hard, Edward dying would upset grandmother. I'm looking forward to irritating him. At least I don't have to deal with AJ." Before Jason's accident the two brother's had an intense sibling rivalry going. After the accident that rivalry turned to hate with a bit of help from Robin.

"No comment." Sonny couldn't stand AJ either. The only reason he hadn't ordered a hit was because of Lila. Sonny wouldn't do something that deliberately hurt the older woman.

"What do you want me to do about Courtney?" Jason would respect Sonny's wish.

"Nothing. I left her enough money that she should be fine. She isn't your concern Jason." Sonny told his friend. He wasn't blind he knew what his wife and his sister had tried to do where Jason was concerned. Courtney was not a good match for his friend. "My death, and you keeping your distance, should make it so no one makes any moves against her." If it hadn't been Mike's dying wish that Sonny look out for Courtney, he would have sent her on her way with a check after their father was in the ground.

"Okay." Jason needed to wrap this call up. The next time he spoke to Sonny it would be to say that Carly and Michael were on their way. It would be the last time he spoke to his friend for a few years. That conversation was going to be hard.

"Get some sleep. The next few days will be busy." Sonny told his friend.

"I will. Night." Jason said ending the call. He tossed the phone on the couch and closed his eyes for a minute. Lots of change was coming to Port Charles, hopefully it would peaceful. If it wasn't Jason and his crew were ready for that too. Standing he made sure the door was locked before heading upstairs to wrap himself around his girl.


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