Erasing Reality

Jeff Webber and his wife were nearly impossible to track down as they hopped from country to country, never staying in one place long enough for him to catch up to them. That was until they landed in Palermo. The moment they touched down in the city of Palermo, their country hopping came to an end. Leaving a message for Jason, he hopped on the first flight to Palermo, hoping and praying that they don't skip town the moment he gets there.

The flight was long and tiresome, making him wish he had sent a low level guard instead of making the journey himself, but he knew that this was too important a task to leave to a rookie. Landing in the grand city of Palermo, Francis was met with the most confusing welcome, four of Maximus Giambetti's top guards. If the plan was the send a message, this would surely do so. Ricardo, the highest ranked of the four, steps forward, extending a hand in welcome, a gesture he returned without hesitation.

"Can I ask what this is about?" Francis asks after greetings are exchanged. "Not that I don't appreciate a welcoming party."

"This is more of a farewell party." Ricardo replies respectfully. "Maximus sends his regards and asks that you kindly return to your country."

"Have I offended him in some way?"

"Not at all." Ricardo assures. "He understands why you're here. He acknowledges the urgency. He just isn't welcome to visitors at the moment. You understand."

"Jason sent me to do one task and one task alone." Francis explains. "I can't leave here without them."

"I'm afraid you can and you will." Ricardo replies as he pulls out an envelope. "For your boss. Safe travels, old friend."

Accepting the envelope from Ricardo, he turns around and boards the plane once again, leaving the city in his rear view as he heads back to Port Charles. Settling into his seat, he wonders what the hell had just happened. Why would the Giambetti don send him away without accomplishing his task? If they truly understand the weight of those people's crimes, if they truly understand why he had been there to begin with, why would they send him away? Though he wasn't sure what that was, he was sure of one thing and one thing only, Jason was not going to like this.

"Sir, its done." Ricardo reports to his boss as they stand before the two prisoners strapped down to separate gurneys, drugged out of their minds. "Are you sure its wise to beat the hornet's nest like this?"

"The man wants his revenge." Maximus says simply. "I want him to take control of the Port Charles sector."

"But we both know that Jason Morgan isn't a man that takes blackmail lightly." Ricardo points out. "What if he doesn't take the bait? What if he decides his revenge isn't worth the cost? He isn't Sonny Corinthos, sir."

"That's precisely why I'm doing this." Maximus says seriously. "If this tactic doesn't work, I'll move on to the next step. Morgan's the only person meant for that position and I will do whatever it takes to ensure that he steps into it."

"Sir, with all due respect, pushing his hand like this will only make an enemy out of him." Ricardo urges him to see reason. "There's gotta be another way, boss."

"Unfortunately, there is not." Maximus sighs. "Its been put to a vote and Morgan needs to step up or they take him out. Simple as that."

"Understood." Ricardo sighs. "I just hope this doesn't come back to haunt you."

"You and I both." Maximus agrees before turning away from the couple. "Up their dosage slightly every hour until you reach maximum dosage. We don't want our couple flying the coup before we finish this."

"Yes, sir."

"And, Ricardo?"

"Yes, sir?"

"Your concerns are noted. Jason Morgan isn't a man anyone wants as an enemy." Maximus states. "In this job, however, we must take it as it comes. Whether we like it or not."

"Of course."

"When you're done here, send my boys up to my office." Maximus says as he pulls open the door. "We have much to discuss."

"Yes, sir."

R/R. Enjoy. Thanks.