Chapter 37
Julian sat at his desk at Derek Wells Media, the days business finished but now he had other things on his mind. This seemed to be the only place he could sit and think without being disturbed.
There was too much that needed to be done Julian was tired of all the distraction he'd been dealing with. If he didn't need JB he would have gotten rid of him a long time ago. They have known each other for some time now, having a lawyer to give Julian advice has served him well. The fact he had never retained him as a lawyer kept them from being linked to each other. There had been a few bad business deals JB had stopped Julian from agreeing to. Julian had also helped him, the first time, of course, was the biggest, not all lawyers accidentally kill a hooker they got a little to rough with but this one had. Julian had helped make that go away and now he owned JB. The latest thing he had done for him was his nice new cushy job as DA. Julian knew he had done that more for himself than JB but as long as he didn't screw it up this job should have them both set up for life. It didn't matter how they met or what Julian knew, Josh Benson owed him and they both knew it.
Julian knew JB was a womanizing pig but it had never occurred to him the man would be stupid enough to think going after the commissioner was a good idea. The fact he risked everything because he was letting his dick do his thinking wasn't bad enough. The fact it was Anna Devane that he had wanted to get into bed was the problem. They did not need her or Scorpio involved in this in any way. When Julian found out about the situation and the scene that had happened in Anna's office he had wanted to snap JB's neck, how could JB not have known who she was, who she's with and what they are both capable of? He had briefed them all about this when Scorpio had first come back to Port Charles, he had also shared his joy of Lavery losing her to Scorpio so how had JB not know who they were. It was done now it shouldn't be a problem but it still pissed Julian off.
Julain hated the fact JB had shown up at his house a few nights ago demanding to be let in. He saw that as JB not respecting him or his wishes but the information he had brought him had been worth it. Finding out Lavery had been dragged off by Sonny's men was very interesting. Other people had seen that and the fact this had been witnessed by the DA should really help sell the fact Sonny had a problem with Duke and could have wanted him dead. Julian wanted to figure out how to get Duke and Sonny to the same location close enough to the same time that Sonny wouldn't have an alibi but that there would be time to kill Duke before he got there. Burrows could get them both there he was sure of that, but where and when? It can't be at the warehouse, Sonny wouldn't kill someone in his own business. He needed to figure this out and soon, even if he's being followed he had to risk meeting with Burrows again.
...
Another shooting on the docks had dragged Anna out of bed early this morning, two men were dead and one in hospital. There were witnesses but they didn't have much useful information. They hadn't seen the shooting but had heard the gunshots and had seen two men running from the scene. All three men that had been shot worked for Sonny Corinthos at his coffee warehouse. They had not been armed, it looked like they had been standing close to the employees' entrance possibly having a smoke before going inside to start their shift. They were the first three people to show up for work so there had been no one else inside that could give the police any information.
When Sonny showed up at the police station he demanded that he talked to Anna. When he was shown in Anna could tell he was upset. "Have a seat Sonny, do you want something to drink?"
"No, I came here to talk." He had already talked to another officer, he was here because he needed to be sure Anna knew who had done this.
"What happened this morning was a tragedy."
"All those men did, was show up for work!" Sonny said, Anna could hear the frustration in his voice.
"I know. So far we don't have much to go on but there will be justice for them."
"We both know who was behind this, Julian Jerome!"
"That might be but it wasn't him down there this morning pulling the trigger. We have to find the shooters, that's the first step."
Sonny stood up, "That's not good enough!"
"That's the way it is and you know that. You would be behind bars right now if that wasn't the way the law worked!"
Sonny took a deep breath, he knew she was right. "Sorry but Julian crossed a line when he went after my coffee business. When he targeted those workers."
"He is trying to make you angry, he wants you upset so you're not thinking clearly."
Suddenly it hit him, she was pointing out the obvious. Julian wants it to look like Sonny was looking for revenge. Was this proof that his plan was working? He had never thought having Julian believe he was fighting with Duke could put other people's lives in danger though. "Yeah well, it's working."
There was a knock at her door as it was opened, DA Benson walked in. "Excuse me! This is my office and you will wait until I invite you in. I am the police commissioner and you need to remember that."
"Oh so how often do you meet with the local mob boss?"
"I am talking to the owner of a business that was the scene of a shooting early this morning that left two men dead and one still in surgery fighting for his life."
"That's what mobsters get."
Sonny was about to say something. "Mr. Corinthos, let me handle this. Sonny Corinthos is the owner of Corinthos Coffee, it has become a successful business that offers many jobs to the community. Yes, he has been suspected of mob activities in the past but nothing has ever been proven. As DA you coming in here and accusing him of being a mobster without proof is unprofessional and could suggest you have an existing bias against him."
"Commissioner, if we're done I'll leave and let you two talk."
"I think that's all I had to talk to you about today. If there is anything else I will be in contact. Thank you for coming in."
When Sonny closed the door, Josh took a few steps closer to Anna, "What are you thinking, covering for him?"
"I'm not covering anything." Anna tossed a police file across her desk at him, "Read that! Tell me where in there does it even hint that Sonny Corinthos had anything to do with what happened this morning."
Josh sat down, pick up the file and started reading through it. Anna just sat there waiting for him to finish. "Fine, there's nothing here that suggests Sonny had anything to do with the shooting."
"You want to make a case against him, I get that. You need to remember we have to be smarter than he is. He's gotten off every time he's faced charges before. I want to put him away too but we have to have a solid case first to do that."
"I know, just seeing him in here and the way you defended him made me think for a second maybe we weren't working towards the same thing."
"I had to defend him, you did come on a little strong."
"Fine, I will only call him a mobster when he isn't in the same room."
"Was there a reason you came here today?"
"I wanted an update about the shooting."
Anna looked up at him but didn't let on to what she was really thinking. The press usually wanted answers but the DA almost never came in the same day a crime was committed expecting results. "Well, you've read what we have so far. This happened less than twelve hours ago it is much too early to have any real answers yet without witnesses to the actual shooting."
"I do realize that. I think just hearing Corinthos' name connected to this I was hoping to be able to pin this on him. I'm still new to the job, I want that big win that will make my career." He stood back up, "I'll let you get back to work," then he left.
Once she was alone Anna put her head in her hands, it had already been too long of a day to keep putting up with angry men taking their crap out on her. When someone knocked Anna thought about yelling 'go away' but knew that really wasn't an option. She sat back and let out a long breathe, "Come in." She smiled when the door opened, "I think you are the only person I want to see right now," she got up and walked around her desk.
"Hi, Luv. It's been that kind of day has it?" Robert closed the door and walked over and took her in his arms.
"This is what I needed."
"I saw Benson leave, how did that go?"
"Fine, having to pretend to be nice and keeping my true feelings in check made it easier to deal with him in some strange way."
"It will all be worth it in the end."
"I know," Anna leaned back in his arms then touched his neck in surprise, "Oh no. I didn't mean to do that." She was smiling at him trying not to laugh about the fact she had given him a hickey the night before. "You couldn't be bothered to try and hide that?"
"How many men my age do you think get hickeys? I'm wearing this like a badge of honour," he told her with a big smile. Still grinning he added, "If you don't want people to see them be a little more careful about where you put them."
Anna smiled, "I didn't even realize I did it. Clearly, I must have been distracted at the time." Since they had realized just how big this thing really was, there had been a new level of intensity to their lovemaking. Neither of them should be in any danger and they knew that but that didn't mean they weren't feeling like there was a chance something could go very wrong. "Are you here to take me home? I am so done with work today."
"I was hoping you might be ready to go home. Someone little is coming over for dinner with her mommy tonight."
Anna's smile grew, "You always seem to know just what I need."
"Well, this time it's Robin that gets the credit. Although," Robert leaned in and kissed her neck, Anna tilted her head back a little, "I love this spot, it so soft."
"Mmm," she was lost in his touch. Robert started to unbutton her blouse, then started kissing her shoulder as he cupped her breast then his thumb rubbing her nibble through her bra. "I don't want you to stop but maybe this should wait until we get home."
"Are you sure about that?"
Anna pushed Robert back slightly, "I'm sure I want you." She could see the desire in his eyes, "If we leave now we'll have plenty of time before they come over and we can be as loud as we want."
Robert smiled and started kissing the marks he had left on her shoulder. "You make a very good point, your screams of pleasure might give us away here," he said between kisses.
Anna smiled at him, "What can I say? You've been out doing yourself lately."
"Yeah, we need to get home." Robert stepped back a little, then buttoned her blouse again.
Anna gave him a quick kiss then turned to tidy her desk so they could leave. When she was done Anna grabbed her things then walked back over to Robert and took his hand. She all but pulled him through the squad room. When Dante approached them Anna looked at him before he could say anything, "Sorry Dante we're late for something, I'll talk to you first thing tomorrow."
"Yeah, this can wait." Dante watched them leave then looked at Nathan, "I think someone's shirt might be missing a few buttons soon."
"Come on man they're my parents." Nathan put his hand to his forehead, "Now I understand how Robin feels about that."
...
When they got home Robert took Anna out on to their terrace, they looked out at the city and harbour. "We don't take in this view enough," Robert said as he put his arms around her looking over her shoulder.
"It is a great view," Anna said as she leaned back against him.
"I think we should talk."
Anna slowly nodded, "I know."
"First thing, I am not complaining in any way, I want you to know that." He leaned down, kissing her neck to further his point. "Anna, what is it that has you so worried? You know I'm not going anywhere."
"I know that. I know there is little risk for you in this. Robert, it isn't about the case, well not completely." She turned to face him, taking his hand. "I think when I realized just how big this case is I got worried. Things happen, mistakes are made, the unexpected, what about being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Robert, you were at that warehouse a couple of nights ago, what if that had been the day Julian decided to hit Sonny?" Robert knew she had every right to be concerned but he also knew she knows he can take care of himself. "I know that's not fair but I can't help it if that's what I felt."
"Anna," he stroked her cheek while looking in her eyes.
"I can't lose you, not again." Anna turned and started pacing, "When you told me that you passed your physical and that you are back on active duty I thought it was great. Then it hit me, what if they decide to send you on one last mission before you take over as coordinator? I want you home with me, not out there putting your life in danger. I'm being greedy this time!"
"Be as greedy as you want I will not be leaving Port Charles on any missions. Anna when I told you one of the men that will be on my team is already here and is helping me by monitoring the surveillance I'm collecting. It's because after I talked to Long and reported that, the WSB took an interest in what been happening here and whether Julian was a part of it." He reached out and took her hand, "Anna, I found out earlier today that yes I am getting an assignment, but it's the one I've been working on for months with you. Your investigation just got stronger because I am now allowed to officially offer you the WSB's help."
Anna smiled, this was good. "The PCPD will gladly accept your help, and it will not be mentioned to anyone that might share that information with other parties." Then Anna smiled at him, "Is that why you came to my office to seduce me, so we could talk away from the office?"
"I came to your office to talk to you. When I saw you I needed to touch you. Anna, I feel it too. That fear that something might go wrong. That this could all be taken away again."
"I know you do." Anna stepped closer to Robert again, she put one arm around his neck, the other hand stroked his hair. "Tonight if you want this, you will take it nice and slow."
"I can do that, slow, sensual. I love hearing that low moan that comes from deep inside, how you arch up to me demanding more." He kissed her pulling her closer, both of Anna's hands were in his hair, their kiss intensified.
No one had answered when Robin and Emma got to her parents so she used her key and let themselves in. Her parents were expecting them and they might just be running a little late. Once they were inside she saw them talking out on the terrace. Emma wanted to go out and say hello but Robin told her to let them finish their conversation, she got the feeling it was important. Emma went to play with the toys that were there for her, Robin was glad she was distracted when she looked out and noticed there was less talking more kissing going on now. She smiled as she rapped on the window to get their attention then turned to go play with Emma.
Hearing the knock on the window Anna and Robert stopped kissing, Robert rested his forehead against hers. "I think our dinner guests are here."
"You might be right. Remember what I said about tonight."
"I remember and I will do my very best to please," he kissed her once more then they turned and went inside. When they saw Emma and Robin playing with dolls Robert walked over to them, "What's this you come here and just start playing with my dolls?"
"Grandpa these are my dolls, I just keep them here. You and Grandma were talking when we got here. Mommy said we should let you finish that so I had to do something."
"Yes, of course, that does make sense. Do I at least get to play too?"
Emma smiled and pulled a dark haired doll out from behind her back, "I saved her for you, she's your favourite right?"
"Oh thank you, she is. She reminds me of someone."
"Dad I always loved when you played dolls with me. My big tough daddy never shied away from a good tea party with my favourite dolls."
"I would have played whatever you wanted, I just wanted to spend time with you."
"I know and it meant the world to me." Robin sat back a little just watching the other two play. He will play any game Emma asks him to just so he can have that time with her as well. Less than a year ago Robin wasn't sure she would ever see her family again. Now she was sitting in her parents living room playing with her daughter and her dad. She still held on to the belief that you have to hold onto what you have while you have it because you just never know what tomorrow will bring. Sitting here tonight she let herself think that maybe it was finally time for the Scorpio family's happily ever after.
"Grandpa, what's on your neck?"
Robin looked up at him as soon as Emma had asked the question, "MOM!"
"She's right Grandma did it," Robert said with a big grin.
"Does it hurt? Did she pinch you?"
"Yes she did," Robert agreed quickly, "I was being silly and we got a little carried away, but it doesn't hurt."
Robin couldn't resist the chance to pick on her mom for once. Anna had been close enough to have heard what was said but wisely had stayed quiet. Robin sat down beside her, "Marking what's your?"
"Oh shush, I didn't even know I'd done that. He knew he was doing this," Anna said as she pulled her shirt over to show Robin just a bit of her shoulder.
"I don't need to know this," Robin said shaking her head. Then she grinned, "Well at least if libidos are hereditary Patrick is going to be a very happy man for a very long time." Robin thought it was great that they have a healthy sex life, she just never wanted to actually acknowledge they had sex. As a grown woman with a child of her own, she knew it was silly but that didn't change a thing.
"The right partner makes all the difference," Anna said with a little smile looking at Robert.
Robin saw Anna as a woman instead of as her mom just for a second, "Yes it does," then she smiled and sat back. Anna put her arm around her shoulder and Robin cuddled in. They were both watching Robert and Emma now. "He is so great with kids."
"Yes, he is. Has he mentioned that he's hoping there will be other grandbabies?"
"His hinted at it," Robin said with a grin.
"I wish he could have been there when you and your brother were babies. Both times I was pregnant I thought about how Robert would handle a baby. I know he would have been hands-on from the start, up at night to help with feedings and diapers."
"Any reason to hold us, he would have spoiled both of us."
"I know and you would have loved every minute." They both smiled thinking about it.
"Is everything alright? I've been feeling like there are things going on that might prove," Robin paused, "complicated."
"There's the tension between Sonny and Julian. Duke is wrapped up in that, now there are a few other investigations that are taking up a lot of our time." Robin looked at her knowingly, "I know you know your father is helping me. It's nothing to worry about."
"Then why are both of you?"
Anna hugged Robin closer to her, "We're together, we know things could go wrong. We can't help but worry given our track record."
"Nothing is going to break you two up this time." Robin couldn't bring herself to say the other outcome she knew they both would have thought about. Anna kissed her temple, then they just sat happily watching Robert and Emma.
...
Julian felt they could risk talking in his office, no one knew who Burrows really was so it shouldn't raise any suspicions. When Dougy was shown in Julian got up. "What the hell were you thinking? His warehouse employees aren't part of this!"
"They know who they work for! They know the risk."
"Are you going to tell me the people here working for Derek Wells Media all accept that they could be shoot just for coming to work in the morning?"
After a moment, "Right, I hadn't really thought of it like that." Julian motioned for him to have a seat then they both sat down. "I only wanted to make Corinthos angry, I hadn't really thought about him retaliating against you through this company. Sorry boss."
"Dougy this can't happen again. If this is all going to work there can't be anymore mistakes."
"Do you want me to start making the arrangments to finally rid ourselves of Lavery?"
"I have already told you I will be handling that, I can't risk another mistake."
"I planned a hit on a bad target, it still got the results we wanted."
"What about when you had some idiot crack me over the head then beat the crap out of me? I almost died! Is this ringing any bells?" Dougy knew better than to answer. "Like I said I will be handling this. Over the weekend that source that let me down before came through. It turns out Sonny had Duke picked up and brought in for a chat."
"That must be why he's been staying in his office most of the week, I've only seen him maybe twice this week so far. I haven't talked to him at all."
"Duke's concerned about something, Sonny is upset about the shooting, he was meeting with Anna Devane earlier."
"How do you know that? I thought they found Jackson and took care of that problem."
"I have more than one way to find out what the lovely commissioner might be up to."
"Does this have something to do with why I set up Long with that hooker?"
"In good time all will be revealed. This is going to happen soon, once Duke is out of the way, Sonny will be on his way to prison and then I think I will be able to let you in on the other part of what makes this the perfect plan."
"That's when we will have all the power here. When like a phoenix we will rise from the ashes of our former life to finally have the power we should have had before Lavery interfered."
Julian had never fully understood why Dougy hated Duke so much, even before he had turned on the family. Now it worked in his favour so he wasn't going to question it. Julian smiled at the other man, "What happens now has to go just as planned, for now, I think we should hold off on the hits. This should look like a battle from within Corinthos' organization." Dougy agreed then they talked more about what they would do next.
...
Robert was just finishing up with the contractor, the work getting his office ready was coming along nicely. When his phone rang he was surprised that he would be calling him, "Scorpio,"... "You have something already?"... "Yeah I'll be over there shortly," then he hung up. Parker Bingham, a WSB agent that was going to be on Robert's team was already in Port Charles. He had broken his leg on his last assignment so sitting around monitoring the bugs Robert had planted was his latest assignment.
Robert made his way over to the motel Parker was set up in. Once Robert had been shown in he looked around, there was a well laid out workstation set up on one side of the room. "So you already have something?"
"I do." Parker turned to his computer, "You got that bug into Julian's office just in time. Listen to this," then he pressed play. He replayed the conversation Julian had with Burrows the day before. When it finished Robert looked at him and smiled, "Not only do they talk about plotting to kill Duke, Burrows admits he set Long up with the hooker. This is good, was this the first time we've caught a conversation like this?"
"Yeah, I'm still going over some of what's come in but I knew you would want to know about this," Parker told him.
"You were right, thanks. I want a copy of that conversation." Parker picked up a flash drive and handed to him. "Thanks again. I really believe they are going to make a move soon, let me know if we get anything else."
"Sure thing boss," Parker said as Robert turned to leave.
...
Duke sat in his office, he had the bullet prove vest Robert had sent him on. The day it had arrived Duke knew this was getting very real, that it was only a matter a time before Julian made his move. So far Duke had spent most of the week in his office, he didn't want to talk to people he didn't want anyone to see how uneasy this situation had made him. He had plans with Sonny later that day, they both feel that after tonight if Julian really is taking their bait he will make his move very soon. There was nothing Duke needed to be working on so he had to just wait.
The day past slowly, Duke only left his office to get lunch then had returned and closed himself in his office again. Burrows had seen him come back and followed him to his office. Duke had just sat down when he knocked, the door opened and he stuck his head. "Hey Lavery, is everything alright? You don't seem like yourself lately."
"I just have a lot on my mind. There are things going on that I can't control and I guess that's just making me worry about the outcome."
"You know we never did go out and get hammered, we still could."
"Not today, but I just might take you up on that sometime soon." Duke realized that this might be part of their plan, were they going to lure him out somewhere and kill him?
"Alright, maybe this weekend. You need to relax tonight, holding onto too much stress isn't good for a person."
"I will try. Thanks, Burrows." Duke watched the door as he closed it behind him.
After Burrows little visit Duke found some files to go over just to have something to do. When he heard raised voiced outside of his door he knew it was time. "Max, I need a few minutes with Duke. Make sure no one bothers us," Sonny turned and opened Duke's door as Burrows walked out of the coffee room heading back to his office. "Duke it's time we had that talk," Sonny said as he closed the door.
They were both aware that there was now a listening device somewhere in Duke's office. Duke knew there had to be a disagreement but they would not make any threats. "What talk, the same one we've been having for a month now?"
"Duke if you would just realize what that information would mean for me, for us. This is your chance, you understand that right?"
"I understand what you're asking but I can't. I've told you that already. I can't tell you what you want me to."
"That is not the answer I was looking for."
"That's the only answer you are going to get."
"Fine." Sonny sighed, "You think they deserve this kind of loyalty, I can accept that."
Duke was a little confused at first then realized Sonny wanted the evidence to prove there really was no disagreement between them after all. "Thank you for respecting that. I learned a long time ago, it's not always worth sharing what I know."
Sonny nodded to him then turned to leave. Max was still standing outside Duke's office, Sonny paused and looked around then leaned closer to Max. "Where is he?" he asked in a hushed voice.
Max leaned a little closer, "In his office but he did leave the door open," he whispered.
Sonny turned and they walked past Burrows door, still talking quietly to each other. Sonny noticed Burrows watching them as they waited for the elevator. "We'll wait just outside. If he comes down I want to make sure he hears us," Sonny said as they got on the elevator.
They were outside when Max noticed Burrows walk out of the building, time for the second part of their plan. "I can do it but are you sure?" Max asked.
"I think it's time, I won't stand for this any longer." They were standing just a little ways from a coffee cart and that was where Burrows now was. After he had gotten a coffee he moved a little closer to them. "I don't care how it happens, I want this taken care of." Both Sonny and Max had very serious looks on their faces.
"Consider it done boss, I won't let you down."
Sonny looked up like he had just noticed Burrows standing there and nodded to him, then put his hand on Max's back and they turned and walked away, talking quietly as they left. Burrows wasn't sure if he had just heard Sonny tell Max to take Duke out or not but he knew it was time for Julian to make his move.