As usual... all credit to JE for the characters.

JOE'S POV.

It was hard not to feel smug as I returned to the hospital. I'd spoken with Helen over lunch and told her that my conversation with Cupcake went well and it looked like she would change her mind about not returning to Trenton. The fact that one of the doctors had also aided our cause was no small factor but I didn't tell Helen that.

I wanted to strike again while the iron was hot and my words about Manoso were fresh in Steph's mind. I'd convinced Helen that it would be best if I handled the situation alone. Once Cupcake agreed to come home I knew who to contact in the hospital to make the necessary arrangements.

Approaching her room I could see Cupcake's door was closed and could hear quiet voices from within. Wanting to make sure I didn't ruffle any feathers I proceeded to the nurses' station and laid on the charm with the young intern. I asked if she had enjoyed the chocolates and advised that Stephanie was expecting me. When I asked if Cupcake was with a doctor and would they be long, I struggled to contain my annoyance when informed that it was Mr Brown and "that other scary one" with her. Fuck. Brown and the gangbanger. I wonder where the hell Manoso was. Perhaps Cupcake was refusing to see him. I knew there was tension between them and hopefully my comments earlier today helped create some discord.

Deciding that it was now or never, I thanked the young nurse then went and gently tapped on Cupcake's door before entering. It was probably in my favour anyway to have two of Manoso's goons witness Cupcake coming back to me. It was just a pity that I wouldn't get to see the shock on his face. But the thought of it brought a smile to mine.

I could see Brown and the gangbanger, Gutierrez, stiffen as I walked in the room. Brown was standing beside Cupcakes bed, Gutierrez was slouched in a chair his dark eyes assessing my every move. He's a scary little fucker but I completely ignored him, and only gave a brief nod of acknowledgement to Brown before approaching cupcake and standing at the foot of her bed. I wanted to see Brown's reaction when Stephanie told him she was coming home with us. She no longer had any use for Rangeman.

"Morelli."

"Brown." Two can play this game. "You're looking better Cupcake." I observed, trying to keep things light. Stephanie was sitting up in bed, impassively watching the two of us.

"What are you doing here?" Questioned Brown, his eyes narrowing as he attempted not to scowl. It was hard not to smile at his question as I turned my attention back to Cupcake.

"Stephanie is expecting me. I told her I would drop by this afternoon."

I could see Brown twitch in consternation. He didn't know why I was here or what was going on.

"Steph?" Brown asked, seeking some sort of clarification.

"Joe and I had a chat earlier today." She sounded calm and resigned, as though she had accepted the situation and everything was settled.

I could see Brown itching to ask questions, such as when, where and why? But he didn't want to put Cupcake off side. Smart move asshole, but too late. I could feel Hector go dead still in the chair, he may not speak much English but he sure as hell understands it.

"Joe helped open my eyes. He and the doctors have helped me accept the reality of my situation. I realise what is needed for me to recover and move forward." She focused on her hands in her lap as she spoke, avoiding eye contact with everyone. Perhaps she needed some encouragement to spell out the situation to Manoso's men.

I gave her my most engaging smile. "You're making the right decision Cupcake."

"I know I am Joe. Did you speak with Dr Yang again?" Cupcake looked up at me with an expressionless face and I noticed a confused frown pass over Brown's. All of a sudden I felt uneasy. Something was wrong.

"Who is Dr Yang?" Brown asked after a heartbeat, his gaze going back and forwards between Steph and me. I felt rather than saw Gutierrez stand and take position behind me, on guard and alert.

"Joe? I'm sure you can explain?" Cupcake replied in an expressionless voice and holding my gaze. Oh fuck.

STEPHANIE'S POV.

No one moved. I maintained eye contact with Joe who stood there stunned and searching for something to say.

"Can someone tell me what's going on?" Bobby asked. "Who is Dr Yang? Do you have a new doctor Steph? "

"You should ask Joe. Ask about his conversation with her."

"Cupcake, I…." and Morelli was lost for words.

"You what Joe? You can explain? Explain how you spoke with a fictional doctor? Explain why you lied? Explain why I would want to return to Trenton and marry you after you cheated on me with Terri Gillman?"

I was surprised at how calm I sounded. Perhaps the nurses had slipped some sedative in with the antibiotic to help me relax. But I didn't think so. I could feel the truth and acceptance in my whole being. Joe was a liar and a cheat. I have no idea why I never saw it before, or why I tried to hide from it. But no more. Perhaps the four months I'd been away from Trenton had been worth the heartache to help me see reality. I didn't need him, or my mother. They were both poisonous to my well-being.

I didn't want this dragging out. There was no need. I had reached the point where I knew that I truly didn't care anymore. "I don't need your words. Your actions are enough explanation. Leave. Don't come back. Don't ever try to contact me again. Hospital security will be notified that you and my mother are to stay away. If either of you try to contact me I will obtain a restraining order." Joe shifted uneasily, as though trying to decide what to say or do.

Hector's voice was low and threatening as he rattled of something in Spanish to Bobby. The response from Bobby was just a minute shake of his head.

I had buzzed for the nurse and she could see and feel the tension as soon as she entered the room. Her concern was obvious as she asked if everything was OK. I explained that I needed Morelli to leave and could she please call security and have him escorted from the building. She looked to everyone in the room, and finding no dissent or other directives, used the phone by my bed to make the call. Morelli didn't say a word, his manipulations had been exposed and he shifted his weight as though anxious to leave and get out of the firing line. I don't think he was game to argue for fear he would get a knife under the ribs. Hector had gone deadly quiet and you could see him virtually itching to pull his knives.

Morelli and I briefly stared each other down, before he let out a sigh of resignation and turned to leave the room.

"Stay. Please?" I pleaded with Hector and Bobby when they moved to follow Morelli out the door. I didn't want to see Joe ever again, but the guys were radiating anger and I didn't want them seeking revenge on my behalf. They did their silent communication thing, came to some unspoken agreement, and simply closed the door once they saw security arrive and walk Joe out of the ward.

"Thank you. I'm sorry about that." I said to the nurse as she busied herself checking my pulse and IV just to be sure I was OK. She ordered me to get some rest and avoid any further excitement before departing with a stern warning to Bobby and Hector that stress was not good for me.

Once we were alone again Hector came and sat on the edge of the bed, taking my hand in his, while Bobby pulled a chair up close beside us.

"You OK Bomber?" Asked Bobby, watching my face carefully to see that I was telling the truth. I just nodded in response. Truth was I was getting a little tired but I also felt a huge wave of relief. "Any chance you can tell us what that was all about?" Bobby's voice was quiet and comforting, and I knew he wouldn't push further if I didn't want to talk, but I'd rather just get it over with and put it behind me.

"Short version. Morelli approached me after my MRI this morning. He made some points, some true, some I believe false, but ultimately he was trying to manipulate me to come back to Trenton with him. Why I don't know. He conveniently avoided the topic of his cheating." I was quiet for a moment while I remember some of the things Joe said. "I told Joe that Dr Yang said I needed a support network, preferably family and friends. He agreed, and indicated that he had also spoken with Dr Yang." I looked between Bobby and Hector, not sure what I was looking for on their faces. "Too bad Dr Yang doesn't exist. Well, at least not here."

"What do you mean?" Asked Bobby.

"Dr Cristina Yang is a character on Gray's Anatomy. You know… the TV series." I was rewarded with a rare smile from both of them. "The lies just never seem to stop. But at least I finally feel it's behind me. Now I can move forward." I closed my eyes briefly as I felt a wave of exhaustion wash over me.

"Get some rest sweetheart. We can talk again later." Bobby gave me a brotherly peck on the cheek, and Hector kissed my hand before laying it back on the bed. I wanted to tell Bobby that I really didn't want to talk anymore. That it would be best if they all just left and got on with their lives. But that would involve me having to talk to him now, and I simply didn't have the energy. I needed to sleep.

TBC

My apologies if Stephanie's trapping of Joe in his lies was too obvious... I couldn't think of another way to do it and get him off the scene without having to write 4 chapters ... or something like that number. If anyone see's my muse can you please tell her to return? It's so much easier to write with her help ... if it wasn't for the reviews I would be well and truly stuck, so a big thank you to everyone who takes the time to leave one. :-)