Chapter One
"How is the research going?" Sonny asked Greg as they both walked into the penthouse.

"It's going well, Mr. Corinthos," Greg replied. "In fact, I think our source is gathering up more information as we speak."

Somewhere in Port Charles.

Natalie Abrams has been following Ric Lansing for weeks now. Greg has been researching Ric's past, while she has been researching his current whereabouts. The PCPD and Sonny's enemies have been keeping a close watch on Sonny, his family, and anyone he is affiliated with. She asked Sonny not to meet in person yet, because she didn't want anyone to be suspicious of her while she completed her tasks in Port Charles.

She has worked for Sonny for a while now. Her Uncle Benny had gotten her a job for Sonny when she younger. Her uncle was an accountant and a devoted employee of Sonny's for years. She was a secretary when she used to live in Puerto Rico and helped handle some of the paperwork that dealt with Sonny's business. She had also collaborated with her uncle in handling Sonny's coffee business. She organized the paperwork and made sure that the coffee shipments left South America with no problems. Her Uncle Benny would handle the rest once the shipments made it to Port Charles. Sonny eventually asked her to be his accountant for the casino on the island. Since then, Sonny has developed a respect for Natalie and her loyalty to him and his business.

Natalie received a call from Jason about her uncle's heart attack. She was devastated by the news. Her Uncle Benny was the only family she had left. Her mother abandoned her and her father when she was a baby. Her father died when she was 10 years old. Her uncle practically raised her. Jason told her the last thing that Benny had on his mind before he died was his concern about Sonny. Natalie knew how much Benny respected his employer. Sonny's business and friendship was Benny's life. Natalie wanted to honor her uncle's memory by taking over her uncle's responsibilities and assisting with Sonny's business.

Natalie took a drag from her cigarette and peered over a bush to look at the entrance to the Port Charles hotel. Ric has been lurking around the lobby for some time now. She wanted to know who he was waiting for. Natalie saw a limo pull up to the entrance and Faith Rosco stepped out. She watched Faith walk into the Port Charles hotel and through the lobby towards the elevators. Natalie noticed that Ric gave a quick glance towards Faith, then also started to walk towards the elevators behind her. "Hmmm.interesting," Natalie muttered and raised her eyebrows.

She dialed Greg's number. "Hey. It's me. I've got some information Mr. Corinthos will find interesting."

"Good," Greg replied on the other line. "I'm actually having a meeting with Sonny right now. He would like to finally meet with you."

"When?"

"Actually.as soon as possible."

Natalie threw down her cigarette and extinguished it with her boot. "I'm on my way."

Natalie stepped off the elevator and looked around. She saw a bodyguard to her right and knew she found Sonny's penthouse. She walked up to the bodyguard and gave a flirtatious smile. "Hey, Max."

"Good to see you again, Natalie," Max replied shyly. "Mr. Corinthos has been expecting you." He opened the door.

Sonny and Greg stopped what they were discussing and looked up. Natalie walked in and stopped when she saw Sonny. She nodded her head. "Mr. Corinthos," she said seriously.

Sonny smiled and quickly walked towards Natalie to greet her. "It's 'Sonny' to you, missy." He gave her a long hug, then looked at her as she smiled back at him. "It's good to see you again." He took her hands and stepped back to take a good look at his old friend. "You look beautiful! Benny didn't tell me how much you've grown!"

Natalie looked down with embarassment. "Thank you."

Sonny's smile faded. "Look.I'm sorry. I haven't even given you my proper condolences yet-"

"It's okay, Sonny," Natalie replied sadly.
"Your uncle was a damn good employee, Nat. .And a true friend." He motioned for Natalie to sit down on the couch and he walked over to get himself a drink. "Can I offer you a beverage?"

Natalie shook her head.

"I'm sorry that we don't have time to catch up at the moment, but we've got to start getting down to business," Sonny said seriously as he poured himself a drink. He sat down, rested his elbow on his knee, and cupped his hand around his chin. "What's the latest on Ric Lansing?"

"It looks like him and Faith Rosco are up to something."

Sonny clenched his jaw. "I knew it. I knew that guy should never be trusted."

"I don't know what he's up to, but I'm working on finding that out."

"The reason why I have asked to see you, is because I need you to put a plan into action."

"What is it?"

"You've seen what Ric does and where he goes throughout the day. He spends most of his time helping out with Carly's club. His girlfriend works in the diner that is attached to the club. He also lives above the diner, so he is in that building all day."

"What do you need me to do?"

"You've done your research at a distance.now I need you to do the research up close." Natalie started to feel a lump form in her throat as Sonny continued. "I need you to try to find a way to collaborate with Lansing."

Sonny was surprised because he noticed that Natalie was beginning to look nervous. "Sonny, I'm not sure if this is a good idea.."

"Nat, I promise not to put you in any danger. My guards will be sure to be around wherever you go. I just need you to find some way to get to know him. Carly needs an accountant for the club."

Natalie knew where this was going and she could feel her body shaking from her nerves. She stood up, but lost her balance.

"Are you okay?" Sonny asked catching her.

"I'm.I'm fine, Sonny. I've just been running around the past couple of weeks. I think it's beginning to catch up with me, that's all. I'm going to go back to the motel and lay down."

"No you're not," Sonny interupted. "Jason and Johnny went to the motel and picked up your stuff. I can't believe you stayed there! You deserve better-"

"Sonny."

"No, no, no," Sonny put his hands up to stop Natalie from continuing. "You and Benny are dear to me. Benny's niece deserves a better living arrangement."

Natalie smiled. She knew she wasn't going to have a choice. "Thank you."

"Jason lives across the hall. He probably hardly stays there now." he said in an irritated tone. "so I'm sure you won't feel so crowded. It's only temporary until you find a better place you would rather live in." Sonny looked towards the door. "Max!" Max opened the door and waited for Sonny's orders. "Please escort Ms. Abrams to her new place." As Natalie started to walk out the door, Sonny stopped her. "Just think about what I've said about this plan, okay?" He said gently. "Now get some rest."

Natalie walked into PH2 and stopped to admire it. The penthouse was very plain and the only furniture she saw was a desk, couch, and pool table. She smiled when she saw the pool table. "Yep! It's definitely Jason," she said out loud.

"What makes you think that?" she heard a voice ask.

She turned around and saw Jason standing behind her, leaning against the doorway. "Hey!" Natalie ran to hug her friend. "How are you?"

"Good." Jason said with a small smile. "It's good to see you again. I'm sorry that I haven't kept in touch."

"Oh you better be sorry!" Natalie said jokingly. She pulled Jason's arm and started to walk him towards the couch. "We've got a lot to catch up on!" They both sat down. Natalie tucked her legs underneath her and looked at Jason. "Now-dish it!!"

Jason shook his head. "What?"

"How's that girl, Elizabeth, doing? Why did Sonny sound irritated with you? Where did you go after you left the island?..."

"Whoa!! Wait a minute!" Jason started to laugh. "One question at a time."

"When do I meet Elizabeth?" Natalie asked excitedly.

Jason sighed. It really HAD been a while since they've last seen each other. When Jason left Port Charles, he spent a good amount of time on the island, where he met Natalie. They both became really good friends when they spent a summer traveling throughout Europe. Going to Europe was something Natalie did at least once a year. Jason wanted to do some traveling and asked Natalie to show him around. They were both going through emotional times in their lives and bonded through their travels. "Something almost happened with Elizabeth and me.but with the organization and everything.it was too hard on her. And.I understand. Everything's fine."

"That's it?.you understand?" Natalie looked at Jason with a disgusted face. "Do you know how long I heard you talk about that girl? I swear.when we went to Italy, she was ALL you talked about!" She changed the pitch of her voice to imitate Jason. "Elizabeth would love it here.blah, blah, blah."

Jason pushed Natalie playfully to signal her to stop. Natalie suddenly became serious. "Are you okay? I mean, she was a big part of your life. I'm sure it's not easy to just let go of the person overnight."

"I haven't spoken to her as often as I would like. But, like I said, everything fine." Jason started to smile. "I've been seeing someone."

Natalie's eye's widened. "Who?"

"Her name is Courtney. She's Sonny's sister."

"I guess that explains why Sonny sounded irritated when he told me that you don't stay here as often anymore." Natalie suddenly came to a realization. "Sonny has a sister?"

"It's a long story, but yes, he does. Sonny was NOT happy about Courtney and me being together. He even fired me at one point! But.he realized I was going to be loyal to him and the business whether I was fired or not. So, he took me back. He still hates the fact that I won't give Courtney up. I love her too much."

Natalie was happy for her friend. "I'm glad you found the love and happiness you deserve. I would love to meet her."

"I want you to meet her, too. She'll like you. Actually, she's a hostess at Carly's club, so you'll meet her soon." Jason paused and decided that it was time to shift the conversation towards Natalie. "So.how about YOU? What happened with that guy you were so much in love with? Did you ever see him again?"

Natalie started to tense up. "Um.yes, I did. Recently, actually. ..He's with someone else now."

"I'm sorry," Jason replied sympathetically. "By the way you talked about him, it seemed like you were really into him."

"I was." Natalie replied quietly. "BUT, that's the way life goes sometimes. I've dated a little here and there, but no romance. I'm still taking a break from love right now."

Jason took Natalie's hand and squeezed it. "Whoever he was.he was an idiot."

Natalie laughed. "Thanks, Jas."

"I'm going to have a quick meeting with Sonny. Then, I'm going to the club to see Courtney. Are you going tonight?"

"I think I have to. Sonny wants to introduce me to his wife. Apparently, she needs an accountant for the club. Also, Sonny thinks I can dig up more stuff about Ric Lansing if I work with him." Natalie hesitated. "I just don't think that's a good idea."

"Natalie, it's okay. We'll keep you safe. Also, you're great at your job. Ric won't suspect a thing."

'That's what YOU think,' Natalie thought to herself. 'If you guys only knew.'

Jason walked towards the door. "Your bedroom is the first door on the left. Your stuff is on the bed. Do whatever you want to feel comfortable. Max will be outside if you need anything."

"Thank you, Jason." Natalie smiled at him and he smiled back, then closed the door behind him.

Natalie tossed her black backpack on the bed and she plopped down beside it. She sighed and started to think about Sonny's plan. She then opened her backpack and took out the pictures she has been taking on Ric and his whereabouts. She pulled out the picture of Ric and his girlfriend talking on the docks. The small brunette was very pretty and Ric looked happy with her. It didn't look like this girl was a part of Ric's agenda here in Port Charles. Then, Natalie took out another picture in her bag that was tucked away in a small pocket. It was obviously an older picture because it was wrinkled and beginning to fade. It was a picture of her and a former love of her life. Tears started to build up in her eyes as she started to trace the outline of the man in the picture with her fingers. The man in the picture was Ric Lansing.

She knew she had to follow Sonny's orders. She just didn't know if she was ready to accept the fact that her "assignment" was one of the most important people in her life.