When Johnny told Jason that getting a couple of female guards wouldn't be a problem, he meant it. But that was before Jason said enough to put him on full alert. Those instructions were clear even though the reasons were a mystery. Vinnie was a perfect example of a wise guy connection to ELQ that no one would have known about. Johnny's pretty sure it isn't on Vinnie's resume or ELQ's personnel records. That was a major concern. Edward's been around for a long time. There was no telling who he knew. So when Johnny finished briefing Tony, he had made two phone calls he never in his life thought he would while working for Jason Morgan.
Sibbioan O'Leary was recommended highly by her second cousin Ryan O'Connor. Johnny and Ryan hadn't seen each other in a few years but they kept in touch regularly ever since they left the neighborhood in South Boston. Johnny wasn't sure but he figured being on the Christmas card list of an arms dealer was a good thing, considering the business. Sibbioan was IRA—depending on one's view point, that means she was either a patriot freedom fighter or a terrorist. She liked to think of herself as both. One thing she never was, was apart of the corporate structure. She was clean as far as all Quartermaines, ELQ, and the old man himself went. She was good at what she did and she was available to travel. Johnny didn't hesitate sending one of the jets to Dublin.
Jade Lee was another story all together and she was kind of scary in a Caroline sort of way. Her ties to the Chinese mafia in Hong Kong took care of all Quartermaine connection but her oath would be binding anyway. Johnny didn't go into any details with Chin Lee, except that he needed the best in protection for a very special young lady. Chin Lee wasn't stupid. He knew who Johnny worked for and even if he didn't know the lady specifically, he knew she was special because she was connected to Morgan. Jade was the one. She could be made available by his personal request and she could remain as long as needed. That worked for Johnny. But he still checked her out carefully.
Justice and Jason sat quietly while Johnny made his report. Rey and Caroline didn't say a word from their spot at the table. They were simply there to get the juicy information, not be held accountable for the decision either way. Finally, Justice is compelled to speak.
"So, let me just make sure I'm up to speed. You selected a former international terrorist and a member of the Chinese mafia as guards for my little sister?"
Johnny isn't sure which way this will play out with either of them but thinks Jason is the easier sell.
"Um, there's really a political difference of opinion about the IRA. Some say terrorist, some patriot, but basically yes to everything you said."
"Uh huh. Then you flew them in respectively from Ireland and Hong Kong?"
"Yes."
"And they'll be here when?"
Lawyers are always hard to gage, Justice is worse than any Johnny's known.
"In a couple of hours. Sibbioan's flight was shorter but I sent her through Boston for immigration and customs since she has a connection of distant relatives there. I thought that would be best not to call any attention to her."
Johnny knows he should stop talking but for some reason he just can't.
"She isn't on the CIA or Interpol watch list or anything. The woman is good. Clean as a whistle. Still, I didn't want to take any chances.
Jade's flight was longer. She's coming directly here. Thought it was best to have her in a good mood. She's not the type of woman you want in a bad mood. Plus, both women travel with—special equipment and can't fly commercial when they're heading for a job. "
"What else?"
Everyone did a double take. Since when does Justice talk like Jason? Then again, it is his little sister.
"Well, neither of them have any ties to ELQ, Quartermaines in general, Edward specifically, and neither of them can be gotten to. Both can take the shot if they have to, both specialize in special protection—people and priceless things, and both are women."
"Anything else?"
"Neither have outside interests or responsibilities that could prevent them from making this a permanent assignment. In case that's how you want to go."
That's when Johnny decided he really ought to shut up.
Jason looked at Justice,
"You've read the file. Its your call."
"True. But ultimately Faith has to feel comfortable with both of them. After they arrive and settle in we need to speak to them. I want to see them for myself. Then if they check out, Faith should meet with them in private."
Then Justice stopped speaking but they could all tell he wasn't finished. It really shouldn't have mattered to the others since he and Jason were carrying on a conversation. His tone was thoughtful.
"Ok, let's see how they work out and what they can do. Then we'll have to speak to Faith."
"Works for me."
Then Jason turned to Johnny who was confused but relieved.
"Good work, for now. Where are they staying?"
"22nd floor. Just in case I reserved two apartments down there."
Faith stayed upstairs while Jason and Justice met with Jade and Sibbioan. She could have sat in on the meeting but did not want to for many reasons. Aside from not giving anyone a free peek at herself, she was content to rest at the top of the stairs listening to the conversation and form her own opinions without being sized up. She knew guards. Gambino was a lot of things but he took protecting and shielding the one person on the planet who knew where all his money was seriously. She didn't start out at the top. Accident, Fate, or the Furies, she wasn't sure. Their paths crossed while she was interning for a semester in college. Interns kept their mouths shut, did the grunt work and sucked up in hopes of a future job offer. Faith Quartermine did none of those things. She also had a strange or unusual mind. Her quirky ability to process certain things and her eidetic memory made SEC regs and IRS code violations and changes as familiar as the back of her hand. She was also a mini wiz on the market. She found a better way of doing something and let it be known. Gambino thought she had spunk. He couldn't believe he requested a woman handle his account. Well until he got her bill, he always thought of her as a girl. Like one of his own kids. She threatened to double bill him once when he let that slip. He laughed and never did it again.
Faith did not like what her truth was doing to Justice and Jason. She could see it in their eyes and if they weren't careful, others would as well. She hadn't realized the extensive security changes going on around her. Things were different from the first day because she now had a code for the elevator but she thought that was already in the works considering what Jason just pulled off.
The guards seemed alright. They were a heck of a lot more than she expected. She wasn't sure what to expect when Jason mentioned female guards. Something from a bad Anne Margaret movie, perhaps. That wasn't the case with this group. They were both beautiful in their own way. Sibbioan was classic Celtic beauty. Red hair but not flaming so as to call attention or leave a mark in someone's mind. A deep shade not auburn and not something to easily name. Tall, graceful when she moved. Her green eyes were no surprise but they held a lot and conveyed more when necessary. Jade was no porcelain doll. She had the exotic look but this lotus flower wasn't going to wilt. Long jet black hair worn down. Misdirecting in its style on purpose. There was function in her form. And Faith was almost certain Jade would chop it off with the closest sharp object in a pinch if it ever got in the way of her work. She was satisfied.
Faith walked down the stairs quietly but knew both women heard her. She was also pretty sure they both knew she was listening at the top of the stairs the entire time. Fine with her. Everyone stood when she approached.
"Please sit down. We aren't going to start off being formal. I'm Faith."
With that, she extended her hand to each woman.
"Sibbion O'Leary."
"Jade Lee."
Nothing else was said as Faith stood silently with both women in her gaze. The other two met her stare and remained silent just as long.
"My brother and cousin filled you both in on the situation?"
Sibbioan turned to Jade. They knew something was up. She had her suspicions about part of it but wasn't going to say anything.
"Yes."
Jade's thoughts mirrored Sibbioan's. A person had to be half dead or under a rock for the last two months not to have heard of Jason Morgan. After hitting the national news, that little coup he pulled off circulated around the world. It was news but it was more than that. Every mafia affiliate around the world was taking notes for the future. She heard about it in Hong Kong. Chin Lee gave her the rest in blooming detail. She knew Morgan was working something over there as well. Justice Ward was said to have been there just before it went down. That these two called her or Sibbioan in to guard a relative wasn't strange under the circumstances but both of them? In Port Charles? Morgan didn't make any such arraignments for his sister or girlfriend. They read her resume. Impressive didn't cover it for someone so young. Still something was missing. And the security regarding their grandfather was—unusual. Still Faith Quartermaine was her principle now and she'd protect her. She just needed to know.
"Yes."
Faith met both women's eyes knowing how women think and having had some experience with women in their line of work through Gambino more so than Jason and Justice. She'd get this out of the way now. With a simple nod,
"Yes."
It wasn't the word it was the way she said it. That said everything.
Both women heard her and understood. They returned her nod immediately. There was nothing else to be said on the matter.
Justice and Jason weren't sure what was going on but they'd had enough experience with women to know that an entire conversation just took place between all three of them. They had no clue what was said or agreed to until Faith turned to them.
"Thanks for working everything out. Their both fine. We're going to speak privately for awhile."
There wasn't anything they could say to that so they shrugged and left. Once the men were gone, the ladies sat down for a chat. No tea was served and there wasn't a crustless sandwich in sight.
Jason and Justice went back across the hall to find all the usual suspects assembled. They had one more thing to get out of the way before each could fully get to the business of Tracy, Soleto, and Edward the way they all agreed during their family meeting two days ago.
Justice didn't even give a preamble before addressing Johnny.
"Do you have a third candidate?"
Johnny wasn't prepared for the question but he was prepared for the answer. He just hoped there wasn't a problem with one of his picks.
"Yes."
"Talk."
Justice in Jason mode is disconcerting but Johnny rolls with it.
"Her name's Nikita. Just Nikita and she falls somewhere in between Sibbioan and Jade on the resume with history in both areas."
"Where is she?"
"Prague. But she's originally from Berlin. She's a specialist. Independent."
"Let me see it."
Johnny had a summer of strange to prepare him for this. He just hands Justice the file then reaches over with a second for Jason. Both men read through the information carefully then at the same time look up at each other and speak.
"She's the one."
It was eery but kinda cool at the same time. Rey and Caroline didn't read her file and don't know anything about her. Johnny did. That scares him most of all. Jason is nodding looking at Justice who almost smirks. Considering everything they've been through in the last week, its nice to see them smile but freaky considering the situation.
Justice doesn't leave anymore time for speculating.
"Make contact and get her here as soon as possible. Not on one of our planes. Charter something out of Europe if you have to. Bring her in through O'Hare then have a plane waiting to pick her up. She doesn't come to the Towers, though. She never comes to the building. Make room for her at....
Then he stops talking and looks to Caroline.
"Do you think Bobbie would mind a new tenant?"
She has no clue what's going on but she sees a plan in motion and works with it.
"Nope. That can be arraigned. Or she can have one of the penthouses above the club. Both are free."
Justice is still thinking. The choice of where she stays will impact how it plays out and since neither of them have spoken about this little angle they're only going on telepathy. Justice turns to Jason to get his opinion.
"I'm not sure. Depends on how you want to play it."
"Options."
As if any of their conversation made sense to the rest of them, but Justice just lost everyone. Well, everyone except Jason since he's nodding with the thinking expression on his face. Its apparent they aren't talking about a guard for Faith, though. Again, they freak everyone out by speaking together.
"Luke's."
Justice turns back to Caroline.
"Definitely Luke's. How soon can one of the units be ready?"
"I'll have it worked out today."
"Thanks. No one knows her. You don't know her when she's there. And you didn't rent the place to her. She doesn't know you either so don't get an attitude with her."
Caroline shrugs because she doesn't know anything anyway.
"Ok."
Jason is all for this telepathic plan they've been working out but still has a concern.
"She's independent."
Justice reached into his brief case without anyone noticing and eased out his hammer.
"Not for long."
Jason smiled.
Apparently, the covert portion of the meeting is over because Justice takes them on a different ride after consulting with Jason cryptically.
"I'm going give them a general heads up for the future."
"Ok."
Then Justice turns to the rest of the group. He has their attention, has had it for a while.
"First, Faith is fine with Jade and Sibbioan and they check out ok."
Johnny is most relieved about this but confused about why he's supposed to contact Nikita. He doesn't say anything and just nods as Justice keeps speaking.
"Second, when Faith finishes doing what she's doing she'll be on the books."
He obviously needed to be less general in his heads up because Rey, Johnny and Caroline are looking at him completely clueless. What could she possibly do? That's what they want to know and finally Rey asks.
"Ok. As what?"
Jason had that one covered.
"Benny's replacement."
Not really the thing to say to this group. Family is one thing but she's barely a kid. Rey is Jason's second, he has to say something.
"Uh, Jason, that's a lot of—specialized work. She...."
"Was Gambino's primary money lady for the last three years."
The three just stare. Johnny thought he was shock proof after tagging along on Caroline's initial trail of blood. Nope. Obviously not.
"Gambino? As in..."
Justice made his peace with it days ago.
"Yes."
Rey got his wits together for the follow-up.
"He's in Joliet."
It had to be said. Justice and Jason give Faith's hook at the same time.
"But they never found his money."
Caroline hasn't said a word since they moved on from apartment shopping and doesn't have much to say except,
"Wow."
They can't ask any questions about the private family matters between the others but it's a valid concern. Rey knows its his responsibility.
"Not to cross any personal lines but does her resume have anything to do with the current situation?"
Jason isn't mad. He's not going into any details nor is the matter up for discussion as far as he's concerned and he knows Justice feels the same way.
"No."
Justice settles it.
"She's clean and free. And, she's my little sister."
Jason felt compelled to add his equivalent of 'yeah' with a few more words.
"And my cousin."
That was the last word on the subject. Justice and Jason made eye contact then got up and left. The others didn't wonder or try to guess. They were pretty certain they went to work out the particulars of their secret plan. Once they were gone the others sat quietly for a few minutes then Caroline finally had something to say.
"Gambino intrusted all his money to a 20 year old? How good is she?"
Rey's still getting over the shock but comments.
"Well, now that I think about it, he didn't go up on finance charges and the feds couldn't confiscate a penny not even a car or a piece of property. They couldn't even connect a nickel to organized crime. Taxes either. If he hadn't been careless, bragging on tape about ordering those hits and a few other things, they never would have caught him."
Caroline is still stuck on the other thing. She knows she's young and started young but she had a teacher. And hits are different than the IRS, FBI, SEC, and all the other Alphabet Boys down in Washington she had to get around.
"But a 20 year old?"
"Harvard MBA at 20. I guess that means something."
Rey and Caroline turn to Johnny with that.
"You checked her out?"
"I'm not stupid and I don't have a death wish. Its more than obvious that when it comes to Faith, Justice and Jason are serious about her privacy and protection. I knew she and Jason were close from when we were still working for Sonny and he'd take off during the time she was in town to spend it with her. Only time he ever requested—well more like demanded—any time off. I just didn't realize how close until recently, that's all. Nor did I ever meet or see her before she walked into this room a few days ago. Jason was 100% unreachable when she was around and he didn't bring her around.
I didn't check her out. I....glanced when I was trying to figure out how to work some security changes and put things into place for her the way Jason wanted. These guards are special. I just wanted to make sure there wouldn't be a problem with them connecting."
Sounds reasonable but Rey wants to be certain.
"Is that all?"
"Basically. All I know is that she looks phenomenal on paper. Never would I have guessed the Gambino angle. Guess that's part of the reason."
Then Johnny stopped for a minute.
"He REALLY is running a family business!"
The others laugh at that and the tension is broken.
Vinnie knew something was up. He didn't have a clue what but his senses were primed for anything. They had to be in his business. Ever since the Ashton's went to the Harborview Towers something was off. Both were quiet the entire way home and it was a deep and sad quiet. They held hands in the limo and went inside their apartment without a good night to anyone. The next morning, Ned called him up and went over some of the particulars of security changes when it came to his cousin. Then he said Francis would be coming by to work with him on the rest. That really made him pay attention. Something must be up for Morgan to have Ned make changes for his little sister. The kid came over several times. Spent the night a couple of times and there wasn't any problem. Still, he'd work with it. And, he'd keep careful watch. After what Morgan pulled off, Vinnie wasn't about to take anything Francis said lightly. Learning the changes weren't for Morgan's kid sister but Ward's was a surprise. Learning that her last name was Quartermaine was even more of a surprise. That group seemed like they couldn't change their name from Quartermaine fast enough.
That was three days ago. Vinnie was not prepared for Faith Quartermaine or the guards who came with her. Four. Two male and all wise. Two female and...Vinnie wasn't sure. All the guys at the Riverside Towers wanted to know the deal on that one. But, they had clear orders from Vinnie on how things played out for Faith Quartermaine. Two guards stayed on post in the lobby, two went upstairs. One waited in the hall the other went inside and stayed the entire time. Before that happened they threw out a few surprises.
Both women wore ear pieces for communication. One waited in the lobby while the other came upstairs with Faith and a male guard. Vinnie wondered if they were retired Secret Service or something. For anyone else, that would be fine. For Jason Morgan that would be suicidally stupid. Nobody thought he was stupid. All three women were knock outs. It was really going to be nice when they came around. Or so a few of them thought. Once they stepped off the elevator Sibbioan spoke to one of the guards in the hall while keeping Faith between her and Tony.
"How many people are in that apartment?"
The question surprised him but he guessed he understood. He didn't.
"Just the Ashtons."
All this was being recorded in the main security room but Vinnie, Ned and Lois were watching from the monitor inside their penthouse. Sibbioan wasn't satisfied. She reached into the fold of her jacket and pulled out something that looked like a palm pilot then faced the apartment. After a few seconds, she backed up the others toward the elevator without a word and pushed the button without turning around. The guard was confused.
"What's the problem?"
"There are two adult males, one adult female and one female child in that apartment. That is one too many people by your assessment. We are leaving."
Ned turned to Lois. Lois turned to Vinnie. But Vinnie turned to Ned,
"I want one of whatever that thing is she has."
Lois jumped up and opened the door. She wasn't stupid enough to rush out into the hall, though. The red head looked like she just might be able to take her.
"Its ok guys. Vinnie is in here with me and Ned. I guess the guards don't count each other. Sorry. I'm Lois."
Sibbioan knew who she was, she had pictures of all the legitimate family. As the Ashtons were the only ones not living at the Harborview who were on the safe list, it was easy to memorize the list.
Vinnie came out in the hall along with Ned. Crisis averted, Sibbioan nodded and moved forward.
Faith didn't say anything. She was rolling with it because the three women already had their meeting in the ladies' room on what was needed and the best way to meld all three of their styles together in order to keep her safe. She had no problem with that. Faith knew Jason and Justice were secretly working on a way to find out whatever Edward had on her and get it before he had a chance to speak to her. She also knew that was difficult for them because they were keeping everything a secret from the others so Jason wasn't using any of his usual sources to find out. And, really, it happened 6 years ago. There's no way to know who Edward's watchers in Miami were or what they did with the evidence without asking him. She didn't think they were going to ask him. Faith was going to do her part and help get Tracy & Soleto out of everybody's way. It really wouldn't do for Edward to have a partner.
Lois and Faith settled down in front of the computers while Ned passed out a few files and a spread sheet.
"So far, we've been able to trace back 8 different Tracy attempts at getting to the company through Soleto. Most of her success with stalling projects has been in New York state but there might be others we aren't aware of without knowing the full extent of his territory and influence."
Faith is nodding to this. She and Ned talked about some of his suspicions and his general game plan a few days ago. Then she busied herself trying to track stock purchases.
"Ok, Jason is tracing all his money."
"Why?"
"Because it leads to all his businesses in reverse. Not the way—traditional corporate enterprises work but it's the same general principle if you know what you're looking at and for."
Lois and Ned make eye contact then turn it on her.
"There were quite a few elective courses at Harvard. I got a well rounded education."
That was all she was going to say on the matter. They should have been suspicious but 1) it was Faith and 2) She smiled. They smiled.
"Anyway, he'll have someone give you the report. I'm thinking that someone is going to be me since I live across the hall. Stock purchase is tricky. I can trace everything that has been publically sold in the last 18 months. But, you know her better than I so you'll have to give me some insight into what she would try as a shield."
Lois agrees and adds her take on things.
"Ned and I agree with Jason that she has or will use his money for the purchase. But, this is Tracy we're talking about. She's not going to let him get his hands on ELQ shares. Defeats her purpose. So, she had to figure out a way around him with ownership. The excuse of not wanting it tied to his business is legit but the man can't be completely stupid. She had to work it somehow that he feels or thinks its his from the papers."
Faith sits quietly turning that over in her mind. Most business managers in the business operate the same way. Sure, everyone has their own individual style but the basics haven't changed in 60 years. And the feds haven't changed the way they investigate the money in the same amount of time. That's why she was so successful with cleaning up Gambino's money and hiding it in plain sight. Of course she hid a lot of it under rocks and sholes in case he needed a fast get away. Too bad the man didn't get away. Oh well.
But Faith Quartermaine didn't operate like most of them. Things made sense to her differently and she always was a little different that others so she turned it into a strength and it eventually paid off. Finally,
"I need to see any holding company or subsidiary of ELQ operating industrial transport or commercial shipping out of..."
She closes her eyes for a few moments then reopens and continues speaking as if she never stopped.
"South Carolina, Oregon, Taiwan, Greece, Louisiana, and Cuba."
Pieces of what she just said made sense to both Lois and Ned for different reasons. Because of their understanding of the two different business worlds. Combined they didn't have a clue. Then Ned picks up on something.
"U.S. has a trade embargo with Cuba. Its illegal to conduct business with them. Has been since Castro."
Faith exhaled and rolled her eyes.
"Thank you for quoting from the ELQ brochure and handbook. The State Department and FTC would be happy to know that. Now, get me the information so I can start working."
Then she cracked up laughing. Ned couldn't help it and joined in.
"Fine, but I better not see this later."
"Yeah, yeah."
Lois understands the states and countries Faith quoted but still has a question.
"Why not Jersey or Maine?"
"Because I'm trying to think like Tracy Quartermaine. I know, it hurts so I won't do it for long. She wouldn't be able to get around the back door resale of the stock purchase in either of those places. Whatever her specific strategy, she needs to deal with those states and countries consistently. She needs to do a considerable amount of tinkering with his business and books in those areas. Her fingerprints will be all over his sheets and the accountants will be so confused they won't see how she papered the deal until its all over. And, I'm thinking those companies are the ones that are distracting his people enough because they're making a profit from whatever deal she set up."
Lois nodded because it made perfect sense to her. There was just something a little too familiar with what Faith said. Then again, she is one of those corporate types who definitely knows her stuff so Lois let's that go. They had a lot of work to do. Faith was hoping Emily came up with something soon.