Chapter 12

Disconnecting the call he had been eavesdropping on, Mac handed the cellphone back to Zander.

"Ok, I have work to do now."

"Wait a minute, Mac. We're not done yet. We need to make another call in about 5 minutes."

"Who?"

"Alexis wants to talk to you before you go back to the precinct."

"Ok." After 5 minutes had passed Zander gave him the number and he called Alexis.

"Alexis, Mac here. You want your detective badge now or later?"

Laughing softly at his joke she paused and got back down to business.

"We are still off the record right, Mac?"

"Yeah, for now. But, you have to know that I am going after this guy with everything I've got."

Placing her hand on her heart she thought of Kristina.

"Mac, I know that cop mind of yours is processing all kinds of angles right now on how to go about getting this guy. I am asking you to stop for a moment and listen to me. Roy is meeting with Sonny this evening and they are going to agree to a truce for the sole purpose of taking Alcazar down. I want you at that meeting, but I want you there as a citizen, not as the police commissioner. This guy has to be taken down legally and right now Sonny and Roy are in gangster mode. Can you do that for me, Mac? Can you trust me enough to believe that I know more about the men involved than you do? I know how Sonny's mind works and I know enough about Roy to be sure of him as well. I am asking you to trust me, Mac? Trust me with the lives of Felicia, Maxie and Georgie."

Hearing the resolve in her voice he remembered all the times she had stood in the police department defending her clients with the same resolve he was hearing now. He also remembered that her caseload win/loss ratio was higher than any other lawyer in the country and that was with a mobster as a client.

"Let me know what time and I'll be there."

"And Mac, don't worry about getting Felicia to me. She's at Wyndemere now waiting for me. Nicholas called her for me. She's safe there Mac."

"Thanks, Alexis. I should have known you would take care of her."

"One more thing, Mac. Keep Taggert away from all of this. Keep him away from Sonny. We don't need him antagonizing Sonny every chance he gets. There is too much at stake and we are going to have enough on our hands dealing with the egos that are already involved here."

Hearing the sarcasm in her voice he laughed.

"You have my word. I think Taggert is due for a vacation anyway."

"Thanks, Mac. Let me talk to Zander a minute."

Passing the phone to Zander, Mac slapped him on the back and left.

"Hey, you ok?"

Listening closely to her voice Zander tried to figure out how she was doing. She must be exhausted by now and he wanted to make sure she wasn't upset as well.

"Hi, Zander. I'm fine. It's been a pretty full day. How are you doing?"

"I'm great. You know, that Mac is a pretty decent guy when he's not playing cop."

"He's a pretty decent guy even when he is playing cop. Okay, you ready for the next step? Still in this with me?"

"All the way. We're partners aren't we?"

Zander was having trouble with that lump in his throat again. Damn women. Alexis meant more to him than anyone else and he would do anything for her now.

"Ok, you have to talk to Sonny now. Tell him the plan and what we discussed. Tell him Mac will arrive first, then Roy. Make sure the cellphone is on when you enter Sonny's. Wear a shirt with a pocket on front so the cellphone will have a clear reception. When it's over meet me back at the apartment for a late supper. You might want to stop and pick up something at Kelly's unless you want to practice your cooking skills some more."

Chuckling with her he replied.

"Not on your life. I refuse to be turned into a glorified hash slinger even for you. I have plans for my life now."

"Well, that sounds interesting. You'll have to tell me about it over take-out this evening. See you then... Hey partner, take care of yourself out there and I love you."

"Yeah, right." Blushing profusely Zander turned off his cellphone and headed to Sonny's place.

______________

"Johnny, if you're going to be my bodyguard you're going to have to show yourself this time. Johnny?"

Alexis had reached the launch that would take her to Wyndemere. Smiling to herself she could imagine the dilemma Johnny found himself facing at that moment. He was on strict orders to stay out of sight, but he couldn't very well tail her while she was on a boat. Taking pity on him and knowing she needed to keep her baby safe, she called to him.

"Hello, Ms. Davis. You had me going there for a moment. But, you knew that didn't you?"

"Yeah, I couldn't resist. You've done very well staying out of my way. I'm sure your boss is aware of my every move though, right?"

"No, ma'am. I have orders to keep you safe, not tattle on your whereabouts. He doesn't know you went to see Roy."

"I know I'm crossing a line here, but will you give me your word that you will keep it between us. I've placed myself in the middle of a war that could cost me even more than it already has, but I don't have a choice here. If you are going to shadow me, I need to know I can trust you to keep my movements confidential."

She was a classy lady. He had always admired her. She didn't back down from anyone or anything. She fought for what she believed in and he respected her. She stood loyal to his boss on countless occasions and all she got in return was a dead sister. He knew he was crossing a line himself, but he didn't like the way she had been treated. She didn't deserve it.

"Ms. Davis, you have my complete loyalty. What you do stays between us. Whatever you need, just ask."

Briefly touching his arm she smiled.

"Thanks, Johnny. You know, my sister liked you. Always thought you were real cute."

Watching him turn beet red she laughed openly and without reserve for the first time since Kristina died.

"Come on you big softy, let's go. I have a friend to meet."