If Tomorrow Never Comes

Chapter 15

Carly looked around her cell, feeling it start to close in. She hadn't thought she'd be back in the lock-up once Alexis got here but Taggert wanted, no, needed to be a bastard so here she was again. She looked down at her bond hands. The ass didn't even have the decency to take the things off. She heard the door to the lock-up open and prayed it was Alexis. She couldn't take much more of the Lieutenant tonight. Taking a deep breath, Carly turned around. Her breath caught in her throat when she saw Sonny.

Sonny watched her silently, taking in her bloodshot eyes and the tension in her body. Carly immediately relaxed when she saw him sending her a smile. He walked over to the cell, reaching his hand through the bars. "Hey, babe."

"Hey, this is a first, huh?"

"And a last if I have anything to say about it." Sonny replied, massaging her wrists soothingly. "Can you take this damn things off her?"

The young policeman came toward the bars. He pulled out his key and quickly undid Carly's handcuffs.

Sonny's eyes widened at the welts they'd caused in her skin. He was going to kill Taggert.

"It's okay, baby." Carly reached through the bar holding his face in her hands. "Don't give him the satisfaction." Sonny smiled, and leaned in. Carly smiled in spite of it all and kissed him through the bars. She pulled back after a minute. "I should get arrested more often."

"Not funny."

"Sorry." She pulled her hands out of his, stepping away from the cell door. "I hate this." Carly hugged herself tightly, keeping in constant motion. The damn room was starting to get to her.

"Carly?"

Carly stopped her pacing to look at Sonny. He was watching her with an intense expression. He reached his hand through the bars again. Carly glanced down at it, noticing how it shook slightly. Tears filled her eyes and she ran to the door, grabbing his hand. "It's okay, Son. I'm okay."

"When...when Johnny got that call I thought...I thought you were..." He wouldn't meet her eyes and she cursed the bars, wanting to wrap him in her arms. Sonny looked up, the tears shining in his eyes. "God, baby, I was so afraid." He reached his hand and clasped the back of her head. Their foreheads touched through the bars. "I can't lose you, Caroline."

"You won't. I promise."

Dara Jensen walked through the station doors a look of disgust on her face. /What the hell was wrong with Taggert?/ She looked into the squad room taking in the scene in front of her. Alexis and Luke were taking turns sending Taggert evil glances. Zander Smith was standing near them avoiding eye contact with Emily who seemed intent on staring at him until she got his attention. Nik and Gia were standing at a corner looking amused at it all. Ned was talking to Mac and completely oblivious to the daggers that Sonny's guard, Johnny was sending his way. She shook her head, taking a deep breath in preparation. "Gentlemen, counselor, everyone."

Alexis stopped glaring at Taggert and rushed over to Dara, grabbing her briefcase on the way. Luke watched her go, walking over to Zander who was glad for the diversion. Emily was starting to break down his defenses. He glanced at Luke who motioned his head in Alexis' direction. The two consolers seemed in deep discussion and the entire room quieted a bit hoping to over hear whatever it was they were saying. They came to a quick agreement and walked towards Mac and Ned.

"You think she can get Carly out tonight?" Zander asked Luke who had worried expression on his face.

"I don't know kid. Let's hope so."

"She hates it in there." Zander said quietly drawing Luke's attention.

"Nobody likes it down there, Zander."

"No Luke. She really hates it down there. She was scared. I haven't known Carly for very long but I don't think she's usually scared. Is she?" Zander glanced at Luke's face, reading the answer to his question on the older man's face. "I didn't think so." Luke patted him on the shoulder and walked over to Alexis. He was going to get Carly out if he had to bust her out himself.

Zander watched the group quietly from his corner. Emily joined Ned and Alexis, trying to help get him and Carly released. He sat down on the corner of the desk. His mind wondered back to Carly.

"Do you think Emily will be able to get in touch with Sonny?" Zander asked Carly, watching her pace the floor of her cell. He knew he needed to keep her talking. She was freaking out but trying to hide it for his sake.

"She'll try." Carly replied, wringing her hands together and taking another deep breath. She had to keep herself calm. Zander was just a kid. She needed to be the adult in the situation. Emily would find Sonny and he'd get Alexis. They'd be out of here before she knew it. But what if Sonny couldn't find Alexis? Or Emily couldn't find Sonny? No. No. She'd find them. Standing in the middle of the room, she closed her eyes and breathed deeply. Zander watched her closely seeing the fear she was hiding pass over her face. "Carly?"

"Hmm?" she replied absently, concentrating on her breathing.

"What'cha doing?"

"Breathing exercises. Johnny taught me."

"Really?"

"Yeah. His yoga teacher told him-"

"Johnny takes yoga?"

Carly's eyes opened when she heard the laugh in Zander's voice. She smiled in spite of the situation. "Don't laugh. It comes in handy." She came to the bars that joined their cells. "You want to try?"

Zander gave her an incredulous look. "Me? Yoga?"

Carly rolled her eyes. "Oh for God's sakes, Zander. It's not like I'm telling you to twist your body into a pretzel or anything. It's just breathing, come on." Carly sat on the floor, her legs crossed in Indian style. She looked up at Zander expectantly. "Well?"

Zander held back a groan. This seemed to take her mind off their troubles. Anything to keep that look out of her eyes. "Sure." He sat on the floor facing her and imitidiated her stance. "Okay, what do I do?"

Carly nodded, closing her eyes and placing her hands on her knees. "First you need to clear your mind." She opened one eye and grinned at him. "Shouldn't be too hard for you."

"Oh. That's how it's going to be." Zander smiled, closing his eyes, doing as she asked.

"All right. Now, breathe in through your nose and out of you mouth. Three times quickly then hold in a breath letting it out slowly. Just keep repeating." Carly began, letting Zander see how it was done. He followed suit and the two sat there for 10 minutes in silence except for their breathing. Zander heard Carly move and opened his eyes as she contorted her legs. She opened her eyes and switched legs. "Sorry but I'm a little tense." She unfolded herself and got to her feet. "I think I've tortured you enough."

"That wasn't so bad. Pretty impressive moves there, Carrie. Not that I'm surprised what with all the nightly aerobics that go on in your bedroom." He laughed when Carly's mouth opened in shock. "That's what you get for screwing with me." She threw her pillow at him before joining his laughter.

"I'm glad to see you two enjoying your stay with us." Taggert appeared at the doorway to the holding pin. Carly and Zander stopped laughing. "Mr. Smith, your presence is wanted in the interrogation room." He moved to open Zander door, pulling Zander out roughly.

"Hey watch it, Taggert." Carly hissed, her hands clenched at her sides.

Taggert smirked at her, shoving at Zander again. "Don't worry you're pretty little head. You're next."

Carly caught Zander's attention and sent him a silent warning to keep quiet. He nodded in understanding, Carly's gaze returned to Taggert and she sneered, "I still haven't gotten my phone call Taggert."

"As soon as I have a moment, Ms. Benson." He retorted walking out before Carly could reply. Zander looked over his shoulder seeing that look return almost immediately.

Shouting from Luke brought him back to the present. Zander stared at the door he'd seen Sonny escorted to. He hoped he could help Carly out. He turned his attention back to the front. Emily was making her way to him. He sat up straight. "Go away, Emily."

"I'm not leaving Zander."

Zander closed his eyes, praying for inner strength. He looked Emily in the face, his resolve weakening when she reached out to caress his face. He pushed her hand away. "I don't need you."

Emily hesitated at his cold spoken words. He turned to face her a chilling look in his eyes." You're not helping. The last thing I need is a spoiled richie getting in the way of the of Alexis job. Go home. That's where you belong."

Emily searched Zander's eyes, hoping to find any sign of affection or warmth but he simply stared back blankly. Before she could speak again Alexis grabbed Zander's hand. "I'm sorry. I got Carly released but they won't let you out without a judge's orders. We need to wait for bail to be set." Alexis gave them an apologetic look.

Zander smiled at her warmly, trying to reassure her. "It's okay, Alexis. As long as you got Carly out I can handle it."

"It'll only be a few days. I promise."

Zander nodded as a police officer approached him to lead him back downstairs. "Thank you, Alexis" He turned to Emily the cold look returning to his face. "Goodbye, Emily." Without waiting for her response he let the officer lead him back down to lock-up.

Alexis sensed the tension between the two and turned to Emily. She saw the hurt look on the young girl's face. "Emily are you okay?"

Emily stared hard after Zander. "Prefectly alright."

Luke had rushed down to where they were holding Carly. He wanted to be the one to bring her the good news. He stopped at the entrance to the holding pen, watching Carly and Sonny. Sonny was holding onto Carly's hand, bringing it to his lips often. Luke moved his gaze to his niece seeing the love in her eyes as she looked at Sonny. He smiled to himself. /These two are completely gone./ Clearing his throat loudly he made his way into the room. "Well. Well. I got to say Caroline you seem to get arrested more often than I do and that's saying a lot."

Carly looked up at her uncle's voice trying unsuccessfully to hide a smile of happiness at seeing him. "Now, don't go exaggerating there Uncle because you know that's not humanly possible."

Sonny watched carefully as Luke came to stand beside him. When Sonny didn't move Luke shoved at him. "Can I please get a chance to comfort my niece?"

"Go ahead."

"Well, let me hold her hand or something."

"She's got another one."

Carly laughed at the two men in her life. It felt pretty damn good to be fought over. She reached her other hand out and took Luke's hand in hers. "Thank you, Luke."

Luke smiled wickedly at her, then reached his other hand over to Sonny and squeezed his shoulder. Sonny smiled at the friendly gesture.

"I got some news."

Sonny and Carly's smiles faded. "Jesus, let me rephrase that. I got some good news."

He paused dramatically causing Sonny to roll his eyes. "Spit it out, old man."

"Okay. Mrs. Corinthos you are free to go."

Sonny closed his eyes sending up a silent prayer. Carly looked at Luke judging his seriousness. "Really?"

"Really."

"Oh thank you, God."

Luke moved aside to let the police officer that has been standing behind him open the door. Carly bounded out running into her husband's arms. Sonny held her tightly, breathing in her scent. He pulled back, his hand running through her silky hair. She smiled up at him and brought her lips up to hers. Luke and Officer Harris stood together uncomfortably. After a minute Luke lost patience. "Alright already." Carly and Sonny smiled as they kissed pulling apart reluctantly. "Sorry."

"It's alright. I kind of understand." Luke shuddered visibly making Sonny and Carly laugh. "You can thank me later."

"Thank you?"

"Who do you think got you out of here?"

"Alexis." Sonny and Carly replied in unison.

"Yeah but my yelling annoyed them into listening to her." Luke smiled as he headed for the door. His smile fell when he saw Zander being escorted into the holding pen. "What the hell happened? I thought Alexis got you out."

Zander smiled faintly. "No such luck. Alexis can only work one miracle at a time." Zander glanced past at Sonny and Carly. "Besides I'm glad she got Carly out. I can handle this." He looked back at Luke who was staring at him proudly. He put his hand on Zander's shoulder. "We're going get you out before you know it." With that Luke headed upstairs to find out what Alexis had up her sleeve.

Zander let the guard lead him to his cell. He stopped in front of Carly and Sonny when Carly took his hand. "You'll be out before you know it."

Zander hugged Carly quickly before turning to Sonny and offering him his hand. "Thanks for everything, Sonny."

Sonny looked down at Zander's hand. He reached out and pulled the young man into a brotherly hug. Zander clung on tightly, the tears threatening to fall. He pulled away when Sonny loosened his grip. "I promise you I'll get you out."

Zander looked at the two people in front of him. They treated him like he was important. Before Sonny and Carly he hadn't realized what a family really was. In his mind they were like family. He stared at them for a second. Sonny and Carly treated him more like their son then his own parents ever had. "Thank you. You don't owe me anything."

Sonny clasped the boy's shoulder. He looked at Carly who was on the verge of tears. She reached out and brushed back the hair that fell over Zander eyes. "Don't you know? You're ours now."

Sonny nodded at that. "You're family. We take care of our family."

Zander was moved speechless. He hugged them both. When they pulled away he waved them off knowing that Carly was beyond exhausted. "I'll see you guys tomorrow." Sonny took his cue and pulled Carly away. "Let's go babe."

Carly kissed Zander on the cheek before following Sonny out of the pen. Zander watched them go. Officer Harris opened the cell door, leading Zander in. The last thing Carly and Sonny heard as they walked away was the deafening clang of the cell door as it closed.

Luke waited patiently for Alexis to finish chewing out Taggert. He watched Carly and Sonny come up from the holding pen as Alexis walked out of the office slamming the door loudly behind her. She caught Johnny staring at her and stopped her body reacted against her will. Taking a deep breath to control the unusual wave of desire she made her way over to Sonny and Carly followed by Luke. "You okay, Carly?" She asked as she reached the couple.

"I've been better. Thanks, Alexis. I owe you big." Carly pulled the attorney into a warm hug.

Luke held back the laugh at the look on Alexis face. Alexis returned it after a moment pulling back slowly. "It's my job."

"Well you did a great one." Sonny said, taking his turn at hugging Alexis who blushed at the attention. Sonny excused himself heading off to the corner for a minute Alexis watched him approach an officer before she felt arms on her waist. She was twirled around in a flourish. Luke hugged her to him before pulling back and kissing her solidly on the mouth. Alexis stood frozen shocked at Luke's actions. "What do you have to thank me for?"

"Oh nothing, Natasha. Just thought I'd take advantage of the freebies."

Before Alexis could respond Johnny came to stand by the group. He hugged Carly briefly before turning to Sonny who had rejoined them. "We should get going." He looked intently at Alexis before turning to walk out to the car. Sonny and Carly bade her goodbye and followed eager to get home. Alexis turned to Luke who was watching her closely. "What?"

"Nothing. Just thought I'd wait for you."

"That's really sweet Luke but Ned is here." She pointed in the direction of her fiancée.

"Alright. Then, we'll talk later. Good night." He walked away but paused halfway out the room. "Hey?"

Alexis turned to look at him. "What?"

"Thanks for what you did for my little niece tonight. It means a lot."

Alexis smiled surprised at Luke's love for his niece. "Careful, Luke, you're soul's showing."

Luke smiled in response. "Only to you, Tasha." He winked and tossed his leather jacket over his shoulder as he strutted out the door leaving an amused Alexis behind. Ned came to stand behind her wrapping her up in his arms. "Ready to go home."

"Yes. Let's get Emily. Where is she?" Alexis looked around the room finding Emily talking to a guard. Emily turned and walked back to them grabbing her jacket on the way. "We can go now."

Ned nodded and escorted them both out the doors. No one saw the figure that lurked in the shadows. His gaze held on Emily briefly before focusing on Alexis. He knew Alexis might be a problem. Taking a cigarette out of his pocket he lit it, taking a big puff he let the smoke enter his lungs burning away some of the rage. He would have to watch Alexis. If she got in his way he's have to take care of her. Inhaling another drag of smoke he tossed on the floor, walking away into the darkness behind him.

Zander tossed and turned on the mat. He was used to his bed at the penthouse. He missed being there. He looked at his watch. It was only midnight. He felt like he'd been there days. Right now Carly would have been sneaking a peek into his room to make sure he was asleep. He smiled at the thought. She always did that. Emily's face crossed through his mind and he shoved it out refusing to think about her right now. Damn it. How could he have fallen for someone so not meant for him? He heard the door to the pen open and turned to see who it was. It was Officer Harris. He swung his legs around sitting up on the bed. The guard had a glass in his hand.

"What's that?"

" It's warm milk to help you sleep. Your father asked me to give it to you." The young cop shoved the glass through the bars.

"My father?" Zander asked astonished. He looked around the cell nervously.

"Mr. Corinthos." Officer Harris announced making Zander relax. He almost laughed. That was funny. Only Sonny would make me drink milk when I was locked up, he thought shaking his head. He reached for the glass taking a piece of paper along with it.

"Hey..." he began waving the paper at the officer but he was already out the door.

He set the milk down on the table and opened up the folded paper. He stared at the words until they blurred. He threw it on the floor and walked to the bed, drinking his milk as he sat on it. His eyes fell to the paper on the floor, the words illuminated by the moonlight filtering through the cell window:

I love you. Emily.