Chapter Ten: Risking It All
Lorenzo checked the time on his watch before exiting out of the P.C. hospital elevators. It read eight o'clock sharp and he wanted to see Courtney before she checked out.
"Excuse me, can you tell me if Ms. Matthew's is still checked in?"
"Oh, no sir, she checked out late last night. The doctor didn't advise it but she insisted, so they released her with a doctor's warning."
"I see. Thank you" Lorenzo smiled briefly, he was disappointed she didn't let him know this last night. "I suppose she is back at her house"
"Looking for Ms. Bunnycottontail?"
"What now, Faith?" Lorenzo asked folding his arms.
"What, I'm not wanted?" Faith joked. "Okay, so he doesn't laugh" She said under her breath. "I was just passing through as usual, looking for people like you to bother. Have you considered my offer yet?"
"Faith. I'm no longer dealing. Find somebody else to do your filthy work. I'm through with it" Lorenzo answered, walking past her.
"Whoa whoa, whoa. Hold on a second. You, Mr. High and Mighty. Not working the business anymore? You're pulling my leg aren't you. Ah, so you are funny after all" Faith bit her lip and pointed.
"I'm being my most serious" Lorenzo replied.
"Eheh. You are serious. Well, that's okay. I'm sure everyone will take the news lightly. NOT. Too bad, you could have had so much more then you already do" Faith shrugged and turned around leaving.
"I already have everything I want, Faith. Something you won't ever experience" Lorenzo finished and was out of sight by the time she turned around.
-
Knock Knock
"Who is it?" Courtney asked on the couch reading her magazine.
"It's Carly! I got you some surprises"
Courtney smiled and got up off of the couch to answer the door.
"Hey Carly"
"Courts" Carly hugged her best friend and let herself in. "You look great, girl!"
"Thanks, I feel great. So what's up?" Courtney shut her door.
"Well, you remember that new movie that just came out last week? I got it! I also got you some goodies, and some more magazines, you're probably way behind. I also brought this" Carly handed it to her.
"What's this?" Courtney held it and looked back at Carly.
"It's a memory book, of you and Jason. I made it last night. It's all of the pictures I kept of you guys, from the very first outings, your wedding, all the good times" Carly smiled pleased with herself.
"Gee, thanks Carly. You didn't have to do this" Courtney sighed, and tried to pass off a real smile.
"Did I upset you? I'm sorry, Courts. I thought it would make you happy" Carly frowned.
"I like it, we had some good memories together. But, their all over, and we're not getting back together, Carly. Thank you for making this anyway" Courtney placed the book down.
"Well, hey, we don't have to talk about that. We can talk about anything you want. Anything you feel like talking about" Carly grinned.
"Um, how are things with the boys and everything?" Courtney asked sitting.
Carly rolled her eyes, obviously things haven't been so smooth around the Corintho's place. What else was new. "The boys are great. They miss you. Um, everything is pretty much the same. I'm glad Michael is happy though. All that matters to me is that my kids stay happy, and of course, my best friend"
"Carly, I want you to be happy too. Your not. You have way too much time on your hands trying to make me happy when you arent" Courtney explained.
"I'm fine. You know, I want the boys to be happy, as long as I stay with Sonny they are. I can't do that to them. Me and Sonny are really trying to work things out. It's hard, yes, but we deal with it." Carly shrugged.
Courtney shook her head in disgust of Sonny. "You know, I really didn't want to bring this up. But, I really wish Sonny wouldn't stay mad at me. It's killing me. I just hope he can get over it soon"
"Courts, he will. You know Sonny, he takes forever to get over things. He can't stay mad at you and he wont. I promise. I know Sonny more than anyone. Don't worry about that, okay?" Carly patted her leg.
Courtney nodded. "So, how about that movie?"
"I'll get the junk food!" Carly jumped up.
"Great, I'll get the movie ready" Courtney smiled and prepared everything.
Knock Knock.
"I'll get it!" Courtney called.
"Good Morning" Lorenzo greeted.
"Lorenzo, hey. Um, now is not a good time. Carly is here. I'm sorry" Courtney answered regretfully.
"I understand. It's quite alright. You and Carly have a great evening. I'll see you when you are ready to come back to work. I am so happy to see you doing good. " Lorenzo sincerely replied giving her a quick tenderhearted hug.
Courtney was undoubtedly surprised by this tenderness he was showing her. She responded back hesitantly and returned a friendly pat on the back.
"Bye" Courtney said, diverting her eyes from his somewhat disappointed gaze. She shut the door slowly just in time before Carly entered the room.
"Who was that?" she asked stuffing her already full mouth.
"You don't want to know. Let's just get the movie started" Courtney shifted from the door onto the couch.
What was he thinking. What the hell was he doing. Isn't it obvious enough he was falling for Courtney. No, he couldn't think of her like this. Not right now, it was too soon. He was letting his own emotions and feelings get the best of him. He finally pulled away from her door, placing one hand in his fine business attire and the other on his stubbled face. Lorenzo had to think.
"So where'd you get that cute tanktop, Courts? I love it." Carly complimented, taking a sip of her drink.
"Oh this, I don't know. Probably at that little fashion shop down the road. You should check it out, you would love some of the summer clothes there" Courtney agreed with herself while chowing down on some popcorn.
"Oh, count on it" Carly smacked.
"Is this the guy?"
"No, the one with the hair is the guy. Isn't he fricken butt-ugly. God, I should have picked up something else" Carly rolled her eyes, finishing up the popcorn.
"Carly" Courtney laughed. "That's mean. The poor guy got burned, and now he has to deal with his cheating wife. How hard would that be, for anyone. I like the movie" Courtney replied smiling.
"Well, good. At least you like it. Do you want anymore popcorn, there's plenty" Carly stood up, waving the empty bowl around.
"Sure, why not" Courtney answered, crossing her legs Indian style.
As she waited, she immediately recalled the moment ago with Lorenzo. Maybe she just wasn't prepared for his arms all over her, or maybe she just thought it was strange to hug the guy. After all they were just friends, as weird as it sounded. It was a friendship hug. Courtney's thoughts were interrupted before she could dwell on them any longer.
"Hey, whatcha thinking about?" Carly asked holding a fresh bag of popcorn.
"Nothing. Just daydreaming" Courtney lied.
"Uh huh, It's okay, you don't have to tell me" Carly hinted.
"Lorenzo stopped by not to long ago, I told him it was a bad time, so I sent him away" Courtney revealed. "Look Carly, there's nothing to get upset over, he just wanted to know how I was doing. That's all. Can we continue with the movie now?" Courtney asked annoyed.
"Gee, I didn't say anything. I wasn't going to anyway" Carly eyed her, handing her the popcorn.
Courtney looked back at her, knowing she would have said something if she didn't speak soon enough.
"Let's try to enjoy the rest of the day, just you and me"
"Okay, this is us enjoying the day" Carly agreed.
-
3 whole hours had passed after Carly finally had to get home to her kids. Courtney was somewhat relieved, because she wanted to be by herself awhile, who wouldn't with Carly around?
"I'll call you later" Courtney said at her door.
"You better, I want to know if your going to be okay by yourself? Carly asked concerned.
"Yes, Carly. I will be okay by myself. Besides, I need to be by myself for a while. This has been a crazy week. I just need some time alone, that's all. I will call you later though" Courtney smiled.
"Okay, talk to you later" Carly declared.
Courtney yawned and shut her door locking it. She plopped down on the couch and laid sideways staring at the wall. It wasn't long before her eyes shut and she drifted off into a deep sleep. She slept peacefully, something she hadn't done in a long good while. She wished she had more naps like this one.
Her slumber was soon interrupted by a picking at her lock. She turned over on her other side and moaned. The noise stopped so she thought nothing of it and drifted off back to sleep.
The door slowly opened, squeaking a bit, and closed softly. The masked man held a tank in one hand and a rag in the other. Slowly and carefully walking over to her on the sofa, not to disturb her, he placed the venomous rag over her mouth. Before she could open her eyes, the chemical had set in and she was knocked out instantly.
The man walked over the other end of her loft and started throwing the gasoline filled tank around the place. He made sure he didn't miss one inch before standing by her front door to light the match. Before lighting it he looked back at Courtney. "This is for you, Alcazar" he mumbled and lit the match setting the loft on fire quickly. His work was done.
Flames engulfed the entire loft within 5minutes. Witnesses nearby called the P.C. firedepartment, and gave them the address. They were there in seconds. Most of the police officers had showed up at the scene, calling for backup and more available units.
"This looks like Courtney's place" Lucky worried. "Get the hell in there and put that fire out now" "
Hey, I see someone over here" one of the fireman said through his mask.
"We have someone in here. We're bringing the suspect out" the second one announced.
"What the hell is going on here?" Lorenzo asked looking at the flames.
"This is Courtney's house, let me through now damnit. Let me through" he demanded trying to get past Lucky and the other officers.
"No, it's too dangerous. We have fireman in there now doing everything they can to put out the fire. We don't know if Courtney is in there or not" Lucky declared.
"She was home over 3 hours ago, she had no plans to leave!" Lorenzo shouted.
"Oh my God" Lucky replied.
Lorenzo snuck passed and ran for the front door.
"Lorenzo, no wait!" Lucky yelled at him. "It's too dangerous! Damnit, get him out of there before he gets himself killed"
"Whoa. Everyone back up it's going to blow!" Ric shouted, arriving at the scene just in time as it blew.
Everyone covered on the ground for a couple seconds before looking back up. "There's no way whoever was inside survived." Ric stated.
"We don't know that!" Lucky faced him.
"Mr. Lansing, two of our fireman just came out. No sign of the victim in hand. And that crazy guy that ran in, he's not out either"
"Damnit. It's totally unsecured in there. Get two more fireman in there and get them out, now" Ric ordered.
"What happened?"
"You guys shouldn't be here, it's too dangerous" Ric held his hand out as a stop sign.
"Whose in there?" Georgie asked. "Is my dad here?"
"He's right over there" Ric said, but before he could finish she ran passed him.
"Is it an accident?" Dillon asked looking at the burning building.
"I dont know yet, but I will find out. Accident or no accident" Ric stated. "What's the hold up in there, it's been 5mintues! Get them out of there!"
"I see them!" Lucky shouted relieved to see them.
"She's barely breathing, get her an oxygen mask" Lorenzo demanded, both of them covered in ashes and debre.
"Over here" Ric ordered. "She needs immediate medical attention. What about you?"
"I'm fine, just don't let her die" Lorenzo said coughing.
"You need help too, come with me" Lucky advised.
"I'm fine, Lucky. I can't leave her. I'll get help later" Lorenzo replied, touching her face. "Courtney, don't die on me, do you hear me? You can't die, not now"
Ric looked over at Courtney, guilt written all over his face. But he had absolutely nothing to do with this innocent, still, Lorenzo would suspect him unless he got to the bottom of this.
"Find out what started the fire and get back to me" Ric ordered.
"Wow, Alcazar saved her life" Dillon said impressed. "That was heroic of him"
"Yeah, and stupid. He could have been killed. Courtney also" Ric walked away from him to talk to Lucky.
"Georgie, did you find out how it started?" Dillon asked.
"No, my dad doesn't know yet. He and Ric are going to find out soon. Geez, I hope Courtney will be okay. I heard Lorenzo saved her" Goergie said looking at them both.
"I know, pretty awesome. I hope she'll be okay too" Dillon replied.
"Why isn't she waking up?" Lorenzo worried.
"Alot various reasons, she could have been knocked out from the smoke or something falling" The paramedic told him.
"Courtney wouldn't just sit in her house while it was on fire. Something happened in there, and I want them to find out" Lorenzo demanded, coughing uncontrollably.
"Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to sit down so we can check you out. She will be fine"
Lorenzo finally agreed and took a few steps back from Courtney on the stretcher. He couldn't bare letting her out of his sight. He had to know what caused the fire.
"She's waking up"
"Courtney, It's Lorenzo. You're going to be okay now, I promise" Lorenzo pulled off his oxygen mask.
"What happened? No, not again" She managed to say coughing through her words.
God, Lorenzo felt that one through his heart.
"Lorenzo, your hurt" Courtney removed her mask.
"No, no I'm fine. Leave your mask on" Lorenzo said placing it back on. "We're going to the hospital for a while to get you checked out, we won't stay long. I promise, I know you just left the place"
Courtney paid somewhat attention to what he said, her eyelids closed before he could finish.
"Is she okay?" "Yes, for now. She's exhausted. Would you like to ride with her in the ambulance?" the paramedic asked.
"Yes" Lorenzo helped put her in the back of the ambulance and got in. Ric watched while he was talking to Lucky. Lorenzo had no time to look back at him, he was too busy fixated on Courtney to notice.
"Her family needs to know about this. Will you tell them?" Ric asked.
"Sure, I will let them know"
"Thanks, I need to figure out what happened here. Good job, Spencer"
Lucky nodded and returned to the fireman.
"Mr. Lansing. We suspect arson. Definitely. Gasoline stitches and stains are covered in the house. Not much was left except for this" The officer handed Ric the remains.
"Thanks, I'll give this to her. Arson. That's a serious crime. I'll find out who did it. Thank you" Ric said seriously.
-
"Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to give us some room here. Please, get some help. You need it too"
"I will as soon as I see that Courtney will be okay" Lorenzo told the nurse.
"Okay. Just for a minute" She let him through.
"Courtney" Lorenzo ran to her side. "I'm so sorry. This never should have happened to you. Whoever set your house on fire, I will - -"
"Don't say it" Courtney spoke softly.
"Courtney, whoever did this to you has to pay" Lorenzo softly said back.
"Let the police handle it" Courtney coughed.
"Sir, I'm sorry but she needs medical attention, I suggest you get some too" The nurse advised checking Courtney out.
"Okay. I will be right back" Lorenzo squeezed her hand staring at her, while she smiled at him until they had shut the curtain.
"He risked his own life to save mine" Courtney said a loud.
"Lorenzo" Ric called.
"What is it?" "
Um, This was found inside Courtney's house by the fireman. It's all that was left of the place. Ric handed it to Lorenzo.
"I'll give it to her" Lorenzo noted.
Ric slowly nodded his head, and turned around walking off. Lorenzo dusted the book-shaped thing off with his hand. As he got a closer look at it, it became clear to him what it read.
It was Courtney and Jason's Memory Book.
Hi Guys! Yes, I know this took forever, but I do have a life and was extremely busy! So sorry it took way too long. I'm glad this chapter is over with because it took me awhile! Blah, I first wrote it like a draft then went back over it, to make absolute sure everything sounded perfect, perfect. So I hope you guys enjoy it!!! :)