Chapter 10

As Sonny hung up from Johnny's call he lowered his head and felt a shudder run through his body. Someone had gotten through his men. Stavros had gotten to Alexis. He couldn't let this happen again. He picked up his cellphone and made a quick call. He then called the clean up guys. His organization was soft. He couldn't trust it. He called the meeting for this afternoon and before he was through, he would have their attention and they would know he meant business.

When Sonny reached the floor of his penthouse he saw Max standing guard and asked if he had seen Alexis.

"Sure boss, she's in #2."

"Thanks Max."

Sonny entered penthouse 2 and closed the door behind him. When he looked at Alexis, he felt the black rage begin to take over. He felt the shaking begin in his legs and slowly travel up his body. He saw the handprint around her throat and he saw the effect of a man's hand across her cheek. He flashed back and saw his mother's face bloodied and swollen.

Alexis stood and slowly walked toward him. She could see he had lost control and she had to calm him down.

"Sonny, I'm ok. You have to calm down. I need you to hold me. You can't do that if I'm afraid you will hurt me. Sonny, look at me. I'm standing, I'm alive, I'm here and you have to calm down. Please Sonny, I need you."

Through his anger he heard her words. He let his love of her overpower his anger and the moment he released a little of it, his knees buckled under him.

Alexis completed her path to him and quietly, so as not to startle him, knelt in front of him and put her arms around him. She felt him trembling and knew he was doing everything in his power to calm the anger in him.

"It's ok , Sonny. You're here now and I'm fine. Put your arms around me. Hold on to me. Let it go."

"Alexis, I'm sorry. I told you I would protect you and I failed."

"No Sonny, you didn't fail me. Come on, come over here and sit with me."

Johnny silently stepped into the kitchen to give Sonny some privacy. When he heard Alexis' last words he rejoined them.

"Sonny, this is not your fault. Let's work it out here and see if we can figure out just what happened. Did you see Max when you got off the elevator?"

"Yea, he was just where he was supposed to be. Like always."

"Sonny, when I came in Max was not in the hallway. In fact, he was no where to be found during the whole mess with Stavros."

"You think somebody got to Max, don't you?"

"Right now, it's the only thing that makes sense. But, we don't want him to know we suspect anything at this point."

"You've got some kind of idea going, don't you Johnny?"

"Yeah. But, I think we need to take care of Alexis first. What time did you set up the meeting?"

"3:00. Alexis, honey, let me take you upstairs so we can get you taken care of."

"I'm fine. And I know what you are doing. Don't handle me. I have a right to know what you are planning."

Sonny knew this wasn't going to be easy. She was not going to agree with him and Johnny on how they would deal with this. Her ethics would get in the way.

"Alexis, please come with me. We'll talk upstairs... in private."

Alexis allowed him to lead her upstairs to her bedroom. When he reached her room he pulled her inside and closed the door behind them. He sat down on the edge of her bed and pulled her down beside him.

"Alexis, when it comes to my organization you simply cannot interfere. If there are people employed by me who would allow harm to come to you, then how much more would they be willing to allow harm to come to my son? If Max has been bought off, then Michael is now in danger as well. You have my word that I will do my best to keep everything legal. I don't want to be separated from you any more than you want to be separated from me. But, I have to know who I can trust and who would betray me. Johnny and I will be on our guard during this meeting at all times. It is more important than ever to know what kind of men I have working for me. Please Alexis, I want you to go stay with Kristina until this meeting is over. I need to know that you are safe. Once we finish the meeting I want you and Johnny to help me study the tape."

"Sonny, do you give me your word that you will not harm Max? I will do as you ask as long as Max remains alive."

"You have my word." For now, Sonny thought to himself.