Chapter 15

Once Alexis left the room, Johnny turned back to Sonny with a steady gaze.

"You're not going to stop are you?"

"No, I'm not. I am not going to allow anyone to come after someone I love. Helena and Stavros have to be stopped. If they aren't, Alexis will end up dead."

"Sonny, you didn't see her this evening. You did not see the torment she went through because of what she has seen and been a part of today."

"But, she is still alive. She is a strong woman. She is a very brilliant and capable woman. She is also stubborn, willful and moralistic. In this situation, that will get her killed. I will do whatever I have to in order to keep her alive and with me."

"You've kept yourself busy while we were gone, haven't you?"

Johnny wanted to know how far Sonny had gone and when he didn't get a response from him, questioned him again.

"Sonny, what have you done? She's my sister, my responsibility. I have a right to know what's going down."

"I called Diego and Manuel. They brought some of the boys in to replace the people I can't trust in the organization."

"You brought in the 'Mafia'?"

"Yes."

"Have you lost your mind? Those people carry their portfolios everywhere they go. They are assassins who boast of the work they do. I know what kind of killing they do. They don't use the normal methods of getting rid of people. Sonny, this would destroy Alexis if she were to find out."

"She is not going to know. You asked, I told you. End of story. I will not let anyone threaten her ever again. Helena and Stavros are dead, they just don't know it yet. And you, my friend, are going to keep your mouth shut."

"Sonny, please don't do this. You will end up in prison for this. Please don't do that to Alexis. You mean the world to her. Don't make her live out the rest of her days alone because you're shut up in some hole somewhere."

"Johnny, go home. Go home and forget all of this. This is my fight now. I respect you for wanting out of the business so you can focus on your family. When this is all over, we'll sit down and talk over your new business. You are 'mi familia'. My family. I want you away from all of this. Go home, Johnny. It will all be over soon. 'Mi hermano', my brother, go home."

"No. I may not want to be a part of the brutality of our business anymore, but she is my responsibility. I will help whatever way I can. And I think I will begin with Dixon. Where is he, Sonny?"

"He's at the Port Charles Hotel, room 215. Johnny, you don't have to do this. I can handle it."

"I am a man, I am their brother. Their safety will always be my first priority."

Johnny walked to the phone and placed a call.

"Is this the Port Charles Hotel? Could I bother you to please ring Mr. Dixon's room please? Room 215... Mr. Dixon, my name is Spence. I am a friend of Miss Davis'. She has asked me to let you know that a problem has arisen with her sister. She also asked me to convey to you her sincerest apologies that she was unable to meet with you this evening. She requested that I ask if it would be possible for you to meet her for breakfast in the Port Charles Grille at 9:00 in the morning?... Yes, that's fine. I will pass along your message. And have a good evening, sir."

"What's on your mind, Johnny?"

"Just going to pay Mr. Dixon a visit, that's all. I'll check in with you after I see him. I figure he already knows about John Mitchell Cassadine, so I gave him a phony name. The best surprise is an unexpected surprise, right?"

"Right. I'll wait for your call."

As Sonny watched the door close behind Johnny he pulled his cellphone from his pocket to make a call. He didn't want his call to show up on any telephone records. He dialed Diego's number and waited for a response.

"Diego? Have you had any luck in finding our friends, yet?"

"We are close, señor. The woman is at the Harborview Towers. The man is not with her. We will contact you when we have them both together."

"Remember, they are not to be harmed in any way. Do you understand, mi amigo?"

"It is as you say, señor. I remember."

Johnny entered the Port Charles hotel the next morning at 8:30. He had no intention of meeting Dixon at the Grille. His objective in the call the night before was to make sure Dixon remained ignorant of their knowledge of his betrayal; to hopefully appease him if he became suspicious. He stood just outside Dixon's door and waited. When he heard Dixon unlock the door and crack the door open Johnny kicked the door so forcefully it caught Dixon square in the middle of the chest and he went flying backwards. Johnny then entered the room and quietly closed the door behind, stepped forward to stand beside Dixon who was stunned by the blow. Leaning down, Johnny lightly tapped Dixon on the shoulder.

"I hear you got a penchant for keeping an eye out on young ladies for filthy Greek tyrants. Hey, Dixon, you chose the wrong woman to work for. You would have done better for yourself by staying true to Miss Davis."

Dixon looked up at Johnny and grimaced.

"I don't know what you're talking about. Just who the hell are you anyway?"

"Well now, is that the way you want to play this? You want to play dumb? That suits me just fine. You know, late yesterday evening I made a decision to walk away from violent acts. I do believe that decision was a bit premature. It looks like we may have to get a little violent just to get some straight answers out of you. No, wait a minute, maybe there is another way to handle this, my friend."

Johnny pulled his cellphone out of his pocket and made a call.

"I have a friend of yours here that I think may want to speak to you. Why don't you meet us at the Port Charles Hotel? Room 215. At the moment, he's unharmed."