Francis met Jason outside the front door when he came home.

"Can it wait?" Jason asked, "I really need to talk to Kellie."

"Do you even know what you're going to say right now?" Francis asked, "Johnny already told me about Carly's stunt in case you're wondering."

"In that case, what was Johnny thinking letting Kellie go…." Jason said.

"First off," Francis replied, "Does anyone let your wife do anything?"

Jason shook his head, "No."

"Second, our approach to guarding Kellie in these situations is we don't stop her from going where she wants to go," Francis said, "If she wants us to help her lose the rest of the security, we do it. Most of the time it keeps her from trying to ditch us. Though there are some instances in which she loses her guard because whatever she's doing isn't what we signed up for according to her."

"She shouldn't be walking into situations like that," Jason said, "But…"

"But she will," Francis said, "And as much as you want to keep her out of the business, you can't. That ship sailed a long time ago. Even with the recent move back to Port Charles, you understood maybe better than anyone how close she really was to the business. I'm surprised you'd forget that especially when you were the one that helped bring her in to begin with years ago.

"Because she would have run off and done her own thing otherwise," Jason said, "At least then we knew what she was doing going after Ethan Esoterra."

"She maybe could have walked away after that," Francis said, "Been less of a target like the rest of Sonny's kids. I'm talking about when she took over the business. You and Lorenzo both backed her taking over."

"I know," Jason said, "It seemed simpler back than… back when I hadn't…"

"Hadn't fallen in love with her," Francis said, "Regardless, Kellie's no damsel in distress. You know more than a lot of people, she's an asset to have beside you in a fight."

"I can't argue with you there," Jason said, "It's just the whole idea of us getting married in the first place was to protect her from the families, the business."

"You know she'd still be involved just by being in Port Charles," Francis said, "Even if the two of you never got married or involved. The stuff Cyrus pulled against her alone would be cause enough. The difference is the two of you have to figure out how to navigate the business together in these circumstances."

"It's her fight too, no matter how much anyone tries to pretend it's not," Jason said.

"I know you don't need anyone to tell you how to run the business," Francis said, "Not like you haven't run it before. But the difference is Sonny's gone this time and you are grieving. Just be careful that your grief doesn't get the best of you. There's a lot at stake."

Jason didn't respond.

"Just think about it," Francis said.

Inside the house, Jason found Kellie in the kitchen, sitting on one of the counter stools . Kellie held a beer out to Jason. Jason accepted it, took a drink, and then realized Kellie wasn't having a beer with him.

"You're not having one," Jason asked.

"Not tonight," Kellie said, "So…where do you want to start?"

Jason sat on one of the counter stools next to Kellie, "That's a tough question."

"I'd say we could skip the part about me showing up at the meeting with Cyrus," Kellie said, "Because you should have taken back up. I'm just glad Brando's actually one of ours."

"You're right about taking back up," Jason said, "As much as part of me wishes you hadn't gone… part of me was glad you showed up."

"We're in this together, Jason," Kellie said, grabbing Jason's free hand, "Whatever that looks like even if that means letting me help you. It's my fight as much as it is yours."

"Francis just said the same thing," Jason replied.

"He's right," Kellie said, "And you don't have to carry all of this by yourself."

"I want to tell you that I shouldn't burden you with any of this," Jason said, "It's not like the plan wasn't for me to take over for Sonny if something happened."

"But the reality of him actually being gone," Kellie said, "I don't think anything could have prepared any of us for that. Even when you ran things before, he wasn't gone. There was always the possibility he'd run things again. But this time there isn't. I know that you think you have to be strong for everyone right now. But contrary to popular belief, I don't expect you to be a complete robot about all this."

"But that's just the business," Jason said.

"I'm not talking about the business," Kellie said, "I'm talking about the fact you lost one of your best friends, someone you considered a brother. You've known my father a lot longer than I have, Jason. As complicated as my relationship with Sonny has been, him being dead hurts a hell of a lot more than I thought it would. For the people that were close to him, you included, I know the grief's got to hurt. Since Dad went off the bridge, I haven't really seen you let the loss get to you. You're too busy trying to run the business, deal with Cyrus, and make everything okay for everyone else."

"There doesn't seem like there's been time," Jason said.

"Jason, you need to," Kellie said, "Before the hurt drowns you. That's some of what you have me for. Or did I make up us promising each other when Tyler died and you'd lost Sam and five years of your life that we'd let each other be there for the other. That applies here too."

"No, you didn't make that up," Jason said, half smiling, "I'd love to take you up on that right now…"

"But Cyrus's mother is an immediate problem," Kellie said, "So what's the plan?"

"I don't know," Jason said,, "I hate that Carly did that. But she insists…."

"Jason, Carly is wrong," Kellie said, "The only way we can fix it is to return Florence to the care facility tonight while it can still be sold off as a mistake, a mix up in paperwork. It might be the only shot we have at descalating the situation before Cyrus retaliates."

"We never crossed that line, Kellie," Jason said, "And Carly crossed it."

"I get that you want help Carly through her mess her way," Kellie said, "The problem is Carly didn't just make a mess for herself. Her mess impacts all of us. I can't even wrap my brain around the implications of her giving an order like that to your men. That's a whole other problem in itself."

"I'm going to have to talk to them about that," Jason said, "After I figure out how and why they…"

"She asked for guards for Bobbie," Kellie said, "The instructions came through Bobbie. Max said they assigned a couple of newer guys. I know Bobbie's been around, but Bobbie disappearing at the same time Cyrus's mother who needs a nurse did. Might as well lead a trail right to Carly's door."

"I honestly don't know what to do," Jason said, "Carly's insistent this was the course of action to take. It's already assumed, I did it, and if I take her back, that could backfire or lead to perception of weakness."

"How does your conscience fell about that?" Kellie said.

"Horrible," Jason said.

"Personally, I think we need to make sure she goes back to the facility," Kellie said, "There are other ways to send messages to keep Cyrus in line. Keeping her means not just Cyrus could decide to come after the kids or someone we care about. I'd think we'd decrease our chances of that by putting her back. It will also be a step towards rectifying any confusion over Carly giving those type of orders in the future."

"This is a mess," Jason said, standing up, "I'll see what I can do to fix it."

"You cannot be seen anywhere near Florence," Kellie said, "I on the other hand if I get caught, can probably pass it off as being asked by the Mayor to look into it as a personal favor. With my background in rescuing people, it's not a stretch to think I'd look into it."

"Did Laura contact you?" Jason asked.

"Wanted me to convince to put her back or dig around," Kellie said, "I told her you didn't take her."

Jason let out a deep breathe, "Are you sure about this? This is putting you right in the middle of everything."

"I'd prefer both of us be able to sleep at night," Kellie said, "I made my choice when I showed up at the docks. I'm in this with you."

"You're taking Johnny and Francis with you right?" Jason asked, "Or do need me to provide some men."

"Like Johnny and Francis are going to let me go have all the fun," Kellie said, "Johnny made it clear that their guard duties include things like going after me to give you back up. The three of us can handle it. All I need from you is to have Max let the men with Florence and Bobbie know you'll be sending a team to reprieve them and mitigate the exposure."

"I can do that," Jason said.

"I'll call you when we get close enough. We need you to make the call," Kellie said, "I'd rather not give advance warning."

"Probably a good idea," Jason said, "We can tell Carly if Bobbie hasn't already afterwards."

"One more question," Kellie said, "Why did Carly show up at the docks?"

"Cyrus implied to Brando he had evidence to put you and I away for Garrett's death that would be released if he died," Jason said, "He told Carly to intervene, not knowing we'd already neutralized that tactic."

"Since we didn't tell everyone about that incident," Kellie said, "Carly assumed there was truth to it. That reaction goes up there with her giving orders to kidnap Florence."

"How so?" Jason asked.

"If Carly keeps giving orders like that or showing up at those type of meetings, Jason," Kellie said, "It will cause confusion about whose in charge both inside the organization and people outside."

"She meant well," Jason said, "It's her way of trying to feel like she's doing something after Sonny died. But that doesn't change the fact, her doing those could do real damage. I'll talk to her."

"And the employees too," Kellie said, standing up, "But I should get going if we're going to get Florence back where she belongs. I expect you to take the rest of the night off. The kids are asleep. Relax and take some of that time you need for yourself."

"Just be careful," Jason said, pulling Kellie close to him.

"Always," Kellie said, kissing him.

Outside in the driveway as Kellie and Johnny, dressed in black, waited for Francis to pull the car around, Martin Grey approached.

"Can we help you with something, Mr. Grey?" Kellie asked.

"I was hoping to speak to your husband," Martin replied.

"He's not available," Kellie responded, "Is there something I can help you with?"

"I'm not sure how much you know about your husband's business affairs, if you can call it that," Martin said, "But I'm guessing it's not the kind of thing he'd want me to discuss with you."

"He's not taking visitors tonight," Kellie said, "I had a visit from Laura Collins, whom I now understand to be your sister. I'll tell you the same thing I told her, my husband had nothing to do with your mother's disappearance."

"I'd feel better if I could speak to him myself," Martin said, "You can hardly blame me for not taking your word for it."

"I suggest you turn around, Mr. Grey," Kellie said, "You're not getting anywhere near Jason tonight. You're welcome to pursue this conversation tomorrow."

Johnny stepped between Martin and Kellie, "It's time to go."

"Alright I get the message," Martin said, "But you playing guard dog for your husband certainly doesn't ease my concerns, Mrs. Morgan."

"Look, Mr. Grey," Kellie said, "I'm just a wife concerned for husband's well being. Much like you're concerned for your mother."

"I almost believe you," Martin said as Francis pulled the car up and rolled down the window to hear the conversation.

"It's true," Kellie said, "Since you're here, I'm curious. You don't strict me as anything like you're brother…"

"I should hope not," Martin interrupted, "Mother and I would prefer not to associate with him. However, it's a necessary trade to ensure Mother gets the care she needs."

"Come again?" Kellie asked.

"Cyrus has the means to pay for Mother's care," Martin said, "If it weren't for that, we'd keep our distance."

"Really?" Kellie said.

"Why does my sordid family history fascinate you?" Martin asked.

"Like I said, just curious," Kellie said, "Anyway, we all need to be going. Mr. Grey, I hope you locate your mother soon and that you get everything you wish for."

"I still plan on having a word with your husband on that matter," Martin said, "Perhaps another time. Good evening."

Martin headed up the driveway as Francis brought the car up.

Kellie and Johnny got in the car.

Kellie looked at Francis and Johnny, "Boys, I've got an idea about how to return Florence. It'll make a few people happier and Renault look foolish."

Johnny and Francis looked at each other then back at Kellie.

"What do you have in mind, kid?" Johnny asked as Francis drove off.

Sometime in the middle of the night

Kellie entered the bedroom to find Jason half asleep stirring. After grabbing one of Jason's shirts for a night shirt, she tried to get on her side of the bed without waking him.

"Florence back at the facility?" Jason asked, sitting up, half asleep.

"It's handled Kellie replied, mussing Jason's hair, "Now go back to sleep."

Jason gently touched Kellie's face. Kellie nudged Jason to lay back down and then curled up against his chest as they both fell asleep.