A/N – Thanks for the comments. Such a busy time of year, but I'm trying to fit everything in.

Chapter 42

Johnny sat at a table. "Thanks for inviting me to lunch."

"I thought I could get to know you better."

"Why do I have a feeling you've already run a report on me?"

Lila grinned. "They can only tell you so much."

Alice chuckled as she poured him some juice.

"You're not going to jump on me, right?"

Alice's hearty laugh filled the room. "Only if you do something shady."

He smiled. "I'll try to behave then."

"You do that."

His gaze went to Lila. "What do you want to know?"

"Tell me about your family."

"My mother is bigger than life. She kind of scares me."

"Why?" She's liking the sound of that.

"I think she learned psychological warfare to keep us in line."

"Maybe I should have tried that more."

He shrugged. "It works for her. She is like you and loves her family." He took a swig of orange juice. "No one messes with the people she loves. It's one of the things I admire her for." She is the glue that holds them together. Her children would die for her.

"And your siblings?"

"My brother can be hotheaded, but he's just like her and would fight to the death for all of us. He stayed and handled business while I left."

"Why did you go?"

"Things were out of control, and I felt as though staying there would endanger them in too many ways. My sister holds a lot inside, but she pays attention to everyone around her and has a big heart."

"You've been away for a long time."

He put his fork down. "I walked away and changed my name. My family wasn't happy about it, but they understood."

"Is the threat still there?"

He shook his head. "Probably not…"

"Does my granddaughter staying there change things?"

"I'd go back there to help her or my family in a heartbeat. I just can't right now." It's probably time to bury all the demons. The rivers in his town are filled with too much blood, but he does miss his clan. Being able to pick up the phone is nice, but it's not the same as feeling their energy.

"I'm going to tell you something. We all have family secrets that can bury us, but you can't let them come between you. They should make you stronger. Make peace with what happened the best that you can and move forward or it will haunt you." She can tell by the look in Johnny's eyes that whatever happened was very violent and messy. When you look past his handsome face and the humor, his vulnerability comes out because he is like her grandson—complex.

"Those are wise words."

"I've seen a lot. This family has been through hell and back, but we still thrive. I can't say we always agree, but the fighting doesn't permanently divide us. Now, I need to make a quick call and then I have a few stories you'll love about Emily."

Johnny chuckled. When she disappeared into the hallway, he pulled out a burner phone and dialed.

"Hello?"

"Hi, mom."

She grinned at first, but then grew alarmed. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing—I just love you."

Tears pricked her eyes. "I love you more."

"Do you hate me for leaving?"

Her brow furrowed. "Never… As much as I hated losing sight of you, in my heart, I knew you'd return someday."

"I don't think I want to live there again, but I promise I will visit."

"That would make my year." She misses their hugs.

"Is my girl okay?"

"She has her ups and downs, but I think it was good sending Sam here." She got up and then went to another room.

Emily spotted her.

"Why don't you ask her yourself?"

She handed Emily the phone.

"Hello?"

"Hi, beautiful."

She smiled. "Hi, handsome."

"I miss you."

"I miss you more."

"What is with all this more stuff with you women?"

Emily chuckled. "Just know we do."

"Your brother decked Nikolas."

"Really?"

"Yeah. It was for show, but I'm sure it felt good."

Emily shook her head. "Men…"

"Don't act like you don't want to punch him."

"Oh, I would if I thought it would knock some sense into him. Are things quiet?"

"Yes and no." He told her about Ric.

"Wow."

"Is Sam okay?"

"Yup. She's taking a walk. She's been through a lot." They had talked all night.

"All you women have me worried."

She sighed. "Just watch your back. Helena is up to something big."

"We know. I have to go. I'm having lunch with your grandmother."

Emily's eyes lit up. "Can I say hello? Please, Johnny."

He got up and handed Lila the phone and smiled as they jabbered on. He has a feeling it was just what Emily needed.

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Elizabeth looked up from her drawing. It was the thing that calmed her the most. She'd get lost in it and the day seemed to fly by. "Why are you home so early?"

He put a bag of food on the table. "I just felt like it was where I was supposed to be."

She grinned. "Got tired of inputting invoices?"

He chuckled. "Maybe…"

She got up and sniffed. "Chili?"

"Yeah." Normally, he'd call and ask what she wanted, but he didn't want to interrupt her.

"That should hit the spot."

He got her situated and then took a bite of his burger.

"I got a call out of nowhere today."

He frowned as he wiped his mouth. "Who?"

"My brother called."

"Really?" He knows where her family is because he doesn't like surprises. They would be a distraction right now.

"Yeah."

"Why do you look a little confused?"

"I don't know. I just didn't get the best feeling about it. Maybe it was because he was fishing."

Jason grabbed his phone and texted.

"What are you doing?"

"Just sending someone to keep an eye on him."

She sucked in a breath. "You know where he is?"

"California."

"I know. He told me. How long have you known?"

He threw his napkin down. "Since a week before Emily left. I was scared that Helena might try to use them to get to you."

"Are my parents out of the country?"

"Yes. Your sister is with them."

She played with her food a bit before eyeing him again. "Were you going to tell me?"

"Not unless I felt it was important. I honestly didn't think you'd want to know."

She shrugged. "You're probably right. I think being pregnant softens me a bit, but they are who they are, and that hasn't changed. It still hurts."

"Which is another reason I kept quiet. Are you mad?"

"No. I know that you did it to protect me, but I don't want you to be afraid to tell me things."

"I'm not. What was he fishing for?"

"He was just asking what I was up to—if I'm painting. He made it sound like he wanted to send me supplies. When I explained that I am pregnant, he got very quiet."

"Did you tell him that you're married?"

"Yup. He was surprised to an extent because he didn't think we were speaking, but his reaction is what gave me pause."

"Explain…"

"He knew too much. Someone has been bending his ear."

Jason closed his eyes. Enemies are everywhere and it's exhausting. "Your instinct is probably right."

"What are you going to do?"

"Nothing, but he won't be allowed to come here. I don't care if he's your brother or not. If he tries to hurt you…" His voice trailed off, making her get up and move between his legs.

He laid his head on her belly as she stroked his hair.

"If he tries to hurt me or this baby, all bets are off." She hates even thinking that Steven would betray her, but something is very off. "Can you do me a favor?"

"Check on him?"

"Yes."

"Someone is watching now. I'll see if we can track his phone."

"Thank you. Helena could be blackmailing him."

Jason nodded. "I'll look into it."

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Helena moved to the balcony. Elizabeth's brother is useless. According to her sources, Jason is watching him which means the man probably won't yield the results she wants. Cornering him was easy because he has a bit of a gambling problem. Carly is stashed away in one of the wings. Soon, she'll help bring Jason down since Ric is of no use. She hasn't decided what to do about him. For now, she'll let him rot because then, he'll be desperate for help at some point. She needs him to grovel and suffer for a bit. He is weak and knows too much, so she has ears everywhere, making sure he doesn't spill to get out of serving time. It's thrilling to know that you can utter a few words and take someone's life.

She tapped her finger on her lip. It's time to start making some moves. The more off-kilter Jason is, the better.

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The next morning, Sonny stormed into Jason's office.

"We've lost two trucks this week."

"I know."

"What are you going to do about it?"

Jason's brow rose, making Sonny back down a little.

"Sorry, I'm just frustrated."

Jason rubbed his face. "There will be escorts for the remaining shipments this month." It's obvious Helena is behind it and he's wondering what that means.

"That's a start," he said before sitting.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing has been right since Carly blew my life apart."

"Everyone is looking for her."

"She's not that good at hiding. I think someone is helping her."

Jason sighed. "Maybe…" He's learned never to underestimate Carly. She'll disappear and then come back with tears in her eyes begging for forgiveness. This time, there will be none.

"I want to be the one to deal with her."

"No."

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me. Sam will never forgive you if you go behind her back. You know how she thinks."

Sonny stood with anger pouring off him. "Dammit, Jason! You don't get to take this away from me. She killed my child."

Jason slowly stood as he stared at the man down that had changed everything for him. Sonny needs to be put in his place or he will regret his actions. "You don't think I understand where you're coming from?"

Sonny shook his head.

"Is your brother still breathing?"

"That's different."

"No, it's not. He's even worse than Carly. Yet, instead of going over to that hospital and ripping his head off, I'm here, biding my time. If you take away Sam's revenge, you'll be lucky if she lets you live."

"If she hurts Carly, it might mess her up forever."

Jason sighed. "It's up to you, but just know you'll lose Sam. Haven't you lost enough?"

Sonny chucked a stapler across the room. "If you were in my place and I asked you to back down, we both know you would probably destroy this whole warehouse with your bare hands."

Jason smirked. "Probably, but I wouldn't be willing to lose Elizabeth due to my hatred. She's my life. I don't plan on having another relationship. Is ending Carly worth losing everything? You finally found someone to put up with you who isn't psycho."

Sonny threw up his hands and flung open the door. "I can't talk to you when you're like this."

Jason smiled which Sonny missed. "You owe me a stapler."

Sonny rolled his eyes and went back to his office.

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Ryan looked up as Sam entered his office.

"Did you look into what I requested?"

He motioned for her to sit.

"Yes." She had come to him to ask if he had resources in Canada that could help her find Carly. After realizing how determined she was, he thought maybe it was better that he was involved.

"Thank you." After doing some digging on her own, she found out about Ryan's bloody revenge war and was very impressed. He understands her need to avenge her child; that is how she appealed to him.

"We think that Carly was in Canada."

"You said, was."

He nodded. "We were close, and she disappeared."

Sam is trying to appear calm, but she is mad that the bitch got away.

Ryan is debating what to do. He had agreed to keep her secret because she threatened to bolt if he didn't. He and his brother had discussed Sam before she arrived, and he knows that Sonny knows Sam wants revenge. It's a delicate situation and emotions are high, but he sympathizes because he understands loss. Hopefully, when Sam decides to leave, she'll go with a few of his men for protection.

"Are you going to tell Sonny?"

"There isn't much to tell. I was going to tell him that she was in Canada. I will leave you out of it."

She sighed.

"You've put me in a difficult position."

"I know, but he is aware that I am set on dealing with Carly." She couldn't hide her ire for the woman anymore and the words came out harsher than she meant them to.

He held up his hand. "I understand, but I want to remind you that you agreed to let me help you do this."

"I know."

"We'll find her again."

Sam wiped a tear away. She hates crying but she's so angry.

"You need to find a way to let that go."

"I'm saving it all for her," Sam said as she stood.

Her tone was suddenly devoid of emotion.

He tracked her as she left feeling as though none of this will end well.

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Jason entered the kitchen and slipped his arms around Liz and the baby. "What are you making? It smells good."

"Brownies…"

"Does Johnny know?"

"Probably…. Francis was here."

Jason frowned. "Was he looking for me?"

"No. Lila sent me a few art supplies."

"That was nice."

"Your family is spoiling me. Monica sent over some baby clothes, and they are so adorable."

He's happy that his family loves her so much.

"Gram is coming over for dinner."

"Is she cooking?"

Liz smiled. "She did at her house and will bring it over here."

"We could have gone there."

"I feel safer here and my ankles are swollen."

He stepped back and gasped. "Elizabeth…" They look awful.

"I'm drinking water and putting my feet up most of the day."

"Did you tell Kelly?"

"No." Before she could say more, he was dialing the phone. "What are you doing?"

"Hello?"

"Hi, it's Jason."

Kelly shut the door to her office. "What's wrong?" Jason isn't keen on chit-chat, so something must be up.

"Her ankles are very swollen. It looks painful."

Kelly fought a smile. Jason sounds so pathetic, and she can only imagine the look on his face. Elizabeth is a lucky woman. "I can fit her in tomorrow. I just had a cancellation."

"I'll pay you a lot to come over here right now."

"Jason!"

Kelly chuckled. "I have a person in the last throes of labor, so as tempting as that is, I cannot do that. Put me on speaker."

"Hi, Kelly."

"Hello. How are you feeling?"

"I'm okay. I mean, it's uncomfortable but I'm drinking lots of water and trying to eat healthily."

"I'm sure you are. No standing too long, wear comfortable shoes, put your feet up, continue to drink water, and try taking short walks a couple of times a day. If you can't I'll have a nurse send you some exercises you can do, which can be done sitting or standing."

"Okay."

"I'll see you tomorrow afternoon at 1:00."

"Thanks."

He ended the call and received a smack on the arm. "What? This is how I'm protecting you."

"Fine, but you can't just call her for every little thing."

"Yes, I can."

She growled. "Men…"