A/N – Thanks for the comments! Crazy week! Sorry that I am late. There's a poll on my site under Liason in Progress re: who Sam should end up with it if you're interested.
Chapter 22
Emily is shoved into a room. "Wha—what are you doing?"
"The queen wants to send you a message."
Emily is shaking as the man yanks off his shirt. "No…"
"Shut up!"
Her eyes dart around the room, looking for a weapon but there is only an operating table and some older equipment.
"No one will hear your screams in here." He unbuttoned his pants. There are two-fold reasons for this. While his mission is to make her think she is going to be raped, the other is to put Nikolas in his place. Helena is still not completely sold on his loyalty and wants to test him. He has been summoned to witness the attack any minute now, and his reaction will tell the queen all she needs to know about his loyalty.
"Emily!" Cooper yelled.
Alan and Piph came up behind him and faced the barrel of a gun.
"We come in peace," Piph said, "unless you are that jackass that took her."
"They are in there. The door is locked."
Alan cursed under his breath. "I don't think you'll be able to breach it. They have a sliding mechanism."
Johnny rushed behind them in time to hear Emily scream.
"We can't get in."
"Will a pick work?"
"No," Alan said.
"I'm going to shoot from an angle," Johnny said.
"Don't hit the window, it could ricochet inside the room."
Johnny made everyone move into the other room and then he aimed.
Inside, the man chased Emily and then tugged her by the hair.
"They won't make it in time."
"You're willing to die over this?"
"I must protect the queen."
He shoves her to the floor and then pounces as she tried to hit him, and when he flexes his hips, a whimper leaves her lips as she realizes that she'll never be able to fight him.
They can hear the gunshots, but they dim as he shoves up Emily's skirt. Her stamina sucks, and she scratches him one more time before her arms give out, and then suddenly, his weight collapses on her, and Johnny and several security guards hover around her. The man is lifted off and handcuffed, while Johnny holds her as she cried.
"I've got you. I'm so sorry. Did he?"
She shook her head.
"Thank God," Alan whispered. Realizing that his daughter is in a state of undress, he takes off his jacket and lays it against her. When she grabbed his hand and squeezed, he kissed the top of her head.
Johnny grabbed her face as he retreated. Her eyes makeup is smeared, and her eyes are red "Who?"
"Helena…"
The man is put on a gurney and taken upstairs. Johnny's gun had lodged a bullet into his upper left arm. It had been hard making sure it didn't hit Emily.
Nikolas, who had gotten the call to meet Helena down there, appeared in the doorway and their stare locked for a second before Emily wiped her face and struggled to stand.
Johnny glared over his shoulder and then pulled her to her feet.
Nikolas observes her as her eyes filled with fire. When her dress adjusted, his gaze traveled down as it settled against her legs.
"Don't you look at her like that," Johnny growled even making Alan jump.
Nikolas smirked and then his eyes locked with the woman he loves more than anything.
"She told him to rape me, Nikolas. You know what that did to Elizabeth. Just seeing your face disgusts me. I didn't deserve to be manhandled like that."
Her head hurts and when she slightly swoons, Alan notices that Nikolas reached out and then jerked his hand back.
"Emily…Let me take you upstairs," Johnny said.
Piph stepped in front of Nikolas. "I know you think that you own the place, but I am willing to kick your ass rather than make her have to stomach looking at you one more second. Haven't you hurt her enough?"
"You don't know what you're talking about."
Piph leaned forward to whisper. "I'm on to you, and you know Helena's listening. Stay away from Emily. I don't know what you're doing for that old hag, but I hope to God that if it comes down to it, that you'll choose to save Emily over her."
When Nik glared, she balled her fist making his brow rise.
"Get the hell out of my hospital and do something about that menace before Jason does."
Just the mention of Jason's name pissed him off.
"You're wrong." He doesn't understand how she can see through him. He had been being so careful to mask his emotions.
She gave him a look. "I'm never wrong."
He held her stare for a long moment and then left, prompting a sigh to leave Alan's lips.
Johnny lifted Emily who gripped his shirt. "I've got you."
"I know."
Alan wonders how close they are as he follows. While he's not thrilled about Johnny's profession, anything is a step up from that rotten Prince.
They went upstairs where Taggert is waiting.
"Nurse Johnson, we need to talk."
"Follow me," she said leading him to an empty room. "What do you want?"
"Hostile…"
"No, I'm just very busy."
"When was the last time you saw Jason Morgan."
"The day the generators went out, why?"
"And who was he with?"
"Elizabeth, of course."
She crossed her arms across her chess.
"And where is Elizabeth?"
"She checked out that day."
"I didn't think she was conscious."
"That is confidential information."
"I can get a judge—"
She held up her hand. "Bring it then. Whatever is rolling around in that dense head of yours is probably so off track, but I'm gonna enjoy the aftermath. You deserve it."
His eyes narrowed. "I'm not going to get anywhere with you, am I?"
"Nope." She opened the door. "And leave my nurses alone. If you want to waste time chasing after Jason for the umpteenth time, have at it, but maybe you can take a break and go question the asshole that just attacked Emily Quartermaine by the order of Helena Cassadine."
He perked up. "Where is he?"
"Let's go to the nurse's station, and I'll find out."
He wonders if there is any connection. Could Helena have taken Elizabeth and Faith was a decoy?"
Piph smirked. If the PCPD had two brain cells to put together, they'd probably still never solve anything.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi
Jason paced back and forth as he spoke to his father.
"I have to go, but she's fine. I convinced Johnny to bring her back to the mansion to stay for a night."
"I'll have Sonny send more guards."
"Johnny said he's handling it. I'm being paged. Tell your mother that I'll call her later."
"Okay."
He ended the call and then made his way to the kitchen. The women had been chatting before he arrived, but as soon as they saw the look on his face, it ceased.
"What happened?" Monica asked.
"Emily was attacked at the hospital by one of Helena's men."
When Liz's body jerked, they moved to her side.
"I'm fine. Is she okay?"
"Johnny got to her in time. She just has a headache, is exhausted, and might bruise a little. Alan was there." When his mother reached for her phone, he stopped her. "He said he'd call you later."
"I want to speak with her," Liz said. "Please…"
He texted Johnny and a few minutes later his phone rang. "Hello?"
"Hey."
She sounds way too fragile for his liking.
"You okay?"
"I will be."
"I'm sorry."
"You didn't do anything wrong, but I'm done with the Cassadines forever."
He's happy to hear that.
"Is she there?" She needs to know Liz is doing better. Helena had taken it too far this time, and she almost found out just how bad it was in the park for Elizabeth so many years ago.
"Yes." He hands the phone over.
Liz grabs it. "Are you okay?"
"It's so good to hear your voice. Yes. Are you?"
"It's a little rough, but I'm coping."
"Me too. I was so scared. Nikolas was there afterward."
"I'm so sorry. I never would wish that on anyone. If I had the energy to kick his ass…"
"I feel the same way. I did yell at him though. Dad made me come to the mansion. Lila is waving to me to put you on speaker." She adjusts the phone. "Go ahead."
"Hello, Elizabeth."
"Hello. It's good to hear your voice."
"Yours too. I remember how beautiful it was there. Is the weather nice?"
Liz slightly smiled. "Yes. It's gorgeous."
"Well, you make sure you are well-rested and come for tea when you return."
"I will."
"And Jason?"
"Yes, grandmother?"
"I will be expecting you too."
"Okay."
Emily took them off the speaker. "I miss you."
"I miss you too. I'm not sure how long we'll be here."
"Take your time. I like knowing that you're safe."
"I feel like asking Johnny to kidnap you."
Emily chuckled. Just hearing her lighter mood is keeping Emily calm. "Helena was eyeing him."
"Don't make me gag."
"I know. He looked ill at the thought."
"Look at it this way, you can use it against him later."
Jason wonders what they are talking about.
"Edward just came home. I have to go." She can tell that he needs to know she is alright.
"Let Johnny help you, okay?"
Emily honed in on him as he knelt next to Lila. He's a good man and she's glad that he has become a close friend. "I will if you'll let Jason help you."
"Deal…" She ended the call and met Jason's gaze. "Helena has a thing for Johnny."
He almost choked. "That is disgusting."
Liz shuddered. "Sucks to be him."
"Definitely…"
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi
Edward sat at his desk sipping on some Cognac. He isn't sure what can be done about Helena that won't bring down her wrath. Maybe she is best handled by Jason's methods, but he's scared that Emily will get hurt further, so he had asked Johnny to join him.
There is a knock on the door.
"Come in."
Johnny tentatively entered and then sat across from the patriarch. Edward is an interesting study. In some ways, he and Jason are alike. Both can be ruthless, and they will do anything to protect the people they love, so keeping Edward contained will be a challenge. "How can I help you?"
"You can explain how Emily was taken in the first place." He isn't happy that the protection didn't work and is considering adding his own.
"It's hard guarding in the hospital. She was talking to someone, and the guards slightly backed off to give her privacy. The man that had taken her was posing as a janitor, so nothing appeared to be suspicious."
"She'll need more than one."
"Already done…"
"What about Ric?"
Johnny's brow rose.
"I know he's abusing his power and planting seeds." He had already been snooping.
Johnny smirked. "Informant?"
Edward's eyes twinkled making Johnny shake his head
"You should hang back where he's concerned. We don't want to tip him off and he has a way of pissing you off and making you say things you shouldn't."
"I've handled plenty of assholes in my day."
"I'm sure you have, but Ric is looking for any excuse to get his revenge. Let us handle it. He's being watched, and frankly, I think Taggert is noticing."
"Taggert just wants to stick it to my grandson."
"He does, but integrity is a funny thing. He still has pride and wants respect. If you become like the person you are chasing, you're no better than them and that is something he may have to consider."
"Wise words…"
"I try."
Edward's eyes narrowed. "Do you have designs on my granddaughter?"
Emily stopped, her hand raised to knock, and listened.
"Emily is—she's just special. I would be a lucky man if she would have me, but her heart is somewhere else."
Edward studied Johnny. He looks tired and worried. He doesn't understand why he or Jason would choose the life they have. "I want better for Emily, but sometimes you want what you shouldn't have. She has been through so much. We almost lost her. If you want to go there, you need to earn it by being the man that she deserves because if you go there and hurt her, I will ruin you."
Emily's eyes filled with tears. Edward can be so gruff, but she appreciates the fact that he cherishes her. The Johnny thing had thrown her because Edward wouldn't have brought it up if he didn't see something there. She likes him but hadn't thought about it because everything else has been weighing on her so heavily. He's funny and attentive, and respectful. She never smiled with Nikolas as much, but are they right for each other? She has no idea. Right now, she needs him, and he won't leave her which means everything to her.
"Understood… I just want to keep her safe."
"Thank you. I'd like to help in any way that I can."
"I promise that If something comes up that I think you can assist with, I'll let you know."
"Fair enough…"
Emily ducked into the den and sat.
"What's going on?"
She jumped as her gaze met with Tracy's.
"Nothing, I just wondered where Johnny went."
"Let me guess, you feel safer when he's around."
"Yes."
"He's in the study, but you know that."
Emily met her smirk.
"Could you like him more?" She had never liked Nikolas and thought he was dark and pompous. Sure, Johnny can be arrogant, from the little she had observed, but he's funny and smart in a different way.
"I don't know. I still love Nikolas, but I just don't think I'm in love with him anymore. He hurt me badly."
"I'm glad to hear that you are moving forward. I think he helped you fight when you were battling cancer, so I'll always appreciate that, but I have no problem handing him his ass now." She's scared that Emily's love for the Prince will get her killed. Helena is no joke.
"The look on his face after I almost got raped—there's no coming back from that. I just hope that she doesn't kill him."
"May I make a suggestion?"
Emily nodded.
"Just go with the flow with Johnny and see if it progresses. You don't need to rush or second guess anything."
"I can do that."
"Good."
The door to the office swung open and Johnny walked a few steps before Emily called out to him.
He hustled forward. "Hey. Are you okay?"
"I'm fine."
Tracy stood. "I need a drink."
Johnny sat beside her. "Everyone is worried about you."
"I am too."
"Talk to me."
"It was awful. Elizabeth told me what happened to her and it's not something you can imagine. It's just—I feel so drained. Knowing that Nikolas is on her side just kills me."
He gripped her hand. "I'm sorry."
She leaned her head on his arm. "Can you take me to bed please?"
He smirked and when he didn't move, she eyed him.
"Seriously?"
When he laughed, she couldn't help it and joined him.
"Only you can make me laugh at a time like this."
"There are times you'll want to and won't be able to. This is a lot to process. If you need to cry, cry. I'll be right here."
"What if I laugh and cry at the same time?"
"Then I'll have you sent to Shadybrook."
She shook her head. "And here I thought you were on my side."
"Always, but if you go cray cray on me, all bets are off."
"Unbelievable…"
He easily lifted her. "What side do you sleep on?"
"You are just hilarious tonight," she said rolling her eyes.
"I'm serious. I am not sleeping in a chair." He knows she wants him in the room and figured if he presents it humorously, she'll feel more comfortable agreeing.
"You are so high maintenance."
"Please…no one is carrying me to the room."
"Alice would do it." She is standing in the foyer grinning.
Johnny suddenly puts Emily down and put his arms around Alice who is cracking up. "I'm ready."
Emily put her hands on her hips. "Johnny O'Brien!"
"Coming dear…"
Emily is trying hard not to laugh. He picked her up again and headed up the staircase.
"She was going to do it too."
"Don't pout."
"I'll give you a raincheck," Alice called out.
"Thanks!"
"You have serious issues," Emily said as he reached the top.
"I learned all of them from your brother."
"Ha!"
Lila could hear them. "Are you disparaging my grandson?"
Johnny stopped. "I was uh, talking about AJ."
Lila shook her head as Emily punched him on the arm.
"Ow!"
"She is going to put you on a time-out."
He entered the bedroom and placed her on the bed. Sighing heavily, she looked around.
"What's wrong?"
"I'm scared of nightmares."
"I'll be right next to you."
Her eyes fill with tears. "Promise?"
He nodded.
She got under the covers and waited for him to get in. Once he was settled, she held out her hand and he grips it as he wonders just how bad her nightmares will be.
