A/N: I know it's been quite a while, and I apologize, but life just got in the way of writing. Hope you haven't given up on me yet. As always I don't own the characters, etc.
"Blair's gonna be staying in your half," she said, gesturing towards the redhead with the pile of clothes in her arms, then turned and headed out the door.
"Ohhh…" Nat nodded in agreement, until Jo's words sunk in. "Wait! She's what?" she cried shaking her head. Nat jumped up and hurried after the brunette, protesting as she went. "Ohhh…no. No..no...no"
"You can't be serious?" Nat exclaimed as she grabbed Jo's arm, stopping the brunette before she reached the end of the hallway. "Blair? With me? After, what I know? There's no way….she's not..." the redhead stammered.
"Yea...she is," Jo answered, as she spun around to glare at Nat, cutting her off.
"B-but..."
"But nothing," Jo replied sternly. "Unless….you want to make other living arrangements?" she challenged the other girl angrily. Jo sighed in frustration, her stance softening, at the stunned and slightly hurt expression on her friend's face. She thought Nat understood. "Look, Nat… I'm sorry," Jo apologized. "I thought you..." The brunette stopped and shook her head. "The only other option is for her to stay on my side," she said indicating back the way they'd come. "And I-I'm just not…." Jo shrugged "….to have her that close?… I-I just can't do it," she added, looking a bit lost.
Staring into emerald eyes, Natalie could see a hint of fear and the remnants of pain from a day that seemed so long ago, but that was as fresh as yesterday. She remembered how the events of that day had almost destroyed the tough Bronx woman who stood before her now. Suck it up Green. Think what this must be doing to her. The redhead mentally chastised herself. "You're right, Jo," Nat said softly, giving in, though she still wasn't thrilled with the idea of rooming with the heiress again. "Of course...Blair stays with me." A small wave of relief washed over Nat, when Jo gave her a sincere, grateful smile. That relief was short-lived though, however, because when they entered the main room, Nat caught the brunette's reaction to seeing Blair sitting there. She knew then, that she was going to have to 'protect' Jo from Blair.
Jo froze and her breath caught when she saw where Blair was sitting. The blonde sat in Jo's favorite chair, as if the debutante knew it was, legs curled up under her, staring out the window, Jo's jacket wrapped around her like a blanket. It was a vision Jo had imagined a thousand times before as she sat in that same spot but, never believed it would ever happen. The brunette fought the urge to go over to Blair and replace the well-worn leather garment with her own strong arms. The nudge she felt from behind snapped Jo out of her thoughts and she turned to see Nat giving her a warning frown. A slight nod of her head let her roommate know that Jo understood the subtle message. Taking a steadying breath, Jo cleared her throat and moved towards Blair.
The slightly gruff sound, pulled Blair from her thoughts. A small smile touched the blonde's lips as she watched Jo approach her with what appeared to be an armful of clothes. A small zing hit Blair's heart at the warm look that filled green eyes. Her smile faded, though, as the heiress's gaze went past the brunette to see the 'less than pleased' expression on Natalie Green's face. The debutante mentally shook her head. She had no idea what she'd done to her one-time roommate and close friend to warrant the younger woman's harsh attitude towards her. Shifting her gaze back to Jo, Blair's heart sank a bit when she noted that the kindness was gone from the Bronx woman's eyes, replaced again by a distant air.
Jo had mentally chastised herself when Blair broke eye contact with her to look at Nat, who was walking behind her. The shy smile she'd received from the blonde had sent a small thrill through Jo, much like it had when they were younger. But, the brunette had quickly reminded herself that those feelings were in the past and, were not to be indulged in. Choices had been made a long time ago - by both her and Blair - and the heiress's presence in her life now was a job, nothing more. When this was all over, Blair would be out of her life again.
"I've got some stuff for you…a change of clothes and something to sleep in later," Jo said, holding out her arms to Blair.
"Thank you, Jo," Blair answered as she stood up. "That's very nice of you."
"Eh…it's no big deal – just some old sweats of mine. I figured you might want to freshen up and have something clean to put on," Jo explained with a shrug and, what she hoped, sounded like indifference.
"Still…" Blair said timidly, brown eyes meeting green, as she reached for the clothes. The apathy in Jo's voice was hard to miss. When her fingers brushed against the brunette's, Blair couldn't help but wonder if Jo had felt the tingling sensation she had in that instant.
Jo's breath caught at the small jolt that ran up her arms at the blonde's touch, and she couldn't help the slight blush that touched her cheeks. Nat's voice broke the spell, however, when she suggested – a bit harshly – that Blair might want to take off Jo's leather jacket and, give it back before she took the clothes from the brunette.
"Yea…might be a good idea," Jo agreed, pulling her hands back, annoyed by her own reaction to Blair's touch. "Gotta check out the damage to it anyway," she added a touch self-consciously. It hadn't occurred to her when she'd offered the blonde her jacket, but Jo now remembered that there was more than just a bullet hole in it. The Bronx native found the thought of Blair having worn the blood stained garment unsettling. Jo waited, a bit anxiously, for Blair to set the jacket down so she could hand over the clothes again – being careful not to touch the heiress's hands. "So, Nat'll show ya to your room," Jo said brusquely, indicating the other woman's half of the apartment, while she mentally cursed her nerves. "You'll be able to..."
"I'm not staying with you?!" Blair cut her off.
Jo blinked at the tone of the blonde's voice. There was a mix of surprise, hurt, and a touch of angry accusation. "No...yes...no..." Jo answered, a little flustered. At the perplexed expression on Blair's face, she paused, let out a breath, and tried again. "Ya see, the spare rooms are on Nat's side of the apartment," she said, hoping it was enough of an explanation. "So, 'technically', you are staying with me. Just not right with me," Jo said using air quotes, a hint of irritation in her voice. That reasoning didn't seem to satisfy the blonde, as there was now a questioning look on her face. "Look, Blair," Jo went on in a bit of a calmer tone. "it's been a pretty stressful day, and I have a feeling when the adrenalin wears off, you're probably just gonna crash. Trust me on that. Besides," continued Jo as she watched Blair's reaction to her words. "I imagine that your parents - especially Monica, are waiting for you to call and let them know that you're okay. I'm also sure you're used to havin privacy now, when ya get ready for bed. Your room has its own bathroom, so if you want to take a shower or a bath..?" she offered as a kind of appeasement. "You should find everything you need there and, if not, Nat can get it for you. Right?" The last word was directed toward her roommate, over her shoulder. Natalie nodded in agreement. "And...if you're hungry? Just help yourself to the fridge, okay?" Jo finished with a small, almost dismissive, smile. She found standing this close to Blair was getting hard and Jo desperately wanted to get away.
Although Jo had a smile on her face, Blair noticed the obvious, restless tension in the brunette. Despite all the things Jo had presented to her, What I need is you was the thought that ran through Blair's head. "Jo, I..." the blonde started, but a quick glance past the brunette showed Natalie watching her with a wary gaze. Unsettled by her former friend's hard stare, Blair turned her eyes back to Jo, and noted the expectant look on her face. It hurt to think that the woman who, at one time, had been her constant companion, was now in a hurry to get away from her. There was so much Blair wanted to say – to ask – Jo, but she knew that now was not the time. Sadly, she wondered if there ever would be a time. Letting out the smallest of sighs, Blair braced herself and nodded. "Okay, Jo. Thanks," she said with an appreciative smile. The relieved smile she got in return only made the hurt sting more, and her smile faded as soon as Jo looked away.
Jo let out the breath she'd been holding. "Great – great," she replied quickly, relief evident in her voice. She knew the blonde, and she knew that Blair had held back whatever else it was she had wanted to say. Whatever the blonde had on her mind, Jo was not ready to deal with it. She turned away and reached for her jacket. "All right then," she said, addressing both women. "I've got some calls I gotta make, so I'll leave you to…" She got no further, as Natalie interrupted her.
"Oh – my - god!" the redhead blurted out, a look of panic on her face. "I forgot! I can't believe I forgot!" Natalie muttered, as she covered her face with her hands. "I'm in so much trouble! He's going to be sooo mad," she went on, pushing her hands up through her hair. "One thing, Green – you had one thing you had to remember," her rant continued, with her eyes now on the ceiling, and her hands spread wide.
Jo shot a quick glance at Blair, who appeared even more stunned and confused than Jo did. As if she'd know! Jo mentally chastised herself, and turned her attention back to her friend. "Nat? Nat, what are you talking about?" Jo asked, but got no response as the redhead not only continued to mutter about 'Forgetting' and 'He'll be mad', but also had begun to pace a few steps back and forth. "Natalie!" Jo barked out firmly, the force of her voice stopping her roommate in mid-rant and mid-stride. Jo almost laughed at the stunned expression on the younger woman's face, but, somehow she held it in. "What did you forget? Who will be mad?" she asked instead.
Natalie stared at Jo for a brief moment before throwing her hands up in the air. "Mr Capozzi!" she answered dramatically, as if it was the most obvious answer in the world. When Jo just looked at her in utter confusion, Nat continued. "He called earlier, looking for you – obviously. I mean, who else would he be calling for, right? Not me. Definitely, not me. I don't even think he knows who I am. Then again," Nat questioned looking up and tapping at her chin with a finger; a pensive expression on her face. "maybe he does?"
Though amazed at her friend's ability to veer wildly off-topic, even while being in a panicked state, Jo was getting frustrated by Nat's disjointed rambling, and was about to yell at her again, when the redhead abruptly got back on track.
"He must have seen the news. Like everybody else in New York. I mean, it's not every day that there's a shooting in front of a police station, after all. I-I told him you weren't here, and he made me promise to tell you he called as soon as you got in," Nat said meaningfully, as panic started creeping into her voice again.
Jo frowned and just shrugged. "Yeah…so?" she asked, slightly perplexed.
"So? So?!" Natalie questioned disbelievingly, her voice rising as fast as her eyebrows, which looked like they might soon disappear into her hairline. "I was supposed to tell you he called the minute you got here!" she said with emphasis. "I totally forgot! It was such a simple thing. Ugh! What do you think he's going to say when he finds out I didn't tell you the minute you walked in? Huh? What do you think?" Natalie had become frantic again. "I can just imagine what he's gonna say," The redhead emphasized the word with a giant roll of her eyes. "I'm so dead," she muttered, as she shook her head.
Jo dropped her jacket and grabbed her friend's shoulders. "Nat! Get a grip, will ya?" she said firmly, giving the other woman a slight shake. Jo couldn't help but grin at the half-shocked, half-angry expression on Natalie's face.
"Get a grip? Get – a – grip?!" the redhead fired back, her tone more angry now, than panicked.
"Yea, don't worry," Jo said quickly in an attempt to calm her roommate, who looked like she was going to explode. That was a mistake.
"Don't worry? Don't worry?!" Nat replied, wide-eyed. "You're honestly telling me not to worry? Hello! If he finds out I didn't tell you..." she let the comment fade, then went on in a fearful, hushed tone, almost as if she knew the man could hear her talking about him. "Jo…Mr. Capozzi…he scares me."
Jo tried not to laugh. "Nat, would you relax? It's fine – honest," she said with a confident smile. At the doubtful look she got in return, Jo squeezed her friend's shoulder. "Look, I just got home, right?" she asked, and the redhead answered with a nod and a timid, "More or less." "Okay, and you've just told me about the call, right?" Jo continued, and received another nod. "Well, alright then," Jo responded, giving Nat's shoulders a friendly pat, as she released them. "Then, you're good," she stressed with a smile, as she grabbed her jacket again. "Besides," she said, nudging the younger woman. "He was gonna be my first call anyway. He won't know any different," she said with a wink. Confident that Natalie was reassured, the brunette made her move to go. "Great, so now that that's settled…."
"Uh – Jo?" Natalie cut in, a bit apologetic. "You did get one other phone call."
Jo's shoulders slumped and she let out a small sigh of frustration. "Who? Uncle Sal? I'll call him…"
"It wasn't Sal," Nat broke in again, taking a step towards the brunette and effectively blocking Blair. "It was Lisa," she informed Jo.
"Oh" was Jo's simple response.
Blair had been listening, with interest, to the conversation between her two friends. She wondered who Mr. Capozzi could be, that he caused such fear in her one-time courageous roommate. Blair remembered that in their school days that Natalie could be quite fearless at times; like when she went ahead and published Jo's story on Mr. Gideon, despite Mrs. Garrett's warning not to. What a mess that turned out to be, Blair thought. The blonde also wondered why Rose, Jo's mom, hadn't called. Even if Jo was suspended, Rose had to know that it was Jo's precinct that was the site of the shooting, and it seemed that, she would have at least called to check on her. However, it was when Natalie mentioned this 'Lisa' person, that Blair focused her attention. The way the younger woman said the name, and Jo's reaction to it, piqued the blonde's interest. Could she be who owns this place? Could she be Jo's love interest? The questions immediately popped into Blair's mind and she found it unsettling. If this Lisa was the new woman in Jo's life, Blair needed to know. More specifically, her ego needed to know.
Nat continued on with more information. "Lisa said she needed to talk to you," She gave a furtive glance in Blair's direction. "She said it was biz…" Nat caught herself, "…important."
Jo nodded in understanding. There had been obligations that Jo had blown off today. She was sure that Lisa knew and understood why, but still. "Yea…okay. I'll give her a call. Thanks, Nat," Jo said, before she turned and walked away.
Although Jo had answered her with a smile, Natalie could tell her friend was distracted. Of all the women in Jo's life, Nat really liked Lisa. The 'girl', as Nat referred to the woman only a few years younger than herself, was nice, dedicated, down to earth and - quite pretty. She'd also been a huge help to Jo and, the redhead hoped, something more would come of their current relationship. "She's so right for you," Natalie whispered softly.
Natalie may have had her back to her and spoken quietly, but Blair still heard the comment. Misinterpreting the wishful thought for a spoken truth, and the fact that Jo seemed genuinely upset at having missed the call, Blair felt her heart sink. "Natalie? Would you mind showing me to my room now?"
The 'put out' attitude of the redhead returned at hearing the request, and she rolled her eyes, before she turned to look at her former friend. What Nat saw when she did, had her stance softening. The blonde heiress, whom Nat remembered as proud and 'entitled,' looked self-conscious and tentative. Blair's gaze was lowered, and Nat realized the question wasn't spoken as a demand, but a simple request. As she looked at Blair, Nat began to wonder if she was being unfair to the blonde. Although the redhead wasn't pleased with the current turn of events, from what Jo had said, it had been David Warner's idea to 'hire' the dark haired Detective. Remembering the incident with the IRS when they were still at Eastland Academy, Nat was pretty sure that, even if his daughter had been against the idea, it wouldn't have stopped David from approaching Jo anyway. The man seemed to have no problem using his daughter if it benefited him. Besides, Nat thought, It wasn't like Blair asked to be shot at. Natalie reached out and touched the blonde's arm. "Sure Blair. Come on."
Blair was a bit surprised by the change in Natalie's attitude, but she relaxed and smiled back gratefully at the familiar grin on her former roommate's face, and followed the younger woman down the hall.
As they made their way along, Nat commented on how scary it must have been being shot at. Natalie was glad her work as a journalist hadn't put her in that position – yet – and she wasn't so sure that, under the circumstances, she wouldn't have freaked out.
Blair agreed, saying she was surprised that she hadn't freaked out, but that she figured her concern for her little sister's safety was stronger. "I don't know what I would have done if something had happened to Bailey," she said with a slight shudder. "I just thank God that Jo was there," the blonde said sincerely.
Nat nodded in sympathy. It was bad enough when Natalie's father had passed away of natural causes, but she couldn't even imagine losing her sister or mom in such a violent way. Nat said her own thankful prayer along with the one that asked for the 'Big Guy' to look after her roommate. "It's all just so crazy," Nat said as she shook her head in disbelief. "I'm sure though, between the FBI and the NYPD, they'll catch the creeps who did it," she added reassuringly. "Well, here we are," the redhead said stopping in front of a door. "This is your room," she offered, as she pushed open the door and let the blonde go in first.
Blair's eyes grew wide as she looked around the oversized room that had vintage feel to it. To her right, centered against the wall, was a queen-sized platform bed in a mahogany finish with matching nightstands. There was a large dresser, in the same finish, situated a few feet to the right of the bed, closer to the interior wall; on which appeared to be a walk in closet. On the wall opposite the bed was a gas fireplace, that's fascia kept with the design of the furniture. There was also, what looked like, a large screen TV above the mantle, but Blair had never seen one like it before. Built-in shelving units on either side of the fireplace completed the look. A comfortable chair, small table, and Torchiere floor lamp with reading light were set near the fireplace, making it very inviting. The outside wall had an almost identical set up as that of the living room, with windows and a sliding glass door. There was a chaise, albeit an antique type, in the left corner, but, instead of a piano on the opposite side, there was an antique writing desk. It was situated so that one who was sitting there could take advantage of the natural light coming through the windows. The walls were painted a camel brown with eggshell colored trim, and the window treatments were an off-white color.
Natalie nudged Blair and pointed towards a door on the right wall, between the bed and the outside wall. "That's the bathroom," she explained as the two moved towards it. Blair was, again, amazed at the spaciousness of the room and smiled at how the theme of the bedroom continued into the bath, with the cabinets and fixtures having the 'old' look to them. The walk-in shower had subway tiling, with retro looking faucets. Although the large, Jacuzzi style tub wasn't exactly in keeping with the motif of the rest of the room, Blair felt its location against the outside wall, next to a large window that afforded an amazing view, offset that shortcoming.
"Like Jo said," Natalie's voice pulled the blonde from her thoughts. "You should find everything you need in the cabinet there," she said kindly, pointing to the unit on her right. Nat then gave Blair a small smile and told her she'd be going, before she turned and headed back into the bedroom.
Blair followed close behind. "Nat?" she called out and waited for her to turn around before continuing. "Thanks," she said with a smile. "This room, it's…" Blair muttered as she looked around, admiration in her voice.
"It's pretty awesome, I know," Nat interjected with a smile. "Tootie – excuse me – Dorothy..," she exaggerated the name. "Likes it too," she added with a smile bigger than before.
"Tootie?" Blair asked. As far as the blonde knew, the youngest of the group of four friends hadn't spoken to Jo since…
"Yea…well," Nat continued a bit sedated now. "Jo knows, with our schedules, how little time Tootie and I get to spend time together, so when she's in town, Tootie stays here" Nat explained, then paused at the surprised expression on Blair's face. "Jo just kinda makes herself…scarce," Nat offered, a hint of sadness creeping into her voice. It's not supposed to be like this. We should all be able to hang out together. If you just hadn't screwed things up. The redhead thought bitterly, but held that to herself. "Anyway," Nat went on, with the slightest shake of her head. "Jo's the one you should thank for the room."
Blair hadn't missed the change in Natalie's demeanor or voice that the subject of Dorothy Ramsey brought up. "Nat, I'm sorry, but…" she started, but stopped herself at the scowl on the other girl's face. The blonde didn't know why she felt the need to apologize; it was obvious Nat didn't want to hear it. Blair didn't understand, as far as she was concerned, she'd done nothing wrong. She hadn't caused the rift between the four, formerly close, friends. Blair didn't want to fight. She missed Natalie and wanted to try and repair their friendship. "Yes. You're right, of course." she agreed, nodding. "I'll definitely make sure to thank Jo," Blair said with an apologetic tone. "Still, thank you for giving me the 'tour,' " she added with a small smile.
As she noted the sincerity in Blair's voice, the contriteness in her body language, and over-all remorseful attitude, Nat started to let go of her irritation with the blonde. Nat rolled her eyes. "Ohhh….you're welcome, Blair," she answered a bit sarcastically. Then she added, with a genuine smile on her face. "Really, if you do need anything, let me know. Okay?"
Blair let out the breath she'd been holding and nodded. "Okay," she answered, returning the smile. Once Natalie left, Blair sat down on the edge of the bed and looked around the room again. Blair couldn't believe that Jo was living the life that she had once hoped to share with the brunette, while Blair was living the life her father had wanted for her. The blonde let out a heavy sigh. If only she hadn't left me. She thought sadly.
Jo felt slightly relieved after her phone call with Mr. Capozzi – Uncle Gino, as he insisted Jo call him. Although David Warner had come looking for Jo's help to protect his daughter after the threats he received, the determined, unapologetic detective had made enemies of her own, and it had made Jo wonder if she was actually the intended target that day- and not the Warners as they all had thought. In fact, one person in particular stood out in Jo's mind – Franklin Reynolds. He was the reason behind her suspension, and had motive to seek revenge on the independent detective.
When the wealthy man had been arrested and Jo - in the words of his lawyer - 'Caused Mr. Reynolds great bodily harm,' Reynolds had vowed vengeance on the detective. "You have no idea who you've messed with!" Reynolds had seethed at the time.
The brunette knew that 'tuning up' the guy had been wrong, - that it could be the end of her career - but, after what he'd done to those innocent, young girls, Jo found it hard to regret what she did. In fact, she felt justified in her actions. Her brow furrowed in anger. No, he deserved a hell of a lot more than what I gave him, Jo thought as she remembered the atrocities his victims had endured, just so the piece of shit could feel like a man. If Jo had followed the 'Bronx code' that she lived by growing up - where the punishment fit the crime – they'd have found the scumbag at the bottom of the river - if they had found him at all. Jo kinda smiled a little at the thought of them finding Reynolds wearing cement shoes after draggin' the Jersey River. Jo sighed. Maybe the guys at the precinct were right – she let her heart overrule her head when kids were the victims. The 'old timers' in the precinct told Jo that she cared too much. That she shouldn't let her cases get to her, but Jo didn't know any other way. Who else was going to stand up for them? She was determined to do it, and damn the consequences.
Jo sighed as she ran a hand over her face. She knew that she was crucial to the DA's case, since most of Reynolds' victims wouldn't – or couldn't – testify against him, and Jo was also sure that Frank Reynolds was well aware of that fact, too. Without Jo's testimony to corroborate the witness statements, the case would be blown, and he'd be a free man. That's why, with his threats and her suspension, she had to be sure that today's shooting hadn't been about her. Jo shook her head as in her mind, she swore at the lenient judicial system that allowed a judge to grant Reynolds a makeable bail. Jo was there the day the judge set Reynolds' bail and was stunned when the DA didn't argue for a higher sum. What really got to Jo, was when Reynolds turned and stared at her with a smug smile on his face. It took everything Jo had not to reach out and 'pop' the SOB in the jaw…again.
Once she had convinced him she was okay, Uncle Gino had told Jo that he was unaware of any 'contracts' out on her. He promised her, that he'd look into the situation and get back to her as soon as he could. Jo shook her head. She'd rather handle the whole thing herself, but Gino Capozzi had connections. If there was a 'hit' out on her, he would find out, and the older man would not be pleased. Anyone who knew Gino, knew that Detective Jo Polniaczek was important to the man, and, although he couldn't protect while she was on duty, she was 'off-limits' outside of the job. Jo let out a heavy sigh. She only hoped that Gino would turn over those responsible if, or when, he found out whom they were, and not exact his own 'justice' on them.
Jo then called her Uncle Sal to let him know that she was okay, and to fill him in on her situation with the David Warner and his daughter. To say her uncle wasn't thrilled was an understatement. Sal's feelings were more than evident in his voice when he questioned, not only her physical well-being, but her decision making as well.
"Are ya sure you're okay, honey? What were ya thinkin, agreeing to that?" Sal asked, annoyed by what his niece had gotten herself in to.
"Yea, I'm fine," Jo replied, a bit short. She felt it best not to mention being grazed by a bullet. "I agreed to it, cuz it's my job, Uncle Sal," she added defensively.
"I get that, Jo. I'm not questioning it being your job," her uncle answered, just as short. Unlike her parents, once Jo had explained her reasons for becoming a cop, Sal Largo had fully supported his niece. "What I'm questioning is - who you're doing it for," he said sharply. When Jo didn't respond, Sal took a deep, calming breath and then went on. "Look, honey, all I'm sayin is after all that happened – all that you went through – do ya think it's a good idea working this job?' His tone had changed from one of anger to that of concern.
Jo sighed and ran a hand over her face. She was well aware of her uncle's unease when it came to the Warners. "I know, Uncle Sal," she answered, a little tiredly. "Nat's already talked to me about it."
Sal smiled slightly. "Nat's a good friend, Jo. I'm sure she's just as worried about you as I am," he offered. Sal Largo would be forever grateful to the young woman who thought to call him ten years ago, rather than his sister-in-law. He doubted Rose Polniaczek could have handled the shape that he found his niece in. Jo, who'd always been a strong, tough girl, had been in her fair share of scrapes and fights when she'd been with the Young Diablos street gang. For sure, she'd gotten injured back then, but Jo had always managed to come out, for the most part, all right. So, Sal wasn't at all prepared to see her lying in a hospital bed, badly bruised and broken. It had affected him deeply. "I'm guessing Nat had a lot to say on the subject," The statement was voiced more as a question.
"Heh, yea, ya could say that," Jo said with a short laugh. "She pretty much said the same things I'm sure you're thinking," Jo added, having a pretty good idea of the thoughts running through the mind of the man who was more of a father to her, than an uncle. More specifically, she knew his thoughts on Blair Warner. "Look, Uncle Sal, I get why you're worried," Jo said with a slight sigh. "Hell, I'm worried," she admitted softly, before telling him that she'd originally turned David Warner down… until the shooting happened. "Ya gotta understand, Uncle Sal – it's Blair. I-I can't just…I gotta do this," she said in a voice that almost begged for him to understand.
After a moment, Sal let out a heavy sigh. He knew there was no use trying to change Jo's mind. His niece had been – and was most likely still – deeply in love with the blonde debutante - despite Jo's denials. So, even though they were over, Jo would do whatever she could to protect the heiress. Just like she would for anyone she loved. "Okay, Jo," Sal said quietly. "But, just remember, if you need anything – anything at all – you call me. Okay?" he said firmly.
Jo smiled at hearing the love in her uncle's voice, and was relieved to know that, despite her decision to help Blair, he would still stand by her. "Yea, Uncle Sal, I will. Thanks. Love you," she said softly.
"Love ya too, honey," Sal answered, as he sent up a silent prayer for his niece's safety and then hung up.
Jo took a deep breath as she listened to the ringing on the other end of the line. She'd left this call for last, and was feeling unusually anxious about it. When the line was picked up, she let out the breath she'd been holding, and responded softly. "Hey, Lisa, it's me."