Jason got in the car with Kellie.
"Why don't you let Charles know that you'll be little late?" Jason said, "And we'll pick up something to eat before you head over."
"Michael already offered to grab food from Kelly's and bring it over," Kellie said, "And I have a protein bar and a few other snacks if I need it."
"Then let's talk about why the board is using your connections to Sonny and I to fire you," Jason said, "Nothing about our relationship has changed since we got married."
"They simply realized our relationship is serious," Kellie said, "and found they have a problem with it."
"But our relationship was serious even before we got married," Jason said.
"But the board wasn't thinking that was the case," Kellie said, "Now that they realize we're more involved than just a marriage of convenience, they feel it implies I have more do the with business than I actually do."
"What happened that would make the board think that?" Jason asked, "The only thing that's changed is you're pregnant."
Kellie buried her face in her hands. Jason slowly moved her hands away from her face and tilted Kellie's head up.
"Out of everything the board could possibly have an issue with," Jason said, "They're taking issue with you having a baby. That's ridiculous."
"Jason, their issue isn't with me having a baby," Kellie replied, softly, "Their issue is with me having a baby with you. In the minds of the board members, that confirms not only rumors that we have a serious relationship, but gives more weight to rumors I'm involved in your allegedly illegal activities."
"They're idiots," Jason said, "To fire you and Charles based on…"
They were interrupted by Jason's phone ringing.
"It's Spinelli," Jason said before answering, "Spinelli…Kellie and I need to see what you can find on the executive director, the rescue coordinator, and the board members of Crossing Into Dawn, including any connections they have may have to Shiloh or Garrett."
"I will do my utmost to work on that, Stonecold" Spinelli said, "What prey tell occurred to solicit such scrutiny of Wonder Woman's staff?"
"Long story short, they fired her and Charles," Jason said.
"That is a travesty of the utmost….," Spinelli said and began rambling.
"Spinelli," Jason said, trying to get his attention, "Spinelli….SPINELLI, Kellie and I are headed to meet with Charles. Unless there is anything else you need…"
"Yes, there is... so I was actually calling about…" Spinelli replied, "Is Wonder Woman with you? If so, perhaps you could put me on speaker."
Jason put Spinelli on the speaker phone.
"The reason I was calling is to tell you what I found out regarding the doctor who was supposed to have prevented Kellie from having any more children," Spinelli said, "I traced payments from one of Helena Cassadine's accounts that were wired to the doctor's accounts."
"It was as we suspected then," Kellie said, "You wouldn't happen to have tracked down the doctor have you. Monica had said the medical board was trying to locate her, but hadn't had any luck yet."
"I was able to determine the doctor changed her name and her last known residence was in Chicago in early 2015," Spinelli said, "The trail runs cold again after that."
"We will do what can with that," Kellie said, "Thanks, Spinelli."
Charles's Apartment
Charles was filling Michael in on the days events when Kellie and Jason arrived.
"It sounds like you both have grounds for wrongful termination," Michael said, "None of their reasons had to do with your performance, especially for being pregnant. As for the rescue coordinator claiming you threatened him, the foundation would have to investigate the claim, allow you an opportunity to respond."
"Which will all become a huge he said, she said mess in court," Kellie said, "and result in additional bad press. How does one prove or disprove the rumors out there about me don't give the foundation a shady image? Not to mention if I'm focusing all my energies on a court battle, I'm not looking deeper who's behind this and why."
"You're saying that someone wanted you out of your own foundation," Michael replied, "But why?"
"We think someone is trying to limit the foundation's ability to do their own investigations," Jason said, "Specifically ones looking into Shiloh's activities."
"The foundation is investigating Shiloh?" Michael asked.
"Well not yet," Kellie said.
"But they should be," Charles said.
"We found pictures showing Shiloh and Garrett knew each other in the middle east," Kellie said, "NCIS's investigation had been stopped and the foundation refused to even talk to me about Garrett and Shiloh since I got back. I'll be looking further into that. Right now my immediate concern is the foundation and its financing."
"What can I do to help?" Michael asked.
"I asked Charles to look through the lease you set up," Kellie said.
"I can save you some time," Michael said, "I did have a clause put into the lease in the event Kellie no longer worked for the company. It gives ELQ the option of charging the foundation for the lease. I didn't actually expect to use it. But as there was never any guarantee Kellie would always work for the Foundation, I thought it prudent to make sure that the $0 lease wasn't set in stone and ELQ could at least re-evaluate with changes in leadership."
"Did ELQ have concerns when Kellie stepped down as executive director?" Jason asked.
"We did discuss it at the time, but since Kellie was still working for the foundation," Michael said, "And the move was to offset any backlash from your marriage, the board at ELQ was fine with not charging the foundation. I'm going to have to run this by the ELQ Board. I don't know they'll be comfortable leaving the lease as is. Not only is Kellie gone, but so is Charles and Lorenzo. That's a major shake up at the foundation."
"That's fine," Kellie said, "That's what I needed to know."
"Do you have a preference as to what the board should do?" Michael said.
"The board has to do what it needs to do," Kellie said, "But I would understand if the board has concerns about leasing a building for free."
"Noted," Michael said, "Is there anything else?"
"ELQ runs grant programs don't they?" Kellie asked, "Given recent events, I need to change how donations from the casino go to the foundation."
"ELQ does a have foundation that gives out grants," Michael said.
"I'm going to have Charles set up a grant program for the casino," Kellie said, "We'll donate the funds that way."
"You weren't doing that before?" Michael asked.
"Never needed to," Kellie said, "I made a decision to donate a certain amount from the casino profits monthly to cover basic expenses and any special projects as needed. I've always had access to financial records to review. But now that I don't work there I don't have access. I'm pretty sure I can require the foundation to submit financial records to me as part of the grant agreement and have regular audits."
"That is true," Charles said, "I briefly had a time to look at some grant agreements. That seems to be a standard clause But, Michael, if you could tell me more about how ELQ's program works that would be helpful."
"Anything you need," Michael said, "I'm curious how much of impact would losing the casino funding have on the foundation?"
"Within a couple of months, it would start to hurt," Kellie said, "The donations were meant to allow us to do more than the basics. There are some other donors, but some people are gun shy about supporting a foundation run by Sonny Corinthos's daughter. Unless they have other funding sources I don't know about, they can't afford to decline the new arrangement."
"I'm starting to understand how you earned your Mafia Queen reputation," Michael said, "It sounds like you have bad press either way. Why not sue the Foundation for wrongful termination and get access to the records that way rather than risk backlash from changing how the foundation gets funding?"
"That's what they expect me to do if they expect me to do anything at all," Kellie said, "I'm not about to risk the foundation over a he said, she said lawsuit and the picture that would paint. I'm only letting them think they've won. It still might be ugly, but there won't be any confusion over what's going on by the time I'm done. If we're right about someone working to protect Shiloh, then they're not playing by the rules. Sometimes you can't fight someone like that with the rules. "
"You're banking on them underestimating your willingness to to get your hands dirty and skirt the rules," Charles said, "It's funny how often people forget that about you."
"Nevermind that I'm the daughter of Sonny Corinthos and niece of Lorenzo Alcazar," Kellie said, "But I'll use it to my advantage every time."
"Aside from the lease and funding," Michael said, "What else do you have in mind? I assume Spinelli's looking into things."
"He is," Kellie said, "I plan to retain another P.I. to look around as well. Preferably one not known to work for Dad and Jason."
"Giving you more credibility when you do come forward with whatever it is you find," Michael said.
"It's a good plan," Jason said as Kellie checked her phone.
"Dad arranged the meeting I requested," Kellie said, "They can meet at our place in a couple of hours."
"You're meeting with Dad's associates?" Michael asked, skeptically, "At your house?"
Kellie shook her head, "Another party that's been investigating Shiloh's activities from a different angle. We just need to see how pull resources together and coordinate our efforts."
"So this is the point where you tell me the less I know the better," Michael said.
"And to focus on the business end of mess," Kellie said.
Kellie & Jason's House
Once Kellie and Jason were back at the house, Kellie called Curtis.
"It's not everyday I get a call from Kellie Corinthos or is it Morgan?" Curtis said.
"Some days, I'm not even sure, legally it's Corinthos-
Morgan," Kellie said, "But Corinthos is what seems to stick."
"What I help you with?" Curtis asked, "I assume this isn't a social call."
"That would be correct," Kellie said, "I need to you look into the backgrounds of the entire foundation board, the executive director, and the rescue coordinator as well as David Henry Archer and Garrett Esoterra."
Curtis let out a whistle, "Damn that is quite the mix of people. You think someone at your foundation is double-crossing you."
"I'm sure of it," Kellie said, "I just have to prove it. In the fairness of full disclosure, the foundation decided they no longer believe I should have any part of working there along with my father in law."
"They're crazy," Curtis said, "My wife's had nothing but admirable things to say about you, your father-in-law, and your work even when you turn her station upside down."
"I do my best," Kellie said.
"So what makes you think there are connections between the foundation, Shiloh, and Garrett?" Curtis asked.
"We found photo evidence that suggests they knew each other back in Afghanistan," Kellie said, "Evidence that Drew may have gathered actually. I haven't talked to Drew about that yet, so until I talk to him later tonight."
"I won't say a word," Curtis said, "But why isn't law enforcement or your foundation looking into this?"
"Someone or several someones are putting a stop to the investigation," Kellie said, "It's not even being followed up on."
"You have your work cut out for you then," Curtis said, "I can definitely take the case, but I'm surprised you wouldn't have your husband's computer geek handle this."
"I have him looking too," Kellie said, "You did great work on the last case you worked for me. I want to make sure all my bases are covered. I'll be honest if the police commissioner's husband is the private investigator bringing forward information ensuring law enforcement reopens that case…"
"It takes away any doubts about the evidence," Curtis said, "I'm in. Drew isn't Shiloh's biggest fan and I want him and Sam to focus on their family instead of this sleaze ball shiloh. It's damn shame the two of them being separated. Frankly, it doesn't make sense."
"Hopefully, we can make it easier for them to do that then," Kellie said.
"Do you have time tomorrow to talk more about the case in person," Curtis asked.
"I can do that," Kellie said.
"I look forward to doing business with you then," Curtis said, "For the record, I just want to say I hope never to be on your bad side. I almost feel sorry for whoever we're looking for after seeing how Nelle's crimes came to light on that last case."
"Then you remember that we're dealing with human traffickers," Kellie said.
"On second thought," Curtis said, "I don't feel sorry for them at all."
The Quartermaine Mansion
"How was it?" Danny asked, "Living on your own?"
"It was hard," Oscar said, "I didn't want to do it. But Shiloh and his group were really nice. Julian too. It made it a lot easier. But still I'm glad we worked things out. Why are you asking?"
"Just curious," Danny said, "It just seemed really cool."
"It's not as glamorous as it sounds," Oscar said, yawning.
"I'll let you get some rest," Danny said.
Danny left the room and went to his room. He grabbed a duffle bag. Then he snuck out the back entrance, avoiding staff.
Greystone
Kristina stopped by Sonny and Carly's.
"Auntie Kristina," Alyssa yelled, launching herself at Kristina for a hug.
"I missed you too," Kristina said, catching her.
"Where have you been?" Alyssa asked.
"I've been really busy, helping people," Kristina said.
Sonny entered the room, "This is a good surprise."
"I thought I should come over and say hello," Kristina said, "I realized I hadn't really seen anybody in awhile."
"You shouldn't disappear like that," Alyssa said, "We're family right."
"Did you miss your aunt?" Sonny asked.
Alyssa nodded.
"Then I think I need to make that up to you," Kristina said, "Is Kellie around?"
"She's taking care of some foundation business," Sonny said, "I offered to grab the kids from school and bring them here until she and Jason could get home."
"How does ice cream sound?" Kristina asked.
"With chocolate and sprinkles?" Alyssa asked, "And a cookie."
"Of course," Kristina said, "Could I take her to out for ice cream?"
"Just let me tell Jackson and he can go with you," Sonny said.
"Is that necessary?" Kristina asked, "She'll be with me."
"Alyssa, why don't you go get your coat and shoes?" Sonny said.
Alyssa happily skipped off, leaving Sonny and Kristina alone.
"Your sister would kill me if I let Alyssa or the boys leave without guards," Sonny said, "I've already screwed things up with the guards and Kellie's barely speaking to me right now. The guard is going with you. That's not negotiable."
Kristina reluctantly agreed as Alyssa came running in, wearing her coat and one shoe. She held the other shoe in her hand.
Kristina helped Alyssa get her shoe on while Sonny informed Jackson of the assignment.
"Ready to go," Sonny said, having grabbed his jacket.
"You're coming with us?" Kristina asked.
"I have a meeting to get to," Sonny said, I'll walk out with you. Jackson is getting the car."
"And the boys don't want to come with us?" Kristina asked.
"They happily engrossed in a video game," Sonny said, "Max is teaching them tricks for beating the current level."
"Alright then," Kristina said, taking Alyssa's hand, "Let's go get some ice cream."