A/N – Thanks for the comments! While I would be tempted to go there with Eva, it's not that kind of fic.
Chapter 27
Piph glanced at Eva. "Are you single?"
Eva choked and almost spilled a little champagne on her skirt.
"Yes, she is," Diane said as she patted Eva on the back.
"The bathroom is down the hallway, first door on the left."
Eva left and PIph leaned in closer.
"What was that about?"
"She had a bad breakup with some idiot named John in Llanview."
Piph studied Diane. "You already have a replacement in mind, don't you?"
"Yes. Jason alluded that his cellmate, Manny, who works for Francis is interested. He gets out today. However, I'm not sure he's Eva's type."
"What's wrong with him?"
"He has a lot of ink and he's very intense."
"Is he hot?"
"In his own way. I mean, he's not my type and honestly, how can I notice any other man after seeing Lorenzo naked?"
Piph chuckled. "Girl, you are too much. I'll need to see a picture in order to make that comparison."
Diane smacked her arm. "You are bad."
"So they tell me…"
Eva sat down. "Sorry."
"It's okay. So, what else do you do besides being a lawyer?"
"Um, I sing and write music."
"Really?"
"Girl, what are you doing on Sunday?"
"Nothing—why?"
"You're coming to church with me. Tanya is sick and I need a soprano. Are you down?"
Eva grinned. "Yes. I would love to."
Piph finished her drink as they continued to get to know each other. Hopefully, Jason will be out soon and they can fix this mess and get on with their lives.
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Johnny laid Alaina in her crib and followed Nicole to the room next door so they can talk. He watched as she moved to the window and gazed into the darkness.
"I'm going to be working for Edward Quartermaine in three weeks."
He's surprised. "When did this happen?"
"I had an interview and it went well."
"Congratulations."
"Leticia quit her other job and is going to work for us full time."
He stopped in his tracks. "Wait. What?"
"She watches Alaina from time time. I didn't tell you?"
Johnny groaned. "Leticia was Carly's nanny for Michael. When Sonny finds out…"
"Shit."
"Is she good?"
"Yes."
"Then we'll deal with it. Hopefully, it will be a while before he finds out." He moved to her side. "Nicole."
She freed her bottom lip which she had been biting. "Yeah."
"Don't fret. It will be fine."
"Okay."
"You look beautiful tonight."
She slightly smirked, sensing his changing mood. "Thank you."
"I—can I kiss you, baby?"
She nodded and then slowly closed her eyes as he moved forward. When she felt his breath on her lips, she waited for contact and after a long pause, her eyes snap open so she can see why he's stopping. A devilish smirk emerges on his face.
"You want me."
She smacks him on the arm. "Don't play with me, Johnny."
He chuckles. "I just—I like that you want me."
She licked her lips. "Always…"
His eyes darkened and his fingers skimmed over her face and then gripped her hair as his lips pressed against hers several times before his tongue flickered out and teased her.
"Johnny…"
Her sigh makes him moan as he finally took her mouth, slowly making her relax as she gave in to the feeling. When they finally parted, he slightly smiled.
"I'll never get tired of kissing you."
She blushed. "I missed you."
"Face it, Nicole Corelli, you just do it for me."
She grinned. You're so smooth."
"That was from my heart."
"And hot—did I mention hot?"
"I don't think you did."
She yelped when he swept her off her feet and their gaze held as he carried her to the bed and sat.
"Can I touch you a little while we kiss."
She slowly nodded.
"Thank you."
He sensuously kissed her again and noticed that when he ran his hand up her bare leg, she slightly jumped. "You okay?"
"Yes."
He isn't used to her being so timid but understands why. "All you have to do is tell me no or stop. You know that, right?"
"Yes."
"Are you scared?"
"Yes."
He dropped his hand.
"But probably not in the way you think."
"Explain it to me." He doesn't want to overstep.
"It's just—I'm scared of letting go and losing control."
"Why?"
"I've been so—ugh—I don't know if I can find the right words—pent up? I just shoved my sexuality down and I'm scared of so many things. What if I start thinking of them while you're doing something to me. I don't want to hurt your feelings. Suppose I'm not the same. You loved that I was wild. Everything is so different now."
A tear rolled down her face.
"You're scared that I won't want you anymore?"
"Yes."
"You are still so freaking sexy and I love you, Nicole. Even if sex is different, it won't change how I feel about you. We'll go at your pace, okay? For now, I just need those lips."
She let out a sigh of relief. "They need you too."
"How about you kiss me?"
She stared at him for a long moment and then kissed him so gently he shivered. When she finally turned it up a notch, he was putty in her hands. Little by little, he is allowing her to feel empowered again and she doesn't think she'll ever be able to thank him enough. This is what she needed. He is what she needed; someone who believes in her and accepts her while she finds herself. Johnny O'Brien is everything.
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The next day, Manny changed into street clothes and then waited to be taken to another area to get the details on his release.
Jason moved inside. "You look good."
"Thanks."
"Are you nervous?"
"A little bit. I'm scared someone will change their mind."
"That would suck."
Manny grinned. "Well, my friend, stay safe. I'll have a beer waiting for you."
"How thoughtful."
"With any luck, you'll be having one soon too."
"Thank you for everything you've done for me."
They shook hands.
"You're welcome."
A guard appeared. "Alright, Ruiz, you're out of here."
"I can't say I'll miss you."
The guard rolled his eyes. "Always a smartass."
"Emphasis on smart…"
Manny focused on Jason one last time. "You've got this."
Jason nodded. Hopefully, people won't strike right away and he can make it to the hearing unscathed.
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About an hour later, he's pushed into the warden's office.
"Mr. Morgan, I understand you've lost your roommate."
"Yes."
"I also heard you have a hearing tomorrow."
Jason nodded.
"Do you want protective custody until then."
"No."
"Why not?"
"If something happens and I lose, my life will be a living hell if I do that. It's mainly for snitches."
Guy sighed. "Fine, but you're on your own until the morning then."
"Understood."
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When it was meal time, Jason sat at a table by himself and is eventually joined by two of Francis's men.
A couple of men approach them and one sat next to Jason. "Well, well, how's the baby today? Manny isn't here to protect you anymore. For the right price, maybe we're willing to run interference."
Jason ignored them and continued to eat.
"Did you hear me?"
When he still didn't answer, the man growled and went to grab him, but Jason is prepared and grabs his hand, applying a lot of pressure which causes the man to submit.
"If you try and touch me again, I will not hesitate to break every bone in your fucking hand. Manny was a picnic compared to me. I have brain damage which means I don't give a shit about anything. I won't stop until you are lying on the ground bleeding and majorly fucked up. Did you hear me?"
The man nodded and when Jason heard a guard approach he let go and started to eat again.
"Morgan, is there a problem?"
"No. He was just leaving."
The inmate and his friend quickly stood, grabbing their trays as they left.
When they were out of earshot, the guard leaned down. "Keep your nose clean because I have no problem disciplining you. The warden is not here to protect you." He pulled back and the men stared at each other before the guard walked away. Little did Jason know that his glare had just earned him some respect.
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Gia eased into a booth and Marcus sat across from her.
"So, bro, have you hooked up with anyone yet?"
He rolled his eyes. "You know me. It's all about work."
"Yeah, well, work is overrated."
The waitress took their drink order and left.
"I need to ask you a favor."
His eyes narrowed. "Why am I suddenly scared?"
She smiled. "You know me too well."
"Go ahead."
"Well, I need you to keep that tidbit of information Lucky gave you about Liz to yourself."
"Why?"
"If word gets out, it will put her on Sonny's radar."
Taggert took a sip of his drink. "Will he hurt her?" While Elizabeth is mad at him currently, he feels very protective of her especially because of her past.
"We're not sure. Sonny and Jason aren't on good terms. Lucky and Nikolas seemed very concerned about him finding out."
"I see." Activity is starting to pick up again and there is Carly's assault as well. It all spells trouble and he certainly doesn't want Liz in the middle of it. "He won't hear it from me."
"I knew I could depend on you."
"So, tell me all about Paris."
She rubbed her hands together and gave him a rundown of her trip.
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Helena moved into Claire's apartment as the attorney showered. Jason's court date is due to start and Claire is a wildcard. While she signed the papers effectively destroying Hugh's career, that doesn't mean she won't be a thorn in Evangeline's side.
Inside the bathroom, Claire put on her bra and underwear after finishing her makeup and then strode into her bedroom and perused her outfit before putting it on. Once she checked herself in the mirror, she left the room and came to a screeching halt when she spotted the intruder.
"Good morning. Don't you look dapper."
"How did you get in here?"
Helena chuckled. "I take it that you know who I am?"
Claire nodded.
Helena's guard threw a large envelope on the table.
"What's that?"
"Insurance, my dear. You are not going to fight the reversal of Jason Morgan's appeal. You're going to acknowledge the injustice and let the defense do their job and get him out. That means, should you be involved in a future preliminary hearing, you will present evidence, but won't fight against the defense when they cross-examine or shoot down the validity of the case. In fact, you are going to do whatever you can to help him."
Claire's jaw dropped as her eyes grew wide. "I'm not willing to ruin my career over some thug."
Helena smirked. "Open the envelope, my dear."
Claire swallowed hard then retrieved it and slowly opened it, gasping when the contents spilled out. "Oh my God. How?"
Their gaze met as Helena chuckled.
"Clearly, you didn't hide your crime as much as you thought. If you don't cooperate, these pictures will go public and your career will be over."
Tears sprang into her eyes as Claire rifled through the photos. When she was in college, she was involved in a drunk driving accident and basically, switched places with her roommate to save her from being convicted of a homicide. A man was killed and justice was never done.
"I'm sure his widow and child would love to know the truth and make sure you and your friend pay. What is it going to be?"
Claire's lower lip trembled. "I'll do it, but how can I be assured that these will never be released?"
"You won't be, but I don't usually go back on my word. Besides, if you say no, they may never find the pieces."
Claire gulped. "Okay."
"That's a good girl. I'll be watching. Don't disappoint me."
She left and Claire slumped into a chair and then gathered the pictures and put them back before finding a lighter and going outside to burn them. After this is finished, she will leave town just in case.
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Evangeline sat confidently as she waited for the judge to peruse some papers. Diane is in a small room with Epiphany, Lila, and Elizabeth.
"Mr. Morgan, I had expressed my concern at your guilty plea and apparently, you have changed your mind and have new counsel."
Jason met his gaze. "Yes, your honor."
The judge studied him for the moment, clearly, Jason had been beaten since the last time they had seen one another.
"Ms. Williamson, aside from new evidence, why should I agree to reverse the guilty plea?"
Eva stood. "Your honor, it was discovered that Mr. Hughes failed to inform his client that the witness failed to identify my client as the shooter. As you know, Mr. Morgan pled guilty because of that witness since he has no memory of the incident. Ms. Walsh was also aware of this fact and did not speak up because she was hell-bent on seeing my client pay regardless of fact that a misconduct had occurred which is a violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct."
Diane smirked as Lila clapped her hands together with glee, while in the courtroom, Claire glared at Evangeline.
"Your honor, may I speak?" Claire asked.
"Yes."
"While I was aware that Mr. Hughes had knowledge of the evidence, I had no proof that he didn't share that with his client. Mr. Morgan seemed determined to be guilty. I can't be held responsible for that."
Eva rolled her eyes. "Tomatoes—tomatos."
The judge tried not to smile. "Mr. Morgan, did Mr. Hughes advise you about the witness?"
"No, your honor."
"And would you have entered a different plea if you were aware of it?"
"Yes, your honor."
"Mr. Morgan, you seemed hell-bent on going to jail. What has changed?"
"I was feeling guilty because a friend was hurt because she knew me, but I understand that punishing myself for something I didn't do wasn't the answer."
"What happened to you jail? I can see the bruises."
"I was attacked."
Eva touched his arm. "They also tried to rape him, your honor. My client was humiliated and beaten to the point that he was unconscious for days. The longer he stays in Pentonville, the more likely that he will die there."
Claire clenched her jaw but said nothing.
The judge's gaze landed on all the key players in the room. "There is no doubt in my mind that Mr. Hughes's misconduct and manipulation resulted in Mr. Morgan's guilty plea. I hereby reverse the plea and this case will start over. There will be a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence for this to go to trial. Ms. Walsh, do you object to anything that I said?"
She stood. "No, your honor."
"Very well, Mr. Morgan will be remanded into custody until the next hearing."
"Your honor," Eva said. "Considering the threats on his life, we request that Mr. Morgan is remanded to county jail prior to the hearing." Due to the severity of the crime and the fact that Jason had been convicted, bail is not an option.
Everyone held their breath until finally, the judge removed his glasses and then focused on Jason.
"While I feel that part of this is your own doing, I will agree that it is probably in your best interest to not return to Pentonville. If county has the room, then I will sign off on it."
Eva slightly smiled. "Thank you, your honor."
Jason let out a sigh of relief as did everyone in the small room.
"She did good," Piph said.
"Yes, she did," Lila added.
"Alright, everyone but Epiphany needs to leave now," Diane said.
Liz stood. "I'll push Lila to the back entrance. Alice is there. We'll wait in the car until Epiphany is finished."
"I won't be long."
"Okay." Liz isn't sure what this is about, but Epiphany looks very serious.
Once they were gone, Diane made a call.
"They are on their way. I'm going to slip out."
"Thank you."
"You're very welcome. Use the time wisely. You won't have long."
"I will."
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The guard moved Jason closer to the room and then removed his cuffs.
"Go inside. You have ten minutes."
Eva and Jason locked gazes. "It's okay. Please, go inside. I'll be right out here and then you'll be put in a holding cell until all the paperwork is sorted."
Jason moved forward and when the door closed behind him, he came to a halt. "What are you doing here?" He quickly perused her as she stood defiantly.