A/N – Thanks for the comments! I have eye surgery on Monday so probably won't post. Hopefully, I can on Tuesday.
Chapter 30
Evangeline moved towards her car and then almost tripped, making her drop some paperwork. "Dammit," she muttered as she knelt.
"Let me help you."
She jumped and her eyes landed on Manny. "Hi."
He smiled and then helped her stack the files. "That's a lot of homework."
"I want to make sure I'm prepared."
"I can't imagine you not being that way."
They stood and she unlocked the car and they put her things inside.
"So, what are you doing around here?" she asked.
"Your guard had a family emergency, so I came to escort you home."
"Thank you."
"My car is right there," he said pointing at a black Mercedes-AMG.
"Wow, that's nice." A smirk crept onto her face. "Isn't that a little flashy?"
He chuckled. "Technically, I'm off duty. You want to go for a spin?" He has an older car he uses for stakeouts and such as well as an SUV.
She smiled. "Sure." She locked her car and then followed him to the passenger side and he held the door open and she slid inside.
Quickly, he made his way to the driver's side and got in. Turning down the radio, he buckled up.
"This is really nice."
"Thanks. She's my baby. Do you mind going fast?"
"No."
"Good."
He headed towards the road to Vista Point.
"So, aside for your love of nice cars, what else do you like?"
"I'm pretty quiet, but I like good music and my mom's cooking."
She grinned. "Do you have siblings?"
"Yes. I have two brothers. Javier is the oldest and Mateo is my twin."
"Really? Is he in the business?"
Manny chuckled. "He's a priest."
She cracked up. "Was he over-compensating?"
"I never thought about it like that. Perhaps, but he was always into religion and faith."
"Are you?"
"You couldn't grow up in my household without praying to some kind of saint. I think my mom used to make things up though. I'm pretty sure there isn't a saint for hated vegetables."
She laughed and then gasped when he pressed on the accelerator. Smoothly, he drove as soft music played. Gazing out the window, she relaxed, letting go of the stress of the day.
"Did you see Jason?"
"Yes. He's in good spirits. I brought Elizabeth for a visit."
Manny smiled. "I'm sure he was pleased."
"Yes. They are cute together."
Someone pulled out in front of them and he deftly maneuvered around the car and then reduced his speed. "You okay."
She let go of the breath she was holding. "Did you take a specialized driving course?"
"Yes."
"What else did you have to take for your job?"
"Well, general combat, strategic thinking, psychology, and shooting."
"Wow."
"Francis is thorough."
"Maybe you could teach me some self-defense. I have a feeling I'll need it if I stay in this town."
He chuckled and then parked at an outlook. "You can see the city lights from here."
They got out and he rushed to get her door and she's impressed with his manners.
When they get to the edge, her eyes grow big. "It's beautiful."
He wants to say, "So are you," but refrains. "I come here to think sometimes."
"I can see why. You're an interesting man, Manny Ruiz."
"I'm pretty simple. Jason and I are alike in that way. He likes his motorcycle and pool table and I like my car and ink."
"Does it cover your entire torso?"
"Not yet. My arms are done, but I haven't finished my stomach and back."
"Can I see?"
He unbuttons his shirt and pushes it open.
"Wow. I'm sure there are a lot of stories behind them." He's incredibly muscular and somehow, the ink fits him. It's not something she'd normally be attracted to, but she can appreciate the artistic value. "It's a little dark."
He schooled his expression. "My life is dark. It's something I use to intimidate. If you know me, it wouldn't faze you, but if you're an enemy, let's just say people don't tend to mess with me."
"So, they have no idea that you talk baby talk to Alaina and are a complete pushover?"
He grinned. "Nope and you better not give away my secrets."
"Hand me a dollar."
His head tilted, but he took out his wallet and handed her one.
"Perfect. Now that you hired me, I can't tell any of your secrets even if they try to torture it out of me."
"I would have to hurt someone."
"Well, since you have a lawyer now, I would represent you."
He smirked. "Of course, then you'd have to charge me more. I've been around Diane and know how this works. Are you addicted to shoes too?"
She chuckled. "I like them, but she's certifiable. I'm surprised Jimmy Choo hasn't taken out a restraining order."
He laughed. They stayed for a little while longer and then he took her back to her car.
"Thank you for accepting the ride. I enjoyed getting to know you a little better," he said.
"Thank you for asking. I had a nice time too."
Once she was gone, Manny threw his hands up. "Progress!" he said loudly before getting back into his car.
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Diane pressed the phone between her neck and shoulder as she rummaged for a file. "How are you doing?"
Eva sighed. "I don't know if I'll be able to sleep."
"Have a small glass of wine. It will calm your nerves." Eva usually isn't so nervous.
"So much is riding on this. The more I'm around the people who love him, the more I want to make sure nothing goes wrong."
"You are well prepared and I have a really good feeling about this."
"Me too. You have a nice group of friends here."
"I know. Maybe it's time to have you close by."
Eva dropped the paper she had held. "You want me to move to Port Charles?"
"Would that be such a bad thing?"
"I don't know."
"You can start over fresh and you wouldn't have to see John every day."
She sighed. "True…" It hadn't been an easy breakup and it was still a little raw.
"Just think about it, okay?"
"I will."
"Get some sleep."
"Good night."
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Carly's body jerked and Sonny stood.
"Carly, it's okay."
She started to struggle and then yelled Jason's name and her eyes snapped open.
Sonny's body tensed as hatred seeped into his boy due to the name that fell from her lips. "You were having a nightmare."
Tears well in her eyes. She wants Jason. He makes her feel safe, but she can't tell Sonny that because he'll freak out.
"You're safe."
"I'm sorry."
He grabbed her hand. "Don't apologize. It's going to be okay."
"He was so cruel."
"Do you remember what he said to you?"
She slightly nodded. "He said it was karma and that you'd never guess who is responsible for it. He knew about my past and obviously about you."
Sonny scratched his scalp and then smoothed his hair. This situation is making him crawl out of his skin. "Ronnie is looking into it. When they let you go, you can't ditch your guards anymore, Carly."
"I know. I'm sorry."
"That fucker put his hands on my woman and hurt you. I will hunt him down." He struggles to keep his emotions in check.
A tear fell down her cheek. "Thank you."
"You need to rest."
"Will you stay?"
"Yes."
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The next morning, Francis called Johnny into his office.
"What's up?"
"I want you pulled."
Johnny is surprised but hides it well. "I see."
"I think you should tell him you're a daddy."
"Hell no! I won't put them in danger like that."
"If Sonny finds out on his own, he's going to come after you and will use them to do it. If you go to him, he'll be mad and probably fire you. He doesn't trust you to begin with."
Johnny got up and started to pace. "He's freaking out about Carly. His paranoia has gotten worse."
"That is why I need you out of there."
"I just wish there was another way."
"Me too."
"I'm headed to the hospital to pick him up. I'll talk to him when I drop him off at the office. They are keeping Carly another day."
"Okay."
"By the way, Leticia was Michael's nanny. I'm sure that will not go over well when they find out she quit to work for a Corelli."
"Great…"
"I'll deal with it."
"Let me know if you need anything. Jason's hearing is today."
Johnny grinned. "My boy is coming home."
Francis watched him leave. He needs to figure out what he is going to say to Jason because that conversation is going to happen soon.
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Judge Conner perused the room before slipping on his glasses. "Mr. Morgan, please stand."
Jason quickly moved to his feet.
"Since your original plea was dismissed, in the matters of the State versus Jason Morgan, how do you plead?"
"Not guilty, Your Honor."
"You may be seated. Ms. Walsh, do you want to address the court?"
Claire stood. "Your Honor, after reviewing the new evidence, the state has nothing to add."
His brow wrinkled. "Really?"
"Yes, Your Honor."
He totally was expecting a fight. "Ms. Williamson, what about you?"
"Your Honor, given the fact that there is ample evidence that Mr. Morgan did not shoot the gun and his former counsel was remiss in representing him, I move to dismiss the charges and save the court valuable time."
"This is the most peculiar hearing that I've ever presided over. Ms. Walsh, do you have any objections?"
Claire sighed. "No, Your Honor."
"Court will recess for a half hour while I review the evidence." He banged his gavel and gathered the papers and disappeared into his chambers.
"That's a good thing, right?" Jason asked.
Eva nodded. "Yes. Since Claire isn't fighting, so it should be a slam dunk." They had completely caught the judge off guard which will work to their advantage.
"I was expecting a lot more arguing. It's what you lawyers do, right?
"Very funny…"
Jason smirked as everyone watched them from the little room.
"See, I told you, he likes her," Liz said.
Piph chuckled.
Lila grinned. "While she is very pretty, I'm not getting that vibe."
Diane shook her head. "You're the only one he likes to rob of oxygen."
Liz's mouth fell open when Jason's shoulders start to shake. "He's actually laughing. What the hell?" Her hand smacked across her mouth. "Sorry, Lila."
Everyone laughed.
"I don't mind your potty mouth," Lila said as Liz's face grew redder.
Jason struggled to stop laughing as Eva joined him.
"What? She actually twitched when she said, "No, Your Honour." I thought she was going to puke."
When Eva had said it originally, she twitched a few times and looked so ridiculous that Jason couldn't help it and laughed.
Liz's eyes grew narrow and Piph wiped a tear away.
"You need to stop."
"What? She's luring my man in."
Lila giggled.
"Can I object or something? Maybe get a restraining order?"
Diane cracked up. "You are too much. Don't forget, we are team Meva, not team Evason."
"Where do you come up with this stuff?" Piph asked.
"I like to shorten names. I believe the young people call them squish names. Lorenzo and I could be team LoDi, Lodian, or Dilo."
Epiphany thought for a moment. "Frapi, Frany, Piphfan…" They laughed at the last one. "Epiphfranny, Piphcis…"
Liz shrugged. "I like Frapi or Frany and Liason for me and Jason."
"I like that," Lila said. "I think Edward and I would be Edila or Lilaward."
Liz's brow went up when Eva suddenly doubled over with laughter, trying to contain it, but failing miserably, making Jason chuckle. She stood. "That's it, I'm going in."
Piph pulled her back down. "No, you are not. I need her intact for Sunday."
"Whatever…"
Lila is so enjoying them.
In the courtroom, Eva sits up after she had put her head down to laugh. Thank God, it's a closed session.
"Please don't ever try to twitch again. You'll ruin my makeup."
Jason smiled. "I can't promise that, but I'll try to be good."
She wiped her eyes as Claire glared at them.
"She's pissed."
Eva tried to casually look that way and when her gaze met Claire's she smiled widely and waved, making Claire's eyes narrow more and Jason looked the other way to hide his face from view. While he hadn't been in trouble a lot, he's pretty sure that laughing in court would be frowned upon.
The judge's door opened and Eva sucked it in. "Shhh, he's back."
They stood and then sat down when he was seated.
"Court is now in session."
"After reviewing the evidence, I do not think there is anything here that could possibly convict him. The circumstantial evidence is not even strong enough. Considering the video of him being beaten and set up, I don't think the state has a case. Therefore, I am dismissing all charges. Mr. Morgan, you are free to go once the clerk clears you. Hopefully, I'll never see you in my courtroom again."
"Thank you, your honor."
"Court is adjourned."
Eva turned and they hugged. "Congratulations."
Liz ran through the doorway and into Jason's arms.
He's amused but still peruses the room. "I thought we were keeping a low profile."
"I couldn't help it. You're free." She turned to Eva. "He can go, right?"
Eva smiled. "We just need to complete some paperwork. I already started it, so I'll just need Jason's signature. Why don't we go into the room just in case?" She feels too exposed.
"Okay. See you in there." She moved away and out the door and then Jason and Eva followed.
Once they were inside, his arms were full of Epiphany.
"I'm so happy," she said before pulling back. "Welcome back."
"Thank you." He turned and gave Diane a hug and then knelt in front of Lila.
She touched his face. "I love you, Jason Morgan and I'm so beyond over the moon right now."
He kissed her cheek. "I love you too."
She held his head against hers and whispered in his ear. "You are making her jealous."
Jason frowned. "Why?"
"Evangeline."
"Seriously?"
"Yes."
He slightly smiled. "Really?"
Lila chuckled. "She is a beautiful woman." Thankfully, the ladies were talking amongst themselves and couldn't hear them.
"Yeah, but Manny likes her, so I'd never go there. Besides, I like Elizabeth."
"I think she's perfect you."
He stood and glanced at Elizabeth who smiled, so he returned it. "So, how are we getting out of here?"
"Well, you're going to leave with Eva." They have to keep up appearances just in case.
"And go where?" He hadn't really thought about where he was staying.
"You could come back to the mansion," Lila said making him groan.
"There's always my studio," Liz said.
"I could do that."
"Lucky was staying there, but he gave me the key back."
"I don't know, Lucky could be following you and spot him," Piph said. "My house is out of the question. We were going to go there tomorrow." She kept putting it off, but is finally going to face it.
Diane texted feverishly on her phone. "Francis is going to have Manny meet you at a safe house. He'll be by tomorrow to meet with you. Is that okay?"
Jason nodded. "Tell him that I said thank you."
"I will." She texted the information to Eva. "Elizabeth will push Lila out the back entrance where Alice is waiting and then go to my car and I'll take her and Epiphany back to Crimson Point."
"Sounds like a plan," Piph said.
Elizabeth hugged Jason one last time and then handed him a slip of paper. "That's my number."
"I'll call you later."
"You better."
He smirked as he watched her moved behind Lila.
"By the way, what were you two laughing about?"
Eva chuckled. "I was mocking Claire because she literally twitched and then Jason tried to twitch and it was so horrible I couldn't stop laughing."
"It wasn't that bad."
"Oh yes, it was. Hopefully, I'll see you at Manny's party," she said to Liz.
"I'll be there."
Jason made a face. "He's having a party?"
"His family is having one for him and he invited everyone," Eva explained.
"I see."
Lila stole once more glance. "Don't make me have to find you."
Jason grinned. "I promise I will call you in a few weeks."
"I'll look forward to it."
Eva finished up with all the paperwork and Jason was taken out of the system. An hour later, they headed to the car before anyone could spot them.