Chapter Three
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Making It Official
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The meeting with the five families is set to go down in a matter of hours, her heart determined to do what must be done, but still needing the reassurance of her father. Sad, isn't it? Even after all she has been through, after all he has taught her, she still seeks his comfort in times of duress. Sitting down on the ground in front of his headstone, Elizabeth takes a deep calming breath before focusing on his name, willing herself to hear his guidance from the great beyond. The guards remain close, of course, all too afraid of another attack. The one that took their father has yet to be resolved and no one wants to chance another death in the family.

"Father, I know sentimentality wasn't something you indulged in. You taught us to stand strong against the weight of the world." she says with a heavy heart. "But you showed your vulnerability to me once, long ago, something that surprised both your children."

***FLASHBACK***

There had been an attempt on Johnny's life, prompting the visit from their father, regardless of Claudia's insistence that a visit wasn't necessary. She did her best to prepare Elizabeth for his arrival, informing her of the kind of man their father was, that she shouldn't take anything he says personally because it was just who he was. Claudia, of course, informed her father of Elizabeth's presence in their home in order for it to sink in before he arrives. Though she thought it ridiculous to voice, she assured her father that Johnny had no interest in Elizabeth that way. That he saw Elizabeth as he sees her, as a sister.

Anthony's arrival was like a clash of thunder through the skies, his main focus being his son's well being the moment he stepped through the front door. He berates the guards in their lack of ability to protect his son, firing a few in a fit of anger as he makes his way to his son, hiding the relief from his face when he sees that Johnny was completely fine. After he had calmed down, Anthony rehired the guards he had fired as an apology before he was calm enough to face the next issue that has come to his attention. Elizabeth.

"Father..." Johnny tries to block his path, intent on explaining, but his father merely side steps him.

"I won't hurt the child, Johnny boy." Anthony says simply before guiding Elizabeth over to the study. "Have a little faith, huh?"

"Dad!" Johnny started to say but the door was simply shut in his face.

Elizabeth hadn't be certain of Anthony, of his intentions in gaining alone time with her, but she didn't rush to judgement and she didn't speak until he did so. Sitting there with him, she listens as he explains the turmoil bubbling up within him at her presence in his children's lives. He could tell how deeply his children felt for her. How easily she had worked her way into their hearts. It was that reason alone that he needed to know the kind of person she truly is. The kind of person that lies beneath the surface. So, she did, she told him of her life, of her past. She told him what it was that brought her to their house, to their lives. She told him everything.

"I know what its like to be cast out with nothing. To be forsaken and disregarded like a blight on society." Anthony voices as he reaches out to place one hand on hers. "Those people are a bunch of heartless fools. You shouldn't spend another second fretting over such frivolous creatures."

"I don't think much on them these days." Elizabeth admits. "Not when I have these guys to fill my heart."

"Good, that's good." Anthony rises to his feet. "Its clear my children consider you their sister, my Claudia going so far as to say so herself..."

"They're like family to me."

"If you so choose, I can make it official." Anthony offers, very much interested in coming face to face with the vial loathsome people that cast away this child. "I can make it to where you are a permanent member of this family."

"You'd adopt me?" Elizabeth looks at him in awe and confusion. "Really?"

"If its what you'd like, I see no reason not to." Anthony says with a deviously charming smile. "The more Zaccharas in the world, the better, I say."

"I'd...I'd like that very much." Elizabeth admits, tears frozen in her eyes. "Thank you."

"Very well, it'll be done." Anthony says as he pulls open the door. "Just leave it all to me."

"Father." Claudia and Johnny blurt out when he walks from the room.

"I will return in two months time." Anthony says to his children before he pulls open the front door to leave. "Expect a call from Lansing within the next few days."

"What happened in there?" Johnny asks Elizabeth as the door shuts behind their father.

"He..." she turns to look at them both. "He's gonna adopt me."

***FLASHBACK END***

"You loved me when you had no reason to. You cared for me and you made me your family regardless of what anyone else said. For that, I will always be thankful. For that, I will always be blessed." she whispers, taking in a deep breath. "You weren't my father by blood, but you were my father at heart. So, rest easy and know that we will do whatever it takes to keep your legacy alive."

"Boss?" Zander, one of her guards, voices as he moves to stand behind her. "Its time."

"Okay." Elizabeth says as she rises to her feet, fixing her outfit. "Lets go."

Walking with him, knowing the rest of the guards would soon follow, Elizabeth makes her way to the car before allowing him to hold her door open for her. Sliding into the backseat, she relaxes her body into the cushion, knowing what waited for her at the end of her venture. The meeting with the five families wasn't one that she looked forward to, but she knows can't be avoided. Lansing, their father's attorney, had prepared them for it the best he could, but it falls on them to pull it off.

"Right on time." Johnny voices when she gets to him just shy of the door that leads to the meeting. "You ready?"

"As I'll ever be." she voices simply. "You?"

"Same." Johnny agrees. "Brace yourself. Faith will be in attendance."

"Figures." Elizabeth rolls her eyes. "Corinthos?"

"He'll be here, as well." Johnny confirms. "This will be a meeting of bosses only. Enforcers aren't to be in attendance."

"Which explains Rico's absence."

"Exactly." Johnny replies before pulling open the door. "When you're ready."

"Lets do it."

As they entered the room, everyone rose to their feet in welcome, prompting them to walk about the room and introduce themselves to everyone in attendance. The head of the five families, Maximus Giambetti, had a warm smile on his face as Elizabeth introduced herself to him. He, like many of them, aren't too familiar with a woman running things, but he sees no harm in it. Though, the history between Elizabeth and Faith was one to watch out for now that Elizabeth is in charge of her own organization.

The meeting commences with a reading of the bylaws, something they had found laughable, but accepted none the less. A bunch of hardened criminals living by a set of rules had her scratching her head, but she does see the appeal. The No Name is explained and they are made to swear acceptance of the laws of the No Name. No violence is to be done on the grounds of the restaurant. Anyone caught in violation of such rules shall be dealt with harshly, up to and including death.

Once they had been thoroughly schooled on what is to be expected of them while being part of the five families, Elizabeth and Johnny relay their intentions as they take over their father's organization. They pay the respect due to Sonny Corinthos as they relay the intention of bring their organization to the town of Port Charles. He hadn't been too pleased to hear that, but the five families ultimately sided with Johnny and Elizabeth. They don't deal in the same merchandise and Elizabeth's from Port Charles originally.

The meeting ends on a neutral note as Johnny and Elizabeth thank all for coming before taking their leave back to their estate. They didn't know what to expect from Sonny or Faith, but they are glad that both had the sense to keep their heads on the shoulders long enough to have the meeting. Dropping the bomb of moving to Port Charles had been a calculated move on their part. With the backing of the five families, Sonny had no other choice but to accept the competition on his turf.

"Alas the Fair Elizabeth returns to her humble abode." her closest friend, the Jackal, better known as Spinelli, voices as they get to the front door. "Along with the Prince of Darkness...pleasant greetings."

"Why do we keep this guy around again?" Johnny questions as he pulls open the door.

"Because the Jackal is superb in his field beyond immeasurable value." Jackal counters with ease. "Why she insists on keeping you around, the Jackal shall not ever comprehend."

"Watch it, kid." Johnny chuckles before walking into the house and closing the door.

"I hadn't realized you'd be coming by." Elizabeth comments as they sit on the steps. "Everything okay?"

"Everything's rather splendid actually. The waterfront purchases went through last night and the building that is to house your offices was finalized this morning." Jackal explains with a proud smile. "The vehicles you had requested for yourself and the Prince of Darkness will be awaiting your arrival at the airport."

"You told me all that yesterday, Spinelli." she reminds him. "What's going on?"

"The Jackal has a request of his closest and most dearest of friends..." Jackal takes a deep breath before meeting her eyes. "Allow the Jackal to accompany you in your ventures."

"You want to come to Port Charles with us?" Elizabeth looks at him confusedly. "Your life is here, Spinelli."

"That is true, I have many important things where I stand, but the Jackal is ready to set off on new adventures." Jackal counters intently. "The Jackal also wishes to be there for his dearest of friends as she returns to a place where her old life dwells."

"You really are my best friend, Spinelli." Elizabeth says as she hugs him tightly before pulling away. "Very well. If you insist on going with us, I'll allow it."

"You will not regret this choice, Fair Elizabeth." Jackal exclaims before shooting up to his feet. "The Jackal will be packed and ready to leave posthaste."

"The plane leaves at noon tomorrow." Elizabeth points out as he takes off in a run. "Make sure you're on time, Spinelli!"

"Vibrantly noted!" Spinelli yells back as he runs off down the road.

"That kid sure is something else." Johnny comments as he leans against the doorjamb. "You really taking him with us?"

"It means a lot to him." Elizabeth says as she walks past him into the house. "Plus I like having him around."

"I can see that." Johnny counters with a smile. "Which is why I tolerate him."

"Aw, how sweet of you, big brother." Elizabeth teases before walking to the stairs. "I'm gonna finish packing my stuff. We'll have breakfast here tomorrow."

"Tell me you're not going to cook it."

"Shut up." Elizabeth rolls her eyes. "I'm ordering it, jerk."

"Hey, I offered to pay for your cooking lessons..."

"Keep it up and you'll be sitting next to Spinelli the entire flight." Elizabeth counters as she walks up the stairs. "And for kicks, I'll stuff him filled with chips and orange soda beforehand."

"That's just evil."

"I learnt from the best." she counters with a laugh. "See you in the morning."

Note: Port Charles...let the fun begin.