-1Walking Wounded

Chapter 8

JFK International Airport, New York City

Carly dragged her baggage off the moving ramp, huffing at its weight, kicking herself mentally for never learning to be a light traveler. Her eyes scanned the baggage claim for signs that would lead her to the nearest rental car agency. She glanced at her watch.

Ten o'clock.

By the time she reached Port Charles it would be nearly midnight and she sighed in relief, aware that the lateness of hour would allow her to put off the inevitable reunion with her family. They would have questions she wasn't prepared to answer.

She also knew that once she stepped over the Port Charles city line, she wouldn't have long to find Cassie before she was discovered. She needed to know her daughter was safe before she could face all those people she had hurt. Michael. Catherine. Bobbie. Courtney. Jason.

Sonny.

Her chest constricted at the thought of seeing that look of pain and betrayal cross his face. The face that she dreamed about every night and missed so deeply it ached inside.

"Come on Caroline. It's time."

She could handle their hate and disdain…as long as they were alive, she could handle anything.

Finding the rental car section, she chose the smallest line and stood quietly, her hands trembling as she adjusted her bag on her shoulder.

"I hate this lines, don't you?"

"Gladys, I'm sure she doesn't want to talk to strangers."

"Hush up Harold."

Carly smiled at the elderly couple that stood a few feet to her right, apparently waiting for their car to arrive. She nodded at them. "I usually hate lines."

The woman - Gladys pointed a thumb at the man next to her. "Harold is the same way. No patience."

"Gladys!"

Carly bit back a laugh, remembering what it felt like to talk with people, to stand in a line without looking behind her every second, afraid that she or the kids would be spotted and she breathed deeply.

It would be over soon.

The kids would be free.

She would be free.

Her eyes fell on the newspaper that Harold read, her eyes catching a familiar face on the front page and her breath caught in her throat.

It couldn't be.

Dropping her bag on the floor, she left her place in line, taking the few feet to where Harold stood and grabbed his paper from him.

"Young woman! What do you think you're doing?"

Carly's eyes burned as she stared at the faces that smiled up from the picture. Her breathing came in pants, her mind whirling with thoughts. The wedding announcement sent a knife of terror into her heart. "Oh my god. No. No."

She crumpled the paper in her hand, ignoring Harold's rants and she slammed her hand incessantly on the table. "I need help!"

The attendant at the counter ran to her side, eyes wild with concern and Carly grabbed her hand. "Please I need a car. Please!"

The young woman glanced at the line behind her and responded calmly, "Ma'am, we'll take care of you when it's your turn. Just get back in line."

"You don't understand. I need to leave now. I can't waste anytime. My family's life…it depends on me!"

"Ma'am please…"

"I'm begging you! Please! My children…my husband…they're in danger. Please!"

Carly watched the attendant contemplate the situation, looking behind her at the office. Carly squeezed her hand and pleaded. "Please."

"Oh dear. Harold, give her our car."

"WHAT?! No. Gladys no!"

Carly turned to look at Gladys who snatched the keys that had just been handed to her husband. She came up to Carly. "I don't know what the emergency is but here you go dear."

"Damn it Gladys."

"Hush up Harold."

Carly hugged the older woman tightly, grabbing her keys and ran back to her luggage. She opened her purse, pulling out her ID and a credit card that she only used in an emergency. She threw them at the attendant telling her to change the car into her name and asking her to add Gladys and Harold's car onto it as well.

She didn't wait for a reply, only glancing back to silently mouth a thank you to Gladys and ran out of the automatic doors. There were several cars parked on the curb and Carly pushed the alarm button on her key chain, her car blaring an annoying sound. She turned off the alarm as she ran toward it, pulling open the door and shoving her bags into the passenger seat. She hurled herself into the driver's seat, ignited the car while attempted to fasten her belt. She pulled away from the curb, tires screeching…

She had to get to Port Charles.

She had to save them.

Manhattan, New York

His shoes sunk into the plush carpeting as he glanced around the vast house that used to be his home. It had ceased to be that since his mother had died years ago. David Tagliati deposited his bag in the hall, following the smell of fresh bread, into the kitchen. Alberta, his old nanny and now cook for the house, stood over the stove, crying into a dishtowel.

"Alberta?"

She jumped at his voice and seeing his face, broke into sobs of relief. "You came Davie." She ran to him, wrapping her massive arms around his stiffened body, while he attempted not to squirm.

"Hi Albie."

She pulled away, wiping at her tears. "Enough tears. You came to see father, correct?" David nodded and Alberta smiled though it didn't reach her eyes. "It is good. He not have long. You need to do this. He needs you." She steered him to the back stairs, tightening her grip on his arm briefly. "He…looks not good Davie. And she is with him. Be careful."

David tensed at the mention of his father's soon to be widow. He nodded once more and climbed the stair, reaching the back end of the second floor. He walked the hall slowly, memories flooding his mind as he did. This had been his home until the day his father had chosen to marry again.

Five years…

It was nothing in the scheme of things but….it seemed like an eternity. His eyes noted the subtle changes in color as he ascended the stairs. They were darker, deeper in some ways. He paused, eyes falling on the giant portrait of his late mother hanging on the wall, and his mouth worked into a satisfied smirk.

That was new, probably made in the last couple of years.

That had to piss her off.

His muted steps continued down the hall and paused at the familiar door. Steeling against what was inside, his back rigid, David opened the door. The shock was deep even if he had been prepared for it.

Sammy Tagliati's shriveled body lay on the bed, his eyes staring unseeing at the ceiling. For a moment, David held his breath, afraid he had missed his chance. But his father blinked, his head moving down until his sunken, dull eyes met David's.

"Davie."

The sound was barely audible in the silent room yet the happiness behind it resonated in David's ears.

"Hi Dad."

"Davie." Sammy attempted to reach out to his son but his hand fell limply on the bed. He had no strength left but he needed to find some. He had to tell David what he needed to know. He had to keep his promise.

David approached, fixing his gaze on his father, ignoring the silent figure he knew was lurking in the shadows, waiting for the death that was eminent.

Taking his father's hand, David perched cautiously on edge of the bed. "Dad. I'm here."

"Davie."

"Don't talk Dad. Save your strength."

His father's gaze slowly shifted behind him, he nodded stiffly. "Get out."

Refusing to turn around, David listened to the sound of the door opening and then close soundly. He knew she would be listening outside so he lowered his voice. "Stop talking, old man. It's okay."

Sammy held David's hand and squeezed gently. "I don't have long. I need you to finish what I started. It's time to get rid of that snake. "

Confused, David glanced behind at the door then back at his father. "You're making no sense, Dad."

Sammy smiled, his gaunt skin pulling back as he did. "I love you Davie."

David pushed down grief and tears, choking on it as he responded. "I love you too Dad."

Sammy nodded, satisfied with that and reached over, opening his desk drawer. Inside was a picture frame and as Sammy pulled it out, David realized it was of his mother. Sammy turned the picture around, and unable to open the frame, handed it to David, motioning that he do it.

David pulled out the backing, finding inside a small silver key. He looked up at his father, who smiled and reached for the picture of his beloved first wife. David watched as his father traced it with his fingers, lingering on his mother's face.

"Anita was my heart. " Sammy hugged the picture to his chest, meeting his son's eyes. "It's time to be with her."

David felt a tear roll down his cheek and he wiped it away quickly. His father reached a hand out and he took it in his own.

Sammy smiled once more. "I need you to listen, David. I have some work I need you to finish. It's not fair to ask but I can't have let it all be in vain."

"Ask Dad. I'll make sure I finish whatever it is."

"Good. Now, I need you to understand. That key opens the door to a safe and in there is their salvation…it's up to you now Davie…."

St Timothy's, Port Charles

He watched her from behind, riveted by the movement of her body, his gaze fixated on her profile. His chest constricted, and he touched it for a second. He knew the moment she sensed him and halted in the middle of the aisle.

Courtney closed her eyes, strengthening her resolve before opening them and turning to met his stare. "Hello Zander."

"Hi…Courtney." He restrained the urge to grab her and force her to admit that seeing him mattered. Her eyes were closed to him, deep blank pools of blue and he hated it. She'd always been an open book to him.

Before…

"How…how are you?"

She nodded, bothered by his lack of emotion, even though it was what she'd said she wanted. It was supposed to make it easier "I'm doing well…but your sister is a wreck. Not that anyone can really blame her." Courtney let out a forced laugh. "It's her wedding day."

"Yep. And not her first one either."

"Oh gosh. That's true."

They stood in silence, words that ached to be said remained caught in the air, filling the moment with nothing except longing and regrets. Zander pointed at his hand where he held flowers. "I should get these to her now. It was good to see you."

Courtney felt her eyes water and pushed the tears down, smiling quiet pain and resignation. "Yes. It was."

Zander nodded, ignoring the glimmer of hurt she had been unable to hide. Making his way down the aisle he was forced to pass her, and their shoulders brushed. He paused in reaction. Barely touching his arm to hers and hearing her breath catch softly, he turned his head to look into her face. They stood inches apart, though it felt like miles. His eyes studied hers and smiling slightly, he brushed a blond strand back, watching her eyes darken at his touch. He leaned in, his breath caressing her cheek, lips brushing against her skin. He spoke softly as he backed away.

"I miss your face baby." He meet her eyes, holding her there and just as quickly he broke the spell, continuing down the aisle without a backward glance.

Courtney stared at his back as he left her, the distance between them growing farther then she could take. Her knees gave way and she crumbled slightly, falling into the pew with a soft thud. She touched her slightly rounded stomach and prayed that she would have the strength to keep her secret from him…even if it destroyed her in the process.

Behind her guests began to fill into the church, smatterings of the wedding party filing down the walk and she smiled, despite everything, when she caught sight of her big brother. He flashed her a dimpled grin and waved her over to where he and the kids stood together.

She drew up, smoothing her dress as she rose and faced them, smiling widely as she moved forward….

That was all she needed to do. Keep moving forward.

Ric observed Courtney and Sonny from his seat in the corner, jealously mixing with relief that they had each other. Family was important. He glanced at Dara and smiled when she winked his way.

He missed having that.

Her hand reached for his and he squeezed it gently as their fingers intertwined. He glanced around the room, as it filled with guests and stopped when he realized Elizabeth was staring at him.

He waved with his free hand and she returned it, but her face seemed strained. He felt uncomfortable, some strange fear nagging at him that he needed to keep aware. His eyes pulled away from Elizabeth , drawn to the woman by his side. She caught his gaze and smiled at him. "Something wrong, counselor?"

He stroked her fingers gently with his thumb, pulling her slightly closer to him. "Not with you here."

Dara looked surprised but recovered quickly, a grin breaking across her face. "Thank you." She leaned her head on his shoulder. He felt someone staring and caught his father's calculating stare. They nodded in greeting before Ric's eyes broke away. He kissed the top of Dara's head as the gnawing fear inside grew…

Dillon brushed past pew after pew, staring randomly in Sonny's direction while his grip tightened on Brook Lynn's arm. "Your mom would have wanted you here so stop fighting this. "

"That's bull-"

"Brook…I love you but you are thisclose to pissing me off irrevocably. So if you don't want me to send your sorry behind straight back to your grandmother I suggest you show a little respect. Especially considering where we are."

Brook Lynn opened her mouth but taking one look at his face, she smartly chose to choke back her retort. She caught him watching Sonny again and sighed. "So you gonna show him?"

He plunked her down into one of the pews, joining her before he glanced at Ned and Skye trailing behind, pausing to talk with associates and friends as they passed them.

"Eventually."

"What do you think he'll do?"

"As long as it doesn't involve my death, I don't care."

He realized what he had said and swerved his eyes to her. Brook Lynn's face had paled at his comment. "Oh sweetie. I'm sorry." He gave her a side hug. "I didn't think…that was stupid."

Brook Lynn nodded, patting his hand on her shoulder. "I know you didn't mean anything by it. "

"I'm just nervous." He pulled away from her and pushed his hair back, sighing.

"I don't blame you."

Rubbing his hands on his thighs, he casually glanced over at Sonny again. He needed two minutes….that was all. Two minutes to tell him what he had found in Lois' personal effects. He pulled the locket out of his pocket, opening it to see the picture of Carly. He glanced at the two faces opposite hers, the little boy looking very much like Sonny and the girl, beautiful…and sad.

After the wedding…he would make sure that Sonny knew after the ceremony.

Outskirts of New York

Carly sped past the sign that read the miles she had to left to go. There was no time to look. She had to get there.

Lightening crashed and thunder rumbled in the distance. Before she knew it, the first fat drops of rain began to fall on the windshield. She fumbled with the gauges inside the car, finally finding the ones for the wipers.

Her fingers drummed on the steering wheel as she glanced at the clock. 11:30pm. She wasn't far. The houses that perched on the sides of the road were familiar to her. She banged her hand against the wheel. The rain was slowing her down.

Why the hell hadn't she flown directly into Port Charles?

She knew the answer to that.

"Damn it." She glanced at the crumbled paper on the seat next to her, bringing her eyes from the road to the picture on the page.

How the hell was this happening?

It didn't matter anyway. All that was important was finding Cassie before he did….

The only goal in Carly's mind was stopping the bastard…no matter the cost…

St. Timothy's, Port Charles

"This is ridiculous."

"Michael…come on. It's her first wedding."

"You'd think she was the bride though." Michael complained, biting on his lip to keep a smile away. Cate stood in front of the full length mirror in one of the back dressing rooms completely mesmerized by her reflection.

She held the pale pink skirt of her dress in her hands and moved slowly from side to side. "It's so pretty."

Michael's hand rubbed his forehead. "Cate, baby, you saw yourself in that thing before."

She glanced back, sticking her tongue out. "So?"

"So…why are you all of a sudden so in love with yourself now?"

Sonny elbowed Michael, frowning and shaking his head. He moved forward, bending to look Cate in the face. She turned to him, looking at him with eyes so much like Carly that it hurt to look at her. "You look beautiful baby."

"Really?" She glanced back at her reflections touching the curls of her hair softly. "Do I look like mommy?"

Michael froze and opened his mouth to say the first comment that came into his head. He caught his father's face in the mirror's reflection and promptly shut it, his teeth making a rattling noise with the force he'd had to use.

"Why do you ask that sweetie?" Sonny touched her hair, sweeping back a rouge curl that had fallen on her forehead.

Cate shrugged. "I saw a picture of Mommy the other day…she was wearing a long dress, this color. She looked pretty."

Sonny grinned. "Your mama was the most beautiful woman in the world."

Cate smiled. "I remember that sometimes."

Michael had joined them, kneeling as well, and he poked at her shoulder playfully. "Remember what? You were still a baby."

"Doesn't mean I can't silly." She put her small hand on his face and leaned forward touching his forehead with hers. "She always smelled like flowers."

Michael pulled back, startled. He looked at his father who seemed equally shocked by Cate's comment. Michael nodded after a moment, replying quietly, "Roses." He shook his head, rising quickly, adjusting his jacket as he did. "Okay. Enough…of that. We need to get to our places."

Cate and Sonny watched Michael leave the room. Their eyes met and they stared at each other for a long moment after.

Cate spoke softly. "He misses her a lot Poppa."

Sonny pulled her into a strong hug. "Yes baby, he does."

PCPD, Squad Room

"Explain this to me again, Dad."

Luke allowed his head to fall with a loud bang against the desk where he had been sitting for an hour. This kid wasn't his…he was too damn dense.

"For the hundredth time Lucky, Cass is family, okay?"

Lucky nodded. "Um-hmm. Right. So why have I never heard of her then?"

"She's part of my family. We never talk about them."

Cassie raised her eyebrow from her position on the desk next to Luke. One of her hands was handcuffed to the drawer and the other was tapping against the desktop. She looked from son to father and for the life her could not for a second understand why or how Luke had raised a cop.

"Uncle Enzo…could we just get him to let me free? I think we can explain familial ties later."

Luke glanced over, winking at her with a smile before turning back to his son. "Okay. Bottom line here, cowboy, is you can't hold her unless I want to press charges. I don't."

Lucky studied the two sitting side by side, trying his hardest to see a family resemblance. There was none, other then the same shrewd expression on their faces and he knew that came from another source having nothing to do with DNA. He sighed, defeated for the moment. He couldn't hold her.

Walking around to the desk, he took out his key and unfastened the handcuff. He watched her pull it out, massaging the wrist while giving him a murderous look. He was sure that if his father hadn't been there she might have attempted some sort of bodily harm. He took a step away.

Cassie stared at the idiot until he backed away from her. She needed to stay the hell away from him or she'd kill him for putting her in that small space for all those hours. She couldn't breath inside that damn cell.

She glanced at Luke, standing up as he did, staring at him for a moment before opening her arms wide and with a laugh, hugging him hard. "Hi Luke!"

Luke laughed in return, crushing her in a hug and kissed the side of her head. "Hi baby girl."

Pulling back, his face became serious and glancing cautiously at his kid, he asked the question that had been foremost on his mind since he'd received her call. "What the hell are you doing here, Cassandra?"

"I had to come."

Luke stared. "This is not the place for you to be sweetheart. Does your mama know that you're here?"

Cassie nodded, wringing her hands together. "She sent me. Crap. She's probably been calling for hours." She paused to look him straight in the eye. "We got what we needed Luke. It's almost over."

Luke stopped, a slow smile spreading across his wearied face. "You got him?"

Cassie smiled in return. "Right by the balls."

Luke barked out a laugh, high-fiving her as he did. "So, how did you guys get it?"

Lucky held his hands out. "Hold on. What the hell are you two talking about?"

Luke turned to his son. "Nothing that concerns you, cowboy. Please. Just go get her papers ready."

"Dad…"

"Lucky. You don't need to know. Okay?"

Lucky gave him a curt nod, and stiffly moved away to his desk to start on his newly found relative's release.

Cassie stared after him for a long moment. "He's nothing like I thought he would be."

"Yeah, well. Me neither."

Cassie turned her attention back to Luke. "He's a cop."

"I know."

"He can't know Luke. Any of it."

"I know Cassandra."

"Then how the hell are you planning on explaining his dead cousin's sudden reappearance and your role in it?", Cassie whispered.

"I'll blow up that bridge when I get to it. " He pulled her into another hug. "I'm glad your okay. And before we get distracted, answer my question. How did you guys get it?"

Cassie lowered her eyes. "Lois. Lois found it." The pain was still raw and she pushed it away. There would be time later.

Luke closed his eyes at hearing the name and felt a sadness he rarely ever did. Lois had been one of a kind. He'd gotten to know her well in the last couple years and it stung that she had become a casualty in this damn war they were fighting. He knew how much Carly had loved her.

"That's why I needed to see you."

He paused. "What do you mean?"

Cassie sighed, sitting down in the hard metal chair with a thud. "She had some of the proof with her. We think she sent it out right before she died. Here. To Port Charles."

Luke shook his head. "She wouldn't have done that. Too risky."

"I don't think she had a choice, Luke."

"Well she didn't send it to me."

Cassie nodded. "Yeah, I figured that much since you have no idea what I'm talking about."

"Do I ever?" He shrugged, trying for and receiving a small smile from her. "Where?"

Cassie gave him a knowing look before answering. "Daddy-O."

"Sonny?! She sent it…"

"Shh!!" Cassie hunched down, seeing everyone staring at them. She smiled at Lucky who had swerved around toward them. Playing it casual, they waited until everyone's attention in the room returned to other things before continuing. She slapped Luke's hand for good measure. "Do you mind not screaming next time."

"I'm sorry but why the hell would she do that."

"Because she wanted him to know."

Luke shook his head fervently. "Bad idea. Sonny finds out and he'll kill the sonofabitch. " Luke paused with a smile, "Well maybe it ain't such a bad plan."

Cassie ran her hand through her hair, her eyes on the desk as she spoke. "Believe me, no one wants that bastard dead more then I do but we don't have all the evidence yet."

"You just said…."

"I said Lois found most of it. The rest Mom left with a good friend who helped her when she first went on the run. He has it. From what I understand, he's supposed to bring it here soon. When he does, Mama is going to neutralize Trevor for good."

"Neutralize Trevor?"

Cassie closed her eyes at Lucky's voice. Sh-it…that was they needed.

"Is this what this is all about Dad? You vendetta against Trevor? When are you going to stop?"

Luke stood up. "You don't know anything Lucky."

"I know you've spent the last four years trying to get Mom away from her new husband and have constantly accused the Mayor of being a fraud. So now what…you got this girl to what? Lie about him?

Cassie whirled on Lucky. "I don't have to lie about that sick sociopath." She pulled at her sleeves, showing Lucky the long scar that covered her arm. "See this," she spoke through clenched teeth, "this is what I got as a gift when I was eight years old. Wanna take a guess who gave it to me?" She stood in front of Lucky, her eyes brimming with hate and tears.

Before Lucky could speak her eyes seemed to focus on something behind him. She brushed past him to the bulletin board, staring, seemingly frozen, at an article that was posted there. Her hand reached up and pulled it down.

He glanced at Luke who seemed just as confused at her behavior and turned back in time to see Cassie bolt out of the room, running straight down the hall and out of the door.

She was gone before he could command anyone to stop her. He watched as his father picked up the paper she'd dropped.

"What is it?

Luke seemed lost as he showed it him. "I don't understand." He started to run after Cassie and Lucky followed, glancing down at the article in his hand.

It was Brenda's wedding announcement…

St. Timothy's , Midnight

He stared at his reflection ignoring the pleading his eyes seemed to be exhibiting. He knew this was his moment. They had worked hard for this.

Don't do it…

He reached into his pocket, ignoring the voice as it begged him to stop. He opened the bottle, taking two pills before setting it down on the table. Brushing his tuxedo into place, he checked his tie and turned to leave.

This is wrong…you know it is…

He clutched his head, shaking the voice quiet. He spoke haltingly. "You think it's wrong." He pushed his head against the door, banging softly. "Shut up."

His phone rang and he struggled to answer it. He took a deep breath and his voice sounded steady as he spoke. "Yes?"

"You're ready?"

"Of course I am."

"And you know what to do?"

He clenched his teeth. He hated the way he spoke to him. "Yes. I do."

"I don't want a repeat with what happened before."

He reached his free hand into his jacket pocket, caressing the silver necklace he kept with him now. "Lois was…a one time situation sir. It won't happen again."

"Good. Remember you're the distraction…back-up if you will. Whatever happens, you react like they do. Got it?"

He clenched his fingers around the cold metal in his hand and smiled to himself. "Unlike what you like to think , Trevor, I'm far from stupid."

"I'm counting on that."

The phone went dead and he re-pocketed it, taking a deep breath before opening the door. He came to face to face with his future brother-in-law.

"Hey. Time to head to the alter buddy." Zander smiled at him.

Gabriel smiled back, closing the door behind him. "Let's get going. Don't want to leave my bride waiting…"