A/N: The next chapter is a lot of Johnny and Liz. It will also reveal the new player that is back in Port Charles and show how those that know him react. Some will be happy while others are less than thrilled.
Sorry for the delays, but real life is trying to intrude. But I am determined to get back on a schedule of regular updates. Since I am off work on medical leave as of now, maybe that will happen! LOL
Happy Veteran's Day and God Bless our Troops!
Chapter Twenty-Three
The silence in the penthouse was unnerving as Johnny read through the paperwork that his attorney had sent over. Instead of using the office at the warehouse, he was currently using his former residence because it was more private. And with everything that he was researching at the moment, he figured being discreet would be best. Tossing the pencil down in frustration, he ran a hand over his face.
"Nothing is adding up," he told Jagger when he just looked at him.
"The contracts?"
"No, they are fine. I was thinking about the Diego shit and Sam still almost stalking Elizabeth. Then when you factor in Spencer and Corinthos just sitting back quietly, it makes no sense."
"That is because neither Lucky or Sonny are behaving," Jagger told him, while watching his face carefully. He knew that Johnny was close to going ballistic, especially with all the unknowns. He knew that he handled the threat of danger from his father and Claudia better because they were familiar with how each other reacted and John felt that he could anticipate their moves better. "Sonny is reaching out to other families in Italy. Little does he know that the Ratoli are loyal to you and Gambetti's father is loyal to Jason."
Hissing, he just stared at Jagger while waiting for the next piece of information to be disclosed.
"Spencer is elusive. Luke trained him well in that area, that I will say. But he has made a large sum withdrawal from Nikolas' estate."
Surprised, Johnny growled. "Cassidine is backing him financially?"
"Unintentionally. He has no clue that his brother is stealing artifacts from that Gothic nightmare and selling them off."
The confusion cleared from his eyes and he gave a short laugh. "Then let's present the Prince with the proof. Of course make sure that it comes from an undisclosed source. I know that Maximus and Sean will not be helping Sonny make any moves."
"How about Morgan. Do you think that he will cave and let his partner come home?"
"I seriously doubt it," Johnny confided with a cocky grin. "Whether he admits it or even acknowledges it, he is still half in love with Elizabeth. While it burns him that we are married and a family, he would never allow anyone to harm her if he knew about it. And you can bet your ass that he will not let Sonny so anything to hurt Jake." His grin faded and he shook his head. "It still amazes me that he can not see that Sam is playing him like a damn fiddle. She wants Elizabeth miserable and he just refuses to see it."
"They say love is blind."
"More like delusional," he quipped. "He is just refusing to see that he misjudged that trash so badly. He has a reputation for being able to read people. Sam proved that he has lost his touch." Pausing, he played with the gold band on his left ring finger. "Double the tail on both Sam and Spencer. If I have to, I will get my answers from Lucky the hard way."
Sighing, Jagger dropped the paper that he had been holding on the desk. "Brenda and Robin are both starting to question about Georgie being out of sight for so long. Before too long, Maxie will too. She maybe a stupid airhead, but she is close to her sister."
"And then Morgan could realize the connection has to do with Diego." Johnny read between the lines and understood. "I expected as much, Jagger. Brain damaged or not, he is not slow, except for with women. But I thought that we needed everyone looking for that piece of shit. And he did kill Morgan's baby sister, which was Elizabeth's best friend. Whoever gets their hands on him first, I don't care as long Georgie gets closure. So if Morgan or we get him, I will be relieved either way."
"Christmas is a week away, John. Is Georgie going to be able to handle her family by then?"
"I don't know," he admitted. "But we will deal with that when and if we have to. Trust me, Elizabeth will not let them intrude on her until Georgie is capable of handling it."
"Has Jordan made any progress on the search for a house that we can secure for your family?"
Another flash of aggravation filtered across his face. "Not one that we both like. I like the house out on the edge of town, but I am hesitant to move to the country in case I have to leave them for a period of time. She keeps picking little cottages."
Snickering, Jagger tossed an apple core into the trash. "I told you that Lizzie was not concerned with money. Big fancy houses, expensive cars, and luxury vacations mean squat to her. She likes simplicity."
"Uh huh, well, simplicity is fine, but small is not. We have us, the two boys, and another little one on the way. And Georgie is taking the position of a live in nanny. It may be a cover right now, but even if she leaves after she is ready, we will need a nanny. Elizabeth wants to work even if we certainly do not need the income."
They both stopped at the sound of a knock on the door. Knowing who was there, Johnny just leaned back to watch the show. It may be kind of mean, but seeing the shock on Jagger's face at the visitor would be well worth the show.
"What the hell?" Jagger demanded as he reached for his gun after pulling the door open.
The man on the other side smiled a wicked grin and chuckled. "Good to see you too, Cates. I take it Johnny Boy didn't tell you that I was coming."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~b~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Scanning the chart in front of her, Elizabeth unconsciously nibbled on her lip while looking at the vitals and checking to make sure that the medications had been administered correctly. Having nursing students on her first day back was not what she had expected, but Epiphany had been unmovable in her decision.
Nadine moved up beside her and grabbed a pen from the counter while looking at her patient's chart. "So, Nurse Zacchara," she began with a teasing smile, "congrats. I can honestly say that you shocked us all."
Turning pink, she shrugged. "I know it was fast."
Cutting her off, Nadine waved her hands. "Who cares! It is obvious that the hunky man just worships the ground that your tiny feet walk on. I say good for you, honey. You and the boys deserve some happiness."
"Thank you, Nadine. Not everyone is that accepting of us. But I am happy and the boys love him."
"It helps that he is sexy as hell," Kelly added as she and Patrick joined them at the hub.
"Oh please! I am just as handsome and she shot me down plenty," Patrick teased with twinkling eyes.
"Well that is easy to explain away. Liz has always loved the bad boys," Robin informed him as she wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed his neck. "And let's face it, Patrick, you are lacking a gun. Literally."
The group burst into laughter while Elizabeth just rolled her eyes.
Kelly waited until most of them had returned back to work before looking over at Elizabeth and turning serious. "How are you feeling? I wanted to make sure that you were not too stressed with this pregnancy, especially after all that happened while you were pregnant with Jake."
"Those were different circumstances, Kelly. But I am feeling good, just tired and having some nausea, but not real bad at this point."
"Good. I want to squeeze you in for an ultrasound tomorrow. Do you work?"
"Um, no. I am off tomorrow." Elizabeth looked over at her friend and frowned. "Is something wrong? Should I be concerned?"
"No, I am just being cautious because of the past complications, Liz," she quickly reassured her friend. "Can you and that sexy husband of yours be here about two for a quick appointment? With the holidays coming up, I just want to make sure that you are in good health."
"Sure. Thanks."
They both looked up as the elevator dinged. Kelly groaned as Sam stepped off and smiled in their direction. "God help me," she grumbled as Elizabeth swallowed a laugh.
"Hi!" Sam gave them both a sugary smile. "I was hoping to catch you, Dr. Lee. Jason and I are planning on a small but romantic trip out of town over the holidays," she lied easily, wanting to see Elizabeth's reaction. She was disappointed with the lack of response. "Do you think that is alright since I am considered a high risk case?"
"As I already explained, Sam, you are not considered high risk until you are closer to delivery," Kelly informed her while attempting to not roll her eyes in exasperation. "And you are perfectly able to travel up until your third trimester."
"Thank you so much!" she gushed. "We are really looking forward to getting away for awhile."
Waiting until the doctor had hurried away, Sam turned and studied Elizabeth. She could see that Francis had moved closer to his charge and bit back a sigh. It looked like Zacchara was taking no chances with the incubator. Getting a chance to take care of her at the hospital was not going to be that easy. Damn that man, she thought as she glared at Francis.
Returning the look, Francis easily let it slide and offered her a feral grin.
"Did you need anything else, Sam?" Elizabeth asked, bringing her out of her thoughts.
Seeing that the other woman was watching her with a raised eyebrow and slight smirk, Sam shook her head. "No, not really. How are the boys adjusting to having another father?" she nastily asked. If she could not physically harm her, maybe she could emotionally upset the hag that had made her life a nightmare.
All traces of friendliness slid from her face and she causually leaned against the counter of the hub. "Oh, the boys just adore Johnny. He is so good with them. Especially considering that he had such a horrible paternal figure." Letting her eyes go cold, she snarked at her. "Let's just hope for Jason's and the baby's sake that you can overcome your own horrible past and transgressions to be a halfway decent mother to your own child."
Anger coursed through her body as Elizabeth stepped from behind the station and started toward a patient's room with a wink in her direction. "You freakin bitch!" she muttered. Seeing the guard turn and give her a death glare, Sam reigned in her emotions and scampered toward the elevator, not believing that the little nothing had dared to insult her. Sam knew that she would be a much better mother than that waif. Unbelievable, she thought as she tried to figure out how to get a hold of Sonny again. Nothing would stop her from ruining that bitch and getting Jake taken away.