A/N: I'm changing some of the history between Maxie and Lucky just because I can. :powpow: They did sleep together while he was married to Elizabeth, but Maxie never provided him with pills or faked a pregnancy to keep him.
~shout out to those who :bump: and, also, to those who :lurk:.
17. part 1 of 2...
Sam's five minutes were almost up. She'd checked the main waiting area with no luck. She was headed to the nurse's station to leave a message for her cousin and request he be paged when the elevators opened and two women stepped off causing her to stop in her tracks. Elizabeth was in mid-conversation with another nurse.
"All I'm saying is that man of yours must be one heck of a good lover for you to risk being late again. Nurse Johnson is dying to find a way to punish Jason Morgan for hiring her son and since she can't really punish him she seems to love making due with you." The strawberry blond told L iz.
"Epiphany doesn't scare me. The only thing she has on me is tardiness and I'm too good to be fired over something so trivial. As for just how good my man is..." Elizabeth smirked and felt heat rise recalling the forceful way Ric had pushed her face-down against the sofa and taken her from behind. "Well Alisha, a lady never kisses and tells."
Alisha laughed as L iz tightened her ponytail. "Yeah? Well, a lady doesn't usually go around in public sporting a hickey the size of a Texas plum on her neck now either."
A bright flame rushed to Elizabeth's cheeks as panic set in. Her hand grasped blindly at her neck. "Oh God! How bad is it? Which side? Oh my God. I need to cover this before someone finds out!"
Sam's brow rose, not expecting such blatant carelessness from the nurse. Why would it matter if anyone found out her fiance gave her a hickey, unless it hadn't been her fiance? According to rumors, Elizabeth had kept her affair secret for more than a year. How she'd managed to get away with it so long, Sam would never know. The nurses remained oblivious to Sam since she was still off to the side, but she'd heard every word. Elizabeth was late for work, again, after being with her lover, a lover who had left her a little love mark. Sam would have smiled, if she weren't so disgusted. Jason had been with Sam every day and night since last Thursday, so it was more proof supporting the rumor. It was no one night stand. Elizabeth was having an affair.
"Breathe." The nurse advised with laughing green eyes. "I have something to help cover it, but if I had a man as fine as Jason Morgan giving me trophies like that I'd have no shame showing how he'd claimed me. Damn, he could own me anytime he liked." Alisha got a little hazy-eyed at the thought.
Sam felt a slight grin pull at the edges of her mouth remembering the various spots all over her body Jason had claimed of hers.
"Alisha!" The irritated whine jerked both Alisha and Sam out of their reverie.
The other nurse blinked and blushed with a shrug. "Sorry. Can't blame a girl for dreaming."
Elizabeth's eyes flickered with impatience as she rolled them at her co-worker. "Concealer, quick!" She reminded as she pulled her hair out of its hold and used it to hide her infidelity.
Alisha nodded and Elizabeth followed her behind the desk while Sam paused a moment longer before sidling up to the desk herself to see if she might hear anything more incriminating. She didn't care to engage with Elizabeth for fear it might end in her strangling her after all she'd done. She noticed a friendly face at the other end and approached her instead.
Georgie stood behind the tall counter in her candy striped uniform talking to a young blond Sam had only talked to once before. She'd seen her at Kelly's and Georgie had introduced the vivacious girl as her older sister, Maxie. Georgie rolled her eyes and shook her head at something her sister had just said and looked over to greet Sam with a warm smile. "Hi Sam. Is there something I can help you with?"
Maxie nodded to Sam, not minding the interruption at all since her sister obviously wasn't going to be any help. Maxie had been sent as her boss's stand-in to finalize details for the hospital's holiday fundraiser. It was to be covered by Crimson in their December issue. Everyone who was anyone in New York's most elite circle would be there, especially this year considering some of the world's most precious jewels would be on display and up for auction.
Maxie had some time before the meeting, so she'd come to pry Georgie of details on the new guy she'd caught her sister flirting with at Kelly's yesterday. Maybe Sam might have something juicy to share. After all, Georgie had mentioned the guy was friends with her. She stood by in silent anticipation, but her attention was quickly drawn to the Elizabeth drama on the other side of the station.
Sam returned the young volunteer's smile sincerely. Georgie had an innocence and kindness about her Sam had rarely encountered in her life. Kind of like Spin, she thought randomly. "Yes, actually. I was wondering if you would be able to page Nikolas for me. I'd like to leave him a message so he knows we were moved to a private waiting room."
Georgie started to nod, but before she could respond their attention was drawn by Maxie's delighted squeal. "Oh, this should be good! Being Kate Howard's go to girl really has its perks sometimes."
Both Sam and Georgie followed the mischievous gleam in her bright blue eyes to find her focused on an intimidating woman Sam recalled from her previous times in that hospital as head nurse, Epiphany Johnson.
"Nurse Webber, how fortunate we are that you decided to join us." She engaged with dripping sarcasm.
"Late for duty once again." The head nurse shook her head. "This is unacceptable. Not to mention the fact that your first priority is looking good rather than the stack of orders waiting to be entered." Epiphany glared down at the younger woman who'd been searching through a cosmetics bag when Epiphany returned to the desk.
"I'm sorry Epiphany. My little boy wasn't feeling well. It was a long night and early morning and I've just been so tired with this pregnancy and caring for him on my own." Elizabeth lied.
The older nurse sighed. She despised Jason Morgan for involving her son in his criminal activities and by association, she wasn't too fond of Elizabeth since she'd left her husband to be with him. Detective Spencer was a good man, despite his mistakes, and L iz was a fool to throw away everything she had with him to be with the likes of Jason Morgan. She had once been very fond of Elizabeth and was still fond of her little boy. Her voice softened at hearing he was ill, but only for a second before frustration set back in with his mother. "I'm sorry to hear that, Elizabeth, but this has become a habit I can no longer ignore. I let it slide the first couple of times and issued a verbal warning last time, but this is the sixth time in less than a month. I'm afraid I'm going to have to write it up this time."
"Epiphany, you can't be serious! I was barely twenty minutes late. Cameron needed me." Elizabeth was genuinely shocked her lie hadn't gotten her out of trouble again.
She knew Epiphany had a soft spot for single mothers having been one herself.
"I am serious. I was serious the first time and the second and so on. Maybe a permanent mark on your record will help you realize just how serious I am. I know how hard it is being a single mom, but ignoring your tardiness isn't fair to all of the other employees with the same responsibilities that manage to show up on time. Now, I suggest you put the make-up away and tend to your patients." Epiphany advised with no room for debate.
L iz felt her face flush with anger and embarrassment, but managed to keep her tongue. "Yes, Nurse Johnson."
Epiphany bristled at being referred to by her last name since she and Elizabeth had been on a first name basis for years. She knew that was the young nurse's way of dismissing her as rudely as possible without being insubordinate. She shook her head. This wasn't the Elizabeth she'd trained and come to respect as one of the best. She had changed and not for the better. Elizabeth was becoming insensitive, just like that cold-blooded fiance of hers and Epiphany had to wonder how long it would be until her negligence crossed over from her punctuality to her duties as a nurse. She hoped coming down hard on her now would nip it before that happened.
Alisha made herself busy under Epiphany's glare. She slipped a sympathetic smile to Elizabeth then grabbed a chart and went to check on a patient. Epiphany was then called away by a surgeon leaving Elizabeth alone to notice her audience for the first time.
"Careful Elizabitch, looks like that dollar store shine on your halo is starting to fade and all the concealer in the world can't hide the ugly you've got going on underneath." Maxie taunted with a chirpy smile as she walked around Sam toward the flustered nurse.
Sam looked away to hide her grin as Georgie called out her sister's name in a pleading tone. Sam didn't know the history, but it was clear there was no love lost between the two. Sounded like Maxie was one of the few who hadn't fallen for Elizabeth's little miss do right persona. Sam figured she needed to chat with her later. Maybe she had the proof she was looking for.
"You're one to talk, you home-wrecking little tramp. It doesn't get much uglier than using your ex-boyfriend's death as an excuse to whore yourself out to a married man. I bet Jesse rolled over in his grave as you and my husband stood kissing over him, stabbing the love he had for you both in the back!" Elizabeth hissed in a near whisper, lest her co-workers see how nasty she could be.
"You bitch! Don't ever speak his name, especially after all you've done to hurt the people he cared about. All Lucky had left after losing you and that little boy he loves as his own was his job and you almost cost him that too." Maxie wasn't usually one to get physical, but she was about to make an exception.
Sam was debating how far she'd let it go, she was sure it wouldn't be much more than a slapping match, when Nik stepped in out of nowhere to hold Maxie back from lunging over the counter at Elizabeth. "Enough, Maxie!"
Maxie turned to see it was Nikolas restraining her and snatched out of his hold angrily. "Like hell! She deserves a hell of a lot more. How can you stand here defending her after what she's done to your brother?"
Sam wanted that answer as well. She had an idea, but she didn't want to believe it. She felt her fists clutching at her sides as Elizabeth batted her tear-filled doe eyes up at Nikolas like he was her knight in shining armor.
"Elizabeth is pregnant. She shouldn't be subjected to this kind of physical or emotional stress. Besides, Lucky and Elizabeth weren't the only ones to blame for the end of their marriage. You played a part in it too, did you not?" Nikolas reasoned.
A most disgusted sound escaped the back of Maxie's throat. "Really? Yes, Nikolas, I was there. I know exactly what my part in this was and I've taken responsibility for it, but I can tell you without doubt none of it would have happened if this witch had been there for her husband when he was in pain and grieving for his partner instead of off somewhere screwing around behind his back!"
Sam wasn't sure if it was Elizabeth's smug smile as Nik defended her to Maxie, or the guilty look that spread across Nik's face as Maxie pointed out Elizabeth had been screwing around, but the next thing she knew she'd grabbed her cousin by his Brooks Brothers lapel and was dragging him in the nearest room for a private conversation.
"You better thank your little cousin for saving you!" Maxie hollered as Nikolas was roughly escorted into a supply closet. "Jerk." She mumbled shaking her head with her hands over her chest.
"Sorry Lizzie, looks like your preferred place of business is all tied up." Maxie told the nurse with a head motion toward the supply closet. "But I'm sure you and your men on the side are used to that backseat of yours."
Elizabeth narrowed her eyes and was about to respond with some nasty comeback, Maxie was sure, but started typing in a huff instead upon seeing her boss approach.
Epiphany had witnessed the inappropriate display and had been prepared to step in if Nikolas hadn't. "Must I remind you this is a hospital and place for the sick to heal?"
Epiphany directed her words to Maxie, but Elizabeth knew they were meant for her too.
"You're right Epiphany. It is a place for the sick, but I seriously doubt there's enough therapy or penicillin in this hospital to cure what's wrong with her!" Maxie told the woman as she glared at Elizabeth then turned to her sister and, sweet as you please, told her she'd call her later. She had a meeting to get to.
xxxxx
"Sam, what the hell?" Nikolas smoothed his suit jacket back into place and adjusted his tie.
"Are you sleeping with Elizabeth?"
She hadn't meant for it to come out so direct, but her anger was running the show at the moment.
"What?"
"I said are you..."
"I heard what you said. I just can't believe it!" Nik cut her off.
Sam narrowed her eyes. "That isn't an answer."
"No!" Sam still didn't look too convinced. "God no! Why... how..." Nik was shocked and confused, but Sam also heard the hurt and anger there at being accused.
She wanted to take him at his word. She believed his reaction sincere, but pushed anyway. "Where were you? You never came back for Alexis!"
Sam wasn't sure anymore if she was mad at him over Elizabeth, or for her mother, or maybe for herself? If Nikolas had come back, maybe Alexis wouldn't have had a chance to press her about Jason. She didn't know why she was so furious. She only knew she was suddenly filled with anger. She was just angry and scared and hurt.
She saw Nik's features soften at the way her voice cracked at saying Alexis' name. As mad as he was at her, he was more worried for her.
He took a deep breath then calmly explained. "After I had Emily paged, I was delayed by Alan about a topic he wanted addressed at the next board meeting. I went back to Alexis, but she'd already been sent down for x-ray. I went down to find her, but missed her again. On my way back up, I ran into Monica. I asked her to oversee everything went smoothly since another surgeon would be assigned in Dr. Rivera's place. She informed me Patrick had been assigned and talked with me to put my concerns to rest. By the time I was on my way back, Monica informed me Alexis was on her way to the OR and escorted me to her so I wouldn't miss seeing her before she went in."
Sam sighed. It was farfetched, but she wanted to believe. "And Monica can corroborate your story?"
There was no mistaking the hurt that flashed across his face.
"Yes." He simply replied.
Sam felt guilt fill her eyes and fall down her face. "I'm sorry Nik. I'm sorry. I know better than to think you'd ever hurt us like that."
Sam wiped at her tears and shook her head now angry for the way she'd just interrogated her cousin instead of handling it with the care she'd intended.
Nik's jaw tightened as concern for his cousin filled him. "It's okay. Emotions are running high for all of us right now."
Nik placed a consoling hand on his cousin's shoulder and she gave him a sorrowful smile as more tears fell. "Alexis knows Jason and I want to be together. She made me promise not to be with him if she..." Sam swallowed. "If anything happens, she wants me to help raise Molly and Kristina."
Alexis had informed Nikolas of her intention to make Sam co-guardian of her little sisters, but she'd failed to mention any contingencies. "I'm sorry to hear that, Sam, truly. I can't say I don't agree with her concerns, but I don't agree with her actions. I hope you know she loves you though, I think she acted out of fear."
Sam nodded sadly, her teary-eyed gaze focused on nothing at all other than her thoughts. "She's afraid for us. She didn't say it, but I think she's afraid history will repeat itself."
Nik sighed and gave her a reassuring hug. "What happened to aunt Kristina was horrible, but horrible things happen every day. Just look at Emily. She's been in more danger due to her association with me than by being a mob enforcer's brother. It doesn't matter though, I won't let history repeat itself. You, Krissy, Molly and Emily are all going to be just fine and so will Alexis."
Sam smiled against her cousin's silk tie and hugged him a little tighter. "Thanks, Nik. I'm really lucky to have you for family."
Nik smiled over her shoulder. "The feeling is mutual."
A moment passed. Sam had calmed and pulled from the hug. She could see Nik debating something. "What? What is it?"
Nik shook his head. "I just... What brought this on? Why would you ever think I was cheating on Emily?"
Sam told him what she could. She told him how she was hired to investigate a rumor circulating the hospital that Elizabeth and Nik were having an affair.
Nik brushed it off. "If you believed all the rumors floating around GH, then half the nurses and doctors here are having affairs with one another and their patients."
Sam then admitted she had proof of Elizabeth's indiscretion, but hadn't been able to confirm the man's identity.
"I guess he was right." Sam was curious why Nik hadn't struggled to believe her about Elizabeth.
Even Jason, who trusted her implicitly, had wanted to see proof before he could really believe. "Who was right?"
"What do you know about Elizabeth and Lucky's break up?" Nik said.
Sam shrugged. "Only that Elizabeth told Jason she'd found Lucky with another woman and that he suffered from an addiction. She told Jason that Lucky refused to go to rehab, so she filed for divorce."
Nik scoffed. "Maybe it's time you talk with Lucky for the real story."
Sam's curiosity was piqued. "Or, you could just give me the condensed version here and now?"
Nik didn't look too comfortable with that idea. "I'd rather you hear it straight from him. Emily and I have had some trouble over the issue and we sort of promised one another we'd stay out of it and not take sides. Although, truth be told, I don't want anything to do with Elizabeth after what she did to my brother."
Sam was confused. "Well then, why were you just out there defending her to Maxie?"
Nik huffed. "I wasn't defending her. I was looking out for Maxie."
Sam shook her head not following.
"Maxie is a good kid. She just acts before she thinks sometimes. She's been through a tough time and she made some mistakes, but she's been a good friend to Lucky. I'm sure he wouldn't want anything happening to her, but if Elizabeth lost that baby because of Maxie she could be in a lot of trouble. I'm not sure how Jason might handle it." Nik confessed.
Sam was touched by his concern for the girl, albeit unnecessary. "Jason would never harm her Nik."
Nik considered it. "Maybe, maybe not. I figured it wasn't worth the risk and I know Maxie would never forgive herself if she did anything to cause Elizabeth's baby harm, no matter how much she dislikes Elizabeth."
Sam smiled. He really was a prince. She linked arms with him and they stepped out of the supply closet together, drawing a few stares, then headed back to the waiting room. She was surprised Jason hadn't sent the cavalry out for her yet.
xxxxx
Emily was a generally humble person, but if she took pride in any one thing it was her ability to read her big brother when most couldn't. "She'll be back any minute."
Jason's intense blue gaze met Emily's and he couldn't help the slight smile at how well his little sister read him. He didn't like being away from Sam, especially as upset as she'd been. He could read his sister too though, and knew if he didn't change the subject soon Emily would want details about Sam and him. He wasn't ready to talk about his relationship with Sam yet. There were other pressing matters he needed resolved first. "How are things with you and Nikolas?"
"Good, wonderful." Emily smiled.
"Glad to hear it." Jason told her. "So, no more arguments over Elizabeth and Lucky?"
Emily sighed and decided less was more where that topic was concerned. "No. We've agreed to stay out of it."
"Good." Jason replied. "I'd hate for anyone to come between you. I know how much you love him."
Emily smiled at his concern, a little puzzled by the timing though. Aside from the big brother speech he'd given Nikolas, Jason never really spoke with her about her relationship. "He loves me too."
"You deserve someone who puts you first and would never hurt you." Jason was doing his best to be subtle, but subtlety had never been his strong suit.
"And I have that someone." Emily wasn't sure where her brother was headed, but she suddenly felt a need to defend Nikolas to her brother.
"I hope so. I hope he appreciates how lucky he is to have you." Jason watched Emily carefully. He looked for any sign in her reaction that she may feel as though Nikolas had taken her for granted.
"Nikolas is wonderful. I'm the lucky one." She assured him.
Jason's face was a blank mask to most, but Emily saw doubt in his eyes.
"Where is all this coming from Jase? It's almost as if you have reason not to trust Nikolas all of a sudden." Emily demanded. She was beginning to get a little peeved.
Jason sighed deep. "Nowhere, nothing, I just don't want you to get hurt."
Emily shook her head. "Nikolas would never hurt me, but I don't really think this is about me and Nikolas. Is it? Maybe you're projecting your own guilty conscience. I see how close you and Sam seem to be after your time away together. Last I heard, Sam was avoiding you."
Jason felt the sting of those words. He didn't feel guilty about Elizabeth after what she'd done, but he did feel guilty for keeping the truth from Emily now. He didn't know what to say, so he said nothing.
Emily felt bad. She'd obviously hurt her brother's feelings. She knew how hard he struggled with his decision and now she'd just rubbed it in his face when really she couldn't be happier for the two of them. "I'm sorry Jase. It's none of my business. I'm happy for you and Sam, really. You belong together. I just don't want my friend to be hurt."
"Thanks Emily. I know." Emily's compassion made him hate Elizabeth even more.
He wanted to confide in his sister about Elizabeth's affair, but he knew if he mentioned it she'd put two and two together now as to why he was asking about Nikolas. He needed to make sure it wasn't Nik before saying anything. Now wasn't the right time anyway. They were still awaiting word on Alexis.
He realized Sam still wasn't back yet. Five minutes were up five minutes ago. He stood from the chair. "I'm going to find Sam."
He was three steps from the door when it opened and Sam and Nikolas walked in.
Her cheeks were still wet. She'd been crying again.
"You okay?" He said as he ran his hands comfortingly down her arms.
Sam nodded and looked down at their hands as she slowly took his in hers then walked back over to their chairs and sat.
Emily rose from her spot. "There you are. I was starting to worry."
Nikolas gave her a kiss as they embraced. "I was with Monica. She agreed to observe the surgery and provide updates. We had a talk. She tried to put my mind at ease."
"That was nice. Did it help?" Emily said.
Nikolas nodded. "I had a lot of questions, but she was very patient. I feel better knowing she's there looking out. I know Patrick has a stellar record, but..."
"But this is Alexis and you love her like a mother." Emily finished for him and Nik nodded, reluctant to share the depths of his feelings in words for fear emotion would choke him.
Jason wasn't surprised Monica agreed. She'd taken an immediate liking to Sam and though she'd had her concerns about Nikolas, she'd gotten over them after seeing how much he loved her daughter. He only wished he might be able to say the same for Alexis one day. It had saved Emily and Monica a lot of heartache when Monica had learned to accept their relationship and he hoped for the same with Sam and her mom.
Sam watched how wonderful Emily was with Nik. She was so good for him. She understood him in a way few did and he really needed that. Sam was thankful they found one another. The way they were together sort of reminded her of how she and Jason were. She tightened her grip on Jason's hand, thankful they had found one another as well.
Two hours had passed since surgery started. Emily had gone down to check in with Monica while Nikolas excused himself to return an urgent business call. Jason and Sam sat in silence as his fingers gently played against the smooth skin at the back of her neck and down her back as she leaned against him.
The shrill ring on Jason's phone startled them both from their thoughts. Jason withdrew his arm from around Sam to answer as Sam sat up.
"Morgan." Jason answered, knowing it was Sonny from the ring tone.
"Any word?" Sonny was never good on patience.
"Emily just went to check for an update." Jason let him know.
Sonny nodded, as if Jason could see. "Good, good. Well let me know as soon as you hear."
"Will do." Jason paused sensing that wasn't the only reason for the call.
"Listen, later when you have a chance I want you to check things out."
"I thought it's been quiet?" Jason inquired.
Sonny sighed. "Yea, it has been. Too quiet since that shipment raid a few days ago. Alcazar is up to something. I can feel it. I don't know if it has to do with us, but I'd feel better if you just checked things out."
"No problem. I'll make rounds tonight, until then I'll have the men tighten up and keep an eye out." Jason agreed.
"Thanks. Sounds good. He's still in South America, but the tail I've had on him has reported increased activity in the last 48 hours. He's been spotted with Miguel Ruiz as well as some heavy hitters in the international arms black market ring. I don't have to tell you Ruiz has been itching to expand North for a while now." Sonny informed his second.
"You think he's partnered with Alcazar and they're gearing up for a strike?" Jason stopped pacing and tensed at the thought, his mind already ticking off a list of things to do to be ready.
"Could be. I'm not taking any chances. I've got men on Ruiz and Alcazar to keep us informed of any movement our way." Sonny just hoped they stayed the hell away. He'd like to actually enjoy the holidays with his family without drama or impending doom for once.
"I'll get Stan on it too." The last thing he needed was a turf war on their hands with that questionable neighbor staked out across the hall.
"Anything new on our tenant?" Sonny asked as if he'd read his mind.
Jason glanced back at Sam, who was now on a call of her own. "I'll fill you in later."
"Understood. How's Sam?" Sonny figured she was probably nearby.
Jason told him Sam was hanging in there and Sonny let him go after reminding Jason one last time to call as soon as surgery ended. Jason sat back in his seat from where he'd been pacing during his call. He waited patiently for Sam to finish her call too.
Coop had phoned Sam just after Jason took his call. He wanted to take Sam up on their standing lunch date since they hadn't touched base in a few days. Sam had told him she'd love to, but couldn't. He'd confessed it was probably for the best anyway since it might not make the best impression to take off for lunch on his first day.
"Oh, I'm sorry Coop. With all that's going on I forgot you started your new job today." Sam apologized. "How's it going?"
"It's good. The officers all seem like a talented bunch of good men who really want to learn, but I'm more interested in what all is going on." Coop could hear something off in Sam's voice.
"I'm at the hospital with Alexis. She had surgery today to remove a malignant tumor in her lung." Sam explained.
"Sam, I'm sorry. Why didn't you say something? I'd be there with you." Coop felt even worse now about everything else that was going down behind her back.
Sam sighed. "It's okay, really. Nikolas, Emily and Jason are here with me."
"Jason, huh?" Coop knew he shouldn't tease her, but that was just their way.
"Yea." Sam smirked. That was all she'd say.
"Yea?" Coop scoffed with a chuckle. "Hope you don't think you're getting away with 'yea'. We're gonna talk later. Got it?"
"Yea, I got it." Sam chuckled and shook her head. Coop could be so bossy sometimes.
"Good and, all kidding aside, I'm glad Jason is there for you. I just hope you actually let him be there for you." He may not have known her for years, but Coop knew she must be scared under that tough exterior she put up.
"I will." Sam told him as her eyes landed on Jason who met her gaze with the tiniest hint of a smile and eyes filled with love.
She and Coop said their goodbyes and Sam hung up after promising to call when she had any more news. Sam looked around the otherwise empty waiting room and settled right back next to Jason and in his embrace. She felt him caress her temple with his mouth before kissing her there and closed her eyes at the gentleness of it. Waiting was the worst, but at least with Jason she could make the best of it.
xxxxx
Another hour had passed and Coop had come and gone. He'd shown up with bags of Kelly's take-out for everyone. Sam wasn't really surprised to see him, even though she'd insisted she was fine. He'd become a great friend. Jason, on the other hand, hadn't been as pleased to see him. A tense silence filled the room as Sam formally introduced her friend, Coop, to Jason.
Cooper had nodded at him and told him with a smile how nice it was to see him again. Jason's face remained expressionless and he'd returned the greeting with a curt nod. Sam hadn't missed the way Jason's jaw stiffened during the greeting and it was at that point she realized Coop was grinning ear to ear with his arm still wrapped around her waist from their hug. Sam was used to hugging, slapping and generally playing around with Coop, but she could tell by the icy hue Jason's eyes took on that it made him uncomfortable.
He never said a word about it, in fact he hadn't said more than two words the entire time Coop was in the room which was another tell along with how he'd refused to eat any of the food Coop brought. Jason claimed he was still full from breakfast and had excused himself to make a call. Sam had just rolled her eyes and dug into her burger. She didn't have much of an appetite as worried as she was, but the food made for a good distraction.
She'd tried to tone it down with Coop as they all waited together while simultaneously reassuring Jason of his place in her heart. She made sure to sit by Jason and hold his hand, pay special attention to him, but the comfortable flow she had with Coop just came so naturally it was hard to filter. Jason would just need to learn to accept Coop was a part of her life, plain and simple. Sam did decide, however, to cut him some slack by not making a big deal out of his behavior. She understood why Jason might feel a little insecure in their relationship. Everything was still so new for them that it was hard for her to believe it was real. She imagined Jason must feel the same.
Fortunately, Emily was her usual friendly self and warmed to Cooper immediately. She innocently asked question after question about what brought him to Port Charles, his new job and his family. Sam was surprised he shared as much as he had. Cooper Barrett was usually a closed book, but Sam had to admit Emily had a way of making you feel comfortable opening up. He told Emily his parents had died when he was young and how his sister, Sarah, had raised him. He'd shared that she was married now, but remained vague with any details that might fall into the wrong hands. Sarah was still in danger and he couldn't take any chances.
Surprisingly, Nik's impression of Coop was the hardest for Sam to read. He was cordial and had even found Coop's job as a security consultant interesting enough to ask several follow up questions, but he seemed to be holding back. It was almost as if he wasn't sure he trusted Cooper, but Sam disregarded that notion. Nik was probably just preoccupied by his concern for Alexis.
Coop couldn't stay long. He had to get back to work. Everyone thanked him for lunch and Nik and Emily even invited him to dinner one night soon so they could get to know one another better. Coop had seemed happy by the invitation and they'd said their goodbyes after Sam promised to give him a call later. Jason had magically re-appeared minutes after Coop walked out of the waiting room. Sam had rolled her eyes and shook her head, but let it slide... for now.
xxxxx
Coop was in a rush to make it to the training facility before his students showed. He'd spent two hours of his morning at PCPD giving SWAT orientation along side Mac, followed by a brief personal meeting with Spinelli and his contact. He was on his way to Kelly's when he'd called Sam to join him. He was glad to hear Sam had her family and Jason there with her, but after hearing what she was going through there was just no way he could not be there for her too. He cared too much.
He should have cut his visit shorter. But he couldn't seem to tear himself away from Sam's side, especially after the way Jason had walked away because he couldn't handle that Sam and he were friends. It didn't sit well with him that Jason hadn't been able to suck it up for Sam's sake. He'd noticed the insecurity Sam had shown by trying to overcompensate her attention on Jason as if to pacify him and that hadn't sat well with him either. They were going to have to have a serious talk later and by they he wasn't sure yet if that meant he and Sam, or he and Jason.
He was lost in deep contemplation over that debate as he stepped absently onto the elevator and stopped short as something hot splashed against his chest. He gritted his teeth to avoid cursing as the hot liquid soaked through his shirt and seared his skin. He wiped it away as if that would do anything to stop the burning.
"Do you mind, you big oaf? Watch where you're going!" He heard an irritated woman tell him.
"Are you kidding me? How about an 'are you alright', or 'I'm sorry I just blasted you with liquid lava'?" Coop spoke with equal irritation.
Both remained silent as their eyes took note of the other, until finally the petite blond's eyes widened then narrowed dangerously thin. "You! Are you, are you following me? Yesterday Kelly's and now twice today?"
Coop rolled his eyes and scoffed. He'd seen her talking to Georgie yesterday at Kelly's and this was the second time he'd run into her today, literally. The first time had been on the steps outside PCPD that morning. He was walking up the steps as she was running down them. Her heel came off and she nearly lost her balance, so Coop had rushed to catch her. She pulled away from him as if she'd been burned and barely managed a thank you for his trouble.
He'd been immediately enamored the moment he'd seen her in Kelly's, but she disappeared before he could gather the courage to approach her and Georgie was too busy with customers to ask about her. The brief proximity he'd shared with her in his arms that morning had sent his heart pounding. He'd been in a sort of a haze when he knelt down on one knee, reached for her Jimmy Choo and slipped it on her foot as if it were right out of the pages of a fairy tale.
"Why the rush, Cinderella?" He'd asked her. She'd rolled her eyes at him and told him his pick up lines needed serious work, but he hadn't missed the way her mouth fought against a tiny smile or the way goosebumps formed on her skin as his hand smoothed up the back of her calf while replacing her shoe.
She stood there expectantly, waiting for his answer as the doors closed behind him. "I'm not following you. I was here for a friend."
She studied him a minute then gave a half shrug with a shake of her head. "Whatever."
They stood side by side facing forward refusing to acknowledge the other any further. Coop thought her silence to be bread from annoyance. His, however, was out of sheer nervousness. She threw him off balance in a way no one ever had and he wasn't sure what that meant exactly, but he kind of liked it. He just wished his tongue didn't feel so tied up. He looked down at his shirt and began fanning it to cool off his heated flesh. He wasn't sure if it was the coffee or the woman next to him inciting it now.
She couldn't help notice him fanning himself from the corner of her eye. The coffee was scalding and she began to feel bad she hadn't even asked if he was alright, even though it was his own fault for bum-rushing the elevator without a second look. Coop couldn't help steal glances her way. He wasn't as slick as he thought, she'd noticed and she fought not to shake her head at his obvious interest. It was like he was shy or something and she almost found that... cute considering everything about his stature exuded confidence. It was almost too cute. "Think you'll live?"
Coop didn't miss the teasing sarcasm. She was so sassy. He was thrilled she'd spoken to him again, but tried to play it cool. "I'll live."
Her lips twitched as if it took great effort to say the following words. "I'm sorry if I hurt you."
Coop would never know where the sudden burst of courage came from, but he knew that was his chance and he took it before his mind could talk him out of it. "Sorry enough to make it up to me?"
He ventured a glance over at her now as she peered up at him with those sparkling blue eyes.
"How?" Her voice was tinged with skepticism.
"Let me take you to a ball." Coop ignored the fact that having a date for the policeman's ball might complicate his mission. He wanted to see her in a gown. He wanted to dance with her in his arms.
"Funny." She rolled her eyes.
Coop could see she wasn't taking him serious, but wasn't sure why. Then it hit him. She thought he was teasing her about their Cinderella moment earlier that day. "I'm serious. I'm new in town and there's this work... thing and it would be nice to have a date, have you as my date."
He was seriously asking her out. Was she ready to go out? She hadn't been with anyone since Lucky and everyone in town new how bad that turned out. Still, it would be nice to have an excuse to dress up and he really was easy on the eyes. She bet he'd look good in a tux, downright scrumptious even. She breathed and told herself to get a grip. She would play it cool. "When?"
"This Friday, the 17th. It starts at 8pm. I could pick you up at..."
"The policeman's ball? You're a cop!" She wondered if her voice belayed the panic settling over her.
Coop's brows furrowed. She seemed a little turned off at the idea of dating a cop. He wondered what that was all about. "No. I'm a consultant."
She released a breath as her muscles relaxed. Good. Good. He wasn't a cop because she wasn't sure she was ready to date at all but she knew she would never date a cop again. Not after... Well, she just wouldn't risk it. She wouldn't risk her heart that way ever again. She wasn't sure she was ready to say yes, but she had never been one to allow fear to hold her back from something she wanted. And, despite whether she was ready to move on, she finally knew she wanted to move on. She was tired of living in the pain and she wanted... Not to forget, never to forget, but to just... move on, just be happy. And toying with him, flirting with him, well, it was the first thing that had made her happy in a long while. That didn't mean she was going to relinquish all control. "I'll meet you in the lobby of the Metro Court at 7:50." She told him.
The quick flutter of her heart caught her totally off guard at seeing his eyes and face light up in a genuine smile. She resisted the urge to still her hand over her chest as he spoke. "I look forward to it."
She gave him a soft smile.
"I'm Cooper, by the way, but my friends call me Coop." He offered his hand to her.
She extended her hand as well and marveled at the tender way he clutched and caressed it before bringing it to his lips to place a gentle kiss upon it.
"Maxie." She told him with a half smile. Oh, this was going to be so much more fun than she'd ever imagined. Her father had been talking about this Coop guy for the last week. It was true that he wasn't a cop, but Mac was kind of like his boss and she was certain Cooper had no idea he'd just asked his boss's daughter to her father's ball.
17. part 2 of 2...
It had nearly been the full four hours when Dr. Monica Quartermaine finally walked in to the waiting room with her final update. Nikolas stood abruptly, too nervous to sit for it. Emily stood beside him, their arms around the others backs. Sam felt the knots in her stomach twist tighter as she held her breath. Jason gave her shoulder a squeeze and smoothed his hand over it and she relaxed under his touch, but she still couldn't breathe.
Monica gave a reassuring smile first to Nikolas and Emily then Sam and Jason. "Alexis is out of surgery. Everything went well, better than text book."
"Oh, that's wonderful!" Emily hugged Nikolas and kissed his neck.
Nikolas was flooded with relief and a thankful smile graced his lips. "Thank you Monica and thank you for talking with me at length earlier."
"You're quite welcome." Monica assured him.
Sam didn't miss Monica confirming the story Nik had told her and she had to admit she was relieved to hear he hadn't lied to her, but that relief was nothing compared to the news that her mother had pulled through. Sam's breath escaped in a joyful sob that she bit back as Jason drew her near.
"I told you. There's no fighting fate." He whispered in her ear so only she could hear.
Sam's eyes teared up and she hugged him tighter. It was brief however, as she turned half out of his embrace to thank his mother as well.
"Don't mention it. It was all Patrick and that O.R. team, really. All I did was get to report the good news. Patrick should be in shortly to give you more details." She smiled and pulled her hands from her white coat pockets to accept a hug from her daughter.
Jason gave his mom a warm and heartfelt smile. Monica returned it in kind wishing beyond all wishes that he felt comfortable enough to embrace her the way his sister just had. Sam could see that longing in Monica's eyes. She looked up at Jason, sure he'd noted it too as he was now looking down at the floor uncomfortably. Sam knew he loved Monica and anyone with eyes could see how much Monica loved her son. She just wished it wasn't so hard for him to show it, to let go like he had with her and not keep his emotions so heavily guarded. Sam rubbed his back comfortingly, causing him to look on her with love once again. She smiled up at him softly then walked over to his mother and gave her the hug she knew Jason just wasn't able to give yet.
Monica was taken aback. She and Sam had hugged several times in comfort as Jason fought for his life the previous year, but this hug was definitely the most emotional. Maybe it was because they both needed it so much. Monica longed to be embraced by her estranged child and Sam longed to be embraced by her mother. The older woman blinked back her tears and rubbed Sam's back in soothing appreciation until she pulled away then said her goodbyes and returned to work. Monica felt bad for what Sam and her family were going through, but knew she had left them in the best of hands.
Sam's mind was now somewhat appeased at hearing of her mother's stable condition. It allowed other concerns to flood her consciousness. She wanted the ugly business with Elizabeth settled once and for all and she knew she wasn't the only one. Despite promises otherwise, it was a small town and only a matter of time before Carly or maybe even Sonny confronted the nurse. Jason needed it to be over too. She was sure he was beating himself up for his misplaced trust in the woman that had allowed her to hurt them all. The sooner he and Sam started their future together, the better. Edward would want an update soon too. She decided to talk with Spin and then see what Jason wanted to do before calling Mr. Quartermaine.
Nikolas had asked Emily to check on Alexis with her own eyes after Monica left, so she'd stepped out to go see about it. Nikolas had gone with her to stand outside the recovery room doors because the thought of waiting another three minutes for her to make it back with word was just too long to wait. He needed to hear from Emily, from the woman he loved and trusted above all others, that his aunt was really okay.
Sam and Jason were sitting again. She continued to stare off at nothing as she spoke. "My client is going to expect a report soon."
She felt Jason tense for a moment, breathe and then relax and stroke her arm in an absentminded caress once again. "Do you think you could stall for a day or two until we know more?"
"Of course." Of course she could and would do that for Jason. She smiled softly as she felt him press another kiss and gently nuzzle against her head.
"Thank you." Jason told her. He was uncomfortable with everything about the situation and he knew Sam had to be too, so he was all the more thankful for how easy she tried to make it for him.
"I talked with Nik. He swears he's not cheating on Emily and I believe him." Sam told him.
She felt Jason nod in agreement. "I spoke with Emily. I didn't tell her anything, just tried to see if she felt like Nikolas may have been taking her for granted lately. He seems to be keeping her very happy. I don't think it was him either, but I need to know. I need to know for sure."
Sam nodded. She needed to know too, needed to know if it was Ric.
"I'm going to check in with Spin. See if anything has turned up." She told him as she stood to make a call.
"What's a spin?"
She chuckled at the confusion on his face. "He's my tech guy." She shook her head still smiling as he gave that answer more thought. It almost looked like he found fault with the word 'guy'.
Jason wasn't sure what came over him, but it took a lot of effort not to frown at hearing Sam was working with some guy. First Coop and now some other guy was in her life? He'd never been the jealous type, so the feeling took him by surprise. He was protective of those he loved, but never... jealous. He could see how his behavior and the tension between him and Coop earlier had affected Sam. She'd started to turn her entire focus and all conversation back to him. She was almost fawning all over him as if she suddenly felt like she might anger him or lose him because she dared pay her guy friend the least bit of attention.
Granted, he didn't really enjoy seeing Sam so relaxed and playful with another guy. He wanted to be the only guy she was like that with, but somewhere beneath the caveman mentality she'd awakened in him, he knew it wasn't right. He'd made her feel insecure like she had to alter who she was to be with him and he didn't like that at all. He loved Sam exactly the way she was.
Still, he couldn't help how insecure he felt watching them and that's why he'd told them he had to step out and make some calls including one to Stan to check up on Cooper again. He couldn't handle watching it without an intense desire to rip the guy's arms from his body, but he couldn't stand to make Sam feel bad about it either. He wondered if the desire would disappear once he was convinced Cooper Barrett could be trusted. He hoped, for all their sakes, it would.
Sam snapped her phone shut bringing Jason out of his thoughts. "So my guy says nothing new yet. No suspicious movement from Elizabeth. She was at her residence all morning until leaving for the hospital which must mean she met with our mystery guy at her place this morning. I wonder if she meets him there frequently? Somehow I doubt it. It seems too risky. I think a better bet would be to tail Ric."
Jason had to agree. "She lives there with her grandmother and Audrey knows about our engagement. I can't see her risk being found out by having another man there too often."
"I just want this all to be over and I think I know a way I can make that happen." Sam chewed the side of her lip as she paced in thought.
Jason wasn't going to like the idea, she knew, but it was the best way to possibly catch Ric in the act. Plus, her sisters were going to need her with their mother stuck in the hospital for the next few days. She would just have to suck it up and ignore the nerves fraying away at the thought of being alone with that man.
"I'm not so sure I like that look on your face." Jason could see she was forming a plan and didn't like how she seemed to be struggling as if something about it made her uneasy.
"I'm going to take my mother up on her open invitation to move in with her, at least while she's recuperating and until I can find the proof we need." Sam stopped pacing and looked at him full of determination.
She didn't want to do it, but she needed to do it. It would get her access to Ric's laptop, his phone and within eavesdropping distance. She'd be able to plant necessary listening devices with ease and without raising any suspicion since she was living there. It really was the best idea.
"No, Sam, I don't like it. I haven't forgotten how dangerous Ric can be when pushed. He kidnapped Carly and held her chained to a bed for months. He planned to kill her after she gave birth to Morgan and keep the baby to raise with Elizabeth. I don't want you anywhere near him if he finds out you're trying to expose him." Jason stood full of anxiety.
"He did what?" Sam knew there was a deep-seeded hate between Sonny and Ric and that it had something to do with his wife, but she'd never heard the full story.
Jason shook his head and looked down. "I don't even want to think what would have happened if I hadn't found her hidden in that panic room. She was in labor and he was just going to steal her baby boy away and give it to his wife to replace the child they lost."
"Oh my God!" Sam let out in a horrified whisper.
How could her mother have married a man like that, expose Kristina to him and then turn around and claim Jason was too dangerous? "Does Alexis know what he did?"
Jason sighed then nodded slowly. "She thinks he's changed, everyone does. He's very convincing, but Carly and I know better. Sonny struggles with it. He doesn't want to think his brother would do something so evil."
"But he did do it. I mean, you had proof that he did it, right? So, how could he get away with it? Why isn't the sick freak in jail?" A chill went down her spine just remembering how close he'd been to her that night in the nursery.
"He may be a very sick bastard, but he's also a very good attorney. He claimed not guilty due to temporary mental impairment. He ended up spending three months in psychiatric care at an inpatient facility in upstate New York before he was cleared for release." Jason's jaw and fists clenched at the memory of how easy he'd gotten off for attempted first degree murder of his best friend.
Sam could see how tense Jason was and knew she'd brought up some bad memories for him.
"I'm sorry. I had no idea it was that bad. I'm just so glad you found Carly. You're such a good friend, such a good man." She crossed the room and stepped into his arms smiling against his chest as she felt his muscles relax at her touch. It felt good to know her embrace gave him the same kind of peace his gave her.
"I just wanted you to know how dangerous that man is and why I can't possibly have you do this for me. It isn't worth the risk. We'll find some other way to get what we need." Jason held her close. He'd never put her in danger that way and putting her in Ric's sights was dangerous.
Sam shook her head against his chest. "No, Jason. Listen, you know I've never cared for the man."
She paused thinking she was glad now she'd never actually shared with Jason exactly why Ric made her uncomfortable. No way would he go along with her plan if she had. "But this is the fastest and most logical way to get the proof we need."
She could feel his body tense before she'd even finished her argument. Jason pulled away shaking his head. "No Sam. No! I don't care. I won't risk it. I won't risk anything happening to you. We'll just stick to tailing him. Eventually, we'll catch them in the act."
Sam took a deep aggravated breath. She didn't appreciate anyone telling her how to run her investigation, but she knew Jason was just worried about her. And, truthfully, knowing what she knew about the slimy creep now she couldn't blame him for being concerned. She took another calming breath. She didn't want to fight with him. "How about a compromise?"
Jason's jaw relaxed a hair as he turned to her. "What kind of compromise?"
"I'll wear a wire the entire time I'm there. You or Spin can be on standby, ready to jump in at the first sign of trouble. Seriously though, I'm a little disappointed in your obvious lack of faith in my abilities. I'm a damn good investigator Jason, and an even better con and thief. He'll never suspect a thing until it's too late." Sam told him a little hurt showing on her pouting lower lip.
God, how was he ever supposed to tell her no when she looked at him like that? He took a deep breath, signaling his relent and walked back over to her. He placed one hand on her upper arm as the other ran a thumb across that beautiful bottom lip begging to be kissed. He didn't want her to think for one minute he questioned her skill. He knew she could take care of herself. She'd been doing it her whole life before she met him, but that didn't mean he still didn't want to take care of her too.
He wanted to protect her, watch out for her and to make her feel it was safe to rely on someone other than herself for once. "You win. I'll compromise on the plan."
The smile that erupted from her was contagious and Jason found his lips smiling slightly too before he got serious again. "But I won't compromise on your safety Sam. I want to know everything that's going on in that house while you're stuck there with Ric, especially when you're alone with him."
Sam looked up into his intensely blue eyes and nodded. "We're in this together and no one is going to come between us again."
Sam wrapped her arms around his neck as she pulled him into a kiss and prayed what she'd just told him was right because if her mother died she didn't know what she would do if she was forced to lose Jason too.
Jason pulled out of the kiss breathless as all kisses with this woman left him. She felt so good in his arms. "I can't wait until this is all behind us and we can just concentrate on us."
Sam smiled at his words. "Me too."
A few more minutes passed as Sam sat next to Jason once again. She was getting a little antsy and was just about to go looking for Emily and Nik when they walked in behind Patrick.
The surgeon had scrubbed out and his mask hung around his neck. "Sam, Jason." Patrick nodded in greeting.
"Dr. Drake, how's my mom?" Sam stood and Jason rose with her as she squeezed his hand.
Patrick smiled. "She's good, all things considered. I was just telling Nikolas and Emily the surgery was a success. The tumor was completely contained within the lobe and I was able to remove it without difficulty. We've sent several lymph nodes off to be tested, but we won't know until those results come in if the cancer has spread beyond her lung. I've rushed those results, so I expect to hear back sometime tomorrow morning. We were able to control the bleeding which is always a concern, so that's good news. We're going to monitor her very closely the next 48 hours. It's important to make sure fluids don't build up in or around her lungs, but she's doing well at this point and she's in very good hands. Robin insisted on staying with her during her time in recovery. I'll instruct Epiphany to let you know as soon as Alexis is moved to her post op room on the floor."
Sam breathed a huge sigh of relief. Her mother really was okay. "That's very kind of Robin. Thank you Patrick. Thank you for everything and please give Robin my thanks as well."
Patrick nodded with a half smile. "You're welcome and I'll be sure to tell her."
"How long will it be before she's moved?" Nik inquired.
"As soon as the anesthesia's worn off and we're satisfied her vitals are stable. It could be anywhere from one to four hours." Patrick answered.
Nikolas nodded and extended his hand. "Thank you Dr. Drake."
Patrick shook his hand, gave everyone a parting smile glad that he could give them some good news considering the battle Alexis faced then left the family to attend to his other duties.
xxxxx
The next three hours dragged by very slowly. If Sam had to sit in that tiny waiting room staring at those same four little walls much longer, she was sure she'd scream. Jason sensed her rising tension and was finally able to convince her to take a walk with him to grab some coffee. Nik promised to call her if they heard anything and Jason was thankful for the trusting bond Nikolas and Sam had established in that moment because nothing short of that would have allowed Sam to walk out of that room.
Jason wanted nothing more than to walk with his arm around her. He could feel how much his touch comforted her and how much she needed that comfort, but under the circumstances he knew they needed to keep a friendly distance in public. It was one more reason to hate Elizabeth and he couldn't wait to deal with her.
Nikolas waited with Emily. He'd initially insisted Emily go to work as scheduled, but had to admit he was now very glad she'd refused and taken the day off to be there for him. He hadn't realized just how scared he really was of losing his aunt until he saw her lying there on that gurney looking so completely vulnerable as she was rolled into the OR. He hugged Emily to him and kissed her tenderly for loving him so good.
Sam had just taken her first few sips of the bitter brew the hospital passed for coffee when her cell phone vibrated against the wooden table top. She put down her cup and grabbed her phone. "Nik?"
"Epiphany just gave us her room assignment. She's being transferred to private room 527West as we speak. They said to give them about ten minutes to get her settled before we go in." Nik reported.
Sam sighed, another bit of weight lifted from her heart and shoulders. "Good. That's great. We're on our way up now."
Jason and Sam made their way down the hall toward her mother's room to find Nik and Emily outside her door talking with Ric. Sam felt her blood boil at the sight of him. Now he shows up, she seethed? Where the hell had he been when her mother really needed him? She was scared to death to go into that operating room and Ric had left her to face it without him.
"Where the hell have you been?" Sam popped off as she neared her sorry excuse for a step-father.
"Excuse me?" Ric turned on Sam with disbelief and apparent distaste of the censure in her tone.
"I said where the hell were you when my mother needed you? What, or who, the hell was so important that you left my mother to go in to a surgery she might not make it out of without being there to hold her hand?" Sam stepped closer feeling her anger rise. She knew exactly where he'd been, off somewhere screwing his whore.
Heat rushed to Ric's face. "Not that I have to explain myself, but I was busy doing what your mother asked of me. It's important to Alexis and our family that my transition as the new district attorney go smoothly."
Sam shook her head. He was a good liar, but even his lie wouldn't work this time. "That's not good enough! What if something went wrong? What if she needed you? She did need you! She was terrified going into that OR that she wouldn't make it back out and you were once again nowhere to be found!"
She was nearly yelling with a ferocity in her voice that had Emily taking a step back as Sam stepped up to Ric with fire in her eyes. Nikolas had never seen Sam that way, although there was no mistaking the Cassadine fury coursing through her at the moment. He poised himself to protect his cousin should it be necessary.
Ric was furious. How dare she question his loyalty to Alexis? He'd stayed with her over his own personal desires to be with the woman he loved just to support his wife during her time of need! He wanted to grab Sam by the shoulders and shake sense into her. He was so mad, but as he took another step closer the combination of her scent and the rage in her eyes invaded his senses and he felt the heat in his face rush to his groin. She excited him like no woman ever had.
Sam was temporarily blinded by her contempt for the asshole in front of her, but she suddenly became aware of how close he was to her and she didn't like the look that flashed in his eyes. It was a look she had tried years to forget, but she couldn't. No matter how hard she tried, she knew the look of violent lust all too well.
Jason saw Ric take a step toward Sam and his hand instantly went on Sam's shoulder and pulled her back into the safety of his embrace. He glared at Ric daring him to do or say anything to further upset Sam.
Ric shot daggers at Jason when he pulled Samantha away from him. He didn't like the possessive way Jason's arm wrapped around her and even less the way Samantha seemed all too comfortable being held by that thug. "Shouldn't you be off somewhere having lunch with your fiancee or plotting your next hit? I wonder what Elizabeth would think if she saw you standing here with another woman in your arms?"
"You should worry about your wife more and my fiancee less." Jason returned paying special note to the way Ric's face paled at the comment. He was now convinced more than ever Ric was the one.
"Elizabeth knows Jason is always there for his friends." Sam covered.
Ric smirked. "You're right. I guess she would know better than anyone considering how well he was there for her last summer. Tell me Jason, are you that hands on with all your female friends? Should my brother worry?"
Ric hated saying such things about his love, but he needed to maintain his contempt for Elizabeth's recent decision to be with Jason. He and Elizabeth weren't supposed to be on good terms now as a result of it. It helped hide the fact that they were working together. Bringing the Corinthos-Morgan organization down was Ric's ticket to the governor's mansion. That score on his record would be just the coup he needed to have his unsavory past transgressions against Carly put to rest. Besides, he was one of only two people that knew Elizabeth never actually slept with Jason that night, or ever.
Jason's jaw clenched as he felt Sam tense and heard his sister gasp.
"I think that's quite enough Ric!" Nikolas put his arm around Emily in support.
He may not care for Elizabeth or want anything more to do with her after what she'd done to his brother, but he knew Emily still loved her and he wouldn't allow the likes of Ric or anyone to hurt her by disrespecting her friend in front of her.
"For once, Nikolas, you and I agree completely. I've had quite enough." Ric looked back over at Jason in disgust. "Of this." He finished then stormed into Alexis' room.
Sam was so mad she was shaking. Her jaws ached from clenching so tight. She shook her head sick with loathing as she watched Ric walk into her mother's room.
Jason breathed deep and pulled Sam fully into his embrace, witnesses be damned once again. He pressed his lips to her temple and rubbed his hand over her back as he whispered. "You okay?"
He felt Sam take a deep breath and relax a little. She didn't speak at first and he saw her wipe an angry tear from her eye. When she finally spoke, his heart hurt with the emotion in it. "I just want to see my mom."
Nik never liked Ric, but seeing his cousin upset like that gave him reason to hate the man. "We'll give him five minutes and then we're going in there and kicking him out."
Sam smiled at her cousin's gruffness. She could tell without even looking at him that he was angry with Ric too. Sam turned, still in Jason's partial embrace, to see Nik standing there with an angry scowl pointed in the direction Ric had gone.
"Five minutes and not a second longer." Sam agreed and Nik looked back to give her a determined nod.
xxxxx
Alexis barely remembered waking up the very first time after surgery to find Robin there at her side. "Did I make it?" She'd said to which Robin had chuckled with a smile and told her, "Yes, you most certainly did."
Alexis had tried to stay awake long enough to tell Robin to tell Nikolas and her daughter she was okay and not to worry, but the drugs had pulled her back into blackness.
The next time she woke a few hours later, though she had no idea of how long she'd been out, she was surprised to see the young doctor still by her side. Robin had told her that she'd decided to sit with her rather than someone she didn't know, in case she spilled some juicy gossip Robin had teased. Alexis had smiled along with her, but inside she'd panicked and prayed she kept her mouth shut in her sleep. She liked Robin. She respected her a great deal, actually, but Robin didn't have the best history of keeping secrets and Alexis certainly never wanted her secret spilled.
Robin must have sensed Alexis was nervous because she'd assured her that she had nothing to worry about. So far, there had been no deep dark secrets revealed. Again, Alexis smiled and relaxed even more when Robin let her know that Patrick had already informed Nikolas and Sam that the surgery went perfectly well.
She must have passed out again after that because the next thing she remembered was being lifted into her post operative bed and hearing Nurse Johnson's full tenor welcoming her back to the land of the living. A minute later and she was out again.
Alexis was seated at a large dining table with her three beautiful daughters and wonderful husband enjoying a family meal together. Kristina was in high school and Molly looked to be in fifth or sixth grade. They were laughing and talking about their day at school and work. Alexis was full to bursting with happiness. The next thing she knew there was a knock at the door. Sam was the first to stand and answer it. It was a courier with a package addressed to 'the Davis Girls' Sam opened the package to find a sealed envelope.
Alexis recognized it immediately as the one she'd written to Nikolas. Fear's paralyzing grip held her close and stole her voice as Sam ripped the envelope open before Alexis could protest. Sam stood motionless reading the letter as shock and confusion replaced the happiness that had filled her moments ago. Alexis sat frozen to her chair, unable to move or speak as Kristina and Molly looked over Sam's shoulders to read along as well.
Horrified, her daughter looked up at her with tears in her eyes begging, demanding... "How could you do this? How could you keep this from me?"
Suddenly another man and Sonny were seated next to Ric at the table, all three looking at her with the same rage of betrayal. "How could you do this? How could you keep this from us?"
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry!" Alexis pleaded with them all. "I couldn't tell you. I couldn't tell you!"
A violent tremor shook Alexis awake as she shouted. "I couldn't tell you!"
Ric had been sitting quietly at her bedside and quickly grabbed her hand in comfort. "Hey, hey. It's alright... Tell me what?"
Alexis struggled to catch her breath as panic consumed her and she looked from Ric at her bedside to Sam and Nikolas now standing just inside the door.
xxxxx
It had been a long, long day. Between orientation in the morning followed by training and worrying for Sam, not to mention work on his own personal mission, Coop was just... exhausted. He twisted the top off one of Spin's drinks and crushed it wishing it was beer. He was going to have to have a talk with that kid for taking all his beer out of the fridge to make room for countless bottles of orange soda. Now the ice cold brew he'd envisioned downing the last four hours was sitting hot in the cabinet. He'd stopped by a place called Jake's after work to have a few drinks with the boys, but it wasn't the same. He'd still thirsted for his favorite imported beer which very few places carried.
He took a deep breath, rotated his neck and shoulders, then pulled his cell from his pocket. He'd already heard from Sam that her mother had made it through surgery alright, but this was another call, hopefully his last call and bit of business for the day.
"Hello." The man answered.
"It's me. We've got a problem." Coop told him and went on to explain how he'd overheard Sam and Emily discussing her attendance at the Policeman's Ball.
Coop heard the man sigh over the phone. "This changes very little, if anything."
Coop huffed. "Are you kidding? This changes everything. She's too sharp. She's going to spot you and she'll know the moment she does that something is up."
"Look, I'll just have to step up my plans a little sooner rather than later. This part of the plan was inevitable anyway. We knew this going in. We'll just have to stay on our A game if we want to keep the control in our hands because if she finds out what we're really up to there will be no stopping her." The man explained confidently.
Coop shook his head as his jaw tightened and knots formed in his gut. "You don't have to tell me that. She'll be pissed and hurt and probably kick all of our asses for good measure."
The man gave a slight chuckle. "I'd expect nothing less which is why we can't risk altering the plan. We've worked it out too carefully and planned for every contingency. Friday night is our one chance at a test run to make sure we get this right next month."
Coop took a deep breath then took two more deep breaths. He didn't like it and now knowing Sam would be there among them he really didn't like it, but what other choice did they have. "You're right. We'll make it work. Failure is not an option, not with what's at stake."
The man sighed. "Glad you're on board because I'm going to need you to run interference. She's going to be suspicious the moment she sees me and I'll need you to distract her during the most critical point."
Coop reached for the warm beer on the shelf and twisted the top. "I'll do whatever it takes. I just can't wait until this is all finally over and the people I care about are safe again."
Coop's contact nodded, though Coop couldn't see it. "It's probably best if we don't risk contact again until night of. Use the dead drop protocol we established for messages if anything urgent comes up between now and then. I'll do the same."
Coop took a swig and made a face at the warmth. "Got it. Keep your eyes and ears open."
He rubbed his hand over his face and sighed hoping like hell they could actually pull it off. "You do the same and... Watch out for her, will you?"
Coop gripped his bottle. "I won't let anyone hurt her."
The man nodded, once again unseen. "That's what I needed to hear." Then ended the call.
Page 32 of 32 Created: 2011-05-11 Updated: 2014-11-09 Words: 13225 Characters: 70607