Chapter Seven

Waking up to large brown eyes staring intently at him, Johnny blinked and then smiled. "Good morning, Baylor. Whatcha doing up so early, sweetie?" Sitting up, he patted the cushion beside him and helped her climb onto the couch.

"Momma's sleepin."

Glancing at the clock, he rubbed his face when he saw that it was already seven. But after having had such a hard time falling asleep last night, he decided that he really shouldn't be surprised. "Your mommy was extra tired. You thirsty?"

"Nos." Snuggling into his side and blinking up at him, she gave him a sheepish grin. "Watch cartoons?"

Finding that request rather easy to comply with, he reached for the remote on the table. "We can do that." Flipping through the channels, he stopped when she squealed with delight at seeing Scooby-Doo. "This the one that you like, Bay?"

"Uh huh."

Leaning back, he let her settle against him and was amused at how easily the tv engrossed her. Looking down at the little girl that had taken to him immediately, Johnny thought back to his own childhood and winced. The lifestyle that Georgie provided for her daughter was nothing like what he had been put through. Baylor was happy, friendly, and most importantly cherished by her mother. Even though she had been on her own, Georgie had done an remarkable job so far.

Hearing soft footfalls on the stairs, he tilted his head and watched as Georgie, dressed in sleep pants a small t-shirt, paused on the second step from the bottom and stared at them. "We were just enjoying some cartoons. Morning."

Blinking in surprise at the sight of Baylor curled up next to him, she offered him a weak smile. "Morning. Sorry if she woke you."

"It's fine."

Moving off the steps, she grabbed the glucose monitor from the coffee table where it still laid from last night. Tickling Baylor's stomach, she pressed a kiss to the top of her head as the child giggled. "Alright, kiddo. Let's make sure that you are good to go. Then I will get you some breakfast together."

Huffing, but resigned, Baylor held out a small hand and looked around her mother to her show. "I wants eggs and sausage, please."

"Hmm." Seeing the reading that fell below normal for her, Georgie zipped the meter back into it's pouch. "How about a treat. You want some cookie crisp cereal?"

Gleefully abandoning Johnny, she jumped up to wrap her arms around her mother's neck and plant a kiss on her cheek. "Yay! Thanks, Momma."

Laughing at the reaction, Georgie hugged her before placing her back on the couch as Johnny stood and stretched. "You're welcome. Watch Scooby and I will bring it in here for you. Okay?"

Getting a small nod, Georgie turned and followed Johnny into the kitchen. Placing the monitor on the shelf where it it belonged, she yawned. "You sleep okay? The couch is kind of small."

"It was fine." Leaning against the wall and watching as she grabbed the promised cereal and milk, he could see traces of fatigue in her eyes. "You look like you could use a few more hours yourself."

"Aww. The joys of being a mother says that it won't happen, though. Give me a sec and I will start some coffee." Quickly depositing the bowl in front of an engrossed Baylor, she retreated back to the kitchen. She started the coffee pot and grabbed two mugs from the cabnet before sitting at the table. "How long was she up before I came down?"

"About half an hour. We just watched some tv and chilled. No biggie."

Dropping her head into her hands, she closed her eyes as the aroma of coffee started to fill the air. "I'm exhausted. She's going to terrorize me today."

Smirking, he filled the cups and sat one in front of her. "I doubt it. You'll get a burst of energy."

Lifting her head just as a knock on the back door sounded, she jumped slightly.

Moving to the door, he opened it for Logan. Seeing the surprise flash in his eyes, Johnny ignored it and moved back so that he could enter. "Did you already talk with Jason?"

"Yeah. I just left his and Elizabeth's." Turning to Georgie, he was surprised to see her so calm after all that Jason had explained about the situation. "Hey, doll."

"Hi, Logan."

"Mommy!" Running into the room, Baylor skidded to a stop and handed Georgie a small, plain phone. "I heards it ring in yours room, but it stopped."

"Thanks, baby." Slipping the phone into the pocket of her sleep pants, she lifted her onto her lap. "Did you finish your cereal?"

"Uh huh, but can I have an apples or orange?"

Plucking an apple from the bowl on the table, she handed it over. "You remember Logan, right?"

"Yeps. He is friends with Uncle Coop. Hiya!"

"Hi, little one."

"Okay, kiddo. Eat your apple and then go get dressed and brush your teeth."

"Otays." Waving at the guys, Baylor raced back to the living room.

Scooting back her chair, Georgie stood and grabbed her coffee. "I'm going to go get changed. I'm sure that you guys need to talk anyway. Help yourself to some coffee, Logan." Disappearing from the kitchen before either could open their mouth, she went upstairs and then closed her bedroom door. Pulling out the cell, she looked at the screen. Seeing the name, she sighed and turned it off. She couldn't bring herself to drag another person into the mess that she was in.

Logan watched her practically run from the room and lifted an eyebrow. "She seems on edge over that call, but she didn't even look at the phone."

Running a hand over his face in frustration, Johnny groaned. "I know. I also know that she threw her cell yesterday and shattered it on the concrete out back." Glancing at his watch, he frowned. "I have to get to Morgan's. Who is secondary?"

"Wilson. He is outside and out of sight." Pausing, he looked up at the ceiling and lowered his voice. "Is she going to tell Maxie and Mac? Me and Milo being with her constantly will definitely be noticed, Zacchara. They watch her like a freaking hawk since she reappeared."

"We suggested it, but who knows. Georgie isn't that easy to get a good read on. But with everything that is happening, I think that she should, and soon. The families are aware and have called a meeting for tonight. It's about to become public knowledge would be my guess."

"Poor girl's been through hell and back," Logan muttered while crossing the kitchen to search for a coffee cup.

"Just make sure that they are your top priority, Logan. Do not mess this up."

Grinning at the tone, he turned back to face Johnny. "I will. I'll see you and Morgan later." Watching as he closed the door as he left, Logan shook his head and wondered if he realized it yet. Johnny's voice was tinged with emotions that Logan knew well. "As if there is not enough freakin drama," he murmured before filling his cup.

Several minutes later Georgie returned dressed in white capri's with a navy top. She glanced around. "Johnny leave?" At his nod, she sat opposite him at the table and sighed. "Did they tell you everything?"

"I'm not sure what all they know, Georgie. But I was told enough to know that you should've had guards from the minute that you found out that you were pregnant. Look, it's none of my business, but how are we gonna explain this to your sister or Coop if they see us before you tell them about everything?"

She winced. "I'm not ready for that, so let's just hope that we can avoid that for now. If not, we'll deal with it as it comes. Hope you haven't developed a fear of hospitals. Baylor has an appointment to get her shots today."

OoOoOoOoOoOo

Diane stared at her employers, for once in her life speechless.

Starting to get annoyed, Jason glared. "Snap out of it, Diane. You were the one that I had researching the blood types. You knew that there was a slim chance."

"It's not that," she growled as she tossed the will of Lorenzo Alcazar at him. "It's that! He might as well painted a big, red, shiny target on her back and waved a neon sign in front of her."

"We are dealing with that. Can you just tell us how this affects the lanes and warehouses that we are using that are actually Georgie's," Jason demanded.

Deflating, she pursed her lips. "It's not good. The way that he phrased the document, Georgie is not able to sell, lease, or let anyone use any of the Alcazar estate until Baylor is twenty-one. She, Georgie, I mean, is the only individual that can do any type of business with them, unless she married since we know that there is no male relatives that she can turn it over to. And to be quiet frank, I doubt that she will ever trust anyone that much again. Not that you can blame her."

"Shit. I thought that it was just like you said." Tension building in his head, Jason rubbed his temples. "The families are meeting tonight. Word has leaked about Baylor being the rightful heir."

"This has disaster written all over it," Johnny agreed. "I think Verona purchased some shipping lanes from Skye too. I hope that she and her daughter are long gone, for their sake. This will get nasty."

Shuffling through some papers, Diane stopped and snapped her fingers. "I think that we should not fight Zacchara Sr.'s release to Trevor. If you are certain that you can keep him from your family and Georgie, he would provide enough upheaval so that everyone is not focusing on Georgie and Baylor."

"I've considered it," Johnny admitted. "We could always arrange another solution if he becomes too big of a headache," he added darkly.

"Do not elaborate on that statement, John." Diane glared at him before addressing Jason. "But it's your call if you want me to have Elizabeth testify. Honestly, I think it's a waste of our time. It's obvious that Sonny and Trevor are paying his way out of Roselawn."

Decided, Jason nodded. "I'll call Elizabeth and tell her to just skip the session. I guess that I will also stop all usage of the properties that were Lorenzo's." Pulling out his phone as it rang, he barked out his trademark greeting and listened for a couple of seconds. "Repeat that!" he ordered gruffly before hanging up several seconds later. "We got to go. Thanks, Diane."

Once in the SUV Johnny slammed the door. "What is going on now?"

"Luke disappeared. I sent Cody to help him find his way to the office. The Haunted Star is empty and Bobbie said that he had packed up and took off. Spinelli is working on tracking him, but he is sly if nothing else. Years on the run gave him the chance to perfect hiding."

"Not that it matters. We already know that the WSB is involved."

"Yeah, but Luke has known Georgie's parents for years. He could've provided some insight into anything that could involve Frisco and Felicia. I don't recall much about them."

Realizing that they were heading to GH, Johnny was confused. "I thought that we were heading back to the office. Where are we going?"

"Elizabeth is working a short shift. She got called in. I wanted to let her know that she doesn't need to meet with Diane."

"Yeah. I guess that calling wouldn't have worked."

"You going to be an smart ass all day? What is your problem today, Zacchara?"

Holding up his hands innocently, Johnny smiled smugly. "I just like to try and knock that famous cool that you are known for, Morgan."

Epiphany glowered when they stepped off the elevator and pointed a finger at them. "Why are your men all over the hospital today, Morgan. Does Elizabeth really need three guards crowding my hallways?"

"Three, no. Two, yes." Scanning the lobby and halls, he saw Wilson talking with Ritchie by the coffee machine. "They are not all here for her."

Unconvinced, Epiphany just shook his head. "Whatever. We are trying to run a hospital here. Make sure that they know that this is not a damn social club." Slamming the chart closed, she stalked away from the hub as Elizabeth rounded the corner.

"Sorry. She's in rare form today." Pulling up the patient information that she needed on the computer, Elizabeth printed off a copy of the medication list that she needed to order from the pharmacy. "So, what brings you two here? I still have another two hours before I am off."

"You don't have to go to Diane's today, or the hearing tomorrow. It wouldn't do any good at this time."

Nibbling on her bottom lip, she searched his expression but didn't see anything that worried her. "Okay. That will give time to check on Nikolas before I head home. He still isn't answering any calls or taking visitors."

"Just take the guys to the island with you. Speaking of which, why is Wilson talking with Ritchie. He isn't assigned here."

"No, but Georgie is here. Baylor is getting her immunizations and some routine blood work done." Grimacing, Elizabeth looked down the hallway toward the pediatric offices. "She is mighty unhappy too. She threw a tantrum that puts Cameron's to shame. She kicked Piph and Nadine. Would have been a sight except for those big brown eyes that break your heart, looking all pitiful."

"More like demonic," Georgie corrected as she carried a sleeping, still red faced Baylor in her arms. "You'd think that she would have outgrown the hatred of needles by now." Shifting the child so that she could get a better grip, she blew her hair out of her eyes. "Never been so happy that Mac has the day off and wanted her. Poor man has no idea what he is in for."

"At least he will be able to hear. I think that she permanently screwed my hearing up."

"Shut up, Logan. I warned you before hand."

"Did you make the arrangements that will be needed?" Jason asked Logan, receiving a quick nod in return as Mac stepped out the elevator and headed their way.

Frowning at the three men that he had in his station almost weekly, Mac turned to Georgie and his eyes softened as he looked at the sleeping child. "That bad, huh?"

"Let's just say that I am thinking of going to Jake's and getting sloshed," she muttered. "You sure you want to keep her? She's gonna be cranky and her sugar will be running high."

"She's not the first that I have kept after shots, Georgie. We will be fine." Gently removing Baylor from her mother's arms, he then took the small insulated bag that held her medication. "Unless I get called for something," his eyes passed over Jason, Johnny, and Logan, "I will see you about eight. Enjoy your time."

Pressing a kiss to her daughter's forehead, she rubbed her back tenderly. "Just make sure that you keep tabs on her sugar. I'll see ya later."

"Georgianna," Epiphany smirked when she whirled around after watching Mac get on the elevator. "I think that you are smart for letting him take her." She rubbed her sore shin as Elizabeth and Georgie both laughed while the men fought to keep a grin off their faces. "I still can't believe that it took five us to hold a thirty some odd pound toddler for her shots."

"Why do you think I am ready to get drunk? Try giving her multiple shots daily by yourself. She's definitely not lacking any fight. But those immunizations are always worse."

"She's not that bad," Elizabeth protested with a laugh.

"She was fine last night with it," Johnny added.

"Because you baby her, Johnny. And she tries to be good in front of other people."

"Well, I have to get back to work," Elizabeth said as she grabbed another chart. "I'm going to run out and check on Nikolas again, but then we can meet for lunch after."

Shivering, Georgie shrugged. "Just call me when you get on the launch to leave. We can decide on a place then."

Pressing a kiss to Elizabeth's forehead, he then watched as she walked into a room. Deciding that now was a good time as any, Jason approached Georgie, Johnny, and Logan. "Can you come over to the office for a few minutes?"

"I guess I could," she hedged. "Give me about half an hour or so. I need to take care of something first." With a quick wave, she turned and started toward the elevator with Logan rolling his eyes and muttering about probably going shopping as he loped to catch up with her.

OoOoOoOoOoOo

Flustered, he reached around and tugged on her wrist as she started to walk away. Knocked off balance at the unexpected contact, Georgie started to fall, but he easily caught and steadied her. "I still cannot believe that you dragged me in there, Georgie."

"Where else was I suppose to go? I wanted it done, and Bay is with Mac today. I took the opportunity." Making her way to the docks, she slowed her pace and looked out at the sparkling water. "I really miss the misty rain and cooler temp of Ireland."

The faraway look in her eyes had him touching her arm, gently pulling her back to the present so that they could continue on. "You loved Ireland, huh? Never been, but heard that it's magical."

"It is. More so than any other place that I have been. I once went to Italy, and it was nice and all, but it was just packed with crowds and tourists." Slowly as the door to the coffee shop neared, she lost the carefree remembrances that had been floating through her mind. "God. This had better not be more shit. I'm reaching my limit."

Drapping an arm around her slim shoulder, he prodded her forward. "You're stronger than you know, doll. And for you child, a mother can do just about anything."

Milo looked up from where he was sitting and narrowed his eyes at Logan before standing. "Georgie, Jason had to run and get Jake from school real quick. He spiked a small fever. But he will be right back. Johnny is on his way."

Moving over to the counter, she ordered a mocha iced coffee before coming back. "It's fine. I got time."

"You enjoying your day without Bay? I know that it's hard to get one."

"I had fun," she pointed at Logan. "He's been whining since we left GH."

"You brat! I just kinda thought that you might want to rethink getting a tattoo."

Choking on his coffee, Milo coughed. "Tattoo?"

"Yep. I've wanted one for a couple years and finally decided to just get it done since Mac has Baylor. Logan acted like I was selling my body or something."

Cursing, Logan tossed a napkin at her while Milo was just thankful that it had not been him there. All three were laughing when Jason strolled in with half asleep Jake in his arms. But as soon the little blond spotted one of his favorite people, he struggled to be let down and immediately climbed up onto Georgie's lap. Running her fingers through his short spkies, she felt him snuggle against her and his breathing start to even out right away.

"Sorry, Georgie. He wanted Elizabeth, and she still has about an hour left."

"It's no problem, Jason. Sick kids tend to cling to their mothers, or other women that they associate with moms. He's burning up. Did you give him any tylenol or motrin?"

"John is picking some up on his way." Seeing her eyes clear and glinting with happiness for the first time in two weeks, he hated to have to ruin it. "So, did you drag Hayes shopping like he predicted?"

Smirking, she shook her head. "I abhor shopping. I give Maxie a list for me usually. No, I took the whiney baby with me to get a tattoo."

When his eyes traveled her skin that was showing, he cast Logan a dark look. "Where exactly did you get one at, Georgie?"

"The tattoo parlor on the nineth pier," she answered with a wink as Johnny came in carrying a bottle of motrin.

Running his eyes over the group, he could tell that something was up. Milo looked uncomfortable and ready to bury his head, Logan was a mixture of humor and unease when he looked up at Jason, Georgie was the picture of innocence, holding a sleeping Jake. Until you looked at her face. It was obvious that she was throughly enjoying taunting someone. And Johnny was guessing that Jason was the unlucky victim. His eyes were cold and his mouth clenched.

"I meant where at? I don't see one?"

Giggling, she arched an eyebrow. "As I told you last night, I am twenty-four, Jason. And it's somewhere that you can't see it unless I would decide to show it. And Liz might get pissed at me for that. Chill out. I never figured that you would react like Logan over me getting a bit of ink on me. If he keeps up the moaning and whining, I am dragging him into the adult store and he can freak while I look at the toys." Catching movement behind her as Johnny snickered, she turned and saw Johnny with a cocky grin that said he had heard the last part of the conversation. "Hey. Can I see the Motrin?"

Swallowing his own questions, he opened the box and handed it to her. Pouring three tablespoons into the cup, she eased Jake forward a bit.

"You gotta wake him, doll. He could choke otherwise."

"Logan, bite me," she snapped. "I'm a pro at fevers, okay." Coaxing a still asleep Jake, Georgie got him to down the whole dose and winked at the blond that was scowling at her. "Told you."

"Are we ready to get down to it?" Jason asked and received two nods. "Okay. Milo, can you watch Jake in the breakroom for me until we are done? If he wakes up, just get me." As Milo stood and eased the child from Georgie's arms, Jason turned to Logan. "You are actualy free until about seven when we have to leave for the meeting. Just meet up with us at the house."

Standing and stretching, Georgie popped her neck before making her way into the office. Sliding into the seat acoss from the desk, she watched as Johnny sat by her and Jason took his place behind the desk. "Just tell me that this not anything too bad. I'm not sure how much more I can really handle at this point, Jason."

"I won't really know much more until after the meeting tonight, but I wanted you to be prepared for what may come." He turned to Johnny and could see that the younger man was none too happy either, although he was unsure if it was the situation or another reason. "But I wanted to prepare you for what may happen. Baylor being Diego's daughter is already out and on the table. They mentioned her name last night." Hearing her sharp inhale, he paused and remained impassive when Johnny took her hand in his and gave it a comforting squeeze. "But the piece that I am worried most about is the will and the stipulations that Lorenzo left. He left you open to a power play grab war, with you and Baylor as the neeeded instruments to win."

"Jason, I may speak multiple languages, but mob is not one of them. Cut to the chase, please." But the tremble in her hand made Johnny believe that she had more of clue than she wanted to, and was in denial.

Not sure how to soften the blow, he sighed. "It's simple, for everyone but you. The will specifically states that you have to run the organization." Cutting her off as she opened her mouth, he held up a hand. "Which makes you an easy target. You cannot sell, lease, or let anyone use those properties. Your only option that will protect you from the wrath of these angry men, Georgie, is to get married to someone connected that can handle everything concerning the Alcazar holdings."

"Absolutely not!" She was out of her chair and at the window before either men could blink. "It can all go to hell for what I care! I never wanted this, Jason. Bay and I will just leave."

"That won't stop the war for those holdings, Georgie. It just turns it into a cat and mouse game. You are the one that holds everything, all the power." Johnny moved to stand behind her and placed his large hands on her shoulders that were shaking. "After tonight, you will be the one that people need to get a hold of to take control."

Closing her eyes, she exhaled heavily, letting her head fall to lean on the glass. "I'm not willing to get married to anyone for any reason. No. It will not happen."

"Georgie," Johnny pulled her so that she facing him, but saw that she would not look at him or Jason. "No one is try to force you into anything. Every decision that you make will be yours. This is yours and Baylor's lives that we are talking about. But we want to help in any way that can. You are not prepared for the fallout from what this meeting could bring. And it could all start as soon as the meeting ends. This is very dangerous to you and Bay."

Hands resting against his chest, she dropped her head and sighed as he wrapped his arms around her. "Why would he do this? Lorenzo put me right in the middle of hell with little options."

"Just let us go the meeting and figure out if you have any other options." Jason pinched his nose and looked up as the door opened to let Elizabeth in. Seeing the room gave her pause, her attention caught by the man holding an upset Georgie, she turned back to Jason and made her way over to him.

"Umm, she finally understands what little choices there are and breaking under the pressure?" she whispered as she kissed him.

"She knows most, and is not willing to disicuss it yet."

Easing down in front of him on the desk, she could hear Johnny murmuring to Georgie and her frantically shaking her head. "Tell her who it would be, Jason. She assumes that you are asking her to marry just anybody connected. I mean, look at them. He is able to calm her better than anyone that I have seen try. At the same time, he riles her up without trying. There is something there between them. A spark that could that ignite. Hell, he volunteered to give up his freedom so that they will be safe."

"No, we will go to the meeting first. If it comes down to that is the only way to keep them safe, we will push the issue and explain that is John." Brushing a kiss to her lips, he smiled. "Now is not the time for matchmaking, Elizabeth. And she will know that we are gaining heavily from the deal, if it happens. He refuses to lie to her about that. But to be honest, Georgie really has no other options, not if she wants a chance of saving her dauighter from a life that she doesn't understand. Get her out of here and take her mind off things. If possible, keep her at our house during the metting. The security is better and has more guards around the property."