Disclaimer….I do not own GH or any of the characters….No copy write infringement intended….Entertainment purposes only….

Author's Note: So sorry! I've been in the hospital with some complications and just returned home on Christmas Eve. I'm back to feeling 100% healthy so hopefully nothing else crops up. Happy reading and thank you all for hanging in there.

Best wishes on the holidays to all you those out there!

Chapter Forty-Six

"What's so damn important?"

Francis grimaced at the impatient tone. "We need to wait on Morgan and Cody. I only want to relay this once." Pausing and catching the anger barely concealed in the younger man's eyes, he wondered what had caused his temper to flare. "You okay, Zacchara?"

Counting to fifty before bothering to answer, Johnny felt his heart rate finally start to return to normal. Spending the afternoon dealing with anything work related was not going to help his mood any unless he reached deep for the control needed at the moment. "Yeah, it's just been a hell of a morning so far."

"I thought you were with Georgie this morning?"

Glaring, he dropped into a chair. "I was, O'Brien."

"Then shouldn't you be in a better mood?" he teased, unaware of the powder keg close to exploding until he watched Johnny's jaw clench and his body flood with tension. "Hey, what's wrong? I was just joking around with you. Something up with Georgie or Baylor?"

"They're both fine."

"You might be more believable if you didn't look like you're ready to kill someone," Francis pointed out lightly.

"And maybe if I hadn't been pulled from a conversation with Georgie and Sarah about whatever you two unearthed I might be in a better mood."

Johnny cursed. He had a pretty good idea why Zacchara was in such a foul mood now, especially if they'd interrupted before the women answered all the questions sure to be swimming through his head. "Wait. How in the world did you finally convince…" All three stopped when Jason and Cody entered the office. Not wanting to point the spotlight on Georgie's past too much, he let the question trail of much to Johnny's relief.

"Sorry about the holdup. We were leaving the PCPD and ran into Mac on the way here." Jason looked at one of his oldest friends. "What did you find out, Francis?"

"Well our guy finished up decoding all of Sam's stored data on her phone and the laptop she'd hidden at her apartment. We suspected she was involved in more than we knew and it looks like we hit that one right on the nail."

Leaning forward Johnny massaged his temples. God his head hurt. "Such as?"

"According to the files she was approached by Nik before she even arrived in Port Charles, back when he went broke during the whole Connor Bishop fiasco. Evidentially the prince kept tabs on his aunt's castaway child for some time."

"But why?" Jason wanted to know.

"He acted just as shocked when the news came out as Alexis did that Sam was her daughter," Max remembered.

"They conned everyone. Nik's uncle knew who Sam was since they arrived back when Lulu was sick as a child."

"But why keep it a secret?"

"Who cares, Jason? Sam's dead so it's not like we can ask her and I seriously doubt if Nik's gonna explain his motives even if we ask politely."

"Shut up, OB." Saluting him with his middle finger, Jason ignored the sarcastic grin aimed his way, instead focusing on the calmer of his two friends. "Why is this important?"

"Besides it explaining how the super slut knew so much about you, Sonny, Carly, and Elizabeth, it gave us another important factor. Sam was brought in to cause trouble between you and Sonny. But when that plan failed and you started getting close to Elizabeth again, Nik asked her to insert herself between you two." At Jason's disbelieving look Francis tossed a bundle of papers down in front of him. "It's all right there. Nik knew his brother had an addiction long before Lucky started spiraling out of control. My guess is he wanted to keep you out of Lizbit's sights and be the one she turned to when Spencer finally showed himself for the controlling, abusive ass he really was. Too bad Sammy couldn't hold up her end of the bargain and kept screwing up on keeping you under her spell. Cassadine's wanted Elizabeth for years, Jason. Don't you remember how he flipped when you two got close the Christmas after you recovered from that gunshot at her studio? His anger at her supposedly moving on with you was a bit over the top, even at the time since Lucky was presumed dead."

"Not that she isn't an incredible woman because she is, but why all this cloak and dagger all these years to win Elizabeth?" Johnny wanted to know, unknowingly asking the same question plaguing Jason.

"We wondered the same thing, Zacchara. But OB found the answer in Lulu's diary that he lifted from the bitch."

Smirking at the apt description, Johnny chuckled. Francis certainly pegged the youngest Spencer correctly. "Nik wanted Liz for the same reason Helena once tried to force them together. Elizabeth's family comes from very old money. And even though she hasn't had contact with her parents for several years, our girl will inherit quite the trust fund when her parents die. From searching through all the crap I took from the Spencer family home, it looks like Luke was aware of the trust. He told his worthless son, who latched onto Lizzie and never let go of the strings he used to keep her coming back."

Jason shook his head. All this time her misery from that family could be traced back to money, money that he was certain his fiancée knew nothing about.

"But what about you wife? I heard she dated Nik at one time. Wouldn't Sarah be entitled to the same inheritance as her sister?"

"Sarah actually answered that question for me," he admitted. "It looks like Carolyn's father set the trust up to go to the youngest of each generation, so no. That's also the reason Elizabeth's mother despised her. Back when they were younger Sarah was easier to manipulate than Liz. Carolyn wanted Sarah to get the money because she assumed she would be easier to boss around and gain access to the money through. Because their mother couldn't manipulate Lizzie, she never told her about the fortune she'll get."

"And people think my family is crazy," Johnny groaned while trying to keep everything straight in his already overwhelmed head.

"Oh it gets better," Francis warned. "Helena decided now that she wants Nik paired with Georgie because of the power she has by being Jerome's daughter. They are currently disagreeing over which young woman Nik should be with."

"How about neither!" Jason snapped, pissed at even the idea.

"No shit, Sherlock!"

"Don't start, O'Brien! After Carly's delusional ranting and raving I can't take your smartass cracks."

"Would you both shut the hell up!" Johnny growled before looking at the reason he was there. "Care to clue us in on the rest before those two go at each other like rabid dogs?"

Equally impressed with the young mobster's ability to read between the lines as well as concerned about his darkening expression, Francis released a frustrated breath. "Helena has Jerry Jacks actively seeking Georgie and Diego. They need Diego to release control of his father's hidden assets to Georgie and then he's expendable."

"I don't care what they do, there is no way Georgie would cooperate with Helena," Cody interjected. All the guards had seen the way her and Johnny were together and there was no doubt their marriage had turned into the real thing.

Jason warily met Johnny's stare. "Not necessarily true, Cody. If the old bat threatened Baylor or Diego, Georgie would follow her commands. She couldn't live with either of their deaths on her conscious."

OoOoOoOoOoOo

"How can you stand there and let this go on? Do something!"

Mac arched an eyebrow and shot the other man a dirty look. "That's almost laughable coming from you, isn't it? I've been the one here for both of these girls their entire life. Where have you been through all the good and bad times, Frisco? Like, I don't know, say your daughter's funeral for one instance?"

Frisco sputtered a few seconds before growling. "I admit I messed up, Mac. I don't need you to throw my mistakes in my face to know I screwed everything up. But you're standing there, not doing a damn thing about Georgie and Maxie's sisterhood imploding. Hell, shouldn't you be trying to bridge a gap between them?"

"And how do you suggest I do that, hmm? Maxie's attacking Georgie at every opportunity. Yes, she's going through hell, but her sister's life hasn't been a bed of roses and Georgie never took her pain out on Maxie. I can't excuse her behavior when I'm appalled by it myself."

Clearing her throat Alexis made her presence known. "Should I come back later?"

Frisco narrowed his eyes at the attorney, watching as she moved into the room and kissed Mac's cheek. "Yeah, you're interrupting."

"Frisco!"

"What? She asked, I answered."

Grabbing her hand and linking their fingers Mac glowered at the bane of his existence. "Alexis lives here, unlike yourself."

"Oh please! Awfully convenient you've forgotten exactly who the f-ing Cassadine's are."

"Excuse me," Alexis snarled. "Aren't you the same man who abandoned his children?"

"I never claimed to be the picture perfect father, Ms. Davis. But I did leave my children with their mother and Mac, which is more than I can say you did for your eldest. Wasn't she just tossed away like trash by your family? Too bad she came back into your life, huh." Smiling at her outraged shriek he shrugged. "Don't cast stones if you can't handle hearing the truth tossed right back at ya."

"Samantha's decisions are no worse than the ones your youngest is making. Georgie married a known criminal and had a daughter with another mobster. Then she scorned her family. When Robin and Maxie needed her support the most she was too busy running around Italy to be where she should've been."

Unable to hold his tongue Mac ran a hand through his greying hair. "Stop! Neither of you are looking at things from Georgie's perspective. While I don't agree with all her decisions, I do understand why she and Zacchara kept Bay in Italy. Robin verbally blamed Georgie's husband for Robert and Anna's deaths rather publically. Why would she rush home to sit by her bedside? Robin did damage there. As for Maxie and Cooper's death, Georgie has her own issues with him being outted as the TMK. He set the father of her child up to take the fall. The girls will work things out in time, but we can't get involved and take sides. I can see both their sides and emotions are running high."

"Why are you taking up for Georgie? She needs to remember who her true family is, Mac! Maxie's always been there for her. It would be nice if she'd do the same for her sister." Alexis pointed at the picture of Kristina and Molly. "My daughters take up for one another."

"And my youngest daughter has been through hell, Alexis! I just got her back. I'm not going to lose Georgie and Baylor by pushing and getting in the middle of things. Maxie knows she has me. She's not alone."

"You need to get her away from Zacchara! He's poisoning her mind!"

"I agree," Frisco quickly added. "Georgie and Baylor need to break all ties with that man."

Throwing his hands up, Mac rolled his eyes. "You both are relentless and refusing to listen. Georgie's an adult. She loves Johnny. Frisco, you'd better accept that or you'll lose all chance of developing a relationship with her. Alexis, you need to back off. She's not your daughter. She's mine. And I only want her happy. If Johnny is who she wants to be with, I am not going to protest their marriage."

Biting her tongue to keep from saying something she'd regret, Alexis forced a strained smile.

Curious about the woman's obvious anger Frisco shoved it aside. "What about Maxie? She's teetering on the edge, Mac. I'm concerned about her self destructing."

Sadness crept across his aged faced. "Me too, Frisco, but all we can do is be there when she starts to fall. Picking up the pieces is part of being a parent. Are you going to actually stick around this time?"

Pissed over the verbal jab, the WSB agent could only mutely nod. No way was he leaving now. Too much was left to be done to walk away.

OoOoOoOoOoOo

Bending down and capturing the little brown eyed imp Georgie felt all the stress from the morning fade away. "Hey, baby girl! I missed you!"

"Missed yous, Momma! Where's Aunt Liz and Sarah?"

Tugging gently on one of her curls Georgie grinned as they started back toward the swing set area. "They'll stop by during their lunch break. Elizabeth and Sarah are working. Was you a good girl for Nadine?"

"She was an angel, Georgie. We've spent most of the morning burning off some of her never ending energy," the pretty blond nurse answered.

"Thank you so much for agreeing to watch her. With Elizabeth and Sarah working and Mac busy I was kinda stuck until Elizabeth mentioned how good you are with Cam and Jake."

"Anytime you need a sitter feel free to call. We had a blast."

Fighting back the giggle when she noticed Logan checking Nadine out when the woman in question wasn't looking, Georgie smirked at the unrepentant grin and wink he tossed her with a shrug when she arched an eyebrow. "I'll definitely keep you in mind then," she commented as the two sat on the bench while Baylor ran back to where Milo waited by the swings.

Playing with the cap on her bottle of water, Nadine looked over at the friendly woman she barely remembered. But what she did recall of the youngest Jones sister centered around the hospital and her friendship with Spinelli. "Are you planning on volunteering again at GH?"

"Maybe eventually but not right now. I'm still trying to adjust to being back home."

"And being married," she teased softly.

"That too," she laughed.

"Baylor's beautiful, Georgie."

"I think so too but I'm kinda biased."

"Nope. Truth is truth."

Accepting the offered water and stretching slightly, Georgie relaxed. "I really lucked out. She's a great little girl. But enough about us. How have you been, Nadine? I know you're still at GH from Elizabeth. Anyone special in your life these days?"

Nadine blushed slightly and looked down while Georgie only smiled at Logan when he darted a quick glance at them. "Um, not really. Matt and I broke up a couple months ago."

"Matt? Matt Hunter? I think I met him. Patrick's brother, right?"

"Uh huh. But it started going south when he decided flirting with Leyla was a good idea."

Georgie winced. "Men can be such dogs. But he is related to Patrick and I remember what a playboy he was back when he first moved into town before…"

"Daddy!"

Head whipping up at the joy filled shout, Georgie inhaled sharply at the sight of the man Baylor was hurdling toward after slipping past Milo's grasping arms. Immediately jumping to her feet, she slapped uselessly at Logan's restraining arms as they wound tightly around her waist. "Let go!" she demanded frantically as her heart pounded frantically against her ribs as she watched through watery eyes when Diego swung their daughter up into his arms, kissing her forehead.

Diego hugged his precious little girl while murmuring softly to her before locking gazes with a pale Georgie. Ignoring the man carefully approaching from the direction where Baylor had been swinging, he kept all his attention on his daughter and her mother, instinctively knowing the guards would not get too close with Baylor securely in his arms. "Hello, Georgie."

Trying her best to keep from losing the very slim hold she had on her composure Georgie attempted to free herself from Logan's grip unsuccessfully. "D-Diego."

Nadine remained still, not wanting to distract anyone. From her position she could see Milo had hit the keypad on his phone before stopping several feet from the unfamiliar man holding Baylor. Hearing Georgie's breathing hitch as it sounded like she choked back a sob Nadine prayed more help arrived soon. This situation promised to escalate to full-fledged disaster at any second.

Soothingly rubbing Baylor's back to ease any discomfort she might pick up on Diego felt his heart contract as she snuggled into his embrace and happily hugged him. "You having fun with your mommy today, Baylor?"

"Uh huh. I loves the parks!"

Observing how content the toddler was with her biological father did nothing to ease the blood racing in Logan's veins. In all honesty it actually worried him more. "Georgie, don't!" he whispered harshly when she tried to escape from him. "It's gonna be okay, girl. Nothings gonna happen to Bay, I promise."

A light whimper was the only acknowledgement of his statement as she never broke eye contact with Diego. The man holding her baby was a stranger to her. The buzzing in her head grew louder as nausea swept through her.

Knowing he only had minutes before more of Zacchara's men started to arrive Diego pressed a kiss to Baylor's forehead before sitting her back on her feet. Keeping her hand clasped firmly in his Diego crooked a finger at Georgie, beckoning her to join them.

"Not happening!" Logan all but spat.

"Really?" he arrogantly answered. "I think it will," he added confidently. "Because if it doesn't I'm leaving here with what is in my possession."

"Wait! Diego…"

"We need to talk, Georgie. I'd say it's long overdue. As a show of good faith I'll let your guards take my daughter to your house. That way they know you will be joining her after our conversation."

"You're crazy," Logan growled.

"Nope, not at all. But I do hold all the cards presently." Dark eyes silently reassured frightened brown orbs. The same ones he'd dreamed of. "Trust me, Georgie."

"No way. Hell no, Georgie!"

Lowering her voice Georgie tilted her head and pleaded with him to understand. "I have to do this, Logan! Take Baylor to Johnny's penthouse."

"Absolutely…"

Hating herself even as she did it, Georgie used the evasive tactics OB taught her to break Logan's restraining hold and knocked him backwards. Hurrying to her child she stopped just out of Diego's arm reach and weakly smiled, only looking at Baylor. "Go to Milo, sweetie. Now!"

Releasing the small hand Diego let her go and watched as she listened to her mother before jerking Georgie to his side when the blond guard edged closer. He quickly flashed the gun at his side, effectively stopping all movement. "I keep my word. Georgie will be returned back to her house. But tell Zacchara to stay away until then. Otherwise I can't guarantee my response."

"Fuck!" Logan dialed and automatically started barking orders as he watched helplessly as Alcazar disappeared into the woods behind the park.