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Disclaimer...I do not own GH or any of the characters. No copy write infringement intended...Entertainment purposes only...
Author's Note... Sorry about the long delay. The real word decided to be hectic and insane lately. Lame excuse you keep hearing way too often, right? But I will finish the stories currently being posted. I also have plenty of plot bunnies making themselves known. Lol. Hopefully this was the last really long delay between chapters. Anyways, enjoy the chapter and know I appreciate all you readers who've hung in there with me. It means a lot. Comments and/or questions always welcomed!
Chapter Fifty Two
The feathery light sensation of soft skin pressing against his hand caused Johnny to jerk awake from the restless sleep he'd finally succumbed to after hours of praying Sarah would be okay. Immediately alert, his eyes snapped open, focusing on the most important person in his world. The only woman he'd ever even thought about going for more with. A relieved grin curved his lips at seeing those beautiful hazel colored eyes open and groggily watching him. "Oh thank God!" he murmured, voice raw with all the emotions of the night rushing forward. Lord knew it had been a grueling test of patience waiting helplessly for her to come back to him. "You have no idea how damn thankful I am to see you awake, sweetheart! I've never been so worried, Sar. How you feeling? You in pain?"
Sarah attempted a weak smile before admitting, "Like pure hell. How..."
"Everyone's fine," he reassured while brushing some stands of tangled hair from her eyes. The glaze of pain she couldn't quite mask had him pressing the call button before gently touching his lips briefly to hers. "Lizbits and the boys weren't hurt at all, just scared by went down. Baylor's arm was set and casted. The little rascal was gibbering up a storm when Drake's brother released her earlier."
Blinking back the moisture gathering in her eyes, Sarah cleared her throat and sniffed emotionally. "I was so terrified, Johnny. I didn't know what to do. Everything happened so quick. And when I was going in and out of it all l could think of was you. That I might not get to hear your brogue ever again."
The quite confession caused him to clench his teeth. No one hurt his family and lived to tell about it. "I know, baby, I know. But you pulled through and came back to me. That's all that matters right now. I love you, Sar. You're gonna be hearing this voice of mine for a long time still, I promise."
"Love you too, Johnny."
A throat being cleared from the doorway interrupted the emotional kiss her statement brought on. A glance over his shoulder revealed Patrick and Nadine standing just inside the room, both wearing big grins at the scene they'd walked in on. "Your timing sucks. You really should work on it," he muttered, not caring he'd paged the nurse.
Ignoring the comment Patrick bit back a laugh as he approached the bed. While happy to see his colleague awake, the last set of lab results concerned him. Delivering life altering news sucked no matter how regularly his job required it "Nice to see you and Liz are so much alike. She's an overachiever too. I didn't expect you to wake up until at least tomorrow afternoon." Patrick scanned the monitors before pulling his pen light from his lab coat. "You were extremely lucky. The trajectory of the bullet missed all the major arteries near it's path. Pain?" he inquired while checking her pupils.
Inhaling sharply when he checked the dressing, Sarah tried not to flinch at the uncomfortable pressure. "It's not horrible but I've definitely felt better."
"Up the morphine, Nadine," Patrick instructed after recovering the wound. He held up a hand to stop her protest before she could even open her mouth. Doctors really did make the worst patients. "You're tense. You know as well as I do that you need to rest and relax to heal properly."
Sarah tried not to pout when Johnny smirked at the impromptu lecture. "I hate feeling woozy."
Patrick could relate. As a control freak he couldn't stand the fogginess narcotics induced. "Your muscles can't handle being taunt at the moment. Pain control will help speed up the expected recovery period. Unless you just enjoy GH so much you want to extend your stay. I am pretty popular with the nurses."
Sarah scowled at Patrick, waving Nadine forward to administer the morphine. "He always such a bright ray of sunshine?"
Nadine giggled after Sarah's husband only chuckled. "Yep. Drives us all insane. His ego can't be insulted either. But it's fun to try." Slowly pushing the medicine into the IV access port, Nadine couldn't help but notice their joined hands. All the guys she'd met in the mob ended up being extremely attentive with their significant others. She wanted to find someone who adored her like Jason and Johnny did their wives. Some girls had all the luck, she thought with a sigh.
"The incision is looking good. A round of antibiotics is standard so we started those during surgery. Next dose is midmorning. But right now I need to ask a few questions about some of the lab results from your last tests. How long have you been taking fertility treatments?"
"Hmm, closer to a year and half. Why? My last routine labs were fine."
Aware of Johnny straightening, Patrick felt horrible delivering this news. "Unfortunately they're starting to make your liver work too hard. Since I wasn't certain what specialist you see, I spoke with Kelly. Our mutual findings indicate stopping the fertility treatments, permanently." The crestfallen expression radiated pain. "Of course I understand if you'd like another opinion. But while you're under my care, I can't allow staff to continue them, Sarah. I'm so sorry."
Johnny carefully gathered Sarah as close as possible due to the all the wires from the machines still hooked up, Nadine helping him shift her into his arms without causing too much pain. As she clutched his shirt, sobbing into the material, he forced a calming breath. "What about the damaged you mentioned? To her liver?"
While his voice remained steady Patrick saw the emotions swirling in his eyes. The Irishman appeared to be right back on the same edge he'd occupied while Sarah had been unconscious. "The lab values aren't altered enough to freak out over, Johnny. However, continuing the treatments would change that pretty quickly. If you'd like, I can have Kelly stop in and explain exactly how the fertility drugs..."
"Not necessary. But if you don't mind, Sarah will want to see those labs results when she calms down. Actually, it's more like she'll need to see them with her own eyes." Feeling Sarah's body relax as the drugs took affect, knocking her back out, he smoothed a large hand up her back. "I appreciate all you've done for us, Patrick. Sarah does too. It's just..."
"It's ok. I actually expected a worse reaction. Nadine and I are gonna get out of here. Give you guys some privacy. Get some rest too, O'Brien. She's going to need lots of support. Being exhausted won't help her any. Page me if you need me. I'll be around," he added, thinking of visiting with Robin. Her latest test hadn't looked promising. It was time to make some tough decisions of his own.
Johnny buried his face in the curve of Sarah's neck, breathing erratically as his composure slipped when the door shut. As the morphine kept Sarah from having to face the heartbreaking loss, Johnny wept for the future children they'd never get a chance to raise, while cradling the woman he loved. All he could think was at least he still had Sarah.
OoOoOoOoOoOo
Every since watching Georgie frantically race off the elevator at General Hospital the night Baylor's blood sugar skyrocketed he known they were connected in ways he couldn't begin to describe in words. Funny how a few years changed everything you thought you knew about who was important to your future. Back when he'd first arrived in Port Charles Johnny hadn't gave a damn about anyone else unless it benefited him to do so. Selfish by nature, using people had been second nature. The one exception unexpectedly crept up on him not too long ago when his father plotted to kill an innocent mother and her two boys. Working with Jason to protect them and thwart Anthony's plan gave him the first taste of hope in years. Becoming a cruel, sadistic bastard like his father wasn't set in stone as Johnny previously feared. He did possess a heart and conscious. All he had to do was use them.
Then Georgie returned after years of supposedly being dead, throwing his existence into complete chaos at his seeing her for the first time again. Johnny quickly realized the beautiful brunette with those mesmerizing but broken brown eyes hiding an enormous amount of unspeakable torment was everything he'd never expected to find or need. Georgie and Baylor unlocked parts of his soul long forgotten.
Stepping into the middle of the madness she'd been fleeing created the perfect opportunity to get to know the woman she'd become during those mysterious years away. Despite the standoffish attitude Georgie portrayed in the beginning, he'd refused to let her push him away. Now that Johnny finally found a family of his own, the one place he knew without a shred of doubt he belonged, he understood the extremes his father had reached in ruthlessness, although for very different reasons. Listening to Georgie recount the unimaginable horrors of the years she'd been gone nearly killed him. Comforting the woman he'd do absolutely anything for kept him from going off half cocked after learning everything she'd endured. Unfortunately for the individuals who caused her misery, holding her while she cried until finally exhausting herself and passing out, Johnny had had plenty of time to methodically formulate each of their demises.
One tormentor in particular deserved special consideration. As fate would have it, it was also the one person Georgie pleaded with him not to touch for reasons related to her daughter. "I won't put you in the position of asking you to ignore any future threat he may pose. That's unreasonable, especially with how protective you are by nature. But promise me you won't go after him for what's already occurred. I'm partially to blame, Johnny," she whimpered with enough sadness to cause his immediate protest to fall mute. "I committed my fair share of mistakes too. Some just as bad, if not worse, than Diego's if you stop and think about everything without emotion clouding your judgement. I don't think I can look at my daughter's face, into eyes identical to his, knowing I was just as responsible for my fair share of sins. Please, Johnny, promise me you'll leave the past in the past! Getting involved with Diego was a mistake, my mistake. But I still can't regret it. And you know why?" Struggling to fill her lungs as sobs rattled within her chest, Georgie gave him a look filled with such devotion Johnny's throat tightened with raw emotion. "My children. Baylor. Loosing Brandon hurt so much worse than I could ever describe. And I still carry him in my heart. But Bay, she's my world, Johnny, my reason for continuing on when all I wanted to do was give up, make the pain disappear. I can't hate or regret Diego because like it or not, he gave me two precious babies. One you love too. How will you explain killing Diego to Bay one day further down the road when she hears rumors and comes to you demanding answers? Diagnosis you honestly look our daughter in the eye and lie? Or would you lie? What would you say in that situation, Johnny? Before you do something you can't take back, Please stop and think about it very carefully."
Johnny's attention shifted to the woman sleeping on the bed, pausing his restless pacing of the bedroom. Tears stained her pale face, her eyes swollen from the earlier crying jag brought on by the emotional topics they'd discussed. With the turmoil of the day in addition to remembering memories she constantly fought to keep at bay, Georgie definitely needed a good night's sleep. Even as earlier into the pregnancy as she was, he noticed how easily her energy drained over the last couple days.
A niggling fear kept creeping into his thoughts. Could his finally succeeding in convincing Georgie to share what memories plagued her dreams cause her faith in him to disintegrate? As much as he loved and wanted to make her happy, Johnny just couldn't accept everything she'd reluctantly confided. Letting them go unanswered went against who was. The fact she had buried her face into his chest, too ashamed to look him in the eye while confessing about the period of time she'd lived with Diego, further infuriated Johnny. Studying her now laxed features, he regretted giving in to her pleas in a moment of weakness while focused more on calming an upset Georgie. Now forced to break his word, he hoped she'd be able to forgive him. Diego signed his own death warrant by mistreating and abusing Georgie. Not a chance in hell was he walking away untouched after everything she'd tearfully confessed with great reluctance. Her claim of being partially responsible was complete bullshit. No one deserved the pure hell she'd managed to survive. Simply put, Diego Alcazar was a twisted, sick son of a bitch who deserved to rot in hell.
Quietly closing the door behind him, Johnny moved down the hall. A sneak peek into Baylor's room revealed their baby girl snuggled up with some of the stuffed animals the guys had shipped over from her room at Georgie's house. After readjusting the sheet where her tiny feet had kicked it free Johnny kissed the top of her head before going downstairs.
Way too pissed to even contemplate sleep, Johnny grabbed bottle of scotch along with a glass before settling on the sofa. Savoring the smooth burn of the liquor Johnny brooded over various options for dealing with Frisco. The pickup crew already sent the text confirming delivery of the man Georgie once believed to be her father to an isolated safe house on the outskirts of town. The original plan needed tweaked. Andrew Jones ultimately set into motion the destruction of Georgie's life. The agents who caught up with her in Prague systematically tortured her, nearly killing a pregnant Georgie. Thankfully some of Alcazar's men managed to find her because with the shape she had to have been in, no way in hell would she have made it out alone and lived. But the unthinkable acts inflicted at Frisco's, Anna's, and Sean's orders would seriously affect her health for the rest of Georgie's life.
Trying to imagine the agony from a ruptured kidney and spleen, punctured lung, and several fractured bones left him in awe of the woman he'd married. Strength certainly wasn't a characteristic she lacked. However, the more he learned the more concerned Johnny became. Sarah specifically cautioned the importance of avoiding stress whenever possible. But Johnny was worried about the physical strain Georgie would experience as her body changed to accommodate the progressing pregnancy. While not a doctor, it didn't take a genius to know only having one kidney may lead to complications as the pregnancy took a toll on her body. Another issue he couldn't seem to overlook quite as easily as they had centered on the fact Georgie only had one fully functioning lung. The surgeons working at the Italian trauma center removed the lower left lobe. Obviously having never experienced labor, Johnny assumed the physical demands may create a possibly dangerous situation.
"Fuck!" Slamming the glass down in frustration, Johnny threw his head backwards into the cushion. Why hadn't she told him about these health issues? It's not like they were just small inconveniences. Even if she didn't want to divulge how they occurred, he still should have been aware. God forbid something would have happened to Georgie, Johnny would have been useless, unable to provide accurate information about her past and current medications. Why hadn't she trusted him with such crucial information?
Hesitantly freezing at the bottom of the staircase Georgie softly cleared her throat, causing Johnny's head to snap around. The overwhelming array of emotions radiating from him left her feeling unsure. She'd never seen him with such a wild sheen in his eyes.
"C'mere," he requested, patting the spot beside him. "What are you doing up, baby?"
Cuddling into his arms, she laid her head on his shoulder. Jolting awake from an especially dark dream alone in the unfamiliar room left her feeling vulnerable. So she sought Johnny out, seeking the security he effortlessly provided by just being nearby. "Not really tired."
Fingers skimming along silky, soft skin of her arm, Johnny forced all negative thoughts from mind. Since he sensed her moods so effortlessly he didn't want to chance her picking up his train of thought just as easily. "You should try and and get some sleep. It's been a difficult, long day. Morning will be here before you know it."
"I don't want to go back to sleep," she admitted sheepishly. "What were you thinking about? Before I came down."
"Unwinding with a drink. I'd offer you some but..." Dodging a kick to the shin Johnny chuckled at the cute little pout. "What?"
"Tequila sounds wonderful right about now. Or a big glass of wine. Yum!"
"Sorry, no alcohol for you." Feeling Georgie smother a yawn he used two fingers to tip her face upwards. The fatigue staring back at him elicited a curse. "Damn it, Georgie! You're about to fall asleep sitting up. Why don't you go back up to bed."
"Umm."
Pretending not to pick up on her obvious reluctance, Johnny silently willed Georgie to admit she didn't want to be alone. Her independent streak could be considering a positive trait if not for the fact she tended to keep everything, large and small, bottled up until he forced her to open up. As far as he was concerned it was the most frustrating characteristic she possessed. Johnny so badly wanted Georgie to feel comfortable asking him for whatever she needed. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do to keep her happy and safe.
"Can you," Georgie started before falling silent. After a few seconds she shook her head. "I don't want to be alone," she murmured, eyes flickering up to his before immediately dropping.
"Look at me, baby." Waiting until she slowly complied, Johnny dipped his head. "You aren't. Never again, Georgie. I should've stayed upstairs in case you needed me to begin with."
"Stop. I'm not fragile, Johnny. I don't expect you to sick close if you have things you need to do."
"You're more important than anything else." Standing and lifting her into his arms, he grinned when she squealed at the unexpected movement. "Let's go back to bed. Maybe we can distract that mind of yours into remembering only good thoughts."
Laughing in delight Georgie wound her arms around his neck. "Hmm. Think you're up to that kind of challenge?"
Instead of answering he playfully tossed her down onto the bed. Letting his eyes travel at will, lingering here and there until she shivered with anticipation, Johnny smirked. "You'll just have to wait and see." Leisurely following her, bracing his weight overtop of her with his hands near her head, Johnny nuzzled her neck before delivering a quick nip at the sensitive portion of her collarbone. "Let's just say I have very specific plans in mind for you," he warned in a rough growl.
OoOoOoOoOoOo
Moving stealthily through the darkness, he paused just long enough to finesse the locks until the tumbler snicked before releasing. Inside an eerie silence enveloped the old house. Having done his homework he wondered where the old lunatic had bedded down for the night. Trusting a hunch, Julian peered through a small crack in the nearly closed office door. Finding Anthony staring out a large dirty window, he let out a low whistle before fully opening the door.
"Aww. Finally connected all the clues? I imagine coming here for the sole purpose of asking for my help eats at you, doesn't it? Oh, how the mighty has fallen!" he chortled with unrestrained glee. Anthony turned to face Julian, a devilish sparkle flashing brightly within calculating eyes.
"I'm not here for a fucking social call. Drop the sarcasm at my expense, Zacchara. You aren't exactly in the best position either."
"Where's the fun in that?" Anthony responded, scratching his greying hair. "It's not often a Jerome slums amongst those beneath him. Isn't that what your problem is? That your precious daughter and your very valuable granddaughter deemed my John good enough to build a life with. And unlike you, I enjoy the challenge."
"How you managed to convince anyone you are sane is beyond comprehension." Ignoring the taunts Julian refused to give his former associate the pleasure of knowing how his words truly affected him. "I'm not here to discuss our children's transgressions. All I want to know is where Alcazar's stupid bastard is hiding. Since he's not too fond of your son I figured he'd been arrogant enough to approach you about turning on John."
Anthony chuckled. "Talk about a delusional young man. John's got no idea how truly worried he should be about that sniveling punk. You on the other hand, you understand, don't you? Diego Alcazar is on the verge of snapping."
Trying to remain calm Julian grimaced. His patience with the loon tune was wearing thin. He didn't have time for riddles or games. Especially with a man who was fully capable puff turning on his son if the mood struck. Normally he couldn't give a damn if John Zacchara's life was threatened. But considering it was his daughter and granddaughter who'd be caught on the middle, Julian was making it his concern. "I can put an end to Alcazar's plans. But I need those papers in my possession first."
"Aww. So that's why you are here. You think I stole them, don't you?"
Julian shrugged. "No one else knows of their existence."
"You really are a stupid fool," Anthony spat with contempt. "Lorenzo Alcazar adored your bitch of a daughter! He supplied her with enough ammunition to guarantee a chance at protecting herself and her little brat. He believed his bastard dead. Of course he tried to protect his only heir. He gave Georgie the damn documents."
"Maybe," he conceded thoughtfully. "But wouldn't your son have them then? Pretend you want a truce. We got to have those or our asses are in quite a predicament."
Wondering if Julian really had last his edge Anthony studied him. "John loathes me. He wouldn't trust me for a second, and rightfully so. And honestly, she couldn't have told him about their existence. We'd all be dead if she had."
"Why wouldn't she? Georgie freaking married him for God's sake!"
"Obviously she doesn't trust him," Anthony pointed out. His eyebrows furrowed and he barked out a loud laugh. "Our maybe young Georgianna doesn't fully comprehend what those documents mean."
Julian sighed again. "I really hope not. Are you going to help Diego destroy their relationship? If they're separated it makes isolating Georgie all that much easier. Then I can coax her into handing them over."
"Not a fucking chance! Baylor is the key needed to benefit. Even getting those documents doesn't secure anything without her. Georgie will never allow you near her daughter, not after all you've done. Diego might be able to hold up his end off the bargain we struck. If so, then I'll let him live."
Disbelief radiated from Julian as he gaped in shock. "You're going after your own son? Diego will kill John if given the opportunity."
Unconcerned, Anthony winked. "All I care about is getting what rightfully belongs to me. If Diego can contribute, more power to him. I'll try to convince John of the need to see things my way. If he comes around, maybe I'll warn him. But your daughter and my son aren't necessary. Only the little brat they both are hell bent on protecting." Voice dropping, taking on a menacing quality, Anthony chuckled. "Soon we'll have enough ammunition to decimate Morgan and the families. Then everyone will learn who really is powerful."