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Chapter Fifty-Three

"Don't even think about it," Elizabeth warned, amused at her youngest son's choice. "Aunt Sarah doesn't want a toy motorcycle."

"Uh huh. She plays with ours all the time."

Jason coughed to cover the laugh he was trying to holding back. Jake's logic certainly made sense since Sarah never missed an opportunity to spend time with the boys. Considering most of their favorite toys consisted of trains, motorcycles, and matchbox cars he could see where his son's points were valid.

"Don't encourage him," Elizabeth admonished, lightly jabbing an elbow into his side. "I'm not taking Sarah a gift she'll turn right around and give back to the boys."

"OB has a motorcycle and she likes it. You like Daddy's."

"Sorry, buddy. Mom is right. You're aunt deserves something nice, something she'll really like."

Jake sighed, not understanding how she wouldn't be thrilled with her own bike. Didn't everyone love them? Heck! Baylor and Emma even played with them when they visited. "Okay, but I still say it's a good idea," he defended before joining Cam at another display shelf in the gift shop.

"Oh wow. Wonder where he got that stubbornness from," teased Jason while admiring his lovely wife. "He may look like me and tend to be less talkative than Cam, but he really does have many of your personality traits."

Elizabeth just smiled sweetly. She liked that Jake was such a mixed combination of them.

"Hey, I found it!"

Cam's excited voice broke through her musings. Elizabeth moved closer, looking at the figurine he was pointing at. "How did you know Aunt Sarah collected angels? She's always collecting one's made special for the different holidays."

"I didn't," he admitted still starting at the item he'd focused on. "It just fit. Guardian angels look after and protect. And aunt Sarah not only does all that, but she saved Baylor from getting hurt worse. Dr. Matt said she's a hero."

Jason felt a rush of pride at how insightful their oldest son was at such a young age. He wasn't thrilled either of the boys had been placed in dangerous situations because of his lifestyle and profession but knowing Cam looked up to the positive attributes in others helped ease some of his concerns about if the negative influences were too much. Placing a hand on Cam's shoulder he nodded. "Your aunt is a good person, Cam. She'll always protect you, Jake, and Baylor if she can. I think getting her her very own guardian Angel is a wonderful idea."

"Even better than a motorcycle?"

Elizabeth arched a brow. "Yes. It is. Now if it was Uncle Johnny hurt then we'd go with your suggestion, Jake."

The little blond haired boy thought about it before finally giving in. "Yeah. You're probably right, mom. Girls should only have motorcycles when they're playing with boy toys. I mean me and Cam get roped into playin with dolls but we sure don't want one for ourselves. Yuck!" he added with a shudder.

On the verge of busting out into laughter Jason had to turn away. Sometimes they really were to much.

Knowing full well what her husband found so funny Elizabeth almost gave in just to shut him up and wipe the smirk from his face. Too bad Jason wouldn't let her ride the bike when she was pregnant. Then she definitely could've proved to him exactly how much fun it could be when he let her drive. Oh well. There was always next summer.

Since Cam choose the present she asked Jake to pick out whatever wrapping paper he liked best. She was pleasantly relieved when he pointed to a design appropriate for Sarah instead of having to endure another explanation of why his interests weren't necessarily what Sarah might like best.

Stopping to let the boys visit with Epiphany, Jason and Elizabeth accepted her offer of bringing the boys up to join them in a little bit Jason knew she was worried about her sister's emotional state after they'd learned about the information Patrick had delivered the night before. No one wanted Sarah to have to pretend to be in good spirits if it wasn't the truth.

"Sarah will be okay, Elizabeth. She's tough. And O'Brien will be glued to her side the whole time."

"I know time will help sooth away the worst of the pain. But it'll never completely fade," she told him as the elevator door slid shut. Her eyes reflected the compassion she felt when she looked over at him. "It's not fair. Sarah and OB truly want kids, and would have made incredible parents. It just doesn't make sense. So many women are blessed with being able to have children, and many don't realize how special becoming a parents is. They're heartbroken, Jason. And there isn't anything that will suddenly make it better."

Jason gathered Elizabeth into his arms, pulling her close. "All we can do is be there for them both. O'Brien's gotta be feeling pretty damn helpless. I know I would."

Standing on her tip toes, she brushed her lips over his in a feathery light touch she knew drove him insane. Jason's growl filled the small car seconds before the door slid open with a ding. Elizabeth tossed a sultry look over her shoulder as she started toward her sister's room. "Hmm. Yummy. Maybe the boys will go to bed early tonight if you wear them out before we go back to OB's."

Jason's gut clenched with anticipation at her murmured suggestion. Sounded like a stop in the park topped their to-do list after checking in on their extended family. Tiring Cam and Jake out shouldn't be a problem. They loved running full throttle until they dropped. Yeah, a visit sounded about right he mentally concurred while discretely watching his girl's bottom sway with each step she took.

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Hurriedly heading toward the exit of the mall Georgie couldn't help but roll her eyes. After a late start to the day she expected to be somewhat crappy feeling. Morning sickness really sucked she acknowledged wearily. Almost an hour after waking she spent precious time hugging the toilet. Thankfully the nausea passed but not before throwing off her schedule for the day. So she and Johnny split the tasks she planned on tackling. While he and Baylor headed off in one direction, she'd forced Logan to accompany her to the mall. With a specific gift already in mind for her friend, the specialty shop located in the busy mall was the only place she was aware of that carried the item. Another muttered curse from her companion brought a smile to her face. If she'd known how badly Logan loathed big crowds, she might have dragged him there more often when he got on her nerves. She'd have to keep it in mind for when he annoyed her in the future.

"Still a pain in the ass, girl. The mall? Really?" Avoiding a group of teens who stumbled into his path, Logan shot the closest a dirty look. "Next time just smack me, okay, doll. I'd rather go back to freakin Iraq than this hellhole again."

"Oh whatever. I'm not doing anything to you. Stop whining."

Logan snorted. "I don't get you sometimes. Why'd we hafta bring our happy asses clear across town for that anyway?"

Georgie knocked the hand he was pointing with away from the tiny package she carried. "I see you took your sarcasm pill this morning. You been stock piling them to annoy the heck out of me on some random day? Today must be my lucky day huh."

A decidedly wicked spark lit his eyes. He reached for the door to hold it open while tossing a wink over his shoulder. "I'm not adding to that big had of yours. Marrying Zacchara don't mean I gotta take your smartass comments, girl."

Georgie giggled, relieved by the teasing attitude. She'd been afraid Johnny had said something to Logan. She loved he cared so much but being treated like a fragile china doll didn't appeal to her. Even when Logan had pissed her off in the past she'd respected how he stuck to his guns, never altering his personality. Logan evidently still didn't pull any punches. Either you liked him or you didn't. No sweat off his back if someone thought less of him. "I think you need to get laid, Logan. It might improve your lovely disposition."

Tripping over his own two feet, Logan gaped at the small brunette innocently watching him with a smugness he knew came from catching him off guard. "Whoa there, doll! Who are you and what have you done with sweet, shy Georgie Jones?"

Before she could respond a scathing voice cut in from nearby. "Well well. Lookie at how fast you forgot about me again! I guess you don't give a shit your only sister's life is crumbling apart! Logan's right about one thing. You aren't anything like my little sister who cared and wanted the best for her family. What the fuck happened to you, Georgie? Living like a damn princess screwed up your head! Was you even sick the other day? Or did you collapse to get your husband's undivided attention?"

Shaking off Logan's restraining hand, Georgie slowly turned to face Maxie. While the spiteful words being hurled made her want to flinch, Georgie forced herself to remain calm. "Me? You're the one losing it at every turn. Making a fool of yourself publicly. I'm not giving you the satisfaction of getting into this right now."

"Uh uh, bitch!"

Logan stepped between the sisters, careful to keep an eye both. Disgust and sympathy churned inside his gut. "Maxie, shut your mouth. Attacking..."

"Jesus! How can you stand there and defend her? She's nothing but a selfish bitch! And what kind of friend are you? Cooper was supposed to be your brother, Logan! We both know he didn't kill himself or anyone else like that note of lies claimed. I know Johnny killed Coop! I don't give a shit what anyone says different!" Maxie screamed. "Then he had the nerve to get in my face! Told me I no longer had a sister! He's an asshole!"

"C'mon, darlin. Breath. Getting all worked up ain't gonna fix nuthin." Logan grasped an obviously upset Maxie's elbow to keep the two at least an arm lengths apart. He hated she was suffering over Coop's actions but it didn't excuse her inability to accept the truth. Coop didn't deserve the loyalty. And Georgie sure as hell didn't need the blame heaped on. Logan had caught the way she seemed to shrink inside herself as Maxie ranted. "Think of the baby, Max. Gettin all riled ain't good for you."

"Blame Georgie! She's the reason my life blew up!"

Georgie fought to keep her building anger contained. After the last few days she could feel her control slipping. "All I've ever done is support you, Maxie. I defended you when you pulled stunts that inflicted misery on people who never deserved it! I made excuse after excuse for your schemes when they feel apart. And I do care you're in pain. I want to be there, to help you, but you're making it impossible."

"Yeah. Uh huh. Sure. All you give a damn about is being center of attention."

"I can't do this with you, not now," she whispered sadly. "Anything I say you ignore. Deep down you know I care but for some reason you can't let go of this anger towards me. I haven't done anything too you!" Georgie nodded at Logan, silently conveying she wanted to leave.

Forcing Maxie to turn, he gripped her quivering chin. "You gotta stop with this shit. Coop ain't coming back. Georgie and Baylor are all you got left, besides Mac. Keep pushing and they ain't gonna be there when you snap out of this mood." He used a thumb to wipe a tear from her cheek. "Go home. Rest. I'll stop by when I get done later, okay. We'll talk."

An overwhelmed and hormonal Maxie threw her arms around him, holding him tight. "Promise?"

"Yeah. But for now go home. And stay outta trouble."

Maxie nodded shooting a glare at Georgie one last time. She just knew her sister cried and whined to get her rich ass mobster husband to get rid of Coop. She couldn't figure out why, but it made sense. Why else would Coop confess to those horrible crimes unless someone forced him? And considering it was the father of Georgie's daughter that had been cleared of involvement, Maxie knew Johnny had killed then framed Cooper as a way to ensure Georgie's happiness. "I'll see you around," she spat vehemently. Oh she'd find a way to have her say without anyone interrupting in the misguided attempt to protect her sister. Georgie needed to feel all the hurt and heartbreak she'd caused her to suffer.

Logan shook his head. He knew how Maxie's mind worked probably as well as she did. "She's got a rough path ahead if she keeps refusing to listen to reason."

"Having been gone for so long opened my eyes some. Maxie needs professional help, Logan. She isn't mature enough to be a mother. She can't even take care of herself." Georgie started toward the area they parked in. Letting the encounter ruin her day wasn't happening. Georgie had plenty of drama of her own. The conversation with Johnny from the night before still weighed heavily upon her mind. If she allowed herself to dwell on the past, she feared the all too familiar darkness would consume her thoughts again. And she had sworn to Lucas to never let herself get to that point ever again.

"C'mon, let's get you to GH. Zacchara and the rugrat should be there soon." Swinging an arm around her shoulders Logan guided his charge across the parking lot. The depression he'd watched her fight against all morning was back, reflected in her dark eyes. Logan wanted to get Georgie delivered securely to Zacchara before tracking down the delusional instigator. Him and Maxie were gonna have a small chat.

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Elizabeth fiddled with the monitors before catching his knowing smirk. "Leave me alone. It's second nature, OB."

"I didn't say a word, kid. How many times you call and harass Nadine last night?"

Feeling herself blushing, she focused on the boys hugging all over Sarah. Her sister was trying but the smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "Just a few. I was worried. Sue me."

All traces of amusement drained, leaving his voice raw. "Me too. But Sar's a fighter."

Elizabeth grabbed Johnny's hand, squeezing his fingers. "That she is. Sarah's going to try and pretend everything is fine, like nothing happened. Don't let her hide from it, Johnny. It'll eat her up inside."

Tears filled his eyes but he quickly blinked them away. He rested his head on top of hers for a brief second, soaking up all the compassion she offered before murmuring, "Yeah. Between all of us we'll make sure Sarah gets through this. Thanks for sending Frannie last night. Having someone to take the brunt of my anger and know it had nothing to do with them helped. He didn't leave until almost daylight."

"Frannie's a keeper, that's for sure." Elizabeth straightened, running a hand through the waves he'd flattened. "Jason's checking in with Cody. Why don't you go join them, take a break. Cam, Jake, and I will entertain Sarah for awhile."

After catching Sarah's eye and getting a nod Johnny joined his friends currently talking in an otherwise empty waiting room. As he approached he could tell whatever Cody had reported wasn't something Jason must have wanted to hear.

"Hey. Any word on when the fat bastard plans on leaving his island?" Francis had done more than let him rant the night before. By the time he'd finished, Johnny had had to donate enough money to completely remodel the waiting room further down the hall, with its door closed and a sign conveying the hospital's apologies about it being out of commission.

"Not yet but we got surveillance on every way off that damn island."

"What's up? You both look pissed."

Jason pinched the bridge of his nose. A headache this early in the day only meant he'd be fighting it off until he feel asleep. "A taped line revealed Helena informing Alexis about Sam's death. I guess they found her body finally. But the odd part is no one called the cops." He shrugged at his friend's baffled look. "Don't ask me. They plan on just throwing her into the bay? Cause without alerting the PCPD, I don't see how they're going to be able to bury the slut."

"Freaking weird family like that, who knows. Alexis might care but you can bet your ass the old bat don't."

Cody tried to contain the urge to laugh but failed. "Port Charles doesn't lack for excitement. Especially considering the size." He popped his neck. It had been a long night for all the Morgan & Zacchara employees. "One good piece of news is the judge denied Carly's new attorney's request for bail. Jury selection starts Monday."

Satisfaction bloomed across Jason's face. He'd allowed Carly the power to hurt his family for far too long. "Good. We'll select a few from the proceedings to ensure the outcome we want. But I'm considering another visit. She isn't suffering enough, not after all the havoc she caused."

"Payback's a bitch," Cody stated blandly. "I think it's a great idea."

At O'Brien's confusion they both chuckled. Jason knew the Irishman wanted to inflict as much misery onto Carly as possible since they had to get rid of Sonny in a way where they couldn't draw out the torture. "If I give her the slightest hint I've changed my mind she'll latch on to it. When I do nothing it will emotionally tear her apart."

"Good."

All three turned to the elevator when it opened, watching as Milo appeared with a subdued Baylor clinging to him. The way the small girl visibly shook had warning bells ringing in their heads. Jason swiftly crossed the short distance with Cody and Johnny hot on his heels.

"Milo?"

"She's okay," he answered the unspoken question, scanning the hallway. "Georgie in with Mrs. O'Brien?"

"No, we assumed she was with Zacchara and Bay. Where's Johnny?"

Milo shook his head. "Call Hayes. She left with him to pick something up from the mall. Make sure they're on their way."

Cody whipped out his phone while Jason moved to the door. A few seconds later Elizabeth took Baylor, looked between all the gathered men, and returned to Sarah's room without a word.

"Where the fuck is Zacchara?"

Giving Jason his full attention, Milo let out a long breath. "Julian Jerome approached him right as we were entering the hospital. Johnny handed me Baylor and ordered me to bring her up to Georgie."

"Shit!" Jason's skull felt like it was about to explode from the pressure building. "Did the son of a bitch say what he wanted?"

"Johnny didn't give him the chance. As soon as he recognized him he wanted Baylor as far away as possible."

"Logan's taking the long way," Cody informed them after hanging up. "Want me to head down there?"

"Go ahead."

Johnny waited until the former marine disappeared down the stairs before focusing back on the younger guard. "Why was Bay so quiet?"

"I'm thinking she picked up on Zacchara's tension. But he's been in a good mood up until now. They enjoyed a good morning together."

Johnny stormed off the elevator, Cody following close behind. Before anyone could open their mouths Jason shook his head. He recognized how close the younger man was to snapping. And when Johnny finally unleashed all that pent up fury, he wasn't sure they'd able to contain the destruction left his wake.

"Let's talk," Jason suggestion before waving everyone else to back off. "Roof."

"Georgie?"

"Logan's distracting her until I call back."

Some of the tension drained, his fist unclenched. "Go ahead and call him. Milo, meet them in the parking lot. Bay will be fine with O'Brien and the women." He jerked his head in direction of stair well. "Let's go."

OoOoOoOoOoOo

Lulu leaned back into the shadows, breathing shallower than normal. When Johnny first burst through the exit she'd planned on approaching him. No way in hell was little innocent Georgie keeping a man that fine if she had a say. The precious princess didn't deserve a man of that caliber. And with Dante's reluctance to set a wedding date, well it just proved maybe he wasn't the man she should settle down with. Besides, Johnny didn't have to worry about money and he exuded power. Nope, Georgie certainly didn't deserve all the influence and respect being Mrs. Zacchara put at her fingertips.

Only hearing Jason's voice stopped Lulu from revealing her presence. As she pouted at the lost opportunity the words being exchanged finally broke through her self absorbed fantasies. Not understanding everything Johnny cryptically spat, she picked up enough information to have a devious grin forming. Little Miss Perfect had more hidden secrets than she'd ever suspected. Getting comfortable she barely kept from dancing a jig at all the ammunition the guys were giving her. Maybe a trip to visit Carly was called for. With all she was learning from Jason and Johnny's conversation, there had to be a way to take Elizabeth and Georgie down from their lofty perches. And with Carly's guidance Lulu knew she was just the woman to get the job done.