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Chapter 54

Drenched, shivering, and cold to the bone Georgie greedily gulped in several deep breaths of much needed fresh air. With each forced movement, especially those causing her lungs to expand, a wave of sheer agony pulsed throughout her weakening body. She was physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted to the point where her will to live was starting to flag. Her battered body couldn't fight off the never ending pain anymore. Escape to the hidden recesses of her mind no longer offered a refuge from the unrelenting pain. Deep down she feared more than one of the numerous injuries could prove fatal with any type of medical attention soon. And since her immediate future only promised more endless torture sessions, she didn't see how she could possibly survive much longer. Each time her captors tossed her abused body back into the freezing darkness she tried to take solace in the fact her body hadn't given out on her yet.

Beyond the point of tears she struggled to turn onto her side, trying to form a protective cocoon of sorts around her stomach the best she was able. A feathery light flutter greeted her trembling palms as she lovingly stroked her rounded abdomen, managing to break through the pain. There it was. The reason she continued to force herself to hang on, to pray for survival.

"Ssh, little ones, mommy's trying. We'll make it somehow, I promise," she breathed, splaying her fingers protectively over top the baby bulge. "You just got to stay strong for mommy. I need your help to get us out of this mess. You two gotta stay strong. Don't give up on me," she softly pleaded as a sharp pain twisted through her shuddering body.

A frigid blast of icy cold air swept down from the vents, circulating the freezing air and effectively lowering the temperature of her prison even more. Wishing desperately for a blanket or way to cover herself, Georgie shuddered hard. The tightness in her lungs made moving nearly unbearable but she knew she had to keep in motion. Friction created warmth, which she desperately needed to keep from freezing. The thin layer of ice coating the floor numbed the lacerations and deep cuts inflicted during last bout of torture. Clinging to the only good thing about being held in the walk in freezer, she groggily watched as the blood pouring from the wounds started to clot. Bleeding to death wouldn't be likely as long as they continued to freeze her. She only hoped she could escape before they froze her to death. She'd never complain about being hot again if she made it out of this alive.

"We're going to be okay, babies. Mommy promises," she whispered sleepily. Starting to slip further into the relative peace of unconsciousness, she whimpered in fear, cringing when a scraping sound broke through the silence. Panic consumed her as she attempted to pull her battered body to the closest corner. "Not again! Please no!" she desperately begged. It was too soon. She needed time to rest. Precious rest to regain some much needed strength. She was terrified they were returning so soon. Could her body withstand any more pain today? It didn't seem possible. Her whimpers became full fledged screams when the door swung open and she saw the person motioning the agents forward. "NO! Please don't do this! Not again, no! Oh God!"

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Logan and Milo exchanged a quick glance, each reaching for their guns. Rising into the dimly lit penthouse they felt their tension level off into concern.

"I'll check on Baylor, make sure she didn't wake up," Milo stated, looking compassionately toward the couch before quickly heading up the stairs.

As another scream ripped through the silence Logan grimaced, approaching the only other person in the place. Concern flooded through him. The absolute terror was unmistakable from the anguished cries. He knelt beside the couch where Georgie slept, obviously trapped in a nightmare. "Ssh, it's okay now." He cautiously laid a hand on her forearm, the urge to punch something increasing as he felt the violent shudders wracking her small frame. "C'mon, doll. It's just a dream, only a bad dream. You gotta wake up, girl." His soothing reassurances only elicited a heartbreaking whimper, but still no fluttering of eyelashes to alert him she was waking up. He knew unless he pulled her from the nightmares grasp she wouldn't calm down anytime soon. Logan took a deep breath before gruffly barking out her name. "Georgie, wake up damn it!"

"NO! Let go! Don't touch me!" Bolting upright, still not fully awake, she frantically slapped at the hands attempting to restrain her. Disoriented, she scrambled to the far corner of the sectional. She frantically swiped at the hair covering her face, needing to make sure she wasn't trapped back in that hellhole. Wisps of old memories slowly ebbed, fading to leave Georgie blinking at the man patiently waiting for her to recognize him. Her heart rate started to slow, evening out from it's erratic pace.

The wild glint he caught sight of in the depths of her large, brown eyes stopped Logan from trying to comfort a nearly hysterical Georgie. During his tour of Iraq he'd witnessed a myriad of different emotions starting back at him from the scared civilians the troops had encountered. But the raw terror he briefly seen when she first awakened was different. It left him feeling helpless, knowing there wasn't a damn thing he could do to erase the past. Swallowing hard Logan tried to offer what little reassurance he could. "You're safe now, girl. Bay's upstairs sound asleep. You're both safe. It was just a nightmare, girl, a bad dream. That's all."

Realization dawned, leaving Georgie feeling vulnerable. She shrank back into the cushions, breathing erratically. It had all felt so real. The freezing cold, the mind numbing pain, all the blood staining the concrete floor, the metallic scent coming from every corner of that horrible freezer. "Oh God! Not again, not now," she moaned before dissolving into sobs. She couldn't handle remembering. Wasn't living through it once before enough punishment? Why? Why couldn't she forget? How much more was she supposed to take?

Logan hesitantly sat beside her. The protective walls she'd been hiding behind were crumbling right before his eyes. Unable to watch and do nothing he eased closer, pulling Georgie into his arms. The warm moisture soaking his shirt proved how completely broken whatever the hell she dreamt had left her. Oh, he was smarter than most people gave him credit for. Johnny had warned them to keep a close watch on her, that he suspected a rough couple days after they'd discussed more about her past. But no way in hell had Zacchara foresaw how devastating unlocking those dark times would traumatize Georgie. Otherwise Logan seriously doubted he'd have left her alone tonight. The fact that any memory would provoke such a violent reaction left Logan sick to his stomach. He could only imagine Zacchara's reaction was ten times worse considering it was his wife who'd suffered so horribly. "Let it out, Georgie girl. It's over, you're safe," he murmured as she curled her fingers into his shirt like she feared he'd disappear.

Milo stepped off the stairs, catching Logan's eye. Seeing the young waitress he'd first met after moving from Italy to work for the Corinthos Organization in this condition left him speechless. In all the years they had known one another he'd never witnessed the quiet brunette be anything short of friendly. Even during the mess with Dillon and Lulu she'd never hinted at the pain and betrayal she must have experienced. Watching that same independent and strong woman sob uncontrollably while clinging to Logan like a lifeline left Milo itching to kill whoever caused the palpable fear permeating the room. Needing a minute to collect himself, Milo held up his phone. When Logan gave a curt nod he silently slipped out the door before making a call.

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"Maybe I should..."

"Sit down and stop fussing."

Elizabeth laughed. "Aww, stop nagging. I just want everything to be perfect for when Johnny brings Sarah home. He doesn't need to worry about cleaning on top of everything else." Adjusting the edge of the bedspread she peered at her friend. "You're as bad as Jason. Stop hovering, Frannie. I'm just straightening up some, not leading an army into war."

"Considering you haven't sat still for more than a few seconds since Jason left, I think I'm allowed to." Francis placed his hands on her shoulders, turning his stubborn friend toward bedroom door. "Come on. I'll make some tea and you can ramble till your hearts content in the kitchen."

Amused she led the way to the large kitchen before plopping into a chair after he nudged her away from the cabinets. All the men who worked on the upper tiers of Jason's and Johnny's organizations tended to be over protective, but especially Francis and OB. Maybe their tendency to fuss so much came from knowing her since she had been a smart mouthed teenager with a penchant for getting into trouble. Most of Port Charles viewed the men of the local mob as nothing more than common thugs. Given the opportunity to actually get to know them personally, Elizabeth believed most people would reevaluate their rash judgements. She smiled as Francis sat a streaming mug in front of her before dropping into the chair opposite of hers. "Hmm. Bet any woman in their right mind would love to be pampered by you. Maybe I..."

"Not a chance. Drink your tea and stop trying to play matchmaker."

"Come on, Frannie! You're no fun!"

"And you're a brat," he stated with a chuckle. "I guess some things really don't change."

Elizabeth peeked at the clock before sighing. Jason had left a few hours ago, leaving Francis as her and the boys guard. When she'd wondered about the demotion they both quickly corrected her assumption. Until Nik, Helena, and Jerry were no longer a concern security was being tightened. That pesky protective nature popped up again.

"He'll be fine, Lizbits. Jason's finally got something worth coming home to. He'll be cautious."

"Oh, I know. Jason's never took unnecessary risks unless her doesn't have any other option. I'm more worried about John. I've never seen him this angry."

"Zacchara's taking precautions too. And Jason's keeping a close watch in case he needs reigned back in. Forget business. You know I can't talk about it with you. Tell me about the wedding. Where did you decide to have the ceremony?"

"The Quatermaine's gardens," she answered with a soft smile, eyes lighting up at the mention of their upcoming marriage. All her dreams were finally coming true. After years of continuous letdowns, they were finally getting it right.

Relieved to see his young friend relax Francis couldn't help but chuckle at her answer. "Oh, only just bet Edward's loving that. He'll be excited to not have to worry about Jason banning him since it'd be kinda hard to kick the old goat outta his own home."

"They're slowly bridging the damage Edward caused, with Sonny'help that is. Jason knows his grandfather regrets pushing him so hard after the accident. Besides, Cam and Jake deserve all the family we can give them. The Quatermaine's dote on the boys."

"Monica must be ecstatic. With all the losses she's suffered, gaining the boys must soothe some of the pain."

Elizabeth sobered. "Yeah. I just wish Em and Lila were still with us. It just doesn't seem fair."

"Picking Lila's garden was your way of involving his grandmother, wasn't it?" Francis asked, understanding Elizabeth's odd choice. He and O'Brien had wondered why she picked that particular location since Jason was still working on his relationship with the Quatermaines.

She nodded sadly. "No matter what was going on Jason adored his grandmother. Being surrounded by her pride and joy is almost like having her blessing in a way. Em and I used to join her for tea when the weather permitted. Now they'll both be there in spirit."

Her thoughtfulness didn't surprise him. Or the ease at which she'd managed to get Jason to include his family. Elizabeth had always had a soft heart and a sneaky side. "Thank God you and Morgan finally figured out you belonged together. You're making an incredible family for Cameron and Jake. All that matters is the happiness you bring one another."

"Stupid hormones," she murmured, brushing a few years form her cheek. "And I know everything's going to work out this time. But our conversation reminds me." Elizabeth paused, nervously wetting her lips. "Since my parents and I aren't on the best of terms, would you be willing to walk me down the aisle, Frannie. You and Johnny are the closest thing I have to a brother since Steven refuses to accept Jason."

Touched Francis reached for Elizabeth's hands, squeezing them gently. "I'd be honored, kiddo."

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"Do you believe him?"

"I don't know!" he spat, throwing the pen he held in frustration. "Knowing my father it's certainly possible. But I don't get why Jerome would warn me. It's not like he gives a damn about his daughter or granddaughter. He's got nothing to gain."

"Maybe he's giving you heads up so you won't go after him," Jason suggested, thinking over the possibilities. "He's not as powerful as he used to be. When Georgie had Baylor she inherited most of the connections and power. With you married to Georgie, you control those assets, John."

"I don't give a fuck if he is right! Giving me a warning not to trust Anthony is pointless. I wouldn't trust him he said it was raining outside," he growled, eyes flashing with pure hate. "And even if it is true, it doesn't change the fact he's a spineless bastard who abandoned his children!"

Jason couldn't agree more. He knew Johnny wouldn't be swayed from going after every single individual who'd played a part in allowing Georgie to suffer. If the younger man would ignore Jerome's part in the clusterfuck, Jason would lose all the respect he had for him. Protecting family outweighed everything in his opinion. Still, he wanted to make sure his business partner considered the information from every angle. It was too dangerous not to. "Forget about Jerome for a minute. Focus on Anthony. We can assign a couple more guys to watch him. Hopefully he won't be able to shake then as easily. Diego's already got a shadow. I have him to Marco after Lee lost him the other night. If their meeting at all, they should observe then together. If they don't, I still think we need to consider them forming an alliance a possibility. I wouldn't put it past him to go after you, attempting to clear the way to snatch Georgie or Baylor."

"Fine. We need to call a meetings with the family as well. Jerome's presence won't go unnoticed for long. With Lucas gone, I'm afraid Georgie's connection will come out sooner than expected. I wanna be the one to tell the heads. If they have a problem with it they can tell me to my face."

"Oh they'll have problems but telling them before they learn it from another source smart. It'll buy you some respect. First though I think we need to take care of Frisco. Holding a WSB agent for long is just asking for trouble, John. Don't give me that look. I know she's confided more and I'm sure you have every reason to want to prolong his suffering, but be realistic. If you're in prison they'll be extremely vulnerable."

Johnny let out a long breath, mulling over the options. Frisco deserved unimaginable torment. Unfortunately the fates seemed to aligning on his side. "I'll end it tomorrow. What about Cassidine and Jacks. Any word on movement?"

"Just that Sam's body had been found. No call to the PCPD though. Who knows what the old crazy witch is thinking. She's as demented as they come."

Stewing over everything being thrown at them Johnny fought to bring his temper under control. A single hot headed decision could prove fatal. There was no room for screw ups. "Okay, I'll finish Frisco tomorrow night. The guys will continue to keep an eye on the comings and goings from that spooky horror fest of an island. Anthony, Alcazar, and Jerome need tails with orders to eliminate if any hint of a threat to the women and kids. We'll set up a meeting for the families. Fun fun," he sarcastically added. "Jesus! We've got a hell of a mess. What about O'Brien? He'll probably need to stay with Sarah for awhile, right?"

"I'm sure he'll want to but she's gonna kick his ass out first chance. She doesn't take well being ordered around. And Johnny tends to bark commands when worried. He'll suffocate Sarah with attention and she'll ban him after a few days."

Chuckling he just shook his head. He could so see it. It was obvious O'Brien worshipped his wife. "Anything else?"

Jason hesitated. With all the chaos he didn't know if Johnny saw what he was from the reports they were getting. "Yeah, Maxie. She's becoming a concern, John. The girl's never been stable to begin with. Barrett's death seems to have broke the small bit of humanity she had left."

Johnny's jaw tightened painfully at the mention of Barrett's name. "Hayes is keeping an eye on the bitch. But I have to be careful there, Jason. I can't kill all of Georgie's relatives and expect her to be okay with it. I'm already going to piss her off when I take Diego out. Logan knows to keep Maxie away from Georgie. I'm gonna do my best not to go there."

"Okay. I just wanted to make sure you were seeing her clearly." Jason paused, studying Johnny's eyes. The comment about Diego worried him. If Georgie was like Elizabeth, she'd be more than pissed if Johnny broke a promise. At the same time he saw the man's position. Letting Diego walk after practically kidnapping Georgie couldn't be easy. "Just think before acting where Alcazar is concerned, John. Wait and see what the guys find before going there. No reason to cause a fight with Georgie if you don't have to."

"I can't. He's evil, Jason. The hell he put..." Johnny closed his eyes, his anger spiking. "He's worse than my father. I'll leave it at that."

Locking up the office and cutting through the coffee shop they both were startled to see Max getting ready to enter through the front of the shop. Considering he was supposed to be supervising the arrival of a shipment his presence set off warning bells.

"What's up?" Jason demanded as soon as they meet him outside.

Max grimaced. Being the bearer of bad news sucked, especially with his bosses. "Why aren't your phone's on? We've been calling both for the last fifteen minutes."

"They are, or at least mind is," Johnny countered. He tugged his cell from his pants pocket, cursing when he saw it was indeed off.

Jason only shrugged. "Francis knew to call the office if I was needed. Jake dropped mine in the toilet right before I left. I'll get another. What's going on?"

Max turned to Johnny, taking a few steps back. The look in his eyes alerted Max that he'd figured out from Jason's explanation that he was who the guards were looking for. "Um, Milo called me when they couldn't reach you. I'm not real clear about details, but from what I got Georgie freaked out after a nightmare."

"Shit!" He knew he shouldn't have left her tonight, meeting be damned. He started around Max, freezing when the bigger man continued.

"Milo called back about ten minutes ago. Logan tried to calm her but couldn't. I guess he was inside with her when she started having some pains. She's at GH, Johnny. Milo took Baylor to Elizabeth and is on his way there now." Max stopped when Johnny took off sprinting to his car.