A/N – Thanks to those on my site for the comments. It's gonna start to get dicey.

Chapter 47

About nine hours later, Johnny's eyes flickered open and when the room came into focus, he is stunned.

His mother chuckled.

"I'm going to kill him."

"Welcome home, brat," Siobhan said.

He still can't wrap his mind around the fact he's in Ireland, and then the realization hits that Emily is there. "Emily?"

She moved from her spot in the corner of the room and went to his side. Her eyes were welled with tears. "Hey."

"Don't cry."

"I almost lost you."

"I'm not going anywhere. Ma always said I have a hard head."

"That is true," Maggie said.

"How?" he asked.

Maggie squeezed his hand. "The doctor signed off on it. Your brother had him sedate you because you were being an ass and he flew you here via medical transport."

Johnny sighed. "I failed her."

"You didn't," Siobhan said. "There was nothing you could do."

His eyes pressed shut. "How bad is it?"

"You have a severe concussion, so you're in this bed for a while," Emily said. Thankfully, they had a fully stocked triage room in the house. "You do have a small clot. Medicine and time can shrink it, but a doctor will monitor you."

Johnny groaned. "I'm in hell." There is nothing worse for someone as antsy as him to be laid up in a bed and he can't even have sex.

"Is he pouting?" Katie asked.

"Hey, squirt."

She kissed him on the cheek. "I missed you so much."

"I missed you more."

"Alright, the doctor will be here any minute." The transport doctor had made sure he was settled and then caught a flight back.

Johnny sighed and closed his eyes. He has missed everyone, but he can't help but think about Jason and Elizabeth and hopes that they survive this.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Ryan sighed. He's a little bit jet-lagged and there is so much to do. More men are going to arrive in the next few days, and they need to be prepared. He's shooting for Wednesday to charge the castle.

Sonny entered Jason's office. "I made some food." He handed Ryan some pasta and was amused when the man practically inhaled it.

"Thanks. It was good."

Sonny sat across from him. "How is Sam?"

Ryan didn't flinch but made a snap decision given the fact that he can't locate her and Harry. "There's something I need to tell you."

Sonny tensed. "She left Ireland, didn't she?"

"Yes."

"When?"

Several days ago."

"What! Why would you let her do that?"

Ryan's head tilted. "She's a grown woman and you know what she wants to do. I sent a guard with her and there are men in the area."

"Why am I sensing a but?" He is livid. This whole situation is out of control and it's bad enough he's worried about Jason and Liz. Now, Sam could be in trouble.

"They aren't answering."

Sonny stood and began to pace.

"The last intel we have is that they took off on Sam's boat."

"They could have gone to Canada to look for Carly."

"She was there."

Sonny froze. "Why didn't you call me?"

"She disappeared once we spotted her, and Sam threatened to bolt."

"Dammit, Ryan! She isn't healed, and she's hellbent on revenge."

"She's smart and capable. She's not trying to die, Sonny. Carly took something from her that can't be replaced."

"You don't think I get that? It was my child too."

Ryan sighed. "I have people keeping an eye out for her. It's the best I do until she decides to make a move."

Sonny's eyes pressed shut. This is a shit show and he's scared that Sam is already hurt.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Chloe moved away from the window in her bedroom when she heard the door open.

"Are you okay?" Lila asked as Alice pushed her into the room.

"Not really." She met Lila halfway and then knelt before placing her head on Lila's lap. "I'm scared that he's dead."

"You are falling in love with him, aren't you?"

"Yes." He's intelligent, sexy, and dotes on her. What's not to like beside his family?

"I'm sorry. We'll just have to hope that he's safe."

"I keep praying, but every day that goes by…" Her voice trailed off as she pressed her eyes shut.

When she looked up with her tear-stained face, Lila clucked her tongue.

"Stefan has survived that witch for quite a while. We must have faith. Don't give up."

"I'll try not to."

Lila sighed heavily. She'd give anything to make this end with everyone safe and sound. There is just too much to lose.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Johnny's eyes flickered open. "Headache."

The nurse injected medicine into his IV. "You'll feel better soon."

"Thanks."

Emily got up and moved to his side. "Hey."

He smiled slightly. "Hey."

"We are going to try to get some food into you soon. Your mom is making soup."

"I'd kill for Kelly's."

She grinned. "It's so good to have you here. I just wish you weren't hurt."

"Me too." The fact that she is not giving him any good news is not lost on him. "I want to talk to Ryan later."

"Johnny…."

"I can listen to them brainstorm and maybe contribute in some way. Please…"

Maggie sighed from the doorway. "I'll call him, but he may not agree."

"Try please."

"Okay."

"I know why you want to do it, but Johnny, you are badly hurt. Resting is the most important thing."

To her astonishment, his eyes welled with tears.

"I can't just do nothing. I love them, Emily." Even the men fighting he considers family.

She gently kissed him. "I know. This is so hard. Promise me that you won't overdo it."

"I promise."

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Ryan got the message. His brother is stubborn, but he has to admire him for it. It won't hurt to have him listen in. Everyone was gathered in the warehouse, so he headed there from Jason's office.

Every eye fixed on him when he appeared. Ryan has a reputation as lethal as Jason's, so the respect is already there.

"You all know what we need to do. Jason and Elizabeth are in trouble, and I need you to take out anyone who is standing in the way of getting them back. I brought in some special teams. They are mercs and skilled in getting in and out of bad situations. The rest of you will be training with them for the remainder of time until we strike." He began to pace as he spoke and Johnny listened via a computer and is pleased when he spots Cody moving into the room. "We will appear to be attacking via boat, but a few groups will be approaching underwater. They'll do it from the back of the island. There will be a test run tomorrow. Weapons will be planted there. If it's a success, then we know what to do."

Francis handed out some flyers.

"These are the blueprints of the island. After this meeting, each of you will be assigned a zone. Your boat number corresponds with that. They are gunner boats. You will be able to shoot from quite a distance to protect yourself. A merc will man them since they are already trained to do so."

Most of the men are shocked at the plan, but they are in.

"Once on the island, kill everyone that comes against you. I want blood in the water and soaking the soil. Be ruthless."

"Is anyone off limits?" Someone asked.

Ryan glanced at Sonny due to Nikolas's involvement.

Sonny sighed. As far as he is concerned, Nikolas has chosen his side. He didn't have to let it get this far, so screw him. "No. Trust no one. The servants could be on her side too."

"Good. Once they are slaughtered, we'll need to check the tunnels beneath the mansion and then you will have to go back to where your boat is docked and check-in, so we can make sure that everyone is accounted for. The mercs will plant enough dynamite to blow the island into another dimension. Once everyone is back on dry land, we'll detonate." They don't want to be linked to it, so all cameras at the docks will be disabled. They'll make it look like an EMP was used which will be accredited to Helena.

"If they are hurt badly, we may need a helicopter." He faced a big screen that is behind him and used a laser pointer. "We'll need to protect this area at all costs."

Johnny cleared his throat. "Barn."

Ryan turned around. "What about it?"

"Tunnels."

"It's not on the map."

Emily spoke up. "They are there. I've been in them." Once, Nikolas showed her after they had ridden some horses. "They aren't in the best shape, but they could hide men there."

Ryan rolled his shoulders.

"Assign me to that group. I'll take care of it," Cody said.

Ryan nodded. They'll have to put some dynamite down there too. It's going to be a hell of an explosion. "Jason is probably not going to be in good shape. On our test run, we'll also hide some transport stretchers. Once everything is under control, we can dock and deliver more."

"Can you have a nurse on board?" Emily asked.

"Yes. Several of the mercs are certified. One is even a doctor."

She is worried about Elizabeth being so close to her due date.

"Each team will have a backpack that has a foldable transport. You'll be wired so we can talk to each other. Don't be afraid to ask questions or get confirmation. It could be life or death. Everyone will be greatly compensated once the mission is completed."

He took a minute to meet everyone's gaze. Some look a little scared but still determined. "If you want out, get up and leave now. We don't have time for you to wus out later. Make no mistake, her men are formidable, and you could die. If you do, your family will receive the compensation." He paused and waited but no one made a move. "There's no shame if you want out. No one in this room will say anything or they'll have to deal with me."

The lethal tone in his voice wasn't lost on anyone. Ryan is the real deal.

"All right. Thank you. Sonny made a lot of food. I know you can smell it. Have at it because we have a lot of work to do."

The men hurried towards where the tables were set up and Ryan sat next to Sonny.

"I'm impressed."

Ryan shrugged. He does not doubt that Sonny wouldn't have been able to pull this off, but he does respect him. He was at least smart enough to recognize Jason's tenacity and expertise. "We have a tough road ahead."

"Am I allowed to fight?"

"No."

Sonny's brow rose.

"I know it's hypocritical, but you're not trained for battle. Jason did all of that. You would be a liability. I need you here monitoring the chatter and keeping your ear to the ground. Paulie and Max will stay here with you. I need Milo in the water."

"Okay."

"We will try to plant some cameras on the island. If it's successful, you'll be monitoring those too. On the day of the battle, we'll have people fly in drones with cameras. Again, you can have one man on the lookout, but the rest need to focus. If you see something, you radio in."

"I can do that."

"Good. Tomorrow, we train all day, and then Wednesday, we strike." Knowing Helena, she won't let Jason live that long. From what he has studied, she'll grow tired fast, so time is not on their side. He hates that Elizabeth is so far into her pregnancy because stress will affect her more. They must be quick and deadly.

Sonny is glad that Ryan is on his side. Only time will tell if Jason makes it, but he's willing to do anything he can to help his friend considering how much Jason has done for him.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Elizabeth stared at all the food on the table. It's ridiculous and probably will go to waste.

Helena smiled. "I hope you are hungry."

A servant put food on her plate and then left.

She is hungry, but she won't let Helena know that. The only reason she's even willing to eat is that she knows that Helena won't harm her child because she wants her.

She took a few bites of the pasta, and it was delicious.

Pleased that she is eating, Helena took a few bites and then sips on some wine.

Nikolas dug into his steak. He has a plan to get Elizabeth alone after dinner.

Music started to play, and Helena smirked. "Is that your doing?"

Nikolas slightly smiled. "I thought I could have a dance after dinner with my future wife."

"I'm sure that will be nice. I'll make myself scarce after dessert."

He glanced at Elizabeth, but she wouldn't look at him.

She wishes she had heels on so she can dig her heel into his foot, but she is wearing slippers under her long dress per Helena's request. Apparently, she didn't want her to fall and wanted to ensure that she won't be able to run in them either.

After they ate, dessert is delivered, and Elizabeth can't help but enjoy the chocolate torte.

"Well, I'm going to my study."

After she left, the music got louder and Nikolas wiped his mouth before standing. "Dance with me, please."

Liz glared at him. "Why should I?"

"Please, Elizabeth."

She sighed and threw her napkin on the table and grasped his outstretched hand. "Fine."

He walked her further away from the table before pulling her close, which was difficult due to her large belly.

When he is kicked, he pulled back and she smirked.

"Serves you right. She's pissed at you too."

His eyes danced with mirth.

"Say what you want to say."

He stared into her eyes before bending closer. "On Wednesday, I'm going to make a move."

"What does that mean exactly?"

Helena is watching on the monitor. She can't hear what they are saying or read their lips do the position, but Elizabeth looks like she is not impressed. She chuckled. The young woman will make a great Cassadine once she is broken. The child will be instrumental in getting Elizabeth to behave. Therefore, great care will be given to her before the delivery. After that, it will depend on Elizabeth's behavior.

Nikolas turned them a little as they slightly swayed. "I'll handle her."

"You didn't handle her all this time."

"I'm sorry. I had to get her to trust me and as a result, lives will be spared that would have been lost. The Quartermaines will live as well."

She gasped, wondering what Helena had been up to. "Is he still alive?"

"Yes, but I haven't seen him. I'm not allowed in that area."

"So, she doesn't trust you?"

"Probably not entirely, which is smart. Carly is here though."

Elizabeth retreated and glared. "Why?"

He nudged her closer again. "We are being watched. Look annoyed."

"That won't be a problem."

"Helena used her to get Jason out in the open."

"Bitch…"

"She's still alive but I'm not sure why. I'm pretty sure that Helena wants me to kill her."

"Will you agree?"

"I have no choice."

"You always have choices and if you make it out alive, you'll have to live with yours."

"I know that."

"Nikolas?"

"Yes?"

"Make her suffer."

"Okay."

They danced until the song ended and then a guard escorted her back to her room.