Author's Note: So we are finally heading to the conclusion of "Dark Knights". After plotting out the major plot points left, wrapping up in 5-6 chapters, fewer if plot points are able to be combined into chapters. Probably wrapping all this up by the end of October at the latest. Thank you all again for reading my stories. Happy reading!
Kellie let out the breathe she'd been holding.
"I don't think I realized how much I needed to hear that," Kellie said, "There's so many things I've tried to give him the benefit of the doubt on. So many things I thought were just me, but they're not. The rest of my siblings, Michael excluded at the moment and I'm sure that's temporary, get along with him alright. Even though Kristina's hasn't been happy with him for buying Charlie's when she was putting a plan together to buy it, I know they'll sort it out eventually. We all know he shot Dante intentionally, and they've managed to…."
"You are not your siblings," Lorenzo interrupted, "Your relationship with your father has nothing to do with theirs. What they choose to overlook and let go of when it comes to Sonny, it might be different than what you're comfortable with. And that's perfectly fine."
Kellie nodded, distracted again.
"It's funny," Kellie finally said, "When I first got that letter my mom left me to open as an adult naming Sonny as my father, I never wanted to tell him about me. I knew who he was. What kid running around the streets of Miami didn't know who Sonny Corinthos was. I didn't want anything to do with why everyone knew who he was there."
"You never wanted anything to do with the business even back then," Lorenzo said, "despite being well suited in a lot of ways to run an organization."
"I would have avoided Port Charles entirely if weren't for the fact I was looking for some place big enough to get lost in outside of New York City," Kellie said, "Ethan had found me in New York. I just needed to lay low. But he found me here too."
"He tried to use you and Sonny as leverage against each other to get what he wanted," Lorenzo said.
"The truth came out because I donated blood for Morgan after Ethan stabbed him," Kellie said, "Jason started asking questions and ran a DNA test between Morgan and I."
"He of course told Sonny," Lorenzo said.
"That might actually be one of the few secrets he didn't keep for me from Sonny," Kellie replied, "But anyway back to my original point, I never planned to tell Sonny I was his daughter. Even after it was all out in the open, I pushed him away hard."
"At first," Lorenzo said, "But I think some part of you hoped you might forge a relationship with him once you had time to get used to the idea."
"It just didn't turn out the way I hoped," Kellie said, "I guess I'm finally admitting that. I mean really admitting it and I guess then I move on from that at some point."
"And you will," Lorenzo said, "Like anything else with your father, it's just going to take time and it most likely won't be easy."
"A lesson I should well know by now," Kellie said, "Anyway, I think I'm over talking my father, the business, Charles being gone for the moment. How are things with you and Alexis? I can't imagine she's thrilled how close my issues with the business have come to you."
"Alexis and I are fine," Lorenzo said, "Getting questioned by the cops was always going to be part of the territory given my former profession. I'm actually surprised it hasn't happened more often. Now if we start talking about getting back into the business…well….that might be a little dicier."
"We just have to make sure that doesn't happen then," Kellie said, "And the answer is no, don't even think about it."
"Think about what?" Lorenzo asked.
"I know you, Uncle Lo," Kellie said, "Don't tell me you haven't considered getting involved in the old business to try resolve the current chaos amongst the families."
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Lorenzo said.
"Tell that to someone that didn't learn from you," Kellie said.
"Has the thought crossed my mind," Lorenzo said, "Of course. Certain habits die hard as you well know. However, you don't need to have any concerns regarding whether or not I'd actually do that."
"That has to be the vaguest non-assurance I've ever heard," Kellie said as Jason entered the study.
"No different than some of yours," Lorenzo said, "And also not up for discussion."
"What's not up for discussion?" Jason asked.
"What better be a hypothetical situation," Kellie replied.
"It is," Lorenzo said, "You get everything finalized in your takeover of the Corinthos Organization."
Jason nodded, "Everything's handled and I finally got a message from Sonny. He said he was sorry for leaving without notice, but he figured I could handle things in his absence. He didn't want to bother me with Charles's funeral."
Kellie rolled her eyes.
"Well you are handling things," Lorenzo said, "When exactly did you decide to make your move?"
"It was made," Jason said, "The timing doesn't concern you."
"Just curious," Lorenzo said, "All I ask is you don't hand Sonny the business back when or if he returns."
"I won't be," Jason said.
"I think Uncle Lo and I are about done here. I'll walk him out," Kellie said, "Unless there's anything else we need to discuss."
"No, I just wanted to check on you after the funeral yesterday and Sonny's departure," Lorenzo said.
"I'll be right back," Kellie said to Jason "I have something I want to talk to you about."
"I'll wait here," Jason said.
Kellie and Lorenzo walked out the front.
"Thanks for stopping by and for telling me what I needed to hear," Kellie said, "And for well just always being there for me."
"Any time," Lorenzo said, "It's important to me that both you and Sage know there isn't anything I wouldn't do to make sure you girls are safe, the same way I would for Sam."
"I've think always known that on some level," Kellie said, "I just really appreciate it. I wanted to say it because well…just with everything that's happened. And I'm going to stop now because that's more sentimentality than I can handle at this point."
"It's nice to hear," Lorenzo said, hugging Kellie, "You take care of yourself and don't hesitate to ask me if you need anything."
Once back inside the house, Kellie went to talk to Jason in the study.
"So what did you want to talk to me about?" Jason asked.
"The business," Kellie said, "Or rather who would take the fifth seat with the families if I don't."
"You might have some ideas?" Jason asked.
"According to Uncle Lo, Maximus might," Kellie said, "and he indicated he could pull whatever strings necessary to get someone in there that would be advantageous to us."
"What are thoughts on that?" Jason asked.
"I think we should take him up on it," Kellie said, "Or I want to. At the end of the day, I'd rather not sit at the table and I don't know that leaving the spot empty is wise either. But I want to your take on it before I ask. You might see something I don't here and should be on board with the decision given everything that's happened."
"I don't really have any concerns about Maximus pulling strings here," Jason said, "It would be ultimately Maximus running things through whoever sits at the table. While I'm sure he likes the idea of having additional power in the states without being here, he's proven he's loyal to you and Charles over the years. Maximus could have chosen to take advantage of the fact you and Tyler were married years ago. He could capitalized on his nephew marrying a Corinthos and an Alcazar. But he didn't and only forced the issue when your safety was at stake. He's only advertised the connection to ensure your protection."
"So you'd be okay with me making that call," Kellie said.
"All I want for you to be happy," Jason said, pulling Kellie closer to him, "I would never tell you whether or not to take the fifth seat. But if taking Maximus up on his offer means you make the decision you want to, then yes, I'm more than okay with that. I would want to consult with Maximus on going forward with that and about who takes the seat."
"I figured you might," Kellie said.
"It still going to be dicey for a bit with the families in Port Charles," Jason said, "But hopefully things will calm down."
"I think my father is probably the major wildcard right now," Kellie said, "Any idea how he's going to take not being in charge anymore."
"We'll have to wait and see," Jason said, "Last time he decided he wanted back in, he married Claudia Zacharra to run her family's holdings."
"Like I could ever forget the Step-nut," Kellie said.
"Sonny's for me to worry about when he gets back," Jason said, nuzzling Kellie's neck, "I can think of better things to focus on."
"I do like the way you think," Kellie said as he then kissed her neck, "But the kids are still at home."
"Think they might stay occupied for a bit longer," Jason asked as he lifted Kellie up, turned around, and sat her on the study desk.
"Not long enough," Kellie said before kissing Jason.
They kissed each other for several minutes before they were interrupted by running feet and then a knock at the study door
"Mom, are you in there?" they heard Jamie ask.
"Right on cue," Kellie whispered as Jason moved away from her and opened the door to let Jamie in.
"Why are you sitting on the desk?" Jamie asked.
"Is there something you need?" Kellie asked, ignoring the question.
"Jake asked if he could come over and Danny too?" Jamie asked, "Is that okay? Obviously you have to check with their moms, but…"
"Yes, they can come over later," Kellie said as Alyssa barreled into room.
"Scout can come too right?" Alyssa said.
"Scout too," Kellie said, "But I need you all to make sure your rooms are clean."
"But mom," Jamie protested.
"Then they can't come over," Kellie said.
Alyssa rolled her eyes.
"Fine, we'll clean our rooms," Alyssa said. She and Jamie ran off.
Jason kissed Kellie.
"Remember that for later," Jason said, "I have every intention of finishing what we started when we won't be interrupted."
"I'm going to hold you to that," Kellie said.
"I'll make sure the kids actually clean up," Jason said, "If you want to want to make that call."
"That would be great," Kellie said before kissing Jason.
"What was that for?" Jason asked.
"I can't be the only one of us with something to think about for later," Kellie smirked.
Once Jason left, Kellie got her cell phone.
"Tigrotta, I'm surprised to hear from you so soon," Maximus answered, "Not that it isn't a pleasure. I do hope the rest of my brother's funeral went off smoothly following your father making a nuisance of himself."
"You were gone by then," Kellie said,"How did…actually never mind. Everything went fine after that."
"Good," Maximus said, "Now what I can do for you, Kellie?"
"My Uncle Lo said he'd been in touch with you," Kellie replied, "He mentioned you might have ideas about who could fill the open seat with the Five Families in Port Charles."
"I take it you're calling me about that offer means you will not be heading up your own organization," Maximus said.
"That would be my first choice," Kellie said, "If that offer stands."
"I wouldn't have offered if it didn't," Maximus said, "You're certain this is the path you wish to take."
"I am," Kellie said, "I may have the skills, but I've never really had the ambition for that life."
"I might disagree with your lack of ambition," Maximus said, "But consider your request granted."
"There is one caveat," Kellie said, "My husband would like to be consulted on the matter."
"Fair enough," Maximus said, "That answers my next question as to whether or not the new head of the Corinthos Organization had anything to say about this."
"That was his only concern," Kellie replied, "I do ask that you keep my decision under wraps until our next meeting of the families. My showing up or not showing up is my answer."
"Now that you've declined the invitation to head up your own organization," Maximus said, "I'm curious what you're next act will be, Tigrotta?"
"I'm sure I'll come up with something," Kellie replied.