| Chapter 11 The day went from tolerable to bad to worse in a few short hours. She had begun the day full of hope that it would be a short trial. Sonny and Jason would be acquitted and she would be free to resume her life and prepare for the arrival of her baby. She had touched her stomach many times during the day. It was comforting to her. It was also similar to the way Jax touched it each and every night, as if it were a most precious gift. It was. This was her security blanket, her chance at a fresh start, her chance to give and to receive love, unconditionally. She had dressed with care in the morning. A tan maternity suit and cool white blouse. Her hair was pulled back severely and clasped at her neck. She wore small gold earrings, her gold baby shoe and her engagement ring, her mother’s ring graced her other hand. She had hesitated on whether to wear the engagement ring or not, but had wanted the security it had provided her. She twisted is unconsciously throughout the long day. She knew when the court official returned that trouble was brewing and she was powerless to stop the descent. She had felt Sonny tense beside her. Even Jason’s eyes showed a touch of fear. She knew he was anxious about leaving Elizabeth in Port Charles, but there was no other way. She honestly believed that Jason loved Elizabeth and wanted a life with her. Sonny obviously loved Carly, no matter how severe their confrontations. They were two of a kind. Both had strong personalities, both were loyal to a fault and both never minced their words. They truly deserved one another in both the best and worst senses. She had heard Carly gasp when they announced the dead body and saw Sonny swiftly glance towards her. He not only had the “shut up Carly” look in his eye, but one of sincere concern for his wife. She knew that CC had immediately left the room when the announcement was made. She had no doubt that searches were now out on Sorel and his organization’s members. The judge had recessed court until Monday. At least she had two more days to hone the defense for her two clients. She had met up with CC in the hallway of the courthouse. It was stifling and she was tired and drained, but Sonny had suggested they go out to the company’s compound, meet privately and discuss strategy. CC had told her that Jax was now in Puerto Rico. Her outlook had improved dramatically. He was here, he was really here. She also told her that he was now helping Marcus at the condo and she was going back. She wanted to take Alexis with her, but she had told CC to let her go with Sonny and Jason and she would be back later in the evening. They would protect her. No one was going to touch Sonny when they could set him up for the fall. * * * * * They had sat in the office he maintained on the compound of the coffee storage facility. At least it was air conditioned. She was tired, but they had to go over the exact whereabouts of Jason and Sonny when Carlos was killed one more time. They had argued that they were both back in town. Sonny said he was with Carly and Michael and Jason said he was planning his return home to Elizabeth. She asked again about witnesses, only Carly and Michael. Jason had not phoned Elizabeth, he wanted to surprise her. Great, Jason wanted to surprise. He picked then to come up with emotions. She could strangle him. She was able to track down some phone records and one thing that did work in their favor was a telephone call made from Carlos’ office close to the time of death, well after Sonny and Jason left, as well as a dinner reservation Sonny had made in old San Juan. Now she had to get the restaurateur to agree to testify on the time he took the reservation. Sonny was on the phone while they were meeting. He was speaking in Spanish, but she got the drift that he had offered “protection” to the man and his family. Now they only had to get his testimony. She sometimes wanted to strangle Sonny for his unwillingness to share information ahead of time. He never made her job easy. She was again twisting the engagement ring. Jason had quietly offered his congratulations. The man really did surprise her. He actually seemed to wish her well. Now she just wanted to see Jax. Hug him tight and then ring his ever so tanned neck and demand the explanation and proposal. She laughed to herself; she could only imagine his current discomfort. Jax was forthright, but he sometimes liked to avoid confrontation and when she was free of her anxiety attacks, she thrived on it. Free of anxiety, she actually had not brought her brown bag out once since putting the engagement ring on. Why, she wondered? Sonny hung up and said “the man will testify.” “Do I want to know what you promised him?” He grinned, “it is totally lawful attorney of mine”. She now knew she didn’t want to know. They then went over more testimony. It was getting late and she was getting anxious to get back to her family. Her family, those were two wonderful words. She had numerous hard days ahead of her, but she also had the love and support of five wonderful people beside her and one inside of her. That one was sitting a little lower and her back was aching a little more. Oh well, she thought, she was just tired. It had been an exhausting day. Carlos’ housekeeper that Sonny kept on produced some sandwiches, scotch for Sonny, a beer of Jason and fresh juice for her. The woman had clucked over her like a nervous hen. She couldn’t understand why this hermosa muy embarazada was working so hard. “Donde esta su esposo?” Oh God, now how was she going to tell this woman she wasn’t married, so she just said “en San Juan”. “Ahh, bueno, bueno.” She then patted her stomach and left. Alexis wondered why everyone felt free to touch her stomach now that she was pregnant. They wouldn’t any other time. Oh well. She ate her sandwich and thought of the baby and oh God, where would they live?” She knew she forgot something in all her working, where to live. Jax wouldn’t go for the penthouse and the suite was too small. How could she neglect this? They even had a crib. John and Jane had bought one for them. A hand painted one made in Paris. It had little Jacks all over it. This is the only child who would be a gambler in its crib! * * * * * She had picked up her phone to call the condo when the door suddenly opened and Sorel stood in it along with three men in black with guns. She was off to the side and they didn’t immediately see her. She hit redial and Marcus answered the phone, she started screaming for Jax. It took a second, but his sleep accented voice came on, “Alexis, Alexis.” She screamed his name and then the phone was knocked from her hands. She began to whimper and plead for her and the baby. Sonny tried to talk them away from her. “Ahh, Mr. Corinthos, we meet again. I’m so glad you decided to pay a little visit to one of my favorite islands. I hope you and your associates here are enjoying the weather? I wanted to discuss a business proposition with you and I’m so glad your lawyer is here, she can witness the disposal of some valuable assets. Your life and perhaps your associate’s here and maybe then this attorney who should know a woman’s place is in the home!” Jason had to be restrained by the one man. He began to leap out of his chair. She was beyond fear and was numb. She sat and twisted her ring and her necklace. She couldn’t lose all she had gained now. She couldn’t. The Lord wouldn’t be so cruel. Sonny appeared calm through the entire dialogue from Carlos. “You know Sorel your timing is perfect. We were just discussing how neither Jason nor I was here when Carlos was taken so young. You can now witness that you did indeed see us leave and how Carlos met his unfortunate demise.” “Ahh, Mr. Corinthos, so direct and so concerned for your welfare. You see I will be happy to verify it was me that brought an end to Carlos’ ways – on both sides of the fence. But since no one in this room except for me and my trusted associates here will be left to repeat that, I’m so sorry this does not aid in your defense. Oh well, you won’t need a defense will you now Mr. Corinthos.” Alexis sobbed at the statement. She though “hold on baby daddy will come to get you.” She knew Jax had heard her scream and she only hoped that Sonny could keep Sorel interested long enough for Jax to get to them. She hoped that CC and Marcus had got a line on the location of this compound. Sorel was going through his ego centered dialogue about doing away with the competition and that he would be the sole head of the territory that he had “shared” with Sonny between the islands and Port Charles. Sonny had remained his usual unreadable self, even to Alexis; however, she could see the nervous twitch at the side of his eye and knew he was afraid, but he had no choice but to play along. He was currently asking for Sorel to let Alexis and Jason go and he would give him everything, including himself. They remained in the back and forth for what seemed like 48 hours, but was in fact only about four. Sorel seemed to like being the lead actor in this drama and that was fortunate for them. Jax, Marcus and CC should be coming. (She hoped they had not phoned Carly. That woman nuts over her husband would not be a pretty thing. She also knew that CC would insist. Carly had a right to know.) Luckily Sorel had not asked her too many questions about the phone call. He seemed content to play macho gangster and knocking the phone away soothed his ego. She could only hope. Jason was trying to keep the guards occupied to allow her access to the door. Sorel had his entire attention focused on Sonny. She got up and asked to use the bathroom in the office. She gave them a choice, a mess on the floor or the bathroom. Sorel allowed her to use it, but the guard came with her. She was upset, but she needed to use it. It was humiliating to do her business with the guard watching, but he did turn his back when she raised her skirt. He seemed okay. The bathroom had no other exits and she couldn’t knock the guard out with her shoe, the others were in the next room. She finished, but knew the guard probably wouldn’t hurt her, left on his own. Jason was occupied with the two others. She decided to engage hers in a hushed conversation. “Do you have children?” “None of your business lawyer lady.” “But would you want your wife to be held at gunpoint when she was pregnant?” “Lady, no one forced you to be his attorney.” “I have a right to make a living don’t I?” “Whatever lady, now shut up.” Oh well so much for making friends! Her back was really starting to ache – tension she supposed. Where was Jax? Sorel was getting itchy again and he was bandying about his gun more so. She was getting anxious too and she wasn’t feeling all that well. Jason had the two other guards on him. She got up and walked around. The yelled at her, but she didn’t care anymore. She wanted to stay alive, but everything hurt. Sonny was concerned and they were at a stalemate. She was trying to get to the door. Sonny started to yell at Sorel, he saw where she was. Jason began to throw wild punches. She had the door opened and she was about to run when she was grabbed. Shots were ringing out, but the arms were familiar. He said “thank God”, but another shot rang out and she heard a grunt and then she was on the ground. Shots in both directions were being fired and she believed her water had broke. Jax was moaning and she was scared. All she heard was him yell for Marcus to get her out and then she was heaved into two strong arms and everyone was running. Liquid was going down her legs and she believed she was now having contractions. Where was Jax? “Marcus, I’m in labor. Where is Jax? You’ve got to get him for me, please, please, please.” |