Shameless Act of Self-Promotion:Jen's Fic
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Rick/Alexis
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Alexis was tired. She was tired of contracts and legal briefs. She
was tired of pretending to be good little lawyer for a man who had
been her lover but was now just her client. She dropped her glasses
on top of the pile of legal folders and leaned back against the couch
rubbing her face. Sonny was living in Carly's house now caring for
the paralyzed woman and his adopted son. Alexis and Sonny had two
weeks between the first night they made love and the night he had
gotten the phone call telling him about Carly's accident. It was now
a month later and it was if those two wonderful weeks had never
happened. Sonny would not look at her unless he absolutely had to
and he only called regarding legal matters. Now Jason was returning
to Port Charles to run Sonny's business and moving into the vacated
penthouse across the hall. Alexis stood up and shook her head. It
didn't do her much good to dwell on the situation, any hopes of a
future she might have with Sonny were dashed with the doctor's
announcement that Carly was paralyzed from the waist down and might
never regain full use of her legs. Sonny had moved immediately to
protect both Carly and Michael from AJ. Alexis had tried to help but
soon felt the walls between her and Sonny grow higher and higher now
she was just his legal council soon to be passed onto Jason like the
penthouse and the business interests.
Alexis picked up a set of files and carried them to the desk. She
flipped through the one marked Courtney. She was trying to help
Courtney in the divorce proceedings but it wasn't really her area of
speciality. AJ had brought the full brunt of the Quartermaine legal
officers into play in a desperate attempt to fluster Courtney into
staying with him, but the girl had finally realized after six weeks
with a drunken AJ that fairy tales don't always have happy endings.
Alexis made a few notes and dropped the file in a FEDEX envelope. An
old friend from law school had made herself a sizable fortune in
nasty divorce cases and had agreed to take on Courtney's case. A
crack at the Quartermaine millions had gotten Tessa's mouth watering
and she had nearly drowned herself when Sonny told her to spare no
expense in getting Courtney out of the marriage. Alexis sealed the
envelope and checked the clock on the desk. It was nearly midnight.
She didn't really want to go to bed. In two weeks with Sonny she had
grown accustom to sharing her bed and even a month hadn't broken her
of the habit. Resigning herself to popcorn and the late late movie,
Alexis was about to go into the kitchen when someone pounded on her
door. Too many late night visits from Sonny had lulled Alexis into a
sense of complacency so she was a little shocked when she opened the
door and found AJ leaning against the jamb. He gave her a lopsided
drunken smile, "Hiya Lex."
Alexis cringed back from the cloud of alcohol fumes that seemed to
engulf AJ. Courtney had told her that AJ was seldom sober anymore,
but Alexis had not seen it for herself.
"What are you doing here AJ?"
"Can't someone who was almost family twice just drop by for a
hello?" He leaned into the door pushing it open further and forcing
Alexis to step back.
"What do you mean?" She wasn't sure why she was trying to converse
with him but right now he seemed fairly innocuous.
"Well if you hadn't skipped on old Nedly you and I would have been
cousins in law. Course if you had been able to keep Sonnyboy's
interest we might have been brother and sister in law. But old Carly
just had to get smashed up and he ran right to her, didn't he Alexis?"
"AJ, I think you should leave."
"Ah, aren't you in the mood for company? After all we have so much
in common." He stepped into the doorway and Alexis reflexively
stepped back.
"You know Alexis, we both got dumped by Mike Corbin's kids. Sonny
just couldn't hop from your bed back into Carly's fast enough.
Course he also gets the added benefit of playing daddy to my son."
He moved further into the apartment kicking the door shut behind
him. Alexis tried to keep calm waiting for him to bluster, fume,
and then storm out. She hoped it would be that quick and easy.
"And Courtney, well Courtney didn't play the game like she was
supposed to." From somewhere behind his back he pulled a bright
silver flask and took a deep drink.
"This is almost empty. I don't suppose you might give me a refill?"
"I think you have had enough to drink AJ."
"Is that your legal opinion Miss Davis. Because I would have to
disagree with you." He swayed slightly then began to slowly stumble
towards the bar area in the dining alcove.
"AJ you need to leave." Alexis was growing irritated. She just
wanted him and his too truthful words out of her apartment.
"Why are you expecting company? Does Sonny sneak out after Carly has
her meds and Michael has his bedtime story. Does he come over here
and spend the night in your bed then sneak back to the house before
sunlight? Or is it just a couple of wild hours you know just until
Carly gets some feeling back below the waist?"
"AJ!"
He seemed to find great humor in her shock and his own poor
jokes. "Mind if I help myself?" He opened a bottle of vodka.
"I do mind. I think you need to be leaving before I call security."
"Security? Security is Sonny's goons who are currently guarding
Carly's house. I don't think the rent-a-cop sleeping at the front
desk counts. Besides I haven't had a drink, you're not much of a
hostess Alexis." He abandoned the flask on the bar and unsteadily
poured a large glass of the clear alcohol and downed it quickly.
"Besides I need to ask you a few questions?" AJ's eyes were bright
and glassy as they seemed to fix on her. Alexis turned towards the
desk and began to randomly shuffle the files.
"I don't think you're in any condition to be asking questions AJ."
Alexis felt extremely uncomfortable under his stare and the out of
control feeling the entire situation had taken on.
She checked the desk discretely looking for the keys to Sonny's
penthouse. She had been holding them for Jason's arrival but if AJ
kept refusing to leave at least she could take refuge somewhere while
calling the cops to get him out.
"Maybe you're right." Alexis stiffened unsure how someone so
obviously drunk could sneak up on her. "Maybe I should just see why
Sonny pays you so well? I mean I know the Quartermaine lawyers make
a good living and they don't have your body. You must make a hell of
a living as Sonny's lawyer and his mistress. What is your going
rate? I am sure I can afford you."
Alexis was shocked by his words and his closeness. She turned and
tried to step away from him but found herself pinned to the side of
the desk.
"AJ, what are you doing?"
"I usually don't like to be second but in your case I think I might
make an exception. You know it's only fair that I get you after all
I put up with from Carly." He grinned and slowly ran his hand down
the line of her blouse. Alexis smacked his hand away.
"The only thing you're going to do is leave."
She felt the cool glass hit her temple before her eyes could even
track the movement of the bottle in his hand.
Alexis fought the fog in her mind as she felt hands moving over her
and someone speak. Slowly she opened her eyes and caught sight of a
dark head hovering around her stomach. For a moment she thought she
was dreaming about Sonny, then she heard the rip of her blouse.


Alexis struggled to sit up, but her waist and legs were trapped by
the body on top of her. Hands moved over her tearing fabric and she
could feel the cool air on the apartment on her skin. She knew this
was wrong. This wasn't Sonny. Her head felt like it had been filled
with ice and jagged glass. "No. . . ." she moaned.
AJ raised his head and gave an ugly twisted smile, "Back in the land
of the living? Good, I hoped you would be awake for this." He ran
his hand down her leg and then back up between her thighs. Alexis
shivered in revulsion and tried to force her legs together. She
began to struggle knowing his intent. She twisted and tried to buck
her body up to force the man she no longer recognized off of her.
"AJ NO!!!!" She found her voice growing louder as she shook off the
last remnants of pain from the blow to her head. Adrenalin and fear
coursed through her and she prayed desperately that someone would
hear her. AJ's hand came up to cover her mouth and she found
herself viciously biting into his skin and trying to kick out her
legs at the same time.
"YOU BITCH!" The bleeding palm turned into a fist that caught her
under her jaw. For a moment darkness and stars filled her vision and
Alexis bit down hard on her tongue to keep from losing consciousness
again. Alexis twisted hard under AJ and tried to push him into the
wall next to the desk. Gasping for air and feeling blood trickle
down her chin, Alexis rolled herself over on her stomach and crawled
for the dangling phone cord. She felt AJ grab her leg and drag her
back. She cried out at the burn of the carpet on her now exposed
skin. She kicked wildly praying she would somehow manage to injure
him. Alexis gave another loud scream and lunged for cord again.
Feeling the wire twist around her fingers she yanked hard pulling the
receiver down. The phone fell and she could hear the dial tone.
Reaching out she tried to grab it but found it too far away. She
forced her body forward until she was grabbed by the hair and pulled
back. She shrieked in pain feeling the strong hand wrenching her
neck back. AJ's other hand groped wildly along her body pinching
and twisting her skin. Alexis screamed again and struck out blindly..
"ALEXIS!" She heard a familiar voice and a pounding on the door.
Someone was in the hall. Alexis tried to cry out for help but her
swollen tongue would not let her form words so she shrieked using all
her fear and anger to push her voice out.
"ALEXIS!" The voice sounded out again and the door seemed to come
crashing in. Alexis rolled on to her back and found AJ on his knees
reaching for her. She kicked out again catching him on the side of
his face. She didn't regret the blood she saw drip onto the carpet.
"AJ!" The new voice bellowed and Alexis saw AJ yanked to his feet.
As darkness sucked her back in she could hear AJ's own cry of pain.
"Alexis? Alexis?" A voice was softly calling her name and Alexis
struggled towards it. Her eyelids felt like lead weights but finally
she could open them. For a moment confusion overtook her mind as she
stared at the figure hovering over her. His face so familiar. Her
tongue felt thick and her mouth didn't want to work as she tried to
speak his name. "Jason?"

Jason Morgan was tired. He had taken a puddle jumper from San
Cristobal to Puerto Rico and then Sonny's private jet from Puerto
Rico to Port Charles. He didn't really want to come back to the
place where so many people still thought of him as Jason
Quartermaine, but Sonny had asked. During his friendship with Sonny,
the older man had rarely asked anything of Jason and when he did it
was never for himself. This time was no different. This time was to
keep Michael's future safe. Jason tried not to think of Michael's
mother or her strange manipulations too much, but he often found
himself missing the little boy that he had treated as his own for so
long. Jason was sorry when he heard about Carly's accident but he
had no compulsion to help her. She wasn't the same tough yet
strangely appealing girl he had first met at Jake's. She played too
many games for Jason's taste. Now he was back to help Sonny. He
would run Sonny's businesses legitimate and otherwise while the older
man cared for Carly and Michael. Sonny had offered him the
penthouse to stay in and assured Jason that Benny and Alexis would be
there to help him. Jason was supposed to stop by Alexis' penthouse,
his old residence, to pickup Sonny's keys. He was glad the bright
lawyer was still helping Sonny. As the elevator made its way up,
Jason hoped that Alexis would still be awake this late. Jason had
taken one step off the elevator when he heard the first scream
coming from the penthouse. Dropping his duffel, Jason ran to the door
and cried out Alexis' name. He could hear the sounds of struggle
inside and braced himself throwing his shoulder into the door.
Surprisingly it popped open and Jason was shocked at what he saw
inside the living room. Alexis' face was swollen and red with
blood. Her clothes were torn and the desk was nearly turned over.
Jason shouted her name as Alexis kicked her attacker. Jason grabbed
the man and pulled him up and then dropped him when he realized it
was AJ Quartermaine. Jason grabbed his brother by the scruff of his
neck and threw him into the wall. Years of frustration with his
brother and anger at his treatment of this woman boiled over as Jason
pounded the smaller man into the wall till the paint cracked and was
spattered with blood. Dropping AJ to the floor, Jason turned back to
an unconscious Alexis. He saw the star shape bruise that was forming
on her temple and she would not respond to his voice. Jason picked
up the fallen phone and dialed 911, he gave the operator the address
and told her to send an ambulance and police. Using the hem of his t
shirt he carefully wiped the blood from Alexis' chin and shook her
gently. Part of him that had been Jason Quartermaine knew that her
being unconscious for a long time wasn't good. He shook her
shoulder gently and said her name over and over again. He paid no
attention to the bloody heap that had once been his brother.


Marcus Taggart had been on his way home when the police dispatcher
reported the assault at Harbor View Towers. Part of him wished he
had turned off the radio. He had by instinct turned towards Sonny's
apartment when he had gotten off the elevator only to catch sight of
Alexis' open door out of the corner of his eye. Uniformed officers
and paramedics had already arrived and Taggart was shocked to an
unconscious Alexis on a stretcher with a very worried Jason Morgan
standing next to her. "What happened?" He asked the room not sure
who had enough information to answer him.
"He did." Morgan spoke softly and nodded to a figure who was being
tended to by another paramedic. Taggart waited for the paramedic to
step back and then looked at the very bruised AJ Quartermaine.
"Morgan, you gonna tell me what the hell happened here?" Taggart
felt his exasperation growing.
"We need to get her to General Hospital." One of the paramedics
spoke up pushing the stretcher past Taggart.

"I'm going with you." Jason moved to the door only to have Taggart
step in front of him.
"I want answers Morgan."
"You can get them from me at the hospital. Or better yet ask AJ why
he was beating the hell out of Alexis while ripping her clothes
off." Jason moved past Taggart following the paramedics. Taggart
swore under his breath and walked over to AJ. "Quartermaine is what
your brother just said true?"
AJ looked up and gave a somewhat odd grin. His teeth were
bloodstained and Taggart could smell the alcohol. "I want my lawyer."
"He okay?"
"Hard to tell if he has a concussion because of his intoxication. We
need to take him to GH and have him checked out."
Taggart motioned to one of the uniforms. "Read him his rights, get
him to GH, and make sure we get a blood alcohol test."
The uniform nodded and helped the paramedic get AJ to his feet. The
man stumbled but was able to walk out on his own. Taggart motioned
to a couple of the other uniformed officers and gave them
instructions on preserving the scene then he headed back to his car
and to the hospital.


Johnny had been driving around just trying to get a clear head. He
didn't like standing outside Carly's house most of the day. He liked
Michael and enjoyed playing with the little boy and Leticia was nice
distraction, but Johnny couldn't help but think the whole situation
was just off somehow.
Carly was a horrible patient. Screaming for things and throwing them
when they weren't exactly to her specifications. Johnny hated to see
Sonny playing nursemaid and verbal whipping boy to the woman who
seemed to blame everyone but herself for the accident that had left
her unable to walk.
Johnny's route took him by the Harbor View Towers and he smiled
nostalgically at the thoughts of the penthouse and Sonny's lawyer.
He was almost past the drive when he noticed the ambulance parked out
front. He turned quickly into the drive and parked illegally behind
the ambulance. He was getting out of the car when the front doors
opened and paramedics rolled the stretcher out.
Johnny swallowed hard when he realized who the woman on the stretcher
was and walked quickly to find out what was going on.


Jason kept his eyes on Alexis. She had not moved or spoken since she
had said his name. He was sorry he hadn't killed AJ, but for the
moment that had proven to be a good thing. He didn't have time to
waste with Taggart and his questions. The paramedics had opened the
back of the ambulance and were putting the stretcher in when Jason
felt a hand on his shoulder. Jason turned quickly prepared to hit
Taggart, cop or no cop, but held his fist steady when he realized it
was Johnny.
"What happened?" The bodyguard asked softly, his gaze fixed on the
stretcher. "Is she alright?"
Jason shrugged. "I don't know, they are worried because she is still
unconscious."
"Sir, we need to go." The paramedic spoke loudly trying to get
Jason's attention.
Jason nodded, "Can I ride with her?"
"Are you family?"0.0
"Friend." Jason barely knew Alexis, but somehow he understood that
she needed to have a familiar face around, even if it was only
vaguely familiar.
At the word family, Johnny suddenly thought about Kristina. "Does her
sister know?"
"Alexis has a sister?"
"Sir, we need to leave now." The paramedic's tone grew urgent.
Jason stepped up into the back of the ambulance and crouched next to
the stretcher. Automatically his hand sought out Alexis'.
"I'll get a hold of her sister and Sonny." Johnny shouted.
Jason nodded and turned his head back to Alexis. The paramedic shut
the doors and Johnny stepped onto the curb. He reached into his coat
pocket and pulled out his cell phone. He punched the speed dial.
"Benny, it's Johnny. Yeah, I need a number for Ned Quartermaine
ASAP. I have to find Kristina, something has happened to Alexis."
Johnny waited for Benny to come through yet again. He stood on the
curb watching the ambulance until it disappeared. He looked back at
the building when he heard doors open and saw Detective Taggart come
out followed by a uniformed policeman and another paramedic. They
were escorting AJ Quartermaine. Johnny realized that the man was
beaten and bloody. He gripped his cell phone tighter.
"Benny, hold on for a sec." Johnny walked over to Taggart. "What
happened here?"
"It's a police matter not involving your boss. So it's none of your
business."
Johnny looked at the manically grinning and bloody AJ. He had a very
bad feeling about the whole situation.
"Did he hurt Miss Davis?"
Taggart looked in the bodyguard's eyes and he could see the anger.
He realized he needed to get AJ out of here quickly.
"I said it's a police matter." Taggart motioned to the uniform to
get AJ in the back of the squad car.
Johnny gave the detective a dark look and stepped back bringing the
phone back to his ear.
"Yeah Benny." Johnny mentally recited the number Benny gave him and
hung up. Taking a deep breath he dialed the number and waited. The
phone rang three times and then a sleepy male voice answered.
"Hello."
"I need to speak to Kristina."
"Who is this?"
Johnny sighed, "My name is Johnny, I work for Sonny Corinthos."
"I am hanging up now."
"This is an emergency regarding her sister, Alexis Davis."
"What?"
"I need to speak to Kristina, please."
Johnny waited hearing the sounds of rustling bed sheets and the
finally the voice of a half awake woman.
"Ello?"
"Kristina, it's Johnny."
"Who?"
Johnny knew his last name would mean nothing to her. "Johnny, I work
for Sonny Corinthos."
"Oh yeah, hallway Johnny."
"Something has happened to your sister."
Ned placed his hand on Kristina's shoulder trying to reassure her as
she spoke into the phone.
"What do you mean something has happened to her? Is she alright?"
Kristina leaned into Ned, choking back a sob. She listened to the
voice that she barely knew tell her that Alexis had been taken by
ambulance to General Hospital. She was out of bed and searching for
her clothes the moment she got off the phone.
"We need to go to the hospital. Alexis has been hurt."
"What happened?"
"Johnny wasn't sure, but he said Jason Morgan was with her. Who is
that?"
Ned sighed unsure how to explain Jason. "He is my cousin."
"What?"
"He used to be Jason Quartermaine."
Kristina gave Ned a confused look and pulled on her clothes. "I have
to get to the hospital."
Ned grabbed his pants from the chair. "I'll drive you."
Johnny leaned back against the stone facade of the Harbor
View Towers. He had to make one more phone call. Benny had offered
to do it for him, but Johnny knew that Sonny would want to hear from
someone who had actually seen Alexis. He pressed the speed dial and
took a deep breath.
The phone rang twice and then Sonny's voice came through clearly.
"Yeah?"
"Boss, it's Johnny."
"It's late."
"It's important. Boss. ."
"What Johnny?" Sonny hated being short tempered but he couldn't
vent his frustrations with Carly or his current situation on anyone and they
occasionally boiled over.
"Miss Davis, Boss, she's been hurt pretty badly."
"What? What happened? An accident? How badly?"
"It wasn't an accident. I think she was attacked in her apartment."
"Attacked? By who? Johnny, is she. . . "
"An ambulance took her to General Hospital. I guess Jason found
her. He went with her."
Johnny heard Sonny swear and waited.
"Go to the hospital. I'll be there soon."
"Sure Boss." Johnny closed his cell phone and put it back in his
jacket. He walked quickly back to his car and headed for the
hospital.
Sonny wanted to destroy something, anything, maybe
everything. Alexis had been hurt. Once again he had failed to
protect a woman he claimed to love. Closing his eyes, Sonny
remembered the last time he saw her. He had tried to be all
business. He couldn't let her see how much he wanted to touch her,
to make love to her again, to take back the weeks they had been
apart. But, instead he had been cold to her. He treated her like an
employee. Now she was hurt and he had no idea how bad it was. Guilt
threatened to overwhelm him. Sonny grabbed his jacket and scribbled
a quick note to Leticia and Carly. He had to get to the hospital.
Sonny brushed by Francis at the door and told him to keep a careful
eye out and that he would be back as soon as he could.

Monica Quartermaine thought twenty odd years of service at
the same hospital would get her out of the occasional night shift,
but it was not to be. A new doctor had not yet started and the
emergency room late shift was short so the surgeons had started a
rotation to provide coverage and her name was up. It had been fairly
quiet. She had passed Tony Jones at the nurses station and the other
doctor informed her that it had been almost too quiet, of course that
was when the call came in. Monica waited inside the emergency room
for the sounds of the incoming ambulance. The patient was a woman
who had been attacked in her home and had only briefly regained
consciousness. Suddenly the paramedics pushed through the doors and
Monica was stunned by the sight of her son walking next to them.
"Jason?"
At the sound of his name Jason turned his head and realized who was
speaking, the woman who was supposed to be his mother. AJ's mother.
Jason looked down at Alexis' still form then at the paramedics.
"Get another doctor."
"Jason?" Monica tried to understand what was going on. Why was
Jason here? Why was he calling for another doctor? Monica tried to
move closer to stretcher but found her path blocked by the stranger
who wore her son's face.
"Get another doctor. I won't let you treat her."
"Jason, don't be ridiculous. Oh my god, this is Alexis. What
happened to her? Who did this?"
Jason's expression was nearly feral as he pushed Monica away from the
stretcher.
"AJ did this. I don't care who you get but neither you or your
husband is going to touch Alexis."
Ian Thornhart appeared suddenly stepping forward and touching
Monica's shoulder. "Perhaps it would be best if I handled this."
Monica bit her lip and nodded. She stepped back from Jason and the
stretcher. Ian spoke to the paramedics as Monica stared at her son
who would no longer even spare her a glance.
Alexis heard voices around her and could feel herself moving
though she had no control over where she was going. She tried to
open her eyes but found that they were still very heavy. Even if she
managed to crack them open she was blinded by a white light that
seemed to stab into her brain. She tried to raise her hand to block
the light but found she could not lift either of her arms. All that
seemed possible was to fall back into the dark sleep which felt sleek
and cool like the silk sheets of Sonny's bed.
Ian Thornhart sometimes hated his job, there were nights like
this when he reconsidered the medical profession entirely. He looked
at the unconscious woman taking in the large star shaped bruise on
her temple and the numerous smaller bruises along her body. He noted
the condition of her clothes and realized a rape kit might be
necessary. He looked up at the man who had such a problem with
Monica Quartermaine.
"You her husband?" The young man shook his head. "Family or friend?"
"Friend. I found her."
"What happened?" Ian carefully noted the woman's vitals and lifted
her eyelids flashing the penlight into them.
"I was going to her apartment to get a key. I heard her scream."
The young man was interrupted from a voice in the doorway.
"You wanna go ahead and make that your official statement Morgan?"
Ian looked up from his patient and recognized the tall bald man.
"Detective Taggart, I know this is a police investigation, but right
now I am more concerned about my patient."
"I understand that Dr. Thornhart, actually I was looking for someone
willing to treat the suspect in this case."
"Why don't you try his mother." Jason turned towards
Taggart. "She's lurking around here somewhere."
Thornhart looked up at the young man. "Dr. Quartermaine?"
The man nodded and Thornhart spoke to Taggart.
"Check with the admission's nurse. She can page Dr. Quartermaine for
you."
"Morgan, I still need to get your statement as soon as possible."
"Yeah Taggart, you will. I just want to make sure Alexis is okay
first."
The detective gave a nod and disappeared.
"You were saying." Thornhart prompted the young man.
"I pushed in the door and saw her fighting with him. I pulled him
off and. . . well after I was done I went back to her. She seemed to
know me then she like fainted. She hasn't woken up since. Is she
okay?"
"I am concerned about her being unconscious this long with the head
trauma. We need to get a cat scan. It's possible that she has a
concussion or something worse. There is another difficult issue.
Do you know if she was raped?"
The young man seemed stunned for a second considering the
question. "I don't think so. I think he was planning. . . "
Ian nodded and made a couple of quick notes that were the beginnings
of the patient's chart. "Do you know if she has any family someone
who can make some medical decisions for her."
Jason shook his head then stopped, "Johnny was going to call her
sister."

Kristina nearly ran into the emergency room, she had left Ned
and the car and made a dash to the entrance. The emergency room was
nearly empty and Kristina looked wildly around for anyone who could
give her information about Alexis. Kristina was scared. She had
just found her older sister not too long ago though it seemed like
they had known each other forever. There had been some mistakes
mostly on her part trying to push Alexis into things that the other
woman didn't want or wasn't ready for. Kristina didn't want to lose
her sister. She grabbed a passing nurse by the arm.
"Can you tell me where Alexis Davis is?"
Taggart stepped into the hall and checked to see that AJ was
still handcuffed in the other treatment room. The dark haired man
was sitting just looking up at the ceiling seemingly unaffected by
the fact he was under arrest, that he had been beaten by his own
brother, or that he had apparently violently assaulted a woman.
Taggart needed coffee, even if it was the horrible hospital variety.
He was headed towards the vending machines when he heard a frightened
female voice and saw a flash of red hair.
"Kristina?"
Kristina whirled around and found herself looking up at Gia's brother
Marcus. "Detective Taggart, where is my sister?"
"Kristina, Alexis is in with a doctor right now."
"Do you know how she is? What happened to her? Is she going to be
alright?" The words came out in an explosive rush, Taggart wasn't
sure how she was managing to breathe.
"Kristina, calm down. Alexis was unconscious when the brought her
in. I don't know how severe her injuries are." Marcus waived the
nurse away and guided Kristina to one of the chairs in the waiting
area.
"How did you know about Alexis being here?"
"I got a phone call from Johnny. He said she had been assaulted and
taken to the hospital. He said a man named Jason Morgan was with
her. What happened to her?"
"Alexis was assaulted in her apartment."
"By who?" Kristina couldn't help the tears that were beginning to
course down her cheeks. Her sister had a sharp tongue and a quick
mind but she also seemed to go out of her way to be kind to people.
"The suspect is in custody."
"Taggart, who is it?"
"Kristina?" Both Kristina and Taggart looked up as Ned approached.

Jason paced up and down the short hall. A nurse had pushed him out
of the treatment room a few moments ago something about prepping
Alexis for a cat scan. Jason hated hospitals, they always reminded
him of the time after his accident when so many people came to see
him expecting him to be something he wasn't. He hoped that it wasn't
going to be that way for Alexis. He turned the corner and came to an
open door. AJ was sitting on a bed his hands cuffed in front of him.
A bored looking uniformed cop paged through a magazine. Jason took
grim satisfaction in AJ's bruised face and bloodstained clothes, but
it didn't seem to be enough. A wild impulse to finish what he had
started raced through Jason's mind and he had taken a step when he
felt a hand on his arm.
"I think you need to be somewhere else right now."

Jason looked at Benny and the older man's hand then nodded. He
didn't need to be arrested right now. He had to make sure Alexis
was okay.
"Johnny call you?" Jason asked
Benny slowly guided Jason away from the door and spoke
softly, "Johnny called me trying to get a hold of Alexis' sister. Do
you know if she's here?"
Jason shook his head, "I've just been with Alexis."
"Johnny told me AJ hurt her. What happened?"
Jason slowly recounted every step from the elevator to the moment
Alexis had said his name. Benny listened carefully only the line of
his mouth betraying his anger at what had happened to Alexis.
Benny had worked for Sonny for a long time and seen the havoc that
many of his women had wreaked. Benny liked Alexis. She had been
good for Sonny. But she had been left behind in favor of Carly and
Michael, and though Benny didn't agree with it he tried to understand
Sonny's sense of honor. Now Alexis had been hurt by Sonny's enemy.
Benny would not allow that to happen again.
"Any word on her?" Benny asked, he began to make plans for the man
known as AJ Quartermaine, as he listened to Jason.
"They are supposed to be getting her ready for a cat scan."
Alexis felt cold. She could feel cool air on her arms and
face. Slowly the darkness around her seemed to lighten and she could
finally open her eyes without wrenching pain. She searched for the
last face she had seen before things had gone dark.
"Jason?" Her voice was a rasp that she barely recognized. She heard
a woman's voice in the room.
"Dr. Thornhart, she seems to be coming around."
A man Alexis didn't recognized leaned over her and spoke
softly. "Miss Davis, Miss Davis, I'm Dr. Ian Thornhart, can you
understand me?"
"Are you speaking English?"
The doctor gave a soft smile, "Yes."
"Then I can understand you. Just don't switch to Greek, my Greek is
rusty."
"Alright no Greek. Can you tell me how you feel?"
"My head hurts."
"I expect it does, you took quite a blow."
Alexis' whole body tensed as she remembered AJ, what he had done and
what he had tried to do.
"AJ. . . AJ. . " Her breathing became labored and her eyes grew wide
with panic.
"Miss Davis, Miss Davis. Calm down. You're safe, you're in the
hospital. No one can hurt you."
Ian's voice grew louder as he tried to reassure her. Suddenly the
door swung open and the young man who had been reluctant to leave her
side reappeared.
"Alexis." Jason touched her shoulder and leaned over her
bed. "Alexis, it's okay."
Alexis desperately gasped for air. Her head was throbbing and her
chest felt like she was breathing fire.
"Alexis, you're safe. He's gone. I won't let him hurt you anymore."
Jason's voice took on a softer tone.
Alexis reached out for him and felt him take her hand. Slowly her
breathing became calmer and less painful.
"Jason?"
"Yea, it's me Alexis."
"You stopped him."

Jason said nothing and held onto her hand.
Monica stepped into the second treatment room and looked at
her oldest son. AJ was laying back on the bed his eyes fixed on the
ceiling tile. Monica tried to ignore the handcuffs and uniformed cop
sitting next to the bed.
"AJ?"
His head lolled to the side and he gave her a strange smiled made
even stranger by his bloodstained teeth. "Hi Mom."
"AJ, what happened to you?"
"Ask Jason, he did most of it. Though I think this," He pointed to an
odd shaped bruise on his cheek. "Was from Alexis."
"AJ, did you?"
"Did I what? I just thought Alexis might be a little lonely. I was
just being sociable. Alexis isn't that good of a hostess."
Monica felt her stomach lurch. Without even checking over his
injuries she turned and walked out of the room.

Sonny leaned heavily against the wall outside of the emergency room.
He had to see Alexis. Through the entire drive to the hospital their
last meeting played through his mind. She had given him contracts
and documents that would take her out of his life. He could hear her
voice in his head, the last things she had said to him.
"This is the last signature. Once Jason signs everything will be
completely transferred. You'll be free."
He hadn't felt free when he signed the contracts. He had felt
trapped by what had happened to Carly . He had felt guilty about his
own happiness with Alexis. He tried to explain to her that afternoon
what he was doing but once again words had failed him and he couldn't
show her with actions. He remembered his last words to her.
"Thank you for doing all this."
She had shrugged her shoulders and gathered her things, "It's what
you pay me for." Then she had left and not spared him even a
backwards glance.
He had broken every piece of glass in the penthouse that night hoping
the noise would draw her back to him. That he could some how reach
out to her. Now he had to see her. To see what someone had done to
her when he had not been there to keep her safe. Stepping through the
doors of the emergency room, Sonny headed to the nurses station only
to be stopped by the sound of Taggart's voice and the sobs of a
woman.

Kristina curled up in the hard plastic waiting room chair. She
couldn't think about what had almost happened to her sister. What
pain Alexis must be in. Wrapping her arms around her knees, Kristina
let herself sob wanting nothing but her sister's arms and words of
reassurance.
Ned watched Kristina cry unsure how to comfort her. His own anger
lurked just below the surface. AJ had done this. He had attacked
Alexis and her only help had been Jason. Ned blamed himself, Jax,
and Sonny all for failing Alexis. Each of them had abandoned her in
different ways. And AJ. . . Ned pounded his fist hard into the
vending machine hearing the machine rattle and hiss. AJ had been
drinking, it was no secret in the family. There had been discussions
and arguments but no one had done anything. Ned's whole body shook
with anger and he slammed his fist again into the vending machine
then again. He didn't stop hitting it until he heard a man speak
Kristina's name.
Sonny had been determined to walk past Taggart, Kristina, and Ned,
but Kristina's heart wrenching sobs stopped him. She could only cry
that way if. Sonny would not allow himself to think about that, he
refused to consider the even remote possibility that Alexis could be,
he could not even think about it without feeling his body freeze up and
tears begin to blind him. He stepped past Taggart not even
acknowledging the detective and touched Kristina's shoulder.
"Kristina," His own voice was deep with pain and unshed tears.
Kristina looked up, her mouth opening slightly and then she stood
suddenly wrapping her arms around him sobbing into his shoulder.
"Detective Taggart?" The strange scene was interrupted by an
accented voice. All four people turned towards the doctor in
scrubs.
Taggart stepped forward. "Yeah Doc."
"You came in after Alexis Davis and AJ Quartermaine."
Sonny's hands reflexively tightened on Kristina's arms. Johnny had
not said anything about AJ.
"Ms. Davis is being moved up to a room after her cat scan."
Sonny and Kristina seemed too quiet so Ned stepped forward, "How is
she?"
"She regained consciousness a few moments ago. The cat scan is a
precautionary measure. Right now I think she just has a severe
concussion. We want to keep an eye on her."
Sonny's hands dropped from Kristina's arms. It seemed too simple.
Alexis was hurt but she would be alright.
"What about Mr. Quartermaine." Taggart just wanted to get him down to
the station and get this night over with.
"Mr. Quartermaine's injuries are fairly mild which is surprising
considering the blows to the back of the head. He's all yours
detective."
"What about the BAT?"
"Mr. Quartermaine reluctantly agreed to one, you should have the
results at the station tomorrow."
Sonny suddenly stepped away from Kristina and began to walk down the
hall.
Kristina paid no attention but moved to the doctor, "Can I see her?"
"I would prefer that you wait until she is settled in her room. Mr.
Morgan is with her now. He seems unwilling to leave her alone."

Benny carefully hid his cell phone as he spoke quietly into it. Two
nurses had already hassled him about it as if they have anything
better to do. The plans had been quick and easy. Benny had just said
the last goodbyes in Spanish when he turned and saw a dazed looking
Sonny walking up the hall.
"Boss?" Sonny looked up but did not seem to notice Benny until the
older man stepped directly in front of him.
"Boss?"
"Where is she?"
"She's in there, Jason is with her." Benny nodded at the closed door
of the treatment room.
Sonny put his hand against the door and then stopped leaning his head
down.
"You know what happened?"
"Most of the it, the kid told me." Benny smiled at his own lapse
into Jason's old nickname.
"Tell me."
"Boss, you should probably let Jason or. . ."
"Tell me."
"She was apparently by herself. AJ Quartermaine came by. . ."
Sonny's head swung up and his eyes took on a dangerous look.
"What did he do to her?"
"Jason stopped him."
"What did he do to her?" Sonny's voice echoed off the walls.
"Jason said it was pretty bad. AJ apparently got some shots to her
head and face. . ." Benny trailed off knowing that Sonny really
didn't want the details of the attack.
Sonny's hand clenched into a fist and beat lightly on the door. "Did
he?" He couldn't bring himself to even say that AJ might have raped
Alexis.
"Jason didn't think so. He thinks he stopped him."
Sonny gave a soft sigh and rested his head against his fist.
"Boss, I . . . " Benny was unsure if he should speak so soon of the
plans he had just made.
"You took care of it didn't you Benny?" The raw sound of Sonny's
voice seemed to chill the air around the two men.
"Yeah Boss, I did."
"Good Man." Sonny nodded briefly and then pushed open the door trying
to prepare himself for the site of Alexis in a hospital bed.
Jason heard the soft squeak of the hinge and turned placing himself
between the door and the bed. He felt his body relax as he saw
Sonny. He moved back slightly allowing Sonny to see the still form
lying in the bed.
"You okay?" Sonny tried to look at Jason but his eyes kept straying
back to Alexis' face searching for the bruises.
"Yeah, he didn't get much of a chance to fight back. She got him
pretty good across the face."
Sonny felt a little grin at the thought of Alexis getting AJ, but it
disappeared as he moved closer to her and saw the beginnings of the
vivid blue black markings. She had been hit repeatedly and she had
been hit with something blunt across the side of her face. Sonny
remembered marks like these on his mother's face. With a tentative
touch he slowly glided his fingertips just barely across her skin.
He could feel the heat and the swelling under his hand. Leaning down
he brushed his lips in a soft kiss across her cheek. Her name became
a nearly silent sob and he saw the shimmer of his tears on her skin
as he stood.
Jason watched awkwardly from the side of the room. He wasn't sure if
he should go. He wanted to be there in case Alexis woke up. He
seemed to be the only thing she responded to, but now that Sonny was
there.
"Alexis. . . " Sonny said her name again as he brushed her hair back
from her forehead. She seemed so still he had to occasionally glance
at her chest to make sure she was still breathing and the only sound
was the subtle beep of the monitor. Sonny hooked a nearby chair with
his foot and dragged it closer, the squeal of metal on tile
frighteningly loud in the stillness of the room. Sonny sat down
heavily and trailed his hand down Alexis' arm. Sliding his fingers
through hers his mind went back to the nights of love making and
always waking up somehow with their hands tangled together no matter
how far apart or how close together they had moved in their sleep
they seemed to reach out for one another. He raised their joined
hands to his face and pressed his lips to the back of her hand.
"I'm so sorry Alexis" He whispered against her skin over and over.
Alexis slowly shifted in the strange bed, the scratch of the sheets
irritating against her skin, and her head still felt like it was
weighed down with ice. Opening her eyes she could see the gray tan
color of the ceiling tiles. She tried to move her hand to cover her
eyes but found something was holding it tight, turning her head and
wincing at pain it cause she found herself looking into Sonny's deep
brown eyes. Her tongue felt thick and tears began to leak from the
corners of her eyes.
"Sonny," His name was a soft rasp that seemed to scratch her throat.
Sonny held her hand tighter and she could see his own eyes bright
with tears. For a moment she just took comfort. He was with her.
He would keep her safe, then she felt an ache go through her whole
body. He was with her now but he would go back to Carly and
Michael. He had already made his choice and it wasn't her. As much
as she wanted his love and needed him, Alexis was unprepared to
accept his guilt and his pity as a substitute.
"Alexis," Sonny felt himself choke up again as he watched the tears
run down the side of her face. He could feel her draw away from him
as she moved her eyes away from his and her once tight grip on his
hand relax. "Alexis, I'm so sorry. This should have never happened to
you. I should have. . ."
His voice trailed off remembering the first night they had made
love. The night she had saved AJ's life.
Alexis swallowed hard trying to breathe even with the tight pain in
her chest. She could feel Sonny's guilt radiating off him like
light. The guilt that seemed to be tying him to her. Just like he
was tied to Carly. She tried to draw her hand back to break the
connection to him but found his fingers wound tightly around hers.
"Please," she heard her own pleading tone and tried not to
grimace. "Please, I can't have you be here with me like this. To see
me like this." Her tears flowed freely now and she once again tried
to free her hand. "I need you to go."
Sonny's tears flowed freely down his face. She was begging him to
leave her and it was killing him. "Alexis, you don't mean
that. . . .I can't. . ."
Part of Alexis just wanted to cling to this man who had been her
lover and her companion. To bask in his comfort and his touch but
she knew that it would be only temporary. She allowed her eyes to
shift from Sonny to Jason who stood watching them his discomfort
obvious. Jason stepped forward placing his hand on Sonny's
shoulder. The building tension in the room was interrupted by the
opening of the door.
"Gentlemen, we are going to take Ms. Davis up for her cat scan." An
efficient moving nurse stepped towards the bed and stared at Jason
and Sonny. "After that she'll be going to a room upstairs."
"Can I go with her?" Sonny stood up and tried to stay next to the
bed.
Alexis was about to protest when the nurse spoke again. "You can't go
with her to radiology. And it's after visiting hours. Ms. Davis is
going to need her rest."
Sonny was about to say something when Jason tightened his grip on the
older man's shoulder.
Alexis closed her eyes and used her free hand to wipe her tears.
Tears which were renewed when she felt the swelling and tenderness of
her own skin. The nurse made motion to Sonny and Jason as an orderly
moved to the head of the bed releasing the break and pushing it out
of the room. Sonny only let go of her hand as the bed began to move.
Both Sonny and Jason watched them take Alexis out of the room and
down the hall. Jason could feel Sonny's body shake under his hand.
Alexis' hands made tight fists in the sheets as she heard the roar of
pain and denial come from the room she had just been in, it seemed
to vibrate through her whole body and echo off the walls.
Jason stepped back as the scream left Sonny's body. The older man
grabbed the chair he had been sitting in and threw it hard against
the wall. Jason waited for a moment then spoke softly.
"That won't help her."
Sonny turned wild-eyed on the young man who had been his closest
friend since Stone's death and his falling out with Luke
Spencer. "She won't let me help her. You heard her. She begged me
to leave her alone." Sonny paced restlessly around the small room
kicking the fallen chair as he passed it. His rage was overwhelming.
He could not stop moving if he did he would simply explode.
Jason watched Sonny with a weary eye. He had seen Sonny's temper.
He had seen Sonny nearly self destruct in sorrow and rage. This was
worse. This was helplessness, only after Lily's death had Jason seen
Sonny like this and he always hoped he would never see him this way
again.
Kristina roamed the halls of General Hospital aimlessly. Alexis was
in radiology and no one was permitted in with her. She was supposed
to be moved to room 433, but staying in that empty room had given
Kristina the shivers. Wrapping her fingers around the crystal pendant
hanging from her neck, Kristina asked for a blessing however small
for her sister. Uncertain of where she was, Kristina stopped and
leaned against one of the cool cinder block walls. So many things
were different in her life, she had a family no matter how mixed up
and even dangerous they were, they were family. The people who had
raised her had been normal to the point of cliche. Americans in
Europe backpacking across countryside who had found a redheaded
orphan at the US embassy. They had been typical southern
Californians moving from fad to fad. Kristina remembered communes,
ashrams, even Indian reservations as a background for singing,
dancing, and prayers to the sun. As her adoptive parents had settled
into middle age they had found roots in Silicon Valley and Kristina
had developed a wanderlust of her own. She had gone to Europe seeking
her real family and met Angel who brought her to Jax. Kristina could
not help the smile and the tears that seemed to creep over her as she
remembered her first meeting with Alexis. Carefully wiping her eyes,
Kristina clutched her crystal again and asked for another stronger
blessing. She prayed for her sister's strength that seemed to have
carried her through all the horrors of being a child amongst
Cassidines to last a little longer.
Ned looked up from the weak coffee that he had managed to wrangle
from the dented venting machine. He had lost Kristina somewhere on
the journey upstairs and was worried where she might be or how she
might be. His short history with Kristina had not given him the
point of reference on how to deal with this situation. His longer
and much more complicated history with Alexis was making it difficult
for him to see past his own pain. Ned sipped the bitter liquid and
tried to lose himself in songs playing in his head. Anything to
distract him from this urge to kill his own cousin.
"Jasper Jax?" A cool clipped voiced drug Jax from what had been a
fairly pleasant sleep.
"Yeah?" The word came out as a half question half yawn and Skye
turned over dragging more of the bedclothes with her.
"Mr. Jax, I am calling regarding your wife."
"Wife, what wife?" Jax checked his fingers looking for suddenly
appearing wedding bands.
"Alexis Davis-Jax."
"Ms. Davis is my former wife." Jax stifled another yawn and moved
into a sitting position.
There was a shuffle of papers and heavy silence. "I am sorry to
disturb you Mr. Jax. I see that some updated information was put out
of order in Ms. Davis' file. Please disregard the call."
"Wait a minute, why are you calling? Has something happened to
Alexis?"
"I am sorry Mr. Jax, that information can only be given over the
phone to family members."
"You call me because of some paperwork error at 3 in the morning
because of my former wife and now you won't tell me because she is my
former wife." There was an uncomfortable stillness and Jax wondered
if anything he had just said had made sense.
"Mr. Jax, Ms. Davis was admitted to General Hospital. Her insurance
paperwork, her old paperwork listed you as next of kin and the person
to contact in case Ms. Davis was unable to make decisions about her
own treatment. The new form lists her sister, a Kristina Cassidine,
as that individual. Again I am sorry to disturb you." Jax was up,
out of the bed, and partially dressed before the woman could finish
her apology.
Jason watched Sonny pace the room back and forth muttering under his
breath in Spanish. His time in San Cristobal had given a working
knowledge of the language but Sonny's version was too soft and too
fast for him to follow. He almost stepped in front of Sonny just to
still his motion when a voice spoke from the door.
"Boss."
Sonny whirled around his face tight like he was expecting something
horrible but the site of Johnny and Benny in the door did nothing to
ease his tension.
"What room is she in?"
Benny looked at Jason then back at Sonny. "She is still in
radiology, after that room 433."
"I want guards on her. 24/7."
"It's been taken care of."
"What about Quartermaine?"
Alexis felt the bed lurch to a stop and the hard set of the brake.
She kept her eyes closed through out her trip through the hospital.
She didn't want to see anyone she knew. She especially didn't want
to see Sonny standing over her again. Such love in his eyes. Love
or pity, she asked herself softly cursing her own doubt. Turning on
her side, Alexis winced at the pain of pressure on her face. She
could feel the bruises. The warm pulsing of her own blood and the
cool spots where they nerves were numb from abuse. Sensations
forgotten from childhood when bruises were regularities and no one
questioned a little girl with strap marks across her back or black
eyes. Fighting back tears, Alexis drew the scratchy sheets of the
hospital bed tighter around her. She tried to cocoon herself from the
pain and the horrible fear that gripped her.
Jason stepped out of the treatment room. He didn't want to hear
Sonny or Benny's plans for AJ. He wasn't in the mood for schemes or
subterfuge. He wanted to find Alexis. Benny had mentioned room 433.
Jason had been surprised when Alexis had turned Sonny away. First he
thought it was pride, but nothing about Alexis had ever suggested she
would react like that. Finding his way through the once familiar
halls of General Hospital, Jason stepped onto the elevator. Jason
bounced lightly on his heels as the elevator moved slowly up. He
hoped that Alexis would allow him close to her. She needed someone
after all that had happened.
"Where is Alexis Davis?" Jax's accent became more pronounced as he
badgered the night nurse. The woman was infuriating. She refused to
tell him anything and Jax was just about to storm out through the
halls checking every room when a soft hand landed on his arm.
"Jax?"
Jax turned to find a red eyed Kristina smiling weakly at him.
"Kristina." Jax enveloped her in a tight hug. "How is she?"
For a moment Kristina allowed herself solace in his embrace. She
tried not to think that the only physical comfort she had received
tonight had come from Jax and from Sonny, with the exception of few
touches Ned had been distant. His own rage channeled against a
vending machine. Kristina pushed the thought away. She needed to
concentrate on finding Alexis.
"They moved her to room 433, which I have been trying to find. I am
also trying to find Doctor Thornhart, he is supposed to get her cat
scan results."
"Cat scan? Kristina, what happened?"
"Jax, how did you know she was in the hospital? My God, has the press
gotten a hold of it so quickly."
"No, there was an error in her paperwork, I was still listed as next
of kin. Was it Helena?"
Kristina took a deep breath and braced herself for Jax's rage. "It
wasn't Helena. Jax, it was AJ Quartermaine."
"Ready to go Quartermaine?" Taggart grabbed AJ's arm and pulled the
still staggering man out of the treatment room.
"Always up for a party Detective." AJ knew he shouldn't be this
happy but the buzz of alcohol and adrenaline still sang through his
veins. He had enjoyed the fear he had put on Alexis' face and even
though the bitch had gotten a few hits in before Jason had shown up,
AJ knew he had done damage.
Humming softly as Taggart dragged him through the hall he didn't feel
the hard push of strong hands or foot that tangled with his bringing
him down hard to the tiled floor.
Taggart felt the pull of AJ's arms and turned back to see the younger
man fall onto the floor.
He saw Sonny's bodyguard who had been outside the Harbor view
standing back down the hall untangling his leg from AJ's.
"He is in protective custody." Taggart warned.
"He should watch where he is going. He could get hurt." Johnny spoke
softly and pressed the toe of his shoe into AJ's ankle shifting his
weight carefully. He was tempted just to break one of many bones but
that would be too obvious particularly in front of the cop.
"Let him up."
Johnny stepped back with his hands up in a gesture of
surrender. "Anything you say officer."
He gave AJ a cold grin and for the first time that night AJ realized
what he had truly done and the possible consequences.
"Alexis?" She opened her eyes at the sound of a soft female voice.
Ever since she had been a child hiding in the dark she had dreamed of
her mother. It had been just flashes of a pretty face and soft voice
but she had held tightly to them and they had been her only hope.
For a moment she wondered if she was dreaming again.
"Alexis?" Slowly the woman's features came into soft focus and
Alexis felt cool fingers touching her forehead. The urge to sob for
her mother was overwhelming until she realized who the woman standing
over her was.
"Kristina?" Alexis' voice cracked slightly and her head throbbed as
she tried to lift it up.
"Oh Alexis," Kristina leaned over her sister trying to awkwardly hug
and shield her from anything that harm her. Feeling the warmth and
comfort of her sister's arms, Alexis let out a ragged sob. The pain
and fear of the night and her denial of Sonny came out in aching
cries. Kristina's own tears ran freely as she brushed her cheek
against Alexis' hair.
Jax stood in the doorway watching the moment between the two
sisters. He was torn between letting them have this obviously
private and painful moment alone and the urge to stand there until
they acknowledged him even letting him lend them his strength. He had
tried to keep his shock at Alexis' appearance. Already her beautiful
skin was mottled with deep blue black bruises including a large one
that started at her temple and seemed to spiderweb down her face.
Swearing softly to himself, Jax tried to let his anger ebb away.
Alexis didn't need anger. She needed love and comfort. He hoped she
would accept it from him.
Sonny took a deep breath and was about to step out of the treatment
room when Johnny stepped in front of him.
"You need to stay in here for a minute."
Sonny looked over Johnny's shoulder and saw AJ Quartermaine. He
surged forward only to be stopped by Johnny's hand in the middle of
his chest. Benny moved behind his employer and grabbed Sonny's upper
arm.
"Not here. Not this close to her."
Sonny's shoulders slumped, his mind going back to Alexis' tears. She
didn't need his stupidity and anger to cause her anymore pain. He
glanced back down the hall at AJ.
"It will be taken care of." Benny's voice was cold and oddly
reassuring.
Jax stepped into the hospital room and let the door shutting announce
his presence. Alexis looked up with wide eyes and then stretched out
her hand to him.
"Jax." He nearly sighed in relief as she seemed to welcome his
presence. He stood next to Kristina and brushed a kiss over the back
of Alexis' hand. He had no idea what to say to her or how to react
to her injuries instead he just squeezed her hand.
Alexis looked up at Kristina and Jax, then ducked her head. She knew
how bad she must look. She had no desire to see what damage AJ must
have inflicted with the bottle and his fists. Thinking about the
angry senseless look in AJ's eyes, her hands began to tremble. She
tried to push it away but only the memory of Jason's voice seemed to
help dispel the dark images. Kristina leaned into her sister feeling
the darkening of her mood. All three were silent until the door
opened again.
"Miss Davis?" Alexis recognized the kind doctor from the emergency
room but struggled with his name.
"Dr. . .. ?"
"Ian Thornhart. We are getting ready for shift change and I wanted
to check in with you before I left."
Alexis gave him a soft look and leaned back into bed then motioned
him in.
"Kristina Cassidine, Alexis' sister." Kristina gave the handsome
doctor a warm smile but would not move away from Alexis' side. Jax
seemed to look the man up and down as if analyzing a threat.
"Jasper Jax," Jax gave no further information on his relationship
with Alexis which caused Ian to wonder about the man.
"Miss Davis, I have the results of your cat scan and some preliminary
blood work."
"That was quick." Alexis' sense of time was distorted by everything
that had happened. AJ had arrived a little before midnight and she
had no idea what time it was now.
"Your brother is still chairman of the hospital's board. That
carries some weight."
Alexis cringed thinking of Stefan hearing what had happened to her.
She would have to contact him before gossip and rumor caused him to
fly back.
"I could discuss these," Ian motioned to her chart "with you
privately."
Alexis gripped Kristina's hand tighter.
"I would prefer that they stay."
Jax was surprised at his inclusion but moved to Alexis' other side
sitting in the chair next to the bed.
He laid his hand on the bed near Alexis' not touching her but she
could feel his closeness and turned her head and gave him just a
glimmer of a smile.
"You do have a fairly serious concussion and because of that I would
like you to remain here for at least twenty four hours. The good
news is that there doesn't appear to be any fracturing of the skull
or any internal bleeding. I know this is cliche but you were very
lucky. I would suggest that while you're here you might have your
OBGYN or one of the doctors on staff have you check you over fully
but there don't appear to be any problems with the baby.
Alexis swallowed hard trying to accept the words he had just said.
Kristina's jaw seemed to be unhinging and Jax had stood back up and
was now restless pacing the side of the bed.
"Baby? What baby?"
Ian looked up from the chart and saw the terrified expression across
her injured face. Damning himself for thoughtlessness, he started
damage control.
"I am sorry, I assumed you knew. The results came back on your blood
work."
Alexis shook her head feeling her tears begin again.
Carly Cornithos turned off the small alarm that she had tucked inside
the head board. She always woke up early. Long before her son, her
nurse or even her husband. She eased herself into a sitting position
and stretched cautiously listening for sounds of movement in the
halls. Watching the door she rotated her ankles slightly and drew
her knees up slowly. The feeling in her legs had started gradually
returning a little over a week ago. First it had been a burning
sensation like pins and needles. She had pushed Michael off her lap
because of the pressure on reawakening nerves. She was just grateful
that Sonny had not seen her do that. It would have been nearly
impossible to explain. She was being very careful playing her role of
victim to the utmost hilt. Carly had been careful to hit all the
right guilty notes in Sonny's dark past. Now she had to master the
role of brave fighter struggling to regain her ability to walk.
Carly swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood a little
uneasily. So many opportunities to fall into Sonny's waiting arms
and press her body against his. Carefully sitting back down on the
bed, Carly rearranged herself back into the position Sonny had last
seen her in and waited for the rest of the house to wake

Alexis sat up in the bed and pulled her knees up to her chest. She
was pregnant. A shiver ran through her whole body at the thought.
She had convinced Jax and Kristina finally to go home. She was tired
and she hurt. Though she hated facing this all alone,it was what she
was used to. For a moment she wished for Stefan. Just the warm
comfort of his arms and his strength not complicated by what his
reaction to this situation might be. A baby. Her baby. Sonny's
child. Alexis' hands shook for a moment at the thought of what AJ
had tried to do to her. What he might have done to her child. She
could not imagine what would have happened if AJ caused her to lose
this baby. How Sonny might have reacted. Alexis promised herself
silently that she would keep this child safe. That it would never
endure what she or Sonny had gone through as children. Surprised at
how easily she acclimated herself to the idea of being pregnant,
Alexis began to contemplate how she would tell the child's father.
In perfect fantasy, this would be a joyous event that would bring
them nothing but happiness, but Alexis knew there were already so
many complications. Slowly Alexis traced the weave of the hospital
blanket and tried to think how she was going to do this. Her fingers
made tiny circles and she imagined the life growing inside her. A
daughter or son with dark hair and eyes. She couldn't help the tiny
smile when she thought of a dimpled faced little boy or girl looking
up at her.
Jason stepped quietly into the room. He had waited until Jax and the
redheaded woman who he assumed was Alexis' sister to leave.
"Alexis?" Jason said her name softly not wanting to startle her.
Alexis turned her head slightly tensing at the sound, but sighed in
relief when she realized who it was. "Jason, you can come in."
"You sure. I mean I can just sit outside."
Alexis shook her head uncertain what he meant by that. "I'm glad
you're here. I wanted to thank you." She reached out her hand to
him pleased when Jason actually stepped forward and took it. He had
always been fairly distant and standoffish with everyone but Emily
and Michael. He stepped closer to the bed and his bright blue eyes
fixed on the bruises on Alexis' face.
"I'm sorry." His other hand came up and brushed the hair away from
were it hid the worst of her bruises.
"Jason, you have nothing to be sorry for. You stopped him." Alexis
swallowed and felt her eyes begin to tear up again. "Jason, you
stopped him. If you hadn't." Unconsciously her left hand drifted
down and pressed against her stomach.
"You were fighting him Alexis, I just don't understand. . ." He
looked confused and angry and Alexis let go of his hand and patted
the edge of the bed. Jason sat down and looked at her closely. "How
could he do something like that." Uncertain of that answer herself,
Alexis leaned into Jason and wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
Jason allowed her to lean against him and returned the odd hug. He
could feel her tears on his neck and the slow steady sobs that seemed
to shake her body. His hand rubbed up and down her back and he was
reminded of long ago consoling Michael after a bad dream.
Sonny stepped back from the door after watching Jason hold Alexis and
hearing her cries. He wiped away his own tears and fought the urge
to go into the room. He didn't think Alexis would allow him to
comfort her and it was too hard to watch someone else do it. He took
a deep breath and let the facade of Sonny Corinthos fall back into
place. He nodded at Johnny who took the post next to Alexis' door.
"Nothing happens to her. Ever again."
Johnny nodded. He would wait until Francis showed up to relieve him
plus he suspected that Jason wasn't going to be leaving anytime soon.
Jax held the elevator open for Kristina and guided her to the
penthouse. She had lost track of Ned at the hospital and just didn't
seem to care enough to find him. She was too shaken by what had
happened to Alexis and the news of a baby. She would find Ned later
and explain or maybe she wouldn't. Kristina stopped in front of the
door seeing the policeman and the yellow crime scene tape.
Suddenly going back into the penthouse didn't seem like such good
idea.
"C'mon back with me to the hotel." Jax put his hand on Kristina's
arm. "You shouldn't be here alone." Jax knew he shouldn't have
brought her back but Kristina had been insistent.
"I live here." She said softly to the cop guarding the door.
"Ma'am until I get the release from Detective Taggart I can't allow
you in there"
"I need to see what happened in there, please." Kristina took her
wallet out and showed the cop her id. The cop glanced at it, then
Kristina, then Jax. Jax nodded at the man and tightened his grip on
Kristina's arm as the door swung open. Kristina felt all the air
rush out of her lungs as she saw the overturned desk and broken
lamps. One of Alexis' heels lay at an odd angle next to what had
been a vase. Jax grabbed the door and pulled it shut.
The cop looked very uncomfortable. "Sorry Ma'am."
Jax wrapped his arms around Kristina's shaking shoulders and let her
back to the elevator. Once inside he flipped open his cell phone and
pressed a button.
"Yeah, it's me. I know it's late or early or whatever, but I need
you to get a cleaning crew over to Penthouse 2 at Harbor view Towers
once the police give the clear. Check with Taggart at PCPD and make
it happen."
Kristina leaned back against the wall of the elevator and closed her
eyes trying to erase the destruction from her mind.

Ned stopped in the hall spotting the familiar figure of one of Sonny's bodyguards. He gave the man a stern look and peeked into the glass insert of the door. Alexis lay still against the white sheets. Ned was about to open the door when the bodyguard's hand dropped onto his shoulder and the man spoke in a low voice.

"Miss Davis needs to rest."

Ned shook the man's hand off and was about to give the door another try when it opened and he found himself staring into Jason's eerie blue eyes.

"She doesn't need anymore visitors."

"Maybe Alexis should make that decision for herself." Ned straightened up. His anger and impotence at Alexis' injuries making him reckless. He wanted a fight even if it was someone who had nothing to do with it.

"She's resting. She doesn't need you in here making her feel worse about a bad situation. She wants to see you, she'll call."

Ned scowled at the man who had once been family. "What the hell is she to you? Virtually a stranger. She needs her friends and family. Where is Kristina?"

Jason looked to Johnny who nodded. "Alexis sent her home. She thought she needed to get some sleep. I think you need to let Alexis do the same."

Ned pushed his hand hard against Jason's chest in an attempt to move him from the doorway and found himself spun around and pinned against the cool wall of the hall. Johnny carefully shut the door sparing a glance at Alexis' still sleeping form, as Jason twisted Ned's arm higher between his shoulder blades.

"What is it about you Quartermaines. You refuse to listen. Let her be. Go home, get some sleep or jump off a bridge. I don't care. But you will leave her alone."

Ned tried to push the younger man back but found he couldn't escape the grip on his arm. Struggling for a moment, Ned finally gave an exasperated sigh.

"Fine, but if she asks for me."

Jason dropped the older man's arm and stepped back. "I wouldn't wait by the phone, I doubt Alexis has any desire to see any Quartermaine."

"You're a Quartermaine."

Jason just gave a half smile and shook his head. "It's been how many years, Ned and you still don't get it." Stepping further back, the younger man motioned to Ned. "Leave her be until she contacts you. I don't want to see you here again without her asking for you."

"You're not in charge of her or this situation."

"Till she says something different, I am." Jason walked back into Alexis' room and Johnny stepped in front of the door blocking Ned's reply.

Jason quietly moved back towards the bed.

"Thank you again." Alexis' voice was barely a whisper with her lips hardly moving and her eyes still shut.

"You weren't supposed to hear that. You're probably not very happy with what I said."

"I haven't said anything different yet, have I?"

Jason sat down in the chair next to the bed and leaned back checking to make sure Alexis' eyes were still closed before he smiled.

Kristina stepped down onto the pier and took a deep breath of the cool salty air. She had appreciated Jax's efforts. He had taken her away from the Harbor View and gotten her a very nice room at the PC Hotel, but she couldn't stand the idea of sleep or being closed in by four walls. She wanted the first light of the sun and the sound of the water slapping against the pilings of the dock.

Sitting down on the edge of the dock, Kristina let her legs dangle as she stared into the still murky water. Slowly she began to replay the events of the night, from Johnny's phone call to the sight of the penthouse. Letting herself cry, Kristina slowly rocked back and forth, needing this quiet release before she could be any comfort or help to her sister. Kristina looked up watching the sky turn bright blue and then she heard a soft voice behind her.

"Kristina?"

Wiping her eyes she turned back and saw Zander standing near the steps.

"Kristina, what's wrong?"

Kristina scrambled to her feet.. Zander stepped closer to her, "Are you alright? Did something happen?" She looked wrecked, her long red hair limp, her face red and tear stained.

Taking a deep breath, Kristina spoke so softly Zander could barely hear her over the sound of the waves and early morning noises of the docks.

"It's Alexis."

Jax prowled the sitting room of his suite. The urge to do something nearly overwhelming him. He wanted to fix this situation but knew that fixing wasn't possible. He reached for his cell at least a dozen times but each time he reconsidered his actions. He wanted to scream at the memory of how Alexis had looked. He wanted to throttle AJ Quartermaine and Sonny Corinthos each for hurting Alexis in different ways. And strangely enough he wanted to celebrate Alexis' pregnancy.

Collapsing on the couch, Jax let his mind wander over ways to assist his former wife. He nearly jumped when he felt cool hands trace over his face.

"Early meeting?" Skye's voice was throaty as she leaned closer to him and Jax felt the tickle of her hair against his temple. He sat up suddenly nearly colliding with his lover as he remembered the vivid bruises on Alexis' face.

"No. . ." Jax got up and moved away from the still sleepy eyed redhead. Skye didn't notice the odd look on his face or the distance between them but lay herself seductively over the couch smiling up at Jax.

"Couldn't sleep, you should have woke me up."

"You didn't hear the phone?"

Skye searched her mind for any noises that had disturbed her sleep but came up blank. She only remembered rolling over, reaching for Jax and finding an empty bed.

"The hospital called." Jax stammered slightly uncertain how much of the story he should tell.



"There was an error in Alexis' insurance. I was still listed as her husband so they called me."

Skye's eyes darkened with anger. "I assume you set them straight."

Jax raised his head looking at the woman who had shared his life for the last few months. There was no concern of why the hospital might have called only a territorial urge to state her claim.

"Alexis was attacked in her apartment. She was nearly raped."

Skye said nothing and shifted uncomfortably on the couch. Jax sighed unsure of how to continue.

"She is alright, the doctor wanted to keep her under observation."

"I hope this means Alexis is reconsidering the company she keeps." Skye's voice was cold and condescending.

Jax stepped back as if he had been struck. He decided to return the blow. "AJ is in custody for first degree assault and attempted rape."

Skye's face betrayed her surprise. "What? AJ wouldn't.. . "

"Apparently he would. If Jason hadn't been there. . . " Jax's voice trailed off imaging what might have happened to Alexis and her unborn child.

"Jason? Jason, our brother Jason?" Skye had gotten off the couch and was now standing fiddling with the hem of her robe. She had heard strange stories of her other half brother who had abandoned being a Quartermaine.

"Where is AJ? Is he okay? What are we going to do?" Skye's questions flew from her mouth as she ignored Jax's growing anger.

"Kristina, what happened to Alexis?" Zander asked gently seeking the woman's distress.

"She was. . .attacked. She's in General Hospital. Oh god, Zander, her face and her body."

Zander felt his stomach drop and he grabbed Kristina's arms resisting the urge to shake her until she made sense.

"What? Who hurt Alexis? When did this happen?"

Kristina tried to control her voice which seemed to rise and fall with each breath and seemed unnaturally loud. "Last night. Her apartment. AJ Quartermaine."

"AJ attacked Alexis?" Zander's own hatred of the Quartermaines seeped into his voice.

"Last night. He came to the penthouse."

"Is Alexis alright?" Zander began to panic wondering what might have happened to the woman who had showed him so much kindness only to be thrown aside in his blind loyalty to Carly.

Kristina nodded, "She's under observation. Lots of bruises, a concussion." She let out a strange hiccuping sob and began to cry again. Zander pulled her to him and let her cry stroking his fingers over her hair. Kristina clung to the young man she considered her friend allowing herself to finally to let it all go. Again she realized that she had sought comfort from everyone but the man who was supposed to be her lover. She had held onto Sonny, to Jax, and now Zander. Again dismissing thoughts of Ned, Kristina moved closer to Zander tightening her arms around his waist and brushing her cheek against the soft leather of his jacket.

Sonny stood by his car his arms braced against the doorframe. He wasn't sure how long he had been standing there. He had felt the cool air of night give way to the warm humidity of early morning. He had felt the darkness slip into light and his eyes were locked on the imposing facade of General Hospital. His mind a million miles away. His thoughts jumped from Puerto Rico to his penthouse, each memory of Alexis like a blow to his body. The last memories of her begging him to leave her alone threatened to bring him to his knees. Part of him wanted to just stand outside her hospital room or even just outside the hospital and watch over her in some fashion, but he was denied even that. He had to go back to Carly's house, back to the half life he was leading where he had to pretend that Alexis was only his soon to be former lawyer not his lover, not the woman he loved.

"You need to get back."

He glanced over his shoulder and met Benny's concerned expression.

"I don't want to." Sonny cringed at his own petulant tone. He was supposed to the leader of a crime syndicate not a spoiled child.

"Francis called, Carly is awake and asking for you." Benny did a poor job of hiding his distaste. "Max is there but Carly isn't going to be happy until she sees you."

"Carly won't be happy even if she sees me. Carly is incapable of being happy with anything at this point."

Benny shook his head. "Was she ever?"

Sonny said nothing but silently agreed with his right hand man. "Francis, coming here to take over for Johnny?"

"Yeah, he didn't even complain about pulling a double. He just asked if she was alright."

Sonny knew that his bodyguards were fond of Alexis for a variety of reasons. Some because of her kindness, some because of her humor, and he was fairly certain that a couple of them were fond of her because of the Eddie's Angel poster.

"Make sure all of them are well compensated for the extra work."

"We both know that won't be an issue. You still need to get back there."

"When the hell did you become so concerned about Carly." Sonny felt his anger rise. He knew this wasn't about Benny or Carly but he had to let it out.

"I don't give a damn about Carly. But you put yourself in this trap and for some reason I have to be the one to remind you of your obligations. You let the best woman in your life walk out of it with no more protest that to break some glass and you've chained yourself to a woman who has betrayed you and Jason how many times?" Benny sighed disgustedly waiting for Sonny's anger to show itself again. Sonny just slumped against the side of the car, looking older and more tired that Benny had ever seen him.

"I am doing this to protect Michael. I promised that he would always be safe."

"So you protect Michael at the expense of your own life. You let him grow up in a house filled with obligation and not love."

Benny's words were interrupted by the low ring of Sonny's cell phone. Sparing the older man a pleading look Sonny flipped the phone open. "Corinthos."

Benny cringed when he heard the shrill tones of Carly's voices echo through the tiny earpiece of Sonny's phone.

"Yeah, well something came up. No! No! I'll be there soon." With a harsh motion Sonny turned the phone off and opened the car door. "I am going." He said softly and Benny nodded stepping back from the car.

As he watched the car pull out of the lot, Benny's own phone rang. Checking the caller id he answered quickly. "Yeah, you find out who is hearing Quartermaine's arraignment? Good, make sure he doesn't make bail. We have plans for him on the inside."

Jason watched the door open and the nurse step inside. She was the same one who had been earlier waking Alexis seemingly without reason. The nurse had tried to explain that it was necessary but each time the young man had grown angrier and angrier. She was going to ask to be reassigned as soon as Bobbie Jones came in. Quickly she checked the patient's vitals she scurried out of the room.

"They should let you sleep." Jason's position in the chair put him face to face with Alexis who was now laying on her side.

"It's the head injury. They have to make sure that I don't fall into a coma. They know I am lawyer, it scares them. Plus my brother owns the hospital."

Jason chuckled softly amazed at how she could find humor in this.

"Speaking of sleep, you should go. You don't have to stay here with me."

"I haven't got anywhere better to be."

Alexis tried to smile but felt the stiffness of the muscles in her face and the tightness of the healing skin on her lip. "Just until Kristina or Jax gets here. I can't have you getting too run down. You have things to do."

He leaned closer to the bed, "Alexis, things can wait. But after I ask you something you might throw me out."

Snuggling further down into the pillow looking for a cool spot to ease the burning on her cheek Alexis nodded encouraging him to go ahead and ask.

"Why wouldn't you let Sonny stay?"

Alexis had known this was coming and had feared the question but strangely she wanted to tell someone. To let it all out. Jax and Kristina we too blinded by their own reactions to Sonny to listen objectively. She certainly couldn't go to Ned or anyone else.

"You know that Sonny and I were together before Carly's accident?"

The younger man nodded, Sonny had been fairly terse about explaining the situation but he had covered all the bases, including the fact that he and Alexis had been lovers.

"Sonny went back to Carly because he felt guilty about her accident. He wants to protect her and Michael and the only way he sees that he can do that is by being a husband and a father."

Jason moved his chair closer to the bed. Entranced by her soft brown eyes and the low cadence of her voice.

"Sonny was going to have AJ killed." She waited for Jason's reaction and was surprised when she got none.

"I know." Jason said nothing more the thought of AJ's death becoming more and more palatable. When he had first heard about the hit he was fairly unaffected. AJ Quartermaine might have been Jason Quartermaine's brother, but Jason Morgan felt no ties to the young man who had an incredible gift for cruelty.

"I asked him to call off the hit."

Jason nodded waiting for the rest of it.

"He did, that was the first night we were together. Now this happens. By listening to me and not having AJ killed Sonny feels guilty for what's happened to me. He feels guilty for what happened to Carly. I refuse to let him take that kind of responsibility."

"If AJ had been killed then he. . ."

"I told Sonny that night that the ends don't justify the means. AJ hurt me tonight and would have done so much worse if he could have, but I don't regret." For a moment Alexis choked up thinking about what she would have wished on AJ if he had truly hurt her baby.

"You're a good person." Jason said softly letting his hand move and brush her bangs away from her forehead.

"Shhh. . . Don't tell anyone, I am a Cassidine and lawyer. I have a reputation to protect."

Alexis closed her eyes feeling tired again and debating whether or not to tell this young man who was so close to Sonny something that she could not tell Sonny himself.

"Jason, I found out tonight I'm pregnant."

"It's Sonny's?" He had little doubt but he wanted her confirmation.

"Yes."

"Are you going to tell him?"

Alexis opened her eyes and found herself fixed in Jason's blue gaze.

"Not anytime soon."

Kristina stepped back from Zander and wiped her face with the sleeve of her sweater.

"I must be a mess,"

Zander looked at her red face and swollen eyes and knew there was no way to lie out this gracefully. "Yeah, you are."

Kristina couldn't help but smile as she wiped off the rest of her make up.

She sighed and turned back towards the water. Zander stepped up behind her.

"Is Alexis gonna be alright?"

"I think so."

"What about you?"

"Not sure."

"Anything a shower and breakfast might help, followed by a visit to your sister?"

"Would you come with me?"

"You sure? I mean things between Alexis and I haven't been that great. I doubt that she would want to see me."

"This is Alexis, once you're part of her family she doesn't let go easily, besides it would mean a lot to me."

"Okay, you need a ride to the penthouse?"`

"I am staying at the PC Hotel. Jax put me up."



Jax watched the redheaded woman stalk across the sitting room of the hotel. "I mean what are we going to do. I should call Alan. We need to get AJ a good lawyer."

Unable to hold back Jax stepped in front of Skye. "I tell you, your brother attacks Alexis and your concern is AJ? What about Alexis?"

"I mean it can't be that bad, AJ wouldn't hurt anyone unless he was provoked."

"Alexis apparently provoked him by opening her penthouse door. You didn't see what he did to her." Jax's stomach lurched remembering the bruises on Alexis' face.

"Jax, I think you're being irrational."

"You're defending your brother for attacking and I am being irrational." He grabbed his briefcase and his cell phone from the desk.

"Where are you going?"

"A room that's a little more rational."

Skye jumped back at loud slam of the door. She nearly screamed in frustration but picked up the phone dialing the familiar number.

A sleepy voiced Reginald picked up on the third ring, "Quartermaine Residence."

Skye pondered her options and realized that Alan would probably not be the best person in this situation. "Reginald, it's Skye, I need to speak to my grandfather."



The room was moving around him. It wasn't an unusual sensation after a drinking binge but this movement seemed to have more direction than normal.

"He's waking up."

"Big deal. It'll be more fun if the little bastard is awake. I just hope he don't puke again. He does I am putting him on his back and he can just choke on it."

"Those weren't our orders."

"Our orders were to make him regret being born. I think that fits that description."

AJ slowly came to consciousness feeling the strain in his back and shoulders as he was dragged down the hall by his arms.

""What? What's going on?"

"We're the welcoming committee, boyo and it's your turn to say howdy."

With a sudden movement AJ found himself almost thrown across the room. Thank God something large and metal broke his fall. Crumpling into a small heap, AJ looked up trying to figure out what was going on.

"You aren't cops."

"Give rich boy a star. No, a couple of underpaid public servants turned their heads the other way while we asked if we could take you for a little walk."

"Careful of his face, we don't want him impugning the character of the PCPD at his arraignment."

"Impugning?"

"Word of the day desk calender."

"Nice."

Distracted by the bizarre dialogue between the shadowy figures, AJ didn't realize that he had been pulled up and pinned to wall at a height of roughly 6 feet. His feet dangled, heels kicking uselessly against what was hot enough to be a steam pipe.

The first blow caught him in the side and knocked all wind out of his body. He had barely a chance to try and breath again when another blow to the opposite side shook through him. Metal encased knuckles seemed to gong against the hollowness of his rib cage.

AJ felt blood seep from his mouth as he tried to talk. "Sonny won't get away with this."

"Who is Sonny?" One of the figures muttered softly as he moved closer. He delivered to blows lower on AJ's stomach. The barrage of hits happened so quickly AJ wasn't even sure how many times he had been struck. The bonds that were holding him high on the wall loosened and he dropped landing on his bruised stomach. That's when the kicks began from both sides. Sharp toed shoes digging in hard as strong legs kicked up hard. The line began just under his rib cage and ended between his legs.

Just as he was about to black out from the pain, a strong hand grabbed AJ by the hair and yanked him up hard.

"This is just a hello, Mr. Quartermaine. There are some very nasty men in prison who have ideas about what should have to wanna be rapists. Your size and those sweet features are pretty much gonna guarantee you will be belle of the ball. After what they do to you, you'll remember us fondly."

After his face met the rough surface of the floor, AJ was again unconscious.



Sonny stood on the porch and found himself locked in Max's unimpressed stare.

"How is Ms. Davis?"

"She should be fine."

"Nothing like that should happen to a good woman." Max had never said anything about Carly or her accident except to roll his eyes then try to control his temper which she had one of her tantrums.

"Carly's awake?" It was more of a stalling technique than an actually question.

"Oh yeah."

Max opened the door for him and Sonny took a deep breath trying to calm himself. He had to focus on everything but Alexis. Too many stray thoughts of how she had looked in the hospital bed and there was no way he was going to make it into the house.

"Uncle Sonny!" Michael's voice echoed through the house as he scrambled down the steps and into the safety of Sonny's arms. "Momma's mad."



Zander toyed with his mug as he watched Kristina devour a strip of bacon. For all her earth first and cosmic consciousness she didn't seem to have a problem with greasy diner food for breakfast.

She looked better. He had driven her back to the PC Hotel and waited while she showered and changed. The clean jeans and pale lavender sweater made her look like a coed. The fact she wasn't wearing makeup and her long red hair was braided tightly back from face only added to the image.

"Zander?" Kristina waved her fork in front of his eyes. He was obviously distracted.

"Huh?"

"Am I that boring?"

Zander realized that he was imagining what Kristina had underneath the jeans and that sweater, trying to hide the beginning blush, he ducked his head sipping his coffee.

"Well am I?"

"No, I was just thinking. You sure Alexis won't mind seeing me?"

"Why are you so nervous?"

"You know things haven't been right between me and Alexis for awhile."

"Alexis and I." Kristina tried to hide the smirk when he looked up at her with a raised eyebrow.

"I didn't know Ned was dating the grammar police."

"Would explain why he hasn't been that interested in me."

"Things a little tense there?"

"We are treading water. I guess it's not always the best idea to start a rebound relationship with your ex's sister. "

"Is he a rebound relationship for you too?"

"He's a set up relationship."

Zander looked at her questioningly.

"Whenever you start over someplace you develop new places and people. You set up new places where you go for coffee or to buy the morning paper. You set up new people, friends and lovers.

Ned is apparently a failed set up relationship. I should have known better too."

"You shared this information with him."

"Zander, the last time I saw Ned he was throttling a vending machine because of my sister getting hurt. I don't think I am really on his mind right now."



The spray of lilacs seemed to have legs. That was Alexis' first thought as she turned towards the opening door. Jason was on point as always placing himself between her and the walking flower display.

"Alexis?" A familiar accented voice came from the flowers.

"Jax?" Even though it made her mouth hurt Alexis couldn't stop her giggle. Jason turned back and flashed a grin at her then he went to help the stumbling lilacs.

The two men wrestled the oversized bouquet into a corner and Jax moved to the opposite side of the bed from Jason.

"Did I win the Kentucky Derby?"

"Ha ha ha." Jax leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on Alexis' cheek. "I saw them and couldn't resist."

"I guess in the Jax mind this is the equal to a 'Pick Me Up Bouquet'."

"Nothing but the best for my ex wife. How are you?"

Before answering him, Alexis turned to Jason. "If you want to go get some rest or. . . anything else, Jax will keep me company for a bit. I am sure Kristina will be here soon."

Jason looked reluctant.

"Please?"

"Okay, I will be back soon though. I promise. If you need anything Francis is outside now and,"

He grabbed a piece of paper and pen from his jacket pocket. "this is my cell number." He pressed the folded paper into her hand. He looked up at Jax.

"Anything happens call me."

Jax nodded surprised at the younger man's concern. Jason was unsure how to say goodbye so he trailed his hand up the side of Alexis' face and tucked a strand of her dark hair behind her ear.

"I'll be back."

Alexis gave him a small smile then watched him walk out of the room. After the door had closed Jax spoke. "What was that all about?"



Monica sat on the terrace of the Quartermaine mansion unable to bring herself to go inside. AJ was in jail, Alexis in the hospital, and Jason back in town his anger for his family still unabated. Wiping her eyes, Monica toyed with one of the ornamental pebbles in Lila's flowers. The urge to throw the smooth shiny stone and break something was becoming overwhelming. Somewhere it had all gotten out of control and there seemed no way to fix it. She rested against the wall of the house and listened to the shuffling of Reginald and Alice in the den. The peace of those simple noises was interrupted by the shrill ring of the doorbell and Skye's voice asking for Edward.

Monica moved closer to the french doors fearing what brought Alan's daughter to the house this early.

"Young Lady, this better be important.." Edward's bluster proceeded him down the stairs.

"Do you know about AJ?" Skye held the folded morning edition of the paper. The front page article described Alexis' attack but did not name AJ. Skye doubted the evening edition would be that discreet.

"What has my drunken grandson done now?"

Skye handed Edward the paper. The old man scanned the headline and blanched.

"Dear God."



Sonny wasn't in the mood for a temper tantrum. He wasn't in the mood for Carly and he certainly wasn't in the mood for the plate that whirled by his head as he stepped into the bedroom.

He had given Michael to Leticia instructing the young woman to take him to the park and not come back until Max or one of the other men told her to. Leticia looked grateful for the escape route.

"What the hell are you doing?" Sonny managed to get out before the saucer that matched the plate sailed over his head.

"Where have you been? I am stuck in this bed and you're off with your whore."

Sonny made it to the side of the bed in a couple of easy strides and pulled the breakfast tray off the bed scattering the remaining dishes, but putting them out of Carly's reach.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"I heard your men talking about your precious Alexis. Did she invent some crisis so you would come riding to her rescue."

Sonny bit his tongue, he wanted to so badly to say that was Carly's style not Alexis'. Again the difference between the two women seemed so obvious in the way they handled trauma. Carly drowned herself in it and tried to pull everyone else under. Alexis wouldn't even let herself depend on him for a moment. Staring down at Carly's red face, Sonny once again cursed himself.



Jason stood outside the hospital listening to the sounds of city. He wanted to be back in San Cristobal, where the traffic was minimal and no matter where you stayed on the island you could smell the scent of the ocean. He wondered if Alexis would like San Cristobal. He stretched feeling the stiffness in his arms and back. He had been awake for almost 48 hours but that seemed unimportant compared to what had happened. Taking his cell out, he punched the speed dial

"Benny, I know it's been a long night but I need a few favors."



"What was that all about?"

"Jason's been very protective of me. If he hadn't shown up last night." Alexis shuddered and wrapped her arms around herself.

"Remind me to thank him again. If AJ had. . . " Jax's voice trailed off and he reached for Alexis' hand. She wrapped her fingers around his and gave a brave smile.

"He didn't and I intend to see that he doesn't get anymore chances."

"He won't Alexis. You know if there is anything you need from me?"

"Just glad you're here and that you know about the baby." Jax watched as her free hand drifted down just brushing over the hospital gown.

"Alexis?" Kristina's soft voice came from the door where she stood half in the room. "Are you up for other visitors?"

Alexis sighed softly dreading an encounter with Ned. She had hoped that he might have listened to Jason last night but apparently that was asking too much.

"Kristina. . ." She wanted her sister with her but not at the expense of feeling uncomfortable.

Seeing the hesitancy and sensing the reason for it Kristina spoke again, "Alexis, it's Zander. "

"Zander?"

Kristina spared a look over her shoulder at Zander who stood back from Francis and shifted his weight from foot to foot. "Just a second."

Zander nodded. Kristina moved into the room and let the door shut before she spoke.

"He wasn't sure if he should come or not but he was worried about you."

Alexis thought about the young man who had shared her home and been like her younger brother. She had missed their closeness.

"I think I'd like to see him."

Kristina nodded. "I didn't tell him about that baby." She hesitated for a moment and then moved closer touching Alexis' shoulder.

"I haven't really been good about considering your feelings and what you want Alexis. I get caught up in what I think is best for people and most of the time whether I want to admit it or not it backfires on me. I can't make any promises that I won't meddle or shoot my mouth off at inappropriate times about things that aren't really any of my business. But I promise I'll try to be better."

Alexis put her hand over Kristina's and smiled. Not trusting herself to speak she just nodded. Kristina went back to the door and motioned to Zander. Uncertain he shuffled into the room hardly looking up from the floor tiles.

Then Alexis said his name. "Zander."

"Alexis." He wasn't sure what to say. He could feel his anger at AJ for hurting Alexis. He could feel his anger at himself and at Sonny for leaving her unprotected, but he had no idea what to say. As always Alexis helped him out.

"It's not as bad as it looks."

"That's not saying much.."



Jason sat at one of the table's outside Kelly's waiting for Benny. He sipped the too hot coffee without much notice of the temperature or the taste. His mind was working over options that seemed absurd when he first considered them, but now seemed to make more and more sense.

"Jason?"

He looked up then nodded for Benny to join him. The older man wore a different suit and looked like he had gotten a full eight hours sleep though Jason knew different.

"How is she?" Jason was surprised at how much Benny seemed to care about Alexis. Concern for Alexis' herself not the way it effected Sonny or his business interest.

"She's doing okay. They kept waking her up at the hospital to make sure she was alright. It was annoying. I talked to her doctor they expect to release her today if everything checks out."

"Taggart's going to interview her at the hospital this morning. Sometime around 10."

Jason raised an eyebrow.

"I just thought you might want to be there. I am sure he is looking for you too."

"Taggart doesn't worry me."

"But Alexis does?" Benny really didn't want an explanation from Jason on why he was doing all this for Alexis. He was just glad to see someone in the lady lawyer's corner for a change.

"Right now yes. This thing with AJ and the Quartermaines has the potential to get ugly. I've seen them in action before. They'll protect AJ to protect the name. Alexis shouldn't have to deal with that."

"I talked to a realtor, there are four properties that meet the description you gave on the phone. They are sending paperwork to warehouse. I'll have one of the boys bring them to you."

"If I chose one how quickly can we get into it?"

"All are rental properties, furnished, ready for occupancy. 3 are lake houses. You chose one and you can be there tonight."

"What about security?"

"The boys will do a sweep before you move and most of the properties have fairly decent built in. One of the things you requested."

Jason nodded and checked his watch.

"I need to get back to the hospital. Does Sonny know about any of this?"

"I was told before you came back that you were in charge. I take my cues from you and keep him out of the loop unless something makes me uncomfortable."

Jason almost smiled.

"Give Alexis my regards." The older man stood and straightened his suit. "I'll be at the warehouse if you need me."

Jason dropped some cash onto the table and headed back towards GH.



"So you're okay?" Zander felt like an idiot for asking again but there seemed no way to reassure himself while seeing the bruises on her face.

"I will be, and you're as bad as them." Alexis motioned to Kristina and Jax who were sitting next to the bed. Alexis was glad for the company and for Zander being there. The tension between them had dissipated with their typical back and forth. Neither mentioned Sonny or Carly, but unlike previous encounters the two were not wedged between them.

Kristina watched Zander smile and make Alexis laugh talking about something that had happened down on the docks. She was glad that he had come for both their sakes. Alexis needed all the support she could get especially now and Zander seemed to just need someone.

Alexis' laugh was halted by the opening of the door.

"Ms. Davis." Ian Thornhart stepped in the room pleased to see how well his patient was doing.

"Dr. Thornhart."

Zander moved from the side of the bed allowing the doctor closer.

"I hate to interrupt, but if you give me a chance to look you over there is the possibility that we can spring you today."

Jax stood up and leaned over kissing Alexis' cheek. "Let me know how things go. I have some things I need to get accomplished today. But if you need anything, anything you have my cell. Plus, I suspect Jason is going to be back any second."

Zander and Kristina both looked curiously at Alexis.

"Jason. . . .?"

Alexis looked back at Dr. Thornhart.

"Whenever you're ready."

Kristina laughed and took Zander's hand. "I think that's our cue. I need to talk to Taggart about getting back into the penthouse. Especially if we can get you out of here today."

Alexis blanched. She hadn't thought about going back to the penthouse. She had just wanted out of the hospital, but the idea of going back there facing the disaster. . .

"I've had a service go by and clean it up." Jax watched Alexis' face but realized that this might more than just the idea of going back to the mess.

"I'm going to make arrangements for you at the PC Hotel. I'll get you and Kristina a suite."

Alexis thought for moment then looked back at the doctor. "Let's make sure I can leave then we can figure it all out."

Jax nodded and headed out. Kristina gave her sister as quick kiss and for some reason took Zander's hand as they left the room.

Alexis looked up sheepishly at Dr. Thornhart. "They mean well."

"I can tell. You're lucky to have all of them, but I know family and friends can only do so much. What happened last night was pretty traumatic. If you'd like I could have Kevin Collins or someone from the psychology staff come talk to you."

Alexis shifted as he peered in one eye then the other trying not to squint at the brightness.

"I know Kevin and he's a great guy, but. . ."

"Just wanted to let you know that if you need someone to talk to besides a very concerned doctor like myself, you have options."

"Thank you."

"Have you seen an OBGYN yet?"

"Dr. Potter is supposed to come by later."

"You haven't had any spotting or cramping?"

"No."

"Any pain."

"Except my head, no."

"Is that better from last night?"

"It's better less pounding."

"That's good. I am going to speak to Dr. Potter after she examines you and if she gives the all clear then I think you can check out today. I want you to watch out for dizziness and blackouts. Come back to the hospital if you experience either."

"Thank you and I will." Alexis leaned back her hands resting on her stomach.

"Just rest until Doctor Potter sees you and if you have any questions have me paged." Looking at the empty room Ian laughed, "You might take advantage of the quiet and get some more sleep."



Sonny could still hear Carly shouting upstairs. He had to get out the room and away from her before she said one more thing about Alexis. He never wanted to be the kind of man who hit a woman particularly an injured woman, but each day it got harder to control his temper. The vicious words about Alexis rang through his head each one making him cringe. He would call Carly's doctor and discuss her condition again hoping someway that she could walk again and he could get himself out of his own hell. Sonny contemplated the bottles of liquor on the sideboard. Another battle he fought everyday. Not to numb himself against this life. Sonny picked up the cell then dialed a familar number he spoke softly in Spanish not wanting to alert Carly.



Alexis was almost asleep when someone knocked on her door. Francis seemed to reluctantly stick his head in the room.

"Ms. Davis, Detective Taggart's here to speak to you."

Alexis pushed herself up into a sitting position and took a deep breath. "You can let him in Francis."

"You sure Ms. Davis? Mr. Morgan will be back soon."

"It's okay. I'll cover for you with Jason."

The bodyguard gave a weak smile and stepped back from the door letting the detective in.

Taggart had braced himself remembering how Alexis had looked the night before on the stretcher. He was surprised to see her sitting up in the bed waiting for him. Alexis Davis' resilience on display again.

"Detective Taggart."

"How are you Alexis?"

"Sore, but okay. According to the doctor I should be released today after another checkup."

"Good, good, I suppose you know why I'm here."

"Since you didn't bring any flowers or a get well card, I am guessing you're here to take my statement."



"AJ did this?" Edward sat heavily down on the couch. His shirt collar seemed too tight.

Skye moved around the room playing with the coffee carafe. She hated being in this house without AJ. He had been her only ally against the family now she was turning to Edward for his help. It just all seemed off.

"That's what Jax said. He said that AJ went to Alexis' penthouse last night and . . . "

"That boy seems to want nothing more than his own destruction and the destruction of his family."

"Whatever destructive feeling AJ may have toward the family, I am sure they are nothing compared to what he feels towards Alexis and Sonny Corinthos." Both Edward and Skye turned to see a weary looking Ned standing in the doorway.

"We all knew that this was coming. That AJ was drinking and he was probably dangerous to himself and others. But did we do anything?

No. In the true Quartermaine fashion we turned our backs and someone else paid the consequences."

Edward began to bluster. "I don't know what that so called ex fiancee turned mobstress told you but I am sure AJ didn't do anything like this paper suggests."

"Well you see Grandfather, I didn't get a chance to talk to Alexis. She was too busy having a Catscan and trying to recover from her concussion and God knows what other injuries. Not to mention that Jason made it clear that if I or any other Quartermaine came close to Alexis he would make it his business to remove us."

"Jason's back. . . What is he doing back in town? Probably conspiring with Corinthos."

"Jason's appointed himself as Alexis' protector." Ned slumped back against the door.

"That's besides the point now, what do we do about AJ?" Skye spoke loudly trying to get both men's attention.



Jason stopped next to Francis before entering Alexis' room.

"How is she?"

"She's been good, her sister and Zander were here earlier. The doc stopped by. Taggart's in there now."

"Taggart?" Jason moved quickly to the door peering through the glass.

Alexis was sitting up speaking to the detective, she didn't seem upset but he wanted to make sure. He stepped inside and was glad to see Alexis cast a smile at him. Taggart however didn't seem as happy to see him.

"Morgan, I would like to finish this up with Ms. Davis alone."

"I think that's up to Ms. Davis."

Alexis looked back and forth between the two men. "I would prefer if Jason stayed. That way you can also get his statement."

Jason sat in the chair on the other side of the bed and tried not to look too smug as he smiled at Taggart.

"Go ahead Alexis." Taggart turned back to his notes and Alexis trying to ignore Morgan.

"I had asked AJ to leave repeatedly but he refused. I was about to go to Penthouse 4 and wait until he left."

"Isn't penthouse 4 unoccupied."

"I have the keys. I was waiting to give them to Jason. I was going to take them when AJ pinned me to the desk. He had been making suggestive remarks. They got more suggestive. He tried to touch me and when I pushed his hand away." Alexis swallowed hard then continued. "That's when he used the bottle. He hit me. . . " She raised her hand to her temple. When she dropped it back onto the bed she felt Jason's fingers wrap around hers.

Alexis lay back against the pillows, her fingers still tangled with Jason's as he gave Taggart the last of his statement.

"Is there anything else?" The tall detective looked back and forth between them and then nodded his head. "Thank you for your time, Miss Davis. I know this hasn't been easy but this will definitely help us with our case."

Alexis nodded back knowing she should ask about the arraignment and charges but right now she just wanted Taggart gone. She wanted to put her hands on her stomach without worrying that it might be noted in some police record and pretend that she could feel her baby moving and growing safe inside her. Taggart stood up, "The arraignment should be today or tomorrow."

Alexis murmured a quiet thanks. Taggart noticed that Morgan's focus had shifted from him back to Alexis. Now the younger man was watching her intently, his thumb caressing the back of her hand.

Taggart wondered why Sonny's trusted lieutenant seemed so concerned for Alexis. Giving a short wave goodbye that seemed unnoticed by either of them Taggart left the room.

"You okay?"

"Yes. Thank you for staying here with me. I seem to be repeating that phrase pretty often."

"You don't have to say thanks." Jason smoothed down the edge of the blankets.

"You're doing a lot for me. I should say thanks."

"Are they springing you today?"

"Dr. Potter, the OBGYN is coming by. She gets the final say. Everything checks out with the baby then I get to leave."

"You won't mind if I wait out in the hall on that one?"

Alexis looked shocked then laughed. "Okay, you and Francis can wait outside."

"Well see Francis asked if he could."

"Jason!"

They sat in silence for a moment before Francis knocked.

"Mr. Morgan, Benny had these sent over for you." He hand Jason a bundle of envelopes. Alexis watched curiously as Jason laid them out carefully on the bedside table.

"What are those?"

"Something I wanted to talk to you about. Do you want to go back to the penthouse if they let you go today?"

Alexis thought for a moment then shook her head. "Jax says he's had it cleaned up but I am not ready to go back there. Jax talked about getting Kristina and I a suite at the PC hotel."

Jason nodded. "If you don't want him to do that, I can put you up in the PC Hotel or anywhere else. Or you can have penthouse 4. We could share it. Or I have another solution." Jason opened the envelopes.

"These are 4 houses. Rentals. All outside town at least ten miles. 3 are up at Loon Lake. I was thinking. It might be better than a hotel. Someplace quiet."

"Jason, how. . .. ?"

"Flash of inspiration last night."

"I couldn't."

"Why not?"

Alexis picked up the papers and looked over the pictures. All the houses were large and two of them had porches that looked out on the lake.

"It could be for a week, or two, or a month, or until the baby's born."

Alexis nearly dropped the pictures. She hadn't really been thinking beyond this afternoon, she was going have to focus. The baby would have to come first.

"I can't see Kristina and I rattling around in a big empty house ten miles from town. It's a recipe for disaster."

"What if it wasn't just the two of you?"

"Not sure if I could put up with Johnny and Francis full time. I mean they are nice guys, but. . . . "

"I didn't mean Johnny or Francis."

"Jason. . .you have other things to worry about. You can't put your responsibilities on hold to take care of me. I'm not. . . "

"You're not Carly, and I'm not Sonny. I'm not going to stop running things. You're not going to stop being my lawyer. I hope. This is an option. I don't know if you want to go back to the penthouse. If you do that's fine. But expect to find me on your couch every morning."

Alexis was about to protest again.

"Alexis, just think about it. I am going to go ahead and book a couple of suites at the PC hotel. You don't have to decide right now."

She was about to speak when a woman ducked her head inside the door,

"Ms. Davis."

Alexis cleared her throat and motioned the woman in. "Hello Dr. Potter."

"I'm not interrupting am I?"

"No, this is my friend Mr. Morgan."

Jason shook the doctor's hand. "I am going to wait outside. Alexis, if you need me."

Alexis gave him a bright smile. "I know how to whistle."



Jason paced up and down the hospital corridor keeping a wary eye for anyone who approached. He thought he caught a glimpse of Alan in the hallway but either the older man realized he wasn't a welcome presence or he was called in another direction. Jason was distracted by his thoughts until a young man approached Alexis' door.

"I have a delivery for Ms. Davis."

Francis moved behind the man cutting him off if he tried to run. Jason stepped in front of him.

"Ms. Davis is with her Doctor. You can leave it with me."

"I have instructions that this is supposed to be delivered to Ms. Davis personally."

Jason nodded to Francis who flashed a fifty from a roll in his pocket and gave it to the young man who immediately handed the white box to Jason. Holding the box carefully, Jason looked for any signs that it might be something from the Quartermaines or Alexis' own twisted family, but the plain box revealed nothing. He sat in down in one of the chairs and continued to pace the corridor waiting for word from the Doctor.



AJ shifted his body on the hard bunk of the cell. His whole body ached but he knew that he would not complain to a guard or even Taggart. Slowly memories of the beating gave way to visions of his own attack on Alexis. Guilt surged but he tried to hold it back. She had deserved it. Hadn't she? Closing his eyes, AJ curled himself tighter against the wall the bunk was butted up against. His mind desperately trying to forget Alexis' cries of pain.



Monica was tired of listening to Skye, Edward, and Ned argue. Standing up from her spot by the door she went inside. "We will get AJ a good lawyer. That's about all we can do."

The three turned in surprise. Edward was about to begin a blustering rant and Skye looked like she had encountered something particularly awful smelling but Monica wasn't in the mood.

"I don't want to listen to machinations and plots. I don't want to hear any words against Alexis or Jason. You didn't see them in the emergency room. I did. You didn't see AJ." Monica could feel herself beginning to choke up but she tried to hold back the tears. Weakness and Quartermaines didn't mix.



Francis watched Jason carefully. The more time the doctor spent in the Miss Davis' room the more agitated the younger man seemed to get. Francis himself was concerned. Johnny had told him how Ms. Davis had looked after her attack. The bodyguard gave a relieved sigh when the doctor emerged from Alexis' room smiling. "You can go back in Mr. Morgan."

"She okay?" Jason's voice was filled with anxiety.

"For all she's been through she's doing very well."

"What about the. . ." Jason stopped realizing the baby wasn't common knowledge."

"Alexis, can tell you all about that." The pleasant woman nodded and then headed down the hall. Jason grabbed the box from the chair and headed into Alexis' room, smiling at the woman sitting up in bed.

"How you doing?"

"We're good. The doctor said that everything seems to be okay with the baby. I just have to take it easy for a little while and report any pain or spotting."

Jason was tempted to let out a whoop but restrained himself uncertain why Alexis' health and the health of her child had suddenly become his greatest priority.

"This came while the doctor was in here." He handed her the white box trying to distract himself.

Alexis took the box something about it familiar and broke the gold sticker seal. As the she lifted the lid the aroma of the flowers hit her before she actually saw them. "Gardenias." She whispered softly taking one of the large blossoms from the box feeling the velvet of it's petals.

"Alexis?" Jason watched her face seem to freeze in an expression of sorrow and regret.

She could barely raise her eyes from the blossoms. Jason fought the urge to grab the box from her and take back those minutes.

"They're from Sonny."



"So what do you want to do now?" Zander and Kristina stood in front of Kelly's slightly at loose ends.

"I probably need to get some clothes for Alexis if they send her home today."

"Let's go."

"Zander, you don't have to stay with me. I'll be alright."

"You say that now, but what happens if you get to the penthouse and you aren't alright."

"You don't pull any punches."

"Let's go get Alexis some clothes."

Kristina stepped forward when her cell phone rang. "Hello, this is Kristina."

Zander watched the slight smile slip from her face.

"Hey Ned."



Jason watched Alexis carefully. She had not spoken since saying the flowers were from Sonny. Her fingers had stroked the blossoms and she had inhaled the delicate fragrance that now seemed to fill the room.

Finally, she placed the flowers back in the box and closed the lid. When she looked at him her eyes were filled with tears.

"Gardenias, my favorite." Alexis wiped her hand over her face and Jason scooted closer to her on the bed. He took a tissue and dabbed carefully at her tears refusing to let her take the tissue from him.

"They smell. . ." Jason knew this would sound foolish but wanted to say something to lighten the suddenly heavy mood of the room. Sonny's presence. "Like you."

Alexis gave him a goofy smile. "I think you mean that the other way around."

"Whatever." He motioned to the box still sitting in front of her. "Should I?"

Alexis looked at the box remembering it's twin in front of her door on Valentine's and the joy she had felt when she had seen Sonny smiling at her in the hall. Gardenias had been a language between them. From the one he pinned in her hair in Puerto Rico to the Valentine's day. Now these. Another part of her relationship with Sonny marked by gardenias. Slowly, she sat the box on the table next to the bed. She wiped her face carefully with the back of her hand and Jason dropped his eyes giving her a moment to compose herself.

"The doctor said you were good?"

Alexis smiled but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Yes, I get sprung."

"So what do we need to do?"

Touched by the "we", Alexis gave him another brighter smile..

"We check into the Port Charles Hotel. At least for tonight."

"Have you given anymore thought to the houses?"

Alexis wasn't sure how to tell him that she had thought of nothing but the pictures of the houses since he had brought the brochures. That was until the gardenias.

"I need to talk to Kristina, but. . . ." She was afraid to say anymore.

"It's okay Alexis. The houses will be there tomorrow."



Zander suspected he should move away and let Kristina have some privacy on the phone but he didn't want to. He was curious how much or how little she would tell him or if he was about to be thrown over for Quartermaine.

"Yes, I saw her. She's doing as well as can be expected. No, I don't know what's going on with her and Jason. He helped her last night and I get the feeling he is still helping her. NO!"

Zander jumped slightly at the anger in Kristina's voice.

"If Alexis doesn't want to see you Ned, I don't intend to force her. She's been through a lot." The pale skin of Kristina's face turned a deep shade of red. "I think we need to talk when you are a little more rational and a little less possessive of Alexis." She slammed the small phone shut and looked like she wanted to hurl it as far away from her as possible.

Zander gave a small grin and raised an eyebrow, "Problem?"

Kristina couldn't help but smile at the impish look on the young man's face and felt her anger against Ned dissipate a little. But the smile was gone as soon as the phone rang again.

"I swear if this is Ned." Kristina muttered as she opened the phone again. "Hello. Alexis? Really? Yea, Zander and I were about to go to the penthouse and get some clothes. Okay, sure. Love you Alexis." Kristina's face had taken on a sad wistful look and Zander moved closer putting his hand on her shoulder. She let herself lean against him for a moment as she put her cell phone away. "Alexis wants to stay at the PC hotel for a little while and then she mentioned something about finding somewhere else."

"Is she okay?"

"Not sure. She said the doctor said she could leave the hospital and that was good but..." Kristina stopped knowing she couldn't say anything more without speaking about the baby.



Sonny watched Michael run his trucks over the dirt tracks he had carved into the yard. The boy loved being outside playing with his seemingly endless supply of toy cars. Even though special accommodations had been made to the house for Carly's wheelchair to come down stairs and set in the backyard to watch her child she seldom did it. When Sonny asked he always received the same lame excuse that it was too painful for Carly to see her son outside and not be able to play with him. Carly had never played with Michael outside unless she thought it would be observed by others and commented on. Sonny ruffled the boy's hair and received a toothy smile in return. He nodded to Leticia who sat close by a book in her hands. The woman nodded back and returned to her reading. Sonny stepped back into the house and contemplated the walls. This wasn't his home. The decision to stay in Carly's home had been the most logical. It was larger than the penthouse and more easily modified for the wheelchair and medical care that Carly would need. Michael had also gotten used to the house with it's yard and amenities. Sonny had tried to make things as easy on the boy as possible. As comfortable and as homey as the house attempted to be Sonny still felt like a guest in it. A guest who wanted nothing more than to return to his own home and his own life.

"SONNY!"

The shrill tone of Carly's voice made him flinch but he trudged up the steps wondering what disaster awaited him.



Carly leaned back against the headboard and arranged her nightgown in a little more seductive manner. She had decided to move ahead with her revelation of her regained movement. Whatever had happened to Alexis was proving distracting to Sonny. She needed to something to regain his attention. What better way than to produce a minor miracle by moving her foot. Once she had Sonny's focus again she could slow down again seducing him day by day. She waited for him and was slightly disappointed how long it took him to come upstairs. But once he was in the door way she gave him what she hoped was a teary smile. "Come see," She motioned him closer not noticing the dread with which he approached. Pulling the blankets away from her legs and baring her feet she carefully twitched her toe.

"Do you see? I can move it." She waited for a joyous reaction, but was disappointed when he gave her a grim smile and a brushed kiss across her forehead. "That's great, I'll call Dr. Moore. I am sure he'll want to check you out." Without another word he left the room. Carly gave a small internal shriek and threw the blankets to the floor. That wasn't what she had expected.



Kristina tapped carefully on the door before sticking her head in, Alexis was sitting up in the hospital bed talking with Jason. The bruises had faded a little more but were still obvious but the smile on her face seemed to lighten them. Kristina and Zander walked quietly into room and Zander sat the bag on the bed.

"Something simple I hope?" Alexis asked seeing the small suitcase.

"The gray number with the belt." It was Kristina's least favorite of Alexis' lawyer clothes and she never missed an opportunity to tease her sister about it. Alexis chuckled and reached for the bag only to be cut off by Jason who brought it up and sat it beside her. Kristina could see Alexis was itching to comment on the young man's attentiveness but for some reason she was reluctant. Kristina glanced at the young man who she had barely noticed last night. He was attractive, his dark blonde hair spiked in a longish buzz cut and his skin was tanned deeply. He didn't look like he had seen a real winter in several years and if she had to guess a profession she would have picked him as an athlete of some sort. He certainly didn't look like Ned's cousin or a mob enforcer. Her observation of Jason was interrupted when the young man met her gaze and Kristina saw something dark flash over his face. Turning her head back to Alexis, Kristina spoke.

"Those work?"

Alexis smiled at the pair of comfortable jeans and soft sweater that Kristina had tucked into the bag. "Perfect."

"There are more clothes in the car, but I thought this would enough." Alexis nodded and lifted the covers about to get up from the bed. Kristina moved to help her but Jason took her arm.

"Thank you, but I think I would be more comfortable if Kristina helped me and you and Zander waited outside."

The two younger men had the decency to look slightly embarrassed and Jason helped Alexis to her feet before he would leave. His hand passed over her shoulder in an almost caress as he walked away from her.

"You know the drill." It had become something between them. She nodded and watched him leave.

Kristina carefully helped Alexis out of the hospital gown and into her clothes. She tried not to wince as the extensive bruising of Alexis' back and shoulders became visible. Instead she just hugged her sister. After dressing, Alexis sat on the bed as Kristina searched through the bag for the tennis shoes she had brought. Alexis spotted the brochures and leaned over snagging them, her hand brushing the box that still held the gardenias. Kristina caught the movement and sat on the bed next to Alexis and handed her the tennis shoes. "What are those?"

"Something Jason brought."



Sonny held the phone in his hands after speaking with Dr. Moore. The doctor had been encouraged by the news of Carly's movement and would be over later in the afternoon. Sonny knew he should have more of a reaction to what was seemingly a miracle, but his only thought when Carly had flexed her toe was that maybe there was finally an end in sight to this disaster. Dialing Jason's cell phone, Sonny waited for the younger man to pick up.

"Morgan."

"You shouldn't have your phone on at the hospital."

"So the nurses keep telling me."

"How is she?"

"Better, the doctor gave her the all clear. She's being released today."

"She's not going back to the penthouse."

"No."

"Hotel?"

"Yeah, I am going to stay with her for a while. That going to be a problem?"

Sonny's hand clenched the phone remembering the way that Jason had held Alexis letting her cry against him. The younger man was just concerned, Sonny told himself.

"Make sure she's protected." It was all Sonny could manage to get out.

"Definitely."



Alexis handed the brochures to Kristina and then grabbed the box that contained the gardenias.

"Alexis, what are these?" Kristina asked again as she flipped the pictures.

"Houses."

"I can see that Alexis." She gave a small laugh and nudged Alexis. "Why did Jason bring them to you?"

Alexis opened the box of gardenias. "He has this really strange idea."

Kristina noticed the open box and the smell of the flowers but said nothing about them,

"What kind of strange idea?"

"He's offered those houses to me. To us actually." Alexis tried to sound nonchalant as she toyed the with flowers.

"Offered them?" Kristina was stunned. The houses were beautiful.

"They are rentals. He's offered them to us for how ever long we want them. In case, I am not ready to go back to the penthouse. Even till after the baby's born."

"What do you think?" Kristina actually thought it was a good idea. Her own visit to the penthouse had left her shaken. She couldn't even begin to think what it might be like for Alexis to go back.

"I have to go back to the penthouse eventually just for. . . ."

Kristina put her arm around Alexis' shoulder. "I know. But as much as I like the penthouse. This. . . " She held up one of the brochures. "Could really grow on me."

Alexis wasn't surprised when Kristina offered up the picture of the large house on the lake with a wraparound porch. Alexis nodded and closed the box of flowers tucking it into the bag that Kristina had brought her clothes in.



Jason paced the hallway brushing by Zander and Francis every few seconds as he walked his route of tiles. Every once and while Jason would stop at take a long look at the door to Alexis' room as if he was trying to decide what to do. Zander wondered if they were going to have to restrain him if it took Alexis too long to get dressed. Zander was actually curious about Jason and if it had been a few months earlier it would have taken everything in him not to shake the other man and demand answers about Emily and her condition. He would ask eventually just because he still cared about the young woman who he still regarded as his first love, but things had changed. He had changed not always for the better. Zander still felt aimless. He had a job with Sonny, sort of. There were no demands accept for the occasional phone call telling him to go pick up something or someone. Those calls had been fewer and fewer lately and Zander had heard that Jason was taking over the operations. Zander found himself in the familiar territory of being without purpose. It wasn't a good place, left him too much time to think about his screw-ups. Pool and beer at Jake's to forget those mistakes often led to fights and there was only so much grace Alexis' legal skill and Sonny's connections could buy him.



Jason spared Zander a glance as he tread up and down the hallway. Emily had talked often about the young man and he seemed to be alright. Jason had expected to hate him on sight blaming him for his sister's paralysis, but Alexis seemed to care about Zander and that got him a little slack for now. The door to Alexis' room remained shut and Jason wondered if there was a problem. Kristina was with her, he shouldn't worry, but Alexis had slipped into group of people who meant something to him. He moved closer to the door and was about to knock when it swung inward and Kristina stepped out carrying Alexis' bag.

"I think she's ready.." The young woman stepped next to Zander who took the suitcase from her. Jason motioned for Francis to find an orderly so they could get Alexis out the hospital without breaking regulations.



Jason walked back into the hospital room. Alexis was setting on the edge of the bed kicking her feet as if she was a child. He wanted to ask if she was okay but it seemed a little foolish to be continually asking her that. He knew that as Alexis felt better she would get more and more tired of the question. Unsure what to say he cleared his throat. Alexis looked up from her shoes. "Getting me dressed isn't usually a two person job and it never takes that long."

Jason laughed and sat next to her on the bed. "It'll get easier as you feel better."

"Says you." Alexis allowed a little smile to creep over her face.

"Orderly's bringing a wheelchair. "

"I hate feeling like an invalid."

"Not used to it are you?"

"Not really."

"Humor me through the hospital. They tend to be picky about that riding in the wheelchair till you're out of the doors. I speak from personal experience."

Alexis looked over at him trying to imagine what it had been like after his accident. Waking up with no memory of himself or anyone else and then being confronted with the Quartermaines. She couldn't help but wince.

"Hey." Jason put his hand on her shoulder. He was about to say something else when Kristina, Zander, and the orderly appeared in the doorway. "You need a second?" Alexis shook her head. Jason stood and offered her his hand. He pulled her gently up from the bed and helped her into the wheelchair. Jason motioned the orderly away and took handles and pushed her slowly out of the room flanked by Zander and Kristina. Alexis put her head down fearing seeing someone she knew in the hospital corridors and being asked about the bruises.



Sonny watched the doctor and the nurse fuss over Carly, who was clearly playing up the drama of the moment. His mind however was at General Hospital. Alexis was leaving. Francis had called him as Jason was pushing Alexis' wheelchair out of the hospital and putting her in the back of the limo. Sonny desperately wanted to be there. It had taken all his reason and a phone call from Benny to prevent him from going to the hospital. To being in the back of the limo when Jason opened the car door. He had played the seen out in his mind. He could hear Alexis' protests and he tried to construct replies. Everything that had happened in the emergency room replayed itself regularly through his mind. What he might have done different to keep her from making him leave.

"Mr. Cornithos. . . .Mr. Cornithos. . . " Dr. Moore was standing in front of Sonny with a concerned expression.

"Sorry, just thinking. How is she?"

"Mrs. Cornithos is regaining some nerve sensation in her feet. I take that as a positive sign."

Sonny nodded and knew he should probably show more emotion or at least ask a few questions. Honestly, he was pleased with the news but not for the right reasons.

"Will she fully recover?" That seemed to be the right thing to ask.

"That remains to be seen. Though this certainly improves our outlook. A lot of this depends on Mrs. Corinthos."





Alexis leaned back against the leather seat of the limo at closed her eyes. The trip through the hospital seemed to take forever but they were finally leaving. Kristina had disappeared with Zander and Alexis' bag. The were supposed to be meeting them at the hotel. If she wasn't so suddenly tired, Alexis might allow herself to be pleased with the bond between her sister and the young man she considered a good friend that seemed to be deepening. On the other hand, Alexis wondered about the Ned factor. She hadn't given Ned much thought since Jason had dismissed him from the hospital room. He was still her friend. Alexis tried to shrug the thoughts off. She was far too confused by her own life to worry about Ned, Kristina, and Zander. Though it was a good distraction. It was something to think about other than her own assault or the fact she was in the back of Sonny's limo. She assumed it was Sonny's. She hadn't really paid attentions to the details of the interior. Perhaps like everything else including herself that had been part of Sonny's former life it had gone to Jason. She opened her eyes and found him watching her. Jason was almost impossible to read. His face a blank mask which Jason Morgan either hid behind or just used to keep the world from confusing him with Jason Quartermaine.

"Not used to seeing you in the limo." She said softly and was surprised when he allowed a faint bit of a smile to break through.

"I didn't think you would be up for a motorcycle ride."



Kristina whipped the wheel hard to the right and Zander grabbed the doorhandle and held tight. The little BMW skirted through traffic, buzzing the side of a large truck and nearly running a VW off the road.

"You do have a license don't you?"

Kristina spared him a glance and then reached down turning up the already blaring volume of the radio. Zander made another attempt.

"This is Alexis' car right? I mean she wouldn't want anything to happen to it or to us, right?"

Kristina said nothing until the were forced to stop at a red-light.

"Sorry, I drive a little aggressively."

"You channeling emotion? I mean we could have ridden with Jason and Alexis."

Kristina looked into her rearview mirror seeing the limo several cars back.

"I just don't want Alexis to feel like she's being stared at or hovered over."



Alexis smiled at the motorcycle remark and enjoyed the way that Jason's blue eyes seemed to lighten when he smiled. She was surprised at the level of comfort she felt with him. Perhaps it was gratitude or the knowledge that they shared a secret, but there was an ease. Perhaps because he had no expectations of her and he had already exceeded any expectations she might have had. The limo slowed down in front of the Port Charles hotel but did not pull into the main drive instead it swung around to the back.

"I wasn't sure you would be interested in a walk through the lobby." Jason got out then offered her is hand. His fingers stayed laced with hers as the walked towards the back entrance. Alexis put her head down allowing the sides of her hair to cover her face. The clatter of the kitchen could be heard in the tiled hall way but no one came out of the doors and they encountered no one. Jason was still holding her hand.

They reached the elevator and Alexis let out a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding.

Both she and Jason were quiet as the floors ticked by stopping finally on the penthouse level. Jason guided her down halfway to the room. Max was waiting by the door card key in hand. Max nodded at them and thankfully didn't show any reaction to the bruises.

"Everything's as you requested."

Jason nodded and opened the suite door.

Alexis looked around the room. The penthouse suites hadn't changed much since she had lived there before. She had thought she would never seek refuge here again, but there was no way she could go back to the place she had once considered her home at least not right now.

"You okay?" Alexis had been far too quiet. Jason had been used to the woman who had helped him during his custody battle. A woman whose mind never seemed to stop working and who usually had no problem expressing herself.

"Just tired." Alexis' voice was small. He could hear the exhaustion.

"Do you want to lay down? Or something to eat?" Alexis looked up and smiled. Jason Morgan: Nanny, who would have believed it.

"I've had enough of laying down. At least for a little bit. I think I would just like to sit for a while." Jason nodded and Alexis sat down heavily on the couch. Jason sat next to her not quite touching, but a presence reminding her that she wasn't alone and that she was safe. The suite was silent until the knock on the door. Jason stood moving between Alexis and the sight line of the door. "Yeah, Max." The door opened and Max allowed Kristina and Zander into the room.

Kristina immediately gravitated to the sofa sitting down where Jason had been but her arms slipping around Alexis' shoulders. Alexis leaned into Kristina.

Jason motioned to Zander and the younger man nodded. Before leaving the room, Jason knelt before Alexis and put a hand on her arm. He was pleased when she didn't flinch.

"Zander and I are going to be in the next room. I figured you could use some downtime without so many eyes on you."

Alexis had begun to cry just a little in Kristina's arms and Jason raised his hand brushing away tears with his thumb. He tried to keep the touch light wary of her bruises. Alexis nodded and then turned her face into Kristina's shoulder.

Jason looked over at Kristina. "She needs anything."

Kristina gave him a faint smile and Jason rose up with Zander following him out of the room.



The two men stepped into the galley kitchen of the suite. Zander watched as Jason open and closed cabinets and then the refrigerator. There was a mini bar but Zander could tell that it had a completely inadequate popcorn supply for Alexis.

"Do you know what they eat?" Jason's oddly phrased question forced a grin out of Zander.

"They aren't exotic pets. But I can tell you that if Alexis is going to stay here you're gonna need a lot more popcorn than that. And with both Kristina and Alexis here there will have to be an espresso machine."

Jason leaned against the cabinet. "You know Alexis well?"

"Fairly, she helped me out a lot."

"Emily told me."

It was the first time Emily's name had been spoken between the two men.

"Is she okay?"

"She's doing better. You know she's seeing someone."

"He good to her? Is she happy?"

"Yes."

"Good."

"You're working for Sonny."

"I was."

"You know I am taking over."

"The word has spread through the ranks."

"There going to be a problem working for me?"

"Depends on what you want me to do."

Zander could tell by Jason's expression that they other man was working something out and trying to figure out how to say it.

"Alexis."

Zander waited for more, but Jason said nothing else.

"You want me to help Alexis?"

"You know how the Quartermaines are, this could be a tough time for her." Jason was trying to control the rising anger in his voice. He'd been calm so far. People often thought the accident had left him lacking emotions but it was just the opposite. Things were felt deeply. He had no way to deal with him except his own limited history as Jason Morgan. What ever coping mechanisms the legendary Jason Quartermaine had they were lost to him. Seeing what had happened to Alexis. He'd been motivated to action. That had kept him from feeling anything but the overwhelming need to protect her. Then she told him about the baby. Something she seemed only willing to tell people who she considered family. Jason was honored by the trust. Now that she was out of the hospital he could control the circumstances and continue to keep her safe. But the anger he still felt at AJ and his family, even at Sonny for everything that had happened lurked inside. Unconsciously, Jason slammed his fist hard onto the counter top. Zander jumped backwards as the glasses on the counter rattled and the sound echoed through the narrow kitchen..

"Jason?" Alexis worried voice came from the living room.

Jason ducked out the door and found her standing about to enter the kitchen. Kristina was standing behind her looking nervous.

"Are you okay?" Alexis' breathing was rapid and her eyes dilated slightly. Some part of his brain knew these were all signs of a panic attack.

"I'm okay Alexis. Zander's alright." Zander stepped out of the kitchen as if to prove it. Alexis' breath was still shuddery and on impulse Jason moved closer to her wrapping his arms around shoulders drawing her against his chest.

"I heard the glass. . ." Her words were muffled by his shirt and Jason remembered the broken glass of the lamps and the bottle which caused the bruise on her temple.

"Shh. . .It's alright." Alexis clutched him tighter and Jason felt her shake in his arms.

Jason moved them to the couch allowing Alexis to sit. Her face still turned into his chest. After a few minutes she came back to herself and looked ashamed.

"I'm sorry." She muttered trying to wipe of her face with the back of her hand. Kristina ducked into the bathroom and brought back a warm damp washcloth.

"I think I'd like to lay down now." Kristina made to help her up but Jason waived her away. Jason eased up bringing Alexis with him and held her as they walked to the master bedroom of the suite. Alexis hesitated slightly as he opened the door.

"Do you want me to get Kristina?"

"No. . . " Alexis clutched his shirt tighter. Jason helped Alexis into the bedroom and onto the bed. She curled up on the bed spread and he grabbed one of the throws off the nearby ottoman and tucked it around her. Alexis' eyes were open but did not seemed to be focused on anything. Though her breathing was regular Jason couldn't shake the feeling something was wrong.

"Should I call Doctor Potter?"

Alexis moved her head a little against the pillow and she stared at him. "Just kind of hit me. That I couldn't go home. Even if I wanted to which I don't, I can't go back to the penthouse because . . . " Alexis shuttered.

"Alexis. . ." Kristina stood in the doorway. Her face pale.

"I'm okay."

Kristina still looked worried but Jason nodded and the younger woman went back into the living room.

"Is this how it's going to be from now on? Me a basket case and everyone else worried about me."

"Just for a while, then people will have unrealistic expectations that you can't live up to and you feel like you're disappointing them but you're angry they even have the expectations in the first place."

Alexis' eyes widened.

"Emily was in counseling for a while and she dragged me to a few of the sessions. Said we both had Quartermaine issues to work out"

This admission got a smile from Alexis. Her eyes closing. Jason was about to stand and let her sleep but as soon as he moved Alexis' eyes opened again.

"Stay. Unless you can't."

 

The trill of the cell phone woke Jason. He'd fallen asleep in the chair by Alexis' bed. He fumbled for the still ringing phone in his pocket. Turning the down the volume, he checked to see if the noise had awoken Alexis. Her eyes were still closed and she gave no sign of being disturbed by the ring. He stood and picked up the throw that she had kicked off in her sleep. He covered her again carefully knowing she needed the sleep. After making sure the blanket was securely tucked around her he stepped out into the hallway. The suite was quiet and there was no sign of Kristina or Zander. An explanation was found on the table in the main room of the suite.

"Gone for groceries." An elaborate K was scrawled at the bottom.

Jason flipped open his phone checking the caller id. Sonny.

He contemplated the number for a moment then pushed the speed dial.

"Corinthos." Sonny's voice was ragged and tired sounding.

"She's okay." Jason spared a look back towards the bedroom and kept his voice low.

Sonny let out a sigh and Jason could imagine the haunted expression on his face.

"You're at the PC Hotel?"

"Yeah, Suite 6. I have Max on guard duty."

"I want see her."

Jason had been expecting this. "That's her call."



 

Kristina drove the shopping cart much like the drove Alexis' BMW. A little too fast and without much consideration for the other carts. Twice Zander had righted displays and apologized to little old ladies who had been left in her wake. Finally, he commandeered the cart.

"It's for the public good."

Kristina had made a face and taken off for the frozen food section.

Zander caught up with her as she contemplated the Ben and Jerry's.

"I think we need to stock up on comfort food." She announced when he approached her with the cart.

"I told Jason that we were going to need more popcorn and an espresso machine if you two were going to be staying in the suite."

"I might need the espresso machine, but Alexis is going to have to be caffeine free for a while."

"She on some sort of medication that it won't mix with."

Kristina nearly slapped her hand over her mouth. It was hard to remember that Zander hadn't been told about the baby.

"Something like that." Zander knew that Kristina wasn't telling him the complete truth but he figured Alexis could have a few secrets particularly about her health. He stood behind Kristina and examined the glory that was Ben and Jerry's.

"Guess that rules out "From Russia with Buzz."

"And "One Sweet Whirled."

"And "White Russian."

"Did you know how many of these flavors have coffee in them?" Kristina was almost giggling.

Zander allowed himself a chuckle as he reached around and opened the case. "So what we need to get one of each of all the non-coffee flavored"

"You don't think that might be a little excessive?" Zander couldn't see the smile on Kristina's face but he could hear it in her voice. She had been going crazy in the suite after Jason had helped Alexis to the bedroom. Kristina had paced the hall between the suite's master bedroom and the living room. Then she had walked a circuit around the living room when she had been afraid of waking Alexis. Zander figured he had to get her out of there. Groceries had been as good excuse as any. He'd also wanted to talk to Kristina about Jason's vague suggestion of watching over her and Alexis.

"Okay so we do a small selection which will be subject to increase later." Kristina shuffled a few cartons around and pulled them out. She then turned and nudged him out her way with an elbow. There were at least 6 pints in her arms.

"You sure that's enough?" Zander cracked as he examined the colorful cartons.

Kristina laughed again and gave him a look. Zander found himself enjoying her expressions and laughter more and more with each moment he spent in her company. Kristina was arranging the cartons in the cart when she spoke again. "What did you and Jason talk about in the kitchen?"

"What?"

She looked up and her expression was serious. "I don't know Jason. I don't know if I can trust him but Alexis seems to but Ned and everyone else keeps whispering how dangerous he is. I mean Jax hasn't said anything but he's uneasy."

Zander nodded his head. This was pretty much uncharted territory for Kristina. She hadn't been around the mess and machinations that were Port Charles. "You know Jason used to be Jason Quartermaine."

"An accident right no memory of who he was."

"That's the cliff notes version. AJ caused the accident. Part of me thinks the Quartermaines never really recovered from it. Jason Quartermaine was a golden boy, going to be a doctor, the "perfect son", and when he woke up from the accident."

Kristina nodded in understand, "He was like he is now?"

"Apparently he was worse. Emily said he really didn't want anything to do with the Quartermaines, he's pretty emotionless, except where certain people are concerned. He was part of the custody mess for Michael. Carly's son. That's how Alexis helped him or at least tried to."

"So you think Jason feels indebted to Alexis someway, that's why he's helping her now?"

"I think Jason's helping Alexis because he wants to, he seemed worried about what the Quartermaines might do to protect AJ. He didn't really get around to asking but I think he wants me to stick close to her and to you."

"Would you mind?"

Zander knew he looked shocked.

"I mean. . . .I don't know Jason. I barely knew Sonny. I mean I trust Jax, but. . . and well Ned's gone a little off the deep end. You're like the only normal one in this equation."

"Man, talk about damning with faint praise."

"You know what I meant. But will you?" Kristina's voice sounded a little more scared than her expression led on, and Zander reached out over the cart touching her hand.



 

Alan and Monica awaited the new lawyer in the sitting room. Monica had called Scott Baldwin. But he would not and could not represent AJ in the case against him. Too many prior conflicts with Alexis had made him war weary and he had a political career to consider. A high profile attempted rape would not endear him to female voters. The new young man was with a firm that the Quartermaines had dealings with. Thrown into the Quartermaines' lion's den by senior partners who didn't want to be responsible for one of Edward's grandsons serving time.

Monica had managed to quell the earlier cabal of Edward, Skye and Ned. Edward was fuming somewhere else which was all she could really ask for. Skye had left claiming she was going to see AJ. Ned had left. Monica didn't particularly care where he went. Of course one crisis died down another one caught fire when Alan came home shaken for seeing Jason and hearing about Alexis. Now they were waiting. Every move someone made in the house seemed to echo loudly. Even the motor of Lila's wheel chair took on an frightening almost metallic grinding. Monica still remembered the pain on the older woman's face when she told her what had happened. Lila's concern for Alexis, Jason, and even AJ was touching but Monica knew her strength was fading and that this was more than the she could deal with and she had retired to her own bedroom.

"Where is he?"

Monica checked her watch it had been only ten minutes since he'd asked that question. She didn't answer him because she couldn't. Part of her was concerned for all the Quartermaines but another part of her worried about Jason and Alexis. She was rescued from her thoughts and from Alan's incessant question and pacing by the ringing doorbell. Reginald answered the door then came into the study.

"A Richard Lansing to see you." He offered the man's card to Alan who nodded for Reginald to show him in.

The man who entered was roughly AJ's age. Young enough to be her son.

"Mr. and Mrs. Quartermaine, I am sorry to be meeting you under such circumstances." They both shook the young man's hand and then motioned for him to sit. Reginald disappeared making mention of coffee. "I've contacted the public defender who was originally assigned to AJ's case and made arrangements to see AJ."

"We appreciate that Mr. Lansing, but we need you to be blunt even if you don't have all the details. What are AJ's chances?" Alan's voice sounded tired to Monica. It was that resigned tone he used when he knew not even the Quartermaine money or his own influence made a difference.

"Blunt, I doubt the partners or your father would appreciate this but, your best option would be for AJ to plea bargain. You're right I don't have the complete details but AJ was found at the scene. Alexis Davis has identified him as her attacker. Your other son Jason Quartermaine A.K.A. Jason Morgan also identified AJ. His prints were found on the glass bottle used in Alexis' assault. The BAT AJ was given at the hospital showed he was far beyond the legal limit and that might be a mitigating circumstance but it doesn't excuse his actions."

"What does that mean?"

"Without a plea bargain and being found guilty AJ could be looking at 25 to 30 years. There is a past history of alcohol abuse and a criminal record." Lansing drew out a heavy legal file. Monica guessed it was the sum of the paperwork that Edward's legal team had created over the years of bailing AJ out. "I would suggest we go to the public defender and offer to put AJ into a hardline treatment program, follow up therapy, a promise to walk the straight and narrow for the rest of his life or an acceptance of prison time."

"Preposterous. This is the legal advice my money is buying." Edward's voice echoed off the walls of the room.



 

Sonny could smell gardenias. Alexis. He reached out and felt the warm curve of her hip under the cotton blanket. He leaned in closer and heard the soft sigh of her sleep. It had been six weeks but he still knew the cadence of her breathing. He still knew the curve of her shoulder and the slope of her spine as she curled in sleep. Things he had memorized with his eyes and his touch. Her name on his lips said softly as if he was praying, like he hadn't prayed in a long time. But Alexis still slept. Even as his hands swept over her side as he voice became louder. Her name again. Louder. Almost a cry but still she would not wake and turn to him.



 

"Alexis." Sonny jerked awake. His head coming up from the table where he had fallen asleep. He'd been dreaming. Alexis was safe now. She was at the Port Charles Hotel. Jason was with her. Wiping his face with sweaty palms, Sonny looked around and was grateful for the quiet of the house. Michael was at Bobbie's the excitement of the doctors and Carly too confusing for him to understand. Sonny knew he should be acting different. He should be happy. Excited for his wife's recovery looking forward to more good news, but all he wanted to do was get into his car and drive to the Port Charles Hotel take the elevator up to Alexis' suite. He wanted to climb into bed with her and hold her against him. To let her know that this pain was temporary and never again would she be hurt.

"Sonny!" Carly's voice echoed through the house and made him want to cover his ears, but instead he turned towards the steps taking them slowly one at a time.



 

Jason opened the door letting Kristina and Zander in. They seemed to be carrying dozens of plastic grocery bags which they hauled into the galley style kitchen. Jason watched in the hallway as they shuffled putting things away and conversed softly. He had heard the shower earlier and carefully put in Alexis' bag on the bed where she could find it. He'd left her alone even after he heard the shower shut off and the movement in the bedroom. She had not yet emerged from the bedroom and though he listened for any sounds that might be tears, Jason left her alone. Now he waited for her to come out drawn by the sounds of her sister and Zander. The door cracked a little and he could see her looking out carefully then opening the door. A faint pain ripped through his body to see this woman who he had considered so strong and independent be scared to open a door for fear what was on the other side. Alexis stepped into the hall and saw him. The pain he felt quickly diminished in the light of the slight smile on Alexis' face. She walked towards him without hesitation. Her hair was damp from the shower and pulled back into a loose ponytail at the back of her neck. She wore old sweat pants and man's thermal Henley that appeared to be at least three sizes too big. The shirt nearly came to her knees and was badly frayed at the neck and cuffs. Thick wool socks completed the ensemble. When she realized he was looking at her clothes, Alexis looked a little self conscious.

"You look a lot more comfortable."

"Shower helped. I don't smell like the hospital anymore."

Zander and Kristina had heard her voice in the hall and had stopped rummaging in the kitchen. They both peeked around the door and Kristina smiled at Alexis' ensemble.

"I grabbed the right stuff didn't I?"

Alexis wrapped her arms tightly around herself seemingly savoring the warmth of the henley. "Yes."

"We got groceries. Including," Kristina brandished the box of microwave popcorn like a trophy. The presentation got a small laugh from Alexis and Jason could see that the nap and shower had done her much good. He suspected being out of the hospital was having a benefit.

"Tomorrow, Zander and I can go back to the penthouse and get some other things."

"My laptop and briefcase." She suddenly looked startled. "You never signed the contracts."

Jason was confused. "Alexis, what contracts?"

"The ones that had drawn up transferring Sonny's. . . "She stopped realizing that Zander and Kristina didn't need to hear this.

"It's okay. I can sign them tomorrow. Or anytime." Alexis still didn't look relaxed.

"We can go tonight Alexis. It's not a big deal." Kristina said softly.

Jason pulled his cell from his pocket and dialed Benny. "I need a moving van and a couple of guys to meet Kristina and Zander at the Harbor view."

"What's up?"

"We need to transfer Alexis' files and her laptop."

"Hell, I should have thought of that. Taggart would love to go through those with or without a search warrant." Jason could hear worry in the older man's voice.

"You'll get it done?"

"Have Kristina and Zander meet me at the Harbor View in about half an hour. I'll have a couple of guys and van. We bringing the stuff back to the hotel?"

"Yeah, get another suite on this floor and put it in there."

"Will do."

Alexis looked a little more relaxed as Jason closed his cell phone.

"Benny's going to meet you at the Harbor View."

"We better finish putting the groceries away. Alexis, do you need anything else from the penthouse?"

"I should. . . ." The relaxed air about her had gone. Instead she looked shaky and nervous again.

"Alexis, they can take care of it. Benny will be with them."

She nodded, but Jason could see her hands were still trembling. Carefully, he moved closer to her. Taking her hands, he held them in his own until the trembling stopped.

"Come sit with me, please?" He led her into the living room. He sat was surprised when she leaned into him again. Jason let go of her hands and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. Alexis tucked her face it the curve of his shoulder.

"You're good at this comfort thing." Jason said nothing but his hand moved up stroking her hair.



 

"I hate this." Kristina's voice was a barely audible hiss.

"I am not too crazy about it myself," Zander moved around her taking the crumpled shopping bag from Kristina's hands.

"She's terrified. I mean AJ did this to her. He. . . " Kristina was trying desperately not to cry and Zander could do nothing but pull her into his arms and let her cry.

After a few moments Kristina pulled away and wiped her face. She seemed to have regained her resolve.

"You're coming with me to get Alexis' stuff right?"

"Try to keep me away."

Kristina wiped her face with a paper towel. "Guess we should go meet Benny."

She pushed through the door that separated the kitchen from the living room and stopped. Alexis was still leaning against Jason. Her eyes closed.

"I'm not asleep."

"She seems to play possum a lot." Jason's arm was still wrapped around Alexis' shoulder. Neither of them got up from the couch.

"We're going to meet Benny."

Alexis opened her eyes. "Be careful."

Both Kristina and Zander nodded and then left.

"You must already be tired of me crying on your shoulder. Course, even if you were you wouldn't say anything."

"You don't know that. I don't mind you crying on my shoulder Alexis. You need time and a place to feel safe. I want you to have both."

"Time." She exhaled loudly. "6 weeks, nine months. Time."

"You and the baby will be okay Alexis."

"I am still getting used to it. I mean I think I was afraid to acknowledge the symptoms. I wanted to believe I was just nursing a broken heart."

"Sonny called."

"When?"

"While you were asleep. He wants to see you. He wants to come here."

"I can't see him. Not now, not for awhile."

"I told him it was your call. That when you wanted to see him you would contact him."

"Thank you again."



 

Kristina had to admire Benny's style. There was a moving van, two movers with a dolly, and enough boxes to carry anything that wouldn't fit into the filing cabinets. Kristina mostly directed traffic and showed them what things to take.

"You want to get yourself and Alexis some more clothes? I figured that would be something a little more personal that you wouldn't want us doing it."

She'd been surprised at his consideration. Now she and Zander were packing Alexis' non business clothes. After that was done they had made their way down to her room, and Kristina made a point of grabbing her boombox and CDS. There was a finality of the experience that seemed odd. Kristina knew that they would be back. Sometime under some circumstance, but it just felt strange.

"Hey." Zander's voice drew Kristina out of her thoughts.

"Just having a moment."

"You ready?"

She checked again. Suitcase, boombox, cd case. Zander was carrying Alexis' suitcase, her laptop, and briefcase.

"Yeah."

Benny was waiting for them downstairs. The movers had cleared out. Jax's cleaning crew had done a remarkable job of making it look like the attack on Alexis had never occurred in the apartment. Benny was on his phone when they came down the steps and after a moment he closed it.

"I went ahead and rented all 4 suites on your floor of the hotel. Figure we could store the stuff in one of them."

Kristina knew she couldn't hide her expression of amazement. "And the other two?"

Benny nodded his head at Zander. "Jason mentioned you might be needing a place for a bit."

"Jake's was getting a little passe."

Benny took Kristina's cd case and boom box. "Shall we?"

Kristina spared one glance back at the living room before following Benny and Zander out the door.

They'd been sitting quietly on the couch for almost a hour. She spoke little and when Alexis it did it wasn't about the baby, or the attack, or even Sonny. She asked him about San Cristobal and Emily. But mostly they were quiet. She questioned the time and expressed concern for her sister and Zander, but he tried to assure her that Benny would take care of them. He could tell she was almost asleep again when there was a knock on the door. Carefully Jason got up and answered the door. Max leaned in and spoke quietly, "Someone to see Ms. Davis."

Jason was immediately on guard. Max wouldn't let press or anyone outside Alexis' circle get this close. He looked back at Alexis.

"I'll be right back."

Alexis shifted on the couch and he could tell she was trying hard not to look concerned. Jason stepped out the door making sure it was closed tight before he turned to look at Alexis' visitor. Sonny was leaning against the wall opposite the door.

"I want to see Alexis."

Fragile Continued