Chapter Fourteen

Sonny watched as Brenda slept. His mind raced with curiosity as to who had tried to kill either he or Brenda at the No Name. He quietly got up and walked outside to call Benny on his cell phone. He'd asked Johnny to stand guard by Brenda's door he wasn't going take anymore chances. Until he found out who was behind the shooting she wasn't going to be unguarded. He was still unaware that Harlan was lurking around and he was also unaware that the attacker from other night was there as well.

As he stood towards the end of the hall, a woman entered Brenda's room. Johnny stopped the woman as he checked her badge. He looked from the picture on the badge to the stunning woman that stood in front of him. She had red curly hair that cascaded past her shoulders, and piercing green eyes that easily hid the evil deeds she was planing. He gave the woman a slight smile and let her through. The woman grinned slyly as she had fooled Sonny's guard. It was almost too easy she thought to herself. She walked over to Brenda's side glancing at the machines. She took the syringe from the pocket of her nurse's uniform. Her eyes wondered from the door of Brenda's room back to Brenda. Once Johnny's back was to her she had managed to empty the contents of the syringe into the IV that was currently being used to administer pain medication to Brenda.

The woman bent down so she could whisper to Brenda. ''This is so that you and Sonny will pay for what you've both done. This will keep you from destroying my plans Brenda. I hope you enjoy you're deep slumber. Sleep well.''

The woman walked out and headed in the opposite direction she'd come from. As she brushed past Sonny a huge grin appeared on her face. Her revenge would soon be revealed. This was the last time that Sonny would hurt anyone she loved. She reached the elevator as the thought that someone would soon realize what she'd done raced joyfully in her mind. She entered the elevator pulled out a phone. After dialing an overseas number she was smiling as the person on the other end answered.

''It's all set. She'll play a dashing Sleeping Beauty don't you think?'' she chuckled.

''Not to worry I'm disposing of all the evidence. It's a shame though that I wasn't able to gloat in front of Sonny. That would have been the icing on the cake. I'll meet you in London tomorrow. Don't worry I've taken care of that other matter as well. The paper trail will lead to Mr. Sorel. Sonny will go after him with everything he has and before long Sonny will be imprisoned then you can play Prince Charming darling brother of mine.''

She hung the phone up and exited the elevator making her way to the parking garage. Glancing around to make sure that no one could see her she quickly took the wig off, which was followed by the nurse's uniform. She took her blonde hair out of the ponytail it was currently in and allowed her hair to fall down past her should blades then smoothed out her dress that she wore underneath her costume. After opening the trunk of her car she placed the items in a bag along with the fake id badge, that much to her surprise had worked. She got in her car and drove off towards the airport. So far her plan was going just as she had hoped it would.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Jason and Elizabeth gave their names to the French authorities and were asked to step off the train and wait further instructions. Jason took Elizabeth's hand in his as they stepped off the train. Elizabeth could hear a police officer yelling to see passports. She turned and looked for her bag she was carrying. Jason surprised her and held it up to show her he had grabbed it for her.

''Thank you.'' She smiled as she took the bag from him. She searched the bag looking for the passport and after a few moments she was able to produce the important item.

''So I take it he was talking about our passports?'' Jason knew that's what the officer had said when he saw she had hers handy.

''Yeah he said before they let us through to the awaiting buses we need them.'' She wondered how far they were from Paris. She wasn't sure how far they were into the train ride when they had derailed. ''Any idea how long we were on the train?'' she questioned.

''Just about thirty minutes. We should be close to Paris.'' He replied with a far off look in his eyes.

''I think you should stop in and see how she's doing.'' Elizabeth grinned at him. She knew that look all to well.

''See who?'' he asked trying to act as if he wasn't aware of what she was talking about.

''Why is it that men do that? Pretend like they can't be sad or vulnerable other wise they'll die or something if they show that side of themselves.'' she inquired.

''It's that apparent huh?''

''Oh yeah.'' Elizabeth laughed. ''Hey if we're that close to Paris you can send me on to Lyons and then you can hang out in the city for a few days. Sonny said that there would be guards in Lyons so I'll be fine. It'll give me time to brush up on my French and explore the gorgeous countryside.'' She pushed to see if he would go for it.

''I can't.'' His far off look faded and a look of concern took it place.

''Why? There's no one following us is there?''

''Not that I know of.'' Jason lied. He knew there was someone following them he could feel it but he didn't want to alarm her.

''So then there's really no reason you can't stop in and see Robin.'' She wasn't going give up on that.

''I just can't Elizabeth.'' He looked away he didn't want to have this conversation with her.

''Ok, ok I'll drop it but I think you need to see her. I'm all done telling you what you should do now.'' She smiled. She knew it had to hurt. He'd told her of how things were left between the two of them and it was so sad. She could see the hurt and pain in his eyes more so now then the night he had told her.

Jason turned around and let out a small laugh. He was glad that Elizabeth had joined him after years of traveling alone it was nice to have someone to talk to. Jason's attention was suddenly shifted to the loud voices ahead of them. He watched as the police were trying to keep someone back from the gate in which they were checking passports and names. Jason was surprised as a man in uniformed tapped him on the shoulder.

Turning around Jason was face to face with the officer who asked, ''Excuse me miser passport.''

Jason reached inside his jacket, pulled his passport out and handed it to the man.

''Miser Morgan?'' the man questioned.

Jason nodded and replied with, ''Yes.'' He turned to look for Elizabeth. He'd noticed she had been awfully quiet. As he turned he felt something connect with the back of his head. Darkness had over come him.

While the man posing as a police officer was busy distracting Jason, the man who had been following then since they boarded the plane in Port Charles had been standing next to Elizabeth. He'd managed to knock her bag of her shoulder and her things were scattered on the ground around her. She bent down to pick her things up not noticing the man standing by her. He took the syringe that he had been giving in London, striking her in the back and injecting her with the drug. She had little time to react. As she tried to stand up she saw Jason fall to the ground. She tried to yell out for help but there was no sound coming from her throat. She felt sleepy and a few moments later she was passed out next to Jason. The man carefully picked her and her bag up. He headed towards the gate with her passport and his in his left hand.

''Is the woman ok?'' An officer asked noticing that Elizabeth was out cold.

''She'll be fine. Just a little to much to drink.'' The man smiled.

The officer waved him through and he met the awaiting car.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Luke sat in the car unable to move. He'd taken Leslie and Lulu to a hotel a few miles away. It probably wasn't the smartest move he'd made but he couldn't let them see how much pain and regret he was feeling. He sat staring at the rubble that had been a building hours ago. He had never anticipated that Faison survived that explosion. How could he have?

~*~* Flashback *~*~

Luke walked to the pier. He'd gotten a cryptic phone call from Faison and wasn't sure what to make of it. As he arrived something about this meeting sent chills down his spine.

''Spencer so glad you came.'' Faison growled from the shadows of the docks.

''Yeah well just why did I come here Faison? What kind of game are you playing?'' Luke questioned knowing he'd probably never get an answer.

''I do love games don't you Spencer?''

''Sure as long they aren't played by nutcases like yourself.''

''Spencer name calling is so unnecessary. Well I'm about to begin one of the greatest games of all. Care to wager how long it will be before I get my revenge on you? Stealing is such a nasty habit of yours Spencer.'' Faison boarded the boat and started the motor.

Luke had no clue was the crazy man was talking about. Other than the part about stealing. He almost chuckled at the thought of stealing Faison's diamonds.

Faison waved his hand and yelled, ''See you later Spencer.'' The boat headed out about a half of a mile then while out warning the boat exploded into flames, leaving Luke stunned on the docks.

~*~* End of Flashback *~*~

Damn once again his family was paying for his reckless behavior. He'd put his family though enough. He stepped out of the car and just as he did, his cell phone rang.

''Spencer is it wise to leave your daughter and mother in law alone in a hotel? You are getting sloppy.'' Faison hissed into the phone.

''She didn't die in the explosion. You'd be bragging about it if she had. How do you know I haven't called the authorities to watch my family? Talk about sloppy Faison. You have what you wanted now hand over my wife.'' He barked.

''Watch your tone. I want the diamond, the real diamond this time Spencer. I'll call you in a day or so with instructions. This time if you fail to produce it your wife will pay for your defiance.'' He bellowed before hanging up the phone.

Luke would make Faison pay for taking Laura. He had known deep down that Faison wouldn't kill Laura. If he had the leverage would be gone. This time he wouldn't play games he would get his wife back.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sonny entered Brenda's hospital room and took a seat once more in the chair at the foot of her bed. Watching her sleep made him feel somewhat at peace. She looked so beautiful. Her hair fell around her face and even without a touch of makeup her cheeks were a deep red.

Brenda was fighting the urge to sleep deeper. She could feel Sonny's presence in the room and she desperately wanted to tell him about the woman that had visited her earlier, but couldn't. Sleep over came her the only way to see Sonny would be in her dreams.

It's not the pale moon that excites me
that thrills and delights me
oh no...it's just the nearness of you

Brenda took Sonny's hand as he led her to the dance floor. Her eyes scanned the floor. This place was familiar but she couldn't quiet place the name of it. Sonny pulled her body close to his. His arms enclosed around her waist as they swayed to the rhythm of the music.

It's not your sweet conversation
that brings this sensation
oh no...it's just the nearness of you

Her lips met his as they joined for a passionate kiss. After what seemed like hours Sonny pulled away. They were swaying to the music once more. She knew the song it was one she had never forgotten but the name still wasn't coming to her.

When you're in my arms
and I feel you so close to me
all my wildest dreams come true
I need no soft lights to enchant me
if you only grant me
the right to hold you ever so tight
and to feel in the night
the nearness of you

Why was she so hung up on the name of the place? She was with Sonny in his arms. That should be enough, but there was something wrong. Something wasn't right. She tried to ask Sonny a question but her mind was clouded too clouded. His face was vanishing he was vanishing. She wanted to yell out for him to stop but she couldn't she kept swaying.

Sonny watched and became alarmed as one of the machines began to beep loudly. Moments later a nurse rushed into Brenda's room. She checked the machine and called for Johnny to get a doctor. Brenda's pulse was racing and her blood pressure was elevated. A doctor rushed into the room a few minutes later and motioned for Sonny to leave. He slowly watched as they checked her pulse once more. The nurse wrote something in Brenda's chart and the doctor barked orders at her. The nurse flew out of the room and raced down the hall. She returned with something in her hand. The doctor injected the drug he'd requested into Brenda's arm. The nurse nodded after he gave her more orders. He left without a word to Sonny. Sonny stood there not believing what had just taken place. After a few minutes the nurse exited the room and stopped as she saw the look of horror on Sonny's face.

''She wasn't reacting well to the pain medication. We had to give her something else. Nothing to be alarmed about. She'll just sleep for a few hours. I'll check on her in a little while. You can sit with her until then.'' She smiled slightly.

Sonny breathed a sigh of relief and took a seat on the stool next to her bed. He took her hand and watched as she looked at peace. He was unaware that she wouldn't awaken in a few hours nor was he aware that his world as he knew it was about to once more come crashing down around him. He would pay for all his past mistakes in a matter of hours.

Lyrics: The Nearness of You by Sheena Easton

Ok sooo was it good? bad? I won't know if you don't reply :o) Don't forget the number of replies will decide on what Chapter the mysterious woman's identity will be revealed in!! Have a great day!

Star

Chapter Fifteen

Laura awoke groggy and unaware of her surroundings. She tried to lift her head
but it felt too heavy. She then tried to move her arms but she just didn't have
the strength to do so. She gave up and closed her eyes giving into the feeling
that she needed to sleep for just a little while longer.

Faison watched from the doorway. He smiled, as she closed her eyes. "Don't fight
the drug Laura. That's right just close your eyes and sleep." Waiting a few
moments before leaving her room to take care of the surprise he had planned for
her.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Emily exhausted from a long day's work at Jax Cosmetics she fell onto the couch
in the Quartermaine living room. She heard voices in the hall. Edward, Monica
and Reginald. Please go upstairs and leave me in peace, she thought. Wishful
thinking on her part.

"Emily when did you get home?" Edward inquired.

"Bout 5 minutes ago." She replied with a hint of disappointment in her voice.

"Well you managed to missed dinner again tonight. Don't think now that you've
got that, that job with Lucy that we plan on changing the time of dinner in this
house. It won't happen young lady!" He scolded in his usual manner.

"I would never entertain an idea like that grandfather." She sighed hoping he
heard the sarcasm she was trying to convey.

"Oh I don't have time for this. Reginald!" he bellowed on his way out of the
room.

Quiet! She loved that it was once again quiet, even if it was short lived. She
rested her eyes for a few moments. She heard Reginald in the hall on his way to
answer the door.

The next thing she knew she heard his voice speak very softly, "A messenger just
left this for you Emily." He placed the box on the table in front of the couch
and left.

She sat up and yelled to Reginald, "Thank you!" Looking at the box she was
curious as to who it could be from. She wasn't expecting anything but then it
could be from Nikolas. He was always sending flowers and gifts for no reason.
She searched around the box for a card but wasn't able to find one.  She decided
to just open the package and see what it contained. The box was from a store
she'd never heard of before. More determined to find out what the gift was, she
opened the box, which revealed another box wrapped with a card. Carefully taking
the card off the top she ripped it opened.

Dearest Emily,

Here's to years of happiness.

It wasn't Nikolas's handwriting. Who could it be from? Just the ending she'd
expect after the day she'd had. She went ahead and opened the package. It was a
crystal jewelry box. She opened the box and found a gold heart shaped locket
inside. Opening the locket revealed two pictures, one on each side of the heart.
A man and a woman. She had no idea who these people were. The day was getting
stranger by the minute. She'd ask Nikolas about it tomorrow. For now she placed
the locket and the vase back in the box and carted the box upstairs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The throbbing pain awoke him. The room was dark. He began to sit up but suddenly
placed his head back down against what felt like a pillow. What had happened?
The last thing he remembered was talking to the officer and then looking around
for Elizabeth. Elizabeth. Was she ok? He tried to allow his eyes to adjust but
he couldn't focus on anything, the pain was too great. A door opened and the
light from the hall made Jason slam his eyes shut.

"Mr. Morgan get up." The guard demanded.

Jason squinted and asked, "Where am I?"

"Get up and you'll find out." The guard barked back at him.

Jason slowly arose from the bed the pain was so intense. He once more tried to
adjust his sight this time trying to ignore the pain. He followed the guard down
a rather long hallway. He glanced around to see if he could get a hint of where
he was, but the walls were bare and the doors to the various rooms were shut.
The guard stopped at a door, took out a set of keys unlocked the door and shoved
Jason into what appeared to be an empty room with just a chair and a small
table.

"Take a seat and wait. Someone will be here to see you in a few minutes." The
guard closed and locked the door.

Jason placed his head in his hands and closed his eyes hoping the pain would
diminish soon.  He had no idea how much time had passed from the time he was
shoved into the room and told to wait until the time when his visitor arrived.

"Well, well Mr. Morgan what a pleasant surprise." His visitor greeted him.

Jason lifted his head from his hands and stared into his captor's eyes. He
almost thought the pain was causing him to see things that weren't there. Jason
laughed. "You were the last person I thought would be involved in all of this,
after all most people think you're dead."

"Never underestimate a Cassadine Mr. Morgan." Stefan warned as a halfhearted
smile formed on his face.

"What do you want with me? And where is Elizabeth Webber?" Jason questioned.

"Revenge, plain and simple. No need to worry about Ms. Webber. She's fine. In
fact if you'd like I'll show you that's she's unharmed." Stefan pointed to the
television in the corner of the room. Taking the remote control from his pocket
he turned the television on.

Jason watched as Stefan showed him Elizabeth sleeping. She looked angelic
sleeping. The camera that Stefan had put in the room panned over to show that
she had company. Before Jason could get a good look at who the second person was
Stefan shut off the television.

"Who was that in there with her?" Jason's voice raised as he asked the question.

"I'm sorry perhaps I can answer that question for you some other time. I'll have
the guard escort you back to your room.  Mr. Morgan don't try to escape it won't
be good for Ms. Webber if you do." Leaving Jason with that thought Stefan left
the room grinning. He was going to enjoy this much more than his time with Chloe
Morgan.

Jason wasn't sure how to react. He'd have to carefully plan his and Elizabeth's
escape. The guard came in and took him back to his room.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Lanie walked up the steps to her London apartment. As she reached the door she
placed her luggage down so she could unlock the door. Throwing the door opened
she sighed happily. After doing her brother's dirty work she was happy at last
to be back in London and back to her home. She heard her brother before she ever
saw him. She just left the bags inside the front door and went to see what kind
of dealings he was up to.

"Fine. Look whatever it takes to get that company do it. Ok let me know as soon
as you've acquired it." He hung up the phone and almost jumped at the sight of
his sister. "Lanie don't you ever make noises?" He teased as he stood up to give
her a hug.

"Funny. So who are you terrorizing now?" She smiled. As much as she hated to
admit it she loved her brothers somewhat. They were always up to something and
she was usually the last one to know about it.

"No one. Don't give me that look Lanie. So how was Port Charles?" he asked with
a grin.

"I never saw what was so special about Brenda Barrett." She could have gone on
but stopped once she saw the look of disappointment that had appeared on his
face.

"The plan's in motion. Sonny will soon begin to get information linking the
shooting at The No Name to Sorel and the organization. So what exactly do you
plan to do dearest brother of mine?" she inquired.

"That's my business Lanie. So you have the antidote?" He eagerly asked.

"Yes I do but you won't get it until I have the detail of this "rescue mission"
you have planned." Lanie said as she crossed her arms getting ready to go to
battle of her last statement.

"Please tell me I heard you wrong." His voice rose a bit.

"No. You heard me correctly. No plan, no antidote."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sonny's cell phone rang. He got up and left Brenda's room and answered it.

"Hello?"

"Sonny it's Benny. Look this isn't good news. It seems that Sorel was behind the
shooting. I don't have a lot of information but what I do have leads to Sorel."
Benny explained.

"Thanks Benny. I need you to get solid evidence. Something I can hand over to
Taggart or Mac. I won't go after Sorel. I'm sure that's what he's expecting.
It's too risky so see what else you can dig up and keep me posted."

"Sure thing Sonny."

Sonny hung up the phone and sighed. He went to go back and sit with Brenda. She
would probably be awake soon and he wanted to be there when she was.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Luke paced back and forth. He had to get Leslie and Lulu back to Port Charles
but he needed someone to watch out for them. He didn't like the boy much but
maybe the kid could keep the rest of his family safe while he went after Faison
so he could get Laura back. He couldn't believe he was going to do it. He
couldn't. But he had to. He forced himself to pick up the phone and dial
Nikolas's cell phone.

"Hello?"

"Nikolas it's Luke."

"Please tell me that Lulu and Leslie are with you." Nikolas hoped he knew where
they were.

"Yeah they are. I need you to do me a favor Nikolas. I need you to come get
them. There's been a little trouble and I need someone to take them back to Port
Charles and stay with them." Luke hated every minute of the conversation.

"Sure where are you? And what kind of trouble?" Nikolas was relieved for the
moment.

"Faison trouble. He has Laura. I need to know that Leslie and Lulu are ok so I
can concentrate on the Faison problem. We're in Canada at the house you and
Lucky came up to the winter before he died." Luke choked back the tears that
were starting to form.

"Ok. I'll be there as soon as I can. I'll ask all the questions I have when I
get there." Nikolas's head was reeling with a million questions.

"I owe you one. Thank you." Luke hung up the phone and went back out to see what
Leslie and Lulu were doing while he waited for Faison to call him with the
latest round of his games.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"This wasn't part of the deal Lanie!" He yelled. He couldn't believe she was
pulling this.

"Remember that saying that you and Jerry threw back at me time after time when I
was younger? The rules always change? Well guess what? The rules changed. You
want that antidote then you'll tell me your plans. And remember I may be blonde
but I'm not stupid. Who the hell do you think conned the poison and the antidote
out of Stefan Cassadine? It sure as hell wasn't you was it? So one last time or
I get rid of it and she dies. You pick." Her green eyes were blazing with anger.
Her brothers always underestimated her. Only this time she had the upper hand
and she was going to keep it. She had no real plans of giving her brother the
real antidote until she felt good and ready.

"Everything is a game to you isn't it Lanie?"

"I learned the art of game playing from you. You don't like it? That's a shame
it's so much fun. You usually say the same thing." She laughed as she took a
seat on the couch.

"We're talking about someone's life Lanie!" he roared.

"Oh so it's different when someone plays you for the fool. I see. Like I said
it's your choice. If you don't mind that trip wore me out and I'd like to spend
some time alone not listening to you go on and on about this. Go think or
something." She waved her hands to shoo him out of the room.

"What has come over you?" He questioned not understanding her current attitude.

"Oh you mean why am no longer your doormat? Simple I did it to get your
attention for years, but now I care less what you or the rest of the family
thinks of me. I was always there for you. But were you there when I needed you?
No. Were you there to help me after I was accused of murder? No. You probably
don't remember that do you? No some merger or some business deal came up and off
you went leaving me to stand trial alone. I never counted on the rest of them,
but I always thought that maybe you were different. Boy was I ever wrong."

He stood there astonished at how deep-rooted her anger was. "Lanie I had no
idea." He managed to say.

"Now you do. Get what you need and leave. Call Jeffery with the name of the
hotel you're staying at and I'll have him bring over the rest of your things. Oh
and the price of the antidote just went up. 4 millions dollars. Cash. Paid in
full to me by the end of the week or the price goes up another 2 million. Or I
could call Sonny Corinthos and explain everything to him. Again it's your
choice." She waited for his reaction. It was so much fun to finally have the
upper hand when it came to her brother.

"I'll be in touch." He muttered as he collected his laptop and briefcase before
he left.

Once the door of her apartment shut she let out an evil laugh. "Oh this should
be fun." She thought. He didn't have the money and she knew it. It would be so
much fun to see how he planned to come up with it. She lay back on the couch and
smiled. "Oh Jasper who will be whose doormat now?"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Elizabeth sleepily sat up and rubbed her eyes. She had no clue where she was or
what happened after she saw Jason fall to the ground. Wait she remembered
someone poking her in the back. She tried to scream but she couldn't. Oh god
what happened? Her eyes scanned the room looking for an answer. Her eyes stopped
on someone sleeping in the bed across the room. The hair color was familiar. It
couldn't be? Was it? She couldn't move. She wanted to rush to the sleeping form
that lay there and ask but she could barely breath. Who ever it was moved and
their face was now turned towards her. Tears formed and began to fall down her
face.

"Lucky? Is it you?" she was finally able to ask.