UNDERSTANDING 

Part Thirty-Seven 

THE NEXT DAY 

Joanna and Jared sat in the motel room they had set up shop in. The tapes were rolling, unfortunately nothing was going on. They hadn't gotten anything worthwhile yet, and it was starting to make them angry. Joanna threw down her chopsticks and scooted her chair back from the table. "Why haven't we gotten anything? Sonny's gonna kill me, Jared!" 

He glared at her, "It takes time, Joanna. And if Mr. Corinthos were gonna kill you, I'd be the first to know about it, cause I'd be the one doing the killing, so calm yourself down. He knows you're trying. Believe me, I'm keeping him informed." He stood up, and began to throw the empty cartons away. They both froze as the phone rang and Sorel's voice came over the speakers. 

"Hello..................so, the meeting is set?........Good. Do we have all we need to set Corinthos up? .......... Alright, tomorrow night we meet to discuss details. Let's meet upstairs at that new nightclub. Yeah, you know the one Vinnie owns in the next town over. I think it's called Illusions or something.................Yeah, eight o'clock. See you then." Click. 

They both listened intently until they heard him hang up the phone. Joanna looked to Jared and they both knew this was the break they'd been waiting for. Tomorrow night was the night they found out exactly what would go down. Again they froze as another sound was picked up from the bugs in the house. A door opening. 

S: Well hello Angela.

A: Hey Mr. Sorel.............what's your pleasure tonight?

S: I think you know what my pleasure is darling. Come on over here.

A: Yes sir. (giggle)

S: Yeah, that's it.............(moan) Come to daddy. 

Those last words made all the color drain from Joanna's face. Jared saw her sudden pallor, and rushed over to turn the equipment down. He turned around to see tears streaming down her face. "Joanna?" he asked tentatively, "What's wrong?" 

"My Father............." She let her words trail off. She didn't want him to know. She didn't want anyone to know. She covered her face with her hands. What did he care anyway? She was just a job to him, nothing more. She felt him coming toward her, and she looked up into his eyes. Jared took one look at her up close, and reached out to pull her into his embrace. "God Joanna..............Are you alright?" She could not stop the tears now. She'd been hiding from her pain for far too long. She held onto him now, tighter than she'd ever held onto anyone before. He brought her down to sit with him on the bed, and when he pulled back from her, she grabbed him tighter.  

"Please Jared...............can you just hold me for a minute? I just.........." She began to sob harder, and he pulled her back to him. What am I doing, he thought. 

He lay back with her in his arms, leaning against the headboard, and after a while she stopped crying, but did not release her hold on him. "Are you feeling better Joanna?"  

"Yeah.........a little." She said weakly. 

"Do you want to talk about it? What brought this on?" 

"I've never told anyone before Jared.............I'm scared." He heard the trembling in her voice, and squeezed her gently. 

"Was it your father?" 

She nodded. "It was the words he said............"Come to Daddy." He used to say that to me. When I was a little girl................." She was shaking now, determined not to let herself cry. Jared tensed up, thinking what kind of a monster this man Sorel could be. She continued, "He used to................come to my room at night, and he would.........do things to me. Bad, horrible things. I remember I used to be so scared. He'd say, 'Come to Daddy, little Joanna. Let Daddy take care of his little girl.' " She shivered just thinking about the nights of torture she'd gone through. "I couldn't fight him though, he was too strong. I just lay there like a good little girl, and let him touch me. It was so horrible. I would cry the whole time, but he would'nt care. He wouldn't listen. He told me that if I told anyone he would kill me, cause he really didn't love me................he hated me, and this was my punishment for being born a girl, and not a boy. He wouldn't stop............He wouldn't listen. I was sorry.....................I was so sorry........" She began to cry again, this time letting the tears roll down her face without trying to stop them. 

Jared sat in shock of what he'd just heard. His arms tightened around her. He ached for what her Father had put her through. She didn't deserve that, no one did. He pressed his lips to the top of her head, and tried to calm her. "Shhh.............Joanna, it's going to be okay. It wasn't your fault. He's sick. Shhh. He won't hurt you again. I promise." He held her tight, letting her cry it out, and trying to come up with a plan for tomorrow night. Now he knew that Sorel was going down. He deserved everything he got, and a whole lot more. Finally, she drifted off to sleep in his protective embrace. Jared vowed to himself that Sorel would get what was coming to him. Prison, maybe even death.  

***************************************************** 

Carly walked into the penthouse after a long day of shopping, finding Sonny on the couch waiting up for her. He had dozed off, sitting there by himself, and she walked up behind him. She put her arms around his neck, and whispered into his ear, "Hey stranger." 

Sonny's eyes fluttered open at the soft breath and voice in his ear. He knew it was her, and said, "Hey beautiful." He grabbed her hand, and pulled her around to sit on his lap. She put her arms lazily around his neck, and smiled up at him. He felt his breath catch in his throat. Man, that smile..............would he ever get used to it? He reached his hand up and cupped her face. "What did you do today?" 

"Oh, I just did a little shopping................What about you?" 

"Oh, just did a little business....." 

"What kind of business?" She asked, starting their old game. 

"Mine." 

"Oh......." she said, laughing, "YOURS! I forgot." They were both chuckling now, and Sonny pulled her to his lips for a kiss. "Sonny....." she whispered softly, still amazed how one kiss could make her heart race. He was a darn sexy man. She knew she still had something to do, though, and she needed to tell Sonny about it. She wanted him right there beside her, and knew it would be to her advantage to have him there. "I need to talk to you." She said, pulling back from him. 

His face grew concerned immediately, "Is something wrong?" 

"Well, yeah.............but nothing we can't handle." She tried to ease his fears by giving him a smile. He wasn't buying it though. 

"Out with it Carly............what's going on?" 

She decided to start with the beginning. "Well, I had a talk with my Mother yesterday. She told me all about how I was conceived, and why she and Stefan gave me up for adoption. She said it was to protect me from Helena." 

Sonny rubbed her back, knowing that had to have been hard. He nodded his head urging her to continue. 

"Well, at first I was really upset, and I didn't believe her............but then later when I was on the docks, I ran into Helena." She felt Sonny tense up. 

"Why am I just now hearing about this?" He demanded. 

"Well, it was nothing I couldn't handle really. I just wanted to think this thing through a little more before I brought you into it. Anyway," she rushed on, hoping to avoid a fight, "she started talking to me about how she wanted Michael, and how she wanted me, and how she wouldn't stop unil she got what she wanted. Of course I fought back with her, but still....................It made me realize that my mother was right. Helena is evil, and I know she will stop at nothing until she has my son. So..........." 

Sonny was angry, but waiting to hear the rest, "So what, Carly?" 

"So, I've decided that I have to fight her. She will not take my son, Sonny. I won't allow it. She's messed with the wrong Spencer this time. I'm going to talk to Stefan. I need every resource I can get. I figure he probably knows her better than anyone, so if I can get him on my side, there's no stopping me. I mean, there's something Helena hasn't taken into account here." 

"What's that?" 

"The way I fight. She doesn't know I fight dirtier than most. I want you to go with me to see Stefan, Sonny. I really need you there........." She looked into his eyes. 

Sonny could not deny her this, and said, "Carly, did you think I wouldn't go with you? I will do whatever it takes to keep you and Michael safe, even if I have to take on Helena Cassadine............or anyone for that matter. I would do anything for you." 

Carly hugged him tightly, and almost screamed in delight, "Oh Sonny.............I knew you would help me. Can we go see Stefan tonight?" 

Sonny nodded his head, and when she tried to get up he pulled her back into his lap. She looked in confusion at him, and he said, "There's some things we have to discuss first." 

"Uh-oh.............Lecture Alert!" She laughed slightly, and waited for the blessing out that was to come. 

"No lecture Carly, just a warning. You will not leave this penthouse again without a bodyguard, and the next time something like this happens.............you better not wait till the next day to tell me." He looked at her sternly. 

"I will agree to that...............if you agree to one thing." She smiled smugly. 

"Oh yeah, what's that?"  

"That you won't be worrying about me all the time. I can take care of myself, Sonny. I did it for years before I met you."  

He smiled at her, "It's my job to worry about you. I just want to keep you safe, Carly. I haven't been able to do that in the past." His eyes clouded over, and she knew what he was thinking. 

"Yeah, I understand Sonny. I worry about you too, you know. Out there risking your life everyday, but you know what?"  

"What?" 

"Why would I get myself hurt when I've got a fine hunk of man to come home to every night?" She said playfully, trying to lighten the mood. 

"Who is it?" he joked, "I'll kill him for touching my woman!" 

"It's you Mr. Corinthos, and don't you forget it." She placed a passionate kiss on his lips, and got up, pulling him with her. "Now, let's go talk to my Father."

UNDERSTANDING 

Part Thirty-Eight 

Chloe looked around the dimly lit room Johnny had pulled her into. She had insisted he pick the
place for dinner, and she was starting to regret that decision slightly. Smoke filled the air, and
when they stepped in the room she heard people from all around yell out things like, "Hey
Johnny!" or "Johnny!" She looked up at Johnny expectantly, and he smiled down at her. "Come
on, I want you to meet my friends." 

They walked over to a table in the back, and Chloe looked at the men sitting at the table. She
smiled tentatively at them, and felt Johnny's reassuring hand on her back. "Chloe," he said,
pointing at the men as he introduced them, "This is Francis........Rick........
Luigi..........Paulo.............and Alfie. Guys, this is my friend, Chloe Morgan." 

Francis was the first to speak, when he saw her obvious uncomfortable smile, "Miss Morgan, it's
nice to meet you." 

Chloe reached out to grab his hand, thankful for someone at least saying something. "Hello
Francis, it's nice to meet you, too." The greetings followed all around the table, and they were
invited to sit down for a few minutes. 

"Well, just for a few minutes," Johnny said, "We came to eat dinner." They sat at the table, and
Chloe looked around at the faces studying her closely. She cleared her throat nervously, and
ventured out a question she already knew the answer to, "So.........what do you guys do?" 

They exchanged amused glances, and Johnny said casually, "They work for me and Sonny." The
conversation changed after that to things that went on during the day. A new guard they were
trying to train, a trick from Sorel they had almost fallen for, Carly's latest temper tantrum.........
Chloe sat back in her chair and listened as Johnny conversed with his friends. She occasionally
jumped in the conversation when they made an amusing remark about something Carly had said,
or something she had done. It was clear that these men all cared a great deal for her, and it was
also clear that they were completely loyal to Sonny Corinthos. It seemed each man had a
different reason, but they all were indebted to him just the same. They also seemed to be at ease
with Johnny. They trusted him. He clearly enjoyed this life, and Chloe could see why. She felt at
ease with his friends, too. Lord knows, she'd felt at ease with him since she met him. It was good
to be around people you didn't have to pretend with. She was deep in thought when she felt a
hand on her arm. "Chloe?" 

She sat up, "Yeah?" 

"You ready to go eat now?" He smiled at her. 

"Oh yeah, I'm starving." She looked around at the guys at the table. "Bye guys, it was so good to
talk to you all." They waved and smiled at her, and she walked off with Johnny for their table.
Dinner was nice, and she felt herself being swept into a debate over what was the best movie of
all time. When all was done, he walked her home and stopped at the door to the Penthouse.
"Well..........." she started, not knowing what to say. Tonight had been the best night she'd had in a
long, long time. 

"Well............Chloe, I'm so glad you agreed to go to dinner with me tonight. I had such a good
time. It's....................well, you know, it's been a while since I've had someone I can talk
to..........you know?" He looked down at his feet, suddenly a little nervous. 

Chloe smiled broadly, and she felt her heart swell. "Johnny, I know exactly what you mean.
Tonight was probably the best night I've had in forever. It seems like..............well, it just seems
like I've missed this, you know? Having friends, and interacting with other people besides Jax,
Alexis, and Ned." 

He looked up into her eyes, and he knew she was telling the truth. "Well Chloe, I'm glad you had a
good time," he said sincerely. They stared for a few stolen moments, and finally Johnny
remembered Jax, and pulled his eyes away from her. There was nothing he wanted more than to
kiss her right then, but he didn't want to be second fiddle to anyone. When he kissed Chloe, it
would be because she wanted him to, and with no one standing between them. "So, when is Jax
coming home?" he asked, slightly worried about her. "Will you be safe here by yourself?" 

"OH! Yeah, I'll be fine." She had forgotten all about Jax as she was staring into his eyes. "He
should be home in a few weeks." 

"Well, here's my number," he took out a piece of paper and a pen, and wrote down his number for
her, "in case you need anything. Anything at all Chloe," he added. 

She smiled at him, and said, "Thanks Johnny, you're too sweet." 

"Well, what are friends for?" he asked. 

Impulsively, Chloe reached out and hugged him. After getting over his initial shock, he wrapped
his arms around her. They both lingered a little too long in the embrace, and by the flush on their
faces when they parted, they both knew they had done so. "Thank you again, Johnny," Chloe
whispered. 

"Good night Chloe." With that, he turned and walked quickly away. If he didn't run now, he'd
definitely never leave. Chloe watched him go, wishing though she knew she shouldn't, that he
would turn around and come back for her. But he kept on walking, and with a sigh, she turned the
key to the penthouse, and headed inside for a long, hot shower. 

******************************************************** 

Jared lay on the bed beside her as she slept. He had released her from his embrace when he saw
that she had fallen asleep. What in the world was making him go into protective mode with this
girl? She was his assignment. The one he'd been sent to check up on, and then kill if something
went wrong. She was the enemy's daughter. She was dangerous. He had been informed on the
things she'd done to Ms. Benson, and it had angered him to no end. Ms. Benson had always been
good to him, as had Mr. Corinthos. He'd been a good soldier for him, and he never let his personal
feelings get in the way of his job. Why now? Why was he starting to feel things again that he'd
thought were dead and buried long ago? When she'd poured her heart out to him, he'd felt as
though she'd ripped his out. He'd wanted to take Sorel, and rip him from limb to limb. What kind of
monster could do that to his own child? He looked over at her, sleeping soundly next to him. She
was beautiful, he'd give her that, and she did have quick wits, but she was the enemy. There was
no way there could be anything there. He leaned his head back, and closed his eyes, knowing he
needed to get his rest for the day they had tomorrow. Just as he was about to doze off, he felt her
move. She tossed fitfully in her sleep, and turned over to throw her arm across his chest, and
place her head on the arm that was tucked beneath his head. She looked so peaceful and
innocent laying there. What the heck, he thought. He brought his arm down to embrace her body,
and pulled her tighter to him, reveling in the feel of their body heat mixing together. She moaned
and snuggled closer to him, and he closed his eyes. I shouldn't be doing this. The thought passed
his mind quickly before sleep overtook him. At that moment, he didn't really care. She felt way
too good nestled in his arms. 

********************************************************** 

Carly rang the doorbell at the front door of the foreboding Wyndamere. A maid answered the
door, "Can I help you?" 

"Yes," Carly stated matter-of-factly, "I am Caroline Benson. I need to speak with my Father.
Stefan Cassadine." 

The maid looked shocked for a moment, but quickly recovered and went to find her boss. Just
how many secret children did he have? 

Carly and Sonny stood close together, waiting for him to come. Sonny wrapped his arm around
her waist and pulled her in for a kiss. "No matter what happens Caroline, remember I got your
back," he whispered. 

She smiled against his lips, "I know Sonnyco, you are my knight in shining armor." They pulled
apart as Stefan walked in the room. Sonny let his hand gently rub Carly's back in a reassuring
manner. 

"Caro........Carly, it's so good to see you." Stefan smiled, and gestured his hand, leading them to
the sitting room. 

"Wow. This place is really nice," Carly said, admiring the beautiful antique and expensive items
on display. 

"Why thank you," he replied kindly. "What brings you here Caroline? I know you know the story
now. I have spoken with Bobbie." 

Carly wanted to get this over with. She wasn't quite sure how to handle all of this just yet. "Yes,
she explained everything to me." 

"Does that mean you are willing to forgive me? That you want us to have a relationship?" 

Carly took a deep breath, still feeling Sonny urging her on, "Well, I'm not really certain about that
yet, Stefan," she said, telling the truth. "I don't hate you, but it's hard for me to just all of a sudden
accept you as my Father. I'm here for a different reason." 

A look of disappointment crossed Stefan's face, but he quickly covered it. "What is it Caroline?" 

"Well, I had a run-in with Helena yesterday." 

"Are you alright? Did she threaten you again?" 

"I'm fine. She did threaten me, though. She wants my son............and me." Carly said quietly. 

"I knew this would happen," he said, "She is so evil. The second she found out about you, she
worked it into a way she could use it to her advantage. That's what Mommy Dearest does best.
She uses other people like pawns in a chess game. All to get what she wants." 

"Well, she's crossed the wrong Spencer/Cassadine this time. You don't know me well, but I can
assure you, I am not a quitter. I will fight her until my very last breath if I have to to keep my son
safe." 

"I'm sure you will. Spencer/Cassadine.................that is quite an interesting advantage you've got
here. I mean, ruthless like the Cassadines, and fearless like the Spencers. I'd say you got the
best of both worlds." 

"Yeah, well...............if I'm going to fight her, I'm going to need help. That's what I came to ask for.
I need help fighting her." 

"Why me?" he asked quietly. 

"You know her best, better than anyone." She shrugged her shoulders as if the answer were
simple really. 

"Yes, I do. That's why I have to warn you. This will not be an easy fight. She fights dirty, and she
fights mean. She will kill without batting an eye, and then she will ravenge your body for anything
she can squeeze out of your remains. Do you really think you can hold your own against her?" 

Carly steeled herself, and there was an edge to her voice, "I already told you. I will do
WHATEVER it takes to keep my son away from that woman. Whatever it takes. Now will you help
me? Cause if you don't, I will just do it by myself." 

Stefan stared at her for what seemed like an eternity. Finally he spoke, "Yes Caroline............I'll
help you." 

Carly smiled, "With you and the mob, i mean, the coffee importers behind me, there's no way I
can lose. Thank you Stefan." 

"Your welcome Caroline." He stepped closer to her. "You know," he reached out to touch her
face, "I always loved you Caroline. Always." 

She nodded, tears running down her face, and she turned to walk away. Sonny put his arm
around her, and they went toward the door. Once they reached it, Carly turned around abruptly,
"Stefan.................thank you. I am grateful to you for helping me with my son." Then she turned
back into Sonny's arms, and they left. Stefan stood there, tears rolling down his face. His
daughter. He silently prayed that someday she would love him as much as he loved her already.