Part Nineteen

Sonny stirred in the hospital bed. He tried to move, but it hurt so bad, all over. He grimaced as he tried to move his arm. A sharp pain shot through him, and he groaned. He opened his eyes slowly, and looked around. He was in the hospital. He felt someone stir beside him, and looked down at his chest to find Carly curled up beside him, her face all puffy, and tear tracks in her makeup running down her face. Thank God she wasn't hurt, he thought. He tried to move again, and Carly woke up with a start. "Sonny!" She sat up quickly, and looked to make sure she hadn't hurt him. "You're awake! Oh Sonny!" She smiled brightly and leaned down to give him a kiss. He groaned when she accidentally hit his bandages. "Oh, I'm so sorry......" She was instantly concerned, and started to get up.

He pulled her back around to face him, and said, "Carly, it's okay."

"Are you okay Sonny? I was so afraid I would lose you....." she was crying again.

"I'm okay Carly, I'm just sore. Are you okay?" he asked, knowing that bullet could have hit her if he hadn't pushed her out of the way.

"Sonny, you are the one who was shot. I'm fine." She reached over and touched his face lovingly. "Oh God, Sonny......." The tears were flowing freely now, as she realized just how much she could have lost. With great effort, he reached up and brushed the tears off her cheek, and let his hand rest there. She turned her face in his hand and kissed his palm. "I could've lost you Sonny.................I was so scared."

"Sh, I know baby," he whispered. "I'm not going anywhere."

She jumped off the bed all of a sudden, and said, "I'm going to get the doctor. You need to be checked out."

Carly ran out the door, and Sonny lay there thinking. How did this happen? He closed his eyes and remembered what had happened. He was holding Carly, about to tell her he loved her, and he glanced up. There was a man across the way with a gun. He just stood and stared, and when he heard the gun fire, he pushed Carly out of the way. If he had stalled a second longer, it would be her here instead of him. The thought frightened him and he shuddered. He felt another stab of pain, and grimaced again. Who would do this? He thought of the shooter again, and tried to focus on his face, and all the sudden it hit him. He knew exactly who the shooter was.

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Later that day, HOSPITAL

Johnny walked through the hospital doors. He was tired. He had been out all night, talking to people, trying to get any information he could find. He knew now who the shooter was, and it was time to break it to the boss, if he was even awake. He walked to the room, and looked in. He saw Sonny sleeping, and Carly was sitting beside him. He pushed the door open, and walked in.

"Carly?"

"Johnny, where have you been?" She rose to her feet.

"How is he Carly?" Johnny asked, trying to avoid the subject until he could talk with Sonny.

"He's fine Johnny. He woke up this morning, and Tony said he would be fine. It's gonna take a long time for the wound to heal, but he's going to make it." She smiled, and turned around back to Sonny. She took his hand, and clasped it tightly.

Johnny watched her do this, and felt glad. This woman loved his boss, it was plain to see, and he was proud of that. She was good for him, and she was strong.

Sonny stirred awake, and Carly said, "Sonny...........Johnny's here to see you."

Sonny opened his eyes, and looked at Johnny. "Hey."

"Hey Boss, how are you?"

"I'm fine, but I need to talk to you. Carly, do you think you could give us a minute?" He looked up at her.

Carly did not want to leave, but she decided to do what she was told this time. She didn't want Sonny fighting and getting all excited. She leaned over and kissed him on the lips, and said, "I'll be back." She smiled at Johnny as she was leaving.

When she was gone, Johnny said, "Boss, I'm sorry I haven't been here, but I was out looking for the shooter."

"It's okay Johnny. I know who it is."

"You already know?"

"Yes, I saw him before he shot me. Find him. I want all the details, and I want him held. Do not kill him...........yet."

Johnny nodded. He would do as he was told. He turned to walk out of the room.

Sonny stopped him, "Johnny."

"Yes Boss?"

"Good work. Thank you for taking care of Carly yesterday."

"That's my job." Johnny looked at him, and smiled.

"Yeah well........." Sonny smiled back, and Johnny walked out. Sonny looked at the door, and was thankful that he had Johnny. He definitely had possibilities. He closed his eyes, and thought about what he was going to do to his betrayer. Benny would surely pay for this.

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Benny walked up to where he was to meet Sorel.

"Is it done?" Sorel asked him.

"Yes, it's done."

"Well, good Benny, you've earned your respect here then." Sorel smiled at him, and Benny smiled back. "Our plans are put into motion then. Soon, this territory will be mine, and Sonny Corinthos will be a thing of the past." Sorel's cell phone rang and he pulled it out. "Yeah," he answered. His face suddenly changed. He turned to Benny. "Benny, Benny........he's not dead."

"What? I shot him, I swear." Benny couldn't believe his ears.

"Well, apparently you didn't do it good enough. He's got my daughter, too. What do you have to say about this Benny? Your job was not followed out." Sorel pulled out a gun, and pulled it on Benny.

"I swear I shot him. Please......"

"What makes you think I shouldn't kill you? What can you do for me?"

"I know how he operates. I know where he takes people. I know everything about his business. I can help you find your daughter." Benny was shaking with fear, for he knew what would happen if he didn't make Sorel believe him.

Sorel considered this for a moment, and put the gun away. "You will help me Benny, and this time you will do your job right, or you will die. No excuses." Sorel walks away, leaving a scared Benny standing there.

Benny didn't know what to do. He knew that Sonny had seen him, he had looked him right in the face. If Sonny was alive that meant that he was a dead man. He knew as sure as he was standing there that Sonny Corinthos would get him, and he would pay big time. Maybe it's time I left town, he thought. Just then Johnny walked up.

"Hey Benny," Johnny said.

"Hey Johnny, what's going on?" he asked, trying to sound like normal. Maybe Johnny didn't know what was going on.

"Well, Mr. Corinthos was shot last night. Don't worry, he's okay though."

"Oh no. Why didn't someone call me?"

"Well, we tried, but no one was home. Where were you at last night?"

"Oh, I just went out and got a beer, you know." Benny was looking around, trying to think of a way to escape.

"Really? That's not what I heard." Johnny looked dead serious, and he walked toward Benny.

Benny tried to run the opposite direction, but met with Francis right behind him. The two guards grabbed him, and put a hand over his mouth.

"See Benny, all our sources say you were across the street from the penthouse last night. They say you had a gun. Don't ask me to reveal my biggest source, but I think we both know who it is." He leaned in close to Benny, and whispered, "I think we both know what that source is going to do to you. Sorry, Benny, there's nothing I can do, not that I would." He looked up at Francis, and said, "Take him away." Francis dragged the very frightened Benny off the docks and away to meet his fate. Johnny sat on the bench, and let out a deep breath, and a smile came across his face. He could definitely get used to this. As long as Mr. Corinthos had put him in a position of power, he might as well make the most of it. He called the hospital, and when Sonny answered, he said, "It's done."

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HOSPITAL

Sonny hung up the phone, glad that it was done, and that Johnny had taken care of it. He looked over to where Carly was sitting beside his bed. She had not left that spot except for when he'd asked her to leave so he could talk to Johnny. He reached out and grabbed her hand. She looked up at him, and smiled, so glad that he was alive.

"Come up here with me, " he said, patting the bed.

She got up on the bed beside him, careful not to disturb his wound. "Sonny............" she said, looking deep into his eyes.

"Yeah, baby?" He reached up and pushed her hair out of her face.

Carly took a deep breath, and decided she had to tell him now. She had to let him know that he was her life, her whole heart. She reached up and put her hand on top of his, on her cheek where it had come to rest after pushing her hair back. "I........I love you......." she finally whispered.

Sonny pulled her to him, and kissed her on the lips. Tears were running down Carly's face. She was so glad he finally knew, even if he didn't say it back. But just then, he pulled away from her, and much to her amazement and sheer happiness, he said, "I love you, too Carly." She sighed a sigh of joy, and leaned her forehead against his. He hugged her hard with his good arm, and she moved to lay her head on his chest, content that she had finally told him, and that he loved her back. It was the best gift she had ever gotten. The love of this magnificent man.

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Joanna looked around her at the dark room she was in. She couldn't see anything in there. She knew she must have been there hours, and she was starting to go a little crazy. Her hands were tied to the chair she was sitting in. Just then the door opened, and she saw Francis bring a man in, and put him in another chair. Someone turned on the light, and her eyes strained against the light. She saw AJ in the corner, his face all black and blue, and still unconscious. The man was tied to the chair, and just as quietly as he had come Francis left the room, turning out the light as he went. Joanna wondered what Corinthos was going to them. She closed her eyes, and for one of the very first times in her life, she was very scared.

Part Twenty

SEVERAL DAYS LATER

Johnny knocked on the penthouse door. He was so proud of himself. After days of following Sorel, he finally had what he'd been looking for, the perfect tool to use against Joanna. He grinned like an idiot and thought of how this would please Sonny. It was his turn, he thought. He was next in line, and he knew it. It was only a matter of time before Sonny gave him a higher position, and he knew the tape he had in his hand would be one of the keys to getting himself there. He liked working for Mr. Corinthos. He was a good boss. He'd always been good to him, just as he'd always tried to do right by him. Loyalty was an important thing in this business, and he was completely loyal to Sonny. The man had taken him in when he had no one. He was part of this family, and that alone was the reason Johnny would be indebted to him for the rest of his life.

Carly opened the door, and smiled at him. "Hey Johnny!" She ushered him in and shut the door. "Sonny's still upstairs in bed."

"Is he okay? How's he doing?" Johnny asked.

"He's doing okay, he still hurts, but he's glad to be home."

"That's good, do you think I could see him?"

"I guess so. Come on." Johnny followed her upstairs into their room, and saw Sonny laying on the bed, still all bandaged up, but sitting up and looking a whole lot better.

"Hey Mr. Corinthos."

"Hey Johnny. Come on in." Carly left, and shut the door behind her, although she desperately wanted to know what was going on. She didn't think Sonny needed the extra worry right now.

Johnny walked over to the bed, and started to speak. "I've got it, sir."

Sonny looked to make sure Carly was out of the room before he began. "Is it what we needed?"

"It's perfect. It will do the job quite well, I think."

"Great Johnny. I've been meaning to talk to you."

Johnny's ears perked up, and he steeled himself for what he knew was coming.

Sonny began, "Johnny, you've been with me for a lot of years. You've always been loyal to me. I've been thinking about it, and I've decided it's time to give you some more responsibility. Do you think you are up to it? It will mean more pay, but it will also mean a harder job, and a more dangerous one."

Johnny could barely contain his excitement. "Yes sir. I think I can handle it."

"Good." Sonny smiled, and reached out to shake his hand. "Since I can't get out of this bed, I need you to take care of some things for me. First of all, there's Benny. I think we both know what has to be done to him. He tried to kill me, and almost got Carly in the process. I won't stand for it, Johnny."

"I understand sir."

"Proceed with the plans for AJ and Joanna. I will finish that up when I'm feeling better. I want security kicked up on the penthouse. I want a man posted on Carly and Michael everywhere they go. They are not to be unprotected at any time. Do you understand that?"

"Yes sir."

"Okay, I think that's about it, for now. Thanks Johnny. Watch out for Sorel, he's bound to be on the warpath now that Joanna's missing. I want a man on you, too. You're going to be a lot more important target from now on."

Johnny said, "I've got it sir, and I'll be sure to keep everything under control." He turned to leave, but Sonny called him back.

"Johnny, thank you, I know I can trust you and that means a lot."

"Yes sir."

"Call me Sonny."

"Yes Sonny." Johnny smiled, and left the room. He headed down the stairs and out the door, smiling, and excited about his new position, and the new life he was going to be leading. He was ready for it all, whatever it took.

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Carly watched Johnny leave, and headed back up to check on Sonny. When she walked in the room, he was laying there with his eyes closed. She walked closer.

Sonny felt it the moment she walked in the room, and slowly opened his eyes, when he heard her walking toward him. A slow smile spread across her face, and he found himself smiling back.

"Hey you," she said, "what was up with Johnny?"

"Hey yourself, and what do you mean?" Sonny reached out a hand for her, and she came over to sit beside him. He pulled her close, and she snuggled up against him, thinking again just how close she came to losing him.

"Well," she said, " when he left, he had the biggest grin on his face. He looked so happy."

"Oh, I gave him a promotion." Sonny began to rub her back, and she moaned slightly.

"Oh really? That's great Sonny, he's a good guy." She placed her hand on his chest, as she loved to do. She looked him in the eye, and he could tell she wasn't really worried about Johnny.

"Yeah." He mumbled, as he leaned in and kissed her. They both moaned, as passion started to overcome them. Sonny pulled back and looked at her. How was it possible that he could just look at her and want her? He'd never had this with any other woman, a passion so intense, it touched his very soul. When she smiled at him, he felt his knees go weak, and his very heart tremble. And, just as though she could read his thoughts, she smiled at him. A huge, silly, earth-shattering, soul-shaking smile.

Carly watched his face change from smiling, to one of pure love. The love she knew he felt for her, and still couldn't quite believe, shone through his eyes, and it was written all over his face. Tears came to her then, and he looked concerned.

"What's wrong Carly?" He took her face into his hands, and looked at her worriedly.

"Oh nothing, I was just thinking........."

"About what baby?"

"About how I would've died if I'd lost you. I would miss you so much, Sonny." She felt the tears spill down her face.

He looked at her, and felt his heart swell. "Carly, I'm okay. It's okay. You don't have to worry about me."

"I know, it's just I love you, Sonny. I love all of you. Your face, your hair, your beautiful eyes, your silly dimples," she let her hand drift over each part as she spoke of it. "I love it when you tease me, and make me breakfast. I even love ou fights, Sonny. I love you so much, I never thought it was possible."

Sonny was amazed at all she had said, and it touched him to the very depths of his soul. He knew exactly what she meant, though. He didn't think he'd ever loved anyone as much as her. He had loved before, but those had never felt as real, as scary, or as amazing as this felt, right here holding her. She was his everything.

"I love you too Carly." He pulled her in for a kiss, and she melted into him. They just held each other, both still a little in awe of what was happening to them. Sonny couldn't believe he loved again, after all that had happened to him. Carly couldn't believe she loved a man, and he actually loved her back, he'd actually said it. They reveled in each other's touch, and he showed her exactly how much he loved her, being careful not to hurt his wound. Later that night, when the house was quiet, Sonny and Carly lay in the moonlight. He held her tight to him, and they were as close as they could possibly be. His hands on her back, her head in his neck, their legs entertwined, and the sheets all tangled. It was the closest to heaven as either had ever been, and they both had a feeling it just didn't get any better than this.

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The door to the dark room opened, and Johnny walked in. All three captives tried to focus their eyes, and Johnny flipped the light switch on. AJ was still in the corner, awake now, but looking very battered, and very much in need of a drink. Joanna was still tied up to the chair in the middle of the room, and Benny was on the other side of her, in a chair also. They all looked in fear as Johnny stepped in the room.

"Hello everyone," Johnny said, nonchalantly. "I hope you're all doing well, and enjoying the peace and quiet, cause it won't last long." He smiled at them all, and kind of got a high off seeing their eyes shining with fear. He walked over to Benny. "Benny, Benny.................. What am I going to do with you?" He leaned down in front of him, and looked him in the eye. "You did a very bad thing, Benny Boy. You should've known better. Mr. Corinthos gave me very strict instructions about you. You know what they are, don't you Benny?" He pulled the gun out of his pocket, and began to put the silencer on the end of it as he kept on talking. "You've been in this business long enough to know what happens to people like you, don't you? I can tell by that look of fear in your eyes that you do. I'm sorry, Benny. I sure hate to do this, but I've got my orders, and unlike you, I don't go against my boss." He stepped back, and pointed the gun. "Mr. Corinthos wanted me to tell you that his bullet won't miss. He also wanted you to know that you shouldn't have messed with his family. He thought you knew better, but apparently.............he was wrong." He pulled the trigger, and shot Benny right between the eyes, and his head sagged as blood began to ooze from the wound. He was dead. He heard Joanna scream from behind the tape on her mouth. He walked over to her, and put the gun on her cheek. "You want some of this, honey? Little nanny, you better be quiet. I'm not going to shoot you right now, or your little friend over in the corner, but I just wanna be sure we're real clear on one thing...........your payback is coming. It won't be right now, and it won't be exactly like old Benny's here, but it will come when you least expect it, and trust me, sweetheart, it will be bad. Just get ready." With that, Johnny flipped the light switch back off, and walked out of the room, leaving the very frightened prisoners to wonder about their fate.