Thanks Ladies so much for all your comments on this story. You don't know how much I love hearing what you think. So please keep letting me know. I have
even added some stuff based on your feedback. Like Johnny getting a little retribution for the Jason beat down he received. I wouldn't have even thought of
it until a few of you brought it up, and unlike GH I will actually try and make the readers happy. Plus my frustration with Jason is at an all time high I was
more than happy take a few shots at the character, hopefully this pod Jason on our screens will be gone soon and we'll get back the enforcer with a heart
of gold. Until then we have FanFic.
Once again many thanks go to charm, who added a lot to this chapter.
Chapter 15
Elizabeth reached her boys one step in front of Jason only to find Cam had already taken care of his anxious little brother. Jake was sitting in Cam's lap with the book they had started reading before their nap.
"Mommy," Jake's eyes widened in relief at seeing his mother.
Scrambling to his feet Jake ran to her. Dropping to her knees the young mother scooped him up in a warm embrace.
"Hey baby, how'd you sleep?"
Elizabeth was troubled over how fearful her little boy had sounded through the monitor and his obvious distress over her not being with him when he woke. He clung to her neck as if he hadn't seen her in over a week.
Her little guys had been through a lot this past year. Maybe she was missing the signs indicating they weren't coping as well as she thought. When we are "alive" again I should take them in to see Laney or she could refer them to a good child psychologist.
Holding her son close as she continued to soothe him. Scooting closer to Cam, she gave him a kiss on top of his curly brown locks.
"Thanks Cam, your such a great big brother."
Cam snuggled in under her arm. "I think he had a bad dream. He looked sad even before he woke up."
Concerned for everything his family had been though, Jason took a seat close to Cam, who promptly snuggled into his lap. Jason angled his body so that his massive shoulder and arm enfolded all three of them as if to shield them from any harm. Taking turns, his other hand stroked first Cam's then Jake's back offering his support.
Jason realized his family had been through a lot over the past few years. He was just now starting to understand they needed him to be there not just for protection but to offer them his love and support. At times like this his heart ached with the regret.
Elizabeth eyes locked with his and as if reading his mind she mouthed "No Regrets." Leaning closer into him she kissed his temple before whispering, "We did what we thought was best for them at the time."
Jason knew he didn't deserve her compassion but he was grateful for it nonetheless. She possessed the most extraordinary heart. How she could ever love someone like him was the greatest mystery and blessing of his life.
The boys seemed to calm quickly within the loving strength surrounding them. So Jason offered to finish the story they had started before their nap.
The still drowsy boys seemed to perk up quickly and became more and more animated as the story progressed.
"Woof woof, doggie," Jake pointed to the picture. Grinning his father discovered, much to his amusement, Jake loved showing off his animal impersonations for each illustration shown.
"That's right Jake, doggie." He encouraged
As her three men became engrossed in the story Elizabeth slipped out to honor her side of their bargain and fix them their promised snacks.
"The lion stepped out from behind the bush-"
"ROAWWWW!!" Little Jake bellowed as he moved to crawl on his hands and knees like a cat on the prowl.
Jason stifled his surprise at the animated boy's interruption. Cam laughed but was happy to stay tucked into Jason's arm and watch the show.
"-He looked for the bunny but he was no where to be seen-"
"Hop, hop, hop.." Jake squeaked as jumped around the padded room.
"-Suddenly from the tree tops his friend Kai The Monkey swung down from a tall branch-" Jason's voice giving away his amusement in anticipation of his son's next animal impression.
While scratching his underarms and swaying from side to side, Jake stretched his facial features like a monkey and rattled, "OOOOHHHH oooH OOOh OOOh ooooh oooH"
Cam started laughing so hard he knocked the book out of Jason's hand.
"Jason, doesn't a big pig come say Hello next?"
Unable to imagine a story himself, Jason just followed Cameron's lead. "You must be right. He was a giant pink pig with a very curly tail."
Naturally Jake took his queue and started snorting. This went on till both boys had their fill. No one was more amused than Jason. As the flushed tykes settled down Cameron was the first to remember his mother's promise.
"Hey. We took naps. We get donuts! DONUTS!"
Elizabeth had been standing outside the door watching them all at play, enjoying Jason reaction to their son's dramatics. At Cam's demand for the promised treat Elizabeth retreated back into the lobby where she had everything ready, the donuts were divided and the milk poured for her sons when they came running down the hall. Three big grins let her know she was appreciated.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~
Diane and Max arrived later that evening loaded down with three large pizzas, wine, beer and grape juice for the boys. Cam and Jake squealed in delight and hugged the large teddy bear guard in welcome.
The brilliant attorney abruptly enveloped a shocked Elizabeth into a strong hug. Diane whispered how relieved she was that one of her favorite clients, along her two adorable children, hadn't been blown to bits.
"Thanks." Elizabeth replied graciously patting the older woman uncertainly on the back.
Before letting her go she added, "I can't even begin to imagine how Jason would have survived if he had really lost you all like that." She sniffled once before straightening up and getting her emotions back under control.
After the brief and uncharacteristic display of emotion from the classy red, Jason and Elizabeth worked together getting dinner ready for the boys. To keep the boys entertained while the adults talked she sat out paper and crayons close by warning them that they had to finish their dinner first.
While the parents were busy with the boys Diane poured herself and Elizabeth a glass of wine, as Max twisted the tops off a couple of beers for Jason and himself.
Johnny's arrival completed the group and after a brief greeting he was instructed to help himself. Before complying with their instructions the Young Zacchara crouched down to greet the two small boys.
"Hey guys, how's the pizza?"
Cam grinning up at him with a ring of pizza sauce around his mouth, muttered, "umm good."
Jake who looked as if he was wearing more of the pizza than what had actually made it in his mouth. One little fist clench around a piece of gnawed crust, while the other was holding a gooey glob of sauce covered cheese that was currently being crammed in his mouth fist and all. Without pausing he nodded head in agreement with his brother.
"Hey, you're the guy who came and got us last night." Cam stated in recognition. "Mommy said you saved us from a big fire and you're a hero."
Blushing under the child's praise, he humbly muttered, "I didn't really do all that much. Your mom is the real hero she didn't panic and made sure you guys were safe."
Cam's eye's rounded at the thought of his own mommy being a hero. "Really?"
Smiling at the young boy's awe, "Honest, you're very lucky to have such a great mom."
Patting Cameron's curly brown locks, and giving Jake a knuckle bump to the bread filled fist he offered.
Jason waited as Johnny gathered his own dinner before joining Elizabeth and himself on the couch. Diane was sitting comfortably in an oversized chair with Max at her feet.
It was time to get down to the business.
Aware of the boys close proximity Jason weighed his words carefully. "Diane I'm going to need you to do whatever is necessary to slow down all legal matters surrounding.... this situation. Max, talk to our guy in the coroners office, delay all the results for as long as possible, and make sure any and all reports are inconclusive."
"Jason you know I can't hear things like that!" Diane exclaimed in exasperation.
"What? Its not like I gave him account numbers so that he can payoff who ever he needs too." Looking at Max intently he continued "Other wise I would have sent him to Bernie, asking for access to the Hedgecoe accounts."
Rolling her eyes at Jason ability to slyly give instructions to his guard without actually incriminating himself. Elizabeth recognized that this was just one of the many things that made him so successful at his job.
"Also Diane since you'll be handling Elizabeth's legal affairs you'll be in the perfect position to meet with Audrey and keep her updated on Elizabeth and the boys."
Max shuddered slightly at the mention of her Grams causing Elizabeth to stifle a giggle. When the guard shot a scowl in her direction she gave up and laughed out right.
Ignoring the by-play Jason asked. "Johnny, did you make any progress today?"
"I went to Crimson Point," pulling out a packet hidden under his coat he tossed it to Jason. "These are copies of all the papers I could find in my fathers study, along with the contract between him and Sonny.
"I also talked to Lou. He was one of the men I overheard last night." Johnny grimaced with distaste for the man. "I acted disgruntled with Sonny being in control of the Zacchara holdings and his marriage to my sister. He hinted at my father having a plan, that things were about to change real soon. Knowing the psychotic old man I'm sure last night was just his first strike. Were going to have to move fast."
"Thanks Johnny, great work." Skimming the papers he added. "Max I'll send you a list of names from these papers, have Bernie and Spinelli run in-depth checks on them. I want to know everything and I mean EVERYTHING down to the brand of toothpaste they use."
"Do we have time for that?" Max questioned.
"No but don't stop any way. And don't wait for all the information to be in. Send me updates." Turning to Johnny, "Do you think you'll be able to get more information on your fathers plans?"
Johnny sighed heavily accepting he was going to have to spend more time at his father's estate working with his men. "Yea, it's going to take a little time but I think I can get them to believe I want the money and power that comes along with accepting my father legacy."
Elizabeth stroked the young mans arm in support. She understood this wasn't easy for him, and was grateful for the sacrifice he was making to help protect her and her children.
Changing the tone of the meeting, Elizabeth's gentle voice inserted, "Johnny if this is too difficult for you, going against your family, you don't have to... we can find another way and keep you out of it. You've already done so much for us."
All four of them stared at the mother but she kept her focus on Johnny not allowing their surprise to intimidate her. Mesmerized by her expressive, beautiful blue eyes the hardened mob prince saw she was standing up for him despite Jason being in charge. His guarded and weary heart fell just a little bit in love her.
Clearing away the lump that had lodged itself in his throat he reassured her as he looked each one of them in the eyes, "It's OK, I want to do this. I need to stop that monster once and for all. Then maybe I can finally be free."
"Thank you." she sweetly accepted, "just promise me you'll be careful and if you need to stop or need any help you won't hesitated to ask. Please."
"I promise. Ummhmm I should be getting back. I still have to meet with Claudia tonight."
Jason took Elizabeth's hand and held on. He was always awed by her generosity and consideration of other people feelings. His priority was her and the children. He owed Johnny but that didn't put him above his priority. It was a good thing Johnny agree to go along with the plan otherwise it would have put him in an awkward position with Elizabeth.
"I'm going to walk Johnny out, if you guys don't mind packing up everything? We'll head over to the safe house."
Outside, after only a few steps, Jason started to get right to the point. "Johnny I'm so grateful--"
Crack! Jason's head suddenly snapped back by the extreme force of the younger mobster fist slamming against his jaw.
Jason didn't want to fight him, and he knew he had this coming. He remained silent looking at Johnny to vent. Staying out of arms reach with slight shuffles, while Johnny got more and more animated.
"How could you just leave them?" Johnny demanded furiously "They are so amazing and you just walked away from them like they were nothing? For what? For Sonny, he's what's more important to you? "
Jason held his hand up in surrender, "I know, you're right but Elizabeth and I thou--"
Woosh! The wind knocked out of him as Johnny landed a left jab to Jason's trunk. He came in for an upper cut, that Jason just barely avoided. Johnny was quick.
Johnny's rant continued, "What does Elizabeth know about this business! Your the expert, you've been Sonny's enforcer for how long? You should have known better. You should have fought harder! You should have made Elizabeth understand the risks. Jake is your son! He and Elizabeth became targets as soon as he was conceived, and you let her believe that keeping it a secret was going to offer some sort of protection? It's amazing they stayed alive this long!!"
Johnny tried to land another blow. In an effort to dodge it Jason stumbled back into the car. Now there was no where to go to keep Johnny from getting to him.
"I'm not going to fight you. OK? Your right about everything." Jason would have to defend himself. He had two bullet holes to protect and he wasn't going to walk in and have Elizabeth see him bleeding again.
"I just don't get it Jason. It's not like your feelings for Elizabeth were some big secret. The fact that there was a chance you were Jake's father came out at your trial and was splashed all over the papers. Not to mention Jake's the spitting image of you! Nobody seeing that kid would believe Lucky is his father."
Much of Johnny's anger dissipated under Jason's refusal to fight. "You have a reputation of being the most feared enforcer on the eastern sea board. And it's not because you are ruthless or a masochist. It's because you're smart and calculating and you don't stop. I've seen how fiercely you fight for Sonny, Carly, Michael and Morgan. Yet when it comes to your own family you gave them up without a fight. Don't you get what a gift you've been given in them? How extraordinary and precious they all are?"
"Don't you think I know? They mean more to me than anything! I was afraid to fight for them! What if I had and something happened to them, like what happened to Michael or worse, because I was selfish and insisted they be with me? How could I live with myself?"
"So your solution was to just bury your head in the sand and hope for the best?" Johnny spat.
"I know your right about everything. They are perfect and I don't deserve them. I just couldn't stand the thought of my life tainting them somehow, or that they would be hurt because of me."
Sliding away from the truck. The enforcer thought Johnny might be through swinging but it was still better to have the space to duck in case he wasn't. Johnny followed his movement with his eyes.
Jason chuckled slightly, "You know part of it was because of you and even Michael. You were so messed up, and reckless when I first met you and I could see those same traits in Michael. I didn't want Cam or Jake to have to go through what you did."
Johnny looked at Jason as if he were nuts. "Jason, I may be screwed up, but that is because my father is a psychopath who tried to kill me when I was six years old, and he ended up killing my mom in front of me instead. It had very little to do with growing up in this life."
"But Mich-"
"I know you have some kind of loyalty blinders on when it comes to Sonny, but he's a lot like my father. That's why I can't stand him. He may not be quite as crazy as my old man yet, but I'm telling you he is well on his way to ending up just like him."
Jason closed his eye's thinking of all the things Sonny had done over the past few years, especially in this past year. Jason would have never believed him capable of it all if he hadn't witnessed it himself.
"Believe it or not, I do see it. I've tried to make excuses but I know I can't any more. My family needs me and they come first. Sonny is on is own."
Once again many thanks go to charm, who added a lot to this chapter.
Chapter 15
Elizabeth reached her boys one step in front of Jason only to find Cam had already taken care of his anxious little brother. Jake was sitting in Cam's lap with the book they had started reading before their nap.
"Mommy," Jake's eyes widened in relief at seeing his mother.
Scrambling to his feet Jake ran to her. Dropping to her knees the young mother scooped him up in a warm embrace.
"Hey baby, how'd you sleep?"
Elizabeth was troubled over how fearful her little boy had sounded through the monitor and his obvious distress over her not being with him when he woke. He clung to her neck as if he hadn't seen her in over a week.
Her little guys had been through a lot this past year. Maybe she was missing the signs indicating they weren't coping as well as she thought. When we are "alive" again I should take them in to see Laney or she could refer them to a good child psychologist.
Holding her son close as she continued to soothe him. Scooting closer to Cam, she gave him a kiss on top of his curly brown locks.
"Thanks Cam, your such a great big brother."
Cam snuggled in under her arm. "I think he had a bad dream. He looked sad even before he woke up."
Concerned for everything his family had been though, Jason took a seat close to Cam, who promptly snuggled into his lap. Jason angled his body so that his massive shoulder and arm enfolded all three of them as if to shield them from any harm. Taking turns, his other hand stroked first Cam's then Jake's back offering his support.
Jason realized his family had been through a lot over the past few years. He was just now starting to understand they needed him to be there not just for protection but to offer them his love and support. At times like this his heart ached with the regret.
Elizabeth eyes locked with his and as if reading his mind she mouthed "No Regrets." Leaning closer into him she kissed his temple before whispering, "We did what we thought was best for them at the time."
Jason knew he didn't deserve her compassion but he was grateful for it nonetheless. She possessed the most extraordinary heart. How she could ever love someone like him was the greatest mystery and blessing of his life.
The boys seemed to calm quickly within the loving strength surrounding them. So Jason offered to finish the story they had started before their nap.
The still drowsy boys seemed to perk up quickly and became more and more animated as the story progressed.
"Woof woof, doggie," Jake pointed to the picture. Grinning his father discovered, much to his amusement, Jake loved showing off his animal impersonations for each illustration shown.
"That's right Jake, doggie." He encouraged
As her three men became engrossed in the story Elizabeth slipped out to honor her side of their bargain and fix them their promised snacks.
"The lion stepped out from behind the bush-"
"ROAWWWW!!" Little Jake bellowed as he moved to crawl on his hands and knees like a cat on the prowl.
Jason stifled his surprise at the animated boy's interruption. Cam laughed but was happy to stay tucked into Jason's arm and watch the show.
"-He looked for the bunny but he was no where to be seen-"
"Hop, hop, hop.." Jake squeaked as jumped around the padded room.
"-Suddenly from the tree tops his friend Kai The Monkey swung down from a tall branch-" Jason's voice giving away his amusement in anticipation of his son's next animal impression.
While scratching his underarms and swaying from side to side, Jake stretched his facial features like a monkey and rattled, "OOOOHHHH oooH OOOh OOOh ooooh oooH"
Cam started laughing so hard he knocked the book out of Jason's hand.
"Jason, doesn't a big pig come say Hello next?"
Unable to imagine a story himself, Jason just followed Cameron's lead. "You must be right. He was a giant pink pig with a very curly tail."
Naturally Jake took his queue and started snorting. This went on till both boys had their fill. No one was more amused than Jason. As the flushed tykes settled down Cameron was the first to remember his mother's promise.
"Hey. We took naps. We get donuts! DONUTS!"
Elizabeth had been standing outside the door watching them all at play, enjoying Jason reaction to their son's dramatics. At Cam's demand for the promised treat Elizabeth retreated back into the lobby where she had everything ready, the donuts were divided and the milk poured for her sons when they came running down the hall. Three big grins let her know she was appreciated.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~
Diane and Max arrived later that evening loaded down with three large pizzas, wine, beer and grape juice for the boys. Cam and Jake squealed in delight and hugged the large teddy bear guard in welcome.
The brilliant attorney abruptly enveloped a shocked Elizabeth into a strong hug. Diane whispered how relieved she was that one of her favorite clients, along her two adorable children, hadn't been blown to bits.
"Thanks." Elizabeth replied graciously patting the older woman uncertainly on the back.
Before letting her go she added, "I can't even begin to imagine how Jason would have survived if he had really lost you all like that." She sniffled once before straightening up and getting her emotions back under control.
After the brief and uncharacteristic display of emotion from the classy red, Jason and Elizabeth worked together getting dinner ready for the boys. To keep the boys entertained while the adults talked she sat out paper and crayons close by warning them that they had to finish their dinner first.
While the parents were busy with the boys Diane poured herself and Elizabeth a glass of wine, as Max twisted the tops off a couple of beers for Jason and himself.
Johnny's arrival completed the group and after a brief greeting he was instructed to help himself. Before complying with their instructions the Young Zacchara crouched down to greet the two small boys.
"Hey guys, how's the pizza?"
Cam grinning up at him with a ring of pizza sauce around his mouth, muttered, "umm good."
Jake who looked as if he was wearing more of the pizza than what had actually made it in his mouth. One little fist clench around a piece of gnawed crust, while the other was holding a gooey glob of sauce covered cheese that was currently being crammed in his mouth fist and all. Without pausing he nodded head in agreement with his brother.
"Hey, you're the guy who came and got us last night." Cam stated in recognition. "Mommy said you saved us from a big fire and you're a hero."
Blushing under the child's praise, he humbly muttered, "I didn't really do all that much. Your mom is the real hero she didn't panic and made sure you guys were safe."
Cam's eye's rounded at the thought of his own mommy being a hero. "Really?"
Smiling at the young boy's awe, "Honest, you're very lucky to have such a great mom."
Patting Cameron's curly brown locks, and giving Jake a knuckle bump to the bread filled fist he offered.
Jason waited as Johnny gathered his own dinner before joining Elizabeth and himself on the couch. Diane was sitting comfortably in an oversized chair with Max at her feet.
It was time to get down to the business.
Aware of the boys close proximity Jason weighed his words carefully. "Diane I'm going to need you to do whatever is necessary to slow down all legal matters surrounding.... this situation. Max, talk to our guy in the coroners office, delay all the results for as long as possible, and make sure any and all reports are inconclusive."
"Jason you know I can't hear things like that!" Diane exclaimed in exasperation.
"What? Its not like I gave him account numbers so that he can payoff who ever he needs too." Looking at Max intently he continued "Other wise I would have sent him to Bernie, asking for access to the Hedgecoe accounts."
Rolling her eyes at Jason ability to slyly give instructions to his guard without actually incriminating himself. Elizabeth recognized that this was just one of the many things that made him so successful at his job.
"Also Diane since you'll be handling Elizabeth's legal affairs you'll be in the perfect position to meet with Audrey and keep her updated on Elizabeth and the boys."
Max shuddered slightly at the mention of her Grams causing Elizabeth to stifle a giggle. When the guard shot a scowl in her direction she gave up and laughed out right.
Ignoring the by-play Jason asked. "Johnny, did you make any progress today?"
"I went to Crimson Point," pulling out a packet hidden under his coat he tossed it to Jason. "These are copies of all the papers I could find in my fathers study, along with the contract between him and Sonny.
"I also talked to Lou. He was one of the men I overheard last night." Johnny grimaced with distaste for the man. "I acted disgruntled with Sonny being in control of the Zacchara holdings and his marriage to my sister. He hinted at my father having a plan, that things were about to change real soon. Knowing the psychotic old man I'm sure last night was just his first strike. Were going to have to move fast."
"Thanks Johnny, great work." Skimming the papers he added. "Max I'll send you a list of names from these papers, have Bernie and Spinelli run in-depth checks on them. I want to know everything and I mean EVERYTHING down to the brand of toothpaste they use."
"Do we have time for that?" Max questioned.
"No but don't stop any way. And don't wait for all the information to be in. Send me updates." Turning to Johnny, "Do you think you'll be able to get more information on your fathers plans?"
Johnny sighed heavily accepting he was going to have to spend more time at his father's estate working with his men. "Yea, it's going to take a little time but I think I can get them to believe I want the money and power that comes along with accepting my father legacy."
Elizabeth stroked the young mans arm in support. She understood this wasn't easy for him, and was grateful for the sacrifice he was making to help protect her and her children.
Changing the tone of the meeting, Elizabeth's gentle voice inserted, "Johnny if this is too difficult for you, going against your family, you don't have to... we can find another way and keep you out of it. You've already done so much for us."
All four of them stared at the mother but she kept her focus on Johnny not allowing their surprise to intimidate her. Mesmerized by her expressive, beautiful blue eyes the hardened mob prince saw she was standing up for him despite Jason being in charge. His guarded and weary heart fell just a little bit in love her.
Clearing away the lump that had lodged itself in his throat he reassured her as he looked each one of them in the eyes, "It's OK, I want to do this. I need to stop that monster once and for all. Then maybe I can finally be free."
"Thank you." she sweetly accepted, "just promise me you'll be careful and if you need to stop or need any help you won't hesitated to ask. Please."
"I promise. Ummhmm I should be getting back. I still have to meet with Claudia tonight."
Jason took Elizabeth's hand and held on. He was always awed by her generosity and consideration of other people feelings. His priority was her and the children. He owed Johnny but that didn't put him above his priority. It was a good thing Johnny agree to go along with the plan otherwise it would have put him in an awkward position with Elizabeth.
"I'm going to walk Johnny out, if you guys don't mind packing up everything? We'll head over to the safe house."
Outside, after only a few steps, Jason started to get right to the point. "Johnny I'm so grateful--"
Crack! Jason's head suddenly snapped back by the extreme force of the younger mobster fist slamming against his jaw.
Jason didn't want to fight him, and he knew he had this coming. He remained silent looking at Johnny to vent. Staying out of arms reach with slight shuffles, while Johnny got more and more animated.
"How could you just leave them?" Johnny demanded furiously "They are so amazing and you just walked away from them like they were nothing? For what? For Sonny, he's what's more important to you? "
Jason held his hand up in surrender, "I know, you're right but Elizabeth and I thou--"
Woosh! The wind knocked out of him as Johnny landed a left jab to Jason's trunk. He came in for an upper cut, that Jason just barely avoided. Johnny was quick.
Johnny's rant continued, "What does Elizabeth know about this business! Your the expert, you've been Sonny's enforcer for how long? You should have known better. You should have fought harder! You should have made Elizabeth understand the risks. Jake is your son! He and Elizabeth became targets as soon as he was conceived, and you let her believe that keeping it a secret was going to offer some sort of protection? It's amazing they stayed alive this long!!"
Johnny tried to land another blow. In an effort to dodge it Jason stumbled back into the car. Now there was no where to go to keep Johnny from getting to him.
"I'm not going to fight you. OK? Your right about everything." Jason would have to defend himself. He had two bullet holes to protect and he wasn't going to walk in and have Elizabeth see him bleeding again.
"I just don't get it Jason. It's not like your feelings for Elizabeth were some big secret. The fact that there was a chance you were Jake's father came out at your trial and was splashed all over the papers. Not to mention Jake's the spitting image of you! Nobody seeing that kid would believe Lucky is his father."
Much of Johnny's anger dissipated under Jason's refusal to fight. "You have a reputation of being the most feared enforcer on the eastern sea board. And it's not because you are ruthless or a masochist. It's because you're smart and calculating and you don't stop. I've seen how fiercely you fight for Sonny, Carly, Michael and Morgan. Yet when it comes to your own family you gave them up without a fight. Don't you get what a gift you've been given in them? How extraordinary and precious they all are?"
"Don't you think I know? They mean more to me than anything! I was afraid to fight for them! What if I had and something happened to them, like what happened to Michael or worse, because I was selfish and insisted they be with me? How could I live with myself?"
"So your solution was to just bury your head in the sand and hope for the best?" Johnny spat.
"I know your right about everything. They are perfect and I don't deserve them. I just couldn't stand the thought of my life tainting them somehow, or that they would be hurt because of me."
Sliding away from the truck. The enforcer thought Johnny might be through swinging but it was still better to have the space to duck in case he wasn't. Johnny followed his movement with his eyes.
Jason chuckled slightly, "You know part of it was because of you and even Michael. You were so messed up, and reckless when I first met you and I could see those same traits in Michael. I didn't want Cam or Jake to have to go through what you did."
Johnny looked at Jason as if he were nuts. "Jason, I may be screwed up, but that is because my father is a psychopath who tried to kill me when I was six years old, and he ended up killing my mom in front of me instead. It had very little to do with growing up in this life."
"But Mich-"
"I know you have some kind of loyalty blinders on when it comes to Sonny, but he's a lot like my father. That's why I can't stand him. He may not be quite as crazy as my old man yet, but I'm telling you he is well on his way to ending up just like him."
Jason closed his eye's thinking of all the things Sonny had done over the past few years, especially in this past year. Jason would have never believed him capable of it all if he hadn't witnessed it himself.
"Believe it or not, I do see it. I've tried to make excuses but I know I can't any more. My family needs me and they come first. Sonny is on is own."
Jake is so cute! He is such an entertainer. Can't wait for more.
