Surprises

Part Five

The door closed behind Alexis and Jason, and Marcus was met with a sea of questions. The remaining three men all demanded to know how Dara was. The voices became too much, and he strode to the window, just looking down at the sidewalk.

"You both should leave now," Alex said.

"But we want to know about Dara," Justus protested.

"If there's anything we can do," Mac added. "If there's anyone she would like to talk to."

"I'll get the particulars and let you know," Alex assured them. "Please, just give us a few minutes. And whatever you do, don't say anything to the reporters."

"Her identity will stay within these four walls," Mac said.

"Provided that Alexis doesn't attempt to try the case in the media," Justus said. "I'll go down in lockup and have a word with her."

"Thanks, Justus," Alex said. "I'll call you both later."

The door clicked shut again. Marcus felt Alex's gaze boring into his back. The adrenaline that had pumped feverishly through his veins died down. He felt spent and tired.

"Marcus, come over here and sit down," Alex suggested. "It's just you and me. I know this has gotta be eating you up inside. You shouldn't bottle it up."

Marcus slowly turned away from the window. He followed Alex's suggestion and claimed a seat across from the other man's desk. Wearily, he ran a hand over his face.

"How is she doing? Is she at Mercy or General Hospital?" Alex asked. "I'd like to stop by and see her."

"She's not at the hospital," Marcus said. "She's at home."

"At home? You know the procedure for rape. She should have been taken to the hospital and had a rape kit done. Without one, it's just her word against Corinthos'. We can't let him walk for this."

Marcus' hands clenched into fists. Just hearing Sonny Corinthos' name caused his blood to boil again.

"Where did the rape take place?" Alex asked. "I know these questions are tough, but we need answers. Maybe it's not too late for CSU to gather evidence. Did he attack her at home? Was it last night? After the surprise bridal shower?"

"It wasn't like that," Marcus said. "It happened a long time ago." "What?" Alex rose from his desk, went around it and perched on the edge right next to Marcus. "How long ago?"

"About fifteen years," Marcus said. "Dara doesn't know I arrested Corinthos for this. It was something I had to do."

Alex released a low breath. "Man, you're not making any sense. Run it by me from start to finish. I need to know exactly what happened."

# # #

"Their careers are over," Alexis ranted as the guard led her and Jason to Sonny's cell. "The nerve of Justus Ward! Telling me to keep quiet about this. I know these charges are bogus and when I prove it, I plan to have both their heads on a platter!"

"Settle down," Jason snapped. "For one, I can't see her lying about a charge this serious."

Alexis snorted. "You've got to be kidding. She'd do anything to preserve her pathetic career as the--"

"Alexis," Jason warned. "As I recall, you've done some things that weren't exactly ethical, too."

"I can't believe you're defending her!"

"You're tearing her down without facts," he countered. "I know Sonny and I don't want to believe he did this. But I've seen her around. I know she takes the legal system seriously. I don't believe she'd lie."