Surprises

Part Ten

"I want to know who lost her!"

The walls shook as Joseph Sorel slammed his fist down. Luigi conveyed no outward show of fear or discomfort. He stood tall and answered his boss.

"Cordova and Francini. Cordy was driving."

Sorel paced the floor. "Where is she?"

"She's at the penthouse. Morgan took her there."

"Shit!" Sorel stopped pacing and turned toward the window. The beauty of the skyline was lost on him. All he could think about was the recent failure and how he could make things right. "Where are Cordy and Frank, now?"

"They're at the penthouse," Luigi answered. "I told them to wait until they got word."

Sorel nodded. Luigi was always a good, thinking man. His smarts would serve him well one day. "Here's the word. Don't leave the penthouse. Sooner or later, Corinthos will slip up. When he does, grab the girl!"

# # #

Jason waited for a break in the hugging, crying, and kissing to approach Sonny. Dara and Lois steered Hope toward the sofa and Jason asked to speak with Sonny alone.

"I can't thank you enough," Sonny said. "You found her. Thank God, you found her."

"Yeah," Jason said. The sentiments of gratitude made him uncomfortable. He shrugged and said, "Lucky and Jamal found her, and I found the three of them. Sorel's men were right on them."

Sonny's eyes narrowed. "What? That sonuvabitch actually did it!"

Jason nodded. "Almost. The guys protected her. Sorel's men didn't touch her. Listen, if Dara is planning to go home, it would be a good idea to change her mind. Sorel missed tonight, but that doesn't mean he'll give up."

"I know." Sonny glanced away for a moment to look at the women on the sofa. When he looked at Jason again, he seemed tired. "I've been trying to tell her, but she won't listen. I offered her a room here."

Jason's brow drew together in a frown. "Are you sure? Carly wouldn't like that."

Sonny snorted. "I didn't know you and Carly were so chummy."

"We're not," Jason said firmly. "When she gets crazy, you get crazy. Sorel's on the brink of starting a war. This is the worst time for you to lose it."

"You're right," Sonny sighed. "I want Carly to come home...letting Dara stay here... It makes sense, but Carly wouldn't understand. But I can't let her go home and I have to think about Hope, too."

"They can stay at my place."

Surprise registered in Sonny's dark eyes. "Are you sure about that?"

Jason shrugged. "I don't mind. There's plenty of room. You have a key. Bring 'em over whenever."

"Are you going out?"

Jason nodded. "Yeah, for a while."

"Okay. I'll have someone stay with them until you get back," Sonny said. "Thanks."

"No problem."

# # #

Lucky enjoyed his part in the family reunion. Even without all the details, he knew he had done something important that night. Sonny tried to offer him and Jamal money, but both declined. Sonny countered with the promise of a favor. Anything they needed, all they had to do was call him. Lucky and Jamal shrugged their acceptance. Sonny was adamant. What else could they do?

He was about to leave when Hope caught his eye. Their gazes locked and he just stood there. She said something to Dara and Lois and crossed the room to him.