Surprises

Part Twenty-six

"What have you decided to do?"

Justus rubbed his temple as he considered Lois' question. Even though their conversation was via telephone, he could see the expression on her face. There would be a slight frown, making her eyebrows bunch together. Her bright blue eyes would darken with intensity and her cheeks would be flushed.

"I can't discuss this with you," he explained for the umpteenth time.

"I know, but humor me," she implored. "Justus, they're my best friends. They just got their daughter back. If you're gonna nail him for something, please don't let it be for fighting for his child."

"Have you ever considered a career as a defense attorney?" he asked, trying to keep his tone light. "That would have made one helluva closing argument."

"I'm serious."

He inhaled a deep breath. "So, am I. After my decision has been made and it's gone through the proper channels, you'll be the first to know."

A knock sounded at his door. Justus silently thanked God for the unknown guest. "Sweetheart, I have to go. Someone is at the door."

"Where's your secretary?" Lois asked.

"She's on her lunch break." The knock came again. He put his hand over the telephone's mouthpiece. "Come in!"

As the door creaked open, he went back to the phone. "I'll see you later for dinner. If you see Dara today, tell her again that I'm glad she has her daughter back."

Lois mumbled her goodbye, and just as he set the receiver onto the telephone base, Alex fully entered the room.

"Good afternoon, Mr. DA," the police commissioner greeted. "Have you had lunch?"

Justus shook his head. "I was thinking about ordering from Kelly's. Wanna join me?"

Alex's mouth quirked into a faint smile. "Not going out?"

Justus snorted. "Have you looked outside the window? It's ridiculous. The media doesn't know when to give up."

"They're like the rest of us," Alex said, sitting on the guest chair in front of Justus' desk. "We wanna know what the fallout from the blood bath will be. The longer it takes to make an arrest... We already have Luigi Petrillo under police guard at the hospital, but what about Corinthos and Morgan."

Justus sighed. "Not to mention former Detective Taggert and Detective Ward. How are they treating her at the precinct?"

"How do you think?" Alex asked. "It's not good, but she's handling it all in stride. I have her on the desk for now."

"First Dara and now, Keesha." Justus shook his head. "What is it with the bad boys? I don't think I'm out of line to ask what the plans are for her at the Department. Disciplinary action or what?"

"She's a good cop," Alex said. "Should she be penalized for her personal life? In theory no, but this is Jason Morgan we're talking about and his tie to Sonny Corinthos cannot be ignored. Later this afternoon, I plan to have a talk with her."

Justus winced. "You're gonna ask her for her badge."

"I have to," the commissioner replied. "It's not like I have a choice. She'll be on a suspended leave until further notice. We have to make sure that all her collars have been above board. It's the same as what's going on with Dara's cases."

"Yeah, I know." Justus glanced at the Kelly's menu on his desk. "You still wanna get something to eat?"

"Yeah, sure." Alex took the menu and read over it. "I'll take the clam chowder."