Chapter 53
Staring into her empty eyes Nikolas could not believe or understand the image of Gia that stood before him. Her tear streaked face full of fear Nikolas slowly reached out to her as she mumbled explanations to him.
Gia- [softly] I didn’t… I didn’t know where else to go…
Nikolas- [softly] Gia what…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] I…
Nikolas- [gently touching her arm] Come in…
On unsteady legs Gia slowly entered Nikolas’ penthouse thankful that he had opened the door to her. Leading her slowly to a nearby chair Nikolas helped Gia to sit before rushing to the bar to get her a drink. Returning with drink in hand Nikolas watched as Gia withdrew from all around her. Wrapping her arm securely around herself Gia inhaled deeply as she lowered her head letting her tears fall slowly and silently down her face. Placing the drink on the nearby table Nikolas slowly kneeled before Gia gently taking her hands within his as he softly spoke to her.
Nikolas- [softly] Gia what happened?
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] I don’t know… I mean we were just talking and then all of a sudden…
Nikolas- [softly] Did he hurt you?
Gia- I didn’t want him to touch me. I swear I… [softly sobbing] he wouldn’t stop… I kept telling him to stop…
Nikolas- [gently squeezing her hand] It’s ok… everything is fine now…
Gia- But he…
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head as he tightened his hold on her hands] He can’t hurt you now…
Gia- [softly as her tears began again] Why did he do that?
Nikolas- I don’t know…
Gia- I was so scared but I knew you would protect me… [slowly looking up at him] promise me you will protect me…
Nikolas- [softly] With my life…
Slowly nodding Gia again lowered her head allowing her tears to fall. Unsure of what to do Nikolas remained kneeling in front of Gia gently holding her hands until her tears subsided. Her cries slowly stopping Nikolas again began to question her hoping to find out who or what did this to her.
Nikolas- Gia you have to tell me… [softly] can you tell me who did this to you?
Gia- He didn’t mean it… [slowly shaking her head] we’re friends… [softly] I thought he was my friend…
Nikolas- [gently] Who did this?
Slowly shaking her head Gia abruptly stood walking over to his huge window staring out into the darkening night sky. Her tears slowly falling, Gia wrapped her arms again around herself trying to find the words to say. Sensing Nikolas’ presence behind her Gia softly began to speak releasing all that she held in for so long.
Gia- [softly wiping quickly at her tears] I never wanted to be here… in Port Charles I mean. For as long as I can remember I had a perfect life in Brooklyn. Two parents that loved and was so proud of me… a big brother that I looked up to who loved me as much as I loved him if not more. But then everything seemed to fall apart. My brother that l loved more than life itself left me without so much as goodbye. He was there one second and in the next he was gone.
Nikolas- [softly] Gia…
Gia- It hurt but I got over it… I used to sit in my room by the phone waiting for him to call me and tell he was coming home but it never happened… [shaking her head] anyway I thought everything else was fine… I mean my parents were still together and they still loved me. [sighing] but I was wrong about that too.
Nikolas- [softly] You don’t have to do this…
Gia- Right before my eyes my life that I thought was so perfect fell apart. The man that I thought was my father wasn’t and when things became too much for him he left. I went to him over and over begging him and pleading with him to stay a part of my life but he said no and I never felt so alone. When I came to Port Charles to find my real father and brother they didn’t want anything to do with me. I kept putting my heart out there to get stepped on but it didn’t matter because I wanted them to know me and be a part of my life.
Nikolas- What changed?
Gia- I don’t know… it was like one day I woke up and they were there loving me and wanting to know more about me.
Nikolas- [softly] That’s good isn’t it?
Gia- Yeah… [softly] but it seems like whenever I need them most the men in my life leave me…
Nikolas- [softly] I won’t leave you…
Gia- [softly as she lowered her head] Not yet…
Nikolas- [whispering] Not ever…
Gia- [nodding] Yeah…
Nikolas- Gia… who… who did this to you?
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] I…
Nikolas- Gia can you tell me…
Gia- [softly] Kamar… he umm… [inhaling deeply] umm I was at work not having the best conversation with the attending doctor over me and he came in and saved me from her. I thanked him for being there for me but I guess he wanted more.
Nikolas- [softly] What happened?
Gia- He started kissing me… I asked him to stop but he wouldn’t… [her voice cracking] I told him I didn’t want… I didn’t want him touching me and kissing me and…
Nikolas- [softly as he came up behind her] It’s ok Gia…
Gia- I begged him to stop but he wouldn’t… somehow I got him off of me and I ran for my car hoping Jake was there but he wasn’t… Still I thought I was safe but then he grabbed me from behind and… and then he…
As Gia’s tears began to fall again Nikolas tenderly wrapped his arms around her pulling her back up against his chest trying best to soothe away her pain. Turning slowly in his arms Gia allowed Nikolas to wrap his arms tightly around her pulling her closer still to him. The sound of his steady heart calming her Gia completely relaxed sinking into Nikolas’ arms. Her body softening against his Nikolas whispered softly to Gia questioning her once again.
Nikolas- [whispering] Do you want me to call someone?
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] No one can help me…
Nikolas- Gia…
Gia- Sonny is out of town and I don’t know how to reach him or Jason. I’ve already tried to call Marcus and Lucky and I couldn’t get an answer… I don’t have anyone else…
Nikolas- [softly] You have me…
Gia- [slowly looking up at him] I didn’t mean to dump all of this on you. If you don’t want…
Nikolas- Shh… [gently caressing her cheek] let me take care of you…
Gia- [softly] What am I going to do?
Nikolas- Let me care for you…
With a gentle nod Nikolas walked Gia back to the couch. With his arms still around her together the sat on the couch letting the quiet slowly envelope them. Wrapping her arm slowly around his waist Gia buried her face into Nikolas’ chest letting her last stream of tears fall freely. As the time slowly ticked away Nikolas looked down on a seemingly asleep Gia marveling once again at her beauty and strength. Despite the circumstances that brought her to his door Nikolas’ heart stood still at the sight of her. And he knew with each vow to whispered to stay and protect her he was losing more of his heart to hear. Listening to her steady breaths Nikolas attempted to rise hoping to find her something to wear so she could change of the clothing of what possibly was the worst night of her life. Feeling him move away from her Gia looked up at him with questioning eyes as she softly spoke to him.
Gia- [softly] Nikolas…
Nikolas- I was… I wanted to find you something to change into because I am sure you do not want to keep those clothes on.
Gia- [looking down at her ripped shirt] Yeah…
Nikolas- I can wait until…
Gia- I want… [slowly shaking her head] I need to take…
Nikolas- [rising as he extended his hand] Come on…
Taking his hand Gia followed Nikolas into his bedroom wanting and needing to desperately wash the feel and touch of Kamar off of her body. Leading her to the bathroom Nikolas quickly told her of the extra wash and drying towel located in the bathroom. As he turned to leave Gia quickly tightened her hold on his hand as she whispered to him.
Gia- [softly] Don’t leave me… I thought you…
Nikolas- [gently shaking his head] I’m not going anywhere… I’ll be right here when you’re done… [at her nod] what he did was wrong…
Gia- I know…
Nikolas- And I will never allow him or anyone else to hurt you again…
Gia- [softly] Thank you…
Nikolas- [gently shaking his head] You don’t have to thank me…
Gia- I know but I do…
Nikolas- [nodding] I’ll be here waiting for you…
Gia- [softly] Nikolas…
Nikolas- [gently touching her cheek] I’m right here…
Nodding Gia disappeared in the bathroom letting the hot water chase away the memory of Kamar and his actions. As the hot water steadily beat down on her Gia collapsed against the shower wall knowing how close Kamar had been to destroying all that she had and become. Letting her tears wash away down the drain Gia thought of Nikolas and of how he was there when she needed him more. Though they had not spoke in some time Gia and more importantly her heart knew that if she came to him he would be there.
The sound of the shower running Nikolas made his way the phone on his night stand quickly dialing his number. Upon his answer Nikolas quickly and decisively spoke of what he wanted.
Man- Hello?
Nikolas- This is Nikolas Cassadine…
Man- Yes Mr. Cassadine?
Nikolas- I want everything you have on our mutual friend and I want it within the hour…
Man- But Mr. Cassadine…
Nikolas- You have no room for debate. Give me what I asked for.
Man- There is no possible way…
Nikolas- Make a way…
Man- But…
Nikolas- Do as I ask or I will find someone more qualified…
Man- I can get what you want by morning’s light…
Nikolas- The morning…
Man- That is the best I can do… whatever you want I will have for you.
Nikolas- You better…
Gia- [softly from the bathroom doorway] Nikolas…
Nikolas- Call me when you have something…
Man- Yes Mr. Cassadine…
Nikolas- [turning towards Gia] Sorry about that…
Gia- [softly] Who was that?
Nikolas- Room service… I was trying to order you something to eat…
Gia- [shaking her head] That’s ok… I don’t think I can eat if I tried…
Nikolas- [nodding as he pointed to some clothing on the bed] I’ll let you get dressed…
Gia- [softly] Nikolas don’t…
Nikolas- [softly] Gia…
Gia- Don’t leave me… [shaking her head] I don’t want you to leave…
Nikolas- [softly] I don’t want you to think…
Gia- [softly] Will you stay with me?
Nikolas- [looking intently at her] Yes…
Didn't you dig the way I rubbed yo back girl
Wasn't it cool when first I kissed yo lips
Was it enough to penetrate yo dark world
Or were you embarrassed about the way you freaked
Well I wanna hold you (I wanna hold you ooh baby oh)
I wanna know you baby (I wanna know you ooh)
If it's alright ooh ooh
With a slow nod Gia extended her hand bringing Nikolas back to her. With only a towel wrapped around her Gia allowed Nikolas to wrap her slowly in his arms. Feeling his arms close around her Gia inhaled deeply letting the smell of him wash over her. Wrapping her arms slowly around his neck Gia moved in closer to Nikolas wanting and needing to feel him pressed up against her. The feel of her in his arms bringing a feeling to him he was still not ready to examine Nikolas slowly walked Gia towards his bed. Helping her to sit down Nikolas again kneeled before her taking her hands gently in his. Lightly placing a tender kiss on the back of her hand Nikolas looked up at Gia losing himself in her eyes. Extending his hand Nikolas slowly caressed her cheek as he whispered softly to her.
Nikolas- [whispering] I’m sorry…
Gia- [softly] It wasn’t your fault…
Nikolas- The thought of what you went through…
Gia- But you were here to save me…
Nikolas- [softly] I’ll always be here…
Gia- [slowly nodding] I know…
Nikolas- Are you in pain or…
Gia- [shaking her head] Yes and no…
Nikolas- [softly] Gia…
Gia- I can still feel where he slammed me up against the car but the pain will go away eventually…
Looking intently into her eyes Nikolas slowly rose going into the bathroom before quickly returning to her. Carrying a tube of ointment in his hands Nikolas again kneeled before her as he explained how he used it after his fall to take away his pain. Asking her to turn away from him and lower her towel Nikolas told Gia he would apply some across the width of her shoulders. Seeing the purpling bruises across her back Nikolas stopped shocked by all that he saw. Slowly reaching towards her to rub the ointment on her back Nikolas was stopped as Gia covered his hand with her own.
Gia- [softly] It’s ok…
Nikolas- [softly] No it’s not…
Gia- I know you will take care of me…
Nikolas- Gia…
Gia- [softly as she looked over her shoulder at him] I trust you Nikolas…
Slowly nodding Nikolas looked again at her back gently touching her bruised skin. Hearing a soft gasp from Gia Nikolas leaned forward kissing softly her bruises. Lightly and slowly kissing across her skin Nikolas felt as Gia’s body softened beneath his mouth. Hearing her softly speak his name Nikolas moved away from her watching as she turned to him. Touching softly his face Gia leaned into him joining softly her lips to his. Their kiss starting slow and gentle Nikolas felt as Gia slowly wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him closer into her. Moving closer still Nikolas sighed as he felt her mouth open to his before sliding his tongue slowly into her mouth tasting the flavors of her.
Gonna take you in the room suga'
Lock you up 'n love for days
We gonna be rockin' baby
Til the cops come knockin’
Papa gonna have to leave a message
On the telephone baby
There won't be no (no stoppin' me)
Til the cops come knockin' oh
Their kiss deepening Gia softly moaned as Nikolas enclosed her in his arms bringing their bodies flush up against each other. With Nikolas still kneeling on the floor Gia slowly broke away from him looking down into his eyes. Seeing the uncertainty in his eyes Gia gently caressed his cheek as she softly spoke to him.
Gia- [softly] It’s ok Nikolas…
Nikolas- [softly] I don’t want to hurt you…
Gia- You won’t…
Nikolas- But…
Gia- I want this Nikolas…
Nikolas- Gia… you’ve been through so much and…
Gia- I know you will be gentle and…
Nikolas- Gia…
Gia- I just… [slowly looking down] I just want…
Nikolas- [softly] What do you want?
Gia- [softly] I want you to love me and…
Nikolas- [gently touching her face as he whispered] I already do…
Gia- [slowly looking up at him as she whispered] Will you make love to me?
Looking intently into her eyes Nikolas slowly nodded his head as he gently cupped her face within his hands. Stroking gently her cheek Nikolas slowly joined his mouth to hers. Her mouth again open to his Nikolas slid his tongue into her mouth slowly rolling his tongue over hers. Her arms going around his neck Nikolas willingly went into Gia again coming up flush against her body.
Six on a Thursday night 'n you be jonesin' baby
For a brother to hold you tight 'n keep on going (yeah)
Last lover came 'n went didn't even hug 'n kiss 'n caress you
Gimme a call it's cool the M's all open
I'm open wider than oceans (oh baby)
I'll be your lotion
I’ll be your lotion...(all over your body)
If it's alright ooh ooh
The touch and feel of Nikolas against her skin Gia slowly broke away from their embrace staring down into his eyes. Looking at him tenderly Gia slowly began to unbutton the buttons on his shirt. The smoothness of his chest coming into view Gia gently ran his hands over his body. Brushing her hands over his shoulders and down his arms Gia aided his shirt in falling to the ground. Leaning in Gia tenderly kissed his shoulder before bringing her mouth back to his. Running her hand slowly over his rippled torso Gia felt as his breath caught as she slipped her hand under the waistband of his slacks. Pulling away from her slowly Nikolas covered her hand with his own stopping her exploration.
Nikolas- [softly] Gia are you sure?
Gia- [softly as she nodded] Yes…
Staring deeply into her eyes reading a multitude of emotions Nikolas slowly and tenderly untied the towel that enclosed her body. Letting her towel fall to the side of body of her body Nikolas slowly examined all of Gia feasting upon her with his eyes. Easily reading desire and want in his eyes Gia slowly moved back on the bed laying flat on the pillows before offering her hand to Nikolas. Standing his eyes never leaving hers Nikolas unbuttoned and removed his pants before gently accepting Gia’s hand. Her turn to examine him Gia slowly ran her eyes roam his magnificent body lightly biting her bottom lip as she gazed at the length of him. Her eyes joining his again in an intense stare Nikolas willingly went to Gia as she brought him into her. Joining her on the bed Nikolas lay beside Gia gently enclosing her in his arms.
Gonna take in the room suga'
Lock you up 'n love for days
We gonna be rockin' baby
Til the cops come knockin' (til the cops come I’m gonna love you baby)
Holding her beside him not nearly enough Nikolas pulled Gia on top of him sighing contentedly as her breasts pressed into his chest. Moving her legs lightly along his until they lie intertwined Nikolas slowly began to kiss Gia as his hands moved along her body. Taking her mouth in a tender kiss Nikolas gently ran his hands up her body stopping as he locked his hands behind her head. Breaking away from their kiss Nikolas stared up at Gia before slowly kissing down her neck. Replacing his lips with his tongue Nikolas continued to move down Gia’s body licking and tasting her still dampened skin. Needing to add touch to taste Nikolas released his hold on her head moving an hand along the trail his tongue had just traveled. Wrapping one arm gently around her waist Nikolas gently cupped her breast with his other hand bringing her soft skin to his mouth. Licking the swell of her breast Nikolas quickly flicked his tongue across her hardening nipple. Smiling slightly as he heard her soft moans Nikolas bestowed the same pleasure on her other nipple before reversing their positions with him now on top.
Gonna take in the room suga'
Lock you up 'n love for days
We gonna be rockin' baby
Til the cops come knockin' (come on)
Papa gonna have a leave a message
On the telephone baby
There won't be no (I’m wanna be)
Til the cops come knockin'
His weight lightly pressing into her Gia again moved her legs against his ready for their connection to deepen. The feel of his mouth and tongue on her Gia softly moaned as she arched her back pushing more into his mouth. Moving her hands down his back and sides Gia gently touched and caressed Nikolas’ smooth skin stopping only when she felt him within her hands. With him encased firmly in her hands Gia locked eyes with Nikolas as he momentarily stopped his tasting of her. Locking eyes Gia softly smiled before joining her lips to his. Stroking him gently as they passionately kissed one another, their tongue moving slowly against the other, Gia slowly opened her legs wider to him welcoming him into her. Breaking their kiss once again Nikolas smiled down at Gia. Slowly shaking his head Nikolas slowly and lazily began to kiss down her body.
Please you (oh)
Tease you (ooh)
Eat you (make you feel so good oh baby)
Make you feel so good (can I) inside (can I)
I’m loving you long if that's alright (that’s alright baby oh)
Again taking a hardened peak into his mouth Nikolas rolled his tongue across her nub stopping only when he heard a soft whimper from Gia. Moving still down her body Nikolas dipped his tongue into her belly button moving his tongue inside her indenture smiling as he heard a gentle laugh come from Gia. Continuing his journey Nikolas moved his kisses and licks lower stopping finally in the valley of her. Taking the spreading of her legs as an invitation Nikolas buried his tongue and mouth deep within her tasting and drinking all of her. His tongue steadily working her clitoris Nikolas slowly inserted his finger moving it in and out of her as he did his tongue. Moaning softly his name over and over as he worked his tongue and finger deeply inside of her Gia softly cried out as an orgasm claimed her. Drinking of her nectar Nikolas slowly moved away from Gia quickly collecting protection from his nightstand before moving back to her.
Gonna take in the room suga' (oh baby)
Lock you up 'n love for days (oh darling)
We gonna be rockin' baby
Til the cops come knockin' (til the cops come til the police come knockin’)
Clothed in protection Nikolas again went to Gia looking down into her beautiful face as he slowly eased into her. Their joining complete Nikolas stilled letting Gia make the first move. Her hands going to his waist Gia slowly and gently began to move against Nikolas pulling him deeper and deeper into her. As he slowly moved in and out of her Gia brought her hands to Nikolas’ back running her palms slowly over his flexing muscles. Her legs wrapping around his waist Gia moved her hands lower capturing his ass within her hands. As she matched him thrust for thrust Nikolas gathered Gia’s hands intertwining his fingers with hers locking them on the side of her. Pumping deeply into her Nikolas released their hands as he reversed their positions allowing Gia to control their lovemaking. Her hands braced against his chest Gia moved against Nikolas thriving in controlling the speed and duration of their union. Her release near a single tear slowly rolled down her cheek. Straddled still over him Gia rode Nikolas until she softly cried out ecstasy and euphoria washing over her. Pumping still up into her as she slumped against him Nikolas too soon found himself on an orgasmic high with Gia. Wrapping her tightly in his arms Nikolas held Gia close to him as their breathing slowly returned to normal.
Gonna take in the room suga'
Lock you up 'n love for days
We gonna be (please let me rock you baby)
Til the cops come knockin' (let me rock you baby, let me love you baby, let me do you right)
Papa gonna have a leave a message (oh I won’t I won’t)
On the telephone baby
There won't be no (Oh ooh )
Til the cops come knockin'(oh oh yeah)
Though not ready to break their connection Nikolas slowly withdrew from Gia’s honeyed warmth. Discarding his condom Nikolas returned to Gia pulling her flush up against him as he wrapped her again in his arms. Listening closely to her steady breaths Nikolas looked over at Gia his heart stopping as he gazed at her face.
Gia- [softly smiling] I’m ok Nikolas…
Nikolas- Are you sure?
Gia- [softly smiling] You didn’t hurt me…
Nikolas- [softly] Then why are you crying…
Gia- Because I’ve wanted this for so long and it took Kamar…
Nikolas- [softly] Don’t think about him…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] When I’m with you I don’t think about anyone else… [softly] you’re all I think about…
Nikolas- [whispering as he tightened his hold on her] You’re all I think about too…
Gia- Good…
Nikolas- [softly as he gently kissed her forehead] Yeah it is good…
Silence enveloping them once again Gia closed her eyes as she rested her head lightly on Nikolas’ chest. Thinking she had drifted off to sleep Nikolas softly said the things he wanted to tell her.
Nikolas- [softly] Don’t leave me…
Gia- [slowly opening her eyes] I don’t want to…
Nikolas- [staring longingly into her eyes] Will you stay with me?
Gia- [gently caressing his cheek] Yes…
Slowly nodding Nikolas tightened his hold on Gia as they slowly drifted into a restful and momentary sleep. Making love slowly throughout the rest of the night Nikolas smiled as the morning sun greeted him with Gia encased tightly in his arms.
Song ~ Til The Cops Come Knockin’ ~ Urban Hang Suite ~ Maxwell
Chapter 54
Making his way into Kelly’s Taggert slowly checked the voiced messages and missed calls from the last few days. Being trapped on a stakeout for the last two days which turned out to be nothing more than a waste of time Taggert slowly shook his head thinking of all the things he could have done and accomplished had he spent that time doing something else. Seeing Gia’s number Taggert wondered silently why she had called him. Shrugging his thoughts away assuming it had something to do with their mom or Gerald Taggert decided against calling her back knowing they had plans to get together later. Reaching the counter Taggert placed his order in no rush to start the day. Hearing shouting coming from the stairwell Taggert turned his gaze watching as Elizabeth and Lucky continued on with an obvious argument as they entered the dining area of Kelly’s.
Liz- [angrily] That’s just stupid Lucky…
Lucky- [nonchalantly] If you say so…
Liz- Lucky if you think for one second that I will sit back and let you…
Lucky- [shaking his head] I never asked you to like it…
Liz- [yelling] Well guess what… I don’t!
Lucky- Ok and?
Liz- [folding her arms tightly across her chest in anger] I’m really getting tired of this Lucky…
Lucky- [flatly] So am I…
Liz- You’re forcing me to make a choice and…
Lucky- [turning his back on her] Do what you have to do Elizabeth. I don’t care anymore…
Liz- [angrily putting her hands on her hips] Lucky!
Lucky- Whatever Elizabeth… I’m not going for it today…
Liz- [storming out of the door] Fine!
Lucky- [fanning his hands] Fine…
Taggert- [as Lucky joined him at the counter] That didn’t sound too good…
Lucky- [flatly] It wasn’t…
Taggert- Maybe you should go after her…
Lucky- [pouring himself a cup of coffee] No… I don’t think so…
Taggert- I’m not trying to be in your business or anything but…
Lucky- [shrugging] Hey don’t worry about it Taggert… I’m not…
Taggert- If that’s what you want…
Lucky- [slowly smiling] It is…
Taggert- [after a moment’s silence] While you are standing here… you wouldn’t have spoken to my sister lately have you?
Lucky- [shaking his head] No… but then again she on call at the hospital so…
Taggert- [nodding] I understand…
Lucky- If you want me to tell her something I can… I’m headed in her direction…
Taggert- What’s up?
Lucky- [slowly smiling] A surprise breakfast date…
Taggert- Just tell her to call me when she gets the chance and….
Lucky- Why don’t you come with me…
Taggert- [shaking his head] I don’t want to intrude….
Lucky- You won’t be… besides with the two of us their she can’t get away with not eating.
Taggert- [slowly shaking his head] You got a point…
Lucky- [nodding] Yeah… so you coming?
Taggert- [nodding as he softly smiled] Yeah why not… I’ll drive…
Making their way to the hospital Taggert and Lucky had a long talk about possibly convincing Gia to lighten her load. Laughing as they cited off Gia’s known protests they made their way to the ER nurses’ station meeting up with a frantic Dr. Lewis.
Dr. Lewis- Have you heard from Gia?
Lucky- [shaking his head] No…
Dr. Lewis- I tried calling her cell and the cottage but…
Taggert- What are you talking about?
Dr. Lewis- Gia… I don’t know what happened but…
Lucky- Gia’s here isn’t she?
Dr. Lewis- No…
Lucky- She told me she was on call until…
Dr. Lewis- Her shift was just starting as mine was ending and I haven’t heard from her since.
Taggert- [calmly as he went into police mode] What are you trying to say?
Dr. Lewis- Listen to me… Gia was on call but for whatever reason she ran out on her shift and…
Lucky- What do you mean ran out?
Dr. Lewis- She was here one second and the next…
Taggert- What happened to her?
Dr. Lewis- I don’t know… one second we were laughing and joking in the lounge and then the next second…
Taggert- Did she take her things with her?
Dr. Lewis- No… I came back to check on her and the things in her locker are still there. Her gym bag… purse… everything…
Taggert- Do you mind if I take a look?
Dr. Lewis- [shaking his head] No come on I’ll show you…
Lucky- How do you know everything is still in her locker?
Dr. Lewis- [leading them towards the lounge] Gia never locks her locker because she’s always having problems with the combination so…
As they entered the lounge they found a bandaged Kamar slowly drinking coffee.
Lucky- Hey man… what happened to you?
Kamar- [slowly smiling] I wasn’t watching where I was walking and…
Lucky- Damn I feel sorry for whatever you ran into if you’re looking like that…
Kamar- [softly laughing] It looks worse than it really is… [nodding in Taggert’s direction] hey what’s going on?
Lucky- We’re looking for Gia and…
Taggert- [flatly remembering all Gia had told him about Kamar] Have you seen or talked to her?
Kamar- No… by the time I came on she was already gone.
Taggert- Gone… what do you mean? How do you know this was the last place she was seen?
Kamar- I saw her name on the scheduler and when I got here she was nowhere around… so I just assumed…
Taggert- Don’t make assumptions…
Kamar- [throwing up his hands in surrender] Hey I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to make matters worse…
Taggert- [turning back towards Dr. Lewis] When was the last time you talked to her?
Dr. Lewis- About 8:30 p.m. Thursday night…
Lucky- That’s almost two days…
Dr. Lewis- I know… like I said she was just starting her shift and…
Taggert- Did you talk to her about anything or…
Dr. Lewis- Just the fact that we had not been on the same shift lately…
Taggert- [softly] Gia where in the hell are you?
Lucky- Have you tried calling her cottage?
Dr. Lewis- Yeah… but she’s not there. I even tried her cell and all I get is “Customer number not in service”…
Lucky- [looking quickly at Taggert] Isn’t Gerald at the cottage?
Taggert- Yeah…
Lucky- He hasn’t said anything or…
Taggert- [shaking his head] I got assigned to an useless stakeout at the last second…
Lucky- [turning his gaze to Kamar] She hasn’t called you?
Kamar- [shaking his head] No…
Taggert- I got a call from her at around 9:10 p.m. that same night…
Kamar- What did she say to you?
Taggert- Stakeout… [shaking his head] couldn’t answer it…
Lucky- [looking at Taggert] Where do you think she’s at?
Taggert- I don’t know but I’ll find her…
Kamar- Hey if you need any help call me…
Taggert- I doubt it but yeah…
Kamar- I’m willing to do whatever…
Taggert- [slowly nodding] Yeah…
Kamar- [smiling] Well… my patients are waiting…
Lucky- [smiling] Watch out for whatever you ran into last time…
Kamar- [softly laughing] Yeah… I’ll do that.
Dr. Lewis- [as Kamar exited] I don’t like that guy…
Taggert- Tell me about it…
Dr. Lewis- Something about him rubs me the wrong way. [shaking his head] But not only that but his so called patients a PA [physician’s assistant] could handle them.
Lucky- What does that mean?
Dr. Lewis- I don’t know but I wouldn’t trust him as far as I could throw him.
Taggert- [shaking his head] If Gia calls…
Dr. Lewis- I’ll tell her to call you…
Taggert- [handing him his card] You do the same… whatever you hear…
Dr. Lewis- [nodding] Call… call me if you anything from her.
Lucky- [following behind Taggert] We will…
Taggert- [talking on his cell as he and Lucky rushed to his car] This is Lt. Taggert. I want you to put out an APB on a black 1994 Ford Mustang, license plate number TLM 508…
Dispatcher- Yes Lt. Taggert…
Taggert- I need this information ASAP… call me on my cell phone.
Dispatcher- Yes Lieutenant…
Lucky- [as they got into the car] Where should we look first?
Taggert- I don’t know… where does she like to hang out or…
Lucky- [shrugging] I don’t know… we haven’t really been talking…
Taggert- Well before then…
Lucky- She would hang out at her cottage but since Gerald’s there…
Taggert- Has she met anyone new?
Lucky- What do you mean?
Taggert- Does she have any new friends or… [stopping as his phone began to ring quickly answering it] yeah…
Dispatcher- Lt. Taggert we’ve found the car…
Taggert- And?
Dispatcher- It’s registered to…
Taggert- It’s my car. My sister was driving it… what about the car?
Dispatcher- It was found at the corner of West Chester and Main…
Taggert- Was she in the car or…
Dispatcher- It was deserted… only thing found was keys were left in ignition.
Taggert- Any sign of a struggle or…
Dispatcher- I’m sorry Lieutenant…
Taggert- [softly] You’re sorry?
Dispatcher- We are doing all that we can to find your sister…
Taggert- [hanging up his phone] Yeah whatever…
Lucky- What’s wrong?
Taggert- They found Gia’s car…
Lucky- And?
Taggert- It was deserted. Only the keys were left in the car…
Lucky- But what about Gia?
Taggert- I have no idea… [slowly shaking his head] I have no idea…
Peeling off from his parking space Taggert quickly headed in the direction of Gia’s deserted car. Silence enveloping them the remainder of the ride Taggert and Lucky both silently hoped to find some kind of clue that could tell them where Gia might be. As they arrived at the location several police cars surrounded her car. Going to the car Taggert carefully eyed Gia’s left items wondering silently where his sister could be.
Detective Torrance- Lieutenant…
Taggert- [softly] Have you found anything yet?
Detective Torrance- [shaking his head] No…
Taggert- No sign of struggle… no sign of foul play?
Detective Torrance- [slowly shaking his head] The car was found like this…
Taggert- [seeing her cell phone] Did you check her cell phone to see who she called last?
Detective Torrance- We have this under control Lieutenant… the best thing you can do is…
Taggert- Do not tell me to stay out of this…
Detective Torrance- We are doing all that we can…
Taggert- It’s not enough…
Detective Torrance- It may be best if you…
Taggert- Check the phone and you just may find out where she is at…
Detective Torrance- Lieutenant…
Taggert- [angrily slowly losing control of his emotions] Check the damn phone!
Detective Torrance- [nodding at a nearby officer] Fine…
Quickly retrieving the phone Detective Torrance and Taggert checked Gia’s last outgoing calls hoping to recognize a number. Eyeing the last number called Taggert turned to Lucky hoping he would or could remember something about her call.
Taggert- The last number she called was yours…
Lucky- [slowly shaking his head] I wasn’t home…
Taggert- Where were you?
Lucky- Elizabeth and I were at Eli’s trying to hang on to something not worth hanging on to… [at Taggert’s nod] if I had known…
Taggert- [fanning his hands] I know… I know…
Detective Torrance- Lt. Taggert… if it’s possible can I ask you a few questions while you are here…
Taggert- [turning his attention to Detective Torrance] What?
Detective Torrance- Would your sister have any reason to suddenly disappear or fake her disappearance?
Taggert- [angrily] Excuse me?
Detective Torrance- Would she have or know of any persons that may wish her any harm?
Taggert- What are you trying to get at?
Detective Torrance- You have to understand that at this time we are not even sure if this is an missing person case or…
Taggert- What are you saying?
Detective Torrance- Well seeing and understanding that Sonny Corinthos is also her other brother…
Taggert- [shaking his head] I don’t have time for this…
Detective Torrance- Stay out of this Lieutenant…
Taggert- [shaking his head as he walked away] Not on your life…
Detective Torrance- The PCPD has this under control. We are handling this to the best of out abilities…
Taggert- Exactly…
Detective Torrance- Don’t do anything you will regret…
Taggert- She’s my sister… [softly] she’s my sister damn it…
Detective Torrance- Lieutenant Taggert…
His pleas falling on deaf ears Taggert and Lucky returned to his car quickly heading in a different direction.
Lucky- Where are we going?
Taggert- I may not know where my sister is but someone else might…
***
Slowly entering the warehouse Sonny was not surprised to find Jason waiting for him there in the dark. Nodding in his direction they headed to his office before they began to speak.
Sonny- Did you find out anything?
Jason- [nodding] Yes…
Sonny- What?
Jason- First thing… how did it go?
Sonny- As expected… Sorel is quiet for a reason and I’ll find out that reason soon enough…
Jason- Soon enough could be too late…
Sonny- Not this time…
Jason- [shrugging] If you say so…
Sonny- What did you find out?
Jason- I put out word that I was looking for any and all information but every lead I got led me to a dead end.
Sonny- So nothing?
Jason- [shaking his head] That’s just it… when I thought we were finished I got a hit that took me to Kalamazoo MI.
Sonny- What’d you find?
Jason- [sighing] Well…
Sonny- Is it that bad?
Jason- [nodding] Yeah… it is…
Sonny- [hands on hips] Tell me…
Before Jason could answer Taggert and Lucky came bursting through the door demanding answers.
Sonny- What in the hell is the meaning of this?
Taggert- Is she here?
Sonny- What are you talking about?
Taggert- Gia… is she here?
Sonny- [shaking his head] No…
Taggert- Damn it!
Jason- What’s going on?
Lucky- No one seems to know where Gia is and…
Sonny- What do you mean?
Taggert- What he means is Gia was at work and something happened or occurred that made her suddenly leave work. She attempted to call me but I couldn’t answer her call…
Sonny- [angrily as he paced around] Why the hell not?
Taggert- I couldn’t answer her call and she then tried to call Lucky…
Lucky- [as Sonny turned to look at him] I wasn’t home…
Jason- Where were you?
Lucky- [staring intently at Jason] Elizabeth… and I went out… we had some things to work out…
Jason- And did you?
Lucky- Not that it’s any of your business but yeah we did. We worked out a lot of things.
Jason- And?
Lucky- [angrily] Why do you care?
Jason- I don’t…
Lucky- Then why ask?
Jason- [slowly smiling] Well…
Taggert- [looking from Jason to Lucky] Enough… [turning back to Sonny] where was her bodyguard Sonny? Can’t he tell us where she is or…
Sonny- [nodding] Good point…
Quickly dialing his cell Sonny waited for Jake to respond. Having received no answer after several rings Sonny angrily slammed his phone shut in disgust.
Jason- What is it?
Sonny- He’s not answering…
Lucky- What does that mean?
Taggert- That means Gia could be in a lot of danger and there’s no one there to protect her…
Sonny- Let’s not jump to conclusions… have you called the cottage or Mike or…
Taggert- You call Mike… I’ll call the cottage…
Quickly calling Mike and Gerald both Sonny and Marcus came up empty in regards to where Gia might be. Coming back together they shared their information deciding on the next course of action.
Taggert- Gerald hasn’t seen her…
Sonny- Mike either…
Lucky- What now?
Sonny- I’m going to the penthouse…
Taggert- And then?
Sonny- I’m going to try one last person and if that doesn’t pan out I need to put all of my men out there to find her…
Jason- We need to find Jake…
Sonny- [nodding] Yeah…
Taggert- I’m coming with you…
Sonny- No I can handle this on my own…
Taggert- I’m coming with you… this is my sister…
Sonny- She’s mine too…
Taggert- All the more reason for us to work together…
Sonny- [nodding] Let’s go…
As they raced toward the penthouse Sonny called Benny seeing if there was any word out on the street about either Gia or Jake. Receiving no news about either Sonny quickly filled Taggert in on the situation as fear and uncertainty crossed both of their faces. An over eager concierge hoping to get in on Sonny good side stopped the group as they entered the Port Charles Hotel.
Concierge- Mr. Corinthos… how good it is to see you…
Sonny- [as the group continued towards the elevator] Yeah…
Concierge- By chance I hope all is well with your sister…
Taggert- [turning back towards the man] What did you say?
Concierge- I was commenting to Mr. Corinthos about Ms. Campbell….
Sonny- What about Gia? Have you seen her?
Concierge- Of course…
Taggert- [walking back towards the concierge] When did you see her?
Concierge- Mr. Corinthos?
Sonny- [joining Taggert] Answer him… when did you see Gia?
Concierge- Thursday night sir…
Sonny- [quickly firing questions at him] What time was she here? Did she arrive alone? How was she?
Concierge- She seemed quite distressed…
Taggert- [softly] Distressed?
Concierge- Yes I attempted to call out to her but she ignored my calls. I assumed she was headed to see you Mr. Corinthos…
Sonny- Have you seen her since?
Concierge- No… however I am not always on duty. I will be more than happy to inquire as to if what time she left or…
Sonny- That’s not necessary…
Concierge- Are you sure? It would be no problem…
Sonny- I’m sure…
Concierge- If you are in need of any assistance do not hesitate to call upon my service…
Sonny- [as he and Taggert quickly rushed back to the elevator] Yeah…
As their elevator slowly trudged it’s way up to the penthouse floor of the hotel all seemed lost in thought all hoping and praying Gia was safe in Sonny’s penthouse waiting for his return.
Lucky- [softly] If she’s in your penthouse what didn’t she call or…
Sonny- I don’t know…
Taggert- She’ll be able to tell us soon enough why she didn’t pick up the phone and call any of us.
Lucky- But…
Sonny- She can explain everything when she sees us…
Rushing to his penthouse sonny quickly unlocked his door calling out Gia’s name as they entered.
Sonny- [yelling] Gia… Gia are you here?
Running up the stairs Sonny continually called out her name receiving no response. Slowly returning down the stairs Sonny looked at the solemn faces around him as he softly spoke.
Sonny- [softly] She’s not here…
Jason- I checked the kitchen and the back rooms… she’s not there either.
Taggert- [angrily]Then where the hell is she?
Sonny- [throwing his hands up in surrender] I don’t know…
Lucky- Maybe she came and left when she realized you weren’t here…
Jason- Then where did she go?
Lucky- I don’t know… if you tried Gerald and Mike…
Jason- What about her mom?
Taggert- No…
Lucky- But…
Taggert- I’m not about to throw all of this at my mom until I know for sure that Gia is missing…
Jason- But your could know…
Taggert- [shaking his head] I’m not calling her…
Sonny- Well does she have any friends she could have gone to?
Lucky- I wasn’t home and Jason…
Jason- I wasn’t there either…
Sonny- What about Kamar?
Taggert- He doesn’t know anything. I already questioned him.
Sonny- Emily… Elizabeth…
Lucky- Not even if her life depended on it…
Jason- Then where…
Sonny- Nikolas Cassadine…
Jason- No…
Lucky- They’re not friends… I mean he would be the last person she would go to if something was wrong with her.
Sonny- How do you know?
Lucky- She barely knows Nikolas… besides he wouldn’t help her even if she did go to him…
Taggert- How do you know this?
Lucky- He’s my brother. I know what kind of person he is…
Taggert- Look Lucky… I understand he’s your brother and all but Gia herself told me that they were friends…
Lucky- [shaking his head] But…
Sonny- She told me the same thing…
Taggert- And if he can help us find Gia I want to talk to him…
Sonny- So do I… besides he lives on this floor. If he heard something or saw something…
Lucky- I understand where you are coming from but I’m telling you Nikolas does not know anything…
Taggert- Let me find that out for myself…
Following behind Taggert Jason, Lucky, and Sonny all went to Nikolas’ door knocking loudly hoping he would and could give insight as to where Gia was. As their knocking turned to banging Nikolas looked down on a satisfied Gia whispering softly to her.
Nikolas- [whispering] What in the hell is that?
