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fantasies-fairytales-n-fics · 1 year ago

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Code Blue Ch. 38- Devils

Summary: Lee and Jo are a united front once again and stronger than ever. Lee's a bundle of nerves as he faces the music. A new hospital CEO is introduced, to Britt's dismay. Jo gets a comforting visitor who's news get her all fired up. A long awaited decision has arrived. Jo is floored at the ghastly sight of someone. Sinister words are headed. Someone lurks. The cat's outta the bag. Josie runs into her past. Lee is confronted. A hospital dispute occurs with a threat. Someone unexpected has Lee's back.

*Warnings* language, angst, smut, mild violence, grief

Stories Stories Stories Masterlist

Chapter characters: Lee, Josie, Britt, Elizabeth, David, Cyrus, Orlando, Gerry, Mr. Carpenter

Salem, Massachusetts

March 13, 2023

You and Lee had spent the past five glorious days together, intentionally and happily isolated at his farm, away from all of the outside influences so you both could solely focus on each other, for it was much needed after the eight days of hell without one another. Your phones had been shut off, leaving only his landline open for emergencies and only those that needed to know were told where you were which was Orlando and Britt. Of course you called your mom and told her you'd be away on a vacation so she didn't call on the national guard, that being a pun regarding Gerry, but you didn't tell here where in case she let it slip to Megan, and Britt promised to check in on her daily.

During your blissful time together, you and Lee had spent time at the park down the road where you and he once spent a wonderful night there under the stars, swinging and sleeping on the merry-go-round like before and he finally took you hiking around the 42 acres of forestry like he had promised to do. He wasn't kidding when he said one could get lost out there.

You spent a few nights in the boat house, watching Lee work his pottery magic, rebuilding the sculpture of you that you broke and also making your own magic together upon the unbalanced work table.

Today was Monday, the day Orlando went back to being a doctor and also the day Lee would find out if he had a future as a doctor. Throughout the night, Lee had tossed and turned a lot because of it, otherwise you both had slept soundly with no bad dreams now that you had the comfort of each other's arms.

The alarm sounded at 8 am. You reached over and shut it off as Lee groaned, wrapping his arm over your stomach to pull your backside up against him. You smiled immensely at his morning wood pressing into the small of your back as his warm breath trickled into your ear.

"Good morning sunshine."

"Mmmm mornin baby. You feel ok? You didn't sleep well at all."

"I feel extremely good...if you haven't noticed." he whispered playfully as he began to kiss your neck.

Giggling, you bent your arm up around his head and turned your face to kiss him, then gave him an obvious invitation as you brought your knee forward and gently stroked the tip of his seeping cock.

"Oohhh girl, the things you do to me."

Lee clasped the base of his solid girth as you helped him guide it to your slick entrance.

"Fuuuuck..." he moaned as he slid into you, filling you up with one long push.

The squeaking of the bed filled the room as he rocked against your ass while simultaneously teasing your aching bud in circles with his middle finger and nipping your shoulder with his teeth. This was one position you could honestly say you had never done before and it was driving your core insane, until he did something else that sent it spinning.

Lee placed his hand under your knee to turn you over, legs spread with your back partially upon his chest as he held your thigh up and continued to slowly slide in and out of you. Fuck, his deep moans and grinding motion every time he filled you were going to make you come unhinged at any moment.

His fingers accelerated, torturing your clit in the most pleasureful way, bringing you to the edge. Your gasping and body shaking release brought him along with you as you arched back against his body and mewled.

Lee began to rapidly thrust and heavily pant as he gripped your stomach firmly, holding you in place as his warm seed shot through you in vigorous pulses.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....ah...ah...ah ohhh fuuckkk...shit Jo...baby damn. God I love you."

Lee let you slide down off of him and then you quickly turned over with a glowing smile.

"I love you more." you told him as you caressed his cheek.

Lee gazed into your eyes for a moment as you laid face to face with him and then his expression became serious.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Yeah baby?" you whispered.

"Did you come back for Jacob or for me?"

"Lee...baby what?? Why on earth would you ask something like that?"

"I...I don't know...I guess...it's just...well, once you knew that you were his aunt...is...is that why you came back?"

Your hand snuggly bonded with his to show him he was safe with you as you then provided the words he needed to hear....to believe.

"Baaaaby...how could you ever think that?? Is...is that what you have been thinking about this past week? The moments I noticed you lost in thought at random times? Believe me, I did notice that. Lee, I came to you an hour before I even knew. Reading your beautiful letter that morning, it showed me how ridiculous I was being about Ethan and when you texted me, asking me to meet you, I came running. I wanted to fix things. Did my kiss not prove that? I loved you before I even new about Jacob, I...just didn't know it yet. I literally moved heaven and earth to find you when I left the hospital. Sure, finding your bracelet was a huge help in keeping me from looking like some stalker, but with or without it, I was still determined to find you again. Lee...I came here for YOU. I will ALWAYS come for you and I am so sorry baby, that I ever left you the selfish way I did, or even at all. I swear my soul was inside out without you for those short but extremely long eight days and I don't ever want to feel that way again. I would have came back even if I hadn't learned all that I did. I...I can't stay away from you. Don't you know that by now? You...are my weakness Lee Grinner Pace and the love of my life. There isn't and never was anyone for me but you. I...I am beautiful with you. Do you really still doubt me...us?"

"I'm so sorry. Of course I don't sweetheart. I don't know why I let these thoughts even enter my mind. Old habits die hard I suppose. I should never have asked you that. Everything you just said...I know it's all true. I know you love me. How could you not after all I have put you through and you're still here?"

"Don't apologize for needing reassurance Lee..."

"But I shouldn't need it. Not from you. Now you though, you had every reason to need it from me because I gave you every reason to doubt my love. Do you...still doubt it? I mean, now that you know the entire truth about Ethan? I...I've noticed things too Jo...I feel like something is still weighing on your mind. Tell me what it is baby. Please."

"It...has nothing to do with Ethan. I swear it. You put all those doubts and fears to rest in every way possible. They're gone. I promise. It's..."

You paused and sighed, closing your eyes.

"Hey...it's me. You can tell me anything. My girl, what's wrong?"

"It's that damn dream. Lee, I can't help it. I feel like something really bad is going to happen. It felt like some omen or something and I know, I know...you don't really believe in all..."

"Jo...babe...I see my dead son..."

"Yeah...ok there's that. I'm sorry, I'm ruining this awesome morning and that's why I haven't said anything before this because we have had the most incredible week together, making up for lost time that I caused and..."

"That..I...caused Jo. It's going to be alright baby. I am not going to leave your side and we will stand against Ethan and everything else together...ok? I will never let anyone hurt you. I put my life on it."

You threw the pillow over your head and muffled a scream into it.

"Don't say that Lee!!! Take it back!"

Lee chuckled and tugged the pillow from your death grip.

"Look at me right now. Nothing...is going to happen to me. I am not going anywhere. I am not going to leave you. I prom..."

"No! Don't say it. Don't make promises you can't keep. I KNOW you would never go away of your own will Lee...ok...this is why I didn't say anything and I don't want to talk about it anymore." you huffed and yanked the pillow back.

"My god you're so fucking adorable when you're mad." he said in such a deep sexy voice, then tickled you. As you burst into laughter and squeals, the aroma of coffee crept into the room from Lee's pot he had on a timer.

"FUCK!" he shouted and bounced off the bed as if the house was on fire. "It's 9 o'clock!"

"Oh my god....ok...go...go shower!"

"I have to be there at 10 and the drive is at least 30 minutes and..." he rambled as he cranked the water on and whipped the shower door shut.

"Lee, it's ok! You laid out your clothes last night. We will make it on...." you began to say and then heard a bellowing F bomb as the cold water hit him. Giggling as you shook your head, you hopped up and jumped in the guest shower, long enough to wash your body but not your hair, then started dressing in a god awful skirt and heels since you would be at Lee's side. Fifteen seconds of brushing your teeth, hair up in a messy bun and you were good to go.

Lee on the other hand was now a complete wreck as he dressed in a panic stupor. You knew the problem wasn't so much of being late or what the outcome would be, it was having to face that girl's parents. By the time you both left, Lee was looking like a five year old who dressed himself, suit coat wadded up in his arms, tie hanging loose around his neck and shirt untucked. With a coffee in his hand, you drove so he could try to relax, which didn't happen in the slightest and he was silent the entire ride.

Upon arrival at ten til ten, you saw Orlando's car and parked beside it. You also saw the big red emergency letters that you saw in your dream which sent an immediate shiver down your spine.

Lee froze for a moment as you turned the car off. You undid his seatbelt for him and then took his hand.

"Hey...I am right here with you."

Lee squeezed your hand, offering you a small closed lip smile and then got out. You clung to Lee's arm all the way there, praying that your ankles didn't turn in on you as you internally cursed the dreadful toe smashing heels. You temporarily took them off to make the haul quickly up the two flights of stairs, then slipped them back on just in time to see Elizabitch standing in the vending area.

This was so not what Lee needed right now, for you were afraid that in his state of mind, he would tear into her and accidentally let it slip about knowing Jason was Jacob's father. To say that he desperately wanted to was quite obvious when she just smirked at him and walked away, which you then had to tug him in the other direction as he damn near broke his neck glaring her down with flaring nostrils while watching her leave.

"Fucking cu..."

"Lee! Come on!" you strongly whispered and finally got him to move.

You both finally entered the lobby of the conference room where Britt was impatiently waiting. Needless to say, she was less than thrilled to see Lee's sloppy appearance.

"Glad to see you could make it with literally minutes to spare. Did you just roll out of bed from a night of binge drinking??"

"Hey! Lay off of him Britt! I will help him get straightened up. We didn't have time alright??" you snapped in defense of your highly agitated boyfriend.

"I am only trying to help here because you show up here looking like this and it's only going to scream to Mr. Carpenter of the entire reason we're here. You're a mess Lee. This does not help your case."

"Ok Britt...point noted. You can go now. I'll help him as I said and then we'll be in."

"Ummm no, Josie. You can't go in with him. Lee's a big boy and needs to prove that. You'll just have to wait out here or you could go to the cafeteria. I just saw Dr. Bloom there on my way up. I know he's a bit anxious about this as well so maybe you could keep each other company. This will probably be about an hour. I'm going in now. Get cleaned up."

Britt left and now Lee was a jittery mess knowing you couldn't be at his side and he wasn't thinking clearly, so much so that he tried to follow Britt inside, but you quickly stopped him.

"Hey, no no no, you need to let me fix you up."

You tried helping him with his tie, but he quickly took over, turning it into a twisted mess because he couldn't concentrate and hold still. It was like trying to dress a child for school. You then handed him some mints that you saw on the desk in hopes that the coolness would help him breathe.

"Fuck...Jo...this damn tie...it's choking me...I..I can't..."

"It's ok, it's ok. Just tuck your shirt in and breathe and let me try again. I won't make it tight."

"No..Jo...I go it, I got it...just let me do it."

His breaths were becoming heavy and he seemed a bit disoriented which worried you that he was going to have another panic attack.

"Lee...baby...look at me, look at me." you said, taking his face in your hands as his glistening eyes met yours. "I need you to breathe. Can you do that for me? Just look in my eyes and...breathe. I am not going anywhere. I will wait right here on this couch. The only thing that will separate us is that door and when you come out, my face will be the first thing you see. I love you. I love you soooo much and no matter what happens here today, nothing will ever change that and we'll deal with it all together ok? You can do this baby."

You softly kissed him and stroked his straggled hair into place as he let out a deep sigh through his nose.

"You're the only thing that keeps me sane, I swear to god. I love you too Jo March, more than you could ever know. Ok....you're right. I can do this."

He kissed your forehead and trickled the back of his fingers down your cheek.

"Forever." he whispered and then he went inside.

The very second the door closed, all was silent and you were all alone and then came the uncontrollable tears that you had held back to be strong for him.

You sat down, silently sobbing and pulled your phone out to text Landy, letting him know you were there and that Lee had just went in. He replied telling you that he was praying for Lee and that he would come up but his break was almost over and told you to come find him when Lee was finished.

Lee sat down beside Britt but kept his head down, for he could feel Mr. Carpenter's eyes upon him. Strangely the mother was not present which Lee had noticed at a glance when he first walked in. Also attending were the other staff that assisted Lee the day of Henrietta's operation, including Nurse Amy, Lee and Jo's friend, who cared for her and opposite of them were members of the board. There was also a man that Lee did not recognize sitting at the head of the table. He was a heavier build also dressed in a suit and tie, appearing to be at least twenty to thirty years older than Lee and had long silver hair pulled back in a pony tail. The man spoke quietly with the others for a few minutes, looking over some paperwork and in that time frame, Lee must have eaten every single piece of mint that you gave him as he focused on the image of your face and breathing.

Finally, Britt stood up and began with the introduction and welcoming of the cologne ridden stranger....and her tone caught Lee's attention, for it was forced with a hint of sarcasm.

"Before this meeting commences, I would like to introduce to everyone here our new CEO. Some of you have already had the...pleasure of meeting him this morning, but for those of you that have not, please welcome Mr. Cyrus Renault."

After pacing the room for ten minutes, you found yourself snooping by the door in hopes to hear something but there wasn't a single peep of voices. You couldn't even see light coming out from under the door. Eventually, you sat down with a hard sigh, propping your elbows on your knees and burying your face in your hands....also trying to breathe.

Suddenly, you felt someone sit down beside you and instantly recognized the cologne. Cool Water by Davidoff. How fitting since the one wearing it was none other than your briefly estranged guy bff, Dave.

"Hey you." he softly said with a concerned look in his baby blues that perfectly matched his scrubs.

You slid your hands down just enough to reveal your tear soaked eyes and stared at him in shock, noticing his dark wavy locks had grown longer, which triggered you into sobbing again at the very missed sight of him.

"Heyyy, hey hey." Dave sweetly said and scooted over to you, wrapping his arm around your shoulder.

"What...are you doing here?' you mumbled through your hands. Although you had known the dashing doctor Dave for five years, you still felt uncomfortable crying in front of him.

"I knew about the meeting and I figured you would be here. I just wanted to come check on you."

You swiftly rubbed your tears away and moved back from him, letting him clearly know you were not happy.

"Well, that's nice of you since I haven't seen or heard from you since the day of Orlando's surgery, you know, also the day you took off on me when I told you about Lee and me? You haven't even responded to my texts."

David's eyes fell in shame and then he tried to explain his ghosting actions.

"I'm sorry. I really am. I guess I...I just thought that with all you had going on, you needed space and I..I didn't want to interfere in your new life. I've just been trying to move on is all."

"What, so now we can't be friends anymore because I'm with someone??"

"Friends...yeah." he quietly said, this time his head falling too as he felt the heartbreak all over again in that simple word...friends.

"Look, Josie...I didn't come here to further complicate your life. I...just know what Lee is going through. I've lost patients and I've been blamed. One in particular and similar because she was young like this girl, nineteen. Except it was a common surgery and she suffered a pulmonary embolism. The parents, they wanted someone to blame. That's what grief does to people. So, I just wanted to offer my support and....I missed you and wanted to see you. That's all. You were always around and now...you're not. But as long as you're happy...then I'm happy. Are you...happy?"

Your eyes studied the pain in his expression that he was failing miserably at trying to conceal, and so you lightened up on him.

"I...yes. I am. I'm...just so worried for Lee."

"Well, for what it's worth. I don't think he's responsible for that girl's death. Many here don't. Everyone loves him and supports him. He's a brilliant doctor and surgeon who has just been dealing with things no one should ever have to deal with."

His words made you smile and you took his hand.

"You really are amazing, you know that? And I...I miss you so much. Please don't disappear from my life. I still need you David. I will always need you. Promise me you won't go away."

Dave forced a smile and squeezed your hand.

"I know I've been a shitty selfish friend lately and I truly am sorry. Of course I won't go away Josie. Not unless you tell me to. I'm...I'm just trying to move on myself as I said."

"Apology accepted. So...by move on...have you met someone?"

His hand released yours and his eyes broke contact as he slightly stiffened up.

"Well...I went out with someone, just once and..."

"Ohhh? Do tell! You know you have to tell me now. Spill it Davey. Who is she? Do I know her? Do you like her?"

He chuckled. "I...reeeally don't think you want or need to hear this right now....and I should have known better than to say anything.

"Uh yes I do. You're hiding something. Don't forget who you're talking to here. I know you. Who is it? What's the big deal?"

He sighed and seemed very nervous.

"Dave!....you're kinda scaring me here. Out with it."

"Yeah ok umm..." he said and stood up, almost as if he were steering clear of your reaction. "It's...it's kind of....Nurse...Webber...."

In that moment, you truly hoped that door was a s soundproof as it seemed to be.

"You're dating Lee's psycho ex!!!!" you reeled as you flung to your feet. "Have you lost your damn mind???"

"Woah, hey, calm down Jos..."

"Don't tell me to calm down! I mean, you OBVIOUSLY know about the shit she's done or you wouldn't be telling me to calm down or so damn afraid to tell me who it was! Jesus, does your sister know???"

"Ok, Josie stop. It was one date. I'm just getting to know her. I kind of like her ok? She don't seem anything like what people say and no, Britt don't know..."

"Oh my fucking god...I can't believe my ears right now. What is there to get to know when you KNOW all there IS to know?? I can line up people for you if you'd like to tell you that it would be the biggest mistake of your life to ever get involved with her! I think you know this because why haven't you told Britt?? Because you know Britt despises her! And I am willing to bet that Elizabitch is just using you to aggravate me and Britt both. It's how she rolls Dave!"

"What...so she can't actually like me for me?"

"NO!! She's a cheating whore and she's capable of doing very bad things and I don't want to see you be one of her casualties. People get hurt when she's involved. Just ask Lee. Ask Jason!!"

"Ask...Jason?"

You had to think quickly to recover from the mistake of blurting that out in your bout of anger.

"I..I meant...if...he were here...but he's not, but Britt will tell you. My landlord will even tell you cause he was married to her. key word...WAS. Dave...damn it...please listen to me. I care about you so much and I just feel that you're vulnerable right now and she preys on that shit. Lee....he thinks she is responsible for his son's death although he can't prove it and I believe it too or I would never have told you. But you need to understand. She's trouble with a capital ass T. I want you to be happy, I do, just not with her because you won't be happy! She'll hurt you and so help me god if she does...."

Just then, surprisingly, the conference door opened after only thirty minutes of collaboration. You gasped and spun around, fearing they all heard your raging rant but instead...Lee came out as Britt and others followed, all leaving except Britt....and Lee's face, you couldn't yet read.

You froze, your eyes locked in his as you gulped and then noticed an angered man storm out which you then gathered to be Mr. Carpenter. Once he was gone, Lee finally spoke as a smile formed on his face.

"Dr. Pace is officially back baby. I'm innocent."

Your hands flew to your face, leaving only your gaping eyes revealed and then you found yourself jumping into his arms and being spun around as he laughed and almost cried while kissing your head through your hair over and over. As he put you down, Dave was no longer in your sight. He had left.

"Oh my god baby, I am so happy for you! I knew it, deep down somehow that you would be found unaccountable. Now, you can finally breathe."

"Congratulations Lee." Britt then said, seemingly remorseful for being so hard on him earlier.

"Yes, congratulations Dr. pace." a voice sounded from behind you both that had your jaw dropping as you turned to see who it was.

"Oh my, well isn't this a treat?" Cyrus continued when he saw you with your arm clung to Lee's. "Jo...March is it? We meet again."

"You...you know him?" Lee asked as Britt's eyes widened with the same question.

"Not formally." Cyrus answered for you. "We met briefly outside my son's apartment. Let me properly introduce myself. Once again, I am Cyrus Renault, Craig's father as I'm sure you now know and the new CEO of Salem hospital."

Your eyes darted to Britt in utter confusion, considering you knew he had just been released from prison and Jason believed him responsible for the hit put on him. Surely Britt must know that, you thought.

"You all...look stunned?" he added when no one spoke. "Is there a...problem?"

That's when Britt's good old non-filtered mouth chose to reply.

"I think all who work here are stunned after your time served in prison for polluting Salem with your drug shipments and trying to kill Jason Morgan."

You couldn't believe she just said that to her apparent new boss, although you understood it because you felt the same exact way and now you had to later explain this to Lee because you had honestly forgot about this creep.

Cyrus began to laugh, quite hard for a moment before he made a not so subtle threat to your girl bff.

"Although I admire your honesty, I would advise you to temper your attitude...and accusations if you value your position here as Chief of Staff Dr. Westbourne, among...other things."

By this point, Lee's eyes were wild with wonder and bewilderment as he remained silent, listening to this scene play out.

"And from what I understand, Mr. Morgan, or March should I say? is in fact dead, victim of an explosion, correct? While I, in fact, was wrongfully incarcerated, so it is utterly impossible for me to have had any involvement in his untimely demise. You know, Miss March, I figured out who you were after I left that day. Jason is, sorry correction, was, your brother. I offer you my condolences. Such a young soul to meet such a terrible fate."

You suddenly felt nauseous and lightheaded in your anger as you grabbed onto Lee.

"Hey, you ok?" he asked as he quickly put his arm around your waist to steady you.

"Ahhh, so I take it the two of you are an...item?" Cyrus went on without a single care over his lying and insensitive words.

"I'm sorry, we really should be going. Lee, Orlando is waiting for us." you said with a look Lee understood very well.

"Yeah of course. Britt, let me know my schedule when you have it ready. And umm...it was...nice to meet you Mr. Renault." Lee said with hesitation.

"Oh the pleasure was all mine. Welcome back Dr. Pace. I am sure we will be seeing a lot more of each other. You both take care now."

A shiver ran all through your body at his double entendre of words and you couldn't get out of there fast enough.

"Josie!" Britt loudly called out, then calmed her tone. "I...we will talk soon ok?"

You saw the fear in her eyes and you knew she saw yours.

"Yes. Soon."

As soon as you and Lee rounded the corner, you took your heels off and ran for the bathroom.

"Jo! babe..." Lee called and ran after you, following you right into the women's restroom without a care, which luckily, it appeared empty.

You leaned on the sink, beginning to hyperventilate as Lee rubbed your back.

"Jo, sweetheart, what's going on?"

You filled your palm with water and quickly drank it, then ripped your hair down and ran your wet hands through it.

"Lee....it...it's him. Cy...Cyrus...he's...I forgot to....he's the one....he tried to kill Jason. He...he had....someone else do it while he was in prison....Jason...Jason said he is certain that the Zacchara's...Johnny, the guy you met at the rink...Jason told me...that he and Ethan were hired to do it."

"You told me about Jason saying it was Johnny and Ethan and possibly even Liz, but how do you know it was this guy? Who the hell is he??"

"Well, as you heard, he's...he's Craig's dad...but other than that, I don't know much more about him. I didn't stick around long enough to ask Jason or Craig, but obviously, he's mob and I do know he's Sonny's number one enemy. Jesus Lee...I...I am so sorry I ever drug you into my mess of a life. This all...could put you in danger and god, my dream...."

"Hey, don't do that. Come here."

Lee pulled you close and lightly rocked you.

"You couldn't have known things would ever come to this. You had no idea Jason was even alive until now Jo...."

"Lee...you, Orlando, Britt, even Dave...you all have to work around him and that psycho bitch. I don't like this! I saw Dave earlier...he told me he went on some date with her! I need to talk to Britt later. It's quite obvious she knows who Cyrus really is and she needs to know about her brother so she can talk some damn sense into him."

"What about Jason though? Are you going to tell her he's alive? Or do you think she possibly already knows? Maybe he told her since he loves her?"

"No...he wouldn't do that, risk her life. He didn't even mean for me to find out. I can't tell her. Only you can know."

"Alright. Let's get out of here and go see Landy ok? And then, maybe we can go try and celebrate? I mean, only about my innocence and reinstatement. I will still always feel so terribly awful for that girl's death and what that family is going through."

"I know baby. But yeah, that sounds good. Lee?"

"Yeah my girl?" he asked as you both went out into the hall with him sweetly carrying your shoes.

"I love you, truly... madly...and so deeply."

"Mmmm...right back at ya babe." he replied with a grin as you stood on your tippy toes and kissed him.

After you both left, the bathroom door slowly opened from the inside and out walked Elizabeth into the hall with the look of a cat who swallowed the canary. She had heard everything as she hid in the stall with her feet up and now knew that Jason....was in fact alive.

You and Lee met up with Amy at the nurse's station who informed you that Orlando was just around the corner, already having trouble on his first day back with Nurse Theresa who once again was complaining over his illegible writing.

"I swear she's ruthless. Hey babe, catch up with Amy for a bit and I'll go save him." Lee said as he grinned. "Be right back. Love you."

"Ok." you laughed. "Love you!"

"Awwwww. You guuuuys are so cute! And it's good to see Lee looking so happy. I'm so glad things worked out for him. We were all pulling for him."

"Thanks Ames. But not all were." you snarled as you locked eyes with Elizabeth who was trotting down the stairs serving you a look of gloat. Why was beyond you and it's pissed you off nonetheless.

"Oh that bitch..."

"Oh no you don't!" Amy said, grabbing your hand as you tried to go after her. "Leave the bottom dweller where she belongs. This is a happy day for you and Lee. Don't let her ruin it. Karma will get her. It always does."

"Ugh." you huffed. "You're right. AS always."

"Of course I am. Hey, now that you're here...I thought I would tell you that...Gerry is here."

"What? Why?? Is he following me again???"

"This time I can actually say no. Jo...it's Victor. He had a heart attack last night. Gerry has been here since they brought him in."

"Oh my god...do they think he will recover?"

"Well....you could probably ask him that yourself." she said as she glanced behind you at Gerry walking over to the vending machine.

You're ex-fiance was the last person you wanted to see at that time, or ever really, but you felt bad. His father meant a lot to him and actually to you as well considering he was Bo's father too and almost your father-in-law once upon a time. Not to mention he was special to your mother. You wondered if she knew, that maybe Gerry called her. She always liked the Scottish detective regardless of all that happened, most likely because he was Victor's son and it was one of the reasons she still had issues with Megan for destroying your relationship, although to you, he did that all on his own.

As you approached Gerry, he was cussing out the machine and shaking it.

"Hey....Ger..." you quietly said, trying not to startle him, but it didn't work.

"Jesus shit!" he panted as he spun around, then smiled in embarrassment when he saw it was you.

"Umm..hi...Josie."

"Didn't I teach you not to sneak up a man with a gun?" he joked. although his icy blues, also matching his shirt, held fear and sadness.

"I uh...I heard about Victor. I'm so sorry Ger...how's he doing?"

"Not good. Stable but still critical I guess. He's up in ICU. I came down here to find a machine that actually worked but as you can see...it's a piece of shit."

He turned and gave it another ferocious shake and then groaned as he vigorously rubbed his face.

"Here...let me try. Which one were you getting? The Payday candy bar like usual?"

He stared at you for a moment, seemingly shocked that you still remembered that, or anything about him at all.

"Jesus Ger, what happened to your eye?" you asked about the small bruise below it as you pushed the number selection. Down the candy bar dropped.

"Oh you know, a day in a cop's life. How the hell did you do that?"

"It's called pushing the right number and not the one beside it that has an empty spot."

"Oh..." he flatly said, now even more humiliated. "Thanks."

"Gerry...are you ok?"

"Yep, never better. How bout you? Why are you here?"

"Lee...he had a meeting. So, where's your brother? Are you here alone?"

"Brady will be in tonight. He was out of town. So yeah, it's just me for now. I called mum so she would know."

"How is Margaret? Gosh, it's still so weird that she has the same name as my mom."

"You always thought that was a sign." he chuckled. "Sorry..um, yeah, she's doing alright. Bullheaded as ever. I had to talk her out of flying here just to be with me. I don't really like her to fly all the way from Scotland by herself. She asked about you."

"Well...tell her I said hello. I umm, better not keep you from Victor and Lee will be back shortly so..."

"Yeah...yeah, of course. Go on. It was um, nice...to see you again. You look....happy."

"I...I am...happy. It was...nice to see you too. Gerry, if...if you need anything, it's ok to ask me. I'll do whatever I can for you and Vic, otherwise...maybe keep me updated? I'd appreciate that. I'm sure my mom will want to know."

"Yeah, I um, didn't know if I should call her or not. But thank you, I'll keep your offer in mind and I will let you know if anything changes. Oh and hey...thanks for the candy bar." He said as he gave it a small toss in his hand."

"Not a problem......bye...Gerry."

"Yeah....bye." he softly said and sighed as he watched you walk away.

Lee was with Amy when you returned and he had been watching you and Gerry.

"Hey....everything alright Jo?" he asked as he glanced at Gerry pouring a cup of coffee.

"I hope so. His dad is in the hospital."

"Yeah...Amy filled me in. Jo, sweetheart...it's ok if you want to go and see Victor. He's Bo's dad too and I know you're mom cared for him deeply. And Gerry looks like he could use some company."

"His brother Brady is coming in later tonight. Lee, I'm not leaving you right now, not after you've waited so long for this day and got the news you wanted and deserved. Gerry...he's not....my responsibility anymore."

"I know baby. It doesn't mean you don't still care and there's nothing wrong with that. I mean, I know what he's feeling, because of my mom and all and I too was alone. Gordon was nowhere to be seen and dad was sick. You don't have to go. I just wanted you to know...it's ok if you did. I would completely understand."

You walked up to Lee and kissed him deeply. "God I love you. You have so much compassion for others, even after the way Gerry treated you. You're a good man Lee and you were meant to help people."

"Yeah well...Gerry...he was just jealous. I understand that too."

"You, my guy, are so amazing but....I am...not..leaving you. Now, where's Landy??"

"Oh, he'll be here in a few. He had to check one last patient."

"Speaking of the good doctor, there he is!" you loudly laughed to see Orlando strutting down the hall, all doctored back up in blue scrubs like Dave's and hand's in his white coat pockets with a stethoscope loosely hanging around his neck. And of course, Lee had to be silly and put a musical vibe to his walk.

"Orlando Banando! Well you can tell by the way I walk my walk, I'm a woman's man, no time to talk....Ahhh Ahhh Ahhh Ahhh staying alive staying alive! Staying aliiiiiiiiive!!" he sang in his best Bee Gee voice, which was pretty damn good, and did the pointed finger dance thing like John Travolta did.

Orlando lowered his head with a grin as he kept up his cool cat strut and you were just enamored at the sight of him.

"Oh my gosh, you cut your hair! It looks so good!" you raved and gave him a hug. "How's your first day back?"

"Well I certainly didn't miss having my handwriting picked the fuck apart but otherwise, it's good to be back. Thanks Jo...about the hair but...I hate it. I look twelve."

Lee busted up laughing and gave Orlando a fast head scrub, messing the short and straight do all up.

"I'd say more like Llyod on Dumb and Dumber."

"Ahhh hell naw!!" Orlando chortled and playfully attacked him, pulling his head down and giving him the good old high school noogie.

You couldn't have been happier in that moment to see the two being bff's again and to see them both so happy...at least you hoped Landy was, for you knew he was a master of disguise when it came to his depression. The happiness was short lived though as you were all interrupted by a very disturbed Mr. Carpenter.

"Well would you look at that? Celebrating and all going on with your lives as if it didn't stop for my daughter. Big win for you today eh Dr. Pace?? Not a care in the world now while my wife and I suffer because that bastard killed my little girl!"

You ran to Lee's side as Orlando stepped right up to block the grieving man's path to him.

"Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Carpenter! No one here is celebrating your loss. I know you are grieving and you're angry and you want someone to blame, but Dr. Pace was found innocent and I believe it in my heart that he is. He is a great doctor and he never would have out your daughter or any patient at risk."

"Of course you're going to defend him! He's your colleague and your best friend. Do you think I didn't do my homework on Dr. perfect here, which turns out he's NOT so perfect at all."

"Don't blame Dr. Pace sir. He had a room full of staff who attest that he was exemplary in every way throughout the procedure."

"Do you hear yourself??? As if they would rat him out. You all are thick like thieves here. My daughter asked repeatably to see you on the night she died and where were you? Off in the E.R. where you do not work, trying to help a fucking mobster who was a s good as dead already and then you went off to tend to his sweet little sister for a measly panic attack when my daughter was recovering from brain surgery that you poorly performed because you were probably high as a damn kite! You left her alone to protect a mobster and his family!!!"

"Exemplary??? I don't think so. I know ALL about you. Did you all seriously think I was just going lie down and ignore this little cult of cover ups here??? Knowledge is power and you may have gotten away with it, but I know what you did!"

"Jo...go wait in the waiting room..." Lee sternly whispered to you, not taking his eyes off of the disturbed man.

"No! I'm not leaving you here with him..."

"Hey...is everything alright here sir???" Gerry asked as he swiftly appeared and stood beside Orlando and face to face with Mr. Carpenter.

"Who the hell are you??"

"Well now, that depends on you." he snarked as he pulled out his badge. "Detective Butler. Salem PD. Now, do we have a problem here? You're in the middle of a hospital and you're making a scene. I couldn't help but overhear and I am very sorry for your loss, but this is not the way to handle things. I'm going to have to ask you to leave and if you insist on continuing, I will be forced to arrest you."

"You're fucking kidding me right? He killed my daughter and you threaten to arrest me?? "

He leaned on the nurse's station and seemingly became more angry and distressed.

"Henrietta is gone! Because of you!" he growled as he pointed directly at Lee.

"Alright...Mr. Carpenter is it? I'm not going to ask at this point. I'm telling you to leave." Gerry firmly ordered.

"Amy...clear the people out of the area." Britt said as she came running up with Dave.

Amy quickly did so, guiding the five viewers in the lobby out and then things went from bad to worse in a matter of seconds.

"And you! Dr. Westbourne. I now all about you too! You were there that night. You could have tended to your lover slash assassin and someone else could have taken care of his little sister here...but no...Dr. Pace couldn't resist trying to land another piece of ass and it looks like you succeeded. Can't say as I blame you too much though on that part alone...she is one fine piece of candy. What do ya say sunshine, you, me, let's get out of here and I'll show you a real coc...."

It happened before you even knew what was happening. Lee's fist connected with Mr. Carpenters face and then he plowed him onto the ground.

"Lee!!! Stop!!!" you screamed as the two scuffled to their feet, still locked together until Orlando and Gerry took over....Gerry grabbing Lee because he was bigger and left Mr. Carpenter to Orlando as Dave moved you and his sister to a safe spot.

Mr. Carpenter had a bloodied nose and a bruised eye, which one came from Lee's sucker punch, you did not know as you stood petrified inside Britt's arms with Dave guarding you both.

Lee panted heavily as he fumed with pursed lips and a red face, struggling to free himself from Gerry's death grip of his arms being locked behind his back.

"Arrest him!! I want him arrested now!!"

What happened this time, blew your fucking mind.

"Arrest him for what?" Gerry asked as he released Lee and gave him a look to shut up and be good.

"What the hell do you mean for what??? He attacked me! You all saw it!"

"I didn't see anything. Did you see anything, Dr. Bloom?" Gerry replied.

Orlando's eyes were wide and confused. "Umm...uh...no. Nope. Nothing." he answered when he finally caught on what Gerry was doing.

"How bout you, Dr. Westbourne, Dr. Conrad or you Josie?"

"N...no." Britt answered and gaped down at you as Dave gave an eye lowered no.

"Nope. Not a thing." you abruptly responded and intensely gazed at Lee.

"Well... they're the only ones here besides myself Mr. Carpenter and no one saw any attack. I think you should be on your way now."

"You're a disgrace to the police department. You're no different than a common criminal. I'll have that shiny badge you abuse. Between cops and criminals, I'm not going to stand for it. My daughter will have justice. I'm going to get it for her. I'm going to get it for her mother, I'm going to get it for me...if it's the last thing I do."

Mr. Carpenter glared at Lee then stormed out, followed by Dave to make sure he left as you immediately ran onto Lee's arms.

"I'm sorry Jo, I'm sorry...I..."

"I think you two should probably head out." Gerry interrupted. "I'll follow you to your car in case he's lurking around."

"Gerry....th..thank you. I..I don't know what to say." you softly told him.

"You don't need to say anything." he said, giving you a quick touch of his hand on your cheek. "Honestly, I would have done the same thing with him saying what he said. He went too far."

"Yeah but...he's gonna cause trouble for you now when you had nothing to do with any of this."

"Nahhh. I'm not worried about guys like him. I've encountered far worse. Lee, you alright man?"

"Not a scratch. So, what she said. Thank you. I kind of lost my mind for a minute."

"Between you and me, if you hadn't done it, I would have. I know what it's like to see red. No thanks needed. I was just stopping you from digging yourself in deeper because it's what he wanted. If he gives you any more trouble, get a hold of me. Come on. I'll walk you guys out."

"Lando...I'll call you later man." Lee told his bff and hugged him. "Thanks for helping."

"Britt...talk soon ok? Tell Dave to text me later. Bye Landy."

You gave both of them a hug as well and then resumed your place under Lee's wing and left with Gerry in tow.

Lee drive this time with you close against him as you saw Gerry standing at the hospital entrance watching you both like a hawk until you were out of sight.

"You ok?" Lee asked as he kissed the top of your head that was snuggled in his armpit.

"I will be once we are home."

"Home huh? I love that you call it that."

"You smiled and closed your eyes. "Because you are home to me."

@redeemer46