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fantasies-fairytales-n-fics · 2 months ago

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Code Blue Ch. 71- Baby It's Cold Outside

Summary: An chilly afternoon filled with drama, a developing relationship, bonding and growth is spent at the Kiriakis Mansion, along with an unexpected departure while Lee and Travis head out for a night of celebration in the Hub of Massachusetts.

*Chapter Warnings* Language, angst, mentions of physical and sexual assault and drugs

Stories Stories Stories Masterlist

March 25

Salem, Massachusetts

Arriving at the iron-barred gates of 13201 Glen Oaks Drive, Josie impatiently waited for them to open after verifying her identity which required a three step process in a specific order if there were no guards present for a much simpler preauthorization. It began with facial recognition by looking into the monitor on the drive up security system, then a fingerprint scan by placing either thumb upon the screen and lastly, entering a six digit code into the keypad. If all three passed, the gates would automatically open. If the order was done incorrectly or there were any discrepancies, armed guards would metaphorically appear like ninja elves out of the trees. Victor had a garrison that patrolled and surrounded every inch of the grounds with the additional aid of a ten foot tall electric fence, for the notorious Greek kingpin, had gained more enemies than friends in his fifty years of organized crime.

The tedious procedure had always annoyed Josie because then there was still an entire meandering mile of blacktop road through endless forestry to travel before reaching the colossal estate that was perfectly placed in the eye of the forty acre property near the Atlantic bay but now, she was grateful that the extra security measures were in place since her mother and sister were now residents for an indefinite amount of time to ensure their safety and protection and she owed all her gratitude to Gerry.

With those thoughts, Josie made her way to the front door with bittersweet emotions, for at least her mom was now where she had been meant to be all along but with Victor's current comatose state, she worried that it may be too late for the star-crossed lovebirds to finally get their forever after fairytale....just as it now was for she and Lee.

Greeted at the door by Henderson, Victor's kind, loyal and lifelong butler who was all suited up in a penguin tux with tails, Josie was then led to the main den area where Megan was lounging on the sofa with her cast-covered leg propped up and eyes glued to a tornado disaster on the weather channel.

"What's the weather predictions for this week? Are we flying over the rainbow to Oz anytime soon?" Josie curiously asked of the redheaded girl who reminded her a lot of the clueless character Cher Horowitz, minus the preppy attire and popularity. Deep down, where only few could see, Megan was an old soul and she actually cared about things that mattered in the world, even when to most, she was seen as the mean girl Regina George.

"Joey!!! You came!!" Megan squealed with excitement and then teared up.

"Of course I did. Since when do you get all emotional to see me?"

"Since you're the one who did all of this for me to keep me safe when I deserve to rot alone after everything I've done to you."

Josie sat down on the opposite end of the couch. "No you don't, so stop it. Where's mom? or Gerry?"

"Mom's somewhere in this ginormous labyrinth and I think Gerry is at his guesthouse with his mom. He said it's imperative to keep our jealous mothers apart."

Josie laughed as she rolled her eyes. "That's the truth for sure. Last thing I want to be involved in is another cat fight."

"Huh?"

"Nothing. Just more drama."

"I hear that. Honestly Joey, I think Gerry is purposely avoiding me for that exact reason so he's not tempted to rip my head off. He's never going to forgive me."

"Well...if I can, I'm sure he'll come around too. I mean, he's letting you stay here and that's a start right?"

She frowned. "He's only doing it for you. If he had his way, he'd find the shadow man and hand me right over to him."

"Speaking of, how are you doing Meg? Sleeping ok? Any more memories surfacing? or dreams?"

"No," she sighed, "The only thing I've dreamt of since coming here is that spooky, banshee Bean Nigh Gerry intentionally infused into my brain to scare me. As far as memories of my attack, mom seems to think I've suppressed them. A trauma response thing I guess and she keeps pushing me to go see a shrink. She even suggested hypnosis AS IF I WANT to remember...but...I know I need to since there's not much else to go on."

"I know. Gerry told me about the hospital surveillance footage from that night is mysteriously not accessible. Seems to be a lot of that happening lately."

Megan's brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"

"Well, just like the night Liz died in the hospital. There's no footage and then today with....anyways, personally, I feel Cyrus is involved and I just thank god we got you and mom out of there when we did."

"Yeah cause the guard at my door vanished into thin air too. I was never so happy to see Gerry in my life when he and Philip came to spring me."

Josie raised a stunned brow. "His brother came with him? Shocking. I figured he'd be too wrapped up in running both his dad's 'legit' publishing business and not so legit shipping company with Vic out of commission."

Megan was blushing as she smiled, rambling and drifting off into the memory of that day. "Yeah, he did. It's been a minute since I've seen him. He was always so nice to me. I can't believe how much he's matured both physically and mentally. That smile and those dimples are something else. He stayed with me while Gerry took mom to say goodbye to Victor and he saw how nervous and scared I was and he even laid in the bed with me, holding my hand and telling me funny stories to ease my anxiety. He smells so lovely like the ocean breeze."

Perplexed, both brows raised. "Oh really?? Do tell me more."

Megan swiped up a bottle of nail polish from the end table with a pleading pout on her lips. "Ok, but...since you're in the perfect position, could you finish my toe nails for me? I couldn't reach this side with all this fucking plaster in the way."

Josie studied the bottle for a moment. "Hmmph. Vampire red. This sure looks like the one that came with my vampire perfume that went missing too."

Megan's eyes resembled that of a guilty dog. "That's because it is. I'm so sorry. I still have the perfume too. I'll give it back and..."

"No, it's fine. I'm just glad you're being honest. I bought a new bottle anyways because Lee loved it so mu...," With a pause, her eyes fell, "It don't matter. I stopped wearing it. I've been wearing a Jasmine scented one lately. Ok, lets get these piggies done and you can finish telling me about your seemingly endearing time with Phil."

As Josie began with the big toe, Megan noted her deflection and respected it. If her sister wanted to talk about Lee, she would and Megan knew not to push.

An ear to ear smile formed on Megan's face and her eyes lit up. "He's just so," she sighed, her cheeks turning rosy again as she rambled on, "funny and smart and successful and debonair and sweet and..."

"Sweet huh? It seems to me that you're the one who's sweet...on him."

"What??" she gasped, acting surprised. "Oh no no. For one thing, Gerry would flip the fuck out so don't ever say that again and..."

"Oh I'm saying it, not to Gerry of course because you're absolutely right. He'd lose his Scottish shit over it but...you are downright smitten. Just admit it Meg. It's me you're talking to here. Look, I get it. He's definitely charming as you said and I see a lot of a youthful Gerry in him, but...." she paused as she finished her toes. "just don't take his kindness for anything more than what it is. He has a lot of issues, pressures and responsibilities, hence his drinking habits. His life isn't all roses and rainbows and quite frankly, his track record with women is just like his father's. Too many to list."

"Yeah but you and I both know Victor was only like that because he couldn't be with mom."

"Yes I know but Vic's womanizing days were very influential on Philip but so was his mother's. Kate was the same with men. Married one week, divorced the next so it's all Philip has ever known. His upbringing was unstable, not his fault but as much as we want to believe we can change a man, remember that a zebra can't change it's stripes, trust me, I know."

"And leopard's can't change their spots, yes I know Joey and I know Lee hurt you terribly but not all men are like that."

"No but a lot are and you should know that considering your own track record with men. You're always looking for love in all the wrong places. For example, Ethan. Maybe he's not the one who attacked you but he still hurt you, not to mention he's shady as fuck in every single way. If he could harm his own brother then I believe he eventually would have harmed you and I also know he's done many other vile things. All I'm trying to say is...are you even ready to consider being with and trusting another man right now after what you've went through? You're still trying to process it all and work through it and heal which should be your sole focus. Megan, I don't mean to bring this up but...you...you were sexually assaulted on top of being beaten and left for dead. Does Philip know the whole story?"

"No, he doesn't and I know you're just trying to look out for me but Joey, it's Philip. He's not like Ethan. He's gentle and caring. I know he's dealing with things too. Aren't we all?? He talked to me about some stuff, like what Aunt Viv did to his mother and...."

Out of a hidden passageway came Philip, strutting in like he was Bruce Wayne, his childhood and present hero, just in time to hear a name he despised.

"Ohhh, you mean your mother's bat shit crazy witch of a sister who not only buried my mother alive but stole her and my father's fertilized embryo and implanted it into herself and then nine months later, yours fucking truly popped out? Please don't mention that terrifying name again because it's like summoning Beetlejuice, Bloody Mary and Candyman all rolled into one and no one, specifically me, needs that kind of twisted horror, so I HOPE for all our sakes that you'll heed my advice."

As Megan giggled at his quirky sarcasm, her eyes were helplessly drawn from his hickory hues to his tan and toned chest that was partially revealed where his black, satin shirt had been left unbuttoned down to his sternum.

Philip was usually very dapper and dashing as he was this day. Parted in the middle, his polished, ashy strands were grown to his ears and stylishly layered in a feathery fashion with the back ending at his collar. To complete his classy wardrobe, he wore a navy trench coat adorned by a burgundy scarf that hung freely down to his black trousers and upon his feet were the usual, shiny black shoes. There were also days where he was laid back and casual which sometimes included a black leather jacket and facial scruff and simply picturing it had Megan biting her bottom lip, for like her sister, bad boys were her guilty pleasure.

As soon as Philips's paraphrased rant ended, his hands went to his hips followed by a heavy sigh and twinkling eyes on Josie. "Ahhhh Josephine, what a sight for sore eyes. It's been awhile girl." With arms dramatically out, his head tilted as he gave a grinning full set of teeth. "Get over here and give your almost brother in-law a big ol hug."

She couldn't help but chuckle as she playfully rolled her eyes and made her way into his arms for a brief pat on the back. He had always reminded her of Jim Carrey with his goofy facial expressions and witty remarks. She would agree with Megan. Phil was funny, charming and rather sweet indeed which was one of the reasons she had always adored him and as far as his scent being that of an ocean breeze, Josie deemed it more of a beachy scent with hints of coconut, probably from all the tanning he did.

"You should try using a real door sometime. It's super easy and less creepy. Good to see you Philip. Thank you for helping with my mom and sister."

"I did use a real door. It just happens to be invisible and super cool. No thanks necessary. I am happy to help. My brother really needed it too. He's pretty stressed with work and dad and everything else."

"Yeah, I know. I'm praying for Victor and you're right about Aunt Vivian...."

"Gahhh!," he gasped and cringed, throwing his hands in the air as he did a little spin. "That's two. Ixnay on the ongsay! One more and we're all doomed."

Megan and Josie both roared with laughter. "Ok ok," Josie complied, "No more mentions of that. We don't want her here anymore than you do. So how's Kate these days anyways?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "Eh, you know my mother. Hitched again for the umpteenth time. I give it two months tops. I honestly don't get the marriage thing. Once you put a ring on it, it all goes to shit from there."

The room became silent as Josie and Megan glanced at each other and that's when Philip realized his mistake. "Ok ummm, yeah. Just give me a moment while I try and insert my foot into my big, fat mouth. I'm sorry Josie. That was really insensitive of me. You know I always wanted you and my brother to have a happily ever after."

Megan's remorse radiated in her moistened eyes and the words just slipped out. "And it's my fault that they didn't get one."

Philip's brows furrowed. "How so?"

Megan's eyes became fearful as she instantly realized her mistake because Philip had never been told the reason why Gerry and Josie's engagement had been called off.

Josie was all for honesty but she also knew it was a can of worms she didn't want to open at that time or even at all. Instead of throwing Megan under the bus and adding to her stress, she would leave the truth for her to tell, that was if Gerry didn't blow Megan's cover first considering his anger and unwillingness to forgive her and Josie knew Philip could very well react the same way, even if he himself had also done some pretty despicable things in his life that gave him no right to judge anyone. He was very protective of his brother and Josie was beginning to feel that way for her sister too after all she had been through. She believed Megan was sincerely contrite for her sins and for that, she would offer a lie of omission to correct her sister's accidental confession.

When Phil was still looking at Megan, awaiting her response, Josie winked at her sister to confirm she had her back. "Oh, that's because Megan and I weren't getting along and she confessed to me that she used to secretly wish Gerry and I would break up and when we did, she thought she jinxed us per se and of course, I blamed her too but I don't anymore. As far as Gerry, I think we should just not mention it. We're all trying to move on and it just makes it harder for him."

Philip bought it. "Ahhhh, I see. Well, I can totally relate to the whole jinxing thing if you haven't noticed, but nahhhh Megs. It wasn't your fault and if your own sister says it's not, then believe her. How about this? Lets make a pact. No one mentions that ominous V word so that something wicked this way will not come and no one talks about the past to my brother." He flared his hands out and displayed a selling grin. "Sound like a plan?? We all good? Cause I'm good if you're good."

The girls glanced at each other and Megan promptly answered. "Yes. Yep. All good right Joey?"

She made a zipping motion over her mouth. "Lips are sealed."

Phil loudly clapped his hands together and cheered. "SWEET! Now, I...am...parched. Ladies, would you all care to join me for a drink? I am going to run down to the Batcave and pick out some fine vintage. I would just summon Henderson but the elevator is on the fritz and he certainly cannot use the Batpoles at his frail age. His entire body would shatter upon ground impact and have to be plastered up like Meg's pretty little leg. Bless his ancient heart, but we'll all be old and gray like he is by the time he even gets down the stairs."

Both women giggled.

"Sure," Josie accepted, "One glass. I have plans for later today and tonight with a friend so I don't want to get started this early, plus I got to drive home."

All eyes went to Megan. "Yeah ok. I'll sip on some."

With fiery friction, Philip excitedly rubbed his palms together. "Awesome. Oh and Megs, I'm having a motorized wheelchair brought in for you. Crutches suck and I know how much they hurt your arms."

He walked over and smiled as he teased her big toe with a tickle. "Cute. Blood red. My favorite color aside from black. Looks great on you."

As she gave another giggle and her toes a wiggle, Philip swaggered off through an actual door, turning back to glance at Josie with a curled smirk.

The moment he was out of sight, Megan's palms went to cover her face. "Oh my god, what am I going to do???" she whined, "He's soooo sweet and I'm lying to him."

Josie sat back down and propped Megan's foot up on her lap. "Keep your mouth shut. That's what. For now anyways. But, you're going to have to tell Philip the truth at some point because there's no guarantee that Gerry won't blurt it out, especially if he sees you getting all cozy with his brother and I'm telling you Megs, sooner than later is better."

Her hands flopped down. "Philip's going to hate me!"

"Well he's certainly not going to be happy so you have a choice to make. Tell him what you did or take your chances with Gerry and risk a far worse outcome...OR...stay away from Philip all together."

"WELL I can't exactly stay away from him now can I? Not only am I immobile as a fucking tree but I also live in his home and sure, this place is so huge that you could get literally get lost in it but Philip isn't just going to forget I'm here if I avoid him, as if I even could when he knows every nook and cranny in this Gotham fortress and pops out of the fucking walls. I'm limited to the ground level to boot since the elevator is broke. You just saw how he hovers like I'm some shiny new toy, most likely to cure his boredom of being insanely rich. He'll hunt me down. He's fucking Batman if you haven't noticed."

Philip entered his private office but it wasn't just any office. It was a replica from the original Batman movie. There was a red phone and the comic on the desk along with a bronze bust of Shakespeare and hidden inside of the statue was a red button that he pushed, triggering an empty bookcase to slide open that revealed the golden Batpoles.

Gracefully, he glided to the basement and strolled his way through the well lit brick tunnels to the wine cellar where he pondered over the abundant wine selection, ultimately deciding on a sweet red vintage.

On his journey back, his phone beeped. It was a text from Gerry asking him to come to the guesthouse.

With a swift turn in his slippery-soled shoes and wine bottle in hand, Philip changed his course and jogged off to see what his brother had summoned him for.

Meanwhile, at the guest house of the Kiriakis estate, Gerry was collecting large amounts of cash from the safe along with multiple burner phones and his passport.

After packing them all up, he instinctively picked up his wedding ring laying before him on the desk and went to put it on but he froze at the first knuckle and gazed at it with pained eyes. He recalled the day when Josie caught him wearing it and how he lied by telling her he stupidly put it on while drunk and it got stuck, for his fingers had become fatter since they were together. The truth of the matter was that he wore it because it was all he had left of her aside from his memories and the stolen kiss that he could still feel upon his lips when he closed his eyes. He knew he had to break free of the unhealthy habit of the golden ring when he and Josie had never even made it to the alter and he needed to break free from her too, completely, and the only way to do it was to cut all ties with no goodbyes. It seemed to be the best and only option, for just the sight of her weakened him. She was the air his lungs required. She was his heart living outside of his body. She was the reason it even beat. With that thought, Gerry placed the symbol of union and love in his backpack and whispered, "Out of sight, out of mind."

Right on que, Philip arrived with a shoe sliding stop and a fading smile when he saw Gerry zipping up his visibly full backpack. "Going somewhere big bro??"

Gerry stood, his expression desolate. "That's why I asked you here. I'm going home Philly."

Phil's lips parted as he briefly and blankly stared at his brother. "Home?"

"Back to Scotland with Mum. She's at the airfield, waiting on the jet as we speak."

"Umm ok? So you're just taking her back and then you're coming back here right? Because Salem is your home now."

"It used to be. Not anymore. I don't know when or if I'll be back."

Another blank and befuddled stare, followed by a slow gulp. "What?? IF?? What about Dad???"

"He's in a coma and has shown no signs of coming out of it anytime soon. You have my number. If something happens, I'll be on the first flight back but there's nothing my being here can do for him. I've spent most of my days and nights sitting in his room and he doesn't have a clue I'm there. I can't do this anymore Philly. I can't look at him that way. I can't look at her.... I have to get out of here."

Philip softened and sympathized when he saw tears welling in his brother's blue eyes. "By her, you mean Josie," he replied as a stated fact and not a question.

Gerry's silence confirmed he was right. "Gerry, she's up at the house right now, visiting her sister and Mom."

"I know. That's why I had you come here instead of me going there to talk to you."

Phil's brows furrowed. "You're not even going to go see her and tell her you're leaving?"

"No," he simply stated.

"Yeah cause you know she'll talk you out of it. Well then, I'll just try instead."

"What for Philip?? Why should I stay here??"

Offended, he crossed his arms. "Gee Gerry, I don't know? Maybe for me? I'm your brother and I'm kind of all alone here."

"You're hardly alone. You got Maggie and that other daughter of hers living with you. You'll be just fine. Maggie adores you like a son."

"Yeah ok but again, what about Dad? I can't sit at the hospital with him like you were doing. I kind of have a multi-million dollar company to run right now??"

"And you have Xander to help you with Titan or did you forget about our other brother? And there's Brady too, our nephew who's also employed there. They've been visiting Dad too. So has Maggie and she will continue to do so. You'll be just fine without me."

The anxiety and frustration was increasing. "Speaking of Maggie. Who's going to watch over her and Megan??? I mean, that's why they are here is it not? For protection?? Maggie is just going to trot off to the hospital as if there ain't some mad man out there who tried to kill her daughter and most definitely still wants to??"

Gerry picked up his bag and hooked it over his shoulder. "You're kidding right? The security here is top tier which is WHY they are here. No intruder will make it to the front door alive and Maggie will have men comparable to secret service agents with her anywhere she goes and then let's not forget you," Gerry chuckled, "You're fucking Batman so everyone will be safe."

Not finding any humor in Gerry's wisecrack, Phil's brown eyes narrowed. "You're being selfish man."

"Well little bro, sometimes we have to be selfish for the sake of our own sanity. Josie and her family are not my family nor are they my fucking problem. Not anymore. My Mum is my priority now and she's homesick so I'm taking her home."

Phil's narrowed eyes turned to slits. "I call bullshit. There's something else going on here because you would never speak that way about the March family, let alone walk out on them at a time like this, especially Josie."

Gerry scoffed as his Scottish sass came out. "Yer bum's oot the windae." He looked down at the bottle of wine, " Are you steamin???How many of those have you had?"

"Ahhh the defensive Scotsman arrives. Now I know you're up to something!"

"Haud yer wheesht!"

"No, you shut up!" Phil reeled as he ripped the bag from Gerry's arm and attempted to open it.

The struggle was on as Gerry locked his arms around Phil from behind. "Give it back you little bawbag!!"

"The name's Batman!!!," Phil riposted and with an agile maneuver, he slipped out of Gerry's vice grip arms and zipped the bag open.

Gerry held a stiff palm in the air as he scowled and shook his head. "More like Robin, you little fucking bawbag and I'm going to proper slap the shit out of you!"

Philip rolled in laughter as Gerry chased him around the desk. "HA HA!! Fast as fast can be. You'll never catch me!"

Without warning, Gerry leaped onto the desk and slid across, jeering. "Come here you little cunt!"

Gasping, Philip quickly dumped the contents onto the floor. Gerry froze, teeth gritting as Phil gloated over his win.

"Hmmm what do we have here?" he sarcastically inquired, panting as he picked up a handful of the cash. "There must be at least fifty grand here, give or take. Now why would you have all this dough if you're just going back to Scotland??"

"Away wi' ye! It's a gift for my Mum ok??"

"Now see, you're doing that little Scottsy tantrum again. Quit lying. I know how you operate. You're not all a 'by the books' cop, Mr. ex FBI and secret ops man. This is bribe money. Although, it's shocking that you would use a less painful way to extract information out of someone. I remember the gruesome stories you told me. What did you do to that one dude? Oh yeah, that's right, plunged a knife straight into his thigh as he was bound to a chair and when he still wouldn't talk, you impaled the other thigh."

Lips pursed, Gerry snatched the empty backpack from Phil's hand and began collecting the scattered items. "I thought I'd be nice first," he snarled, "just like I'm being with you because you were three seconds away from a head swirly in the cludgie where I just took a massive jobby."

"Ew," Phil cringed, wrinkling his nose, "is that what that foul odor is?"

Repacking his back, Gerry formed a smirk. "Mince and tatties for lunch. Does it to me every time."

Just like that, the sibling war was over as they both chuckled.

"Alright," Phil sighed, "just tell me what's going on. Who are you trying to take down?"

More sarcasm from Gerry, "Classified info. If I told ya, I'd have to kill ya."

"Hilarious. Come on man. It's not like I'm going to tell anyone. Have I ever fucked you over??"

Gerry sighed too, "No but the less you know, the better because Josie is also proper good at extracting info from people and believe me, she's going to grill the fuck out of you when she learns I'm gone. I can't risk you cracking under pressure, so, sorry wee man. What you don't know, you can't tell."

Phil shook his head in worry. "Well that's just great!"

"That's what you get for snooping. Look, just trust me alright? I know what the fuck I'm doing and if all goes as planned, Salem will soon be cured of a very bad virus."

"And if your plan goes South, then what?"

"Then I'll move on to plan B. Now I need to get going before Mum makes the pilot's ears bleed with her Gaelic babble. I'll phone ya when I land in Glasgow. "

"Well you better and I'm going to be keeping tabs on you. If you don't respond to my check ins, me and the boys are coming in the Batjet to find you."

Gerry rolled his eyes and made his way to the door. "Stop calling it that. It's black and it's a jet."

"Neverrrrr," Phil teasingly growled, "Welp, go on then. Go and hide from Josie because I know that's part of all this."

Gerry paused his steps to glance back at Phil before making his departure, "You think I'm hiding in the shadows but I AM the shadows."

Phil couldn't contain his excitement as he grinned from ear to ear and shouted, "Bro, oh no you didn't just serve me a Batman line!"

As he reclaimed his bottle of wine, he heard Gerry's bellowing laugh and then watched through the window with a fading smile as his brother got in the car and left.

Turning to make his own exit, Phil froze as something twinkled upon the hardwood floor from beneath the disheveled desk. As his feet approached, it became clear what the object was. With a mumble, "Oh shit," he bent down to pick up Gerry's wedding band and placed it in his pocket.

Philip returned to the main house to discover that Maggie had joined the visit and the red haired March mother was the first to notice his melancholy mood as he slowly scuffled in.

"Philip? Has something happened? Oh dear, is it Vi..."

"No, no. Dad is fine as far as I know."

With a hand to her heart, she sighed in relief. "Oh thank goodness. Well, then why do you look so glum?"

His eyes roamed to Josie as he swallowed an audible gulp. She stood from her seat, eyes heavy with concern. "Philip??"

Megan's stomach knotted up, for she feared he had learned the truth about her.

"I ummm...," he sighed and rubbed a hand down his face, then let his arm fall flat at his side, "Gerry's gone."

"What do you mean...gone?"

Philip sat the wine bottle down and went straight for the bourbon. "I mean....he packed up and headed back to Scotland with his Mom. I just saw him off."

Maggie then stood, folding her arms as she approached him, "Well when's he coming back? What about his father?"

Frustrated over the position he was placed in, Phil lowered his head and grimaced as he muttered, "Damn you Gerry for throwing me to the wolves." He forced his eyes to Maggie's, "I don't know. It's indefinite at this point and I guess I will be keeping him updated on Dad. If something changes, he'll come back. Everything just became too much for him."

The fiery ginger snapped, "AND what about Megan's case??? Who's going to handle it???"

"I don't know that either Maggie. I'm sorry. He didn't say anything about Megan but I'm sure he put someone on it that he felt was qualified to do it. As annoyed as I am with him right now, he's a good cop. The best in fact. He knows what he's doing and we just have to trust him."

The knot in Megan's stomach untied when he said she hadn't been mentioned but she had to wonder why Gerry didn't rat her out. Surely he would have gotten off in watching his brother turn on her.

Josie scoffed, her eyes burning with tears, "Trust him. This is what I always get for trusting people." She thought of Lee and Orlando, "Oh well, what's ONE more person to walk out of my life or to screw me over. Honestly, I don't even know why I care anymore." She then thought of Craig who's never hurt her, "It's just another sign showing me where I'm supposed to be."

"Josie," Phil sighed and pulled Gerry's ring out of his pocket and held it out to her, "he's hurting too. I found this after he left."

She scoffed again, arms folded and leering at the golden band, "Gee, I thought it was stuck on his finger from when you and him got drunk and he stupidly put it on knowing his fingers were fatter. That's the story I was given."

"Yeah ummm....that was a teeny tiny lie. He was just embarrassed that you caught him wearing it. Anyways, I just thought....maybe you'd want to hold onto it for him?"

Feeling an anxiety induced lump in her throat, she swiftly brushed away an escaped tear, "Well you thought wrong. Why would I want the stupid thing? I need some air."

She spun around and rushed off to one of the many patios, slamming the door behind her.

"Joey!!," Megan cried out and began frantically scooting herself to the edge of the couch, "Someone hand me my crutches. I need to go to her. She needs me."

Maggie sat beside her distressed daughter, "Megan, just let your sister have some time to herself. She's upset."

"No, you don't understand Momma. It's all because of me!!," she shouted.

"What do you mean?? How is any of this your fault sweetheart??"

Megan's tearful blues peered up at Phil, "I...I need to tell you something but...first, can you just please help me go to my sister. Please Phil!"

He quickly handed the panicked redhead her crutches, "Sure ok, calm down. Meg, what is wrong?"

"Can we talk later? I really need to get something off my chest about Gerry."

Grabbing the crutches, his brows furrowed as he helped her up, "Ok??? Yeah, I'll be around. Should I....be worried? You sound so serious."

With sarcasm, "No, I should."

Definitely worried, his eyes intensely locked with Megan's and he not only saw her hidden fear, but he felt it. There was something else he was feeling too. A comfort being held in her gaze. A peace he had never felt and it perplexed the shit out of him.

"Philip," Maggie interrupted, "How about you round up your armed forces and take me to see your father so Megan and Joey can have some time alone."

Philip slowly pulled his eyes out the strange hold Megan had them in, "Yeah um, s...sure Mags," he softly stammered, then his eyes darted right back to the girl that was distracting him which is when he realized that he had his arm around her lower back, holding her close against him.

He gave her one of the crutches, "Here, hold onto this for a sec."

Reaching behind her, Philip picked up her light blue cardigan from the couch and offered some musical comedy to relieve his awkward tension, "You should wear this," he claimed and then sang a fitting tune, "Cause baby it's cold outside."

Megan's lips curled into a grin, for she knew the song very well, so she sang a line back, "Ugh, you're very pushy you know?"

Surprised and enthralled, he matched her grin and continued on, "I'd like to think of it as opportunistic."

Lost in his eyes, Megan's panic had subsided so she carried on with the spontaneous duet, "I simply must go."

Maggie's eyes were wide, oscillating between the two flirty vocalists as they sang the lyrics in random orders to speak to each other.

Phil chuckled in song, "but baby it's cold outside."

"I ought to say no no no sir,"

"Mind if I move in closer?"

"I wish I knew how,"

"Your eyes are like starlight now."

"To break this spell,"

"I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell,"

"The answer is no,"

"But baby it's cold outside,"

"My sister will be suspicious."

"Gosh your lips look delicious....."

Mesmerized, Philip paused as he unconsciously gazed at her lips until Megan's giggle broke the spell, "Um can I...put my sweater on now?"

"Oh, oh...yeah, yeah here, sorry, sorry," he rambled as he clumsily helped her slip it on.

Once she was steadied on the metal make shift legs, slowly but surely, Megan clunked her way to the patio with Phil's hand securely on the small of her back as he diligently walked beside her, ready to catch her if she fell and it made her feel even more guilty. She doubted he would ever touch or even look at her again once he knew what she had done to destroy his brother's and her sister's relationship.

With closed eyes, Josie snapped her wrist with the rubber band and inhaled the dewy breeze as she tried to relax but it just wasn't doing the trick. Taking her phone out of her back pocket, she thought of a much better way to soothe her anxiety which was a text to Craig.

"Hey Chester. Just checking in to let you know I'll be back soon for the art class with the university students. I'm still with Mom and Megan. Can't wait to see you. This day has to get better."

Within seconds, he responded, "Ahhh, hearing from you is like a breath of fresh air and it makes me all tingly inside to know you can't wait to see me 😉 No rush love. All is going well here. Gael actually came and we're getting to know each other. I'm sorry that you're not having a good day. I will do my best to fix that. See you soon sweetheart. - Chester 😎"

"You just did ❤️"

It was true. He had cured her anxiety but then, Megan came speedily hopping out in a hyper, frazzled state, her voice quavering. "Joey, are you ok?? I'm so sorry! This is all my fucking fault. I caused all of this pain and suffering!"

Through her trepidation, one of her crutches snagged the leg of a chair and sent it crashing to the ground as she helplessly lunged forward into Josie's expeditious arms. "Holy shit Megan! I've got you. Hold onto me!"

"Ow! Ow! Ow!," she cried as Josie maneuvered her into a chair and lovingly scolded her.

"Meggy, you can't RUN with crutches. What were you thinking?? Are you trying to break your other leg too??"

Panting, "It would serve me right!"

Josie firmly cupped her face, forcing her to look at her, "No, it wouldn't. Now breathe. Are you alright?"

Her lips quivered as a pool of tears flooded the rims of her bottom lids, "No. No I'm not. I hate myself for what I've done and Gerry hates me so much that he just up and left without even saying goodbye to you."

"Well at least didn't tell Phil about you and I think I know why. He didn't want to risk you being thrown out, so I don't think he hates you that much."

"Oh he hates me alright. He only kept quiet for you and I might still be tossed out on my ass because I'm going to tell Philip the truth tonight. I'm so done with the lies and secrets. I need to atone for my sins Jo. God spared my life and now I need to do what's right."

"Ok, it's your choice. I don't think Phil will just kick you to the curb. He's not that insensitive and cruel."

"I know he's not. He's so fucking wonderful and amazing that it hurts."

"Ahhh, so you admit it," Josie chuckled, "You DO have the hots for him."

With a shy grin, Megan sniffled and nodded. "Fine. I do but I'm not worried about that right now. I'm worried about you Joey. You're going through so much. I hate that Lee has hurt you so deeply."

Josie sweetly brushed away her sisters tears that finally fell, "Don't worry about me. I've become more resilient through all the pain. Sure, I've had my weak moments but I've made it through them and I will continue to do so because I now know who truly loves me."

Megan gazed straight into her sister's eyes and with sincerity, she spoke words that meant everything to Josie, "I will always love you."

The March sisters embraced, both sobbing as Josie reciprocated the words she hadn't said to her sister in years. "I will always love you too Meggy and if you tell Philip what happened and he wants you to leave, you call me ok? I'll come get you and we'll figure things out. We're the March sisters and we're fucking Irish. We'll just go drink ourselves into oblivion."

Through their tears, they both heartily laughed as they leaned their heads together. "Go," Megan said, "Go have fun tonight with Craig. You deserve it."

Josie's brows furrowed, "I never told you I was going out with Craig? I just said I had plans tonight with a friend."

"Well that friend is Craig no? I mean, you had the dude's cologne all over you that day in the hospital and the way you talk about him, well..."

"Ok the cologne thing was not what you think and what do you mean, the way I talk about him???"

Megan grinned, "Ok, now it's your turn to admit it Joey. You got the hots for him too!"

Josie stood as she laughed, "Ok, we're done here. I really do need to go. Let's get you back in the house cause baby, it's cold outside!"

Megan's blues popped. Josie giggled, "That's right. I heard you both signing your little hearts out."

With a clothing change to a hoodie with another jacket layered on top and packed suitcase at his side, Lee sat at a café around the corner from his close to downtown home, warming up with a coffee to wait for Travis to pick him up. His bartender buddy was going to pick him up at his house but Lee quickly split out the back when he noticed that Angel had unexpectedly returned home and he was in no mood to deal with her again. After his brief and heated luncheon with Gordon, he was more than ready to get out of dodge and celebrate his birthday in Boston where all the party life was at and at the end of the night, which Lee knew would be a late one, they would crash at a hotel and head back to Salem the next day or of things were going well, maybe a few days later.

In his boredom of waiting, Lee took out his phone to play some games when the voicemail ticker stared him in the face. The one he had ignored since Josie called earlier that morning.

As his curiosity was gnawing at his very soul, his thumb hovered over it in hesitation, for he knew that just her voice alone could and would ruin his entire day but he realized that he was not going to stop unconsciously gritting his jaw, even by chewing gum, until he listened to the three minute long message.

Forcing his thumb to click the button, he then held the phone to his ear.

"Lee, hey umm. It's me. I..I just wanted to tell you happy birthday and that I hope you have a good day somehow and I hope this message doesn't ruin it. It's not my intentions....."

After her second sentence, Lee was shifting in his seat and sighing. He was instantly annoyed at her casual approach as if nothing ever happened and wish him to have a good day, as if he even could after everything, then follow it up by hoping she doesn't ruin it when he knew that she knew she would, just as he knew it before he foolishly listened.

That was enough for him. Lee hung up and immediately went to delete it...but he couldn't. This time he couldn't force his shaky thumb to erase it. Instead, he just left the unheard majority there to keep eating at him.

Seeing Travis pull up outside offered Lee some relief and off he went to toss his suitcase in the backseat, then hopped in the car and intensely locked his stressed sapphires with Travis' hazels.

"Let's go," Lee flatly commanded, no smile.

"You ok man?"

Another flat response, "Never been better Trav."

"Well if that's true, then why do you look like you've lost your best friend? Is it that girl you told me about today at lunch?"

Lee was silent for a moment, letting his stinging eyes wander out his window because Travis had sliced his Achilles heel wide open with his spot on intuition and he didn't want to talk about it so he deflected instead by turning up the music.

"Good tune. How fitting because baby it IS fucking cold outside for sure."

"Well, I know a way to get really warm. You still into medicating in ways other than alcohol?"

Lee raised a curious brow, "Tell me more."

"I have a few friends, Johnny and his girl Emily, that can hook us up with some good shit and they'll be out and about in Boston tonight."

"Oh really? How good?"

"Like blow your mind good. An out of body experience good. A fucking life altering good. A no more worries good, at least until you come down."

Lee stared at Travis with devious eyes, "Oh hell yeah. I'm already as down as I can get. It's like I'm drowning and I can't fucking die."

Travis gazed at Lee, "There's no drowning tonight babe. I'll be your life jacket."

Lee side-eyed him at the babe reference.

Travis smirked, "Alright man, I get it. I'll shut up and drive. Buckle up. Tonight's going to be one hell of a ride."

@redeemer46

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