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Title: Just Between Friends
Author: speedy
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Expecting her second child and caught up in a mafia war, Carly Corinthos has a secret that will change the lives of everyone she knows.
Disclaimer: I'm not the Rat, so obviously the characters aren't mine. I'm just borrowing them for awhile.
Notes: Just moving this over from my now defunct website. This veers off canon right before the panic room fiasco in 2003.
Chapter 25
Carly sighed as she closed the door on the last of the WSB techs. The security system was finally installed. It was connected through the TV, so they had also setup a satellite TV/Internet connection to cover it up. Not that she had a computer to use the Internet since Frisco had taken it with him...
She sighed as she sat on the sofa. She grabbed the remote and pressed the buttons, going through the menus for the cameras. Frisco already knew how to use the system, so he'd long since left to make his appearance at Luke's. The tech had spent almost an hour explaining all the screens to her, much to Carly's confusion. The remote was complicated, with all sorts of hidden goodies. All the buttons seemed to have secondary functions. The computer software was much easier, but with only one computer, she would have to know how to use the TV.
The phone on the desk was just as complicated. They'd decided he needed a secure line and the phone practically looked like a computer itself. A little screen for caller ID and whatever else the WSB used it for. A red light indicating secure calls, a yellow light for unauthorized listening devices. They had unsecured cordless extensions, but secure calls rang through only on this phone.
This was all on top of remembering not one, but two 8-digit ID codes for each security device.
She got used to all logins on Frisco's laptop, she'd get used to this, too.
The phone rang, startling her. The damn ringer that sounded like a fire alarm and it seemed loud enough for the neighbors to hear. She would have to figure out how to change that before it made her deaf.
Carly picked up the receiver, her eye on the shining red light. "Yeah?" she answered, not knowing who could be calling. The line had barely been setup, much less long enough for the number to get around.
"How's the phone working out, Carly?"
She recognized the gruff voice. Marty Waterson, one of Frisco's WSB buddies. They talked often; he was usually the agent that kept them supplied and he had a son the same age as Michael. She liked him, he was usually quick with a joke. "Geez, Marty. Think you WSB geeks could make this phone any more convoluted? I think it's going to take me another two years to figure it all out."
He chuckled. "Hey, smartypants, you'll catch on soon enough," he teased. "Jones around?"
"Nah, he's working at the club."
"Oh, okay. He requested another car this morning. Is something up with the Explorer?"
"No, it's fine. This new place is just outside of town. He decided we both need wheels."
"I'll push it through, but I'm not sure the beancounters will approve a second vehicle."
"Whatever you can get us, Marty. We can work something out if we have to. One of us has to stay here and man the computer anyway."
"Sharing the computer not working, huh?"
"Not with both of us trying to track down leads online or look through the databases. Somebody ends up sitting around doing nothing for awhile." She had a thought. "I think maybe I should just go and buy one myself."
"You guys need anything else?"
Groceries, she reminded herself. They needed food. "Nothing we can't take care of ourselves."
"I'll check in with Frisco, see how things are going on his end."
"He's probably just babysitting my drunk uncle again."
He snickered. "Ah, the life of a Spencer. So fulfilling."
Thanks to the Cassadines, Luke was practically infamous around the WSB. "Isn't it?" she replied, rolling her eyes.
"I'll be in touch, Carly. Make Jones's life hell for me."
She smirked. "Don't I always?"
Carly exchanged goodbyes with him and hung up. It was time to get out of the house and she had no car... She debated before finally picking up the phone and dialing a number.
"Hey, Liz. Would you be interested in another shopping trip?"
Frisco stepped out of the elevator and approached the nurses' desk hesitantly. Maxie was concentrating on the computer, taking no notice of him. "Hey sweetie," he said softly, leaning on the counter.
She looked up, contempt all over her face. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to talk. Just the two of us."
"Not interested," she said flatly, going back to her work as if he wasn't there.
"Can I buy you a soda?"
"Not interested."
He took a deep breath and decided to go for broke. "I heard about the OD."
She stopped, but didn't look up. "So?" she asked, obviously trying to hide her emotions.
"I want to talk, Maxie."
She glared at him. The look was one he knew well. He might as well have been looking at himself at her age. He cringed.
"You want to talk, fine," she snarled. "I've got a few things I'd like to say to you, too."
By the cold tone of her voice, he had little doubt what was going through her mind. He wasn't going to deprive her of her say, not if it meant the chance to speak to her.
"Why don't we go somewhere a little more private?"
A small smile appeared on the teen's lips. "Don't want me to publicly humiliate you?"
"Not particularly."
Maxie led him into an empty room and closed the door behind him. "What do you want?"
"Look, I know you're mad at me..."
"Mad at you?" she snapped. "I hate you!"
"Okay, I deserve that," he said cautiously.
"Hell yeah, you deserve it!"
Suddenly, he felt propelled to another time. Only he was the one yelling, over his father's affair and subsequent remarriage. He could only imagine how the old man felt that day, the last time they'd seen or spoken to each other.
"Why did you think you could just walk back into my life like nothing happened?" she yelled. "Like you didn't abandon us?"
He closed his eyes, defeated. "I never meant to hurt you."
"Did you expect me to just come running into your arms, all smiles and kisses, happy to see you? Well, get this straight now. You are not my father. I don't want to see you, I don't want to talk to you, I don't want you in my life. You don't even exist. The only thing you are to me is DNA."
He could hear his own voice saying eerily similar words. "You don't mean that," he said, but his voice came across as hollow and desperate. "You're angry and you have a right..."
"You can go to hell for all I care!"
He looked up, into her eyes. Just as his had so many years ago, there was more than just anger reflected in them. "You do care, Princess," he replied slowly, only marginally more confident than before. "Otherwise you wouldn't bother..."
"Don't call me Princess! I am not your Princess!"
"Max..."
"You can't manipulate me like you do Georgie. She hasn't watched you walk away before. I have, more than once. I know your routine. You'll be gone as soon as you get bored again, 'cause family life just isn't exciting enough for you. Until then, stay the hell away from me!"
Maxie threw open the door and it slammed against the wall as she stormed out of the room. Frisco sat down in a nearby chair, drained. He hadn't expected talking to her would go this bad. He'd expected a little hostility... Hell, he didn't know what he'd expected. He'd just wanted to see his little girl.
Frisco was walking down the hallway, back to the elevator, when a hand stopped him. He thought for a minute it was Maxie, until the shrill voice of his former sister-in-law reached his ears.
"Oh my god, Frisco Jones! I had no idea you were in town!"
He turned around, an annoyed, halfhearted smile on his face. Between Tony and Kevin O'Conner, Lucy Coe had never ranked as one of his favorite people. "Hello, Lucy," he said politely.
"It's been years!" she said excitedly.
She actually looked happy to see him, despite the fact they hadn't ever really gotten along. He wasn't sure how to handle her, although he was flattered that someone was happy that he was back.
"So, it has."
"You know, I just talked to Felicia and she didn't mention this at all! You being home would be big news! She's holding out on me, the little sneak! I wonder what else she hasn't told me..."
"Lucy..." he sighed.
"Of course, I'm rambling," she said, smiling. "Are you in town long? I hope this isn't a business trip. You still work for the WSB, don't you?"
"I'm on leave from the WSB, in town for the time being."
"That's great! I bet Tony and the girls are thrilled!"
Hardly, Frisco thought.
"You're coming to the Nurses' Ball, right?" she asked. "Next Saturday night? If I'd known you were going to be here, I would've put you on the schedule. It's been a long time since Port Charles was graced with the musical stylings of Frisco Jones."
He couldn't help it, his weak smile faded. He'd heard all about this Ball thing, but no one had mentioned it since he returned. "Um, nobody told me about it."
"You must come!" she insisted. "It is absolutely the best party in town!"
"So I've heard."
"We've got room for one more! And you won't ever regret it, I promise you! I'll just rearrange a few people, so you can be at Tony's table..."
As an agent, he knew it wasn't the best decision. Especially with Carly's penchant for running her mouth when stressed, and no doubt this wouldn't be any different. But he wanted to see this event for himself. "It'll be two more, actually," he told her, genuinely smiling.
She was surprised. "Two? Brought your partner home to meet the family again, huh?"
Frisco laughed. There was no way anyone in this town, much less this hospital, hadn't heard yet, not with Amy around. "You haven't talked to Amy recently, have you?" he knowingly asked.
"No," she answered, dubious. "I think she's ducking my calls. Why?"
He leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. "I'm married."
The shock was written all over her face. "Married? Goodness, this is huge news! Does Felicia know?"
Felicia. For once in his life, he didn't want to think of his ex-wife. Their last few encounters had not gone well. "Oh, yes," he groaned.
Lucy was visibly upset that no one had told her. "The little sneak really is holding out on me!"
"Sorry."
"So, what's the lucky woman's name?" she asked.
"Robin."
"Well, I'm going to go add you and Robin to the guest list right now," she told him. "And don't you dare forget your checkbook Saturday."
He chuckled. "I think I can spare a little just for you, Lucy."
"You better! I'm certainly not throwing this bash for my health, you know!" She smiled. "I'm glad you're home, Frisco. See you next week!"
Frisco returned her smile. "Thanks."
Frisco stopped in the doorway. Boxes were all over the sofa. Name brand computer boxes. "What's all this?" he asked irritatedly, confused.
Carly looked over from the desk, where she was putting her new computer together. "I bought a computer," she replied matter-of-factly.
He stepped towards her. "I can see that. Why?"
"Hey, we're supposed to be working together. How am I supposed to do anything when you have our only computer?"
"So you just went out and bought one?" He dropped his laptop to the floor. "Without even discussing it with me?"
"You weren't here!"
"It could have waited until I got back!"
"It's not like I got the most expensive one! Besides, it's not your money."
"It will be the way you're spending!"
Carly rolled her eyes. "I think the WSB will overlook one little computer."
He looked around at the boxes. "How'd you get all this back here?" he asked, lowering his voice.
"Liz went with me and she drove me back."
"She give you anything useful today?"
"No," she told him, annoyed. "She was mostly just complaining about Courtney and talking about trying to get into some art show. Most boring conversation I've ever had. I would've ditched her if I hadn't needed a ride."
He spotted something else on the floor next to the sofa, a laptop case identical to his. "If you bought a desktop, why do you have a WSB laptop case?"
"Marty called," she said sheepishly.
"I talked to him."
"So did I." She sighed. "I mentioned that one computer wasn't enough and Marty sent us another laptop while I was out buying us the desktop."
"So why aren't we taking that one back?" he asked, glaring at the desktop.
"It's my cover." Seeing his dubious gaze, she continued. "I'm supposed this computer geek, right? I can't be that if I don't have a computer. And now that we have the house, looking like we're settling down, my old excuses aren't going to fly anymore. It only makes sense that we would have more than one computer."
He just sighed, looking away.
"I can do research on my own here while you're at Luke's or doing your WSB thing. And your kids or whoever comes over won't see any of the files on the desktop."
"I've never been worried about that. Nobody would be able to get into the laptop."
"No, but this way you could actually let the girls on to the computer by themselves and not be concerned about them stumbling onto something that blows our cover."
He sighed dejectedly. "Why would they use my computer?"
"I don't know! You always say I don't consider the possibilities. Well, I'm laying out the possibilities."
"You're trying to justify keeping an extra computer."
Carly smirked, getting in his face. "You just don't want to admit I'm right."
She saw the truth cross his face, but she knew he wasn't going to say the words. She stepped back and smiled. "Carly is right, Carly is right, Carly is right," she sang, dancing around.
Frisco just shook his head. "This thing come with any good games?"
Chapter 27
Author: speedy
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Expecting her second child and caught up in a mafia war, Carly Corinthos has a secret that will change the lives of everyone she knows.
Disclaimer: I'm not the Rat, so obviously the characters aren't mine. I'm just borrowing them for awhile.
Notes: Just moving this over from my now defunct website. This veers off canon right before the panic room fiasco in 2003.
Chapter 25
Carly sighed as she closed the door on the last of the WSB techs. The security system was finally installed. It was connected through the TV, so they had also setup a satellite TV/Internet connection to cover it up. Not that she had a computer to use the Internet since Frisco had taken it with him...
She sighed as she sat on the sofa. She grabbed the remote and pressed the buttons, going through the menus for the cameras. Frisco already knew how to use the system, so he'd long since left to make his appearance at Luke's. The tech had spent almost an hour explaining all the screens to her, much to Carly's confusion. The remote was complicated, with all sorts of hidden goodies. All the buttons seemed to have secondary functions. The computer software was much easier, but with only one computer, she would have to know how to use the TV.
The phone on the desk was just as complicated. They'd decided he needed a secure line and the phone practically looked like a computer itself. A little screen for caller ID and whatever else the WSB used it for. A red light indicating secure calls, a yellow light for unauthorized listening devices. They had unsecured cordless extensions, but secure calls rang through only on this phone.
This was all on top of remembering not one, but two 8-digit ID codes for each security device.
She got used to all logins on Frisco's laptop, she'd get used to this, too.
The phone rang, startling her. The damn ringer that sounded like a fire alarm and it seemed loud enough for the neighbors to hear. She would have to figure out how to change that before it made her deaf.
Carly picked up the receiver, her eye on the shining red light. "Yeah?" she answered, not knowing who could be calling. The line had barely been setup, much less long enough for the number to get around.
"How's the phone working out, Carly?"
She recognized the gruff voice. Marty Waterson, one of Frisco's WSB buddies. They talked often; he was usually the agent that kept them supplied and he had a son the same age as Michael. She liked him, he was usually quick with a joke. "Geez, Marty. Think you WSB geeks could make this phone any more convoluted? I think it's going to take me another two years to figure it all out."
He chuckled. "Hey, smartypants, you'll catch on soon enough," he teased. "Jones around?"
"Nah, he's working at the club."
"Oh, okay. He requested another car this morning. Is something up with the Explorer?"
"No, it's fine. This new place is just outside of town. He decided we both need wheels."
"I'll push it through, but I'm not sure the beancounters will approve a second vehicle."
"Whatever you can get us, Marty. We can work something out if we have to. One of us has to stay here and man the computer anyway."
"Sharing the computer not working, huh?"
"Not with both of us trying to track down leads online or look through the databases. Somebody ends up sitting around doing nothing for awhile." She had a thought. "I think maybe I should just go and buy one myself."
"You guys need anything else?"
Groceries, she reminded herself. They needed food. "Nothing we can't take care of ourselves."
"I'll check in with Frisco, see how things are going on his end."
"He's probably just babysitting my drunk uncle again."
He snickered. "Ah, the life of a Spencer. So fulfilling."
Thanks to the Cassadines, Luke was practically infamous around the WSB. "Isn't it?" she replied, rolling her eyes.
"I'll be in touch, Carly. Make Jones's life hell for me."
She smirked. "Don't I always?"
Carly exchanged goodbyes with him and hung up. It was time to get out of the house and she had no car... She debated before finally picking up the phone and dialing a number.
"Hey, Liz. Would you be interested in another shopping trip?"
Frisco stepped out of the elevator and approached the nurses' desk hesitantly. Maxie was concentrating on the computer, taking no notice of him. "Hey sweetie," he said softly, leaning on the counter.
She looked up, contempt all over her face. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to talk. Just the two of us."
"Not interested," she said flatly, going back to her work as if he wasn't there.
"Can I buy you a soda?"
"Not interested."
He took a deep breath and decided to go for broke. "I heard about the OD."
She stopped, but didn't look up. "So?" she asked, obviously trying to hide her emotions.
"I want to talk, Maxie."
She glared at him. The look was one he knew well. He might as well have been looking at himself at her age. He cringed.
"You want to talk, fine," she snarled. "I've got a few things I'd like to say to you, too."
By the cold tone of her voice, he had little doubt what was going through her mind. He wasn't going to deprive her of her say, not if it meant the chance to speak to her.
"Why don't we go somewhere a little more private?"
A small smile appeared on the teen's lips. "Don't want me to publicly humiliate you?"
"Not particularly."
Maxie led him into an empty room and closed the door behind him. "What do you want?"
"Look, I know you're mad at me..."
"Mad at you?" she snapped. "I hate you!"
"Okay, I deserve that," he said cautiously.
"Hell yeah, you deserve it!"
Suddenly, he felt propelled to another time. Only he was the one yelling, over his father's affair and subsequent remarriage. He could only imagine how the old man felt that day, the last time they'd seen or spoken to each other.
"Why did you think you could just walk back into my life like nothing happened?" she yelled. "Like you didn't abandon us?"
He closed his eyes, defeated. "I never meant to hurt you."
"Did you expect me to just come running into your arms, all smiles and kisses, happy to see you? Well, get this straight now. You are not my father. I don't want to see you, I don't want to talk to you, I don't want you in my life. You don't even exist. The only thing you are to me is DNA."
He could hear his own voice saying eerily similar words. "You don't mean that," he said, but his voice came across as hollow and desperate. "You're angry and you have a right..."
"You can go to hell for all I care!"
He looked up, into her eyes. Just as his had so many years ago, there was more than just anger reflected in them. "You do care, Princess," he replied slowly, only marginally more confident than before. "Otherwise you wouldn't bother..."
"Don't call me Princess! I am not your Princess!"
"Max..."
"You can't manipulate me like you do Georgie. She hasn't watched you walk away before. I have, more than once. I know your routine. You'll be gone as soon as you get bored again, 'cause family life just isn't exciting enough for you. Until then, stay the hell away from me!"
Maxie threw open the door and it slammed against the wall as she stormed out of the room. Frisco sat down in a nearby chair, drained. He hadn't expected talking to her would go this bad. He'd expected a little hostility... Hell, he didn't know what he'd expected. He'd just wanted to see his little girl.
Frisco was walking down the hallway, back to the elevator, when a hand stopped him. He thought for a minute it was Maxie, until the shrill voice of his former sister-in-law reached his ears.
"Oh my god, Frisco Jones! I had no idea you were in town!"
He turned around, an annoyed, halfhearted smile on his face. Between Tony and Kevin O'Conner, Lucy Coe had never ranked as one of his favorite people. "Hello, Lucy," he said politely.
"It's been years!" she said excitedly.
She actually looked happy to see him, despite the fact they hadn't ever really gotten along. He wasn't sure how to handle her, although he was flattered that someone was happy that he was back.
"So, it has."
"You know, I just talked to Felicia and she didn't mention this at all! You being home would be big news! She's holding out on me, the little sneak! I wonder what else she hasn't told me..."
"Lucy..." he sighed.
"Of course, I'm rambling," she said, smiling. "Are you in town long? I hope this isn't a business trip. You still work for the WSB, don't you?"
"I'm on leave from the WSB, in town for the time being."
"That's great! I bet Tony and the girls are thrilled!"
Hardly, Frisco thought.
"You're coming to the Nurses' Ball, right?" she asked. "Next Saturday night? If I'd known you were going to be here, I would've put you on the schedule. It's been a long time since Port Charles was graced with the musical stylings of Frisco Jones."
He couldn't help it, his weak smile faded. He'd heard all about this Ball thing, but no one had mentioned it since he returned. "Um, nobody told me about it."
"You must come!" she insisted. "It is absolutely the best party in town!"
"So I've heard."
"We've got room for one more! And you won't ever regret it, I promise you! I'll just rearrange a few people, so you can be at Tony's table..."
As an agent, he knew it wasn't the best decision. Especially with Carly's penchant for running her mouth when stressed, and no doubt this wouldn't be any different. But he wanted to see this event for himself. "It'll be two more, actually," he told her, genuinely smiling.
She was surprised. "Two? Brought your partner home to meet the family again, huh?"
Frisco laughed. There was no way anyone in this town, much less this hospital, hadn't heard yet, not with Amy around. "You haven't talked to Amy recently, have you?" he knowingly asked.
"No," she answered, dubious. "I think she's ducking my calls. Why?"
He leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. "I'm married."
The shock was written all over her face. "Married? Goodness, this is huge news! Does Felicia know?"
Felicia. For once in his life, he didn't want to think of his ex-wife. Their last few encounters had not gone well. "Oh, yes," he groaned.
Lucy was visibly upset that no one had told her. "The little sneak really is holding out on me!"
"Sorry."
"So, what's the lucky woman's name?" she asked.
"Robin."
"Well, I'm going to go add you and Robin to the guest list right now," she told him. "And don't you dare forget your checkbook Saturday."
He chuckled. "I think I can spare a little just for you, Lucy."
"You better! I'm certainly not throwing this bash for my health, you know!" She smiled. "I'm glad you're home, Frisco. See you next week!"
Frisco returned her smile. "Thanks."
Frisco stopped in the doorway. Boxes were all over the sofa. Name brand computer boxes. "What's all this?" he asked irritatedly, confused.
Carly looked over from the desk, where she was putting her new computer together. "I bought a computer," she replied matter-of-factly.
He stepped towards her. "I can see that. Why?"
"Hey, we're supposed to be working together. How am I supposed to do anything when you have our only computer?"
"So you just went out and bought one?" He dropped his laptop to the floor. "Without even discussing it with me?"
"You weren't here!"
"It could have waited until I got back!"
"It's not like I got the most expensive one! Besides, it's not your money."
"It will be the way you're spending!"
Carly rolled her eyes. "I think the WSB will overlook one little computer."
He looked around at the boxes. "How'd you get all this back here?" he asked, lowering his voice.
"Liz went with me and she drove me back."
"She give you anything useful today?"
"No," she told him, annoyed. "She was mostly just complaining about Courtney and talking about trying to get into some art show. Most boring conversation I've ever had. I would've ditched her if I hadn't needed a ride."
He spotted something else on the floor next to the sofa, a laptop case identical to his. "If you bought a desktop, why do you have a WSB laptop case?"
"Marty called," she said sheepishly.
"I talked to him."
"So did I." She sighed. "I mentioned that one computer wasn't enough and Marty sent us another laptop while I was out buying us the desktop."
"So why aren't we taking that one back?" he asked, glaring at the desktop.
"It's my cover." Seeing his dubious gaze, she continued. "I'm supposed this computer geek, right? I can't be that if I don't have a computer. And now that we have the house, looking like we're settling down, my old excuses aren't going to fly anymore. It only makes sense that we would have more than one computer."
He just sighed, looking away.
"I can do research on my own here while you're at Luke's or doing your WSB thing. And your kids or whoever comes over won't see any of the files on the desktop."
"I've never been worried about that. Nobody would be able to get into the laptop."
"No, but this way you could actually let the girls on to the computer by themselves and not be concerned about them stumbling onto something that blows our cover."
He sighed dejectedly. "Why would they use my computer?"
"I don't know! You always say I don't consider the possibilities. Well, I'm laying out the possibilities."
"You're trying to justify keeping an extra computer."
Carly smirked, getting in his face. "You just don't want to admit I'm right."
She saw the truth cross his face, but she knew he wasn't going to say the words. She stepped back and smiled. "Carly is right, Carly is right, Carly is right," she sang, dancing around.
Frisco just shook his head. "This thing come with any good games?"
Chapter 27
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