Really?

Sam knocked on the Penthouse door, looking both left and right worriedly, hoping no one had seen her coming up here. She was taking a risk with this plan, but she was determined. The door opened and revealed the ever-impeccable Helena.


"Samantha, to what do I owe this pleasure," Helena said, mock courtesy and politeness flowing with her words. Sam walked past her into the suite, almost pushing her out of the way.


"Well," sighed Helena as she closed the door, "Do come in," she said sarcastically.


"Don't get all uppity, Helena. Where's my baby?" Sam turned toward her, her hand on her hip. She was angry. The whole situation was taking way too long for her liking.


"Samantha, please understand. It takes nine months to make a baby-"


"It's 40 weeks today," she said, her teeth clenched together.


Helena looked down, folding her hands together in front of her. She knew she had to hold Sam off a bit longer. She had plans, and it would not do for the little trollop in front of her to mess with that.


"Now, you know it isn't that simple. I was just informed that the mother has not gone into labor yet," the old woman lied, "So we will just have to wait it out."


"No! You promised me my baby; Jason's baby! And I am here to collect."


Helena looked at her stonily, "First of all, you are not in charge of this little arrangement, I am. You will watch the way you speak to me. Secondly, I am having the situation monitored, and when it is time, I will inform you. Not before then. Do you understand?"


Sam's head fell back and she looked up at the ceiling, as if searching for patience. She then moved her head down and looked at the older woman, "Have her induced. It shouldn't be a problem since she is past her due date-"


"She will deliver the baby when it is time. You came to me wanting Mr. Morgan's child. You supplied me with his sperm, and I produced a mother. As I said, I am in charge. You will have your baby when the time is right." Her voice left no room for argument.


Sam sighed and shook her head. She knew how risky it was going to Helena. She just was desperate. She wanted a child so badly and she wanted Jason's child. She already had her explanation for Jason. She would tell him that the baby was a friend of hers from her past that died in child birth, and left the baby to Sam.


She wanted a child with Jason. She hated that someone else had that privilege. What she hated even more was that Elizabeth was the mother of Jason's child. She knew that they got back together only because Jason wanted to keep Elizabeth and her boys safe. She also knew that he could never love her the way he loved Elizabeth. It ate at her. So she thought of this plan. She knew there was only one person who could help her. She knew all about Helena and what she was capable of. She had no other choice though. Now, she was stuck trusting her.


She took in a deep breath, and let it out, crossing her arms in front of her. "Fine," she said, resolved. "But as soon as that baby is born, you better let me know."


Helena smiled, "Believe me, Samantha. When the time is right, you will get your precious gift."


Sam nodded shortly and walked past the older woman, walking out of the suite and slamming the door behind her.


Helena rolled her eyes, "No manners at all. Must get that from her mother." She shook her head and tsked, "Such disrespect for her Step Grandmother. Quite frankly, I don't think she deserves to be a mother." She grinned, that evil smile again, "Good thing I had no intention of that happening anyway." She turned and walked toward the bedroom, the door closing behind her.

Jason walked into his apartment, closing the door behind him wearily and setting his keys down on the desk. Looking around, he noticed that no one was there.
"Sam," he called out, getting no answer back. He walked toward the kitchen, then again called out, "Spinelli!" Still nothing. He walked back and sat down on the couch, relief filling him at the thought of being alone for once.
Seemed that he was always dealing with one crisis or another. Someone always needed him to do something. No one ever just let him be. Whether it be Spinelli, Carly, Sonny, even Sam.
He immediately felt guilty at his thoughts. He knew Sam loved him. She stood by him when he decided to go to prison to protect Michael. She was there for him when he needed someone. He owed her. But, for as much as he cared about her, he knew that what he felt for her wasn't love.
She was there, though, and she was willing to deal with his life and the danger that went with it. If he was truly honest with himself, he would admit that knowing she couldn't have children was a factor. Deep down, he knew that he was using her. While they had a physical connection, there was really only one person who had his heart, no matter how hard or how long he tried to forget.
He shook his head and sat back on the couch, closing his eyes. He didn't want to think about what he couldn't have. He couldn't stop his mind from going there, however. He thought back to earlier when he ran into her, literally, on the docks. No matter what happened between them: time, distance: she still managed to take his breath away.
His eyes looked up at the ceiling, unfocused, as he remembered her face, her dark blue eyes staring up at him. He loved her eyes. Damn, he can at least admit it to himself; he loved everything about her. He just could never get her out of his heart. Her or those boys.
Jake was three now. He was walking and talking. His heart constricted at the thought of his son, growing up without him, and Cameron. He was probably so big now, about to start school soon. He couldn't help but think of Cameron as his. In the short time he got to spend with the boy, he fell in love. He felt a sharp pain in his chest when he thought of everything he lost when he decided to walk away.
Shaking his head and standing up, he walked toward the terrace and wiped his hand over his face frustratingly. He knew he shouldn't be feeling this way. He shouldn't even be thinking about it. All it would do is bring up the pain again. He had to stop.
He looked out the window and sighed. His thoughts just kept turning back to Elizabeth. She looked so scared, panicked even, when she ran off. What got her so riled? That worry that he felt in the pit of his stomach as he watched her leave came back again. What got her so spooked? Was it something he could help with? Would she even come to him if she needed help?
He took a deep breath in and let it out slowly. They were barely friends anymore. Why would she even contemplate coming to him for anything? Did she even know that still, after everything, he would always be there when she needed him?
Probably not, he scolded himself. Because of their choice to walk away, he lost everything. All that was left was his job and Sam. He knew he should just be happy with what he had, but for as much as he faked it, it wasn't real. He wanted it all.
He shook his head again and laughed bitterly. Even if he wanted to go to her, tell her it was all a mistake, that he could keep her and the boys safe and that he still loved her and wanted her, he couldn't. She moved on. Well, not exactly.
It killed him to find out about the involvement with Lucky. It almost felt like what they had didn't mean anything to her but a roadblock on the way back to the moronic cop. Course, Elizabeth could have the same case against him and Sam.
Of course, she cheated on Lucky. So he surmised that maybe Lucky was to her what Sam was to him: just someone to be with so they weren't alone.
The thought of Cassadine with his hands on her sickened him. Why would she go to him? She said she thought she did it as a way to permanently break the connection she and Lucky had. He thought he did that when they made love and created Jake. But didn't he just break her heart over and over, by pushing her away, telling her over and over how dangerous his life is? Why would she believe that she was anything but a blip on his radar?
He leaned against the railing of the balcony and sighed. He didn't know what he was going to do, but he knew that if Elizabeth was really in trouble, he was going to help her, whether she asked him or not. He couldn't not. He loved her too much.

Chapter 6

Helena walked over to the desk, picking up the ringing phone.

"Yes," she said in her usual, regal way.

"Madame, we may have a problem," the man on the other end of the line said, fear in his voice. No one wanted to ever give Helena Cassadine bad news. She did not believe in the adage 'Don't kill the messenger.'

"What are you talking about?" she snapped.

"I-It's Miss McCall, Madame. She is snooping around Windemere. She was talking to your grandson, asking him questions."

"What sort of questions?"

"She asked if there was any place on the island that Nicolas doesn't have access to that you would keep any of your things, such as paperwork."

Helena shook her head," That foolish girl. What would possess her to look there?"

" I am not sure, Madame. I followed her, as per your orders. She took a ferry over to the island and let herself into the office. She was looking through Nicolas' desk. Of course, she didn't find anything."

"Did she find the secret passage?"

"No, Madame. She got frustrated and left after not finding anything."

"Of course she didn't find anything," she yelled into the receiver. "The little twit. Why would I leave any information on Nicolas' desk?"

"I believe she is just desperate, Madame."

"Obviously, she did not get her brains from the Cassadines." She shook her head. "Keep following her. If she gets any other crazy ideas, let me know immediately."

She hung up the phone before anyone could respond and looked straight ahead, clearly aggravated.

"Seems dear Samantha is losing her patience. I need to keep a closer eye on the harlot. She will not mess with my plans.

~*~

Elizabeth knocked on the front door nervously, her eyes scanning the area around her. She knew anyone seeing her anywhere near Carly would get suspicious and would start asking questions; questions that she couldn't answer yet.

After what seemed like forever, the door flew open. Carly stuck her head out, looking left and right, then pulled Elizabeth into the house, quickly shutting the door behind them.

"Woah," Elizabeth yelled, catching herself before falling forward from the force.

"Did anyone see you?" Carly asked.

She shook her head, "No, I was careful."

Carly gave a short nod, "Good."

Elizabeth followed Carly further into the living room, placing her purse on the couch . She stood up straight and looked around curiously, then looked back at Carly, biting her lip.

Carly understood her nervous and said, "Don't worry. Jax took Morgan and Jocelyn out for a bit. They left right before you got here, so they'll be gone a while."

Elizabeth nodded, relaxing some. "Okay, so why did you call me over here? Did you think of something?"

Carly replied, "Yeah I did. She motioned for Elizabeth to sit, then sat on the opposite side of the couch. Both women faced each other.

After getting comfortable, Elizabeth said, "Okay, so what is your plan?"

"Well, I thought about it. I know that you don't want anyone else to know about any of this, but I think-"

"Carly, if you are going to tell me that you want to tell Jason, just forget it. You know I don't want him involved," Elizabeth's voice was raised, her face showing her agitation. She knew she would regret going to Carly about it.

Carly rolled her eyes, "Don't worry, Muffin. I wasn't talking about Jason."

Elizabeth furrowed her brow in confusion, "Well, who then?"

Just then, there was a knock on the door. Elizabeth stood up quickly, panicking that someone would find her there.

Carly motioned for her to stay where she was as she ran to the door, opening it just a crack to see who it was. Elizabeth heard her sigh in relief before opening the door wide, letting the guest in.

Spinelli stumbled into the house in his usual way, not noticing Elizabeth standing in the living room. He turned toward Carly with a smile.

"Valkierie, the Jackal came as soon as he got your message. What is the dire emergency?" He rambled, still not noticing the other woman in the room.

Carly put her hands on the young man's shoulders, "Spinelli, this is really important, and I need your promise that what is said will stay between the three of us."

Spinelli looked at her confused, "Three of us? Who else-" Spinelli turned and finally noticed Elizabeth by the couch. Surprise covered his features as he looked at her, then back at Carly, and back to Elizabeth.

"Maternal one, what-"

"Spinelli, just come sit down and we will fill you in," Carly said, ushering him quickly into the living room and pushing him onto the couch.

Spinelli adjusted himself so he was sitting upright. He looked nervously between the two women who he knew were by no means friends. They barely could sit in the same room, yet there they were.

Elizabeth nervously nibbled on her bottom lip, "I don't know about this Carly."

Carly put her hands on her hips, "We need him Elizabeth, " she said. "He can be trusted."

Smiling at her words, Spinelli turned his gaze from her to Elizabeth, saying, "The Valkierie is correct, Nightingale. The Jackal is most trustworthy."

Playing with her fingers in front of her nervously, she finally nodded and sat next to him, Carly on the other side, and proceeded to explain the situation in as much detail as she could.

Spinelli sat back, stunned into silence after she finished speaking. Finally, after a punch in the arm by Carly, he cleared his throat and spoke.

"Forgive the Jackal, Maternal One, for asking, but how could you have yet another prodigy of Master Stone Cold without having, well," he gulped, "relations?" His cheeks turned bright red in embarrassment.

Elizabeth let out a deep breath, "It's hard to explain. It's just a gut feeling I have. I know it sounds crazy, impossible even, but I need to know."

"The Nightingale forgets; anything is possible in the fair town of Port Charles, "Spinelli said, smiling softly, "Of course, the Jackal is at your service. Just-"

He looked down at his hands, clearly unsure how to proceed.

Carly rolled her eyes and slapped him again, "Just spit it out, already Spinelli!"

Wincing from yet another attack, he looked at Carly nervously, then back at Elizabeth.

"Well, the Jackal understands why the Maternal One would want to know the truth. However, if your theory is correct, and young Aidan is indeed the second son of Stone Cold, where does that leave my Master? No offense at all, Nightingale, but Stone Cold was quite devastated after valiantly walking away from his family to protect you all. The Jackal is unsure that he would be able to do it yet again."

Elizabeth's eyes became cloudy with tears as the young man spoke. Taking in a deep breath to calm herself, she said softly, "The last thing in the world I would want to do is hurt Jason again. I hate that he can't be a father to his son. For as much as I know why he is staying away and why no one knows, it kills me that they are apart. You have to believe that, Spinelli." She left out how it was killing her just as much that he wasn't with her either.

Carly watched Elizabeth as she spoke to Spinelli. Her heart couldn't help but go out to her. For as much as Elizabeth didn't say it, the proof was written all over her face. She really was in love with Jason. Just then, Carly was more determined than ever to help her. Now, however, she was hoping beyond hope that Elizabeth was right, and this baby was really Jason's too.

Spinelli smiled softly at Elizabeth, immediately realizing the same thing as Carly, He took her hand and squeezed softly.

"The Jackal is just sorry that anyone has to be separated from those they love."

Elizabeth smiled, wondering if she revealed her true feelings to them. Just then, a thought crossed her mind, and her brow furrowed in worry.

"Spinelli, I know that you are partners with Sam. Will this be a problem?"

Spinelli's eyes grew big as realization set in.

"Well, while the Jackal is loyal to fair Samantha, and would never want her hurt, he feels it is his duty to take up for his Master. Stone Cold is most important above all, Maternal One." Elizabeth smiled at the young man, immediately realizing why Jason kept the boy around.

Carly spoke up then, "Well first, we are going to need DNA. Can you get Jason's toothbrush, or hair brush or something?"

Jackal thought about it, "Toothbrush, I feel, would be the safer bet. Stone cold's love of hair gel might cause problems with the results," he said with a straight face.

Carly and Elizabeth looked at the boy and, despite the serious nature of the conversation, had to laugh.

Spinelli was smiling. He was glad he was able to lighten the mood, even a little bit. Sitting up straighter, he said, "Of course, the Jackal can check the database at the hospital as well."

"What would that do? I mean, we know that Helena messed with the results from the beginning."

"The Jackal can see if he can find any discrepancies. There is a chance that someone left a trail when the records were tampered with."

Elizabeth grew serious, grabbing the young boy's hands, "This is Helena Cassadine we are dealing with, Spinelli. She is cunning and devious. You need to be thorough. And please, be careful. You are very important to Jason, and I don't want to see you hurt."

Spinelli smiled at Elizabeth. "Maternal One's concern for the Jackal is much appreciated. The Jackal will be quite diligent and take the utmost care."

Elizabeth smiled and nodded, "Good."

She stood up, grabbing her purse and turned toward the other two.

"I have to run. Grams is watching the boys and I don't want them tiring her out too much. She's not as young as she used to be."

Carly stood up and walked Elizabeth to the door, holding it open for her. She felt Elizabeth's hand on her arm and she raised her eyes to meet hers.

"For what it's worth, thank you Carly. You didn't have to help me, and I know you are only doing it for Jason, but thank you." Elizabeth smiled softly at her.

Carly nodded, her lips turning slightly into a smile, "I'll call you later."

She watched as Elizabeth got in her car and drove off before closing the door. She walked back over to the couch and plopped down next to Spinelli.

"Wow," he said, looking straight ahead.

"Yeah," Carly replied, the same expression on her face.

"Do you think it's possible?" Spinelli asked.

Carly shrugged, "Like you said, anything is possible in this town. And when Helena Cassadine is involved, all bets are off."

"Well, either way, the Jackal believes that things are about to get quite interesting."

Carly nodded in agreement, both of them staring in front of them.

Chapter 8

Spinelli stepped off the elevator, his eyes quickly scanning the area. Once he spotted Elizabeth, who was at the desk writing notes in a patient's chart, he rushed over to the desk. Watching her for a moment, he leaned in toward her.

"Greetings, Maternal One," he said softly, that awkward smile on his face.

Elizabeth looked up from the notes and saw Spinelli standing in front of her.

"Spinelli, hi."

"Is..Is there somewhere The Jackal could speak with Nightingale?"

Elizabeth looked around to see if anyone was in ear shot and asked, "Did you find something?"

Spinelli nodded, following her lead as she looked around to make sure no one was listening to them.

Elizabeth closed the chart she was working on and, moving around the desk, took him by the wrist and led him behind a pillar off to the side. Once they were there, Spinelli's back against the pillar, she looked around again, before turning toward him.

"Okay, what did you find out?" Elizabeth sounded desperate. Her hands twisted in front of her nervously.

"Well...the Jackal did indeed find something quite interesting in the records."

Elizabeth's eyes grew big," Okay. What is it?"

Spinelli looked down momentarily before returning his eyes to hers, "Well, Nightingale, whoever tampered with the results didn't clean their job up very well."

"What does that mean?"

"It means that The Jackal, expert at all things cyber, was able to access the original records before they were altered."

Elizabeth looked at him expectantly, then gulped and nodded, her stomach fluttering, "What did it say, Spinelli?"

Spinelli fidgeted nervously and looked around again, ever vigilant to his surroundings.

"Well, The Jackal doesn't know how to say this, however, he must: Maternal One, the test that was run against both Count Cassadine and the Law Abiding One both came back negative. Neither one can be the father of young Aidan."

Elizabeth's eyes closed, her head bowed in front of her. She knew deep down what the answer was. To have it voiced as truth, however, was a different story. She looked back up at the young man and took a deep breath, getting her bearings.

"Okay, did you find anything else?"

Spinelli observed the woman in front of him with somewhat awe. She knew what the results were going to be. With nothing more than a mere hunch, she had pieced it together. He admired her. He also felt for her.

Shaking his head, "That is all, Nightingale. Those were the only two samples the lab had to test."

She exhaled slowly, then nodded, "Okay, then we need to have another test run. Can you get something of Jason's to test against?"

Spinelli nodded enthusiastically, "Absolutely. The Jackal will obtain an item post haste."

Elizabeth nodded shortly, her hands landing on her hips. "Okay. Then we can get it done quickly. Although, I already know what the outcome will be."

Spinelli hesitated for a moment before asking softly, "Maternal One, maybe it is best to have Stone Cold himself tested-"

"I don't want him involved until I know for sure, Spinelli."

"Bu-but as you just stated, you are certain that he is, in fact, young Aidan's father. The Jackal believes his Master would willingly-"

"I know, Spinelli!" She said, a bit louder than she intended. Looking around, making sure she didn't cause anyone to look over there, she turned back to him. "I know Jason would jump in and try to help. I need to find this out myself. I can't just go to him with this with just my instincts."

"So, you are planning on telling him, then?" Spinelli's voice was hopeful.

Elizabeth looked away from him, nodding as her eyes filled with tears. "As soon as I have the proof I need, I will tell him. But, Spinelli, I can't rip his life apart by just a hunch right now. You have to promise me that you will not tell him."

Spinelli nodded, happy that she was prepared to tell him. "Of course, Nightingale. My lips are sealed."

Elizabeth let out a relieved sigh, and on instinct, wrapped her arms around the young man's neck, hugging him tightly.

"Thank you, Spinelli. You don't know how much this means to me."

Surprised at first, Spinelli smiled softly, his hands resting softly on her back, "It is The Jackal's pleasure, Fair Elizabeth."

She pulled back and smiled softly, "Okay. You call Carly and let her know what you found out. I have to figure out a way to get a test done without anyone finding out about it."

"I am sure the Valkierie will have some ideas on the subject."

"Okay. I have to get back to work. Tell Carly I will talk to her later."

"I am at your service, Maternal One, "Spinelli said, bowing in his ungraceful way.

Elizabeth smiled. She was beginning to see just why Jason keeps him around.

"Be careful, alright. We don't need Helena catching on to what we are doing. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you."

Spinelli smiled, touched that she was worried about him.

"Rest assured, Fair Elizabeth. The Jackal has learned from the best how to keep himself safe. I shall be more than cautious."

Elizabeth nodded shortly, and turned back toward the desk.

Spinelli watched until she was back behind the nurse's station, then turned toward the elevators. He pressed the button and waited a moment before the doors opened, only to have Jason step out of them.

"Spinelli, what are you doing here?"

"Stone Cold...uh..The Jackal could ask you the same."

Jason's eyes looked over at the nurse's station, hoping to see Elizabeth there. He saw her leaning over a chart, her hand pushing that same pesky piece of hair behind her ear. His heart felt peace when he saw her.

As if on cue, she looked up and her eyes locked with his. A jolt of awareness shot through him as her dark blue eyes bore into his light ones.

He then noticed her looking from him to Spinelli, a nervous look crossing her face. She looked down immediately, and taking the chart, closing it and practically running from the desk over to them.

"Spinelli!"

Hearing his name, he turned toward her as she approached them.

"Did you tell him?" Elizabeth looked at him anxiously.

"No, Maternal One. I thought we agreed-"

"Oh I know you said it would be a great surprise, but I think he should know."

Jason's eyebrows furrowed in confusion, his hands resting on his hips.

"Can someone tell me what is going on?"

She turned toward him and her eyes looked up, again catching his. Her lip was being tortured by her teeth.

"Well, I kind of asked Spinelli to come. Jason, I know that we agreed to stay away from each other, and that," she spoke lower, getting closer, feeling the heat of him close to her. It was making her dizzy a bit, "Lucky would be known as Jake's father. Spinelli is helping me with giving both you and I email accounts. They'll be under different names, and Spinelli has assured me that they would be untraceable. I could send you pictures and any artwork and things like that of Jake."

Jason listened as she rambled, loving the sound. She was still thinking of him. She was still trying to give him even the smallest connection to their son.

When he didn't say anything, she continued, "I know that you probably think it isn't safe, but Spinelli assured me-" she looked over at the young man, hoping he would play along.

Immediately jumping in, Spinelli said, "Of Course, Stone Cold. The Jackal could set up encrypted accounts for both you and the Fair Elizabeth to exchange correspondence."

"Please, Jason. Just let me do this."

He heard the plea and the desperation in her voice, and swallowing a lump in his throat, he nodded.

"I would like that, Elizabeth. On one condition."

"What is that?"

"You send me stuff about Cameron and Aidan. I wanna know about both of them too. If that is alright."

It warmed her heart to know that Jason was still so fond of her oldest son, as well as wanting to know more about her youngest child. He didn't even know about the possibility of being his father, yet he was still interested in knowing him.

Her eyes filled with tears as she whispered, "I promise."

He yearned to reach out to her and hold her, but he held himself back, looking around and clearing his throat.

"Okay, I gotta go talk to Monica. I'll see you later?"

Elizabeth nodded, smiling.

"I'll see you later."

He hated to leave, but he reluctantly turned and walked toward Monica's office. Elizabeth's eyes didn't leave his form until he was totally out of site.

Spinelli reached his hand out to touch her shoulder only to pull it back. He saw the proof right there that he needed; they both still loved each other. Now he had to figure out what to do with that information. He would definitely help her find out the truth; but once that happened, whether or not young Aidan was truly Stone Cold's son, the truth was plain as the nose on his face. Those two belonged together.

"Nightingale-"

"Can you do it?" She asked without turning around toward Spinelli.

"Excuse me?"

"Can you set up those email accounts?"

"Absolutely, Fair One. It will be done post haste."

Elizabeth nodded, wiping a fallen tear from her cheek.

"Thank you. And thank you for not saying anything."

"The Maternal One can count on The Jackal."

She turned her head and smiled behind her and nodded, walking away from the young man.

Spinelli looked on at her, then down the hall where Jason walked. He didn't know what would happen next, but he knew that something had to change, and he was determined to help with that.