Full Circle by brooklynkay02

[JRK Archiver]

-Author's Note-
Please disregard any spelling or grammar errors.

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter 1

Elizabeth had finally had it! After today she was more than ready for a change. First she had the early shift at Kelly's, and she had gotten stuck working a double shift because the new waitress Bobbi had hired hadn't shown up.....but Rick had! The man must have a brick for a brain if he thought that she would take him back after everything he had done to her.! He really must be a lot dumber than he looked. So....here she was working late & wishing she could change her life. It was a good thing she had the next few days off. She really needed to get her life back on track & headed in the right direction.

Jason walked off the elevator & headed for his penthouse. He found himself hoping that his new wife would not be home. Jason shook his head & pinched the bridge of his nose. They had only been married a few months & already he was thinking these thoughts. As he walked in the door he tossed his keys on the desk & hung his leather jacket on the chair. "Courtney...I'm home". He waited for a response. But there was none. He stuck his head out of the door.

Jason-"Johnny?"
Johnny came around the corner. "Hey Jason".
Jason-"Have you seen Courtney today?".
Johnny" She left a few hours ago. I asked where she was going, but she completely ignored me".
Jason-" Thanks man."
Johnny-'No problem".

Jason closed the door . Ever since they had married, Courtney had been acting strange. She was either clingy to the point where Jason just had to get away, alone for a while or she would be gone for hours without telling anyone where she was going. When she would return she would dodge the questions & change the subject.

"Sometimes I think she is either losing it or having an affair" Jason thought. He quickly dismissed the thoughts & headed for the kitchen. Nothing cooking & nothing in the fridge but some diet sodas & beer. "What does she do all day" , doesn't that woman know how to cook?". He grabbed a beer from the near empty fridge & downed it quickly.
"What I need is some dinner, pool & a ride" thought Jason. He grabbed his jacket & keys & headed out the door.

Chapter 2


Jason walked through he courtyard leading up to Kelly’s and couldn’t stop himself from hoping that Elizabeth was working.

Inside Elizabeth was wiping down tables and getting them set up for the dinner rush. “Only 20 more minutes until I can go home”, she thought to herself. Suddenly she was wishing Jason would show up and offer her a ride, just like the old days. Boy, she could use a ride right now. The wind going by so fast she could see it. The bells on the door jingled as Jason opened the door. He stopped when he saw her & she looked up from what she was doing. She smiled at him, and he found himself returning her smile.

“Have a seat, I’ll get you some coffee.”

Jason sat at one of the empty tables while Elizabeth got his coffee. She returned & set it down.

“Can I get you anything to eat?”

“A number 3.” They both said it at the same time. And they laughed.

“A number 3 coming right up.”

As Elizabeth brought out Jason’s order the next shifts waitress’s arrived.

“Can I get you anything else before I leave?”

“No thanks…but have a good evening.”

Elizabeth grabbed her coat and purse, and as she left she smiled a true smile that lit up her eyes and she said, “See you later.”

Jason smiled back. “Yeah, see you later.”
If anyone would have seen Jason Morgan sitting there, they would have not believed that he was an “Alleged Mob Enforcer”, not with the silly grin from ear to ear that was on his face.


As Elizabeth left Kelly’s she walked along the dock towards her studio. She felt “different”, as if the weight on her shoulders had suddenly lifted. It was a gorgeous day for early spring. Even though it was late afternoon she felt the need to be outside…needed to start figuring out her life’s’ path.

Elizabeth headed to her studio to change clothes and head out somewhere to think.

After dinner, Jason headed to Jake’s for a quick game of pool and a beer. The place was loud & packed for a weeknight, so Jason finished his game and beer & headed out for a ride. He really needed some time alone, away from Courtney and her constant ”blond” babbling. Couldn’t she ever make up her own mind?! Every time she opened her mouth these days she was either whining or babbling. Jason gave his bike some more gas, sped up and tried to ride the whining out of his head.


Chapter 4 (never was a 3)


Elizabeth sat at Vista Point and watched as the sky changed colors from the setting sun. Which way should she go…? Should she stay in Port Charles where nothing good ever seemed to happen for her, or should she chuck it all and head somewhere else and start again, with a clean slate and hopefully a healed heart. She sighed, stared up at the sky and thought of…Jason. She had been so happy to see him today, she wasn’t sure why. Maybe the need to change her life started with making peace with Jason. She thought about her life since moving to Port Charles. The good and the bad thoughts flowed through her head. The rape, her first love…and Jason. There her was again. She shook her head and started again. Her best friend Emily, her Gram,. …and Jason.

What was with her tonight! She leaned her head back and closed her eyes. “How could I have been such a fool! I should have taken what was offered to me so many times. So much for listening to my head instead of my heart. If I had done what I wanted to instead of what I thought I should do maybe I could have spent my life with my soul mate instead of all-alone. Maybe I could have been Mrs. Jason Morgan…..

“Maybe you should listen to yourself more often.”

Elizabeth opened her eyes and whipped her head around. “Jason?”

“Yes.”

Elizabeth ran her hand over her face and groaned. She bit her lip & turned to face him.

“Please tell me I wasn’t talking out loud!”

“I could, but you know I don’t lie.”

Jason walked over to where Elizabeth was & sat down next to her.

“So, what are you doing out here all alone?”

“Well, recently I’ve been talking out loud and totally embarrassing myself.”

“Other than that.”

“Trying to figure out where my life took a wrong turn, and how I ended up here.”

“I wouldn’t say you took a wrong turn, maybe you just got detoured.”

They sat in silence for a few minutes.

Elizabeth looked at him. “So what are you doing out here all alone…at night! !”

“I’m not alone, I’m with you!”

“You know what I mean.”

“I guess I’m doing pretty much the same thing you are. Trying to figure out the detour on my road of life..” Jason cleared his throat, “So…did you really mean all those things that you said?”

Elizabeth started to answer. “I…I..” At first she started to deny it, but then she thought, ‘If I’m going to start my new life I might as well do it right.’ She closed her eyes, took a deep breath & said, “Yes !” She opened her eyes and added, “Also I need to apologize for everything I did to you. I should have taken what you offered; I should have gone to Italy with you. I should have trusted you, and not walked out, I should have stayed and listened. I should have… I should have taken the chances you gave to me & stayed with you….forever.”

“I can’t believe you are saying this. Yesterday you hated me.”

I’ve never hated you Jason. I’ve always loved you !” There, she had finally said it! Jason turned to face her, he reached out to tuck that stray piece of hair behind her ear, the one that never stayed, and as he did he touched her face and there it was! That same jolt of electricity that had always been there. All of a sudden it was like the world stood still and they were the only two people in it!

Elizabeth had felt it too! It was still there. It was the touch of her soul mate. Since she had decided to take life by the horns she reached out and cradled his face in her hands & kissed him. It was the lightest of kisses. But when she stopped & looked in his face for any sign of regret, she saw none. What she saw was the look of love, of passion, but no regrets.

Jason couldn’t believe that Elizabeth had just kissed him ! She looked into her eyes…he saw love, desire, passion & need. He saw the eyes of his soul mate.

He reached out for her face, threading his fingers through her hair at the nape of her neck, he took his chances & kissed her back. But this time it wasn’t a feather lite kiss; it was an unbridled kiss of desire, filled with passion. He pulled her close, his mouth was hungry, urgent & needy. When the need for air caused them to break the kiss, they were both breathless.

Again he looked at her for any regret, but again he saw none. Jason got up & walked; as he did he pinched the bridge of his nose. He started to speak when Elizabeth interrupted him.

“Please don’t say that you’re sorry, because I’m not.”

He turned and looked at her. “I’m not sorry either, but I wish that this would have happened a long time ago, before I married Courtney.”

Elizabeth was brought back to reality, too quickly for her. That’s right, he was married. She had just kissed a married man, a man that she loved, but still a married man.

“Elizabeth, I wish I would have followed my heart too, the first time I wanted to kiss you I should have, maybe then I too could have spent the rest of my life with my soul mate.”

So he felt it too! The jolts that were still there every time they touched.

“But I’m married now, I’ve made a commitment to Courtney& I have to honor that. You know that it’s the way that I have to do things. Even though I’m still in love with you too ! I always have been and I always will be !”

Elizabeth couldn’t believe her ears; she needed to have someone pinch her. She must be dreaming, had to be dreaming, that is the only way that Jason Morgan could be saying these things to her…In a dream.

“Elizabeth…earth to Elizabeth…are you there?”

“What?…what..” She wasn’t dreaming! Jason Morgan the Greek God himself was standing right here in front of her professing his love for her….but telling her he couldn’t be with her because he was married. Married. MARRIED!

“Well I never was known for my timing.” “Do you suppose we could still be friends? I mean I know it will be hard, but at least we can still say ‘Hey’ when we see each other.”

“I’d like that, at least when Courtney isn’t around. You know she is still jealous of you.”

“I feel a whole lot better than when I first started out this day, I feel like a whole new person. Maybe I won’t have to leave Port Charles after all.”

“You were thinking of leaving town?”

“Yeah, my life was so messed up, & my friends all have different lives now, I felt all alone and lost. Now after talking to you I feel different, ready to try a new life, but here in in P.C.”

“Elizabeth, you know I’d always be there for you, anytime, anyplace for whatever reason.”

“Yes, I do. But it still feels good to hear it.”

“Is there anything I can do to help you change your life? A job ? Money? Anything?”

“Jason, you know I can’t take money from you. And last I heard, Sonny wasn’t hiring anymore enforcers!”

“You know what I mean.”

“Yes, I do. And thank you!”

“So, you need a ride back to town?”

“On your bike?!”

“Yes.”

“Can I drive?”

“No. You can’t handle the bike and my weight. We’ve had this discussion before.” Besides, Jason thought to himself, ‘I want to feel your arms around me one more time.’

“That’s what you always say. OK, but be sure to go really fast, so fast that I can see the wind. And to herself she thought, ‘And I can hold you in my arms one more time!’

They rode off into the night, going so fast that they could both see the wind


Chapter 5


Back in Port Charles, somewhere on Cortland Street, a blonde stumbles out of a doorway, arms wrapped around a greasy haired man with an eagle tatoo on his arm. They kiss & grope each other.

Man-" Hey Daisy, will I see you again soon?"

Courtney-"As soon as possible. My husband is always busy with business".

As they kiss & grope some more a motorcycle speeds by. Courtney looks up to see Jason with a passenger on the back of his bike.

Infuriated, Courtney stumbles to her car, intent on finding out who was with him, but sure that she already knew who it was.


Jason stops his bike outside of Elizabeths studio. Neither one moves to get off, but they sit together quietly, trying to savor this one last moment together.

E-"So........I guess I better head inside. Thanks so much for the ride.

J-"Thank you-for helping me to see the Wind again.

They look at each other, wishing that this moment would last forever.

E-"Well....Thanks again!"

J-"Can I walk you up?"

E-"That probably wouldn't be a good idea."

J-"Just to check it out...for safety reasons."

E-"I'm sure it's fine, I havn't been hanging around any 'alledged mobsters' lately, who on earth would want to hurt me?"

J-" Ok, but if you need me, call me on my cell. You never know who might have seen us tonight & think that we are together. Faith, Rick, Alcazar."

E-" Ok, thanks again for the ride & the 'talk'. See you later!"

J-"Yeah, see you later!"

He watched her walk in & waited until he saw the lights go on in her studio, before starting up his bike. He headed over to the warehouse to check on a few things before heading home.

Elizabeth had unlocked her door & tossed her keys on the table. She glanced through her mail. SHe noticed the red light flashing on her answering machine.

One message from Rick, fast forward through that. One from Gram inviting her to lunch. One from Courtney!?

"You little witch, I saw you with my husband tonight! If you think you can get away with this than you are just as stupid as I always thought. You are a self-centered , whiney little witch. Jason loves me & only me! He can't stand you. Talks about getting rid of you. If I ever see you looking at him again I will Kill you."

Ok, so she is off her rocker, Elizabeth thought. Just then the phone rang, starteling her. Elizabeth jumped. She slowly reached for the phone. "Hello?" , she said cautiously.

J-" Hi..It's me.

E-"Oh Jason, Hi."

J-"I just wanted to make sure everything was Ok."

E-"Oh, Jason I just had a message on my machine from Courtney. She said she saw us together tonight, & if she ever could she would kill me!"

All of a sudden there was a knock on her door.

E-" Hold on Jason, there is someone at my door."

J-" Eliz..."

E-" I know , I know.....ask who it is first."

E-" Who is it?"

C-" It's me.Courtney. Open the door Elizabeth, I want to talk to you."

E-'"Just a minute please." (to the phone) "Jason it's Courtney"

J-"Try to keep her outside as long as possible, & don't hang up the phone, I'm on my way over, I'm just at the warehouse, that way I can hear her & know if she is going to do anything."

E-"Ok, but hurry Jason."

J-"I'm halfway there now."

Elizabeth made her way slowly to the door."Courtney, what do you want?'

C-"I found your jacket at Kellys & wanted to make sure you got it."

E-"Are you sure it's mine?"

C-"Of course it's yours, now will you let me in, it's cold in this hallway".

Elizabeth opened the door and Courtney pushed her way through.

C-" I saw you tonight with my husband, you little witch. What were you doing, crying on his shoulder, tying to get him back, well it won't work because Jason only loves me!! He thinks you are just a two-bit tramp, who will do anything to sleep with him. But I'm the one he loves!"

Elizabeth thought Courtney was really losing it, but she tried to reason with her & keep her calm.

E-"Courtney, I don't know what you think you saw tonight, but whatever you think you're wrong..."

C-" I'm wrong, I'm wrong!! NO! I think you are wrong!! I think you are after my husband and there is no way that I'm going to let him go. I should have done this a long time ago.

Courney opened her purse & pulled out a gun. She raised it up & pointed it at Elizabeth-"Say goodbye Elizabeth".

"Courtney! NO!" Jason stood in the doorway, half out of breath.

C-" Jason! Good you're here. Elizabeth was trying to shoot me, but I got the gun away from her. She said that if she couldn't have you I wouldn't either. Jason she was trying to KILL ME!"

Jason pulled the phone from behind his back."Don't lie to me Courtney, I heard everything."

C-" But Jason, you have to believe me! I'm your wife! And Sonnys sister!"

J-" Courtney! Don't say another word!" Jason took his phone & dialed Max. " Max get over to Elizabeth Webbers right away".
"Courtney-apologize to Elizabeth & we are leaving!"

C-" Jason, I'm not apologizing to her, I saw her with you tonight, on your bike".

Jason took his 'wifes' arm & led her out the door. "Sorry for all the trouble Elizabeth , We'll be going now".

Jason 'led' his wife down the hall & outside. Max was waiting with a car.

J-" DON"T YOU EVER DO THAT AGAIN! YOU LEAVE ELIZABETH ALONE." Jason pinched the bridge of his nose & shook his head. "There is nothing going on between us. Now Max, take her home."

C-" Aren't you coming with me?" She said in her whiney voice.

J-" No, I have some work to take care of tonight. Go home. Stay there. We'll talk about this in the morning."

Max shut the door.

J"- Max, guard the door tonight, don't let her out of the penthouse. If she tries anything call me."

M-" Sure thing boss."

The car sped off, and Jason stood there wondering what just happened. He looked up at the studio windows. He should check on Elizabeth. He WANTED to check on Elizabeth & make sure she was alright. He turned & headed for the building. Was this a good idea, he wasn't sure. But he was going to find out.

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter 6


Elizabeth watched from her window as the car drove away with a fuming Courtney inside. ’Poor Max’, she thought. She saw Jason look up her window & start to walk towards the building. He stopped, turned around, hopped on his bike & sped off. “Goodbye Jason.”

Elizabeth turned away from the window & wandered around the room fighting off the tears that threatened to fall, remembering all the times that she & Jason had been here together. All of the moments when they should have acted on their feelings & didn’t.


Elizabeth got some matches & started to light the candles that were in the room. When she was done, she popped one of her favorite CD’s into the player & lay down on the couch. “Well this has been a hell of a day,” she thought.


As the music played, she started to relax.


*I can say, that we are through,
And I will almost mean it.
But simple words just can’t undo,
All the ties between us.

Part of me will hang on.
Long after you’re gone,
Though it’s the right thing for you I know,
I can watch you leave,
But I can’t let you go.

I will be your friend,
I will dry your tears,
Though I won’t be the one you give your love to
Through the years.
And I will do my best,
Not to let you know,
That I can watch you leave,
But I can’t let you go.

I will smile and say I’m fine,
Anytime you ask me.
I wish for you a love like mine,
But one that makes you happy.

You’ll always own every part,
Of this broken heart,
Though I would die before I’d let it show.
I can watch you leave,
But I can’t let you go.


She started to replay the day’s events in her head. Making up with Jason had been a good way to start. She was glad that they were friends again, even if they couldn’t be as close as they used to be, she was glad they were able to have what they did.


Then she remembered their talk and their kiss. Oh! The kiss! She had kissed Jason, but HE had kissed her back. She had to be dreaming. If she was dreaming then she hoped she would never wake up.

Then the scene with Courtney. She really had to be off her rocker to pull a gun on her & threaten her. Thank goodness Jason had heard it all. Now he knew how she really was around Elizabeth. Guess Courtney must be hanging around Carly too much.

Her face still hurt from where Courtney had slapped it. Man she had strength in that arm!

Elizabeth looked around the room and remembered the time that Jason had stayed here after he had been shot. How he laughed at her scrawny Christmas tree, and how cute he had looked with all the paper chains around his neck.

Well, she thought, at least we had one last ride together. As she sighed, there was a knock on her door, which made her jump.
“Who is it?” She prayed it wasn’t Courtney or heaven forbid, Carly !



*Song-’But I Can’t Let You Go’


Chapter 7



Jason stood on the other side of the door wondering if this was a good idea. He was just going to make sure that Elizabeth was OK, he told himself. He had to be sure she was OK. If Courtney had hurt her, wife or no wife, she would have to pay.

He heard Elizabeth ask who it was. ‘Good girl’ he thought.

“It’s me, Jason.”

Elizabeth went to open the door, making sure that the slap mark on her face was hidden by the door.

“Jason, what are you doing here? I saw you leave on your bike, & I always hear your bike when you drive up.”

“I took my bike to the ware house, just in case someone would see it. I wanted to see if you were OK?”

“I’m fine.”

Jason looked at her & raised his eyebrows questioningly.

“Really I am. And …and I wanted to say I’m sorry for the problems that I might have started between you & Courtney. If you want, I could apologize to her and tell her…I hurt my ankle & you were just giving me a life home.”

“Maybe we should talk about tonight, could I come in?”

Elizabeth opened the door to let him in. “Have a seat.” She followed him over to the couch. He waited for her to sit down first.

“I see you got a new couch.”

“I had it on good authority that the old one was horribly uncomfortable.” They both laughed.

“I have a bed now too.” She pointed towards the corner to a folding screen. “I decided I really needed a bed to sleep in.”

Jason looked at her. “ELIZABETH-your face! Did Courtney do that?” He could tell it was a handprint, knew she had been slapped.

Elizabeth dodged the question. “It’s nothing, I’ll be fine.”

“Let me get you an icepack.” He headed to the kitchen & put some ice in a dishtowel. As he walked back to the couch he was fuming! ‘How could Courtney slap Elizabeth AND threaten to kill her’. He knew his wife was losing it.

Jason sat down next to Elizabeth. He reached for her face to put the ice pack on it. As he did the same jolt of electricity ran through him. He looked in her eyes & knew that she had felt it too.

The music played softly in the background as they sat staring into each other’s eyes, searching for the answers that they already knew.

* I get a feelin, I can’t explain,
Whenever your eyes meet mine.
My heart spins in circles,
And I lose all space in time.
And now that we’re standing face to face,
Somethin’ tells me, it’s gonna be OK.

And I’m ready to fall in love tonight,
Ready to hold my heart open wide.
Can’t promise forever, but baby I’ll try.
Yes I’m ready to fall in love tonight.

I know you’ve been watchin’, choosin’ your moment.
I’ve been dreaming of that day.
No one before you has gotten to me this way.
And now that, we’re standing face to face,
There’s something that I need to say.

And I’m ready to fall in love tonight,
Ready to hold my heart open wide.
Can’t promise forever, but baby I’ll try.
Yes I’m ready to fall in love tonight.

Nothin’ is certain this I know,
Wherever we’re headed, I’m ready to go.
I can’t promise forever but baby I’ll try.
Yes I’m ready to fall in love tonight.

*Ready to Fall
Meredith Edwards-’Reach’ CD


Jason took the ice pack & laid it on the floor. He took her face in his hands & pulled her in for a gentle kiss. As it ended, he looked into her eyes for any signs of regret or indecision. He saw only desire & passion. He kissed her again, threading his fingers through her hair & pulling her closer. It was a kiss of passion, desire & need. He needed to feel her lips on his. He had dreamed of this for so long. When the kiss ended, only because of the need for sir, Jason looked at Elizabeth.

“Elizabeth……….”

“Jason, will you make love to me?”

“Are you sure?”

“YES ! I’ve wanted this for so long. I promised, myself that I was going to live for the day, with no regrets tomorrow!”

Jason looked at her thoughtfully.

“Jason, are YOU sure?”

He smiled at her.

“Please Jason, make love to me now. I can’t wait anymore.”

With one last look in her eyes, Jason pulled her close and kissed her like there wouldn’t be a tomorrow. He lifted her up into his arms and headed towards the bedroom. Gently he laid her on the bed. He looked at her and couldn’t believe that this was happening. His beautiful Elizabeth. He had loved her for so long and now his dream was coming true.

He lay beside her & kissed her beautiful face. Slowly he started to unbutton her blouse, placing a kiss on each spot of skin that was slowly revealed to him.

Elizabeth threaded her fingers through his thick, spiky hair. He definitely had too many clothes on. She pushed his leather jacket off his shoulders & tossed it on the floor. She tugged his shirt out of his tight fitting jeans, which by now were even more tight fitting. She ran her hands up his back & gently scored his back with her nails. It felt so good to have him in her arms.

Jason needed to feel her skin next to his. He sat up & pulled his shirt over his head, tossed it in the pile along with her shirt & his jacket. He ran his calloused fingers over her ribs & down her sides, to her ticklish spot. She laughed out loud, then sighed & looked at him

He slowly unbuttoned her jeans and she helped him get them off. Then it was her turn to unbutton his. Jeans landed in the piles of clothes. He turned to her & unclasped her red, lacy bra, took it off & slid off her matching panties. With those added to the pile he gently caressed her face, and then turned his attention to her pink, rosy nipples.

Hr took his thumbs & rubbed them across, causing them to turn into hard, tight buds. With that done, he lavished them with attention. By licking them with his tongue. Already he was causing hr to lift herself off the bed. Jason looked at her grinning; he said, “I sure am glad you got this bed.” She giggled. “Me too! I didn’t know that I’d find a way to put it to such good use!”

Jason kissed her entire body, making sure each spot got the attention it deserved. Elizabeth could feel his throbbing manhood. She thought it needed some attention too. Slowly she reached out & stroked it. Jason groaned. He wouldn’t be able to take too much of this. She hooked her fingers under the waistband of his boxers & slid them down. Jason took it from there & topped the mountain of clothes with that one last item. Elizabeth set to work. She took his manhood & gently worked it up & down.

“Elizabeth……” He slowly hissed out her name. “I love you Elizabeth, I always have & I always will!”

“I love you too Jason…forever!”

With that he entered her & they rode the waves of passion & ecstasy until they reached their peaks together & with one last cry of their love they collapsed, still intertwined. They lay in each other’s arms & professed their love for one another, and then they fell asleep.


Chapter 8


Jason awoke slowly. He felt Elizabeth snuggled I n beside him. She had always fit so perfectly into his hugs, the top of her head just under his chin. But their lovemaking had mad the fit even more complete. She was right, they were meant to be together forever. No one ever before had felt this right. This perfect. It made him feel…………..complete? YES ! That was it, that was the feeling. Complete, whole. His soul, his life, with Elizabeth it finally was complete. She was the one he was meant to be with.

Jason looked at the clock on her dresser. It was still early. They hadn’t been asleep for that long. He looked at Elizabeth sleeping beside him. She was so beautiful. She was so perfect, so loving. His beautiful angel. The need for her fueled him again. He touched her face. The slap mark was fading. He hoped her beautiful face wouldn’t have a bruise tomorrow.

Elizabeth snuggled even closer to him. He ran his fingers down her arm. She didn’t wake up. He needed her again. Their first time together had been a fast paced session of pent up want & need. He still needed her again. Only this time he was going to take it slow. He was going to explore every inch of her body.

Enough of the waiting. He bent down & started the lovemaking with some soft kisses to her neck & face. A few kisses to her collarbone and she was starting to wake up.

Elizabeth’s eye fluttered open. What she saw made her smile. It was Jason’s handsome face smiling back at her.

“Hi handsome.”

“Hi beautiful.”

“Am I dreaming again?”

“No.” He grinned at her.

“Good! Jason I can’t believe it. It was even better than I ever dreamed it could be. You were amazing!”

“YOU…were amazing. Elizabeth, I always knew that we would be great together. It’s like all of the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle are finally put together. We fit together so perfectly………I love you Elizabeth. And right now I need to feel you again. I need to feel me in you again!”

“Jason?”

“Yes.” He said grinning like a fool.

“I love you too!”

Jason rolled on top of her, supporting his weight on his arms, and slowly started to kiss every inch of her body. When that was done he gently started to knead her breasts. He lavished them with the attention that he felt they deserved.

Jason ever so slowly made his way down to her inner thighs & kissed them again. He didn’t forget the backs of her knees, the sensitive part that made her giggle.

She ran her fingers through his hair, which was starting to get mussed up from all of their lovemaking. When he reached her inner core with his tongue, she moaned with pleasure & started to buck off of the bed.

“Jason! Now, please!”

“No, not just yet, I need to pleasure you more, I need to torment you just a little.”

“Oh Jason, Oh Jason, YES!”

“Are you ready for me Elizabeth?”

She had always loved the way he said ‘Elizabeth’. Even loved it more the way he said it while he was making love to her.

“YES JASON! NOW! PLEASE!”

He entered her & the feelings of love & desire consumed him. They were both so close to the edge; he needed to help her along so they could finish together. He found her pearl with his finger, and instantly she was right along with him. Just a minute more & they went over the edge together.


Chapter 9


Elizabeth awoke to the sounds of someone whispering. Slowly she got out of bed. She grabbed the sheet and wrapped it around her. As she headed to the living area she saw Jason on the phone. She wandered over to the couch & sat down.

Jason quickly finished his call. He came over & sat down next to her. He was wearing only his jeans with the top button undone. He raised his arm & put it around her.

J-"I ordered a pizza. It will be here soon. I didn't think that you had eaten any dinner."

E-"Thanks! You're right I didn't."

J-" I thought that maybe after we had some pizza we could go for a midnight motorcycle ride."

E-"Just like the old days, when you'd pick me up after the late shift at Kelly's?"

J- "Yeah."

Elizabeth wanted to ask him if he took Courtney on his bike, if he took her on the road to nowhere. But she didn't want to risk breaking the spell that seemed to have been put over them. Didn't want to see his eyes go blank. She wanted to savor this time they had together.

J-"So....what do you think?''

E-"I think that if you left the money for the pizza in the hallway, that we could heat it up in the microwave later."

J-"You mean you want to go now? The pizza will be here in about 10 minutes."

E-"No, that wasn't what I was thinking. We can still ride after the pizza, but right now I have more important things on my mind!"

Elizabeth started to chew on her luscious lower lip, while waiting for Jasons' answer. He raised his eyebrows questioningly, and looked toward the bedroom.

Still chewing on her lip, she nodded yes. Jason took a $50.00 bill out of his wallet. Hit redial on the phone & told them to leave the pizza in the hall, he would leave the payment there. With that done, he eyed Elizabeth still sitting on the couch. He walked over to her, grabbed her, & threw her over his shoulder & headed to the bedroom. 'Time for round three!' They thought.

Jason put her down on the bed. He quickly discarded his jeans, and he stood there in all of his manly glory. His Greek god stature causing her need to grow even more so. Slowly he unwrapped her from the sheet. As her lay next to her, she took this chance to be in charge.

E-"Now it's my turn to torture you Jason Morgan!"

J-"Elizabeth, you don't have to do anything but look at me to torture me!"

E-"Be a good boy & be quiet!."

Elizabeth started at the top. She looked in his beautiful blue eyes, 'the color of Azure', she thought. She kissed his cheekbones, his eyes, ears, nose & his mouth. Their tongues dueled for awhile, and his hands ran up & down her back.

Next she started on his chest. And what a fine chest it was! Sculpted & chiseled & needing attention. She kissed his rock hard abs, splayed her fingers over his pecks, & ribbed his nipples until he moaned. She kissed the trail that led to his manhood. She looked at him and smiled her beautiful smile before taking him in her mouth. In and out she moved him, while fondling him with her other hand.

Jason had had about all he could take. Just looking at her was enough to make him go over the edge. He opened his eyes & saw her looking at him with his manhood in her mouth. He new that she would forever be his undoing. But seeing her taking him with her mouth, again he knew that he would always, ALWAYS, love her to the depths of his soul. She was right...they were soul mates.

J-"Elizabeth, I can't take much more of your torture."

E-"Are you sure Jason?"

He loved the way she said his name, the way she drew it out.

J-"Yessssssssssss!"

With his assurance, she left her spot & climbed up him. She guided him into her & she rode him until he exploded in her. Consumed with love for her, he quickly grabbed her & kissed her until they needed to stop, & breathe.

He rolled her over & held her. Whispering words of love. Making sweet remarks, & branding this into his memory.


Chapter 10


Jason woke up slowly. He could feel someone watching him. Carefully he peeked open one eye. There was Elizabeth. She was laying on his chest, with her head resting on her arms, and grinning like a Cheshire cat. He opened the other eye and smiled back at her.

J-"Hey."

E-"Hey yourself."

He chuckled at her. Laying there & looking at him.

J-"What are you doing?"

E-''Looking at the most wonderful, caring, gorgeous, kind, gentle, loving man in the entire world."

Jason wrapped his arms around her. Their eyes locked.

J-''And I am looking back at the most beautiful, sweet, caring, giving woman in the entire universe."

E-"You're also the best lover I have ever had."
'Or that I will ever have', she thought.


They were interrupted by a loud 'Grrrrrrrrrrr....'

J-"Elizabeth is that your way of telling me that you are starving?"

E-"Yes I guess it is. You know you give a girl a hard workout Morgan."

J-"Right back at you Webber."

She looked at him & pulled him in for a deep kiss. He hugged her tight & kissed her back. He rolled her over and her sheet fell back exposing her breasts. He looked at them and then at her. As he started towards them with his mouth, Jason's stomach growled.

J-"I guess we'd better eat that pizza, and save this for later."

E-"We do need to keep up our strength you know."

Elizabeth scooted out of bed first. She grabbed his shirt & jeans from the pile of clothes, and tossed him his jeans. While he put them on she pulled his shirt over her head. She was putting her arms through the sleeves when Jason said-

J-"Hey that's my shirt."

E-"You mean it WAS your shirt". She giggled. "It's mine now. Besides, I think it looks better on me". She said it smiling and headed out to the kitchen.

'It does look good on her'. He new she wanted it, knew he would leave it for her, knew she would wear it to bed to think of him, to be able to smell him. He'd leave her his leather jacket if he could get away with it. Knew she wouldn't wear it out in public, but would sit with it wrapped around her at home, snuggling in it.

Jason was brought back to the present.

E-"Morgan are you coming or not".

J-"Not without you." He yelled back.

Elizabeth popped her head into the room.

E-"Jason Morgan did you just make a joke?!"

J-"No. I promise you I'll show you later what I meant."

He took off after her, and chased her to the kitchen.


After heating the pizza, they headed back to the bedroom to eat it. They made small talk, each afraid of saying the wrong thing that would bring their magical night to an end.


J-" So you were talking earlier about making changes".

E-" Well, I had thought about leaving, but I know now that I don't want to do that".

J-" So what do you want to do?"

E-"I'm starting by changing the way I look at things. I'm going to live for the moment. I'm not going to worry about what others want me to do, or what I think I should do. I'm going to make ME happy first. To hell with everybody else that tries to tell me what they think I should do, or say or think."

She looked at him. "Do you think that sounds really selfish?"

J-"No, you need to do what you feel is right."

She smiled at him. He never told her what to do. Always let her figure it out for herself.

E-"So how is the coffee business doing?"

J-"Really good. Keeping us busy."

E-"So how is the enforcer job........Is it busy this time of the year?"

Jason looked at her & she burst out laughing. He laughed too. Not because the joke was funny, it wasn't, just because she looked cute, & he wanted to laugh with her.

When they had their fill of the pizza, Jason took the box & tossed it on the floor.

J-"Now, should we take up where we left off earlier?''

He looked into her eyes & smiled at her. She smiled back. He started to pull the bottom of his....what was now her shirt up when she stopped him.


E-"You promised me a midnight motorcycle ride, and it's after midnight."

J-"You would rather go for a ride than do what we are about to do?"

E-"No, I want to go for the ride first. Then we can take up where we left off."

J-"OK, but I'm going to need my shirt back."

E-"Whatever do you mean?! YOU don't have a shirt. But I will be extremely nice & lend you the shirt off my back. But you have to promise that you will return it when we get back from our ride."

J-"I'll promise YOU anything YOU want."

They climbed out of the bed & quickly gathered their clothing & put it on. Jason was trying to get it off of her faster than she could get it on. He swatted her bottom that was covered in the red lacy underwear. And the red lacy bra was enough to make him drag her back to bed before the ride.

When they were dressed, she went to the closet & took out her jacket.. Jason noticed that it was the same leather jacket that he had given her those few years before.


J-"You ready?"

E-"You bet!"

They headed out the door hand in hand. They ran down the stairs & out the door. They headed for the warehouse, where he had parked his bike. Jason got on & handed her her helmet. She got on & put her arms around him, and lay her cheek on his back. Jason put his hands on hers. They stayed this way, savoring the feeling. Jason turned slightly and and her "Where to?"

E-"Where else.........the Road to Nowhere....And Jason?"

J-"I know, I know....Go really fast, right?!"

E-"Right!......Jason I want to see the wind.....can we go by the house of beauty & applejacks?"

J-"Anything YOU want sweetheart".......& to himself ' ANYTHING YOU WANT'.

They took off on their ride, Jason going fast, & Elizabeth screaming for him to 'go faster'.

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter 11


The streets of Port Charles were deserted at that time of night. Jason flew by the house of beauty & applejacks. He took the cliff roads at high speed, but not faster than he knew he should.

When they arrived at their place, Elizabeth hopped off the bike, held her arms out & twirled around. "Jason, that was the most incredible ride. You went so fast."
She walked back to him & stood in front of him. She took his face in her hands. "You went so fast that I could see the wind!" She was smiling at him, and he smiled his shy smile back.

J-"Thank you Elizabeth."

E-"For what?''

J-"For helping me see the wind again."

He pulled her close, and smelled her hair. It smelled like lilacs, and snow. She ran her fingers through his hair, and kissed him deeply. He returned her kiss and soon their tongues were dueling.

They broke the kiss & Jason got off his bike. He took her hand & they started to walk through the ruins of the old garden. They walked in silence until they reached the statue of the girl. Jason sat down on the bench, and pulled her down next to him.

J-"Elizabeth........."

E-"Jason, I don't want to talk about this now".

J-''You don't even know what I wanted to say."

E-"Yes I do. But I don't want to talk about it yet. I don't want tomorrow to start yet. I still have tonight."

J-"OK.... Elizabeth, I have a favor to ask you."

E-''What is it?"

J-"I want to help you start your new life."

She looked at him puzzled. She figured out what he was trying to say.

E-"No Jason, I don't want your money."

J-"Elizabeth, I won't give you money, because I know you won't take it."

E-"Then what?''

J-"You said you wanted to start a new life, to get a new job, to do something that you wanted to do."

E-"Yes, but..."

J-"Let me help you get started. I've been thinking. I have an idea of something that I'm sure you would love to do, you just don't have the capital to do it."

E-"OK, what is it."

J-"Wouldn't you like to paint for a living?"

E-"You know I would, but it just doesn't pay the rent, unless you were talking about painting houses."

J-"What if you ran a artist supply store, gave painting classes & lessons & had a small gallery all in the same store?"

E-"You know I would love it, but I don't have the money to start it, and I won't take it from you. But thank you for offering."

He took her hand in his & looked her straight in the eye.

J-"Elizabeth, if I gave you half of all the money I had, and you went out every day & spent it wildly, you would still have enough money for the rest of your life."

She looked at him & he could tell she was going to resist. He put up his hand to stop her from saying anything.

J-"Just think of me as your backer."

E-"Only if I would be able to make payments every month to you until I had it all paid back."

He didn't think that she would give in so easily. Glad that she had done so without an argument.

J-"Really, you'd let me loan you the money?''

E-"We would have to do it all legal, with contracts, and payment plans, but like I said I will pay you back, every cent with interest."

Jason sat there & stared at her.

E-"What?"

J-"I didn't think that you would give in so easily."

E-"Like I told you , I'm starting a new life with a new attitude."

E-"Thank you Jason."

J-"You're welcome. I'll have Benny get started on finding you some locations to look at & getting the financing going. We do everything through Benny."

She knew what he was saying. That no one could know he was helping her. Especially Courtney, and Carly. Carly always got involved where she didn't belong, and what Carly knew Courtney knew. Sonny too.

They sat there for awhile, in the comfortable silence watching the stars & holding hands. When she shivered, he suggested that it was time to head back. They walked to the bike & got on it.

J-"Short cut or cliff roads?"

E-"Do you even have to ask!"

J-"Cliff roads it is. And Elizabeth?"

E-"Yes?"

J-"Try not to scream so loud".

E-"Yeah right Jason!"

E-"Jason?"

He turned around & looked at her, noticed the sadness in her voice. "Yes?"

E-"I love you!"

J-"I love you too!" He winked at her and off they flew.


Chapter 12



Jason stopped the bike in back of the warehouse. He got off first & held his hand out to Elizabeth. She took a deep breath & slowly got off the bike. He hugged her tight & took the helmet from her hand.

Slowly they walked back to her studio, with their arms wrapped around each other. As they reached her door, Elizabeth fumbled with her keys to the door.

J-"Here, let me do it."

Jason open the door & handed her the keys back. He leaned against the door frame. He wished that it would be easier. Easier to say 'see you later' , & really mean it.

Elizabeth started in the door & stopped when she realized that he wasn't following her.

E-"Aren't you coming in?"

J-"I don't think that I really should."

E-"Well Morgan, you do realize that you are still wearing my shirt & I want it back! And you are not leaving here until I get it!"

She walked up to him & put her arms around his neck.

E-"Besides, you promised me earlier that you were not going to come without me. Jason Morgan NEVER breaks his promise!"

Jason scooped her up in his arms & carried her over the threshold of her door. He kicked it shut with his boot clad foot & Elizabeth turned the locks.

He set her down & backed her against the door. He started to devour her mouth. They helped each other off with their leather jackets. Elizabeth grabbed the bottom of her sweater & raised it over her head. She gave it to Jason who tossed it over his shoulder. Jason took off his own shirt & threw it too.

E-"HEY! That's my shirt, & I'll thank you to take better care of it!'' She said with a scowl on her face, and then she laughed at him.

The sound of her laughter drove him insane, everything about her drove him insane. He needed her, needed her now. He grabbed the waist of her jeans & tugged her nearer. He undid the button & slowly pulled the zipper down. She helped him take them off of her. Then she started with his jeans. They were off quicker than she could say his name.

She was wearing the same red lace bra & panties, He felt his need for her growing, he made quick work of disposing of her underwear, and his own. He held her against the wall and entered her hard. Elizabeth dug her nails into his shoulders, hanging on while he entered her again and again and again, harder and harder each time.

They were both sweating, and nearly out of breath when he laid his head in the crook of her neck, as they both came down from their hight of passion. He gathered her up in his arms & carried her to the bedroom where he lay her down on the bed. He looked at her with tears glistening in his eyes. Wanted to stay here forever, needed to stay with her, but knowing that their time together was drawing near.

Elizabeth tugged on his arm to make him lay beside her.

E-"Jason, I know that you are thinking that it is time for you to go. I know that you will be going home to Co..co..Courtney. I know that this was a once in a lifetime, magical night. A night that you can never let happen again, because you are an honorable man, Jason Morgan, you have a commitment to her, & you must honor that. I'm not sorry for that. I'm sorry that I turned you away that day in the park. The fact that we are not together is all my fault."

Jason wiped the tears that flowed from her eyes. She looked at him, and the tears that had threatened to fall earlier from his eyes, now flowed freely.

Jason tried to say her name but choked on the tears that were falling. She held him tight while he broke down and wept freely. She cried too. They knew this was the last time that they would hold each other.

Elizabeth cradled his head, and stroked his hair. She whispered in his ear,how much she loved him, always would love him. After awhile when he was all cried out, he took his turn holding her, and whispering in her ear.

When the need for loving was fired again, they took their time loving each other. It was slow & passion filled. Jason loved her entire body. Kissed every inch. Memorized every part of her, knowing that he would be need in those memories.

Elizabeth did the same with him. When he entered her for the last time they held each other tight, kissed, each fighting for control. He knew he was going to go over the edge soon, he needed her to go with him. He brought his hand between her legs and rubbed her pearl with his thumb. Elizabeth was close too. That was all she needed.

E-"Jason!"

E-"Elizabeth!"

They cried out together & over the edge they went.


They slept for awhile. Jason awoke first. He knew it was time to go. Knew the sun would soon be starting to rise. He held her for just awhile longer. He kissed her & slowly slid from her grasp. He went to the kitchen & found a notepad & started to write her a note.

With that done He gathered his clothes & put them on, all but his shirt, he laid that on her couch for her to find later. He crept into the bedroom & placed the note on the nightstand beside her bed. Quietly he walked to the door. As he was opening it he heard her voice.

E-"You're not leaving without saying goodbye are you?"

J-"You were sleeping, I thought you needed your rest."

She ran to him & threw herself into his arms. He kissed her head, took his finger & lifted up her chin, he gave her a sweet goodbye kiss. She hugged him tight , & he did the same.

E-"Goodbye Jason. I love you!"

J-"No, it's 'see you later', and I love you too!"

Jason walked through the door and she shut it. He stood on the other side, waiting to hear the locks click into place, before he drug his feet down the hall & out the door.

Elizabeth watched him from the window. The sun was starting to rise, as she saw him walk to the warehouse with his head hung down. She kissed her fingers & touched them to the window

E-"See you later, my sweet Jason". With that she headed to her bed, to cry herself to sleep.




Chapter 13


Jason rode his bike through the streets of Port Charles. There were people out now, heading to work, or home from their night jobs. He rode out of town to a safe house. He entered one & headed for the couch. He kicks off his boots & takes off his jacket. He is tired. As he lays on the couch in nothing but his jeans & socks he know that no sleep will be coming his way. He has too many things running through his mind.

His night with Elizabeth. How to deal with Courtney. Where was Courtney when she saw them together. "I wish I would have gone after Elizabeth the night she left the penthouse. I wish I hadn't let Sonny run my life so much. I know I owed him for helping me start my new life. But when did it get that I no longer mattered to him."

Jason got up, & walked over to where he had laid his jacket. He reached into the inside pocket & took out a folded piece of lavender fabric. He walked back to the couch & lay his head on the fabric, and was asleep in minutes.

One hour later Jason woke. He knew he had to get going. He folded the fabric and set it on the table. He went to the kitchen & got a zip lock baggie from the drawer. Back in the living room He placed the fabric in the baggie & zipped the top, & laid it by his jacket.

After a shower & a change of clothes, he put on his boots & jacket & headed back to the bike. As he drove back into town he was thinking of Elizabeth. Should he send some flowers? He drove by a greenhouse that said SANDY'S GREENHOUSE & YEAR ROUND CHRISTMAS STORE.

Jason had an idea. He turned his bike around & headed to the greenhouse. As he walked into the store, he stopped & looked around. Yes! This was the perfect idea.

At the counter Nicole & Brooklyn were doing some paper work. Both looked up as the bell above the door jingled.

N-"I'll help this customer!"

B-"Oh no you don't, I'll help the gentleman."

N-"No, I saw him first".

B-"No you didn't, besides you are engaged".

N-"I can still look".

They both went over to help Jason.

B-"May we help you sir?''

J-"Yeah, do you have any Christmas trees, real Christmas trees?"

N-"Not at this time of the year sir. Just the artificial ones."

B-"But we do have some miniature pine trees for landscaping".

J-"Could I see them?"

They led him to the greenhouse where the landscaping trees were.

J-"This would be perfect, could you put it in a planter for me?"

The girls both looked at him & then each other.

B-"Certainly sir, but wouldn't you rather have a fuller one. This is one of the scraggly ones?"

J-"No, this is exactly what I want."

Nicole carried it to the table & started to put it in a planter for him.

J-"I read that this is a year round Christmas store. Do you have any ornaments for the tree?"

B-"Sure we do, come back inside & I'll help you find what you need."

Jason couldn't believe all the ornaments that they had. This was great!

J-"Do you have any ornaments with a pool table on them?"

As they went through the list in Jason's head they filled a basket with different ornaments. For the two ornaments that they didn't have, Jason had another idea.

J-"Do you gift wrap?''

B-"Sure."

J-"Great, I'll be right back."

Out on the street Jason remembered seeing a grocery store at the end of the block. He started walking to it. Once inside he quickly located the things he needed, purchased them & started back to the greenhouse. He passed by a bookstore & decided to go in. He bought a 'how to start & run your own business' book, a beautiful coffee table book with pictures of paintings in it, and a travel book on Italy.

Back at the greenhouse, the girls had finished putting the ornaments on it.

J-"You don't by chance have any red & green paper chains do you?"

N-"No I'm sorry we don't".

J-"Here are the things I would like for you to gift wrap for me, I'll pay you extra for it, and for delivery too."

N-"That's not necessary sir."

B-"We'd be glad to deliver it for you, do you want to include a gift card?"


Jason wrote on the card as they rang up the tree & all of the ornaments.

B-"The total is $77.32 please".

Jason tossed 2 $100.00 bills on the counter.

J-"Thanks for all the help ladies. I really appreciate it".

N-"You're welcome sir. We'll deliver that right away."

J-"Could you wait until after lunch to do that?"

B-"Sure we can. Thanks again & have a great day".

Jason smiled at them as he left.

B-"What a hunk!!" as she drooled on the counter.

N-"Yeah! Makes me wish I wasn't engaged."

They both drooled some more and then got on with wrapping his packages.


Chapter 14


Jason parked his bike in his parking spot & headed for the elevators. Once inside he pushed the button for his floor. He leaned his head against the wall. What would he say? How would he act? What in the he** was she doing with a gun in her purse?!

As the doors opened he headed out & saw Max by the door.

J-"How did it go last night?"

M-"She was real furious in the car. But as we got up here she quieted down. I heard her break something, I checked on her & she was fine. She ordered pizza later. It's been quiet all night".

J-"Thanks man!"

M-"You bet Jason".

As Jason headed in, Max thought, the poor guy, he was really married to the wicked witch, she was almost as bad as Carly!"

Jason open the door & saw the broken vase laying by the fireplace. Courtney was asleep on the couch with a pizza box & dirty dishes on the coffee table. The TV was on, & the house was a pit.

He tossed his keys on the desk & Courtney woke up.

C-"Hi honey!"

J-"Hi Courtney"

She made no move to get off of the couch. She opened the pizza box & started eating the cold pizza.

J-"Courtney are you OK?"

C-"Yeah Jason, I'm fine."

Jason pinched the bridge of his nose.

J-"Courtney we need to talk about last night".

C-"What about last night?"

J-"About you calling Elizabeth & leaving a message about how you were going to kill her."

C-"I never did that! Did that little witch call you & tell you that lie?!"

Jason looked at her. Tried to tell if she was lying.

J-"What about you showing up at her studio, slapping her & pulling a gun out & threatening to kill her?"

C-"Jason, I would never do that. You know me. I don't even own a gun!"

C-"Did she call you & tell you that lie?.. She's lying Jason, I would never do that."

Courtney took a bite of her pizza & looked back to the TV. She started watching the show that was on. Jason didn't know what to say. What to think. She obviously had no idea that he knew she was lying. But was she lying? Sonny had done this before too. When he had started to lose it, he had blanked things out.

J-"Courtney?"

C-"Yes Jason?"

J-"What happened to the maid?"

C-"Oh, I fired her."

J-"You what!"

C-"I fired her, I caught her looking at you one day and I didn't like it so I fired her.

J-"So who's going to do the laundry, & clean & cook & shop for groceries?"

C-"It'll be fine Jason."

J-"There is no food in the house except for the takeout that you order, no clean clothes, & the penthouse is a mess."

C-"Well then hire someone to do it. But make sure she is ugly, old & does all of the work that I tell her to."

Jason stared at her. She was back to watching the TV.

C-"When this is over I'm taking a shower, & then going shopping with Carly."

Jason went to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee. When it was done, he poured a cup & headed back to the living room. It was empty & her could hear the shower running. He sat down at his desk to do some paperwork. He went to move Courtney's purse which she had left laying there wide open. He looked in it & there was 3 large bottles of pills inside. He read the labels but not knowing what they were for he looked inside. He didn't recognize any of them so he took 3 of each & put them in an envelope. He opened the door & called for Max.

M-"Whats up Jason?"

J-"You are just about done for the day, you can leave early if you will take these over to the doc & get him to look at them & call me with what they are."

M-"Sure thing Jason."

J-Thanks again Max....for everything".

M-"You're welcome".

Jason shut the door & picked up the phone. He dialed a number, while it rang he looked up the stairs, the water was still running so he knew she was still in the shower.

"Hello?"

J-"Francis..I need you to do me a favor...Meet me at the docks in 10 will you?"


Chapter 15



Elizabeth woke shortly before noon. She lay there thinking about the night before. How she and Jason had finally professed their love for one another & had finally done something about it. It had been such a wonderful night! She missed him already. She knew she was going to have to get on with her 'new' life. She hated the fact that they would never be lovers again. Jason had a wife. She had slept with a married man. But it was Jason. HER Jason. He loved HER!

She rolled over on her stomach to look at the clock. She noticed the note propped up on her bedside lamp. It had Jason's handwriting on it. She sat up on the side of the bed & reached for it. As she began to read it, the tears started to fall again.


My sweet angel Elizabeth,
I wanted to tell you I'd 'see you later', but I didn't want to wake you.

I know that you know how much I love you-how much I will always love you. You also know that I would give anything to be with you. But I gave my life to someone else. And as you yourself said, I must honor that commitment.

If I could, I would run away with you, take you to see the light in Italy. But there would be consequences to deal with. I couldn't do that to Courtney, and Sonny would find us eventually and he would have me killed for abandoning his sister.

I want you to know I will always be there for you. I don't want you to wait for me. You need to start your new life and find someone wo love that will love you, care for you support you and put you first in their life. Do this for me Elizabeth. I don't want you to grow old by yourself, waiting for me.

I love you Elizabeth, with all my heart and all my soul.....forever!


All my love, Jason



Elizabeth folded the letter & slid it in a drawer, to keep forever. She lay down & cried tears of loss,& love. When she was cried out, she wiped her tears away. "Time for the new life to begin. No regrets, no looking back. Time to do what I want to do."

She started to make up the bed. She found the last pillow near the door. It was missing the lavender pillowcase. I wonder what Jason could have done with that pillowcase. It was then that she noticed Jason's shirt on the couch.

"My shirt." She smiled. Jason had left her the shirt, but had taken her pillowcase. "That seems like a fair trade". She headed to the kitchen to get a zip lock baggie to use as her new pajama bag.

She started cleaning up the burnt up candles, pizza box & drink cans. "I think I'll shower first before I start the real weekly housecleaning." And with that her 'new life' began.


Down at the docks Jason saw Francis waiting for him.

J-"Hey Francis".

F-"Hey Jason". They shook hands.

F-"I brought you some coffee, and it's a good thing 'cause you look like you need it." He reached over & handed him a styrofoam cup, and then drank from his own.

J-"I have a favor to ask you".

F-"Shoot".

J-"I need you to watch Elizabeth Webber for awhile. Courtney called her & threatened to kill her, then she showed up at her studio, slapped her & pulled a gun on her."

F-"Holy crap Jason, you're kidding me!"

J-"No Francis, I wish I were, but I'm not. I just need you to be on her for a week or two, just to make sure Courtney doesn't try anything."

F-"You know I'll do it. I always liked Miss Webber. She's always so nice." Unlike the witch you married, he thought.

J-"Thanks Francis."

F-"Is this all OK with Sonny?"

J-"It will be. I'd like you to start today. You shouldn't have to be with her when she is in her studio, or overnight. She will be quitting Kellys soon & starting her own business. I'll let you know when you can quit guarding her."

F-"Sounds like a plan. I'll head over soon. Have you told her yet & is she OK with it. I know how she thinks she can take care of herself."

J-"I'll give her a call shortly. Have her call you before she wants to head out. Just be with her when she is out & I'm sure nothing will ever come of this.''

They shook hands, and each went their own way.

Elizabeth was cleaning her studio, when there was a knock on the door. She remembered to ask"Who is it?"

"It's Sandy's Greenhouse. I have a delivery for you."

Elizabeth looked out of the peephole before opening the door.

E-" For me?"

D-"Are you a Miss Elizabeth Webber?"

E-"Yes I am."

D-"Then this is for you. Uh, Merry Christmas?"

E-"Thank You!"

Elizabeth opened the door & let the delivery man bring everything inside. He set the tree on the table. She let the man out & locked the door behind him. She took the paper off of the tree, stepped back to look at it.

Elizabeth couldn't help but laugh. A Christmas tree in March. "I think it will look better over by the window, and if Jason 'happens to walk by' he can see it."

She carried it over to a table right by the window. Then she brought the bags with the wrapped gifts, & took they out of the bag & placed them under the tree. She took her time studying all the the ornaments. Each one held a special meaning.

There were several motorcycles-for all of their rides.
A little leather jacket-for the one he gave her.
A pool table-for all the games they played.
An artist palette & and easel-for her painting.
A box car-for her finding & saving him.
An angel-he had called her his sweet angel.
A 'Bar & Grill'-for Jakes
A roll of candy lifesavers-for saving each other.
A band aid - for her taking care of him.
A stature of a lady-the stature at 'their' place.
A little canvas with a sign that said 'The Wind'.

She couldn't believe that Jason had done this. She opened the gifts next. There were 5 boxes the same size so she opened them first. Each was the same. A box of double fudge chocolate brownie mix. She laughed. Then there were 2 round, heavy packages. Soup! A can of chicken noodle, and a can of cream of broccoli. She laughed even harder ! There was also 2 boxes of assorted gourmet hot chocolate, a how to start your own business book, a book of paintings, and a travel book on Italy. "Oh Jason !" What a wonderful gift this all was.

Elizabeth sat & looked at the tree. She kept on looking at the ornaments & the gifts. Couldn't believe he had taken the time to do all of this for her. Well she could actually, that was Jason. The phone rang drawing her out of her world.

E-"Hello"

J-"Hi there"

E-"JASON!"

J-"How are you today?"

E-"I'm just fine. In fact I'm super great! I want to thank you for your gift."

J-"You got it huh?"

E-"Yes..it's wonderful! I was sitting here admiring it when you called."

J-"Does it remind you of anything?"

E-"The tree or the ornaments?"

J-"The tree".

E-"It reminds me of our first Christmas together, and the beautiful tree we had."

J-"It wasn't a beautiful tree, it looked like the branch off of an old tree".

She could hear him chuckling.

E-"Jason!.......I love all of the ornaments too!..and the gifts!"

J-"Well I knew you liked soup!"

E-"Seriously Jason, Thank you so much. And by the way I seem to be missing a lavender pillowcase, have you by chance seen it?!"

J-"A lavender pillowcase.....huummm...can you describe it? !"

E-"Very funny Morgan!"

J-"Elizabeth, I am calling for another reason too. I want you to hear me out first."

E-"OK".

J-"I would like you to let me put Francis as your guard for a little while. I don't like the fact that Courtney threatened you, or the fact that she had a gun that I didn't know about."

E-"OK".

J-"Now I know that you don't think?...........what did you say?"

E-"I said OK".

J-"You said OK. That easily?"

E-"yes".

J-"I expected to have to argue with you about this."

E-"If you are scared enough to want to put a guard on me for my safety then OK."

J-"I like this new life, I don't spend near as much time arguing with you!"

E-"Like I ever argued with you before!"

They both laughed, and then the line was quiet.
J-"I need to go now, Francis will give you all of the details, and if you need me you know how to reach me."

E-"Thanks again Jason.........I love you!"

J-"You're welcome.......and I love you too!"

E-"See you later"

J-"See you".

No sooner had she hung up when there was a knock on her door.

E-"Who is it? ", 'man she was getting good at this'.

F-"It's Francis Miss Webber".

She walked to the door, peeked through the peephole and sure enough it was Francis.

E-"I'm sorry, but there is no 'Miss Webber that lives here', she opened the door, "only me......E-l-i-z-a-b-e-t-h, she drew out her name, unless you want to be called Frannie?!"

They both laughed & she invited him in. He walked in and instantly saw the tree.

F-"Isn't it a little late for a tree Elizabeth?"

E-"It was a gift. What did you get your mother this year?"

F-"OK, OK. Did Jason call you yet?"

E-"Sit down Frannie, and yes he did."

F-"Did you argue with him about this arrangement?''

E_"Why does everyone think that I'll put up a fight about this?"

F-"Because you always do".

E-"Enough already! I always thought that Courtney was off her rocker. I don't want her to lose it & come after me again!"

They talked for a little while, about the arrangement to guard her & did a little catching up. Since Francis had guarded her before they were old friends.

E-"I wasn't planning on going anywhere until maybe tomorrow afternoon, so I'll call you & let you know what time, will that be OK?"

F-" That will be fine. Maybe we can do our laundry together again".

She looked at him & raised her eyebrows.

F-"You know what I mean!"

They both laughed & she let him out & locked the door. 'She was getting good at that too.'


She went back to the tree & gazed at it. 'What a wonderful gift'.

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter 16


Elizabeth spent the rest of the day painting, or rather trying to paint the tree. She wasn't happy with the way her ornaments looked. They didn't catch the light the way that the real ones did. 'Break time' she thought. She decided to make herself a cup of the gourmet hot chocolate that Jason had sent. With that done she sat down & gazed at the tree some more. She sipped the drink & thought about all of the times they had spent together, the good & the bad. She was pleased that they had worked out all of the problems, too bad they hadn't done it sooner.

Jason had spent the afternoon cleaning the house. He gathered all of the dirty laundry & sorted & started the loads. The places he had found some of her laundry! He gathered all of the dirty dishes, & garbage. He straighted, vacuumed & dusted. As he changed laundry loads he tried to think about the past few months. When had she started to change? How had she changed? He challenged his brain with those things trying to get a grasp on what was going on with Courtney. Even with that working his brain, he still thought of Elizabeth!

Jason headed across the hall to talk to Leticia. He needed to hire someone to take care of the house. Obviously Courtney wasn't going to do it! He knew Leticia would know someone good & trustworthy. Leticia made a phone call & set up a time for Jason to meet her cousin at Kelly's to talk about the job. He thanked her & headed back to the penthouse. He had 1 hour until the meeting. He sat at the desk to look at some paperwork when his cell phone rang.

J-"Morgan"

"It's me, Doc. Can you talk?"

J-"Sure what did you find out about the pills?"

D-"All of those pills are anti-depressants. They are really strong ones though. Something that someone would take if they were a schizophrenic. "

J-" Like Sonny would take?"

D-"Yeah, when he gets really depressed & goes to the dark place in his head. "

J-"Can that be hereditary?"

D-"Sure."

J-"Thanks for doing this so quickly Doc".

D-"You're welcome."

Jason leaned back in his chair & pinched the bridge of his nose. He shook his head. "Well that would explain a lot". Why hadn't she told him about this? Trusted him to help her.

Jason looked at the clock. It was time to head to Kelly's to talk to Leticia's cousin. He grabbed his jacket & headed out of the penthouse. He decided to walk to Kellys, & just happened to walk by Elizabeth's studio. The sun was getting low in the sky, but as he looked up towards her windows something caught his eye. The tree! She had put it in the window for him to see! "Oh Elizabeth! I miss you so much already". He wanted to stop by & see her, but he knew he couldn't. He had to let her get on with her life. He turned away & headed for Kellys.

Courtney arrived home with Carly around 7pm. She plopped down on the couch & turned on the tv. Jason came from the kitchen.


J-"Hi Courtney"

C-"hi." She answers him without even looking at him.

J-"Are you hungry? I made dinner?"

C-"No, not now, I'll order something later''.

Jason walk over to her & turns off the tv.

C-"Jason , what are you doing .? I was watching that."

J-"I said, I made us some dinner, please come to the kitchen & join me."

C-"I said I wan't hungry, that I'd order something later!"

J-"We need to talk."

C-"Later ok, I want to watch this."

Jason shook his head & went to the kitchen to eat his dinner. What was happening? He needed to talk to Sonny & Carly, but not at the same time. He picked up his phone & called Sonny.

S-"Hello"

J-"It's me, I need to talk to you tomorrow afternoon, at the warehouse."

S-"OK, about 2 o'clock"

J-"OK, bye".

S-"Bye".

Jason thought 'OK 1 down , 1 to go.' He dialed Carlys' cell phone.

C-"Hello?'

J-"Carly it's me. Don't tell Sonny that I'm calling. I need to meet you early tomorrow morning."

C-"Do I get breakfast?"

J-"Fine".

C-"Great ! Krispy Kreme at 8:00 it is, see ya!" And with that she hung up.

J-"Great, breakfast with the junk food junkie".

Jason stuck his head out of the kitchen to check on Courtney. Still watching the boob tube. Back in the kitchen, Jason had 1 more call to make..

"Hello?"

J-"Benny, it's Jason. I need to meet with you tomorrow. 1:00 at Kellys."

B-"What's it about Jason?"

J-"Just some personal finances I need you to take care of."

B-"OK Jason, 1:00 at Kellys."

Now to deal with his wife. When Jason walked into the living room, Courtney was asleep on the couch. He shook her gently, but she only mumbled in her sleep and snuggled down. Jason went to the hall closet & got a blanket off the shelf. He covered her up, & decided he needed a short ride. He grabbed his coat & keys & headed out the door.


Chapter 17



Jason awoke early the next morning, but Courtney wasn't in bed. He walked to the landing at the top of the stairs & could see her sleeping on the couch with the tv still on & a mess on the coffee table.

He walked to the bathroom & started the shower. When the temperature was right he stripped & stepped in. He let the spray beat down on him & thought about the meetings he had for the day. As he lathered his hard, muscular body, his thoughts drifted to Elizabeth & how soft her body had been. How curved & delicate, yet strong & toned. How the smell of her made him want to make love to her over & over again.

He decided he better quit fantasizing about her & get a move on. He stepped out of the shower & grabbed the blue towel & dried off quickly. Back in the bedroom he dressed in his usual attire of jeans & a shirt. He put his gun in the waistband of his jeans, sat down & pulled on his boots, & headed for the stairs.

He looked at the sleeping Courtney as he descended the stairs. She looked so peaceful. Could she really be crazy like Sonny? He looked around at the messy room. Dishes, take out food containers. He had cleaned this place yesterday, and already it looked like a pig sty. The new housekeeper already had it in for her.

As he grabbed his jacket & put it on, he wondered when he stopped loving Courtney. He loved her yes, but he loved Carly & Emily & Monica too. But had he ever REALLY loved Courtney? Or was Brenda right? Was he just being with Courtney because it was easier? Courtney had wanted him, was there for him, told him what he wanted to hear & just let him be. Elizabeth had walked away, & she wanted him to fight for her, to come after her & know that he loved her enough to make it work.

He left the penthouse & took the elevator to where his bike was parked. He opened the saddlebag & took out his baggie. He opened it & breathed in the smell of Elizabeth. The pillowcase still smelled like her. He zipped it up & carefully put it back in the saddlebag & shut it. He hopped on the bike, started it up & headed for -of all places-Krispy Kreme! What he did for Carly! He didn't understand why Sonny wouldn't let her have her junk food, if he did then Jason wouldn't be subjected to it.

Jason pulled in the parking lot. He parked his bike, & went inside to wait for Carly to show up. He ordered a coffee & read the paper that someone else had left behind. Carly swept into the doughnut shop, late as usual. Ordered several doughnuts & coffee, and dug right into them.

When Jason was sure that she had gotten enough sugar into her he started questioning her.

J-"Carly, I wanted to know if you noticed anything different about Courtney lately?"

C-"Different? Like what?."

J-"Like her attitude, her eating, her temper?"

C-"Temper? I really hav'nt seen her with a temper. Except yesterday with the sales lady at the mall . And I guess a couple of other times."

J-"Have you noticed her taking any pills?"

C-"Yes, but they were for her neck. She said it still bothered her sometimes."

J-"Have you seen her getting 'dark' like Sonny gets?''

C-"No Jason, she's not like Sonny, not that way......Is she?"

J-"I'd like it if you kept an eye on her for awhile, when you're together. She how she does. "

C-"OK Jason...Is there any reason for concern?"

J-"She called Elizabeth. Left a threat on her answering machine, then showed up in person & pulled a gun on her. A gun I didn't even know that she had. When I confronted her about it, she didn't even know what I was talking about."

C-"Have you talked to Sonny about this?"

J-"I will, we have a meeting this afternoon, so don't talk to him about it. If he wants to talk about it with you he will."

C-"OK".

Jason stood to leave. Carly was scarfing down the last doughnut.

J-"Did you get enough to eat?"

C-"I could eat a couple more"

J-"Have at it, but don't tell Sonny I bought you doughnuts".

C-"Don't worry , I won't."

Jason headed to his bike. He had some work to do at the warehouse before his lunch meeting with Benny.

The morning went by fast & soon it was 12:30. Jason walked out of the warehouse into the bright early spring sunlight. He walked over to the docks & stood & looked out on the water. What had he gotten himself into? How was he going to keep an eye on Courtney, convince her to get help, deal with Sonny, & keep his mind off of Elizabeth.

All morning it had wandered back to thoughts of her. How amazing their night of passion had been. He stood there for a long time thinking. He noticed it was almost one o'clock and headed for Kelley's.

Elizabeth was extremely busy earlier, but all of a sudden it had quieted down. Maybe it was the beautiful spring day. She wished she hadn't been called in to cover for a sick waitress. It was a glorious day, one made for skipping school & painting. She started to clean the counter behind her, when the bell jingled. She looked up & there her was. Jason! He sauntered over & sat on one of the stools.

The place was almost empty except for a couple of kids and an elderly couple.

J-"Hey" He said, grinning from ear to ear.

E-"Hey yourself" she said, tucking the stray hair behind her ear. "What are you doing here?"

J-"I have a lunch meeting with Benny. Would it be alright if we sat outside today, I know its early in the season".

E-"Sure you can. I'll bring you out some coffee".

J-"Thanks he'll be here soon." He stood & headed for the door as the elderly couple waved Elizabeth over to them.

Outside Jason sat at the table where he could see Elizabeth. He watched her work. She smiled at the couple and laughed at the mans joke. Brought an order out to the teens table, and then brought out his coffee.

J-"Thanks!"

E-"You're welcome."

E-"How are you?"

J-"Fine, and you?"

E-"I'm OK," she looked around, and seeing no one said "But I've been missing you".

J-"Me too!"

Someone walked through the courtyard then, disturbing them.

E-"Can I get you something to eat?"

J-"Yes please. I think I'll have a bowl of chili today".

E-"Coming right up".

As she headed inside, Benny came up , out of breath & looking harried.

J-"Hi Benny."

B-"Jason. Hi"

Just then Elizabeth appeared with Jasons chili. She set it down in front of Jason, and smiled at him.

J-"Thanks!" He smiled back at her.

E-"You're welcome".

J-"Elizabeth this is Benny, Benny this is Elizabeth Webber."

B-"Pleased to meet you."

Elizabeth returned his smile & asked him "Can I get you something? The chili is really good today."

B-"No thank you, I'd have heartburn all day, & I get enough of that dealing with Jason here."

E-"How about some wild rice soup, and a chicken salad sandwich, great comfort foods & no heartburn with those. The chicken salad is superior today."

B-"Well, that does sound enticing. OK. I'll have that. Oh and a coffee also."

E-"Let me guess....decaf ? !"

B-"Please."

E-"Coming right up."

She left to get his order.

B-"So...Jason, what kind of personal finances did you need to have taken care of ? "

J-"I'm backing Elizabeths new business. I'd like you to see to all of the details. She needs a building, any renovation that's needed, supplies. Everything that goes with starting a new business. A good location is a must. "

B-"You've got it Jason. Anything else?"

J-"Yes. this is strictly between you, me & Elizabeth. Sonny doesn't need to know, it has nothing to do with him. Elizabeth will be wanting a payment plan & that sort of thing. I want you to set it up but I also want anything she pays to go into a special account for her. So if she need something down the road she'll have it."

Just then Elizabeth appeared with Benny's order & more coffee for Jason.

B-"Oh, this looks really good." He bit into the sandwich and closed his eyes as he chewed. "This...is..heaven. I've never had chicken salad as good as this." He tried some soup. He savored the flavor. "Oh, so good!" "And the service is wonderful too!"

E-"Why thank you Benny!"

J-"Elizabeth, Benny will be helping you with your new business. He'll guide you & help you with all the purchases you need, or whatever."

E-"Why thank you Benny."

B-"I'll get started this afternoon looking for a good location."

J-"Elizabeth, can I talk to you inside?"

They went into the diner. Jason looked around. He saw Francis in the corner reading a newspaper.

J-"Thanks for letting me do this for you. If you have any questions just ask Benny". He tossed a fifty dollar bill on the counter for their lunches.

E-"Thanks Jason. I'll see you round".

J-"Yeah." He smiled at her, taking one last look & headed out the door.


Chapter 18


Francis looked over the top of his paper & shook his head. When were they ever going to get it together? They belonged together, he didn't belong with that bleached blonde bubble head. She was actually worse than Carly! No brains, she did have big boobs, but man did she have a temper. It was almost as bad as Sonny's!

Francis watched as Jason left Kelly's. He saw Elizabeth look longingly after him. She put on her fake smile & came over to Francis. "Hey Frannie, you want some pie to go with your coffee?"


"Sure Lizzie!, What kind do we have today?''

She slapped his shoulder & recited the kinds. He chose the chocolate, just like she knew he would. "So what day are we doing laundry this week, I'm running out of boxers ?''

"Well if you would buy more than 3 pair you wouldn't have to do laundry so often". She loved teasing Francis.

"How about tomorrow night, we can order a pizza? My treat." Francis was worried about her not getting out enough.

"OK, you win". Just then Benny came in.

"Miss Webber? I wanted to pay for my lunch and tell you it was superb, & I will most definitely be coming here for lunch more often". Benny smiled.

"Benny you must call me Elizabeth, and Jason already took care of your lunch."

"OK, I'm going to go & get started looking for some locations for you. I'll call you when I have some & we can go look at them."

"Sounds great Benny, and Thank you for this."

"It's really nothing, I'm glad to help." Benny smiled & waved goodbye, nodding to Francis on his way out. Elizabeth went back to cleaning up and Francis went back to his paper.


Jason walked across the docks & headed for the ware house for his meeting with Sonny. Man! How was he going to tell Sonny that his sister might be crazy. He shook his head & opened the door. It was busy inside the ware house, he took the stairs & headed for Sonny's office.

Sonny was on the phone when he arrived. He waved Jason in & Jason walked to the window to look out, while he waited. He looked towards Elizabeth's studio. He could make out the darkness of the tree in the window, and he smiled to himself.

Sonny ended his conversation and leaned back in his plush chair. "So Jason, whats on your mind?"

Jason turned from the window, his arms crossed on his chest & sat on the window ledge. "Sonny"..he took a deep breath & continued, "Sonny we need to talk about Courtney."

"Courtney? What about Courtney?"

"She's been acting strange lately, I found pills in her purse-Doc said they were antidepressants, and.........."

"And what? !"

"And she called Elizabeth Webber, left a message on her machine that she was going to kill her, showed up at her studio & was just about to pull the trigger of a gun, that I didn't even know that she had, when I stopped her. The next day she didn't even remember that she had been there or what she had done. "

"What did she say about the pills?"

"Thats another thing, she doesn't talk about things normally. All she does is watch TV, & go shopping. I made dinner for us the other night, I asked her twice to join me so we could talk about this, but she only wanted to watch TV. She will only eat take out & leaves the house trashed."

Sonny sat in his chair staring at the wall above Jason's head.

"Sonny, Doc said this kind of depression can be hereditary...I don't know where to start....I need your help...please."

"Why don't you take her to the island, relax for a few weeks, maybe it will all blow over."

"Sonny, she needs help first. We need to get her help, then I can take her off to the island to relax. I want to take her to see a good psychiatrist and an M.D., see what kinds of medication she really needs, see if she needs it at all."

"She doesn't need a psychiatrist!" Sonny screamed at him. "All she needs is some attention. "

"Sonny! She needs this first! Hell, she had a gun! A gun I didn't even know she had! She was just about to shoot Elizabeth! She can't remember things that she does! She NEEDS HELP!" Jason was shouting when he was done. He crossed his arms & pinched his nose.

The room was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. Then Sonny spoke. "I gave it to her."

"What?"

"I gave her the gun. It was for protection, a long time ago."

"You gave her the gun?"

Sonny stood up and walked to his mini bar. "Do whatever you need to do. But take her to New York. Get her the best doctors. Let's keep this quiet."

"Carly knows"


"Why?''

"I asked her for some help, I asked her some questions. She spends a lot of time with her."

"So you were her breakfast date. I suppose she made you take her to that new doughnut place that I refuse to go to."

"Yeah. I really wish you would just let her have her junk food. You know she can't survive with out it"

"So, let me know when you leave. I'm getting the feeling that Tagliotti might ne trying to start something up. I'll need you here if it does."

Jason walked over to Sonny & shook his hand. "I'll let you know as soon as I can."

Jason left the ware house & headed to his bike. As her got on he had the feeling of dread. He had to go home & take care of his 'wife'.


Chapter 19


Jasons' ride back to the penthouse was short. Too short. He parked in his spot & slowly drug himself to the elevators. When he entered, he punched his floor number & leaned back against the wall. How he wished he was taking the stairs to Elizabeth's studio. He would give anything to be holding her in his arms right now, instead of going back to Courtney. He wished he had never let her leave that night, wished he had gone after her & begged for her forgiveness. Wished he had never listened to Sonny, & had told her about his faking his death. Wished he had thrown her on the back of his bike all those years ago & taken her to Italy.

The elevator dinged & the doors opened. He walked to his door & unlocked it. Going inside he noticed how clean his apartment looked. It hadn't looked this clean since Elizabeth had stayed here. He heard humming coming from the kitchen & headed there.

He found Leticia's cousin Maria putting the groceries away.

"Maria, the apartment looks great, Thank you!"

"Thank you Mr. Morgan."

"Something smells wonderful in here."

It is just a casserole for your dinner & some cookies too, It was all I had time to make today."

"If it tastes half as good as it smells, I'll eat the whole thing"

"Thank you Mr. Morgan."

Jason walked to the living room. No sign of Courtney. He took the stairs 2 at a time. She wasn't upstairs either. He went back down & out to the hallway to see who was guarding Sonny's door.

"Max"

"Jason"

"Have you seen Courtney today?"

"No, although I just came on a couple of hours ago".

"Thanks!"

Jason headed back to the kitchen. "Maria, have you seen Courtney today?"

"Yes Mr.Morgan. She was here when I arrived but she left a while ago. I saw her talking to a man in a car as I left to do the grocery shopping. She got in the car & left with him."

"Did you recognize the man?"

"No, I did not. But the car looked like one my father used to have. I think it was a Cougar, an older one from the 1970's. It was a little beat up."

"Thank you Maria."

Jason grabbed his jacket & rushed out to the hall. "Max, Maria saw her getting into a car a few hours ago, we need to get some men out on the street & start looking for her." He gave Max some of the information that Maria had told him.

Jason was in the elevator when he thought of Elizabeth. He said a silent prayer that Courtney wasn't there, and when the elevator door open sprinted to his bike, started it up & took off like the devil himself was chasing him.


Chapter 20




Elizabeth & Francis were enjoying a taco fest at her studio. Francis was walking around & admiring all of her paintings. "This one is incredible." Francis said. "My mother would really enjoy having an original painting for her birthday, would you consider painting something for me to give her?"

"Francis, you're mother wouldn't want that....would she?"

"Sure she would. It's something that she doesn't have, something unique that her son had done "just for her", something she could brag about at her weekly church meetings to all of her friends."

"Well, I suppose I could do something for her. Let me know what kind of a painting you think that she would like & we'll go from there."

"Elizabeth, there's something I've been wanting to ask you for a long time, I'm not sure what you will say, and if you think that I am totally off my rocker then just say so-OK?"

"OK Frannie"

"Are you and Jason ever going to get together ?"

"Francis ! You know that Jason is a married man. He would never leave Courtney. He is an honorable man, and he takes his vows seriously."

"OK then, would you ever consider going out with me?"

"Francis, you are a dear sweet man, and you know I love you , but not that way. I couldn't go out with one of my friends. Besides, you are Jason's friend too. I don't think that it would work out very well, do you?"

"No, you're right Elizabeth, I just thought that I would see what you thought. You're right. You are more of a sister to me than a girlfriend. It might be strange if we ever did." And you are still hung up on Jason, Francis thought. Would she ever be able to get over him? She was right, Jason would stay with the bleach-blond bimbo forever. He was honorable. Stupid-but honorable.

Francis took a bite of his taco & half of it fell on his shirt. "Oh great!"

"Frannie, take off your shirt & I'll try to get the grease stain out for you."

As he was unbuttoning his cuffs he looked at his watch. "Oh no! I forgot to call my mother today. She freaks if I don't call her everyday to say that I'm OK."

"Does she know what you do?" Asked Elizabeth.

"She know that I'm a bodyguard for Mr. Corinthos. I think I forgot to tell her what all is involved in that."

"Go in the bedroom & call her, I'll work on your shirt."

Francis headed for the bedroom to make his call. Elizabeth was in the kitchen trying to get the stain out when there was a pounding on her door.

Who in the world could that be, thought Elizabeth as she headed toward the door.

"Elizabeth !"

"Jason?..........Is that really you?"

"Yes.....May I come in ?"

Elizabeth unlocked the door & opened it, revealing a worried looking Jason.

"Elizabeth, are you OK ?"

"Yes , why ?"

"I was worried that Courtney might have come over here".
Just then Francis walks out of the bedroom.......shirtless.
"Liz, did you find my shirt?" Francis stops dead in his tracks. He sees Jason staring at him, and if looks could kill........

Francis doesn't know what to do, he wishes the floor would open up & swallow him. He'd much rather have that happen than to be killed by Jason.

Liz walks over to Francis & gives him his shirt. As she turns to face Jason she can't believe what she sees. Jasons face is turning red & she can see the stone mask in place on his face. She looks in his eyes & sees.... jealousy? Big bad Jason Morgan is jealous of Francis?

"Jason, are you OK ?"

Jasons teeth are slightly clenched & he answers" Of course I'm fine. I just wanted to check on you."

Francis grabs his shirt & says "Thanks for getting the taco stain out Liz. I've got to go visit my mom now". And stop by the church & light a candle for myself & say a few 'Hail Marys'. Francis got out of there as fast as he could.

Jason walked to the other side of the room & stopped in front of the Christmas tree. He stood admiring the tree. Elizabeth slowly walked up behind him. "It's a beautiful tree."

Slowly he turned around & looked at her. "Yeah, it is." Then he turned back to the tree. Afraid to look at her and see her face. Wondering if she had feelings for Francis. She had said she loved him, but here was Francis with his shirt off in her studio, coming out of her bedroom....

"Jason....Jason I know what you are thinking."

"How could you know what I was thinking?"

"Jason Morgan, I know you better than you know yourself. You were thinking that there is something going on between Francis & myself."

Jason turned & looked at her. His face had softened, but his eyes were sad.

"Jason there is nothing going on between us. We were having dinner & Francis the slob spilled taco on his shirt. You know how he is when he eats !"

Jason reached out to touch her face. "Jason I just told you the other day that I am in love with you. I always have been. And I think that I always will be."

Jason pulled her in for a hug & held her so close that she could hardly breathe. After a few minuted he slowly released his hold & ran his fingers up her neck & through her hair. Their eyes locked and they simply stared into the others eyes before Jason pulled her in for a kiss. A soft, gentle kiss that slowly turned into a deep, exploding kiss. Their mouths were hungry with desire for each other, their tongues dueled for control. Slowly Jason ended the kiss, he rested his forehead on hers. Oh how he wanted her. He wanted her now and forever. He would rather die at the hands of Tagliotti than spend the rest of his life being miserable with Courtney.

Jason hugged her close, then slowly moved away from her.

Elizabeth felt cold without Jason's arms around her so she wrapped her own around herself.

"I came over here to make sure that Courtney was'nt here. I was afraid that she might have come back."

"No, I haven't seen her since that night."

"I have to go & find her. She isn't stable. I'm afraid of what she might try to do."

"Thanks for checking on me Jason....I'll see you later."

"Yeah, see you later."

And with that Jason opened the door & stepped out into the hall, leaving his soul with Elizabeth & feeling like his heart had been trampled on with no way to ever repair it.

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter 21



Jason sat on his motorcycle trying to will himself to start it up & go look for Courtney. He felt like he had a hole where his heart should be. He hated leaving Elizabeth, but he knew he had to. Just then his phone rang.
"Morgan" he said brusquely.

"Jason are you OK?"

"Elizabeth? I'm fine, why?"

"Because I was watching you & you are just sitting there. I needed to know that you were OK."

"I was just wishing that I didn't have to leave you, that I could take you with me & leave Port Charles & all of the past behind."

"I wish that too Jason." "You better get going before I run down these steps & hop on the back of your bike."

"OK.........later".

"See you later Jason."

They both hung up their phones. Jason turned & waved to her, then started up his bike & drove off.

For the next two hours, Jason drove up & down the streets of Port Charles looking for Courtney or any car that looked like the one Maria had described. He occasionally stopped & called one of the other guys to see if they had found anything. No one had. They called it a night & Jason headed home to wait for his "wife" to appear.

Jason opened the door of his penthouse & stepped inside. He tossed his keys on the desk & hung his jacket on the chair just like he did every time he came home.

"Courtney?" He called out.

He climbed the stairs & looked to see if she was anywhere in the penthouse. He didn't find her so he headed to the kitchen.

In the kitchen he found a note from Maria thanking him for the job, and telling him what there was for his dinner.

Jason found coffee in a thermos, still hot & ready for him. A casserole, fresh rolls & cookies. In the fridge a fresh fruit salad. Jason heaped his plate with the great smelling food & sat at the kitchen table to enjoy his meal. When he was done, he placed his dishes in the dishwasher& refilled his coffee cup. He placed a few cookies on a plate & headed to the living room to wait for Courtneys return & do some paperwork.

Jason heard a knock on the door. It had woken him from a lite sleep. He opened the door to see a dressed to kill Elizabeth standing there. His jaw dropped down in awe of her. "Are you going to invite me in or let me stand in this drafty hall & catch a cold ?"

He opened th door wider to let her pass by. As she did she ran her fingernails over his chest, making him tingle on every spot she touched. She walked over to the patio door and opened it. She glanced over her shoulder to see if he was following her. He did. She stopped at the railing & looked out to the harbor. All of the lights were twinkling, as were the stars.

Jason spoke first, "Elizabeth, what are you doing here?"

"I was tired of waiting for you to come back, so I decided to come to you." She said as she turned to face him. She walked over to him & kissed him. His heart was beating as wa his manhood, throbbing with desire for her. She started to unhook her dress. His heart was beating louder, so loud her could hear it. As she removed her dress, his heart was.........banging?.......& he thought he could hear Sonnys voice?....................he closed his eyes, as he opened them he realized the banging was Sonny at the door.

"Jason! Are you in there! JASON!"

Jason looked at his watch as he rose from the couch. It wa 6:30 am. He groaned. It had all been a dream. Jason swore as he realized that & opened the door for Sonny.

"Jason, sorry to wake you, were you sleeping on the couch again?"

"I was waiting for Courtney to come home & I must have fallen asleep. "

"Is she home now?"

"I don't think so, I'm sure I would have woken up when she came home."

"You mean you never found her last night?"

"No."

"Why don't you go upstairs & check, I'll make some coffee, we have business to discuss".

Jason took the stairs 2 at a time, made the rounds of the rooms & finding no one, headed back down to the living room.
Sonny came out from the kitchen with a plate of the casserole. "Who made this?"
"Maria"

"Leticias cousin? I have to get her recipe." He turned & went back to the kitchen for the coffee.

Just then the door opened & Courtney walked in.
"Courtney! Where have you been?"

"None of your business!" She snapped. "You never tell me where you go when you leave on business".

"Courtney, we were out looking for you for hours, we were worried about you. Who did you leave with in that car?"

"Who told you about that!" She spat at him. "I was out with FRIENDS! NEW FRIENDS" She stared cursing at him & was reaching for the glass ashtray to throw at him when Sonny came into the room. She turned in an instant from sour to sweet. "Sonny , what are you doing here so early?"

"No Courtney the question is why are you coming in so late?"

She was close enough to both of them that they could smell the smoke, and men's cheap cologne, the liquor and most of all they could smell sex. She had been out having sex.

"Courtney why don't you go up & shower. Sonny & I have business to discuss."

She turned & headed up the stairs. They heard the door slam upstairs. "You get her help & get it soon."

"I already have appointments set up in the city, but we can't get in for a couple more days."

"Alright, come over in a bit & we'll get the business out of the way".

"OK".

Sonny turned & left, shaking his head & mumbling to himself.

Jason looked up the stairs & said a little prayer to get him through the next few days.



Chapter 22


Elizabeth rose early, feeling refreshed after a good nights sleep. She had a few errands to do, but most of the day she was going to spend painting. After a shower & breakfast she phoned Francis to ask what would be a good time to run some errands. They decided on a time & finished their conversation. Elizabeth was just finishing putting on her makeup when the phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Miss Webber--I mean Elizabeth, this is Benny & I have a list of some properties that I would like to take you to look at."

"My, Benny you sure do work fast. When would you like to look at them?"

"Would today work out for you? I know that you are wanting to get started as soon as possible."

"Today would work out fine Benny. What time and where?"

"How about if I buy you lunch at Kellys before we start. We'll need some fortification to look at all the properties I have."

"Sounds good, is noon OK?"

"Perfect Miss Web, I mean Elizabeth. I'll see you then."

"Thanks Benny!"

Elizabeth was so excited about this new start that she could hardly keep her mind on her errands. She chattered constantly, and almost drove Francis nuts.

At Kellys they met up with Benny and after a quick lunch started out to look at the list of properties. They made their way around town looking at the different buildings. All of them were nice, but none of them were what Elizabeth had in mind. Finally they headed for the last one on their list. It was an old restaurant & bar.

From the moment Elizabeth walked in the door she knew that this was the place. It was old, and had character. It had windows in the front & the back, which made for perfect lighting for the gallery & in the back for giving art lessons. It had large high walls, just made for displaying her paintings, & the bar part would make a great counter for helping her customers. The location was great & it had a storage area where the kitchen was. It was PERFECT!

"Benny this is it! This is the perfect place. Can I afford it? "

"You can afford anything you want Elizabeth."

She walked Benny & Francis around the rooms, explaining everything that she wanted to do, & what she would put where. "I'll have an architect give you a call, and you can tell him what you want, then we'll get a crew in to do the work, and clean it up." "Meanwhile you will have to start ordering supplies & hiring help. Get going on some advertising."

Elizabeth looked like a deer caught in headlights. "Don't worry, Benny & I will help you through everything." Francis said as he put a protective arm around her shoulder. "I'll even listen to you chatter about everything you want to do again!"

Playfully she punched him in the arm. "OK then lets get this building lease signed before someone else gets it. They left to head to Bennys office to sign papers & make some plans.


Back at the penthouse, Courtney was sleeping the day away, as usual, so Jason went to Sonnys to get their business done.

"Jason, I want you to put a 24/7 guard on Courtney. Keep her in the penthouse as much as possible."

"I already did, I thought you wanted to talk business?"

"I do. I hear that Tagliotti is starting to move some plans through. I hear he is having trouble getting some help in getting his drug shipments through. I'll need you to keep a watch on him as I hear more."

"I will. "

"OK, let me know when you are heading to the city. Take an extra bodyguard along to help with Courtney."

"I will. Anything else for now?''

"No, just keep an eye on Courtney".

Jason headed back to the penthouse, he check on Courtney & she was still sleeping. He had already decided that he would never be sleeping in her bed again so he started moving his things from her bathroom into the guest bath. Later he would move the rest of his things.

Jason needed a ride to clear his head. He left the penthouse & told the guard not to let Courtney out of the penthouse without calling him first. He headed for the parking garage & his bike. As he started his ride a million thoughts flowed through his head. He couldn't believe that she had been sleeping around on him. He decided that he needed to go to GH & get an AIDS test done first. Who knew how long this had been going on. Even thought they hadn't been making love much since their marriage those 6 months ago, there was always that chance that she had been doing this since before.

He pulled into the parking lot of the hospital and parked his bike. He headed in to lobby. All at once he had a thought that hit him like a ton of bricks. He stopped & turned to the wall. He pulled his fist back & hit the wall as hard as he could. Elizabeth........how could he have done this to her. The receptionist at the front desk called for security. as he rammed the wall again with his bloodied fist.


Just as the security officer arrived, a harried looking Monica came walking through the lobby on her way out. When she saw Jason sitting on the floor with a bloodied hand & his head in his hands she rushed over to him.

She assured the security that everything was fine, and she would take care of him. "Jason,....Jason look at me."
Slowly he raised his head & looked at her with blank eyes.

"Jason , it's me Monica."

He looked at her again & recognized her.

"Monica, I need your help".

"I'll help you. Have you been shot?"

"No", he slowly got to his feet with her help. He saw the holes in the wall & told her her would have someone come & fix it.

They took the elevator to her office, and once inside he sat in a chair while she perched herself on the edge of her deck in front of him. She waited for him to tell her what he needed from her. She would do anything for him. He knew that.

"I need an aids test & any of the others that you think that I should have."

"Jason , can you tell me why?"

"I found out that Courtney has been sleeping around. I don't know with how many people, or for how long. I just want to be safe."

"I'll do the tests myself. Follow me & we'll get started."

They left her office & headed to an exam room to start the battery of tests. While he lay there waiting he let himself again think of Elizabeth. How could he have been so thoughtless. He hadn't used any protection the night of their lovemaking. He hadn't even asked her is she needed him to use any. How stupid could he be. How thoughtless. He should be strung up & whipped. He always used protection.
He knew that it had been a spur of the moment thing the first time that night. But he still should have used his head & asked her. What about the other times that night. She was going to hate him. He prayed that he didn't have aids, prayed and prayed that he hadn't infected her. He didn't even know if she had any form of birth control. Oh he**, how could he stand the waiting. He wished Tagliotti would pull open the curtain right now & shoot him .

Monica came back in & told him it would be a couple of days until they got the test results back. Normally it would take a lot longer, but she had pulled some strings. "How is your hand doing?"
He looked at his bandaged hand & flexed it. "Fine, thanks for fixing it up. And thanks for doing the tests so quickly."

He got up off the exam table & gave her a quick hug. It meant the world to her. She knew she shouldn't hug him back, knew it would only make him leave quicker.

He gave her a quick kiss on her cheek, and moved away from her. "I'll call you as soon as I get the results in."

"Thanks........Mom. I'll talk to you later."

He left the hospital & rode home. No time for a ride now. He would wait until he got back his results before he worried Elizabeth.

Chapter 23



Jason's elevator ride to the penthouse floor was not long enough. As he approached his door he noticed the guard was not there. He entered the penthouse & called out for Courtney. No answer. As he headed for the stairs, Maria came from the kitchen.

"Mr. Morgan?"

"Yes, it's me Maria."

"Your wife, she told me that I was fired, but I told her you hired me & only you can fire me. Leticia told me that."

"Maria, you are not fired. My wife is going through a difficult time right now. Please forgive her for anything that she says or does until she is back to normal."

"I will Mr. Morgan. I will get back to cooking dinner now, Thank You!"

"Thank you Maria. Do you happen to know where my wife is now?"

"All that I know is that she was mad when she wanted to leave & the guards wouldn't let her go."

"Gracias Maria."

Maria headed back to the kitchen & Jason picked up the phone to call Max.

"This is Max."

"Max it's Jason, are you with Courtney?"

"Johnny & I are following her now. She put up quite a ruckus when I told her she couldn't go out alone, so we said she could leave, but we followed her from a distance."

"OK, keep an eye on her & give me a call if you need me."

"Will do Jason"

Jason hung up the phone & decided to head up & shower away the days grime. He wanted to get the hospital smell off of him. He hated hospitals. He climbed the stairs & decided to move his things from the master bedroom to the guest room first, since Courtney was gone.

After moving everything, which didn't take long, since he didn't have a lot of stuff, he headed for a long, hot shower. He soaked his hand & washed off some of the blood. After his shower he re-bandaged his hand & dressed in a clean pair of jeans & a light blue T-shirt. As he descended the stairs he could smell dinner. It sure was nice to come home to a clean apartment, with clean clothes & a home cooked meal.

Jason went to the kitchen & Maria fixed him a plate of food.

"Is there anything else you need before I leave for the night Mr. Morgan?"


"No Maria, I just need to thank you for the wonderful job that you are doing here. I really appreciate everything that you do, and again please pay no attention to whatever Courtney says or does."

"Good evening Mr. Morgan."

"Good bye Maria".

Jason had just finished his meal, when his cell phone started to ring.

Meanwhile, on the other side of town, somewhere on Cortland street...................



Johnny & Max are sitting outside a nondescript building in their black sedan waiting for Courtney to come back out & trying to decide if they should go in and look for her.

"You are her bodyguard Max, you should go in."

"But Johnny my man, you have a way with the ladies."

"OK, let's both go in & see what we can find out."

They walked into the building, unsure of what exactly they would find. There were a few people standing around & they could hear loud noise pulsating from behind another door. As they entered the next room the loud music mixed with smoke & noise & lots of lights, told them that this was not an ordinary bar. They turned towards the stage & saw 3 dancers on it, gyrating & stripping of their clothes, piece by piece.

"OH MY G**" Johnny said as his mouth hung open.

"Holy crap" said Max. There in nothing but some pasties & a thong, was Courtney.

"You've got to call Jason"

"Why me?!" Max said.

"Because YOU are her body guard"

"Not by choice!"

"You call Jason & tell him to get his a** down here pronto. Don't tell him what she is doing. Just tell him we found her & need his help. "

"Fine! Jason is so going to owe me!"

Max walked out of the bar/strip club to the outside where the noise level was better to make his call. He was praying that Jason wouldn't answer when he heard the familiar ...

"Morgan"

"Hey Jason, it's Max. We've got Courtney here & we need your help,.....nothing's wrong we just need you to come down here & help us with her." He wiped the sweat that had formed on his brow.

"Where are you?"

"1032 Cortland street. Can you come ASAP?" Please he thought to himself.

"I'll be right there"

Max hung up his phone. If there was ever a time that he wished he could trade places with someone else that time would be now.

He headed back in to tell Johnny that Jason was on his way, and then headed back outside to wait for him to arrive. He really didn't want to tell Jason that his wife was stripping. Din't want to have to stand inside & watch her strip either. Johnny had already told him that he owed him big for helping and also for having to watch Courtney strip. None of the body guards liked her. She did have big boobs, but that was it.

Jason pulled up on his bike in record time. Parked it & walked over to Max. "What's the problem?"

Max walked over to the door & opened it for Jason to go inside.





Chapter 24



Jason entered the building while Max held the door for him. Once inside he could hear the music. He pushed open the inner door that led to the club area. The music was so loud he couldn't hear what Johnny was saying to him. Johnny held out his jacket for Jason to take & pointed to somewhere behind him.

As Jason turned around he had no idea what to expect. He hadn't had time to look around & check the area as he was used to doing. There up on stage, in all her glory, was Courtney. She was gyrating to the music. She couldn't strip anymore because there was nothing left to strip. Boy, had she learned a lot since her former days of stripping.

Jason reached for Johnny's coat & leaped up on the stage. He wrapped the coat around her & led her out to the back of the stage. They stopped in front of the dressing rooms. Max & Johnny were right behind him, holding back the owner who was trying to get to "Daisy".

"Hey! Leave my dancer alone, you can't manhandle her!"

"Your dancer is my Wife!"

"So, I don't care if she's married. I pay her by the night, & she still has half a night to go."

"Well Mr. Strip club owner, if you don't care who's wife she is, maybe you'll care who her brother is. Do you know Sonny Corinthos?"

"Uh,...of course, everyone knows who he is."

"Then consider this her final dance".

Jason pulled out his cell & called for another car to pick them up. He tossed Johnny his bike keys. He drug a screaming Courtney out the back door. In no time a car was there to take them home.

Back inside a greasy haired man with an eagle tattoo came running backstage, and ran out the door after them. He beat on the windows as the car took off.

"Hey man, that guy just kidnapped my girlfriend. Someone call the cops!"

"He kidnapped your what?!" Johnny said.

"My girlfriend."

"Is that what you and all your friends call all the strippers?"

"NO Man! She's my girlfriend...for real!"

Johnny & Max looked at each other. Max groaned & ran his hand over his face.

"So how long has she been your girlfriend? ....A couple of hours?"

"No man, a couple of months! Are you going to call for the cops or not?"

"Tell you what, why don't you come with us & we'll help you find your girlfriend, OK?"

Max & Johnny led the way around to the front where the car & Jason's bike were parked. They helped him in & Max took off. Johnny followed behind on the bike as Max led the way to the warehouse.

Back in the car Courtney was fuming & Jason wasn't saying anything. He was waiting to get back to the penthouse before he 'talked' to her. Jason led her out of the car & to the elevator, they rode up in silence. As soon as they were inside the penthouse she started yelling at him again.

Jason told her to sit down & be quiet, be she refused. She got up & started to throw things & curse at him. Sonny & Carly were just getting off the elevator when they heard the ruckus. They went over to their friends & started banging on the door. Jason came over & opened it.

Sonny couldn't believe what he was seeing.. there was Courtney in nothing but her thong & pasties with pool balls in her hand, she had been throwing them at Jason,.

"COURTNEY!" Sonny screamed at her. She stopped & looked at him.

"WHAT!"

Carly went over to her & put the coat she had been wearing around Courtney's shoulders.

"Let's sit down OK honey"

Courtney went with Carly to the couch & sat down.

"What in the world is going on in here?" Sonny screamed.

Jason the man of very few words answered. "Do you want to tell him Courtney? Or should I?"

"Go ahead and tell him your little story, he won't believe you!"

Sonny looked at her then back to Jason. He waited for an answer.

"Max & Johnny followed her tonight when she made a fuss about staying home. They followed her over to Cortland street. They found her stripping in a club over there."

Sonny turned & looked at her. Just then Jason's cell rang.

"You've got who?! Oh really. Yeah keep him there, I'll be over in a bit."

Jason turned back to the group. "That was Johnny. He & Max have an interesting visitor over at the ware house. He claims that he is Daisy's boyfriend."

"Carly will you help her clean herself up & put her to bed. Call Doc if she won't settle down. Jason & I are going over to the warehouse. This sounds interesting".


Chapter 25


Elizabeth stretched from her seat on the couch. She stifled a yawn and rubbed her eyes. She had been reading the "How To Start Your Own Business" book that Jason had given her. It was very informative, but still a little on the dry side.

She was thinking of making some hot chocolate when she heard a motorcycle approaching. Could it be Jason? It sure sounded like his bike. Elizabeth walked over to the window and looked out. It was dark outside, but she was sure that it was his bike. The rider got off , but she could tell it wasn't Jason. The build and stature was different than Jason. She watched the rider walk over to a parked car and open up the back door. Someone else got out of the drivers side. Together they "helped" the passenger out of the car and into the warehouse.

Elizabeth ran over to the light switch by the door and turned off the studio lights. Quickly she ran back to the window. Now she knew why Jason used her studio to hide out in. It had such a good vantage point for keeping an eye on the warehouse.

She sat there for a few minutes with nothing happening below. It was dark outside with only the lights in the warehouse parking lot to see by. A few minutes later she saw another car pull up. The back door opened and someone got out of the car. She could tell it was Jason. She could feel that it was Jason. She saw him scan the area and then look up towards her studio window. Even in the dark their eyes locked. She could feel his gaze locking on her. He knew she was there, watching them. Another person got out of the back, Elizabeth could tell that it was Sonny. They headed into the warehouse.

Inside the warehouse, "Daisy's" little boyfriend was sitting in a hard, straightbacked chair with his hands tied behind him. Johnny & Max were standing around him joking with each other about his girlfriends husband. Telling him how jealous he was, and asking him if he knew who "Daisy's" husband and brother were. They asked him if he was just stupid for not knowing who he was or if he just had a death wish.

Sonny and Jason entered the room and stopped and stared at the man. Sonny asked Jason if he had ever seen him before. Jason stood there with his arms crossed and answered "No". Two more bodyguards appeared behind Sonny and Jason. Sonny approached the man and looked at him.

"Max....."
"Yeah Boss?"
"Where did you find this piece of trash?"
"At a strip club over on Cortland street."

As Sonny questioned Max he circled around the man, looking him over.

"So why did you bring back trash to my warehouse?"
"He claimed Mr. Morgan had kidnapped his girlfriend. We told him we would help him look for her."

"And have you located his girlfriend yet?"
"No Sir, we thought maybe you would like to have a talk with him first."

Sonny stopped circling the man, who was by now sweating profusely. "So, who are you?"
"I don't have to tell you anything."
"You're right. You don't HAVE to tell me anything, but I think it would be in you best interest to start talking now !"

The man didn't say anything. Sonny nodded to Max.
"HEY ! Do you have any idea who you are disrespecting?"
The man just looked at him. Max continued, "This is Mr. Corenthos......Mr. Sonny Corenthos."

The mans eyes widened and you could see the fear in them. "THE Sonny Corenthos?"
Sonny answered "The one and only. Now didn't you say that you had some answers that you were dying to tell us? Or maybe you are new to town and you would like my associate Mr. Morgan to show you around. Maybe some of the places you havn't seen yet? Some of the more obscure places."

"NO, NO, I'll talk, I'll talk. What do you want to know?"
"How long have you been associated with Courtney Morgan?"
"I don't know any Courtney Morgan."
"OK, let's try this again. What is the name of your girlfriend?"
"Da.." he stopped and cleared his throat. "Daisy Duke."

"Daisy Duke. Now that's a pretty name. Sounds familiar doesn't it boys?"

Johnny and Max were snickering. Jason didn't know what they were talking about. He just stood there waiting for Sonny to continue.
"So how long have you known Miss Duke?"

"I..I..I'm not sure. About 5 months , although I had seen her at the club before that."

"How long has she been stripping at that club?"

"About....I don't know, maybe 8 or 9 months."

"How long has she been your girlfriend?"

"Two months."

"Did you sleep together before she was your girlfriend?"

"No.''

"Has she had any other boyfriends that you know of ?"

"HEY MAN...Why are you asking me all these questions? Why aren't you asking her these questions? I know that you have her, because he is the one that I saw take her from the club." He looked at Jason.

Jason walked over to the man and grabbed him by his shirt. "Because MR. CORENTHOS is asking YOU, that's why !"
Jason released the man, went back to his corner, crossed his arms again and waited.

"So, back to my earlier question. Did she have any other boyfriends before you that you knew about?"

"Yeah, I knew a couple of her other boyfriend."

"How many did she have?"

"I'm not sure, 3 or 4."

"Were you aware that she has a husband?"

"Yes."

"And that didn't stop you from sleeping with her?"

"No, her old man is never around. Always out of town on business or working late. She said she has her life and he has his."

"Do you know who her husband is?"

"Not his name, she said he was an old geezer, lots of money and no time for her."

"Well, have you ever heard of Jason Morgan?"

"That's him over there isn't it?"

"Yeah, that's him. Do you know WHO Jason Morgan is?"

"He works for you doesn't he?"

"Yes he does..Do you know what he does?"

"N..N..No" he barely managed to get out.

"Well Mr. Morgan just happens to be your girlfriends husband. AND...I just happen to be her brother. Get the picture?"

Yes Mr. Corenthos."

"And since you had been so cooperative this evening, and you will assure me that nothing heard or said in this room tonight will ever be retold, I will dismiss you. BUT...If I hear that you have been talking I will have Mr.Morgan personally take you for a ride in his boat and show you the sights of the harbor. Are we clear?"

"Yes Mr. Corenthos."

"And .....you will stay away from his wife. Got it?"

"Yes Mr. Corenthos."

"Johnny, take the trash out to the curb will you?"

"Sure thing boss."

Elizabeth was thinking that nothing else was going to happen tonight. She had been sitting here o n the window seat for 45 minutes, and no one had gone in or come out of the warehouse.

She was just about to get up when she saw the door open. Max & Johnny appeared and they "helped" the passenger into the car. They got in too and off they went. Jason and Sonny were still inside.

In the warehouse Jason and Sonny were both fuming. How could she have done this? How could they all have missed any signs?

"I want you to take her to the city tomorrow. Keep her there until you get her help."

"I will." Jason wanted to yell at Courtney. He wanted to scream at Sonny. He wanted to tell them both that this sham of a marriage was over. He wanted a divorce, even though he had taken vows to take care of her, she had broken those vows both before and after their marriage. But he would honor those vows and take care of her in sickness and in health. Their marriage would never be the same. Even if she was sick and possibly didn't know what she was doing, he would never be able to love her again.

"Jason?"

Jason shook himself out of his thoughts. "Yeah?"

"Let's head back and talk to Courtney."

"OK."

Jason led the way out to the car. He scanned the area first before Sonny left the building. He looked up at Elizabeth's studio. He could feel her there, still watching and waiting. Sonny came out and got in the car. As Jason got in the car he gave her a quick, short wave. Elizabeth saw it and breathed a sigh of relief.

Elizabeth decided that she had better get to bed. She had a full day tomorrow, first she had a meeting with Benny and the architect, and then a short lunch shift at Kelly's.

Back at the penthouse and exhausted Jason opened the door followed by an angry Sonny. Carly was sitting on the couch flipping through a magazine.

"Where's Courtney?" Sonny asked.

"She's asleep. I had the doctor come over. He gave her a sedative. He was sure that she would sleep until noon tomorrow."

"OK. Let's leave Jason alone. Get some sleep man, and we'll be home if you need us."

Carly gave Jason a hug and followed Sonny out the door. Jason went up to check on Courtney. She was snoring loudly and was sound asleep. He shook his head, when had things gone so wrong? He knew the answer to that. The day that he had let Elizabeth walk out of the door.

He needed to clear his head. He headed downstairs and grabbed his jacket and keys. Outside he told the guard on duty that he was going for a ride and to Courtney woke to call him.
Down in the garage he got on his bike. One of the guards had brought it back for him. He headed out of the garage and to the open road. He tried to clear his head by going fast. It wasn't working. He knew he didn't need a ride. what he really wanted, No, what he really needed was Elizabeth. He turned the bike around and headed for her arms.

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter 26


Elizabeth was lying in bed, waiting for sleep to come. She was having a hard time, she had the nagging feeling that something was wrong. Jason had said that there might be something going down, something to do with a Tagliotti. She hoped everything was OK. She thought that she heard Jason's bike. She hopped out of bed and peered out of the window. No bike in sight. "It must be wishful thinking."

She climbed back into bed, and was adjusting her covers when the phone rang. She looked at the clock, "Who would be calling me at 10:30 at night?" She slowly picked up the phone. "Hello?"
"Hi."
"Jason? Are you OK?"
"Yes."
"Where are you?"
"Standing outside your door."
Elizabeth ran to the door with the phone in her hand. She looked through the peephole and sure enough it was Jason! She unlocked the door and looked at him. They both hung up their phones.
"Why didn't you just knock?"
"Because I didn't want to scare you by knocking so late at night."
"It's not that late."
"It's too late for you to be answering your door."
Elizabeth stepped aside for Jason to enter the room. Jason's shoulders were sagging and he looked tired. She knew that something was wrong. She led him over to the couch and made him sit down.

"Now, tell me the truth, are you OK?"

"No, not really."

"Can you tell me what's wrong?"

"I need a ride, do you want to come along?"

She could tell that he needed to talk, but in his own time.
"Sure, give me one minute ." She ran to the bedroom and was back before he knew it. Her hair hung loose around her face. That was the way he liked it the best. She had dressed in a thin, pink sweater tucked into soft form fitting jeans. She had on her boots and was grabbing her jacket from the hook by the door.
"Ready."
"Let's go then." He gently took her hand in his and they walked silently down the hall and out into the night.

He led her over to the bushes where he had parked his bike from anyones view. "I thought I heard your bike, no wonder when I looked out I couldn't see it."

He handed her the helmet and got on the bike. She strapped on the helmet and got on behind him. He had started to feel a little better when he heard her answer the phone. When she opened the door and looked in his eyes, he felt even better. When she took his hand and when she got on the bike, he knew he would be OK. But when she put her arms around him, he thought he would surely burst.
Jason didn't ask her where she wanted to go, he just took off and headed for the cliff roads, with a smile on his face, he was already seeing the wind.

Sonny stormed into the penthouse with Carly right behind him, He walked over to the mini bar and stood there with one hand on his hip and the other he ran over his face. Carly headed towards the stairs and stopped and watched him. He poured himself a drink and downed it. He grimaced at the taste as it burned it's way down his throat. He added ice to the glass and poured himself another. Carly walked over to him and gently put her arms around him.

"Do you want to talk about what happened tonight?"

"No."

"Will you want to talk about it later?"

"Maybe, but not tonight. Why don't you head up to bed and I'll be there later."

"Why don't you come up now and I'll make you feel all better?"

"Go. I'll be up later."

"Sonny, don't go there. None of this is your fault. None of us could see it happening."

"I SHOULD HAVE SEEN IT HAPPENING. I'VE BEEN THERE."

"Sonny it's different than you. Sometimes you can't see the forest because of all the trees."

Sonny turned and looked at her. "When did you get so poetic?"

"I don't know, I heard it somewhere. Now come on. Jason will get her help and everything will be fine. You'll see. Let's go to bed."

"OK." Sonny said with a wicked grin. "Remember you promised to make me feel all better, and I'm going to hold you to it."

He swatted her bottom and she let out a little squeal and ran ahead of him up the stairs.


Jason slowed the bike and brought it to a stop. Elizabeth looked around and realized that they were at Vista Point. Jason got off the bike and reached for the helmet. She took it off and gave it to him. He held out his hand to her and helped her off the bike. He pulled on her hand and he led the way to the overlook.

Jason leaned his forearms on the railing and looked over at the twinkling lights of Port Charles. He sighed heavily. Elizabeth came up behind him and enveloped him in a a hug. She didn't say anything, just waited for him to talk, if he wanted to.

"I saw you watching the warehouse tonight. You know that's not a safe thing to do."

"I know, but I heard your bike and thought it was you. Then I realized it wasn't and I was already to engrossed to stop. No one could see me in the dark."

"I could."

"I could feel you before I saw you get out of the car..........Is something going on? Is the man you told me about starting something?"

"No, something happened tonight with Courtney."

"Is she OK?"

"She is and she isn't."

Elizabeth was quiet and just waited for Jason to go on.
"I don't know if I want to talk about this or not."

"I'm here if you do, and I'm here if you don't."
Jason let out another sigh and grabbed her hand. He held it in his and slowly looked at it. He started to walk away from the railing and tugged her along with him. They walked over to the bench where just a few days earlier they had professed their love for each other. He waited for her to sit and then sat down next to her.

"Courtney has been doing a lot of strange things lately. Acting strange, sleeping during the day a lot. The stunt she pulled with you. She had a gun and I didn't even know it. I found several kinds of pills in her purse. They were antidepressants. She flies off the handle at anything. I think that she might be a little crazy, just like Sonny."

Elizabeth took both of his hands in hers and squeezed them gently, just enough to tell him she understood.

"I'm taking her to the city tomorrow. I have some doctor appointments for her. I have to help her get well."

They sat in silence for a few minutes. Jason squeezed her hands back and then let them go. He got off of the bench and started to pace.

"Johnny and Max followed her. They found her stripping in a club over on Cortland Street. I went and got her. After we left a man claiming to be her boyfriend tried to get Max and Johnny to call the cops, he thought that I had kidnapped her. He told them that "Daisy" was his girlfriend. Had been for a couple of months. Sonny and I were at the warehouse questioning him. That's when you saw us. He told us that he knew she had been stripping for at least 8 months. He knew she had had at least 3 or 4 other boyfriends before him."

Jason walked back to Elizabeth and sat down beside her. "She was doing all of this before we were even married."

A few tears escaped Elizabeth's eyes. Not for what was happening to Courtney, but for what Courtney had done to Jason.

Jason pinched the bridge of his nose. When he looked over at Elizabeth she could see a few tears of his own had fallen. She reached over and wiped them away. Then she wiped her own.

"What can I do to help you?" She asked.

"Nothing. Just being here to listen to me is enough. As soon as I heard your voice, saw your face, and felt your touch, I knew that was all the help that I would need tonight."

They sat again in silence, holding hands and looking at the stars. Jason broke the silence.
"We are leaving tomorrow for the city. I don't know how long we will be gone."

"If you need me will you call me? I'll listen to whatever you need to say."

"I know you'll always be there for me Elizabeth. I promise that I'll call you if I need someone to listen to me."

Elizabeth reached over and hugged him tight. She shivered slightly, she didn't know if it was form the cold or from being held by Jason.

"I better get you back home where it's warm."
And with that he pulled her up and walked slowly back to the bike with their arms around each other.


Chapter 27


Jason took a shortcut back to town and they were back at Elizabeth's studio before they knew it. As always he helped her off the bike and took her helmet.

"Can I interest you in a cup of coffee?"

"No, I really should get back. But let me walk you up, OK?"

"OK."
He took her hand and together they climbed the stairs to her studio. Jason stood silently by as she unlocked the door.

"Are you sure you don't want something to drink?"

Jason looked at her longingly. He didn't want to leave the safety of her arms just yet.

"You know, I might even have a beer or two in the fridge."

"OK, you talked me into it."
They entered the studio and Elizabeth turned on some lights.

"Have a seat and I'll get you that beer."

Jason walked over to the couch while she headed to the kitchen for the beer. As he started to sit down he caught a glimmer of something out of the corner of his eye. It was the shimmer of the ornaments hanging from 'their' tree. He walked over to the tree and fingered the ornament. He remembered their first ride together, and how he knew from that moment on that she would be the only person he would ever give rides to again. He had even stopped giving Emily rides.

He turned around when he heard her come back in the room.
"Sorry it took so long." She said as she handed him the bottle.

"Thanks!" She led the way over to the couch and sat down. Jason followed her. She could tell he was still deeply troubled.

"You know Jason, you are not the only person that Courtney knows."

Jason looked at her quizzically.

"Sonny is her brother, and Carly seems to be her best friend these days.I bet neither one of them noticed the change in her either. You can't bear the burden of the world on your shoulders, at least not all of the time."

Jason thought about what she was saying and realized she was right.

"I know that we have talked about this before, but I'm going to tell you again. I started all of this by walking out of your door without even giving you a chance to explain.From then on we both made mistakes. The biggest mistake I made was getting involved with Rick. Just like Courtney he was there for me. Wanting me and listening to me. That's what I needed then. But he was just using me. Using me to get to Sonny. He married me to hurt you. His lover pushed me down the stairs and poisoned me,trying to kill me. He paid off doctors to tell me I couldn't have any more babies. He kidnapped Carly. He almost killed me by O.D'ing me with birth control pills.And do you know what? I still thought that I owed him. I still thought that I loved him. And it was the hardest thing I had to do when I left him."

Jason had a few tears slide down his face. "You know if I hadn't listened to Sonny, and I had told you about him faking his death, none of this would have ever happened."
"no Jason, we both made mistakes. Maybe it was meant to be this way. Maybe we needed to go through all of this to appreciate what we had. Please don't cry for me."

They embraced, and they sat that way for awhile.

"I really should go."

"Are you sure ? You're welcome to stay."

"I would really like that but I need to get going." He got up from the couch and slowly headed for the door. Elizabeth followed, wishing she could make him feel better. He unlocked the door and opened it. As he started to leave he stopped.

"Jason are you OK?"

He slowly turned around and his voice choked as he said "I really don't want to go."

Elizabeth gently pulled him back into the room and shut and locked the door. "Come on. let me take care of you tonight."

She took his hand and pulled him along behind her, shutting off the lights as she went. When they entered the bedroom, she gently pushed him down to sit on the bed. She took his coat and laid it on the chair. She knelt before him, removing his boots, and set them next to the chair. She stood and pulled down the comforter. As she moved back to him, she took his hands and pulled him up, moved him over and made him lay down. She covered him up and kissed his cheek.

He watched her as she walked around the bed to the other side. She removed her boots and lay down beside him. As she took him in her arms he quietly said "Thank you for all of this. I love you Elizabeth."

"I love you too. Now get some rest." She pulled his head into her shoulder and stroked his hair until he fell asleep.

Just as the dawn was starting, Jason awoke. He had changed positions in the night, and now he was wrapped around Elizabeth. She still fit so perfect in his arms. He kissed her head and ran his hands up and down her back. Slowly she awakened.

"I have to go. I don't want to, but I have to."

"I know. You take care of yourself too ! Do you hear me?!"

"Yes, I will."

"And you'll call if you need to talk?"

"Yes."

He rose from the bed and grabbed his coat and boots. She watched as he put them on. Elizabeth got up and walked over to here he sat and held out her hand. He took it and stood. They walked to the door and hugged goodbye. He gave her a gentle kiss. But when he looked in her eyes and saw all of the love pouring out of them, he had to kiss her again. This kiss held all the love and desire he had for her. It also held a hint of promise for her. As it ended he rested his forehead on hers. When she looked up at him he gave her lips one last brush of a kiss and said, "See you later."
"Yeah, later."

He slowly turned and started to walk away. He stopped and turned, "Remember to lock the door."
He smiled his Jason smile, that he showed only to her. She smiled back and shut the door. He waited until her heard the locks and slowly walked down the hall and back into the real world.

Jason drove from Elizabeth's, to a safe house. A shower and a change of clothes and he was headed back to his penthouse. He nodded to the guard on duty and entered. It was quiet. The place was clean and for once Courtney wan't asleep on the couch with the TV blaring. He went into the spotless kitchen and said a little prayer for sending him Maria. There were muffins for breakfast and the coffee was ready to be made. He turned on the coffeemaker and headed to the guest room to pack a bag for the trip.

After a quick breakfast and some more coffee, he sat down at his desk to do some long neglected paperwork.

At around 8 am, Sonny came knocking at the door. Jason let him in and offered him coffee. When he returned to the living room, Sonny was seated on the couch waiting.

"So, how did it go last night?"

"Fine, no problems."

"Really? How would you know that?"

Jason looked at him, trying to figure out what he was driving at.

"Just say what you want to know Sonny."

"How would you know everything was fine last night? You weren't even here."

Jason looked at him. Elizabeth had been right all along. Sonny didn't respect him. He hadn't in a long time. He only used him. Most days he felt more like Sonny's errand boy than his partner. They hadn't been friends in a long time.

"I needed a ride. You now how I am. I just needed to get away and clear my head."

"Where did you go?"

"I told you, for a ride."

"Did you stop anywhere?"


This was going a little far, Jason thought. It really was none of Sonny's business. "Yeah, I stopped for a beer."

"Is that all?"

"I went for a ride, I stopped for a beer, I stopped at a safe house and I slept !" Not in that particular order he thought, but he wasn't lying.

"What do you want from me Sonny ! ?" Jason's voice was getting louder, as was Sonny's.

"I want to know why you were out all night when you should have been here, taking care of my sister !"

"Because I needed some time to think through all of the information that you sister's boyfriend gave us tonight ! I needed to get away by myself. She was fine ! She was sedated, she never even missed me. The guard had instructions to call me if she woke up !"

The door opened and in walked Carly. "Hey guys, what's with all of the noise?"
They both looked angrily at each other. "Sonny's mad because I went for a ride last night to clear my head. Courtney's boyfriend gave us an awful lot of information and I needed to think it through. He thought I should have been here playing nursemaid to his sedated sister !"

Sonny lunged at Jason, but the guard had been standing inside the door and moved in the nick of time to stop him.
"Do you want a piece of me Sonny ? It's been a long time since YOU had to throw a punch. I do it all the time"

"That's enough! YOu promised to take care of her, and you WILL take care of her!"

"Guys please ! Sonny you know that sometimes the only way Jason can sort things out is to take a ride. And Doc guaranteed that she'd sleep through the night. Leave him alone. He has a lot to deal with right now."

Jason gave her a look of thanks and she winked back at him.

"Sorry man, I guess I was a bit out of line."
Jason nodded at him. "Carly would you do me a favor and pack a suitcase for Courtney. I want to be ready to go as soon as possible."

"Sure, I'd be glad to. I'll go and do it now if you two promise to behave while I'm gone."

"I have to go anyway, I have some work to do at the warehouse. Good luck man, take care of her and call us."

"OK, call me if you need me or if you hear anything on Tagliotti. And with that Sonny turned and left.




Chapter 28



Elizabeth had been up since Jason left that morning. She was finishing her makeup when she suddenly remembered that she hadn't given Jason her new cell number. She had gotten it changed when she left Rick.
She picked up her phone and dialed Jason's cell. It rang and rang, Elizabeth started to leave a message but suddenly changed her mind. She'd try again in a bit.

Jason was so angry! How could Sonny treat him this way ! After all the years of loyal service, forsaking any kind of life of his own! I ought to just walk away, he thought. But he knew if he did he probably would'nt live to see another day. He needed to punch Sonny's face in, but he figured he better settle for a punching bag.
Jason told the guard on duty where he was going & headed down in the elevator. What a way to start the day.

Elizabeth had been trying Jason's cell every 5 minutes for the last half an hour. Francis showed up early to pick her up with danish and his paper.
"Francis, have you talked to Jason today?"

"No, why have you heard something?"

"No, I have been calling his cell for 30 minutes and he hasn't answered. And he ALWAYS answers his phone. Always. Is something happening with business?"

"Not that I know of. Let me check with the office & see if anyone knows whats going on."

Francis made a couple of phone calls and found out Jason was at the gym. He thought it was odd that if Jason wasn't hiding in an alley somewhere, that he had not answered his phone.
"I found out he is at the gym."

"Is he OK? After last night I needed to check on him and make sure."

"Why? What happened last night?"

"You mean you havn't heard?"

"I hate this part of the business, I never hear the gossip anymore."

"Well I love you too Frannie! "

"No, I like guarding you Liz, I just miss knowing what's going on."

"Well I can't tell you. You'll have to ask one of the 'ladies' back at your little gossip club what's going on. Now, can you take me to see Jason?"

"Do you have time before your meeting?"

"Yes, and I'd make time if I didn't."

They headed out the door & Elizabeth grabbed her purse and new briefcase, a gift from Benny, and a paper shopping bag. Francis drove to an unmarked building not too far from her studio. Francis helped her out of the car and into the building. He had her wait until he had talked to the gym manager. He led her through a door in a semi dark room It was lit with spotlights throughout the room and was scattered with punching bags. There were benches and tables with towels on them. It was quiet except for one lone boxer & the rhythmic sound of boxing gloves hitting the bag.

Francis led her to the middle of the room. He motioned for her to stay there. He crossed to the boxer & slowly made his way around to face the man.

"Jason." Francis said quietly. Jason was lost in his own world.
"Jason." He said louder. Jason hardly looked up at him.

"What do you want Francis?" Jason said angrily. He never stopped the boxing.

Francis took a step back & motioned for Liz to come around. She walked slowly over & stood in front of Jason.
"Jason" She said softly. Jason stopped the boxing & looked up at her. The hate and anger in his eyes faded away as soon as he saw her.

"Jason, are you OK?"
Jason looked defeated and Elizabeth took his glove encased hand & took him over to a bench. They sat down and Elizabeth grabbed a few towels from the stack beside her. She wiped his face, his neck and chest. She wiped his arms. She draped a dry towel around his shoulders, and towel dried his hair.
She lay a towel on her lap and started to unlace his gloves. He started to shake his head no, and she realized he was hurt. "Jason did you reopen the wound on your hand?"

He just looked at her. Slowly she removed the glove and saw the indeed he had. She wiped the blood and sweat away and wrapped it up in the towel. She removed his other glove and looked at him.

"What's wrong Jason?"

"Sonny"

"Did something happen to Sonny?"

"No, but I wanted it to."

"Jason?"

"Sonny came over and chewed me out this morning for not being home last night. Things got loud and he started to take a punch at me. I wanted to hit him back, but I knew if I did he'd end up dead, and eventually so would I."

"Oh Jason." You could hear the sadness in her voice.

"You were right all along. Sonny never had any respect for me or our friendship. I should have realized it sooner. Especially when I found out he had slept with Carly."

"Jason......I'm sure Sonny is sorry for what he did and said. You have always been the one to forgive him. Can you give him one more chance. You don't want to throw it away so quickly do you?"

Jason just sat there and thought about what she was saying.

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why are you here?"

"I needed to check on you and see if you were OK after everything that happened last night. Also when I tried to call you, you never answered you cell. I thought that was really strange. You always pick up when it rings. ALWAYS ! I can't tell you how many times I wanted to throw that thing in the harbor. It interrupted us way too many times."

Jason smiled at that, he too remembered the times they were about to kiss when his cell had rung.

"Also, I needed to give you my new cell number. I didn't think that you had it. And I brought you my personal CD player and my very favorite CD. I know you aren't much for music, but I have had this CD for awhile and listening to it always makes me feel better. I call it my Jason CD."

"Thank you, not just for this but for caring about me enough to find out if I was OK."

Jason looked at her, really looked at her. She was dressed in a silk blouse that brought out the blue in her eyes, and a business suit, and she had her hair twisted up and secured at the back of her head. She looked very business like and still sexy.

"Where are you off to today?"

"I have a business meeting with the architect. " She looked at her watch. I better get moving so I'm not late." She reached out and ran her hand along his face. "Take care of yourself."

"I will"

" I have to go."

"I know."

Jason looked around the deserted gym, knowing that Francis was lurking in the shadows somewhere, and gave her a peck on the cheek.

"For crying out loud Jason, I kiss my granny better than that!" Francis called out through the quiet gym. Jason looked at her & kissed her hard on the mouth.

"That's more like it!" Francis yelled.

''You will be coming to the Grand Opening, won't you?"

"I'd make it through hell or high water."

"Later Jason." She smiled at him.

"Later."

She walked out towards the door and Francis came up behind her.
"Thank you Francis."
"You're welcome."

"Liz , I want to know how you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Turn Jason from John-Claude into a teddy bear, just by looking at him."

"Really" she said while tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear, I do that?"

"Yeah, you do.''

They were walking to the parking lot arm in arm and laughing. A voice called out. "Elizabeth.''

They stopped and turned to see Rick walking their way. "Elizabeth, I see you are hanging around with the Mob again."

"What makes you think that Rick?"

"Why else would you need a bodyguard?"

"Why Francis isn't my bodyguard, he's my boyfriend." Liz pulled Francis closer.

"Boyfriends don't walk behind their girlfriends Lizzy. I've seen you. he walks behind you scanning the area for any hidden danger."

"He walks behind me sometimes because he likes the view from there." Francis started to blush.

"Don't lie to me Lizzy."

"Don't call me Lizzy!"

Rick started to get in her face when Francis stepped in and pushed him away. "I don't believe Elizabeth wants to talk to you."

"Elizabeth, call off your guard, I need to talk to you."

"You don't have anything to say that I want to hear Rick."

Francis stood there between them with his arms crossed, protecting Liz.

"Fine for now. I'm not finished with this though."

He turned on his heel and strode off in a huff.
"You want me to take care of him Liz. I would be real painless.............for me." Liz looked at him and let out a laugh, Thanks Francis, I'll keep it in mind.

They headed to the car and took off for her meetings.


Chapter 29



Back inside the gym, Jason sat on the bench replaying what had just happened. Elizabeth! She cared enough to check on him to be sure he was OK. She probably would have had the whole police force out looking for him if she had to. He didn't deserve her. But he wished he did.

Jason looked inside the bag she had left for him. The CD player, with a note on it. Songs 10, 11 & 12. A couple of motorcycle magazines and some travel ones too. A bag of chocolate kisses, and one of the motorcycle ornaments from their tree. He sat there like a fool, feeling so loved yet so unworthy of it. He put the headphones on and turned on the player. He played the last song.

You play a good game,
you seem so secure,
I knew when we met, I'd never forget
Those twinkling eyes of yours.

Behind your sweet smile,
The confident words,
I saw room for me, and I wanted to say
Things that you've never heard.

There are places in you heart
that have never been touched,
Waiting for someone
to show you true love,
And I wouldn't have to reach very far,
To touch those places in your heart.

Whatever it takes,
To make you believe,
From the depths of my soul,
I want you to know
I would do anything.

I will be here,
Just a whisper away,
When you're ready to fly,
I will be by your side, forever and always.

*Merideth Edwards-Reach CD---'Places in you heart'

Jason sat & listened to the singer say the things that both he and Elizabeth both felt for each other. He glanced at the clock & knew he would have to save the rest of it for later. He gathered up his things and headed for the locker room and a long hot shower.

Elizabeth's meeting with the architect didn't take as long as she expected it too. Everything she mentioned that she wanted he readily agreed too. Every idea was written down and all the plans were made. Of course she realized this was Sonny and Jason's architect, and he was used to doing things right & quickly, and whatever the boss wanted.

She just had time to go home and change clothes for her shift at Kelly's. Francis was driving her nuts with his added security ever since their run-in with Rick earlier that morning. Francis decided to himself that he would be with her as much as possible with Jason being out of town.

Francis smiled to himself, It hadn't taken much prodding to get Jason to kiss Elizabeth this morning. He knew that they had feelings for each other. He couldn't believe that it had been that easy to do. And the way Liz made him turn from an enforcer to a teddy in the blink of an eye, or rather just the sound of her voice. He chuckled again. It looked like he had some work ahead of him if he was ever going to get those two together.

Back in the parking garage, Jason parked his bike and got off. He opened the compartment and took out his zip lock bag. He unzipped it took a quick smell and Elizabeth enveloped him. Her scent was all he needed to get through the next hour or two. He closed it up & folded it and stuck it in his inside jacket pocket. He would pack it in his duffel bag as soon as he could.

When he entered the penthouse, he heard Maria singing in the kitchen. He slowly entered so he wouldn't frighten her. When she finished the song he applauded quietly. She turned around and smiled at him. "Mr. Morgan, how nice to see you. I will have lunch ready shortly. "

"I wanted to let you know that Courtney and I will be leaving this afternoon for at least a week. I'm not sure when we will return, so feel free to take the time off, with pay". He added.

"I would like to earn my pay, so if you do not mind, I would like to come while you are gone and do some cleaning and some rearranging, especially in the kitchen."

"Feel free Maria, do whatever you like, and I will call and let you know when we will be returning."

Jason heard the shower start upstairs and knew that Courtney was up. He gathered up papers and got his briefcase of work ready to go. He put his 'gift' from Elizabeth in his duffel bag and hid the pillowcase at the bottom of it.

Twenty minutes later, Courtney came down. He was waiting for her on the couch. "Courtney....I need to talk to you." Just as he finished saying that, Maria announced that lunch was ready in the kitchen.

Courtney announced that she wasn't hungry. "Please join
me." Jason asked. "We need to talk about something." He held out his hand, but she ignored it , and stomped off to the kitchen.

Maria had made herself scarce, so after they had started to eat Jason cleared his throat and started their discussion.

"Courtney, lately you have been acting differently, do you realize that?"

She didn't answer. "Do you remember what happened last night?"

"No.''

Jason recalled the events of the previous night, including her boyfriend and Sonny. ......"That's why I have made some Dr. appointments for you. I am going to help you get through this, and get you back to normal."

Courtney still didn't say much. Jason mentioned that Carly had packed a bag for her and that they would be leaving within the hour. Courtney rose from the table and said "Fine!".
She stomped back up the stairs. Jason shook his head. As he gathered his dishes up the doorbell rang.

It was Carly, she didn't wait for an answer, just came on in . He told her what had happened with Courtney and she said she would go up and try to talk to her.

Ten minutes later, both Carly and Courtney were back downstairs. Courtney was in a better mood and ready to go. Jason called down and had Trent, the bodyguard that would be accompanying them, bring the car around. Jason prayed that things would go better once they were there.


Chapter 30


The ride into the city was uneventful. Courtney slept in the backseat, and Jason informed Trent of what his duties would entail. They arrived at the hotel and were in the suite by 3pm. Courtney took one bedroom and Jason gave the other bedroom to Trent. He took the couch so he could keep an eye on Courtney.

Jason sat down at the desk in the living room and called to confirm all of the appointments for the next day. Then he started in on some of the paperwork he had brought with him. After about and hour he needed to get out of there & decided to head down to the hotels bar for a beer.

Jason checked on Courtney and she was sleeping again. Trent was watching tv in his room. Jason told him where he was heading , and Trent said he would keep an eye out for her.

Jason sat at the bar and ordered a house special, no glass. As he drank the beer he looked around. It was a semi-dark bar. Not too much action for a weekday afternoon, but then again it was early.

As he leaned on the bar he looked at his hands. His right hand sporting fresh bandages, and his right,a tarnished wedding band. It wasn't really tarnished. But that is how he saw it. Tarnished from Courtney's other life, her affairs, their tarnished love. Although he wasn't much better. He had slept with Elizabeth while he was still married to Courtney.

He looked at his ring again, twisting it around on his finger. A fancy, scrolly, gold band with a small diamond in it. It was what Courtney had wanted. He had wanted a plain, simple silver band. Like the plain silver necklace that Elizabeth had always worn. He liked silver, especially on her.
He finished off his beer and signaled the bartender for another. It was brought quickly. Jason took a drink and turned in his barstool, surveying the area. The bar was starting to get more patrons. A group of men having an after work drink. A few ladies, obviously doing the same. A couple of the ladies stared at him, and one winked at him. Jason turned the other way. Over in the corner there was a couple sitting intimately side by side. Loving each other with their eyes. Obviously very much in love. He wondered if he looked that way with Elizabeth, wondered if other people could tell that they were in love.

Jason looked at his ring again, he twisted it & took it off. He wished he could leave it off. As he sat looking at it, one of the ladies from the group that was ogling him sauntered over. She sat on the stool beside him. "Can I buy you a drink ?"

"No, Thank you. "

"But you look like you could use some company."

"No thanks. I prefer to be alone right now."

The woman looked defeated but winked at him and said, "If you change your mind, I'll be over with my friends. My name is Chandra."

Jason nodded and finished off his beer. He left the bar looking at the young couple that were in love, and wondered what Elizabeth was up to tonight.


Elizabeth had spent the afternoon at the store, looking through catalogs, and making notes for what she wanted to order. Tomorrow she was going to go to the other art supply stores in Port Charles and see what they were selling.

Francis suggested getting some Chinese take out for dinner, and eating it at her place. He had an idea or two about the painting Liz was going to paint for his mothers birthday.

The two of them sat on the couch and ate their food. Liz was quiet, too much so for being Elizabeth. Francis could tell that she missed Jason. "So Liz, I was thinking about either a beautiful beach scene, maybe at sunset, or a garden painting with lots of flowers. What do you think?"

"I have an even better idea. How about you sit for me and I'll paint you? I could even paint your mother in the portrait if you give me a picture to go by."

"I think that she would love that. Are you...He was interrupted by a knock at the door.

"Who could that be?" She asked Francis.

Loudly she asked "Who is it?"
"It's Rick...I need to talk to you Elizabeth."

Elizabeth turned to Francis, a surprised look on her face. She whispered to Francis, "Unbutton your shirt."

He looked at her with apparent shock on his face, and she said "Just play along." He unbuttoned his shirt as quick as her could, as he looked at her.....SHE WAS UNBUTTONING HER SHIRT TOO! She reached over and ruffled his hair.
"Elizabeth, please open the door",Rick yelled from the hall.

Elizabeth, got up from the couch and kissed Francis on the cheek and on his mouth, a shocked Francis could only sit there in shock. She ruffled her own hair and smeared her lipstick, just a little. She opened the door to Rick..
"What do you want Rick?''

"Elizabeth, I wanted to talk to you........." He took in her disheveled appearance with his mouth hanging open. She slowly grabbed both sides of her blouse and closed them over the camisole she wore.

"Whats going on here Elizabeth?"

"Not that it's any of YOUR business Rick, but Frannie and I were in the process of foreplay. Something you never knew anything about! And after that we were planning on making love."

Francis sat on the couch, he didn't know what to do. He couldn't laugh, didn't know what to say. He thought that he had better let Liz take care of this herself.

Rick sputtered, he couldn't believe this.

"Did you have something you wanted to say Rick?" Elizabeth said with a sly grin on her face.

"How could you do this Elizabeth? Sleeping with one on Sonny's flunkies! You couldn't have Jason, so you just keep going down the line of mobsters?!"

Elizabeth reached out and slapped him! "How dare you talk to me that way. Whom I date, or see or make love to is none of your business. Stay away from me Rick! Or I will have my boyfriend take you for a ride. He already offered to do that!"

She slammed the door on Rick's face hoping that it would hit him hard enough to send him to another planet.

She turned around and looked at Francis. She started to laugh at the look on his face. "Sorry Frannie, but I had to do it. I had to use and abuse your friendship. Now you are my official boyfriend, whenever Rick comes around."

Elizabeth giggled on and off for the next half an hour. Francis wiped off the lipstick, fixed his shirt and hair. It was kind of funny he thought, and it did put him in his place, for now.

Shortly after Rick left Francis scoped out the area from the windows and decided to head for home. "If Rick shows up again, don't open the door, call me."

"OK, see you in the morning".

Francis left and Liz locked up. She cleaned up the living room and threw away the food containers. She went into the bedroom and put on "HER" t-shirt and got ready for bed. The shirt smelled like Jason. She lay alone in her bed, wondering what Jason was doing?

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter 31


Jason rose early, as usual, and rousted the rest of the group. After breakfast they headed for the Dr. appointments. While waiting for Courtney, Jason's phone rang.
"Morgan"

"Jason, this is Monica."

"Hi Moni....Mom"

Jason didn't know it but he had just made Monica's week, or maybe even her year just by calling her Mom.

"I wanted to give you your test results, I just got them back and everything is normal. Although I would get another set of tests done in 6 months, just to be on the safe side."

"Thanks for getting those done for me so quickly. You don't know what it means to me."

"Anytime I can do something to help you, please don't hesitate to call me."

"Thanks again."

"Bye Jason."

"Bye".

Jason couldn't believe it. He was clean. He pulled out a notepad and started to think. How may times had he and Courtney made love since they had gotten married? Or since this whole "Daisy" life started? Or since they had known each other.

Jason started the list. Since they had married, 6 months ago, he couldn't come up with any times. Even on their honeymoon, short as it was, the Sonny/Carly/plane fiasco, had dampened their wedding night. And for the 4 months before that he had been busy searching for Carly, since Rick had kidnapped her. And then Courtney had "tried" to help rescue her. After she had lost the baby she had changed even more. And she told him that the Dr. had said not to have intercourse for a couple of months, and not to have unprotected intercourse for at least 6 months.

Jason wanted to hit a wall. He wondered if he had always been this stupid with women. Had Jason Q been this bad with the opposite sex too? He wondered if Courtney had even been pregnant, or if she had, had it even been his?

Jason picked up his cell and dialed Monica.

"General Hospital"

"Monica Quartermaine please".

Jason got up and left the waiting room. He needed to get out for awhile. Trent stayed there and Jason walked out into the fresh air and sunshine.

"Monica Quartermaine."

"Mom?"

"Jason ? Is that you?"

"Yeah it's me. I need to know if a husband can look at his wife's medical records?"

"No, I'm sorry Jason, it's against the law. Dr/patient confidentiality."

"What if she is mentally incompetent?"

"You would have to check with a lawyer on that one Jason."

"Thanks Monica."

"Sorry I couldn't be more helpful."

"Bye"

"Bye"

Jason walked across the street and into a park. He found a bench and sat down. There were children playing on the playground with their mothers watching close by.

Jason again wondered if Courtney knew what she was doing, or if her illness had gotten in the way. Had she really been pregnant? If she really was, was it his, or one of her 'boyfriends'? Had she really needed the condoms to keep her from getting pregnant until her body was fully healed or so she wouldn't get pregnant by him or anyone else.

Monica was right. He did need a lawyer. He took out his cell and dialed.

"Alexis Davis' office"

"May I speak to Ms. Davis please?"

"May I ask who is calling?"

"Jason Morgan."

Jason listened to the muzak play while he waited for Alexis.

"Jason, you know I don't work for Sonny anymore, so you'll have to call another lawyer."

"Breathe Alexis"

He heard her take a few deep breaths. "Alexis, I know you won't work for Sonny, but I need you to work for me. Can you at least meet with me in a couple of days? I need your help."

Alexis was quiet on the other end. "Are you sure this has nothing to do with Sonny? "

"Sonny's not my main concern here, although I may have to bring him up while we talk."

"Fine, when do you want to meet?"

"I'm out of town right now, I'll try to get away to P.C. in a couple of days, I'll call you tomorrow and set up a time."

"Fine."

"Thanks Alexis."

"You're welcome. Although I want you to know I may change my mind about helping you when I find out what it is that you want me to do. AND, I may have to charge you double."

"OK."

"Bye"

"Bye." Jason hung up his phone. He sat there watching the children. He needed a beer. No, He needed Elizabeth.

One more phone call and he would have to head back inside the Dr. office. He called Elizabeth's cell.

"Hello?"

"Hi."

"Jason? How are you?"

"Better, now that I hear your voice."

"Are you OK?"

"I will be, what are you doing?"

"Francis and I are scoping out the competition to see what they are selling in their stores. Although Francis isn't very good at it. He doesn't exactly have the artist look to fit in."

Jason laughed at the thought of that. "I just needed to hear the sound of your voice."

"You know, we're not doing a very good job of staying apart."

"I don't want to stay apart from you."

"I know, I don't either, but Jason you are still married."

"Only in name. I moved all my stuff out and into the guest room the other day. After what she did I will never share her bed again."

"Jason are you sure your OK? You don't sound good."

"I just needed to get some stuff off my chest. Are you free for lunch in a couple of days?'"

"I thought you would be gone longer than that?"

"I need to come back for the day to get some legal stuff taken care of."

"Call me when you get here, I'll be waiting."

"OK, I'm sorry but I have to go now."

"That's OK Jason. I love you."

"I love you too! Bye"

"Bye."

Jason headed back into the office, feeling a little better, but still burning with questions.

Liz and Francis finished their shopping and headed back to her studio to start on his portrait.



Chapter 32


"A-choo''. Francis sneezed. "Francis I told you not to move." Liz laughed and so did Francis.

"Are you almost done? My back is killing me." Francis complained.

"Well I'll be done for today."

Francis had been sitting there for an hour. He had been trying to come up with a way of talking about Jason without Liz knowing that he was fishing for information. How could he get them together when he was still married to 'Daisy-the dumbest witch ever'. Jason & Liz belonged together. She had tried to cover her call today when they were out shopping, but he could tell it was Jason calling. Just the way she lit up when he was around, or when they talked on the phone. He knew that something had happened, but what, he wasn't sure.

"Francis?"

"Huh?"

"I asked you if you remembered to bring the photo of your mom along.''

"Uh --yeah, I did."

"Oh Francis, she's beautiful."

"Thanks Liz. I think I'll be heading home now, it's been a long day.''

"Are you OK Francis? You've been awfully quiet tonight."

"Yeah, I'm just fine. I had and have a lot of thinking to do."

"OK, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Bye".
As Francis walked down the hall he pulled his cell out & dialed. "Yeah it's me. We've got a lot of work to do Johnny my boy. Meet me at Jakes and buy me a beer and we'll talk."

He hung up his phone with a smile on his face and strolled down the stairs whistling a catchy tune.

The next day brought another round of Dr. appointments. The last Dr. appointment was at noon. Then he was going to get together with the rest of the Dr.'s and they would confer on the best treatment for their findings. Back in the hotel room, Courtney was again sleeping. Jason let Trent have the afternoon off. Jason had done all of his paperwork so he sat reading the magazines that Elizabeth had given him.

Courtney came out and sat across from Jason. "I'm hungry, can we order some room service?"

"Would you like to go out & get dinner. I know of some quiet restaurants with good food."

"No, I want room service. I need to make some calls too. "

"To who?"

"To.......Carly. she wanted me to let her know how I was doing. "

Jason gave her the room service menu and told her to order whatever she wanted. After she was done Jason suggested she might feel better after a shower. She agreed and went to take one while they waited for room service.

While she was in the shower, Jason called the front desk and asked them to disconnect the phone for the evening. They told his it would be taken care of asap.

After her shower, Courtney appeared ready for her dinner. It had arrived while she was in the shower. She sat and ate and watched TV . Jason tried to make small talk with her, but she ignored him. After she had eaten, she went to her bedroom to make her call. When she found out that the phones were not working she was livid. Jason just happened to be on the phone with Sonny, so he offered his phone to her so she could talk to Carly.

When she finished, Trent had arrived back. Jason told him not to give Courtney his phone to use. They all sat there for a few minutes and Courtney decided to go to her room and watch TV.

Jason and Trent ordered room service and watched some basketball on TV. They called it a night. Jason checked on Courtney and she was asleep. Thank goodness!

Jason went out on the balcony. It was a gorgeous evening. He wished he could go for a ride, and have Elizabeth ride along with him. He wished they could take off and never look back. He definitely had a lot of planning to do before he talked to Alexis.


Chapter 33


Francis pushed open the door to Jakes. The wall of smoke hitting him right away. He saw Johnny sitting at the bar talking to Jake. Francis sat on the barstool next to him and picked up the beer that sat waiting for him. After taking a long drink, he looked at Johnny & said "So, what's the latest scoop on "Daisy Duke". Francis had heard a little of what had happened, but sat & listened to the 'whole' story from Johnny.

"Holy crap Johnny. She really did all of that & Jason is still with her?"

"They are in the city right now trying to get her 'help'. If you ask me she'd even loonier than Sonny. Man I hate it when he lose's it."


Francis shared everything that he knew about Jason & Elizabeth. Johnny did the same. "Man, we have got to do something to get those two together". Johnny said.

Francis agreed. But what could they do when Jason-stupid Jason, as both Francis & Johnny were calling him now, was still married to the blond bimbo.

Jake ambled over to where the guys were & refilled their beers. 'You know, those two should have gotten together years ago. Ever since that night that he took on her unwanted admirer's, those two have been drooling over each other. But they just never seemed to be able to get together at the right time."

Both Johnny & Francis nodded in agreement. They needed a plan to get rid of blondie & hook up Jason & Elizabeth.

Francis snapped his fingers. "I've got it. Johnny you could take out Elizabeth & make Jason so jealous, that he'd dump blondie in a heartbeat."

"No,no, no,no, no. I want to live to see another birthday. Jason would personally fit me for cement shoes if I did that. How about you?"

"Liz would never go out with me. I already asked her. She is too stuck on Jason. And besides it would be like dating my sister. We need to get blondie out of the picture first. Then make Jason so jealous that he can't see straight, which in the case of anybody dating Elizabeth wouldn't take very long."

Jake brought them another round, which she said was on the house, and if they got Jason and Elizabeth together, all their drinks from now on would also be on the house.

They sat there the rest of the night coming up with plans to cement the future of Jason and Elizabeth.


Jason & Courtney headed to the hospital for the first meeting of the morning. The Dr's. had come up with a plan of treatment that they wanted to discuss with the both of them. They wanted to put Courtney in the hospital & slowly take her off of all the medication she was currently on and the observe her for a few days with no meds, and then put her on new medication. Courtney refused but Jason overruled. They didn;t want her to have any visitors for the days that they were removing her meds. But they did want Jason & her family to come in to visit her while she was clean of any drugs so that they could see how she would react to them.

Jason signed the papers to admit her, and left. He hated hospitals. He would do anything not to have to be there. Since it would take a couple of days to get her off any medication Jason took the opportunity to head back to P.C. & talk to Alexis.


Chapter 34


Jason drove back to P.C. as fast as the speed limit would allow. He wished he had his bike instead of the Navigator. It just seemed to take longer. Maybe it was just the fact that he would be seeing Elizabeth. It would be just about late-lunch time when he arrived. 'Maybe I'll stop at Kelly's for lunch before I head over to see Alexis.' Jason pushed the gas pedal a little father down in hopes of seeing Elizabeth a little sooner.

The lunch crowd had thinned out when Jason sauntered into the courtyard of Kelly's. He peeked through the window just before he opened the door. There she was! Elizabeth!
Jason opened the door & headed for the counter with a smile on his face.

Elizabeth sensed him before she saw him. Jason! She saw him walking through the door. He walked over to the counter & sat down.

"Good afternoon sir, Welcome to Kelly's. What may I get for you?"

"Hi Eliz..." He was cut off by Elizabeth.

"The specials? Todays specials are a hot roast beef sandwich with mashed potatoes & gravy, or Rosie's special chili. What's that sir...you need a few minutes to decide? Well that's just fine, take your time. May I get you something to drink while you decide?"

"Uh.....coffee?"

"Coming right up sir.''

Elizabeth headed to the kitchen while Jason sat there in stunned silence. What in the he** was going on? Had he just stepped into the ...what was it Emily liked to watch....the twilight zone?

Elizabeth came out from the kitchen with a napkin & a cup of coffee. She placed it in front of Jason. "So sir have you decided ?"
Jason looked at the napkin. It had writing on it. It said 'there is a man in the corner table. Came in just as I started my shift. Francis & I think he belongs to Tagliotti.'

"The number 3 is always a winner with some of our regular customers."

"That sounds good. I'll have a number 3. Thanks."
Elizabeth looked relieved that he had understood her message. She headed for the kitchen. Jason took a sip of his coffee & slowly turned around. Pretending to look at his watch & check the door, he scanned the table in the corner. Sure enough, it was one of Tagliottis' men.

Elizabeth was peeking out of the kitchen. He mouthed to her to call his cell phone. She nodded & disappeared. Jason's cell rang. He answered it and held a one sided conversation. When he hung up Elizabeth came out of the kitchen.

"Miss.....it seems the person I was waiting for will be unable to join me for lunch, so may I get my order to go?"

"Certainly, It will be right out."

Elizabeth returned from the kitchen with his take out bag. She made sure that he watched as she put a napkin in the bag. He gave her a $20.00 bill & told her to keep the change.
He eyed Francis as he walked towards the door. They exchanged looks & Jason left Kelly's.

Outside Jason looked in the bag and read the note Elizabeth had placed there, it told him to meet her in the alley behind Kelly's. He headed around the building and there she was waiting for him.

She ran into his arms & he held her close. "Jason, do you know who that man is. He's been watching me ever since I started my shift, is he one of Tagliottis?"

"Yes he is. I need you to make sure Francis is with you at all times, and I'll put a night guard on your studio door. Something is going on, I need to check with Sonny & I'll be in touch with Francis & you.''

"OK. I'll talk to you later."

"Yeah later." He hugged her quick & kissed her head, then turned & headed towards the docks.

Elizabeth headed back inside to finish her shift.

Jason heads to the warehouse to talk to Sonny. Alexis will just have to wait. Business comes first, although my life should actually come first. Jason thought. I need to make sure that Elizabeth is safe too, so I'll take care of the 'business' first. Besides, he needed to get some papers from his safe at the warehouse before talking to Alexis.

Sonny was in his office when Jason arrived. Jason sat down & took out his lunch. "What are you doing here? I thought you were taking care of my sister in the city?"

Is'nt that just like Sonny', Jason thought. Not hi Jason, how are you Jason, what's new Jason?' Just why aren't you doing what I told you to Jason.

Jason bit back his response & told him what was up with Courtney's treatment. "Tagliotti's up to something. I saw one of them at Kelly's today. He had been there for awhile."

They discussed business for awhile & Jason told him that both he & Carly would be needed in the city to visit with Courtney while they were changing her medication.

When they were done with business Jason headed for his office to get paperwork from his office. God help him get through this & save him from the wrath of Sonny.


Chapter 35


Back in his office, Jason started by calling Max & asking him to do night duty guarding Elizabeth.

"Sure thing Jason, I really like Miss Webber, I wouldn't want anybody to hurt her."

"Great, thanks so much man, give Francis a call & work out any details with him."

Next he took out all of the paperwork he had finished while he was in the city, filed it or got it ready for Benny. He refilled his briefcase with new paperwork and headed for his safe.
He took out the paper work that was safely tucked away in the back . He glanced through it quickly to make sure he had everything he needed. After tucking it in the bottom of his briefcase he shut it and locked it, & headed for the door.

As he was just about to leave, the phone rang. "Morgan"

"Hey Jason, it's Benny. I heard you were in town & wanted to touch base with you on a few things. "

"I was just on my way to see you."

"Sounds good, you know where to find me."

Jason left the warehouse, his mood now dampened by Tagliotti & Sonny. He headed for the Navigator and got in. He drove to Benny's office. Once there and inside the building, he wished he had gone to see Alexis first.

Benny greeted him, and had him sit down.

"I just wanted to let you know it is going really well for Miss Webber. She seems very pleased with how the remodel is going, and she is such a joy to work with." Benny sat there smiling. Jason smiled too.

Jason knew what a joy she was. Always pleasant to everyone. "That's great, does she have everything that she needs?"

"I think so. How is everything going with you?"

"Fine. I have some paperwork for you. I got the rest of what you left for me in my office. I'll take care of that in the next few days. Anything else?"

"I just need your signature on these papers." Jason signed his name & was on his way."

Back in the car Jason headed to Alexis's office. He hoped she would still be there. He pulled the navigator into the parking lot, grabbed his briefcase & headed into the building.

Alexis was sitting at her desk with her glasses perched on the end of her nose. She looked up from her paperwork, "Jason, what can I do for you?"

"Well Alexis, I'm glad you asked." He shut the door behind him.


Liz & Francis were heading back to her place after her shift at Kelly's & checking out the remodeling at the 'store'.

"So Francis, what do you think that I should name the store? I can't keep calling it the store."

"Don't ask me things like that Liz, you know we men are horrible at that kind of thing."

"I was thinking The Paint Shoppe, or The Pallet, or..........OH Iv'e got it! How about the Canvas?! I think it's perfect, what do you think?"

''What ever you think." Liz gave him a scowl. "OK, OK, I think it's perfect."

"How about I spring for pizza tonight & we can work on the painting for my mother tonight?"

"Frannie, I'd love to, but I think I'd like to spend a quiet evening at home tonight. How about tomorrow or the next night?"

Francis knew what she was up to. He knew Jason was in town. She may not have told him, but he knew that they occasionally saw each other. He also knew that it hadn't been going on for very long. He hoped that Jason was seeing the light & moving away from blondie.

"OK, just remember I offered to buy pizza. Oh, by the way Max is going to be on night duty for awhile, Jason thought that with Tagliotti's men that were in Kelly's today, that you might need some extra protection."

"OK, we'll do laundry & paint yet this week and........." Liz stopped talking & had a look of fear on her face. ''Francis kiss me quick. Before he could answer Liz was kissing him! She had her arms around him and he had to kiss her back. When she stopped she looked at him & smiled. She put her arm through his as she turned around & there was Rick. Sick Rick as Francis & Johnny called him.
"Hello Rick" Liz said sweetly. Francis knew what she was doing now. Using him to get rid of Rick. "Excuse us, we have places to go, lovemaking to do...oops did I say that out loud?"

Liz giggled and off they went arm in arm, leaving a fuming Rick standing there on the sidewalk.

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter 36

Jason was sitting in the navigator stopped at a red light. He was watching the traffic when he saw a group of people across the street. He could see Rick standing there, but the other two people were in a tight embrace. A horn sounded behind him signaling a green light. Jason drove off with a nagging feeling that there was something going on.

Jason wanted to see Elizabeth, but he figured that he had better wait until after dark to do that. He headed for the penthouse to check on things, make some calls and wait until dark.

The penthouse seemed quiet when he entered it. He placed his jacket on the chair & tossed his keys & briefcase on the desk. He looked through the small pile of mail and checked their messages. There was one message for 'Daisy'. It was her 'boyfriend' telling her it was over & asking, why didn't she tell him who her brother was. Ha the little weasel took a chance in doing that. Oh well, at least he was gone.

Jason looked around the immaculate house. It had never been so clean. In the kitchen , Jason found his coffee cup by the pot. He made a pot of coffee, and while he waited for it to finish, he looked for something to eat. He saw that Maria had rearranged the kitchen, and although he couldn't find anything, he could tell it was all more usefully arranged.

Once the coffee was done, he poured it into his Corenthos-Morgan cup & went to his desk to make calls. He called the hospital to check on Courtney, called Trent. He called Francis to see if Max had checked in with him & to talk about Tagliotti's man that had been in Kelly's earlier.

Francis suggested that they meet on the docks to talk about it. Jason agreed to. So he grabbed his jacket & keys & headed for his bike!

Francis told Liz he had to meet Jason on the docks. "And no you can't go with me. "

"Why on earth would I want to go with you. He's a married man. He just my friend, and I care about what happens to him."
Francis thought to himself, 'Yeah, if I believe all that then I'm sure you have a bridge to sell me somewhere.'

"I'll be back soon, and I'll bring food, then we can work on my mothers picture. OK?"

"OK"

Francis headed for the door. "Francis?"

"Yeah?"

"Tell Jason I said hello".

"Will do."


Francis was waiting on the docks when Jason arrived. Jason suggested going to Kelly's since he didn't get to eat the lunch he had ordered earlier. Jason had that nagging feeling that something wasn't right when he saw Francis. He couldn't put his finger on it.

Kelly's was busy that night, so they sat at the counter to wait for the waitress. Jason went over the guard plan with him. Francis said he would check in with him, and set up the schedule. "Oh yeah, by the way, Elizabeth said to tell you hello."

"Tell her 'Hi' too. " They talked about her new business & how she was doing. The waitress finally came & took their order. Francis made his to go. Considering the the time it took for the waitress to appear, it only took a few minutes to get their order ready. Francis paid for his & left. Jason sat & ate his, waiting for darkness to arrive, so he could visit Elizabeth.

Jason paid his bill and wandered out in to the dark. He took his time walking back to his bike. It was still cool for April, especially on the docks. He was almost across them when he heard someone call his name.

"Jason"

Jason turned around & found Rick coming towards him.
Jason stood & stared at him. The stone face, and cloudy eyes.

"So, Jason, I see your thugs are moving up these days."

"What do you want Rick?"

"I mean their girlfriends are getting better looking."

Jason just stood there waiting.

"How many of your thugs has Elizabeth had. Does she go in a certain order or just randomly?"

"What are you talking about?"

"My guess is once she found out she couldn't have you , she just decided to go down the line. "

Jason stood the with his arms crossed, getting angrier with each passing second.

"Oh yes, I forgot. You passed on her to sleep with Sonny's sister. Dumped poor little Elizabeth, then she fell into my bed.
Now she's sleeping with her bodyguard."

Jason's heart fell to his stomach.

"Why are you telling me this Rick, I'm married to Courtney."

"I just thought that you should know what your men are up to."

"And how would you know what they are up to?"

"I see them on the street, I stopped at her studio to talk to her & she answered the door half dressed. She told me they were getting ready to make love. And just today they were kissing and groping each other on the street in front of everyone."

Jason felt his anger growing, he felt sick. Now he knew what was off, he recognized Francis' coat. They had been kissing.

""What's wrong Jason, is the big, bad enforcer jealous?"

"No Rick, what they do is their business."

"That's it Jason?"

"What else is there? Francis can date whoever he wants. I've got better things to do."

Jason walked off leaving Rick speechless.

Jason got on his bike & took off. He needed to think, & the best place to do it was on his bike.


Chapter 37


Jason took the cliff roads, way to fast.....almost wiping out 3 times. When he arrived at the road to no-where, he sat on his bike & stared at the stars. He still couldn't believe it! Francis & Elizabeth! HIS Elizabeth! She told him she loved him! HIM! Now she is with Francis.
Jason got off his bike & angrily kicked at a rock. How could they do this! He walked over to 'their' bench, and sat down. He crossed his arms & pinched the bridge of his nose. He needed to calm down & think this through.

He couldn't think this through because he couldn't calm down. He had to see Elizabeth and let her tell him. Once she told him then he might be able to let her go. But he needed to let some time pass before he confronted them. He needed to get a hold of his emotions so that he didn't kill Francis!

He got back on his bike & drove to Jakes. This seemed as good a night as any to get drunk, he had good enough reasons anyway. If he drank enough maybe he could forget about his 'wife', her brother, and the lost love of his life.

As he opened the door to Jakes, the music was blasting. That was a good thing because it helped him not to think. He walked to the bar and Jake came over to him.
"Hey Jason, long time no see."

"Yeah, give me a beer Jake, and keep them coming."

Jake got him a longneck, & he threw a $100.00 bill on the counter. As he walked to an empty pool table, Jake shook her head. She knew this was going to be a long night. She wondered what had happened that put him in this mood. It didn't happen very often.

Back at Elizabeth's studio, Elizabeth was trying to paint, but not doing a very good job of it. She wondered where Jason was. She was sure that he would stop by tonight. She was having a hard time keeping up conversation with Francis.

Francis knew What was bothering Elizabeth. She wasn't very good at hiding her feelings, especially about Jason. He was just about to tell her to call it a night when his cell rang.

"Hello?"

"Is this Francis?"

"Yeah?"

"This is Jake, I got your card out of Jason's wallet. Normally I'd just get him up to his old room & let him sleep it off, but something is off with him tonight. He came in early & has been hitting the beer especially hard. I thought maybe you could come over & get him."

"Yeah Jake, I'll be right over."

"Francis? Is something wrong?"

"No, it was Jake, Jason is over there evidently drunk as a skunk and Jake wants me to come & get him."

"I'm coming too!"

"No, now Elizabeth, you know Jason wouldn't want you to see him like that."

"OK, what are you going to do with him?"

"I'll take him back to his place & see if I can help him, then I'll just let him sleep it off."

"Call me if you think that I can help, & let me know how he is, OK?"

"OK, Max should be here nay minute anyway. You know the rules about answering the door."

"Yeah, yeah, will you please get going & help Jason?"

"See you tomorrow."

"Bye Frannie".

Elizabeth closed the door, lock it & leaned against it. 'What could have happened to Jason to make him get drunk?' She decided to change into her 'Jason pajamas' & wait up for any news from Francis.


Chapter 38


Jake looked up when the door to her bar opened. It was Francis. Thank goodness. Francis looked at Jake. She nodded towards the table in the corner. "He's over there."

Francis headed to where Jason sat, half lying down in the corner booth. He stopped & looked at Jason. 'Man was he ever going to have a hangover in the morning.' Jake came & stood behind Francis.

"I don't know what happened to him, but from the moment he came in tonight I knew he was looking for trouble."

"Thanks a lot for calling me Jake. Does he have a bar tab?"

"No he paid for the night before he started drinking. Do you need help getting him out of here?"

"Thanks, but I think I can handle him. "

Francis leaned down & pulled Jason up. Once he got him on his feet they headed for the door.

"Who are you?" Jason asked, slurring his words.

It was a good thing that Jake did'nt call Sonny. "It's me Jason, Francis."

When they got to the car, Francis leaned Jason up against it, but when he let go to unlock the door , Jason started to slide down. He quickly grabbed Jason & held him up with one hand while he unlocked with the other.

As soon as Jason was in the car he was fast asleep. 'So much for finding out what was wrong with him', thought Francis. He knew that Jason would never talk to him about it unless he was drunk.

Francis started the car & drove to Jason's penthouse. Once there, he had to get him into the elevator & hold him up. When they arrived on Jason's floor Francis held his breath & hoped Johnny was on duty. He was. Johnny quickly helped Francis get Jason in to the penthouse & up to his bedroom.

They both noticed that Jason's stuff was not in the main bedroom, but in the guest room. They both smiled at that. At least he wasn't sleeping with blondie. They took off his boots & covered him up. He was going to have a heck of a headache in the morning.

Back downstairs, Johnny asked what was going on.
"I'm not sure, he was out before I could pry any information out of him. Jake called me & said he'd been drinking hard all night."

They walked out into the hall. "Hey Johnny, please don't tell Sonny about any of this."

"Don't worry man, I would'nt cause any trouble for Jason."

Francis tossed Johnny Jason's keys. Will you bring his bike back here when you're off?"

"Sure thing. If you find out what happened tonight, let me know will you?"

"Yeah, see ya."

Francis headed home, worrying about his friend.


Jason's head was ringing and pounding at the same time. He realized that the ringing was the phone. He answered, "Morgan".

"Hey Jason, it's Trent, you OK man?"

"What's up?"

"The Dr.'s said that they want you & Sonny & Mrs. Corenthos to come tomorrow & talk to them. Then the day after they want you all to interact with Courtney."

"OK, I'll set it up with Sonny. Tell them that we'll be there."

"OK. Bye"

Jason hung up & tried to move. How did he get home. He didn't remember anything about last night. He did remember going to Jakes & drinking & playing some pool. He got up & headed for the shower. Maybe that would help clear his head.

He stripped down & ran the water hot. He stepped in & let the water cascade down his muscular body. He remembered going to Jakes, & riding his bike. AND talking to the rat-faced Rick. He remembered Rick telling him about Elizabeth & Francis. "Sh**" Jason wished he had something or someone to hit right now. His head hurt too much to go to the gym. He turned off the shower & got out. As he reached for the towel he remember that he had told Elizabeth not to wait for him, but to go on with her life. He didn't think that she would do it so soon, or that she would find someone else that quickly. But if she did then good for her. He never thought that it would be Francis! All he could do was wish them well & go on with his life. Not that he wanted to.

He reached for some aspirin and water & swallowed them. He went back to his bedroom & got dressed in his usual attire of jeans & a t-shirt. He went down stairs & started some coffee. When it was done, he poured a cup & sat down to drink it.

His head was pounding again, but it sounded like the door. He got up from his chair & walked to the living room. The door opened & Sonny walked in. It was a good thing that Jason looked better than he felt. Although Sonny didn't even seem to notice that his friend was hurting.

They both sat on the couch. "My sources say that Tagliotti is getting ready to make a move."

"Do you know when?"

"No, I want you to keep a close eye on him until we know for sure when & where."

"Sonny the Dr's want you, me & Carly to go to the city tomorrow. They want to meet with us then & the next day they want us to visit with Courtney. She how she does with us."

"OK, I'll have Johnny watch Tagliotti for the next couple of days, then you take over."

Jason didn't say anything. "I said OK , did you hear me Jason?"

"Yeah, fine."

"When did you want to leave for the city?"

"I think that I'll take my bike, then I can leave when I need to, to get back to P.C."

"OK, Carly & I will be up there by noon, will that work?"

"Yeah, I better get to work & find out what I can & then brief Johnny."

"OK," Sonny rose from the couch and headed for the door.

Jason didn't bother to show him out, he knew the way, and hopefully the door would hit him on the way out.


Chapter 39


Liz awoke on the couch, with someone knocking on the door. 'Jason!', she thought. She threw the afghan off of her & ran to the door. She stopped herself just before opening it.

"Who is it?"

"It's me, Francis."

Liz felt her mood drop & sadly unlocked the door. Francis walked in with a box of donuts & his paper.

"You're not ready yet? It's almost 9:00."

"No, I'm not. I must have fallen asleep on the couch last night. How is Jason? How come you never called me?"

"Jason will be fine. He was out as soon as I got him in the car."

"What happened to him?"

"He just had a few too many beers, he'll be fine. You better get ready, your last shift at Kelly's is today." He sat down & opened the box of donuts & offered her one. She shook her head no, & Francis helped himself & started to read his paper.

Liz quickly showered & got ready for work. She couldn't help the nagging feeling that something was wrong with Jason. He NEVER went out & got drunk. Maybe something bad had happened. She hoped he would stop in at work today.

Jason spent the morning trying to get rid of his hangover. He started to tail Tagliotti & his men, shortly after noon.

Liz spent her entire shift looking at the door. Every time it opened, she looked to see if it was Jason. But he never showed up. Francis noticed her worry & he never saw her take her eyes off the door. Damn Jason! He was going to have to sit Liz down & have a talk with her! He needed to know what was going on if he was going to be able to help.

After her shift, Liz & Francis started back to her studio so she could change & then go over to check on the progress at The Canvas. "Liz, are you OK?" Francis asked.

"Yes, I'm fine, just a little tired & sad about leaving Kelly's. I've worked there for so long, it seems strange to never have to go back & work there."

"Well I think this new store will be quite the adventure for you, and you'll be great at it."

Liz smiled a small smile at him, and a few tears escaped her eyes. Francis knew that this was all really about Jason. He put his arm around her & gave her a quick hug. She smiled at him. She knew he was doing his best to make her feel better. They walked in silence the rest of the way to her studio.

Jason had started to cross the docks from the other direction when he saw Elizabeth & Francis. He saw them talk, & stop. He saw Francis hug her, & whisper in her ear. He saw her smile at him & off they went. He had been headed to get something to eat, now he had no appetite. He pulled out his phone & called Johnny.

"Hey, I need to meet with you at the warehouse right away."

He hung up the phone & walked back to the warehouse, hoping Johnny would be there soon. Maybe he could wrap up this thing with Tagliotti sooner that he'd hoped.



Johnny arrived & they sat down to discuss what was going on with Tagliotti. Jason told him what was happening and that he would be leaving in the morning for the city, and Johnny would have tailing detail of Tag & his men. Johnny had to bite his tongue to keep himself from asking what had happened to Jason the night before. When Jason was done, they left the warehouse & went to check on Tag together.

After Liz & Francis had finished at the Canvas, he took her home. He told her he had a hot date, (a little lie would never hurt her) & told her to get some rest. He hoped that 'Stupid Jason' would get his butt over here tonight & talk to her.

Jason however spent the night with Johnny tailing Tag, and checking out leads. Liz spent another night on the couch waiting for Jason. The next morning, Liz was up & dressed. She was heading to the kitchen when she noticed the answering machine blinking with a message. 'Why didn't I see that last night?'

She hit the play button. "Elizabeth, it's Jason. I wanted to tell you that I'll be busy with work for awhile. I have to go back to the city tomorrow...........I have to ask you to not call my cell. Sonny will be there & Carly too. We will be working with Courtney, and I am also busy with Tagliotti. So to keep you safe, I can't have anyone know that I know you. Take care Elizabeth. Goodbye."

Elizabeth burst into tears & played the message again. He had basically told her he didn't want to see her. And he had said good bye. They NEVER said goodbye.

When Francis arrived later, he couldn't get Liz to open the door. He used the key she had given him for emergencies. He found her in the bedroom, lying on the bed crying.

"Liz, what's wrong?"

She would'nt get up & didn't answer him. "Do you want me to call Jason?"

She shook her head. He held her until she fell asleep from all of the crying, and went to the living room to wait. He called Johnny & had to leave a voice-mail.

A couple of hours later, Liz emerged form the bedroom. She went to the answering machine & hit the play button for Francis. After he heard the message, Liz said He never says good bye, we always say 'see you later'."

Damn Jason , that SOB. Francis was going to have a talk with him, & if Jason killed him for it, then so be it!"

Francis' cell rang & he answered it. "Yeah?"

It was Johnny. Francis went out to the hall to take the call. He found out about the tailing of Tag, Jason & the boss going to the city, & everything else. When he went back inside , Liz was waiting for details.

Liz, I think that this is Jason's way of keeping you safe. He & Johnny are both tailing Tag. If he thinks that you are in danger, he will want to stay away from you to keep you safe. The message was probably a way for anyone else who might hear it to understand that you are not involved with Jason. This way will keep you safe."

Liz thought about it, didn't really believe it, but wanted too. So she talked herself into going along with it.

"So, you ready to go & tackle some projects at the store?"

"Not really, I think I'd like to just go somewhere & sketch today. How about you pick us up some lunch & then we'll go & find someplace to draw today. You can even take a nap Frannie."

"OK, wash your face & I'll be back in ten."


Chapter 40


Jason's ride into the city seemed to take forever. His mind kept drifting to thoughts of Elizabeth. Or rather of Elizabeth & Francis. He couldn't get the picture of the two of them together out of his head. He tried to focus on what to do about Tag, but he still drifted back to Elizabeth. G*d he loved her! What he should do is just keep on driving until he reached either an airport or a lake.

He tried to focus again. At least his meeting with Alexis had gone well. Although now the whole thing was pointless. Oh well, he'd let her go on with what he had asked her to do. Maybe he would still go through with it.

He arrived at the hotel, and took his stuff up to the suite. Trent was there waiting. After checking with him he decided to go to the bar for a beer. Sure it was early in the day, but right now Jason didn't really care. As he sat at the bar nursing his beer, he saw Sonny & his entourage arrive. Jeez Sonny, couldn't you just bring Carly & 1 bodyguard ?!

He made no move to welcome them. He'd go back up when he was done with his beer & ready to put up with Sonnys' crap. Right now he had no intention of doing that! Carly just happened to look over & catch his eye. He made no move to signal them. She took that as a sign & went up without saying anything to Sonny. 'Good for Carly, she is finally learning to keep her mouth shut.'

When it was just about time to leave for their meeting with the Doctors, Jason phoned their room. He said that he would meet them in the lobby in 15 minutes. Jason arrived right on time. Usually he was early, but he knew that they would be late.

They headed to the hospital & their meeting with Courtney's doctors. They discussed how she was now, how she used to be, ect. They set a time for them to all meet with her tomorrow, and things for them to talk about.

After their meeting, Sonny suggested drinks, a show & a late dinner. Jason declined. He had work to do. He had to check in with Johnny & do some more background work on Tag. Sonny & Carly headed off, with Carly giving Jason a worried look.

Back in the suite, Jason ordered dinner for both Trent & himself. He also told them to send up a 12 pack of beer. While they waited for dinner, Jason made his phone call to Johnny. Of course he got his voice mail & left a message to return his call. After their dinner & a few beers, he & Trent decided to go for a walk down Madison Avenue. They window shopped for awhile. They were passing by Tiffany's when Jason suggested that they go inside.

Once inside, Jason's eye caught a display of rings. He headed over to have a look.

"Ooohh, move please Jessica, this one is mine."

"No way girlfriend, I saw him first."

They both decided to help him out.

"Good evening Sir, can we be of any assistance to you?"

"Yes, I'd like to see some of these rings."

"Anything particular?"

"Something in silver." Jason seemed to look over their shoulders & see her. "She always wears a silver necklace."

They led him to their platinum collection. "Have a look in her Sir, tell us which ones you would like to see up close."

"I'm not sure...."

"This is one of my favorites" Jessica said. It is the one I have picked out for my Fiance' to get for me."

Lisa looked at her. "Girl, you don't even have a Fiance'."

"Well it's the one I have picked out for when I do."

"No, it's too much." Jason said

"What is your price range Sir, we have some less expensive ones over here."

"No, the price doesn't matter, it's too much ring. Her hand is very petite. All you would see is the ring, and she has such beautiful hands." He looked at them and smiled, "She's an artist."

Jason continued to look. Finally he saw it. That was THE ring. A ring that Elizabeth would love. Delicate, yet beautiful, and shimmery. He imagined how it would look on her hand as she painted, as she waited on customers. Yes! That was it. He would buy it for Francis to give to her. Francis was horrible at buying gifts, much less jewelry.

Jason looked at the ring again before he made the final decision. It was perfect. It had a perfect red ruby in the center, just like the glass he had brought back from Italy. It had a silver band and was circled in tiny diamonds. It said Elizabeth all over it. He only wished that he would have been the one to give it to her. He knew that she would love it. would love Francis even more for giving it to her. At least he would know that he had picked it out & that he was giving her some joy for a change.

After paying for the ring, the two men walked out of the store & headed back to the hotel. In their suite they had a few more beers & called it a night. Even though it was still early, Jason hadn't had much sleep the night before, & he was going to need it , when it came to facing Sonny & Courtney tomorrow.

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter 41


Jason watched the sun rise from the balcony. It was a chilly April morning, but it was going to be a gorgeous day. As he stood overlooking the city, with his cup of coffee, he wondered what exactly God had intended for his life to be. Would anyone really miss him if he left town for good ?
He drained his cup & went back inside for a refill. Enough pondering for the day. He heard the shower & knew that Trent was up.

He sat on the couch & drank from his cup. How many times had he reached for his phone already this morning? 5? 10? Each time he had wanted to call Elizabeth. He just wanted to hear her voice. That's all he needed to get him through the day. He had dialed it several times. And almost hit the 'send' button. But each time he had shut the phone before he could do it.

Trent came out to the living room. They ordered room service & watched the news while they waited for it to arrive.
Their meeting was scheduled for 10:00 with Courtney. He had no idea how this was going to go. He hoped she would be fine. He knew how Sonny behaved when he didn't take his medication. He was totally off the wall & irrational.

When it was time to leave they called Sonny's suite & told them to meet up, in the lobby. As Sonny & his entourage arrived they headed out to the limo. Jason felt like he was headed to the gallows.

Back in Port Charles, Elizabeth was up & ready when Francis arrived, bearing hot chocolate & chocolate eclairs. He hoped this would put her in a better mood than she had been in. She had already decided before he arrived that she had to remember her vow to herself. That she would love for each day & not look back. Be happy for what she had. So starting out the day with the new attitude was a good sign for Francis.

They walked the mile to the store. It was a beautiful day, Elizabeth commented to Francis when she insisted on walking. She was starting to get in supplies & had to get started pricing them, and working on the displays. Francis also reminded her that she needed to hire some part time help, and get some advertising going.


Back in the city, the group met with Courtney one on one. They started with Carly, then Sonny & finally Jason. She did fine with Carly, she got irritated with Sonny & basically took off Jason's head several times. The doctors observed them, & then asked them to come back after lunch to discuss the treatment that she would undergo.

Sonny suggested lunch ar the 4 seasons. Jason grudgingly went along. As they ate their lunch, Carly kept looking at Jason, trying to figure out what was wrong with him. As soon as Sonny excused himself to go to the restroom, Carly immediately started questioning Jason.
Jason could take no more. "Carly, none of this is your business, please keep your nose out of it . I'm fine, or I'll be fine." Just then Sonny returned, & Jason's mood stayed sour.

They returned to the hospital & consulted with the doctors. They wanted to keep her here for a week while putting her on different medication, and then they thought that she should get slowly back into society but not in Port Charles. She should not go back right away to the place where she could easily slip off her medication, and go back to her old ways.

Sonny suggested that they take her tot he island for a few weeks of r & r . Take a nurse along for her. The doctors thought that would be great. Jason reminded Sonny that he couldn't leave town for awhile, not until 'business' was taken care of. Sonny said he & Carly would do it. They both needed to get away for awhile. Jason thought to himself, 'they need to get away. What about him?' Oh well, this was Sonny they were talking about. Carly has a rough week if she breaks a nail, to Sonny a rough week is if he runs out of scotch.

Jason told Sonny he was going to head back to P.C. right away & check up on Tag. Sonny decided that they would stay the night & take in another show. They returned tot he hotel & Jason gathered his things & raced down to his motorcycle, & hit the road for home. Even though there was nothing there for him except a mobster with a target on his back.


Chapter 42



The ride back to Port Charles took longer than Jason expected. He had left late in the afternoon & had run into rush hour traffic. It didn't help that all he could think about was Elizabeth, and how much he would miss her. He kept checking the ring box in his pocket. Yes Francis was a lucky man. He had Elizabeth & a friend like Jason who knew how to buy gifts for women. Only Jason wished that it would have been him giving Elizabeth the ring. He fantasized about it too often during the ride. He should be planning out his moves on Tagliotti.

When he arrived at the warehouse, he slowly got off of his bike. He felt for the ring box in his jacket pocket, and looked longingly up towards Elizabeth's studio. It was dark outside as well as in her studio. He stopped & took a deep breath. It was a beautiful spring night. He headed into the warehouse & up to his office.

Liz & Francis were enjoying the walk home. She was exhausted. They had really accomplished a lot today. Or what she thought was a lot. There was still a ton of things to do. Francis delivered her to the door of the studio & then headed out to get some takeout. Liz changed out of her clothes & into some painting clothes. She needed to get the painting done for Francis' mom. She glanced out of the window towards the harbor. "Five minutes out there alone won't hurt me". She grabbed her keys & started out to sit on the docks.

She sat on the bench, and looked out into the harbor. She breathed in the fresh night air. She loved the fresh smell of spring. She remembered sitting on this same bench so many times. Thinking about her problems & her future. More often than not, Jason would always come across her. He would hide in the shadows & watch her for awhile. She always knew when he was there. After a few minutes he would appear to her as if he had just come across her. But she knew better.

She glanced at her watch & realized she had been here longer than she should. She walked back across the dock & back to her studio. Max was already at the door, and warned her that Francis was inside & worried about her. She entered with her hands up, surrendering and apologizing.

"Elizabeth!! It's dark outside & you went to the docks?! You know better than that. Tagliottis men could have grabbed you as soon as you stepped out of the studio.!"

"I'm sorry Frannie, I just needed some air-alone- I needed to think for 5 minutes, and I promise I won't do it again."

Francis forgave her & they ate their takeout in silence. When they were done Francis left & Liz started to finish up the portrait of his mother.

Jason had called Johnny's voice mail & left a message as soon as he got to his office. While he waited for him to call back he went through his messages & papers that were on his desk. When he was finished with that he decided that it might be a long night & maybe he should get a sandwich from Kelly's.

He drug himself out of the warehouse & across the docks. He stopped by the railing & looked out into the harbor.
He breathed in the harbor air. He turned & headed towards Kelly's & stopped at their bench. He sat down on it & memories started flooding through his head. He remembered coming across Elizabeth many times here. She would be staring out into the harbor & chewing on her lower lip. Worrying about Lucky or an art project. Or Jason. He would always watch her first & then pretend that her had barely seen her, and stop to make small talk.

Just then his cell rang, bringing him out from his thoughts. It was Johnny. They made plans to meet up & talk about Tag. Jason headed to Kelly's to grab a bite & then catch up to Johnny.


Chapter 43



The days turned into weeks, and neither Francis or Elizabeth had heard from Jason. Francis knew that he was back in town, but didn't tell Elizabeth that.

Elizabeth knew that her was in town but didn't let on that she knew. She had seen his bike at the warehouse late at night.

Jason spent many nights & days hiding in dumpsters, and in the shadows of doorways in even darker alleys. Anyplace he had to be to tail Tag & his men. Trying to get any information on meetings or dealings or just what they were up to.

Usually he drug himself home, grabbed a bite to eat & hit the shower. Every time he undressed for a shower he pulled out the ring from his pocket & looked at it before placing it on his dresser. When he awoke & got dressed he always took it with him. It made him feel closer to Elizabeth. G** he missed her. He STILL missed her. He needed her like never before. But he couldn't have her. Francis had her. He hadn't talked to either one since he had been back in town. He was afraid of what he would say. Or what they would tell him.

Elizabeth had been busier than ever. The weeks were counting down into days before the opening. They had set up an evening for her friends, family & the Chamber of Commerce to come & see the store. She had also invited the neighboring businesses. It would be quite the small gala. She hoped Jason would come. He had said that he would.

When Francis arrived one morning, Liz was still not up. That was unusual for her. Especially lately. Liz had heard him come in & called to him from her bedroom.

"Francis, I'm not going to work today, I've got the flu."

"Oh Liz, sorry to say this , but you look awful."

"I feel awful."

"I'll get you some tea & toast, maybe that will help."

"Thanks Frannie."

Francis spent the day napping on her couch. He wanted to be there in case she needed him.

The next few days were all the same. She still had the flu. Francis went in to the store to do some of the rest of the things that needed to get done.

After 5 days, she started to feel a little better. She called Francis & said she would be ready to go to work in the morning. When he arrived in the morning, bearing breakfast, she was on the couch, looking greener than ever.

"I thought you were feeling better?'

"I was last night, but this morning I must have had a relapse."

"I really thought that you were looking better yesterday.''

"I felt better yesterday. You know Frannie, I never had the flu last this long before."

Francis sat there & thought to himself. His sister had also had the flu last this long.

"You know Liz, my sister had the flu like this onetime. In fact I recall it lasting on & off for about 3 months."

Liz looked at him.

"When she was finally over it , like nine months later, she had a 10 lb baby boy."

Liz stared at him. He could see her mind calculating , then she ran over to her calender on the wall. Using her finger she counted, she stopped, counted again, and again, and again. She looked up at Francis, "Frannie, drive me to the drugstore please."


Chapter 44



The short drive to the drugstore had never taken so long. Elizabeth wished she was driving so they could get there faster. Although in reality, Francis drove faster in those 3 blocks than ever before. They parked on the street and Francis opened the door for Liz. They walked the few steps to the store. Francis opened it for her but decided to wait outside for her.

Inside,Liz located the pregnancy tests & tried to choose which one. She decided on the one that had 2 tests in the box. Just to be sure. She had to wait in line to get checked out, she was reading the back of the box when she heard someone call her name.

"Elizabeth?"

She turned & saw Nicholas approaching from the doorway.

Forgetting she had the box in her hands she greeted him with a hug & said "Hi Nicholas, How are you?"

"I'm fine, and before you ask, Emily is too."

Nicholas glanced down & saw the test in her hands.

"Elizabeth" He said shocked, "Are you pregnant?!"

Liz couldn't believe that she had forgotten what she was holding in her hands. "Nicholas this isn't what you think."

Just then Francis came rushing up to her. He gave her a quick hug. "Oh thank you so much Liz, your timing was perfect. " He stopped & looked at Nicholas.

"Francis this is Nicholas Cassidine, Nicholas do you know Francis?"

"Yes, he's one of Sonny's thugs isn't he?"

"Nicholas!"

Francis ignored the remark & continued on with his story.

"I couldn't believe it when I saw you start to walk behind me. It was all so convenient to just step back wards into you & drop the test . I was hoping you would catch on & pick it up."

"I saw the pleading look in your eyes."

"I never in my wildest dreams thought that I would run into my cousin Mario. Not here. He lives in my old neighborhood. My mom still lives there. Back there everyone calls him 'Mario the Mouth'. It doesn't take him long to know or tell everyone else's business. My girlfriend & I , well we were really careful, but I told her I would get this test. Thanks again Liz!"

Francis got in the line to pay for it. Elizabeth & Nicholas started out the door. "Is that guy for real?"

"Yes he is, he is very nice, always has been. Now are you and Emily coming to opening night at The Canvas?"

"Yes we are, Em has it circled on the calender in red. We wouldn't miss it for anything."

"Good, I'll need some friends to support me."

"How about I buy us lunch? Em is having lunch with her mom today."

"Oh Nicholas I'd love to, but I really don't have the time. But I promise you I'll take a rain check, OK?"

They hugged goodbye & each went their own way. When she rounded the corner, there was Francis waiting with the car. She quickly got in & they headed back to the studio.

Jason was at his penthouse going over some of the notes that Johnny had given him on what he had been finding out on the men he was watching. He was trying to put it all together. He was trying to get a theory out of it when his cell rang.

"Morgan"

"Hey Jason, How are thing going?"

"Sonny, things are fine here, how are things going with Courtney?''

"She seems to be doing really good, almost like her old self."

"That's great (for her he thought).When are you planning on coming home?"

"I'm not sure, everyone is enjoying the sun, that we thought since Michaels out of school in a week that we might stay for 2 or 3 more & have Letecia bring him down. The longer we stay here, the better Courtney seems to get. There really is no hurry to get her back is there?"

"No, I'm still working 24/7 tailing Tag. I was just going over Johnny's notes when you called."

"You take care of business & I'll take care of my sister."

"Anything else Sonny?"

"No Jason, just keep up the work & find out what Tag is up to."

"Bye"

"Bye"

Jason sat back down at his desk & looked at the pile of papers on his desk. He head hurt from all the reading & lack of sleep. He decided to clean up the desk & then maybe he could work productively.

He sorted papers & mail. When he was almost done he came across the invitation for the opening of Elizabeth's store. He looked at the calender & realized it was only 3 days away. Would he go? He had promised her before that he would be there. But that was BEFORE Francis. Could he go & see her with Francis? Surely he would be there for her. Yes, he could go there & say hello, & then slip out. He could be in & out in 10 minutes.

Jason sobered some more. Would they tell him then? No, probably not. It would be too busy of a night.

He decided to call it a night. Even though it was only noon, he had been up for 23 hours. He needed a beer & some sleep. He grabbed a long neck from the fridge, and he left the sandwich that Maria had made for him there. He didn't feel like eating. He took a long drink & then headed up the stairs for bed.

In his room he shed his clothes & pulled the ring out of his pocket. He looked at it, and thought ' guess I'll be giving this to Francis soon'. Tonight though, instead of leaving it on the dresser, he slid it on his pinkie finger & left it there. He opened his top dresser drawer & took out his baggie that held the lavender pillowcase. He would need them both to get to sleep tonight. As he lay his head on the pillowcase he breathed in her smell. He smiled at the smell of lavender & snow as he drifted off to sleep.


Chapter 45


Francis parked the car and opened Liz's door for her. She had started looking green when they left the drugstore. He guided her up the stairs and into her studio. Once inside her got her to the couch and she lay down.

Francis thought she might need to eat something so he went to the kitchen to see what he could fix for her. He ended up with crackers & some 7-up. He needed to go to the store for her. When he went back to the couch, she was asleep. He set the snack on the coffee table & headed back to the kitchen.


He pulled out his cell & dialed the number he knew by heart. It rang 3 times before a female voice answered.

"Hello?"

"Hi Sis, it's me."

"Hey Fran, what's up?"

"I need your help. I have a friend, who I think maybe pregnant, & I need to know how to help her. "

"Oh Frannie, you didn't!"

"No, I DID NOT! I told you she was a friend. She has a new business opening in a few days & she has been so sick that she can't go to work. If she is pregnant, she can't be very far along. She was going to take a test, but she turned green & then fell asleep."

"OK Frannie, here is what you need to get, if she is pregnant.
Caffeine free cola,and caffeine free tea. No caffeine for the mama to be. It will help her feel better. Vitamin B-12 & Unisom. It will make her feel like a new woman. Canned fruit is also good for her right now. If she starts taking those things now she will be able to eat whatever she wants."

"Thanks Sis, I'll go get this now. "

"And Frannie?"

"Yes?"

"Make sure she gets plenty of rest, and don't let her get upset, it's not good for the baby."

"Thanks, I'll call you later. "

"You're welcome."

Francis left Liz a note, and headed tot he grocery store. He quickly purchase the things his sister had told him to. When he returned to the studio, Liz was still asleep. As quietly as he could he put the items away. He had bought some sandwiches at the deli, so he took one out & sat down to eat it.

Liz awoke an hour later. Francis was sleeping in the chair. Quietly she took the test & headed to the bathroom. When she came out, Francis was awake & waiting.

"Well?"

"Well what?"

"Are you pregnant?"

"I'm not sure yet, It takes a few minutes."

They waited in silence for those few minutes, which seemed to be hours. Liz went back into the bathroom to check the results. When she returned she was quiet. She sat on the couch & looked at him.

"Frannie, I'm pregnant."

She didn't say anything else, so he wasn't sure if this was a happy pregnancy or not. He was pretty sure that Jason was the father, but then again, maybe he wasn't.

"So, are we happy about this or not?"

"Frannie" Her face lit up. "I'm going to be a mom!"

"What about the father? Is he going to be involved?"


"Oh, your right. I need to tell J......I' need to tell the father."

"Liz....Is Jason the father?"

Liz shook her head yes.

"I don't think that you have anything to worry about "

"But Francis, he married. I love him with all of my heart & soul, but he is still married to Courtney. He hasn't called me for weeks. Maybe they are getting back together. "


"I don't think so. He lives in his own bedroom, and she has hers. You know that after all that she did to him, he wouldn't take her back in the same way. Besides, didn't he tell you that he loved you?"

"Yes, but you & I both know that he has been back in town since a couple of days after we first saw that man at Kelly's. And I know that he has probably been busy tailing those same guys, but if he really wanted to be with me don't you think that he would have called once?"

She was close to tears now, and soon they started to fall. Francis sat by her on the couch & gave her a hug.

"You know how he gets when he is tailing people. He forgets to eat, forgets to call, forgets to go home & sleep. I'm sure that he'll be at the opening, and then you can see for yourself."

Liz dried her tears.

"You know I think that Jason will be very happy about this baby. You have given him the one thing he has always wanted. A child of his own. One that no one can ever take away."

"But what about Courtney. She is his wife."

"She can't give him a baby. "

"She can't? But he can't tell anyone about this, Sonny would kill him."

Francis groaned to himself. That was true. This was going to be a lot tougher than he thought.