notes: This story is an alternative history. It takes place sometime after the courthouse break up of Elizabeth and Jason. The story was started as a game by the lovely poster Texas Sunflower (on ). She wanted our little email group to each write a paragraph and see what we came up with. Her's are the first two paragraphs effectively planting the seeds. I took up the challenge but no one else in the group had the time (it was over the holidays). She and I carried on. TS became my biggest cheerleader and encouraged me to keep going... below is the result. TS remains my biggest fan. Without her editing skills and inspiration ALWAYS would not be what it is.. Hope you like it.
ALWAYS
She sat alone on the cold beach, the moon shinning bright over the cliffs and water. The ocean was coming in with crashing blows and creeping back out to the dark and lonely sea. It was not just that she felt alone again, but that hope had left her with finality this time and no hint of ever being with the one man she loved beyond reason...... She could not breathe, she could not think, and the only thing on her mind was him. Him: with the cold blue steely eyes that could brighten her life with one glance. He was the only man she had ever loved with her whole heart. When they met eleven years ago, she was not sure she even liked him, but now... she could not live without him – but she must – she had to – the only thing keeping her young children safe depended on staying away from him.
Oh yes, they had tried to be careful..... with the late night meetings at the SH – the times in the big shower there, the talking way into the night, then holding each other long after the passions had died down for a while so they could catch up on the way they could manage and stay together, yet, never really together, just joined in love and hearts.
Elizabeth pulled the wool blanket she'd borrowed from the house closer around her shoulders. A white mist escaped her mouth as she spoke to the sea, "I love you Jason". Tears welled at the corners of her eyes but never fell. She thought: I told him Always; I told him I'd never tire of saying it. As infinite as the stars, she feared was how infinite the truth was in those words. Always.
It was time; she unfolded her slender legs and pushed her self up. Damp flakes of sand fell away as she made her way up the beach and back to the old Victorian rental. Lucky had her toddlers, Jake and Cameron. It was just her. A best friend might have been the perfect companion on this trip, a welcome sounding board, but maybe not. Maybe she needed the time alone to think. Her supervisor at General Hospital had forced the nurse into taking these vacation days. They all thought, family and friends that is, after Jake's kidnapping she need to take time to be with her kids and to forgive her self. Elizabeth's goal, however impossible as it would be, was to purge Jason Morgan from her heart and soul. The boys didn't need to be around for that. Of course it wasn't working... fear had only frozen her temporarily. When Jason placed their one and a half year old son Jake into her arms her heart immediately thawed but she was still determined to not bring the brutal world he lived in back into the boys orbits.
Once inside the house she lit some candles and poured herself a glass of scotch neat. It was easy to drink without ice on a chilly night like this. At the very same time that her lips met the crystal, Jason Morgan received a Media Message on his cell. The infamous mob boss clicked on the touch screen to bring up the image. Like a shade opening it revealed the image of Elizabeth Webber as the sun set on Half Moon Bay. She was in a long skirt walking along a shore with a blanket that was too big and seemed to weigh her down. His immediate thought was: I should be there to share the burden of that blanket. He couldn't help but remember her scent in that flash and the way her small frame fit so perfectly under his arms. They never had walked a coastline together... Why did she have to go all the way to the Pacific!? Snap back - remove the thought. It's all different now. This picture was just a message from the guard: all was fine. He'd expect another image or call in a few hours. If not, there would be hell to pay.
***
Lists. That's one of the ways the mob boss' mind worked. There was always a list of things being done and things to get done. He never needed to write them down or say them aloud. Lately he had to adapt to her creeping into the Running of the Lists. He'd known Elizabeth for what seemed like forever, yet it was the knock on his door about two years ago that changed everything. Now, when he'd be deep into the list, her smile would be the next thought. So he'd file in her precious grin up to Item-Whatever on the list and move on. The tact didn't always work but it was the best way he'd developed so far to stay on track.
He needed to be more focused than ever lately. Sharpening his recall, however, had a double-edged affect. Whereas he might've had a simple memory of her blue eyes, now he'd have that vision accompanied with delicious detail. The sweetness of her face resting on his arm, naked under the sheet, the sensation of her flawless skin on his, her long auburn hair fanned out across her bare back, the delight in her eyes and the arousal he felt till he realized time had passed and the list had stalled. It was just a memory but it was all he had left of her and refused to let them fade.
***
People observed the stony-faced Morgan intently staring off into space having no idea the amount of detailed information his mind processed. Nor did Jason show any clues that a sprite named Lizzy fluttered about his thoughts trying to lure him to a happier place. He patiently kept everything hidden. His eyes seeing everything and nothing while he exercised controlled over the private world existing beneath his cold exterior.
Time to Run the Lists...
First: Frank Sherman. Has a deal with Jason's organization: Sherman smuggles state-of-the-art, government-grade electronics (black market stuff) and the deal was, Jason lets him.
(Her slim finger tips on his tanned chest)
Since Sherman owes the organization, Jason's computer whiz, Damian Spinelli, a.k.a The Jackal, was instructed to take full advantage.
He met Sherman's daughter, Winifred, this morning to place the orders.
The new Water Front building was nearly finished construction.
Men on stand-by for the move.
Jason would take residence a month early.
Spin had to set up the Brain Trust first.
(Lizzy laughing at him so generously)
The Brain Trust (That's what his accountant Bernie called it). A room secreted away inside the building, inside the floor plans even.
(Elizabeth, Elizabeth. The silent tear that traced the curve of her full cheek as he backed away from her [an image so vivid that, for a second, he remembered the salty taste of his own tears that day])
Construction workers didn't even know they were building it. Bernie had arranged things so that different workers worked off different plans.
It was clever. To the world it was just another condo, or was it a utility room?
Located under what would be Jason's new home, he'd have access to it through his Penthouse.
The Brain Trust was now Spinelli's baby.
(baby, my love, Jake)
The FBI. The deal was too sweet and too costly.
Was it a chance to get divorced from the underworld and finally be with the family he and Elizabeth had made?
(burrowing his face in the arc of her neck taking in a deep breath full of sweet brandied vanilla, her locks cradling his chin like a silky nest)
Would it cost him the family he'd chosen years ago in Sonny and Carly? And what of the organization he was responsible for?
The Bureau wouldn't give up trying. They wanted Cornithos and the Zacharra Family in a Federal Penitentiary.
They'd keep looking for a way to make him rollover on his now enemy, one-time mentor and brother in arms, Sonny Cornithos.
The Deal. He'd take the deal, but on his own terms.
(the sensuous slope of Elizabeth's fine breast defying nature with its beauty)
He was still working it out in his head. - -Set that list to the side for now- -
He knew for sure that from now on every meeting, phone conversation, every encounter between him at the FBI would have to taped, recorded and tracked. They'd be doing it to him. He'd have to have his own version of the facts.
(Her honeyed aftertaste still in his mouth after conquering the vale of her thighs... his naked form feeling the triumph as he starts to kiss the architectural curve of her hips, across her still trembling salty sweet tummy, till his lips were on hers. Elizabeth smiling, passionately kissing him and biting his lower lip all at the same time. She's in awe of his ability to please her, an ability that she inspired him to..) ---that's it—
The list stalled.
Jason's concentration sabotaged, he looked around his stale Pent House disappointed at its hollowness.
He tried to continue, asking himself if he'd put too much responsibility on Spinelli? The kid is so easily distracted. 'Look who's calling the kettle black'; Jason criticized, the hypocrisy not escaping him. It only took one tug on Spinelli's heart by Maxi and he'd head in whatever direction she nudged. Every indication and his gut said that The Jackal wouldn't let him down.
After a few calls and a run to the warehouses Jason was back in his PH. Up to the roof he went to await the next sign that Elizabeth was safe. He anticipated one day he would be emotionless to the check-ins but for now his every fiber ached for them.
He'd instructed his organization to use pictures to communicate whenever possible. Despite being tortuous at times, media message left them less vulnerable to the Feds. Spinelli had explained how hard it was to tap a MMS verses tapping a line. The pictures themselves were a mixture of straightforward information and code. If the Feds did intercept a MMS, they'd have to know if it was in code or not, and if it was, the key to decipher it. The men he had on Jake and Cameron had already sent their picture indicating the boys were safe for the night. Jason was just waiting for the guards in California to send their message about Elizabeth.
The wind howled this high up as if complaining to the tower "Get Out Of My Way!" It was midnight and the Eastern stars demanded attention. The moon seemed afraid of them, trying to hide behind a thin veil of cloud like a shy woman. Up here he could roar at the top of his lungs and the night would swallow the sound completely. He wasn't accustomed to tears but the last year had given him his share. When he screamed every fluid in him seemed to evaporate with the effort except his blood, which only pulsed faster.
E L I Z A B E T H ! ! !
He wanted everyone he loved to be safe. He hoped the whole world was safe.
He had his picture now; she was safe.
***
The day broke early but the Northern California grey skies wouldn't grant the sun it's full glory. Even after last night's two scotches Elizabeth found no rest in the large comfortable bed. She might as well have been lying on a bed of rocks. Numbly she went into the kitchen of the big old 3-story house – in her heart she wished Jason and the boys would be waiting for her at the breakfast nook. Her heart was full of wishes she was trying to evacuate.
She loved the old kitchen with the butcher's block table in the middle of the large old-fashioned kitchen and it brightened her mood slightly. The new appliances had all been constructed to look as though it was still in the early 1900's but behind the bricks and wood cabinets one could find the best of the state of the art stainless steel. She drew water for tea from a large Italian sink with old-fashioned handles and faucets. Liz turned on the gas and was mesmerized as the blue flames flickered under the teakettle. While she waited for the water to boil, she went over all the reasons she had to be here while Lucky had the boys and Jason was building a future without her by his side. Despite all the valid reasons for the separation, she just wished it didn't require her being half dead inside.
Realizing she was headed for another day of self-pity the devoted mom felt glad her boys weren't around to see it. Finally the tea was made and she carried it up to the second landing where she paused a few minutes to enjoy the beautiful staircase and polished brass of the fittings on the wall and light fixtures. You know, the North West rooms get great light almost the whole day, she observed… Entering the bedroom her thoughts went to: What a beautiful place this would be to raise the boys with Jas..... "Oh Stop It Liz!!!" she said aloud admonishingly to her reflection in the vanity, the tarnished mirror echoing the hopelessness of it all to her sapphire eyes.
The neighbors were so sweet to check on her daily and let her talk about how perfect Cameron and Jacob are. They thought she was so brave to come alone from the East Coast to put her life back together. Talking about the kidnapping and Jason's life was out of the questions. Instead she lead the neighbors to believe her husband was a cheat and liar and she was in the process of divorcing him. Not actually a lie, just ancient history with her ex. Lucky.
As sweet as the Wilson's intentions were, if they came knocking today she was going to scream and not stop until they carried her away in a white jacket. Thinking of an excuse to leave, art supplies would be nice, she decided. After an outfit was selected she made plans to go into town to shop. Maybe she'd find a distraction from he wallowing there?
***
FOUR PICTURES!!!! FOUR!. They'd all come from Elizabeth's guards on schedule to inform him throughout the day she was OK. Jason squeezed his PDA so tight that he actually cracked the screen. Spinelli was going to have to find time to get him a new phone. In his hand were 4 electronic pictures of his (HIS!!) Elizabeth but now they all had a dark ominous vein running through their center when he looked at them. In each insufferable picture there was also a man. He was sharing a meal with her. He was holding a door for her. He was making her smile. How could she have spent all day with this.. with this… guy?!
He didn't own Elizabeth. She wasn't his like that. She was his like his heart, lungs, arms and legs were his. They'd been so close that she was a part of him now. Breaking off their relationship didn't change anything and something about this guy bugged him.
For the smile, Jason begrudgingly admitted to himself, he was glad. The greatest courtesy-smiler he knew was Elizabeth and she couldn't even muster that these days. Till now. It was his fault and he knew it. How could he hate himself any more than this and still be filled with a gut wrenching desire to go claim her, claim his family!? It was self-serving and he would not do it. All was tolerable when they were able to steal moments and secretly be together. Now that they'd sworn to no contact, it was almost unbearable.
Usually knowing something was right was enough to master his resolve, but not this time. Diane, his attorney on retainer, and Bernie had called several times but he still wasn't collected enough to call either of them back. The only person he wanted to call was her.
WHO IS THAT MAN?! As if the plan to deal with the FBI wasn't complicated enough, now comes another element to decipher. The guards felt sure he wasn't local. They hadn't had an opportunity to pick his pocket, let alone question him yet because HE HADN'T LEFT ELIZABETH'S SIDE. They were in a movie theater now. Jason felt some relief in knowing both guards were in there with them... Was it the look of the stranger he didn't like, or what the stranger was looking at?
"Anything yet!?" his tone demanding Spinelli to live up to his moniker: The Assassin of Cyberspace.
Spin was scrambling for face recognition access on some site, "If the master will just let The Jackal focus unfettered he promises you he will discover this serpent in the grass' identity!" his voice ending in a higher octave than he started with. Of course Jason said nothing and just continued to pace.
Made anxious himself by Jason's mood, Spinelli attempted to calm his mentor, "But don't you think it's most likely an innocent meeting of two evanescent strangers? The pictures clearly show them doing harmless activities. What does The Master think the danger might me? Surely there could be none so far from Port Charles. The Russians are gone."
Jason was barely listening, he had only one thought: FIND OUT WHO HE IS. NOW... and he was pretty sure he'd said it aloud several times as he paced.
Even though Jason is the poster-boy for logic, he'd swore never again to ignore it when his body spoke to him. Why did he allow Lucky, to take point in the care of her and the children when the Russians were afoot? He knew better, his instincts told him to not rely on Lucky, even if he was police. In Jason's world Jake's kidnapping was the price paid for his hesitations.
Every electrical pulse in him shot to the edge of his skin and tightened his stomach sending a clear WARNING when he got the first picture of Elizabeth with the stranger.
He knew also that he was jealous.
Suddenly Jason's shoulders were unnerved and he flew up from the couch he'd just barely sat in. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING!!???" he yelled. Spinelli stood there, behind the couch, arms raised and hands curled palms out like spiders. Hurriedly he answered in the most soothing voice he could summon, "I was merely trying to relax you.." lowering his arms to a shrug, "with a kind and gentle massaging of your exceedingly broad, very tense man-shoulders."
In a quick step Jason was pacing again, Spinelli followed. "The, the Jackal had thought, possibly, that Thai hot rocks strategically placed would be the best method to banish The Master's tensions, the bonus being we, you and I, that is, neither yours nor The Jackal's being would have to, say, converge with each other, but alas, there was no time," Jason was covering his eyes with one hand while rubbing his temples and squinting as if he could wrest this incomprehensible moment from his memory.
"You've only sat down but once today. Calculating the prospects of another opportunity presenting itself was clearly a dubious one. Besides the stones are not yet to optimum temperature, so.. I, I...".
Digging deep to center himself, Jason said, "I appreciate that you are trying to help. It would help me if you concentrated on putting a name to that face", pointing at Spin's computer. Understanding that more words or explanations might make things worse, The Jackal silently went back to work on his laptop.
Where was his control? At least he'd sent what was left of the bloodied Russian Syndicate packing. But Corinthos, with support from the Zacharra Family, was now moving in on his territory. The Federal Bureau of Investigation was breathing down his neck. Sonny even had balls enough to land a ship in his territory. Because it was on a day that should have been symbolic enough for both of them to be lying low, Jason allowed it, letting him know it was his one free pass. Sonny thought Jason was weakened by sentimentality. Sonny didn't know that Jason's first lieutenant, Cody, had a team on board the ship ransacking it for information. Jason was utilizing Cody's Special Forces background to its fullest. The lieutenant had been training a group of Jason's loyalist soldiers in covert operations for months now. Soon all of the Zacharra ships would have state of the art tracking devices on them. Jason would always know where Sonny had the Z's ships and with one phone call, so could the FBI.
He had a reason to be angry and a reason to fight. And he would give them ALL one they wouldn't see coming.
"I've got something!!" Spinelli was excited then puzzled as he read the computer's findings. He explained to Jason that the serpents face had been recognized but all the identifying information had been wiped. Jason was on the phone in an instant demanding Cody come to the PH immediately. "Maybe he's encountered something like this before…" Jason explained to Spinelli.
***
Earlier in the day Elizabeth had walked the streets of the tiny tourist town and found it to be relaxing. Thoughts of Jason hovered around her like an ever-present over protective ghost. She might have inadvertently spoken aloud to him in her rambling way. Fortunately there weren't many people around. She was having an inner dialog with her relinquished lover ever since they'd had their last actual conversation. Words had transpired that broke her heart. She was trying to replace those words with new ones from a free flowing conversation in her head. She'd describe things that would interest him or reminded Jason's ghost of something that happened in their past.
It wasn't tourist season of course, but the shops were all open and inviting. She was smartly dressed in a wool skirt that would have been too short but for the tights, and layers of warmth up top: Hat, scarf, cashmere sweater, vest, blouse, silk tank. Besides the art supplies Elizabeth had bought, she'd found a lovely loose knit tippet, matching gloves, an adorable green sweater dress, a patchwork afghan sweater for Jake and the cutest knit beanie & matching scarf for Cam and other trinkets for her co-workers at General Hospital. She loved to shop; it was no secret. "Just try to catch her in the same outfit twice", her Gram liked to joke. So far her imaginary Jason had approved of all her purchases. In real life she knew he wouldn't give a care about what she bought, his only genuine concern would be if it made her happy.
She'd caught her reflection this time in a store window and thought: I almost look normal. In the same reflection she'd caught a glimpse of a young good-looking gentleman trying to pretend he wasn't just checking her out. It seemed that he and she had been doing all the shopping that day. But he had only one small bag to her four large ones.
A quaint coffee house beckoned her so she'd crossed the street quickly. Tall-Dark-n-Handsome followed and got there first; he held the door like a gentleman. "Thank you" she said shyly. "Not a problem" he answered.
As they waited at the counter to place an order he introduced himself as Lake. "Alejandro Lake: call me Lake or Allie". They conversed pleasantly and he followed her to a table and invited himself to sit with her. She didn't mind the company but was nervously hoping he wasn't going to try hitting on her. Thankfully he didn't. His voice was thick and silky like chocolate and he's skin was mocha to match. The rounded features of his slender face made the whole package as disarming as a Hershey bar. She wasn't used to all this solitude and welcomed talk that didn't involve love, divorce or any other matter of the heart. Before she knew it, at his suggestion, they'd gone down the block together to grab a sandwich then decided to follow that up with an early movie. He'd done almost all the talking distracting Elizabeth from her daily guilt and heartache. She even genuinely smiled once. A smile because she felt it and not because it was polite. Elizabeth had had enough polite smiles to last a lifetime. It was when he mentioned he'd be going to Port Charles on business soon and the coincidental mention of her hometown had cheered her.
Now exiting the theater Lake managed to hold the hardwood door open for her while he juggled all five bags of their loot. The screwball comedy he'd talked her into seeing actually made them laugh. The bags played chaperone in the dark theater by sitting between them. For a minute, as the lights dimmed, feeling the true heaviness of her heart, she'd had a momentary panic. Lake had been so respectful that she gripped the armrests and managed to stay in her chair.
The early evening air jolted them; it smelled like it might rain. Jason had kissed her in the ra.... (she just barely managed to nip the thought of him in the bud.) All through out the film Elizabeth had managed to not think about him, but not two minutes outside the movie house and he'd entered her thoughts again. Lake noticed the dark cloud come over her face. "What do you say? Seems like we are on a roll, why stop now. It must still be happy hour somewhere." his face urging her to humor him and go for a drink. She agreed.
Several tequilas later, while losing a second game of pool to Allie, she was telling him all about how Jason taught her to play. He kidded her that Jason must not have been very good then. She was glowing because the drink made her flush. Lake was pretending to himself that it was because he'd made her giggle. "Jason not good at pool? That's like saying a premier ballerina's not good at pointing her toes." She quipped. Lake was feeling himself more and more charmed by her.
Elizabeth's buzzing head concluded: if you can't beat the thoughts, voice them. Lake was getting an earful of Jason. She didn't tell him a last name or any details of their current history. She just told him all about how they'd met. The motorcycle rides, the magic of being able to be themselves around each other, and hinted at the unrequited love. They ordered burgers and happily ate them in the shelter of the dive bar. It had begun to rain so when it was time to leave he suggested they share a cab. Neither one was in a state to drive anyway.
One of the guards had thought ahead and paid a driver handsomely to use his cab for the night. Unbeknownst to Liz and Allie, a cold-blooded gangster was plotting to drive them home, not a cabbie.
After dropping off Liz, Guard #1 finally had his man.... Orders were clear not to rough him up or anything, just to gather info. They fed back to Jason the address of the man's hotel, the name he was registered under, fingerprints, and more. In turn Jason would pass it on to Spinelli to add to the clues he already had. All with out The Stranger knowing.
***
The two Herculean men both jumped from the sudden thunk of the stones hitting the hardwood floor. Jason and Cody glanced at each other with incredulity, before looking back at what had startled them both. Spinelli had a basket dangling from his hand with one radiating rock still in it and a pile of smooth hot stones scattered before of him. The look on his face was one of complete shock, "You work for...? You are f-f--?".
Cody gave Jason a look to let him know it was his call. Taking a moment while Spinelli waited frozen and uncharacteristically speechless, Jason knelt down and picked up the surprisingly hot rocks. Gently taking the basket from his stunned friend, Jason placed the stones he presumed were for a Thai massage, back in it. Leading Spinelli to the couch, they sat.
Jason patiently explained that, yes, he'd heard right, Cody worked for the Feds AND he worked for Jason. It was hard for the computer genius to fathom because he'd seen no clue of the arrangement from his master. Cody turning informant had to be kept secure and that meant trusting no one, not even Spinelli, Jason explained. It had to look legit. Spinelli understood, though it stung his ego a little to be on the outside of the secret for so long. The decision to have Cody play double agent had been made shortly after Agent Raynor paid his first visit to the Morgan territory. They were pressed for someone on the inside and this was the best opportunity to do so quickly. If word got out Cody would be in danger from the Feds and Jason's own men. Even though the FBI had approached a number of the organization's insiders, it was his first lieutenant he felt could handle the double cross best. Since Cody had met with several G-men already, Jason called him over to see if he recognized the man in the picture with Elizabeth. It was a long shot but it paid off. Spinelli had just walked in as Cody was telling Jason that he'd informed to that particular agent, calling him Lake, a few weeks ago.
"The master is taking the news rather well then" Spinelli reflected as he viewed the tense but steady blue-eyed man seated beside him. "You have a most trusted operative that has the ability to take down all that you have built with one miscalculated step. Plus you have just learned that the winsome love of your life, the Maternal-One, is being courted by a minion from a Bureau that would have everyone of one of your beloved and loyal devotees turn against you...".
In moments like these Spinelli felt the least grown up. Jason was nearly twice his size and all muscle. By rights Jason should be a meathead, brain damage aside, it wasn't fair that his master could be both a super intellect and so physically powerful at the same time.
Irresistible in the eyes of nearly all the fair maidens to cross Stone Cold's path; even his fair Maximista had referred to Jason's prowess in the past. But there he sat (with his broad shoulders spanning half the length of the couch and his thighs spread in equal width as if something so huge had parted them); thoughtful, considerate, in control, and five steps ahead of everyone else.
"What were the rocks for?" Cody asked, curiosity getting the best of him. "I don't see a fish tank..." Stares from the men on the couch, "or a barbecue pit"
"You don't want to know" Jason and Spinelli both said in unplanned unison.
***
Jason paced most of the night on the roof. When he wasn't immersed in the intricacies of his Plan, he'd allow himself envisioning Elizabeth standing before him. His mind wasn't suppose to work like that, it wasn't supposed to dream or fantasize. Yet lately he could draw up an image of her so real he want to touch it. But he didn't. Though he knew where her height would be if she were in heels or barefoot. He knew where her hands would be if he wanted to hold them. And he knew where her lips would be if he wanted to kiss the illusion of them. Only once before had he imagined her so vividly, Elizabeth and he were just friends then. She'd come to him in a vision to retrieve a silk glove that she'd left in his apartment... There were feelings even back then that neither of them had voiced. He would like to have that glove now, or anything of hers to hold on to. Instead he had the FBI breathing down his neck and an impending mob war and the intolerable betrayal of his mentor to deal with. Adding in the latest news, the FBI pursuing Elizabeth.
Were they just waving at him, trying to provoke a response, or hoping to intimidate him into doing something rash? Had they discovered he'd placed guards on Elizabeth? Did they think they could have Elizabeth turn informant, promise her that she and the kids would always be safe? He knew how fictional promises like that is, no matter what side of the law it came from. The Bureau was always going to try to aim at his weaknesses but they had to know she was out of his life. Yet there was the rub.
His attorney Diane had pointed it out so succinctly: just because he'd banned Elizabeth from his life didn't mean he wouldn't still move heaven and earth for her. Because he would. Too many people seemed to be aware of that. And it didn't mean she was necessarily any safer apart from him. It was his failure to conceal his feeling for Elizabeth and one he punished a heavy punching bag for daily. At least he had a plan to get everyone off his back formulating.
His morning meeting with Diane started as scheduled. Though she was one of the trusted inner circle, she was only privy to her role in the plot. That's the way she liked it. Plausible deniability. They ticked off every detail. All would have to be as precise as the workings of a Swiss watch and yet everyone with a role in the scheme needed the ability to impov as well. Jason was moved by the risk everyone was willingly taking considering the plan probably wouldn't work and they all knew it. They were the Good Bad-Guys hoping karma would be on their side this time.
Once the agenda had been gone over, Jason switched direction, "So I've arranged a jet to take you to California. One of the guards will meet you at the airfield and take you to Elizabeth--"
"Wait, wait--" Diane tried to interrupt.
"--They will be able to get you to her unseen. Once you've explained--"
"JASON! She yelled, at last getting his attention, "I am NOT flying to California. I have no objections to going to Half Moon Bay. There are some very fine resorts there, oh, and lovely designer shops, not to mention the handsome golf ranges to choose from, but Jason, there is no way I am explaining all this to Elizabeth." Her stance was firm. Jason recognized it as being unmovable despite him being Employer and her Employee. He disliked that about her. Was there anyone on earth more stubborn? Maybe, but there wasn't a better lawyer.
He didn't try to argue it with her. Diane could see he was running a list of who else might go in her stead. The thorny lawyer evoked her most humane and feminine voice to gently urge him, "Jason, it has to be you. You need to go to her. I think in your heart you know that."
"I promised, ...we promised, never to contact each other again. I can't be the one...". It was crushing him to say, to utter that promise again and give it weight. Long ago he was entrusted with the care of a child and when it came time to give the little boy up Jason thought there would never be anything harder than that in his lifetime. Then came the day just weeks ago, when he had to give up the woman he loved and their son. The weight of that day bore down on him with such force; at times he felt as if he was only four feet high.
"It can't be me...", though ironically there was nothing he really wanted more than to talk to her... She put the ground beneath his feet.
to be continued.