I don't own ABC, I don't General Hospital. I don't own Under the Tuscan Sun, or anything else.
Under the Tuscan Gun: A Liason Story
Prologue
Spring 2007
The bus was cramped with excited tourists as they sipped on the wine given to them as part of the tour. Cameron and Aurora, both toddlers, were watching the movie that was playing on the iPad, too engrossed with the animation playing out before them to be bothered with the jubilant squeals and laughter of the adults seated around them. Sitting next to them in the aisle seat, was a very pregnant Elizabeth Cerio (pronounced with s-sound), formerly Spencer. The look on her face radiated concern rather than happiness…'Happiness,' Elizabeth thought with mental scoff… 'Was fleeting feeling at best.' Ever the-glass-half-empty sort of woman (at least in more recent months), she decided to look out the window and take in the beauty of the one country she had always longed to see.
The rolling hills filled with miles and miles of farms, owned by the same families for generations, and the infinite beauty therein, was not lost on her. Perhaps, it was the fact that when she imagined Italy, it wasn't so much the place that she wanted to see, but rather the person she imagined she would see it with. Elizabeth gave a half smile, as they drove past several fields of sunflowers. It was impossible not to smile at least a little with all those happy yellow flowers staring back at you, waving in the wind. 'The Wind,' Elizabeth lamented, letting out a sad sigh.
As the cramped bus came around a corner, Elizabeth saw a sign that read "Cortona." According to the tour bus schedule given at the beginning of this journey, it was market day. As the bus came to a halt, Elizabeth rose from her seat with all the grace of a lumbering Buffalo, she emerged in the aisle but faced her seats and the cute little people occupying them. Waving her hand forward she beckoned her young son Cameron, and her newly adopted niece Aurora to follow her off the bus.
It was slightly misty out and the sky leaked a slow drizzle of precipitation onto the growing crowd. The bus' tour guide, Harvey was swallowed up by the traffic, but she could see the giant sunflower he was carrying above his head, for all to see.
Holding onto her children's hands she guided them through the busy street, and took them over to visit the venders. The market was loud and the scene was almost frantic in a certain sense, as vendors seemed happy to sell their wares. Live foul squawked with all their might 'in protest,' Elizabeth thought 'at having to be someone's dinner.' "Can't say I blame them," she said to no one in particular. It was amazing to experience such a clash of civilizations. While on the one hand, people seemed to be aware that they were living in the 21st century, by showing off their fancy Italian sports cars, no one was in anyway stressed with the hustle of having to be somewhere or moving with an actual purpose in mind. The people of this town really knew how to enjoy themselves and embrace the little things. For the first time, in her 3 day journey Elizabeth was beginning to enjoy the new culture around her.
Elizabeth, Cameron and Aurora stopped in front of a grape vender. She looked to the children and said, "Would you two like some grapes?" Both children provided a nod that indicated yes, and with that two bunches of grapes were purchased on their behalf.
As the children were carefully eating their grapes, Elizabeth spotted the most interesting person she'd ever seen upon first glance. It was a tall, glamourous honey blonde, wearing a dazzling hat that with all the latest fashion trends should have faded with time. This look worked for her though, she'd give her that. This spectacular woman with movie star good looks, was currently clutching a baby duckling and sweetly caressing it with her face, it was both odd and sweet… and dare she say, 'strangely endearing.'
As Elizabeth came around a corner, she stopped in front of an advertisement for local properties that were for sale. Most of them didn't do anything for her, but there was one, that read: "Il Mio Vento." It was at that point that the woman she had been admiring before came up behind her and started explaining all the virtues that the quaint little villa had to offer. The best among them being what the name of the property actually meant, "It means My Wind."
'How ironic,' Elizabeth thought. I just can't escape thoughts of him no matter what the distance is. Was it any wonder why Robin had to move all the way to Paris in order to get clear of her emotions for him? She could certainly empathize with her on this subject. It was clear that she was staring off as this woman was still talking to her…'How incredibly rude am I being,' she chastised as she brought herself back to the conversation.
"Are you planning on buying Il Mio Vento," asked the enigmatic blonde?
"No," said Elizabeth with a slight lilt, "That would probably be a big mistake."
"Ah, yes, a spectacular error, I'm sure," the woman said in an unbelieving manner that only meant to convey sarcasm, as she slowly yet demurely strode off.
'How strange,' Liz thought. 'How did my life get to this point?' She wondered. "Cam and Rora, we better get back to the bus. We don't want to get left behind." Taking the children's hands she walked them to the bus and got resituated, never noticing the familiar face following her every move, as he took in her tired appearance.
After about 20 more minutes of waiting for everyone to get back, the bus started on its journey south. It was just a few minutes outside of town when the bus made a sudden stop. With the tilt of her head in the aisle Elizabeth gazed out to look beyond windshield and spotted the culprits that caused the delay.
It was a flock of sheep blocking the road. Again Elizabeth marveled about the clash of civilizations. It was at that point in the journey that Elizabeth looked out of the window to her left and saw a sign on a property that read: "Il Mio Vento." Her eyebrows rose and she knew it was a sign. Grabbing the kids, and their belongings she asked the driver to let them off there. She got their luggage from the outside compartments of the bus and watched as it drove off with all the occupants staring at her in confusion and disbelief.
Elizabeth struggled toward the gate of the house with children and luggage in tow. She deposited the children inside and gathered their luggage one case at a time along with the extra baggage that she required for the kids.
Slowly she made her way into the house. The door was ajar, but the sign said they were taking visitors to see the house so she decided to peek her head in and say, "Hello," but her call went unanswered. Ushering the children in precariously and bringing her belongings inside she grabbed her purse and the kids' hands and moved forward through a wide hallway that led toward a back room. "Hello" Elizabeth called out unsure of herself, "Is anyone here?"
It was at that point, that an elderly woman who had been sitting in a small love seat facing the opposite corner of the room decided to stand up and make her way around toward them. She offered a warm smile, which Elizabeth immediately returned.
They were soon joined by what appeared to be the real estate agent, and a married couple who looked a tad bit snooty if truth be told. The real estate agent approached Elizabeth and said, "I am Signore Dellapenta, are you interested in a property? Sadly, it seems that this one is about to be sold."
"Oh," said Elizabeth, "That's okay, I just saw the ad in town and the villa sort of called to me."
"Voglio raddoppiare il prezzo della casa," the elderly woman stated to the Signore Dellapenta.
"Angelina wants to double the price of the house," said Signore Dellapenta.
"Why?" asked the female half of the married couple, "It didn't gain value in the last few minutes."
"Guarda tutte le persone interessate alla mia casa. Il prezzo dovrebbe aumentare."
"She feels that since so many people are interested in the house that it must be worth more," said Signore Dellapenta.
"How much more?" asked Elizabeth, "I have a certain amount readily available to me at the moment, but I can move more over."
"We'll pay it," said the other man eager to one up Elizabeth.
"Are you offering a counteroffer against us?" asked the the other woman.
"I guess I am," said Elizabeth. It was at this point that Cameron was begining to grow restless, and started tugging on Elizabeth's arm, "Cam, baby, please stop we'll be finished shortly."
The married couple started to squabble over the genuinne value of the house, and decided that they were going to walk away from the negotitians, "We'll look in a different province."
The woman walked up to Elizabeth and said, "You greedy Americans wreck everything."
Elizabeth looked at her apologetically and said, "Some us of are really sorry about that, but I'm not one of them."
The couple marched off with their noses in the air.
Elizabeth snickered to herself as she was reminded of the scene from 101 Dalmations where the character Pongo was observing that parisian dog with her nose in air.
"Is the price of the house really doubled?" asked Elizabeth.
Signore Dellapenta asked the question to Angelina, and she nodded her head in affirmative.
"That's fine. I'll have to move some funds over but I can swing it," Elizabeth said.
"But Signora, you have not even seen it," said Signore Dellapenta.
"At this point, it doesn't matter. I can't go back to New York," stated Elizabeth emphatically.
"No, ho bisogno di un segno," said Angelina.
"A sign, you need a sign," said Elizabeth in quiet desperation. It seemed that money was not the problem. The woman did not wish to part with her home. She could understand that. Her Gram had loved her home too. If she hadn't recently died she would still be in it, and things would be so different.
"I understand all about signs," Elizabeth said with a small smile.
"This Villa has been in her family for 300 years," said Signore Dellepenta.
"With that much history, I can understand her reluctance to let it go."
As Elizabeth turned to exit the house in defeat, with a disgruntled Cameron and easy going Aurora in tow, a wayward cat came around the corner and chased some of the birds that were in the house away. The birds kicked up some dust and everyone started to sneeze including the cat. It was at that point that Angelina stood up, and exclaimed "un segno, un segno."
"What's a sign, us sneezing or the cat chasing the birds?"
"Actually, the cat sneezing was the sign. It seems the house is yours Signora," said Signore Dellapenta. Then he went onto add, "By the way, I didn't get your name and we are going to need that for the paperwork."
"Oh right, I'm sorry, I'm Elizabeth Cerio and these are my children Aurora and Cameron."
"Interesting, you know that Aurora is name for the Roman Goddess of the Dawn," said Signore Dellepenta.
"Yes, I'm aquainted with Roman Mythology," answered Elizabeth.
"And doesn't she a-fit the part, with her golden hair. She's as beautiful as a goddess," the real estate agent complimented.
'He's good,' thought Elizabeth. Then she added, "I like to think so, but then again I'm biased."
And Signore Dellapenta laughed, "Aren't we all. We'll meet tomorrow at the office to fill out the paperwork. Where are you staying in town?"
Elizabeth lifted up her shoulders in a shrug as she hadn't given any thought about that.
Signore Dellapenta nodded in understanding and said, "Ride with me to town and we will get you a room at the local inn."
"Sure, that would be wonderful,"added Elizabeth who was eager to get her feet up.
Chapter 1.
Heart Broken Hospital
It had only been 2 weeks since the end of the Metro Court hostage crisis. A week and half prior, the beloved Dr. Alan Quartermaine had succommed to a severe myocardial infarction, brought on by injuries sustained during the hostage crisis. The staff had been meloncholy for the last week, but alas that was not what was effecting many of them so acutely on this Monday morning. Today, was a saddness of a different kind.
Epiphany Johnson, distinguished and well liked (not to mention well feared) Head Nurse, had the unfortunate task of informing the staff that one of the most beloved nurses in her unit was no longer employed with General Hospital. It was not something she wished impart on the staff, because in truth, she really adored Elizabeth Spencer as much as the next staff member. Nurse Spencer was known for both her skills as a practioner of care, but also known to offer compassion and sound advice to those around her. She would be profoundly missed.
Flashback three weeks prior.
"Epiphany, I've come to a decision," declared an exasperated Elizabeth, at the end of her shift.
"What is that, Elizabeth?" Epiphany wanted to know.
"Can we speak privately... in your office?" Elizabeth asked.
Epiphany nodded her yes, already not liking where this was heading but agreeing to speak with her anyways. As they walked in, with Epiphany leading the way, Elizabeth slipped in and closed the door behind her. Piph, let out a sigh, as Elizabeth began to speak.
"Look, I know you can't be happy with my performance as of late. I'm not content with it either. So much has happened in the past 5 months, well...year actually, and I can't continue on this way. I just can't..."
"What are you trying to say, Liz?"
Liz pulled out her envelope, with Epiphany's name neatly enscribed on it. "I'm tendering my resignation, effective two weeks from now."
Epiphany, gave a look of bewildermant, "What are you going to do as a means of income?"
Liz, gave a sad grin, and ran her hands through her shiny brown locks, shaking her head side to side in exhaustion. "I recently met with both my Gram's and Steve's attorneys. I've found out quite a bit of information about my inheritance and other financial matters that I was unaware of. I'm going to be alright financially, at least for a while, providing that I make sound financial decisions."
"Well, if you're sure," said an embattled Epiphany.
"Look, I need a favor, Piph. Word can't get out until after I've left."
"You're asking for a lot, Liz. We're going to have to fill your spot."
"Don't I know it. Perhaps, if I explain some of what is going on you would understand why this has to be done so covertly."
"Well, do tell. This, I've gotta hear."
"You know how I've taken on the role of being a single mother to Cam. I've always been prepared to do that, but now I've have my niece Aurora too."
"You could've let your sister Sarah take Aurora. You're under so much pressure as it is, Elizabeth. I mean she's a doctor. She can afford to take Aurora."
"That's true, but it would've gone against Steven's wishes for Aurora should anything have happened to him, which you well know that it did."
Replying with the shake of her head Epiphany said, "Look, I know it was a terrible accident, but you don't"
"It wasn't an accident, Epiphany!" interrupted Elizabeth.
"What do you mean it wasn't an accident? Your grandmother and brother were killed in a head on collision with an 18 wheeler."
"It was staged, and I have confirmation from not only my mortal enemy, but several government sources, as well as Luke Spencer, indicating that the accident was foul play. I spent three hours at the police station, yesterday."
"How is it that you have a mortal enemy? You're 26 years old, and terribly sweet?" asked Epiphany.
Elizabeth gave an enigmatic sad smile. "Two words...Lucky Spencer...It started with Lucky being kidnapped twice. Once by Faison and the Second time by Helena Cassadine, Nikolas' crazy grandmother."
Epiphany, raised her eyebrows in an inticipation, waiting for Elizabeth to continue.
"The abbreviated version is that, in the spring of 1999 there was a fire in an apartment above at a bike shop where Lucky was living. We thought Lucky had been killed in the fire, but he wasn't, he was kidnapped by Faison, and then Helena, who spent her time brainwashing him. He returned a year later, with the notion that I should be romantically involved with Nik, which was perposterous."
Epiphany added, "Yeah, I just can't see you two together."
"Well neither could I, but Lucky wanted us together at the suggestion and manipulation of Helena. Anyway, as a test of loyalty, and a way for Nik to gain information on how to reverse Lucky's brainwashing, he was asked by Helena to kill me. So, I convinced him to help me fake my death, by poisoning."
It was at this point that Epiphany had to do a double take. "Continue. This is better than I first thought. Disturbing, but better."
Elizabeth, just shrugged shoulders and gave a jaded laugh, "We had help. Though, I'm not going to name sources, but there were those that hid me while I was 'dead.'"
"We were eventaully able to reverse most of the damage done by Helena, but not all of it. Helena, never forgave me for besting her. So now she's seen fit to attack my family at least I think that's why she's doing this."
"Okay, I can buy that, but why now? Why not just start with you?" Epiphany asked.
"She wants me isolated. If she takes out my family, then in her mind I will have to rely on Lucky's, and well no offense to them, but they're inept. This is a war she's been waging against the Spencers for decades. She believes I'm pregnant with Lucky's baby. She's waiting until I have this baby to strike. She means to take the baby."
"What is she going to do with your baby? And what do you mean believes, this is Lucky's baby, isn't it Lucky's?"
"Who knows. Brainwash it. Kill it. With her the possibilities both grim and endless. As for the question of paternity, I never said the baby was Lucky's everyone just assumed that it was," answered Elizabeth.
"So you mean to tell me that all this time, I've been operating under the assumption that this is Lucky's kid?"
"Yes, but no one ever bothered to ask me, and aside from the potential father's it was no one's business. I've talked to them both about the paternity results and I know where I stand with them."
"Oh, that's good. So...where do you stand and why is no one helping you? You would think that someone with Jason's resources would help you stay safe," Epiphany stated.
"That's simple...Jason and Sam are working on reconstructing their relationship, and he's dedicated to fixing his mistakes with her last summer and the same for her. When I spoke to him about the paternity results back in October of last year, he said 'He knew what the results were, and thought it would be better if we took a step back from our friendship, so that he could focus on repairing their relationship.'"
Epiphany simply shook her head in disbelief.
"Piph, it's not like we planned this. He's a wonderful friend and I'm sure once he and Sam will figure out how to move forward in their relationship, he'll step up for this baby. I'm sure of it. You just don't know him like I do," stated Elizabeth (over-confidently.)
"Yeah, but in the meantime you could end up dead."
"That's why I'm getting out of dodge, for now, so-to-speak."
"How did Lucky react to the news that Jason's the father of this baby?"
"In a word: Poorly." At that Epiphany didn't say anything, so Elizabeth decided to elaborate.
"Lucky, knows I was with someone the night of the blackout. He knows it's not Patrick, and he knows that the person I was with is the father of this baby. I didn't tell him who, because Lucky is a volitale, loose cannon. When I told him of my infidelity, and mentioned that he wasn't the father, he shoved me into the brick wall of the outside courtyard at Shadybrook. Do you remember how Lucky tried to frame Jason by planting drugs on him this last fall and shot at me? I can't take the chance of him trying to get revenge on Jason because of this baby."
"This is a regular three-ringed-circus, Liz. This stress must be killing you. I mean you've literally taken everyone else's feelings and needs into consideration, but who's looking out for you?" asked Epiphany, in anger. The more she heard the more absurd this got. Could the world not see this child had been through enough?
"At this point, it's better for everyone if I just look out for myself and the children. I refuse to be someone's obligation. I have the means to move forward and I will. I just have to do this discreetly, and I could really use your help."
"Well, alright, I mean I guess I could help. It's a good thing that we have a whole bunch of student nurses starting up soon."
"Oh, thank you, Piph," Liz said through tears.
End Flashback.
This would be hard day. Taking a deep breath, Epiphany Johnson started gathering the nursing staff and some of the doctors that loved Liz the most, and Liz loved in turn around the hub.
"If I could just get a moment of your time."
Emily, Patrick, a recovering Robin who just happened to be rolling by (she had been shot during the hostage crisis), Kelly, Lainey, and other ancillary staff gathered around to hear what their fearless, head nurse had to say.
"I know you're all wondering why I would have you gathered here. I wanted all of you to hear it from me first, that Nurse Elizabeth Spencer, is no longer employed here at General Hospital."
There were gasps and deep breaths from the surrounding staff, and Emily Quartermaine, Liz's best friend, could be heard uttering an unbelieving, "What? I can't believe this."
Epiphany responded, "Elizabeth tendered her resignation three weeks ago. She was only supposed to stay for two weeks, but with the hostage crisis along with the fact that we were low on staff stayed an extra week, much to her own detriment."
"I can't believe she would quit the hospital without so much as a word. I have to go find her. She's not thinking clearly," said Emily.
"She was quite lucid when she spoke to me Dr. Quartermainne. She left some of us some letters explaining her circumstances and what led her to this decision. She didn't do any of this lightly. Emily, there's a letter here for you."
Epiphany, extended the letter forward to Emily, and she took. Emily, could barely keep her tears in check. 'What had she missed?' Elizabeth had been stressed, but she was sure that once Liz realized she belonged with Lucky, things would get better. Liz was just being her typical stubborn self.
"Patrick, Robin, Lainey, and Kelly there's one for each of you too."
One by one, each took their letters, and went off privately to read what their cherished friend had to say.
Emily, went to the waiting area and began to read, what her very best friend had to say.
My Dearest Friend Emily,
First, I would like to say is that I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Emily. I'm sorry for failing you by not being here right now, as you are grieving. While I know this paltry letter is of little consolation, please know that you will never be far from my thoughts and prayers. Your friendship is truly a gift, and I'm aware of how completely undeserving I am to have had it in the first place. I know that my leaving right now is going to be particularly difficult, especially with the death of your dad and I'm broken-hearted at thought of abandoning you right now.
More than anyone, I owe you a complete explanation so here goes: As you're well aware, the deaths of both my Grams and brother Steven have been difficult for me to bare. As if that weren't enough, I've set about adopting my beautiful neice Aurora; one because I love her, and secondly and more importantly, it was what Steve wanted me to do. For some reason, he felt I was a better fit when it came to rearing his beloved little girl, than Sarah would be. Recently, I've learned from Helena directly, as well local and federal law enforcement that their deaths were orchastrated. I don't know if anyone has bothered to tell you, but Helena was also responsible for the release of Tom Baker. Em, please be safe. I spoke to Mac about getting you a protection detail, but the force is low on funds and Mac stated that they will make an effort to have more of police presence between GH and the docks. Please stay alert. If anything were to happen to you, my heart simply couldn't take it.
Helena, wants me to rely on Luke. I can't take that risk right now. First, because I just don't think that any of the Spencers can make me and the kids a priority. Secondly, and I know this may come as a shock because Lucky really hasn't said anything to anyone. I don't think he believed me when I told him that he isn't the father of my baby. I told Lucky back in early November and he hasn't said a word to anyone, of course they sent him to solitary recovery for attacking me. That's why he was sent there. Even though he's been given his job back, he's a loose cannon, Em. Be careful around him.
In case you're wondering (which I know you are) no, the father is NOT Patrick. I've never been with him, nor would I ever be with him. The father is someone I've always trusted, and will always love. I turned to him the night of the blackout after catching Lucky with Maxie for the third time in two days. My friend said he was, "aware of the results of the paternity test, but wanted to focus on rebuilding his relationship with his girlfriend." He's involved with someone else, and has asked me to take a step back from our friendship so that he can focus on fixing his relationship with his girlfriend. They weren't together at the time of the blackout, just taking a break. I know that when the time is right he will step up and do what's right for his child. He's just in a difficult place right now. I owe him so much, what kind of friend would I be to not honor his request?
At some point, when I get to a safe place, I will let you know how I'm doing. I didn't tell all of you what has been going on before because there's been a lot going on for everyone. First, with Luke and Laura's wedding, and having to pretend that Lucky is normal for that farce of a relationship, and then there was Jason and Sam on the lamb, and Spencer's kidnapping. It didn't feel right to burden everyone when I've done so all year long with Lucky's situation. Just know that I love you, Em. Please don't forget that. You're never far from my thoughts. The kids and I are praying for you.
Love Always,
Elizabeth
Emily, was at a loss, with tears streaming down her face. She wasn't sure what to think, but more than anything she just wanted to find Elizabeth and give her friend a hug. She stood up slowly and walked to the locker room to put her letter away.
Emily, caught the beleagured expressions of both Kelly and Lainey who were shaking their heads in disbelief, tears streaming down their faces.
"I wish she would've said something, anything," said Lainey, "I mean I'm trained to spot problems. How could I not know that something of this magnitude was going on with her?"
The three women continued their conversation back to the hub without noticing some of the other people that had arrived to overhear part of the conversation that was going on.
"What you have to understand about Elizabeth is that she would never want to be a burden to anyone. If she wants something to stay private she will do her best make sure that it does. She spends most of her time protecting the feelings of others while ignoring her own. I just don't think she wants to be anyone's obligation, and to be honest, no one has really ever put her first," Emily said as she was wiping away more tears.
It was at this point that Emily looked up and noticed that her brother, Jason, was looking at her with concern.
"What's wrong? Why are you and everyone else so upset?" asked Jason.
"Eliz..." Emily started to answer but was cut off by Epiphany.
"In addition to losing your wonderful father Mr. Morgan, our best surgical nurse Ms. Spencer has decided to leave GH, because of all the danger that she and her children have been subjected to."
"What...what danger? You mean the hostage crisis? James Craig is on the run and I don't think he was after her to begin with." he questioned clearly caught unaware.
"You know what I find interesting, Mr. Morgan? Elizabeth put her career and herself on the line for you this last fall, and you haven't bothered to check on her given her condition." Epiphany said in a very pointed manner, hoping that Jason would take a hint.
Seeing that she had Jason's attention Epiphany continued,"I mean it wasn't enough that she helped you while you were on the run, but to be grabbed as roughly as she was by that awful D.A. Lansing, when she was trying to get your ungrateful girlfriend away. I don't know what you've done to deserve such loyalty. Poor girl, and then what happened this last weekend. Just awful."
"What do you mean grabbed by Lansing and what happened this weekend? What's going on with Elizabeth, Em?" as he guided his upset sister to the waiting area, and away from the upset nurse.
"This all started with Helena, Jase. Helena, is responsible for so much that has happened to Elizabeth this year. It seems in the last few weeks, that it has come to Elizabeth's attention that Helena caused the accident that killed Steve and Audrey."
"I had heard that they were in an accident, but Sam and I were on the run and looking for Spinelli that I didn't have time talk to Elizabeth about it," Jason said lowering his head and ticked his jaw. 'Some friend I've been.'
Epiphany piped up again, "What I mean is that while you were planning your getaway, with Sam from the hospital, D.A. Lansing grabbed Elizabeth from behind as she was exiting Sam's room when Elizabeth accidently discovered her. The force of the grab was strong that he left marks unintentionally along her neck. This is was about a week after a confrontation she had with Lucky, where he shoved her so hard into a brick wall that her back was left bruised for days. The next day Steve and Audrey were killed, on purpose by this Helena character."
"Yeah, she mentioned that with everying going on with all of us, that she didn't want to burden everyone. That's so Liz, too," Emily added. "By the way, in Elizabeth's letter to me that she left behind she mentioned that Tom Baker has been let out of prison. Helena arranged it."
"I'm placing you and Elizabeth under added protection," Emily just shook her head. She knew her brother too well to bother arguing. Before Emily turned to leave, Jason stopped her. Intending to further the conversation, and again was interrupted by Epiphany.
"It's a little late to be offering your protection now Mr. Morgan. Elizabeth had been planning her escape for weeks, but with the hostage crisis she decided to work an extra week, as a courtesy for the loss of some of some of the staff. I have a feeling that after what happened this weekend, it just solidified her reason flee all the more."
"What happened this weekend? I was out of town on business."
"It appears that while Elizabeth was finalizing her move, Tom Baker made his sick a attempt at first contact, and broke into her grandmother's house. He went up to Liz's bedroom, jackedoff on the bed, left her a red dress, and scribbled the phrase, 'Not a word' repeatedly all over the walls. Liz came to tell me about it early Saturday morning, so that I would know that she wouldn't be back here anytime soon."
"Oh my God, Liz didn't mention that in my note," said Emily disgusted and upset for her friend.
"This doesn't make any sense, I know that I've been busy, being on the run and then there was the hostage crisis, but why didn't Elizabeth come to me or Sonny, or go to Luke for that matter? She has to know that we would help her."
"Mrs. Spencer, did stop by to see Sonny about three weeks ago, Jason."
Emily and Jason, both turned their heads in surprise at Max's admission.
"Sonny's here to see Dr. Winters. Sonny said he didn't have time to talk to her then, and for her to come back.'"
"Did she...come back?" Jason asked.
"Yes, but he told her that was under no obligation to provide her any information and that we were of the mindset that she was supposed to be leaving the business alone where you were concerned," answered Max, "She did speak to me though. She seemed uneasy, but I just thought it was pregnancy hormones."
"What did she want?" Jason asked upset. 'How could I have missed this?' He thought upset with himself. 'Why didn't she come to him?'
"A couple of things. First, she wanted us to be aware that Tom Baker was let out of prison and she was wondering if we could look into getting protection arranged. I told her that we only handle protection for certain people," Max said with finality, only it was clear that Jason thought he should continue.
"She's my friend so this should've been addressed with me. I hope you didn't turn her away."
"Mr. Corinthos already had. She said that protection wasn't so much for her but she was concerned about Dr. Quatermaine, because he had stalked her and she wanted us to know that he'd been let out. Dr. Quartermaine was looking for Spencer in Russia, so we made arrangements for when she returned."
Emily, started to cry harder. Even when faced with her rapist's freedom Elizabeth didn't worry about herself she set out to try and help her, quietly. Poor Elizabeth. 'That was pretty cold of Sonny. I mean Elizabeth saved Jason last fall, you think he would help her.'
"What else did ask she about, Max?" Jason asked.
"She wanted to know where she could get a fake I.D. and passports?"
"What did you tell her, Max?"
Jason didn't look happy.
"I told her that I wasn't going to be able to help her with that, because she was the wife of a cop and that I would have to check with Mr. Corinthos anyway. I told Mr. Corinthos, but with the hostage crisis and all I don't think we ever followed up. I doubt he was going to do that anyways."
Jason turned to Emily, "What about Luke, couldn't she go to him?"
"She addressed that in her letter to me, she indicated that she didn't trust the Spencers to make her or the children a priority. Especially, after Lucky's behavior last fall."
"Why not, she's carrying Lucky's baby. He has to care a litt...," he stopped as Emily gave a sad shake of her head, indicating 'no.'
"Jase, according to her letter, and you're not going to believe this, but Elizabeth isn't carrying Lucky's baby."
"What!" said Jason in disbelief. "What do you mean?"
"Well according to her letter, 'she said that she was with someone the night of the blackout after catching Lucky with Maxie,' but she didn't say who. All she would say is that the guy she was with told her he was 'aware of the paternity results, and wanted them to take a step back from their friendship, so he could focus on fixing his relationship with his girlfriend."
Jason looked pale, like he was about to swallow his tongue or throw up or mixture of both.
Emily continued, "She did say that she was certain that he would step up and become involved when the time was right. That he was such a good friend and good man that he wouldn't let his kid down. He just needed to fix things with his girlfriend and that she had to get out of the way and respect that. At least that's how I took her to mean it."
Jason just stood there in awe of all that this conversation brought to light. 'How did I get this so wrong?'
"Look Jase... I've got to go. I've got rounds that I've have to do, and then I've got to scrub in on a heart cath. Are you going to be alright?" Jason shook his head yes. "We'll catch up later, okay?" asked Emily.
Jason gave a small nod and Emily went on about her day. He started thinking back to that day back in October, and all the times that he'd seen Elizabeth since he was made aware that he wasn't the father...by Carly. 'Just what the hell had happened?'
Jason needed Spinelli...no scratch that. Jason needed Stan. Spinelli was already very fond of Sam. He needed someone objective.