Chapter 2: Losing Jake

Jason softly laid his hand on his small son's chest. The baby slept on unaware of the horrible events of the last twenty-four hours. It had been the worst day of Jason's life.

Sonny had men investigating Elizabeth's death. Jason trusted his boss to find out who did this. He would wait, at least for now.

Diane had been at her best when they arrived at Audrey's home to get the boys. The older woman had been shocked but Diane had pulled out another letter from Elizabeth and Audrey had unhappily allowed Jason to take Cameron and Jake without a scene.

Lucky had been another story altogether. He arrived at Elizabeth's house less than an hour later, angrily demanding that Jason leave. He insisted that the paternity results had been doctored and that Elizabeth would never have wanted either of her sons being raised by a mobster.

Alexis soon produced a court order for a DNA test. Jason consented, knowing that the end would be the same. He was Jake's father and, if a little saliva from his son was needed to get rid of Lucky, it was a small price to pay.

Jason left his son and entered Cameron's room. The small boy had cried for his mother at bedtime. Jason knew it wouldn't be the last time. He wondered briefly if he was doing the right thing. Jake could adjust. Could Cam? Would he one day hate Jason for taking him from the only father he had ever known?

Jason sighed and moved down the hall into Elizabeth's room. Her pajamas were tossed on the unmade bed. She must have been running late yesterday when she left for work. A half-empty water bottle sat on the nightstand alongside a picture of Cam, Jake, and Audrey.

A newspaper was sticking out from under the bed. He picked it up and read the headline declaring his own innocence. The picture accompanying the story showed the two of them embracing outside the courtroom.

He sank onto the bed. She was really gone. He wanted to hop on his bike and ride until Port Charles was nothing but a memory. He wanted to lie down and wrap himself in her scent on the sheets. He wanted to hold Jake and never let go.

He wanted her back. Why had they wasted the chance to be together? He remembered feeling that letting her go was the only way to keep her safe. What if he hadn't? If she had guards driving her around, would she still be alive? There were no guarantees. Sonny had been just feet away from Lily when she was killed.

He could have protected her better. The guilt overwhelmed him and he rushed into her bathroom to vomit. Leaning back on the tub, he could clearly see her cluttered counter. Her makeup, perfume, and hairbrush were right there waiting for her return. Jason placed a hand over his eyes. She wasn't coming home.

He spent the rest of the night on that floor.

The day of Elizabeth's funeral was suitably rainy. Jason held Jake while Cameron sat with Emily and Audrey. The minister said all the wonderful things one expects to hear at a funeral but it meant nothing to Jason. All that mattered was that she was gone and he was still here.

As the dirt covered her coffin, he alone remained vigil. Carly had gently taken Jake from him and whispered that they would be at the house. That woman never ceased to surprise Jason. Instead of reading him the riot act for not telling her about his son, she had been supportive and understanding. Emily had spent much time with the boys, helping smooth over the transition. Jason knew he owed them both.

Lucky had not shown up for the funeral, which suited Jason fine. Sam had stood beside Nikolas and tried to make eye contact. Jason had ignored her. Today was about Elizabeth.

He hadn't realized he had been hoping for a miracle until the dentist confirmed that the body from the car matched Elizabeth's dental records. Even with all the evidence, he still found it hard to believe that Elizabeth was in that grave. It seemed impossible that her soft skin was burnt beyond recognition or that her beautiful hair was singed away.

As darkness fell, Jason finally said good-bye and went home to his sons.

Lucky arrived at the house early the next morning with the DNA results. Jason had not believed he could hurt worse until Lucky announced that he was Jake's father and had taken the baby. Cameron had watched and cried as he was left behind.

Jason picked Cam up, pacing the floors until the boy calmed down and fell asleep.

Questions circle around in his mind so fast that he couldn't keep up. Was the original paternity test really wrong? How was that possible? Or did someone alter these results? Could Lucky be that vindictive? Was Sam somehow involved? What would Elizabeth want him to do now?

Sonny leaned over his desk and spoke slowly so that the excitable computer geek would understand. "I want to know the names of everyone involved in that damn DNA test. I want to know their secrets. You're gonna find out for me, right?"

Spinelli gulped. "Yes, Mr. Corinthos, sir."

When the boy sat staring at him, Sonny threw out his hands. "NOW!"

Spinelli ran from the office.

Sonny sat down in his chair. He knew his focus should be on finding the killer but something about the whole paternity thing felt wrong. Jake was Jason's son. He knew it in his gut.

Jason made Cameron some macaroni and cheese for lunch. They colored and played with his Chugging Charlie trains. They went outside and played in the falling leaves.

Jason listened as Cam jabbered about his mother and brother. He patiently answered all the boy's questions about what had happened and what would happen next. He promised to always be there, to always protect Cam. By bedtime, Cameron was still sad but he seemed to have found some comfort.

Jason knew no peace. Losing Jake so soon after losing Elizabeth had broken him. He went through the motions for Cam but his soul was dried up.

Carly wrapped her arms around him from behind. He hadn't heard her arrival. "Carly…"

"Shhh. You don't have to say anything or feel a certain way. I just want to be here with you."

Jason nodded and turned to hold her. "I loved her."

"I know, Jase."

Around midnight, Jason began talking. He didn't know where the words came from.

"Elizabeth always accepted me, never tried to change me. And Jake, Carly, he's so amazing. He smiles and it reaches all the way to his toes. He definitely has her personality. He's so good-natured. She said he had my eyes and my smile." Jason paused to swipe at his moist eyes. "Every time I held him, I knew he was mine. I felt it. I don't understand." He sighed. "I don't understand any of this."

Carly sniffed, her own tears flowing freely. "Neither do I."

He looked over at her. "Who are you and where's my friend?"

She feigned insult. "I don't know what you mean."

"By now, you should be plotting revenge. You know, one of those really terrible plans where I have to come bail you out."

Carly laughed. "My plans are not terrible!" As he shook his head, she stood up. "Okay, it's like this. I love you and you need me here now. So here I am. No strings attached."

Jason rose and hugged her again. "Thank you."

Elizabeth opened her eyes. Another day in hell greeted her. For the last week, she had been imprisoned in this windowless room. Her only human contacts were two silent men who brought a picnic basket each morning containing food for the day. Neither spoke and one always kept a gun pointed in her direction.

"Jason, where are you?" she whispered, believing with all her being that he was looking for her.