(q*p)
CHAPTER ELEVEN ~ ROOM SERVICE
Emily's electric toothbrush sputtered letting her know it was time to rinse and spit. She'd just left Elizabeth's room and was thinking about their conversation. It wouldn't surprise her at all to find Jason there in the morning.
Nik stewed in the bedroom waiting for his wife to come to bed. She thought about going another round with the brush to buy a few more minutes but switched it off. After wiping the corners of her mouth, Emily went to face the music.
"Do you really think it's wise to have a known criminal spending the night? You've seen the danger he attracts. The kids are here. Hasn't Elizabeth been through enough?"
Untwining the sash on her robe, "Nikolas," Emily sounded patronizing, "your entire family is made up of known criminals and psychotics and they stay here." She tossed her robe over a chair and crawled in bed next to her shirtless husband.
Flexing his tongue knowing his defense was a lie. "It's not the same."
"True. At least Jason is more conventional." Emily smiled but Nik didn't appreciate the joke. Putting her hand on his shoulder trying to soothe him to no avail.
"I'd think for Elizabeth's sake alone you would have sent Jason away."
"He's in love with her."
"You've mentioned that. Remember your friend Lucky, my brother, your brother in law? He's in love with Elizabeth too. But you'd rather encourage your closest friend to be with a gangster than a decent guy like Lucky. It makes no sense, Emily." Nikolas pushed the covers back and got out of bed.
Emily leaned back against a mountain of pillows while Nik stared out their floor to ceiling window overlooking the sea.
Nikolas knew the truth but Emily had to disappoint him with it anyway. "Elizabeth doesn't love Lucky. She loves Jason. All they need to do is tell each other."
"Is that why you told Alfred to say there was bad weather?" Nik turned around to catch his wife's expression.
"I didn't!"
Nik looked sideways at his wife, doubting her. "You didn't?"
"No."
"I checked the weather, Emily. Yes, temperatures dropped significantly but there aren't high winds, rain- the snow has even stopped. There's nothing to prevent the launch from coming back out here."
Emily held his eyes, "I did not tell anyone to do anything."
"Someone did."
"It wasn't Elizabeth, I asked her."
"So you suspected something too? Then it was Jason."
"No way. He wouldn't do that. He's not manipulative like that."
Husband and wife looked across the room at each other. Feelings of concern and doubt needled at both of them.
…
If she could purr, Elizabeth would. Instead she hummed. It made Jason grin.
They cuddled and relaxed till Jason could take it no more. He was feeling guilty but not in the way Elizabeth feared. "I didn't mean to make you say…you know, say what you said."
"You didn't mean to make me say I love you?" Elizabeth rolled over to face him with a knowing smile. She crawled on top of him and lay flush with his body looking into his eyes, "I love you Jason Morgan. I knew it the night we spent at Jake's. I told Emily, if you don't believe me."
"You told Emily?"
She nodded. "A while ago."
"So Emily knew how you felt about me, but I didn't?" He stroked her hair
"You said One Night. What was I suppose to do?"
"It should have been one night. But I never wanted it to be. I thought it had to be."
"I know you did. I'm so happy we get another chance." He looked away from her. "Jason?" When she had his gaze again, "where did you get so many candles?"
He chuckled and his muscles rippled under her torso. Jason looked around the room. "I cleared out every guest room and bathroom I could find."
Giggling, "Your sister does love to decorate."
Jason's smile seemed so genuine and perfect to Elizabeth. They were clicking. They were on the same page. It felt good and right but when this moment ended, what was next? "So what happens now? Are you gonna tell me to stay away from you because you know that won't work. Even when we aren't trying we seem to find each other."
He grinned, "I noticed that too."
Elizabeth pointed her finger and looked stern. "So telling me to stay away is futile."
"I won't." His pause was almost long enough to worry Elizabeth. It looked like Jason didn't want to say what was next… "For now, though, we have to keep this between us. Is that Ok?"
"Why?"
"I need time to set things up. To make sure you and Cameron are safe. And you need time to think about how this will change things for you and your son."
"Change things how?"
"Like where you want to live. You can't stay in that house. I can't protect you there. I'll come up with some places for you to choose from. Spinelli can set up security so you'll hardly know it's there. But it's change. Changes you probably haven't considered. You'll need time to processes what's happening as much as I need time to ready things."
Her throat dried up while he talked. Elizabeth wasn't naïve but what Jason described did kill some of the idealization she harbored about the underworld. Intelligently Elizabeth knew this was part of it. She hoped whatever home he found she could afford.
Jason watched Elizabeth's face become more solemn. "You need to think about Cameron too. What this does to his life."
"I know."
"He'll have guards."
"I figured. I sometimes see Michael with his."
"Elizabeth, you know it's too late to go back, right? After what happened to you I can never leave you and Cameron unprotected again. But the danger would be much less if we weren't together…"
Elizabeth's heart slid to her belly. Putting a finger to his lips, Elizabeth said, "Hush. Don't say that. It's not true." The rim of her eyes swelled. "We are safer together. It's a secret for now, but we are together."
Together… her words were the cliff Jason jumped off of. He fell into her sapphire eyes and kissed her as if he could keep freefalling forever. He held Elizabeth jaw and reveled in the feel of her body over his. Feelings stirred again. Jason let her go and exhaled.
Elizabeth couldn't think of anything to compare his kisses to. It was completely new every time as if she'd been tossed into the heavens and didn't know when or where or if she'd come down.
They gazed at each other long enough for Elizabeth's thoughts to wander. She wanted him so bad yet was completely aware of how little she knew about Jason. Intuitively they seemed to read each other like a book but what about his daily life? Does he put cream in his coffee? Boxers or briefs? How does he like his steak? Does he eat steak?
And, what did 'together' mean to Jason? Again Elizabeth worried if she was assuming things. Carly's words crept in her head and, in some ways, Elizabeth felt immature. Jason was worldlier than any other man she'd been with. Did he want commitment or something open? She searched his eyes.
"What?" Jason kissed her hand. "Ask me anything."
Elizabeth blushed and slid off his torso to lay next to him. "You know I didn't mean to put words in your mouth either, right? About us being together: together. I want us to be together; I just mean I didn't ask for a commitment. It's early for that, not that it's a bad thing. I don't want to be with anyone else but technically you're a free man and I'm a… " His growing smile stopped Elizabeth. Was he laughing at her? "What?"
"Uh uh." Jason shook his head as rolled onto side and faced her. "For your information I'm pretty much taken at the moment." His voice trailed off on a whisper as he kissed Elizabeth again throwing her heart high into the clouds.
Feeling dizzy when he paused, Elizabeth clarified, "You are?"
"Um hmmm…" Jason lightly kissed Elizabeth again on her brightly smiling lips.
…
After making love again Elizabeth and Jason had nothing left. They were sated and spent. In his hazy mind Jason thought he heard a door open. He opened his eyes. Most of the candles had burned down to nubs. He remembered lighting each one while debating going to Elizabeth and confessing his heart.
Jason heard another noise. The stately suite's heavy door remained closed. The room was quiet but for Elizabeth's delicate breathing.
Sliding out from her arms, she barely stirred. Jason stood looking down on someone that should be out of his reach yet there Elizabeth was, an arm's length away and there wasn't much of her he hadn't touched.
Elizabeth loved him. A woman with a sense of adventure, who was brave and a good mother, one who loved selflessly and put loyalty at the top of the list, loves him. Jason still didn't trust she could conceive how her life would change but change was going to happen one way or another. Time would tell if they would last.
Prying away from her beauty, Jason started blowing out candles with large breathes but the sound of footsteps forced him to pause. Though barely audible, the person wasn't trying to avoid being heard. It was slippers, socks, something… he looked at his door a half second before someone knocked. Elizabeth still didn't move.
Jason found his pajama bottoms quickly and pulled them on but not quickly enough to avoid another knock. This time it was loud enough to wake Elizabeth.
"What's going on?" She looked at him confused but not worried.
Jason was at the door, "I don't know." He told her.
Elizabeth sat up and pulled the covers around her chest. Jason opened the door, paused then stepped out into the hallway. Elizabeth heard Nikolas' voice for a moment before the door clicked shut. She scooped up her flannels and put them on. Courtesy of weak knees and thighs of jelly she didn't go very fast.
…
Trying to hide the panic in his voice it was still evident on Nik's face. "I just got a call—"
Jason put his hand up to halt Nik so he could step out of his room and close the door.
"What's going on?"
Nik finished, "I just got a call from my brother Lucky. They identified a man fished out of the harbor tonight as my boatman, the one who called in the bad weather. He'd been stabbed."
"How long ago?"
"Just now."
"No, how long ago did they find the body in the harbor?"
"I don't know, I guess a few hours ago?"
"Where's Emily?"
Elizabeth poked her head out. Both men looked at her but Nik hid his surprise. He looked back at Jason to answer with a hint of irony. "She's checking on Elizabeth."
Jason turned quickly and ran past Elizabeth back into the room.
Now she was worried. "Nikolas, what's going on?"
"Lucky Just called—"
Jason was back, holding a gun. "Let's go. Elizabeth, stay here."
"What did Lucky say?"
"Stay here, I'll be right back."
"No." She took a few steps following the men. They stopped abruptly giving her insubordination a disapproving stare. Elizabeth wasn't deterred. "Do what you have to, I'm going to my boy's room. I'll wait for you two there."
"Spencer and Cameron are fine. I checked the monitors and they're sleeping. The nanny is in the adjoining room."
"I'm going to see my son."
The men nodded agreement. Not that she should go with them but that they knew they weren't going to change Elizabeth's mind. All three went down the grand flight of stairs to the second floor. Alfred met them in his robe. He wisely carried a flashlight not depending on the night-lights in the hallways. "Sir?" He asked. "Is something the matter?"
Jason and Nik kept moving but Nik manage to say, "I don't know Alfred. Please go with Elizabeth to Spencer's room."
A muffled scream snapped them all to attention but for Jason. For him it was a starting gun. He was off like a shot. Nikolas fell in a few paces behind the running mobster. Elizabeth stuck closely to Alfred mostly to steady him as he hurried. She tried to keep him calm, herself too.
Down the corridor Jason saw Emily standing in front of Elizabeth's room. The light caught Emily's wide eyes. Her pale hands covered her mouth. Emily turned in time to see Jason running towards her.
Putting himself between Emily and whatever was scarring her, Jason pointed his weapon straight into the bedroom not knowing what he'd see.
Emily grabbed Jason's arm. "Jason! Where's Elizabeth? They took her again!"
"No, she's fine Emily. Elizabeth was with me."
On a giant sigh of relief just as her husband appeared, "Oh, thank God."
"Nikolas, please take Emily to check on the children. Show her Elizabeth is ok."
Nik quickly scanned Elizabeth's room then nodded to Jason. Holding his wife's hand he took off with Emily trailing slightly behind him. To Emily's relief they found Elizabeth standing over the sleeping boys. Everyone was accounted for.
Elizabeth looked up and whispered, "They're fine." Then she looked at Alfred and the nanny, "stay with them?"
"Of course." Alfred looked to the mistress of the house standing in the doorway. "Glad to see you are well." His mistress's screams weren't the first he'd heard in the castle. Alfred was a veteran of the estate.
Outside the boy's room Elizabeth pleaded, "What's going on? Emily, why did you scream? That was you, wasn't it?"
Because neither host truly knew what was going on, and neither wanted to describe what they'd seen, the pair started at her.
"Fine." Elizabeth headed to the suite she'd been staying in.
The couple caught up to her. Nik took her arm just as Jason stood up from examining the doorframe to see them coming.
"Stay there. Please." Jason's voice was so matter of fact all three did as told.
With all eyes on Jason he disappeared into the room. Emily took Elizabeth's other arm and they waited.
Jason looked around Elizabeth's room memorizing everything he saw and filing it away. It was mostly undisturbed if the mangled bed didn't count. Someone had taken the trouble to slash through her comforter; feathers and stuffing littered the bed and floor. A knife, jammed into the center of the mattress, stood up waiting for its next wielder.
The knife hadn't just been pushed into her bed. It had been thrust in over and over again shredding the padding down to the springs. A message or a temper, Jason wondered? He took it as both.
In the bathroom Jason looked for something he could use to extract the knife yet preserve any finger prints. He caught his image in the mirror and didn't like the worry lines. He pulled the masked down by tightening his jaw to hide his concern.
When Jason touched the hilt of the blade with a tissue he noticed it was still slightly warm, warmer than the room. Quickly Jason went back out into the hall.
"What's going on Jason?" Emily's voice was unsteady.
"I'm sorry, I know you're scared."
His sister pulled her shoulders up, "I'm not scared. But I would feel better if I knew what was going on. What does it mean Jason? Is someone after Elizabeth again?"
Elizabeth looked from Emily to Jason. She could think of one person. "What's in my room?"
"We haven't got much time." Jason handed his gun to Nikolas. "Take this, you know how to use it?"
"Oh my god," Emily gasped and gripped Elizabeth's arm tighter.
"Yes." It was a nice weight. Nik checked the safety. It was off, but he decided to put it back on.
"Someone was looking for Elizabeth."
"Clearly." There was that princely sarcasm again. "And pretty disappointed she wasn't here."
Elizabeth bit her bottom lip trying to follow along.
"Do you have guards?"
"Yes."
"An alarm?"
"No."
Jason gave the master of the house a questioning look.
Nikolas explained, "Too many entrances and exits. They are hidden all over this castle. The system kept going off and there was never anyone trying to get in. Yet when my family did arrive unannounced they always used some passageway and avoided the alarm. We stopped using it."
"Where are the guards?"
"They patrol the island."
"Can you call them in?"
"Yes, but wouldn't it save time if I ask them to check for evidence of unauthorized landings over the radio?"
"If they'd seen one wouldn't they have called in? Have them get over here."
As if on queue Nikolas' cell phone range. "It's the patrol."
Jason waited as Nik took the call. Even before Nikolas hung up Jason knew what they'd said.
"They witnessed someone taking off on the north side." The women gasped. "I authorized them to pursue but the guard didn't think they'd be able to catch up. It was a high-powered speedboat. I instructed him to send everyone else here."
Jason shook his head. He knew he should have gone straight out there but too many in the house were roaming the halls.
"At least whoever it was is gone." Nik consoled.
"Is anyone going to tell me what's going on?" Elizabeth's brow furrowed. It was frustrating being left behind.
Jason went for his cell phone and realized he was in nothing but a pair of flimsy pajama bottoms. "Can I use your phone?"
Nik took his from the pocket of his robe and handed it over. Jason dialed. Jason's team was efficient, even at this time of night the phone only rang once.
"A speed boat just left Spoon Island. Find it. Have people checking the piers. They were moving fast- probably land in a few minutes. I'm going to have a guy named Spinelli call for our security footage from the piers. Give him anything he asks for. Hey- he might call himself The Jackal…. Yes, anything he asks for."
Jason hung up and dialed again. This time it rang till voicemail picked up. Jason ended the call and redialed. As it rang he paced a few steps away from his audience. Finally someone answered.
"Spinelli…. Are you awake? I need you to listen…listen to me. Are you ready?" Jason held his breath to steady his temper while he listened. "Ok. I don't care about that right now. Listen to me. I'm going to give you some instructions. Ready?... Call Cody a that number I gave you. He'll get you access to security cameras along the docks. If you can access anything else from the piers, get it. You're looking for a high-powered speedboat. It should be docking within minutes. I need to know who's on it. Got it?"
Jason disconnected and handed the phone back. He was still pissed. How could Prince Nikolas have such lax security!
As if Emily could read Jason's mind, "You know it's an island, right? It's pretty hard to get to. That alone keeps us pretty safe out here."
Taking his wife's queue Nik pointed out, "There are un-scalable cliffs along the east side and on the western side I have armed patrols. But I can see I need to make improvements. I promise you your sister and Elizabeth and the children are safe here. I'll address the necessary changes first thing."
Jason didn't feel appeased. "Can you get someone to clean up in there?
"So I don't get to see it at all?"
Elizabeth moved around the men with Emily still holding her arm. The men twisted and watched but didn't try to stop them. Jason and Nikolas could hear Elizabeth's gasps. At least the knife was wrapped up and hidden.
Nikolas saw an opportunity to get answers, "Someone is after her again, why?"
"One of the kidnappers is still out there. Elizabeth can identify her."
"Her?"
"Yes. I believe it's a woman we're looking for."
"Jason." Nikolas paused to give his words weight shifting to a lower register in his already resonant voice. "It's not my business but maybe you shouldn't be with Elizabeth. I see you care about her, we all do. But if you claim to really have her best interests at heart, maybe the best thing you can do is stay out of hers and Cameron's lives?"
"You're right." As if Jason's temper wasn't already high enough, Nikolas' pomposity added to it.
A little surprised, "Good. I'm glad we can agree."
Who was he? Grandson to some of the most sinister international criminals Port Charles has ever encountered yet Nikolas took Jason's baby sister to live in a porous castle where the lunatics ran free.
"You're right- it's none of your business."
Nikolas snorted, "I'm only speaking logic here."
"It's not my choice, it's Elizabeth's. I'll respect whatever she wants."
Emily and Elizabeth returned. As if answering a question she didn't know was asked, Elizabeth stopped and stood at Jason's side.
And right now she wants me, but Jason didn't voice the last part.
…
…
After assigning a pair of Nikolas' guards to the boy's room, Jason walked Elizabeth silently back up to his room. Two other guards waited downstairs for Jason to return.
Closing the door to his suite, still not having said a word, Jason started dressing. The sight of her shredded bed didn't upset Elizabeth as much as it did everyone else. At least she wasn't in it, thanks to Jason. She'd always been a glass-half-full kind of person.
Elizabeth decided to speak first. With a hesitant smile, "Told you we're safer together."
Jason didn't get the humor. Elizabeth decided not to explain the joke. He was being stiff with her.
"Is this what it's going to be like?" she asked.
Jason looked up from zipping his jeans with a question mark on his face.
Elizabeth continued, "You'll leave in the middle of the night. No explanation, no assurance everything will be ok- because every time you walk out there trouble will look for you… if you aren't looking for it... so you won't know if everything will be ok or not."
She was right, in a sense. Jason told her she'd need time. He'd understand if it was too much, in fact Jason expected it would be. He resumed dressing.
"Jason?"
"I need to get down there, talk to the patrols. Find out what they saw, take me to the launch site. Then I'm going to the mainland to see if anyone spotted anything. I'll find the threat Elizabeth, and eliminate it."
"You think it's the woman who held me in the cellar?"
Jason felt proud every time Elizabeth proved she had a head on her shoulders. Her intuition, her bravery- it made keeping her safe a possibility. It also made her leaving him an eventuality. "Makes the most sense. You can identify her. That makes you a loose end and she knows I won't stop hunting her."
It sent a shiver down Elizabeth's spine. That woman was feet away from her son! She walked over to Jason and leaned into his chest. He didn't know if she wanted him to hold her or not, so he didn't. Part of him knew it was cowardice. Jason felt the guilt creep back in.
Feeling slightly irritated, Elizabeth pushed herself off him. "Jason I need to make something clear. I am not like those two men down there waiting patiently like good puppies. I don't do as I am told, I do what I think is right, so treating me like an obedient child or someone on your payroll isn't going to work."
"Elizabeth." Jason held her shoulders so he could look in her eyes. "I know the difference."
"Then talk to me."
"When I know something, I promise to tell you. Sometimes the less you know, the better. You'll have to trust me to make that call."
"I understand that, but that's not what I'm talking about." She watched his face.
He was withdrawing from her when he should be doing the opposite. If you want to win you don't separate yourself from the team. Elizabeth took a step back and looked away from Jason.
Jason saw how unnerved she was and yet did nothing to comfort her. Elizabeth had to see reality. This was life with him.
"My life is dangerous."
She turned on him, "You're a coward."
Jason's eyes went wide. "I'm trying to keep you safe."
"By shutting yourself off from me? By not talking to me? No, Jason, you're trying to protect yourself. Either we are in this together or I am just another person in your life waiting on instructions."
He was so confused. Was he trying to protect himself? He did want her to see the truth even though it would be the making of their end. Maybe that was an excuse? Was he bracing for the inevitable or forcing it? A still moment took hold in his brain. The quiet corner that wasn't thinking about danger, it was nursing a kernel of fear.
"You're right. I'm a coward."
Elizabeth held her breath. Jason came to her, stood close enough to touch her. "I don't know where this is going with us but I know the more I'm around you, the more I want you in my life and that scares me Elizabeth. When you see how dangerous my life is and what it will do to yours, I mean, really see it, you'll walk away and I can't blame you."
"But you don't know. I don't even know."
"I know if you walk away it needs it to be now, and not when…"
Elizabeth reached out putting her arms around his waist. "When it will hurt too much?"
Jason nodded as he wrapped his arms around her shoulders and held Elizabeth tight.
"I'm sorry this is moving so fast," Elizabeth offered, "but we are going to have to talk to each other if we want this to work and I really want it to work Jason."
"Me too." Tenderly he kissed her soft locks. "You were right."
"I was?"
"We are safer together."
Elizabeth smiled; he felt it on his abdomen.
"Should Cam and I come stay with you at the penthouse? Until you find her? I don't think I should go home."
He swallowed and let her go. "You shouldn't go home. For now you and your son should stay at the Metro Court. The Quartermaines have a suite there. I'll clear it for you."
"So not with you?"
"You can't stay at the penthouse." He didn't know how to say it. "There's a woman staying there—"
Elizabeth was completely startled, "oh, no then, no, never mind. I shouldn't have assumed. Of course you have a woman there." She was backing away as fast as she could. "Stupid me."
"Elizabeth." He almost laughed, but she didn't stop moving. With nowhere else to flee Elizabeth started making the bed. "Elizabeth…" She wouldn't look at him. "It's not what you think. It's for Sonny." Elizabeth finally stopped and looked at him. "It's complicated but I'm watching over a woman for Sonny. There'd be room if I asked Spinelli to leave but I'd rather you not be around this woman. I hope you understand."
Elizabeth fluffed a pillow, "oh, no, yeah, I get it. No problem." He waits till now to mention he's living with a woman? She was a little more than miffed. "Can you get us a regular room at the Metro Court? I can't afford a suite. I have some savings but I'd—"
"Elizabeth," he went to her, "It's my fault you have to move into a hotel. It's my expense."
She stood straighter. Elizabeth would not be a kept woman. "I'm not taking your money."
"Neither is the Metro Court. The Quartermaine's own it. The suite is no charge. Please. Let me do this." He wished she'd look at him longer than a few seconds. He knew Elizabeth was upset but he wasn't sure if it was because of everything or something more specific.
"Ok." For Cameron's sake.
"Thank you. I have to get out there now. Elizabeth, will you look at me?" She obliged him. "I'll come see you as soon as I can. I promise." He kissed her and she kissed him back. At least they had that.
O
Secretly Elizabeth was grateful Jason mentioned he was living with a woman. It was easier, more comfortable to feel jealous than scared to death.
Some guano-crazy woman was hunting her down just because Elizabeth might recognize her voice again. It was chilling. Cameron didn't know what to make of all the changes but he loved them. A long week with his Auntie, Uncle and cousin was then followed by constant attention as a resident at the Metro Court hotel.
Elizabeth had to admit she was enjoying the Metro Court as well.
They'd gone straight from Wyndemere to the grand hotel. When they checked in Cameron was shown his room first. Someone loaded it up with three times the games and toys he had at home. Before Elizabeth could open her mouth to have it removed Cameron was cradling a box of Legos like it was a new puppy. She couldn't break his heart. But she did warn him all the toys stayed when they left. If she had to Elizabeth would donate them to the children's ward or a battered women's shelter.
She had no expectations when the bellman took Elizabeth to her room. He set her roll-away full of dirty laundry accrued while at the island on a stand before exiting. Elizabeth remembered looking at it thinking how pathetic her little suite case was. Then she discovered all the dresser drawers and closets were stocked with new clothes.
They were all her size down to the panties. There was even an array of new shoes that made Elizabeth swoon. After a brief internal debate Elizabeth told herself she didn't have a choice. She had to wear them since Jason wouldn't let her go home.
Maybe Cam could keep the Legos if she could keep the Minolas?
…
…
"Cameron." Elizabeth sifted through the mail dropped off by one of Jason's guards.
"What mommy?" He was concentrating on his Bay Blades.
"What do you want for dinner?" The suite had a kitchen but Elizabeth felt too self-conscious to shop with a bodyguard on her tail. It was awkward enough to have him lingering around during her shifts at General Hospital.
"Ba'sghetti!"
"We had pasta last night. How about roast chicken and veggies?"
"Ba'sghetti !"
Elizabeth laughed. "Ok, you win." She called room service and ordered the usual asking them to add sautéed vegetables to Cam's pasta. Just as she hung up her cell phone rang. "Hello?" Elizabeth didn't like unregistered numbers.
"Elizabeth. Hi." It was Jason
She sighed. "Hi. How was your day?" As much as hearing his voice was comforting, hearing it through a telephone made her lonely.
"Good. Yours?"
"Did you find her yet?" It was always her firs question and always she hoped for a new answer.
"Not yet."
The silence sat between them. "Cameron, start cleaning up. Dinner will be here soon."
"I'm disturbing you."
"It's ok. We ordered room service."
"I was hoping. I was thinking, maybe I could come by?"
Elizabeth felt awkward. She should want him there. But all she thought about was Jason was still living with a woman she'd never met. As stupid as it was, it bothered Elizabeth. "I'm pretty tired."
"Ok, I understand." The disappointment was clear in his voice.
"I'm sorry, it was just a long day at the hospital."
"I understand." He really did.
"But if you want to meet me downstairs for a night cap or something…." She knew he couldn't. Why did she want to needle Jason? He wouldn't see her in public just yet and she knew it.
"You know it's not safe. I can come to your suite, if you want. I won't stay long."
"Maybe another time. I don't want to confuse Cameron any more than he already is."
Jason knew it was an excuse. "Elizabeth, I miss you."
She tried but was too weak to be stingy. "I miss you too." Suddenly felling guilty for torturing him, "Jason, you know that green sweater-dress you got me?"
"Uh huh." He did. Though he'd hired Maxie Jones, on Emily's advice, to shop for Elizabeth, Jason still got final approval.
"I wore it to work today and got a lot of compliments. Thank you again. For all the new clothes."
"I'm sure you were beautiful. I love you…we'll be together soon. I promise. Good night."
Promises, promises. Jason came for her once before when she needed him. "I hope so. I love you too."
O
Samantha McCall couldn't be more in the way if she were carrying twins. She took up the whole couch flipping through gossip magazines and snapping her gum. And the more bored she got the more room she needed.
Spinelli was always working on something for Jason. Jason was rarely around. So this morning was a treat. Jason was home. She liked when he'd stomp around and make breakfast. She didn't like Jason personally, but she did like looking at him. For now that would have to be her entertainment.
Sam set her plate down. She'd barely eaten anything. Her stomach was tender today. "You could use a haircut."
Jason looked up from his morning paper. Sam was staring at him. Jason pushed his straight, blond locks back when he realized she was talking to him. The smell of his coffee drove her nuts. God she wanted a cup.
Samantha was probably right. Longer hair meant a greater chance of leaving behind DNA behind. He'd get to it eventually.
"I'll trim it for you if you want. All I ask for in payment is a cup of strong black coffee. Come on, a little caffeine won't hurt."
"Thanks, but no."
"Ouch!" Sam grimace.
He looked up again not knowing if she was still messing with him.
"Owe!"
Jason jumped up. "What's wrong?"
Hunched over, Sam moaned, "I don't know… I got a cramp. Ouch." She put pressure on her pelvis.
"Are you having the baby?"
"No, can't be. It's too early. Owe, owe…"
The one person who would know what to do he couldn't call, Carly. He didn't want to involve Elizabeth. "SPINELLI!"
The hacker rushed down stairs, "Master, what is it?"
"Ahh! Oh my god, Jason…. Something's wrong with the baby!" Sam was terrified.
"What?" Damian froze.
"Spinelli, I'm taking Samantha to the hospital. Go next door and tell Sonny."
"Are, are you sure you don't want me to join you Master? Perhaps it's better if you talk to Mr. Sir? I can help Samantha. I've been reading up on childbirth for just such an occasion."
"I want you to stay focused on the search."
"Oh. Ok…." Spinelli bent over with a sympathy cramp when Samantha moaned again.
Jason leaned over Sam and picked her up. Tears squeezed out of the brunette's frantic eyes.
He rushed her to his car.
…
Back in Jason's arms, Sam screamed when they burst through General Hospital's emergency doors.
"Sir, what's the problem?" An aid rushed to Jason's side with a wheelchair but when he set Samantha down it was clear the woman he carried was pregnant. And there was blood. "I see. Ma'am, how long have the contractions been going on?"
Samantha couldn't answer as another wave of cramps hit her. Through tears she cried out, "Something's wrong. Something's wrong."
Jason tried to fill the aid and emergency doctor in on all the stats like when the cramps started, what month she was in, etc but anytime Sam screamed his attention went back to her.
That's was the first thing Elizabeth saw. Jason, Sam, a doctor and an aid huddled together trying to a grip on a panicked situation and shape it into a calm one.
She didn't normally use the short cut through the emergency room but today she did. Jason saw her come around the corner just as Samantha reached out and clutched Jason's arm. His muscles tensed instantly but it only served to cement him to the spot.
Elizabeth saw them too and stopped in her tracks. Jason looked from Elizabeth to Samantha and back to Elizabeth. They stared at one another but all they saw were questions that couldn't be answered. Forced to turn when the wheelchair did, Jason was towed down the hall entwined with a weeping Samantha McCall.
Elizabeth watched Jason walk off with a very beautiful, very pregnant and very distressed woman who, she supposed was Sonny's ex gripping his arm like it was her only tether to the world.
…
Waiting in line at the food truck Elizabeth called Emily.
"What should I do? It's none of my business is it?"
"Elizabeth, who is the woman again? I don't understand."
The nurse could hear commotion in the background. Emily was distracted. "I don't know who she is. Pretty sure she's Sonny's ex and about to have his child. Jason just took her to the emergency room. It looked bad. Do I check on them or not?"
"I guess that's up to you. Didn't Jason say to stay away from him in public? Look, I've got to go. It's crazy right now."
"Of course, sorry. Bye."
By the time Elizabeth approached the Emergency Room doors her food was gone but she didn't remember eating it. Checking her watch affirmed she still had a couple minutes before the head nurse, Epiphany Johnson, would hunt her down.
A quick search in the computer finally revealed Jason's houseguest's name, Samantha McCall, and the father was indeed Sonny Corinthos and they were having a baby girl. Not that neither parent would likely know their child.
"SAM MCCALL!" Sonny made it a command but there was enough fear in his voice to grab everyone's attention. He caught a glimpse of Elizabeth at the Emergency Room desk. She wanted to hide.
"ELIZABETH, WHERE IS JASON? WHERE'S SAM?"
The nurse running the emergency room tried to take charge but Sonny planted himself in front of Elizabeth and slammed his hands down on the desk. "TELL ME WHERE THEY ARE NOW!"
Stuttering, "They are…" Elizabeth looked down at the computer screen, "… they are in surgery. Fifth floor."
"Oh dear Christ, tell me what's happening! Is she OK? Is she having the baby?" Sonny's voice crumbled. He knew it was serious when Jason called, but no one said anything about surgery. "Jason said she was having cramps. Is she in labor? Isn't it too soon?"
The nurse in charge stepped around the counter giving Elizabeth a disapproving glare. She put her hand on Sonny's shoulder to steer him away from the wayward nurse. Sonny looked back at Elizabeth.
"Margret will help you Sonny. She'll explain. I didn't admit Ms. McCall. Margret will explain." Elizabeth thought she sounded feeble and wished she could offer Sonny more.
As Sonny walked with nurse Margret to the elevator Elizabeth noticed Carly. The blond could only be a witness to what was happening much like Elizabeth. For a moment Carly let fear and tenderness surface but seeing Elizabeth recognize it, she shut it down almost as fast as it happened. Instead Carly approached Elizabeth with hostility.
"How bad is it Elizabeth?"
"I can't. It's confidential."
The orderly within earshot smartly stepped away. He knew who Carly was but moreover knew who Sonny was.
Letting sympathy shape her tone, Elizabeth added, "I would tell you if I could Carly."
"Look. I know it's bad. I can tell, Elizabeth. Just give me something so I can be prepared when it hits Sonny. How bad is it?
"She was admitted with a very serious condition…" Elizabeth bit her lip and looked around. Epiphany was going to be furious. Elizabeth wasn't at her assigned station, she was giving out confidential medical information, but sometimes decency superseded rules. "It will be a miracle if the baby survives Carly." Carly's eyes widen as she touched her own belly. "But I believe in miracles. I see them all the time here."
And Elizabeth was prepared to tell Jason and Sonny that too during her next break, if the head nurse gave her one.
"Carly!" Sonny held the elevator doors. His fiancé left Elizabeth and joined him in the elevator.
…
…
Epiphany's heart was bigger than her bite. After begging for another break and being granted one, Elizabeth ran up to the waiting room. It was too late for words of hope though.
She reached the ward in time to watch a horrific scene unfold. Jason came through the automated doors wearing stained scrubs and blue gloves turned purple from the blood. She watched his mouth moving not knowing the words, but knowing Jason was telling Sonny his baby girl was dead.
She watched Carly try to calm her fiancé down when he erupted in a fury of grief.
She watched Jason.
His heart was broken. Had he been there through the whole procedure? Did he hold the lifeless body of Samantha and Sonny's child? Elizabeth couldn't imagine anything more soul crushing.
"If you look at me, I'll come Jason." Elizabeth whispered. "If you need me, just look over here..."
But he didn't. The close-knit family of Carly, Sonny and Jason held each other and cried. No one saw Elizabeth in the shadows. When Jason went back in to be with Samantha, Elizabeth went back to work.
iii
Jason looked for Elizabeth before he left General Hospital but she'd gone back to the hotel by then.
He was exhausted. He needed a shower. His roommate called saying they had tape of the intruder landing a speedboat on pier 6 but it was dark. No face could be made out even with his high tech equipment. Seemed to be a woman and a man. At least Jason's intuition was probably right about who it was that slashed the bed and the motive.
The boat of course, had been found easily days ago and verified stolen.
Not really knowing how he ended up there, Jason found himself knocking on the door to Elizabeth's suite. He checked his cell phone quickly for the time. It was after eleven, too late to be knocking on anyone's door… She opened it.
"Hey."
"Hey." He didn't know what else to say.
Taking his hand, "Come in."
Elizabeth led the gangster to the main room and offered a seat on the couch. He didn't take it.
"I'm sorry for coming over so late. I should have called. I don't know why I didn't. I looked for you, at your work, but you'd gone already."
"Shhh… it's ok. Come on, sit." He did and Elizabeth sat next to him. "I've been thinking about you all day. I wanted to go to you but…"
"It's better you didn't."
She knew it was because of her safety yet felt excluded. Elizabeth moved past it. "I know what happened. I'm sorry. I heard you were in the room with her the whole time. It must have been so hard."
Jason studied Elizabeth. Her compassion was a relief. That he didn't have to give Elizabeth the gory details was an even bigger relief. Jason allowed himself to sink into the couch a little.
"Have you been home yet?" Elizabeth could smell the hospital on him.
Shaking his head, "No. Not yet."
"Do you want to take a shower or soak in the bath? I can make you something to eat."
Jason touched her face. "Thank you." Then he leaned into her. Breathing in Elizabeth's scent was the first soothing thing he's experienced all day.
Elizabeth cradled his head. She shifted to wrap her arms around him in a hug. His strong arms reciprocated. Jason held her for a while. Finally Elizabeth broke free and stood up. Holding out her hand, "come on."
He took her hand and let Elizabeth guide him to the bathroom. She hung a towel near the shower and turned on the water.
"Give me your jacket." And helped Jason take it off. "I'll order some soup and a sandwich. Is that Ok?"
"I'm not hungry."
"Have you eaten at all today?"
Jason shrugged. He couldn't remember.
"Then I'm ordering."
…
While he showered Elizabeth slipped in and set the black tee shirt she'd borrowed on the counter for him. They had been washed and the only clean offering in the way of attire she could offer.
Room service arrived as Jason dressed. He hung back not wanting to be seen.
"He's gone." Elizabeth let him know. "Come eat."
Jason wasn't hungry. Feet bare, he wore his jeans and the clean shirt only. "I'm not hungry."
Any resentment, insecurity she'd been feeling melted away when Elizabeth looked at him. His tired eyes were so soft and his mouth so solemn. He needed her. Elizabeth went to Jason and embraced him with all her might. Holding her in his arms was all Jason wanted. They rocked gently from side to side.
Eventually Elizabeth spoke. He hadn't released her so her warm offering could be felt on his breast. "Do you want to stay the night?"
He did. Jason wanted it more than anything. He hurt so badly from the day's events. Not being able to save the child. Watching its mother writhe in agony from physical and emotional pain was enough to break his heart and what made it worse for Jason is there was no one to blame. He couldn't retaliate. He couldn't be angry at anyone. He just had to feel it.
Elizabeth knew he did. She thought about force-feeding him some soup but thought better of it. Instead she suggested kindly he put something in his belly. "Please have just a little something. To make me happy."
"Ok." He would oblige her since she'd offered her bed for the night.
Jason let go reluctantly. Going to the table, Elizabeth picked up the bowl and brought the soup over to the couch. "Come sit."
He did and she handed him the bowl. Jason took a few spoonfuls. It didn't taste like anything to him. His stomach grumbled though, so he knew he was hungry and Elizabeth was making him do the right thing.
"She's going to be alright, Jason, but it will take time." He looked at her. "If there is anything I can do, advice, research, anything- let her know I'm here." He nodded and took another sip. "Jason, she was lucky to have you there."
Jason shrugged then set down the empty bowl.
"You may have saved her life."
He wanted to hug Elizabeth again and not talk, if they could do it lying down, even better. He didn't mind listening though, in fact he liked it, but he didn't want to think or speak.
"She was lucky." Elizabeth was matter of fact. "And now I am the lucky one because you are here with me. Tired?" He nodded and touched her hair. "Then let's go to bed."
Clearing his voice first, "I'll be sure to leave before Cameron gets up."
"Or you can stay in bed till he leaves for preschool." She smiled.
They walked hand in hand to the master bedroom. In the bathroom Elizabeth brushed her teeth and changed to a nighty. She returned to find Jason nearly asleep lying on the bed atop the blankets fully clothed.
Elizabeth loved that he didn't make any assumptions. He was leaving everything up to her invitation. She crawled along side him and whispered in his ear, "this is your bed too. Take off your clothes and get in."
He opened his eyes and looked at her. She was just close enough to kiss so he did lightly. Sitting up Jason quickly undressed and got under the covers at the same time Elizabeth did. They snuggled up together feeling nurtured by the warmth emanating off their bodies. Jason fell quickly to sleep and Elizabeth watched him till her own eyelids became too heavy.
…
Elizabeth woke up to the sound of a zipper. She opened her eyes to see Jason getting dressed.
"What time is it?"
"Five-thirty. I thought I should go before Cameron wakes up."
Elizabeth stretched out her arm to him, "come back to bed." He stared at her, hesitating. "Please."
Jason still hesitated. There was so much to do. He wanted to check on how the hunt had progressed. He wanted to go to hospital and check on Samantha. Sonny did have Carly but he wanted to check on his friend too. But there was Elizabeth, reaching out to him. How could he say no. His heart was still too tender to not be vulnerable.
The zipper went back down and Jason got back in bed with her. They hugged and she cooed. Elizabeth kissed him. Kissed his ear, his chin, his neck, his shoulder. Jason made her look at him despite the dim lighting. They gazed into the other's eyes through the fabled window to ones soul seeing nothing but adoration.
Where did this love come from? It scared Jason. It felt more and more like loving Elizabeth was part of his existence; part of his ticking clock and if she was gone his clock would stop. Time would stop.
Part of Jason still wanted to run from her as fast as he could, before it was too late. The only reason he didn't is because it already was.
Elizabeth traced his mouth with her painter's finger. She drew the imaginary line down the center of his chin and kept going following the crease of his breastbone. She drew the line over his flat stomach and opened her hand to touch the prize below. Jason's breathing changed.
He kept watching her as she moved him. Elizabeth became more serious, more intense as his strength built up in her hand. It was so smooth and hard. It had its own need and made Elizabeth aware of her own.
Laying her silky leg over his thigh Elizabeth let go of him so she could push herself up. He moved under her so Elizabeth could sit astride his hips. Their eyes never leaving each other even when Elizabeth took him into her swollen center. Her heat made Jason's lids flutter and his mouth part.
"I love you…" Elizabeth whispered as she began to rock. "I love you…."
As their lovemaking intensified the connection through their eyes deepened. She really was seeing into his soul. Jason never felt closer to anyone in his life. He was insider her. Jason was deep, deep insider her. It blew his universe away and reshaped it. Jason's world would forever be built around her. Even if fate took him away, even if fate said you don't deserve Elizabeth, his world would be defined by this moment.
Jason realized Elizabeth was the one who could and would always save him.
/
