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Chapter 35

"After breakfast we are heading down to the beach for some sun." Liz told Nadine and Georgie. "Then maybe out to explore Malibu some. Don't confine yourselves to the house. There is plenty to see and do. Museums, parks, and lots of places to be a tourist. You can even head out of Malibu if you like." Liz knew that with a baby along some activities would need to be passed up but she was guessing the ladies would make it work.

"I'm sure we can find some way to get into trouble." Georgie said with a way too innocent grin. She understood now why her boss wanted her to come. Milo being gone for a week wouldn't break them, but with her here Nadine wasn't the only woman with the guards. In a few months the nanny would be much more comfortable with everyone so a pal on trips wouldn't be needed. "Are the prices on items lower here than in Hollywood?" Just because she could spend a lot on clothes didn't mean she wanted too.

"I honestly don't know. I've never shopped for things other than groceries here." Liz said on a small laugh. "All the clothes in the house came from outside California. From back home in New York. Or from my mother. I wasn't joking when I said I rarely leave this house when I come here."

"Do you need anything for tonight?" Georgie could pick something up.

"Nope. I have several dinner appropriate items upstairs." Liz told her assistant. "All with the tags still on them. My mom sent most of them from London when she went with my dad to a conference. She said they screamed Elizabeth." She had to admit that her mother was correct. Each was something she might pick up on her own. "Some things I got while shopping with Carly, who had hopes of me one day getting a social life again." This time Liz's smile was just a bit sad.

"I don't think I've ever seen you in a swimsuit." Georgie looked over at Liz. There was a lot of water around. "Can you even swim?"

"Yup." Liz said putting her mug in the dishwasher. They were all working together to keep the house clear. "I've never been in the ocean though, so going down with Jason will be fun." It just wasn't smart to swim alone. "I'm heading up to kiss on Michael and get into my suit."

"Have fun." Nadine waved as her boss left the kitchen. "So what should we go do?" She asked Georgie as the two women planned their day.

Jason was coming out of the bathroom in his black board shorts when Elizabeth walked into the room. He heard her on the monitor talking to Michael. If you had told him that a baby could fit so seamlessly into his life Jason would have laughed at you. Before becoming Michael's dad he didn't even have a desire to have children. It just wasn't something he thought about mainly because he didn't know any children. Yet in not even two weeks he had gotten used to having the little boy in his life. The adjustment to having a wife had happened even faster. He was happily settled into family life, and would do anything necessary to protect that.

"Give me a few minutes to get changed." Liz said grabbing her suit and cover up. She walked by Jason and he pulled her close dropping a soft kiss on her lips. "What was that for? Not that I mind."

"I was just thinking about how much you and Michael mean to me. I was too afraid to take the chance even though I wanted you in my life as more than my friend. Then life through some unexpected circumstances my way and suddenly I'm happier than I've ever been. I just wish AJ and Carly didn't have to die for that to happen." He was aware what the price of his joy was.

Liz leaned up and kissed him. "We will make sure that Michael knows his other parents, and we will raise him in a way that will make them proud. I'm happier than I've ever been too. I knew you were hesitant about another relationship, but I didn't really try either. You said you weren't in a place for anything but friendship and I just accepted that. I could have spoken up but I didn't. We still ended up getting it right."

"We did." Jason said kissing her again. "Get changed. I'll wait here." He had visited with his son earlier. It was time to start thinking of Michael that way.

Logan had been watching the comings and goings at the office of vital records in Miami-Dade country for three days. Noting the staff that worked there and trying to figure out when was the best time to go into the office. An online search had resulted in no hits which meant Carly's birth certificate was more than likely on microfilm, and that the county didn't feel it was worth the money to go back that far with digital records.

In the morning when the office first opened up one clerk manned the desk. Logan had also noticed that this particular department did not get a lot of foot traffic early in the day which worked in his favor. Today Judy Clampett was working the desk. Older woman, grandmotherly type with a penchant for floral dresses. He was smiling as he got out of the car because that was perfect. He would get a feel for what role he wanted to play once they started their conversation. "Good morning." He was standing at the desk, behind her were rows of drawers and one contained the information he wanted.

"Good morning. Can I help you?" Judy asked the young man in front of her.

"I certainly hope so." Logan said with a smile turning on the charm. Not too much charm though because he didn't want to come off like he was hitting on her. "I'm looking for a file on a woman named Carly Benson."

"Do you have the proper forms filled out?" Judy wanted to know. Folks didn't just get to walk in and look at people's lives.

Logan looked at the woman and took in some details. She had a wedding set on her left hand that was dull from being worn for a long time. Around her neck she wore an oval pendant with a hinge and he just bet there were some pictures of grandchildren in that locket. "No." He said going for honesty. "I was kind of hoping to not leave a trail or a clue that I was here."

Judy just arched a brow. "Why?" She had not been expecting that answer. Most folks who were up to no good tried to charm her, which never worked. Honesty was an interesting approach. She was betting he was being honest because he was looking her square in the eyes.

Logan put a picture of Michael on the counter. "This little boy lost his parents about two weeks ago. Now he is worth a whole lotta money. A whole lot." Logan repeated. "At the moment his uncle has custody, and that is right where this little guy needs to be because his uncle isn't looking to get his hands on the inheritance. However other relatives are. Relatives who don't care about Michael." Logan tapped the photo. "They just care about what he has. I'm here to make sure Michael doesn't end up a victim of someone's greed and plans. To do that I need to get information on his mother. She was born in this county, and then put up for adoption. Her name was Carly Benson."

"She was his mother?" The older woman was looking intently at the photo.

"Yes ma'am she was. She wanted her son with his uncle, it's in her will. I'm here to make sure that is honored." Logan was thinking his instinct to be honest had been correct.

"Carly was a good girl. A bit wild for a time there, but you could tell that was just a phase." Judy had seen the news of Carly's passing and felt sad at the loss.

"You knew her?" Logan asked grinning. He really had lucked out in thinking someone's grandmother might be more willing to turn a blind eye.

"For a time I was neighbors with her parents. I hadn't seen her in years. Not until the news of her engagement broke and her picture was in the paper. I thought it was nice that she found her place. Finding out she was adopted threw her for a loop." Judy had worked for years as a social worker, coming to this department five years ago because she wanted something slower. "You are the third person to request her file since I've been here. The first one had all the necessary forms, so he got to view the file. The second guy never got a peek because he had no paperwork and a crappy attitude." She looked at Logan. "I believe a parent's wish for their child should be honored, and I've seen money do horrible things to families. So I'm going to let you look at the file. But if you are lying to me, and that baby gets hurt, I will find a way to make you pay."

Logan totally believed that threat. "I swear to you that I'm working to make sure this child does not get hurt." Jason might be a mobster, but he was a good man.

Judy nodded before walking away from the counter. Not even ten minutes later she was back. "You have thirty minutes, use the desk over there. You can't take anything with you, but photos are fine."

"Thank you." Logan took the file, had a seat, and started reading.

Luke sat in the back of the limo and sipped some very fine Scotch. He had landed in Louisville International airport and a car had been waiting. This was standard when he flew in to see Karpov which was why Luke didn't bother to reserve a rental. He was draining his glass when the door opened. "Thank you." Luke said tipping the driver who simply nodded.

From the car he walked into the non-descript but well-kept single story building that housed Karpov's executive offices. There was no sign hanging out front to indicate what type of business was housed inside, but a discreet plaque by the door stated that Andre Karpov was a financial advisor. That always made Luke laugh, it was the fanciest term for loan shark he had ever seen.

"Mr. Spencer, you can go right in." The receptionist said with a wide smile. "Would you like coffee?"

"No, thank you." Luke said smiling back. He'd never seen the same receptionist twice, but they were always gorgeous. In the office Karpov was on the phone and he pointed to the empty chair. Luke could stay because the conversation was in Russian. Instead he looked up at the television that was currently on the BBC channel. The news was on and the story immediately snagged his attention.

"So far there are no leads in the murders of AJ and Caroline Quartermaine." The reporter stated in her posh British accent. "Scotland Yard has promised the American authorities that they are giving this case their full attention. It seems there is just a lack of evidence in the late night road incident that took the two lives. You may recall that recently an inquest into the matter was held and it was at that time the official verdict of vehicular homicide was handed down."

Luke stopped listening as he watched the footage that had been recorded at the courthouse. Lucky walked past the camera heading into the courtroom. His son had mentioned going to the inquest but he had lied about the verdict. Luke was willing to bet that the lie was because Lucky had something to do with the accident. He told the boy to hang back and just get information, but it looked like his son might have had another plan. Maybe one that included getting his hands on some money and cutting his dad out altogether. Luke would need to think about this development. He came back to the room just as Karpov was hanging up the phone.

The Russian mobster turned off the television and looked at his guest. "How was your flight?"

"Very good." Luke grinned as Karpov removed vodka from the mini fridge by his desk. "To your health." Luke said taking the chilled glass.

Karpov nodded and both men drank. "Thank you for coming out. Unfortunately I received information this morning that has made me realize that chasing this particular person isn't worth it. I have no desire to piss off Jason Morgan, so I am coming out the loser on this one." The Russian was not happy, but nor was he stupid. Morgan was out of his weight class, and the Bratva would not back a move that might start a war.

"You don't normally cross paths with him down this way." Luke said fishing for more information. Morgan's name got his attention.

"I wouldn't have crossed paths with him this time if not for his recent marriage. The man who owes me money is now Morgan's brother in-law. Of course Steven Webber's sister was not Mrs. Morgan when he was gambling in my establishment." Karpov told his associate leaning back in his chair. "I am surprised Morgan has not been in touch." Karpov was hoping to get a favor in exchange for waiving payment of the debt. "I am considering calling him, but since there have been no sightings of him since the wedding I am guessing he is on his honeymoon."

Luke's brain was already coming up with a plan. Steven Webber might be a way for Luke to get his hands on some of Caroline's money. If Karpov was backing off that meant the Webber siblings were close. If they weren't then Morgan wouldn't be an issue. He wouldn't incur a debt for someone his wife could care less about, and Karpov was never wrong about how people were connected. "The siblings are close?"

"Close enough that she helped him through rehab as well as getting settled here." Karpov did his research. Just because the Webber woman lived in Morgan's building didn't mean they were friends, but his agent hadn't been able to rule it out. Karpov was trying to decide whether or not to move forward and then the wedding story broke. Being cautious had saved his skin. "I am guessing that he didn't want to go to her again with his hand out. However my going after him might make him call his newest family member seeking help. Morgan is too powerful for me to take on."

"Would you be willing to sell me the debt?" Luke wasn't going to say too much, but he wanted Steven in his pocket.

Karpov just looked at Luke. If Spencer was still willing to go after Steven then he must be expecting the pay out to be worth it. Which meant more money than what was owed. Probably a lot more. So once again risk assessment needed to happen. Insist on a cut, or walk away with the books balanced. There was also a third option. "Five hundred thousand. It covers the debt, and ensures my silence." At least for the time being. All secrets had the perfect revelation time.

"Deal." Luke didn't even need to think about it, and yes he was aware he was tipping his hand. Karpov had clearly decided to walk away, and Luke respected the man's desire to still make a profit. "For that I want all the information you have on Webber."

"Of course." Karpov pushed a legal sized envelope across the desk. "He crossed into Mexico. The cameras caught him." The Russian would sit back and wait for Luke to disappear. His son was weak and would not be an obstacle. The location of Spencer's casino would be a good expansion point for Karpov's growing empire. "We have since had that footage erased."

"Good to know." Luke grinned at the other man. He still didn't have a fully formed plan, but something would come to him. "I'll start tapping sources and you'll have your money by sundown tonight."

"Of course." Karpov said opening his humidifier. "Cigar?"

"Thank you." Luke loved a Cuban and he was hoping that now that relations with the country had thawed getting them would be easier.

"I have a room at the casino booked for you. If you have time to stay and enjoy yourself. I thought we could have dinner together. I have a young lady you should meet." Karpov extended the invitation. "Unless you wish to get started right away."

"There is always time for pretty young ladies." Luke said with a wolfish grin. He needed to make some calls and moving without information wouldn't happen. So a night, or two, of fun wouldn't hurt anything.

"The room is yours for as long as you like." Karpov said standing up indicating the meeting was over. This might be Luke's last hurrah, as the locals said, so he would let the older man enjoy himself. "So is the young lady."

"Good to know." Luke nodded before walking out of the office. He was going to turn a sow's ear into a silk purse. Steven Webber was going to bring a payday big enough that Luke could retire in style.

"You're staring at me again." Liz said with a small smile.

"I like that suit." Jason's wide smile got wider when she blushed.

"I've never worn it before." Liz admitted trying to keep from pinking up too much. "I don't use the pool either when I'm here." She had told him about the ocean when they arrived at the beach. They had indeed taken a swim in the warm water and were now resting on their towels. "I'll tell Brenda you approve."

"Did she buy it?" Jason might actually have a reason to like the annoying model.

"No, she designed it. She has a whole line of swimwear. She sends me a couple every year when they come out. They are upstairs in the dresser. I gave a few out as gifts too." Skye, Carly, and Georgie had all received suits because they were really nice. Brenda spent a lot of time in bikinis so she knew what worked and what didn't. She made sure to only send Liz things her friend would actually wear. "I figure if I'm going to break out a bikini, my honeymoon is the time."

"We need to put in a pool at the house we're going to have built." Jason liked how much skin he got to see. He also really liked the color. She looked good in red.

"We'll only get to use it three months a year, unless we enclose it. If you do enclose it then you have a better chance of seeing me in more suits like this one." The bright red two piece had gathered halter top and hipster bottoms. The thing Liz really liked was that the two pieces were separates. In her dresser she had other tops and bottoms that could be mixed and matched depending on just how much skin she wanted to flaunt.

"If we enclose it then we can ditch the suits completely." He said laughing when she blushed again. His wife was fairly modest, although she didn't hide from him which he loved. Being naked outside was something she would need to work up to. He'd be happy to help her with that. "Did you enjoy swimming in the ocean?" Jason generally did so while on the island.

"I did. I'm glad that I finally got to experience it." Liz said leaning closer to her husband. "I like you in your shorts. Any chance I can get you into a speedo? Brenda's line includes those as well." Her friend said they were only sold in Europe.

"No." Jason said shaking his head. "I'll do a lot for you, but speedos won't happen. I don't even wear briefs." He was strictly a boxer brief guy. Preferably black.

"But skinny dipping will?" Liz just shook her head.

"I'll get naked for you anytime and anywhere I can." He said letting his voice drop to a husky whisper.

"I'll certainly take you up on that offer." Liz said giving it right back to him. She saw his eyes darken and knew that he was feeling aroused. "I'm ready to head inside. I'm thinking a shower would be nice. To get the salt off my skin." Liz was enjoying flirting with him.

"That is a great idea." Jason said getting up and grabbing his towel before holding out a hand to help her up. He didn't want to waste another minute. She put her hand in his and together they headed up to the house.

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