Disclaimer: I do not own any of the charcters that are mentioned in the story.
Jason's POV
I glared at Taggert as he paced the interrogation room, smiling like a cat that got the canary. "I mean, Morgan, I knew with a little patience that you and Sonny would get sloppy one of these days, but this takes the fuckin' cake. Served right on a silver platter." Taggert boasted, causing my irritation to notch up a little more at the situation.
Diane rolled her eyes as she flipped through the 'evidence'. "Everything you have is substantial at best. Mrs. Salvatore had defensive wounds, yet neither of my clients appear to have any injuries. As you would know, Mrs. Salvatore has a black belt in kickboxing, so there is no logical scenario for the perpetrator to walk away without some type of injury." Diane argued, sliding the file across the table towards Taggert.
I narrowed my eyes as I saw that the smug smile was still plastered across his face. "Just because your clients didn't personally kill Lily Salvatore does not mean that they didn't facilitate her murder." Taggert argued, sliding the metal chair across the floor. He sits down, before looking over his shoulder to make sure the camera is on. "On August 13th, were you in contact with Michael Corinthos around 3:30 p.m.?" Taggert asked, his eyes watching my every movement.
I was in fact in contact with Sonny down at the docks, discussing business. "Don't answer that, Mr. Morgan. Detective Taggert has yet to reveal all evidence and the last thing you need is for him to twist your words. The fact he was able to obtain an arrest warrant, meaning he has significant key evidence, because no competent judge would sign off on a fishing expedition. Taggert, you want my client to be cooperative, then you need to be completely forthcoming." Diane glared down Taggert.
"It would be in your clients- What the hell?" As we were all startled by the pounding on the interrogation room.
"Hey, lady! Are you trying to get arrested?" A male voice was heard from the other side of the door.
"I don't understand why I'm not allowed to see Mr. Morgan! Jason, are you in there?" I heard Elena from the otherside of the door. I went to stand up, but Diane caught my arm as she shook her head. Taggert growled in annoyance as he marched to the door, swinging it open. Elena jumped in surprise, before her eyes widened when she saw me on the other side. "Jason, you are okay?" Elena asked, trying to nudge her way through, but Taggert successfully blocked her way in.
"Elena, you should be back at the hospital. What are you even doing here?" I asked, concerned at the paleness in her cheeks.
"My brother and I were already headed back when we heard what happened on the radio." Her eyes turned to the detective, eyes narrowed. "Jason wouldn't do something like this! Sonny and Jason have practically been around my family for the last week!" Elena defended.
"When you are the boss of a powerful mafia syndicate, you no longer need to get your hands dirty personally. Look Ms. Gilbert, I've indulged you long enough, but it's time you went home." Taggert waved over an officer to take Elena away, but a true stubborn streak that I only saw in Elizabeth, Elena ducked her way in, curling her trembling fingers in my leather jacket.
"You wouldn't do something like that, right? You're not a murderer!" Elena exclaimed, looking up at me with such trust in her eyes.
"Elena... " I trailed off, not knowing what to say, because I didn't want to lie to her, but this wasn't the place to have this conversation.
Taggert scoffed, walking over to the table. He opened the manila file, pulling out something. "Tell me otherwise." Taggert slid the paper over and before I could comprehend what was on the paper, a soft gasp left Elena's mouth as she focused on the picture. It was a graphic picture of Lily's body.
Anger got the best of me as I swiped the pictures off the table to the otherside. "What the hell is your problem? You sick fuck!" I yelled. The only thing that kept me from lunging across that table was that Elena was in my way.
Diane stood alongside me as she glared at Taggert. "Detective, you have clearly lost all sense of integrity. When I'm done with you, you'll be lucky to sweep the floors of the local strip club." Diane declared. She walked up to Taggert, getting in his face as professionally as possible. "My client and I are done talking to you for the time being." Diane said.
"Maybe the coldness of the holding cell will sober up Mr. Morgan and Mr. Corinthos. Ms. Gilbert, it's time to go, otherwise I'll have you arrested for trespassing." Taggert threatened, standing in the doorway. I couldn't wait for this to be over, because I would personally be handling Taggert.
My focus went back to Elena, who was looking off to the side I threw the pictures. My hands landed on her shoulders gently, I pulled back slightly when I felt her tense. Guilt clouded my mind as I gained her attention. "Elena, I'm sorry that you had to see that, but this will be for only a little while. Don't worry about me and focus on getting better okay." I said. I couldn't let her walk away, not knowing if this was truly the last time. My hands framed her face, making her look at me. "I'm sorry, but more importantly, I love you." I leaned in and kissed her forehead gently.
I pulled away, making sure not to make eye contact. "Diane, make sure Elena gets back to hospital okay." I said, taking my seat again. Diane nodded, before steering Elena out of the room.
Taggert and I made eye contact. He watched me intensely, before making a small noise. "Who've would have thought the cold stone killer could be brought to show affection." With that, Taggert makes his exit, slamming the door.
I kicked his chair into the wall, frustrated that things were spiralling slowly and I underestimated that prick, Mikael.
It wasn't long before that a couple of officers came to take me down to holding cells. I felt a type of relief to see that Sonny was already down there, looking disheveled in his suit. The officers took the cuffs off of me and locked the door behind me. I rubbed at my wrist as they left the cells. "You look like shit." I muttered as I walked to the wall of my cell, close to where Sonny was.
"You're one to talk. Did Taggert have a field day with you as much as me?" Sonny questioned, coming closer to the wall of his cell that was opposite of me.
I sneered as my eyes looked over to the entrance. "When this is all over, I'm personally going to make his life a living hell. Elena showed up here." I said, leaning my head against the chilly metal bars. I sighed with irritation.
"What did he do, Jason?" Sonny prodded, staring me down with dark eyes.
"He showed her picture of Lily's mutilated body. God, she probably thinks I'm a monster." I muttered angrily, just wanting to tear something up and I can't even do that.
"Breathe, Jason. I don't need you falling apart right now. Taggert's a prick and he wanted to get one over you. But I need you to focus, because we are in deep shit." Sonny said, looking over at the cameras.
"Taggert has nothing on us. This is a bullshit fishing expedition." I argued as I paced the cell.
"It's a setup. I learned that one of our 'supposed' employee was caught dumping Lily's dismembered body in the port behind the warehouse." Sonny relayed the information, causing me to look over.
"And conveniently the police show up. And let me guess, this 'employee' is singing like a canary." I said.
Sonny nodded. "As much as this should be a top priority, my biggest concern is Damon." Sonny said, giving me a knowing look.
"Damn." I muttered. The last thing we needed was Damon was going off on a bloodthirsty hunt for Mikael, causing chaos among the families. "What's the chances he doesn't know about Lily?" I asked.
"Slim. When we get out on bail tomorrow, we need to hit the ground running, get our business in order." Sonny said. Sonny went to lay on the cot. "Jason, everything is going to be okay with Elena. Try to get some sleep." Sonny said.
Elena's POV
After three days, I was sitting on the couch of Dr. Collins watched me in silence, waiting for me to start. I bit at my nails, trying to calm the shakiness in my legs. "How do I even start? What do I even say?" I said out loud, not expecting an answer.
"You start this session however you want to, Ms. Gilbert. Whatever you feel like talking about." Dr. Collins encouraged, a gentle smile on his face.
I didn't even want to think about Jason and what came from that night. So much was said with so little words from Jason. I didn't know how to even feel about it. "My first chemotherapy session is tomorrow." I said, choosing an emotional safe topic.
"And how do you feel about it?" Dr. Collins asked.
"I'm scared. I don't even know if it stems from disappointment or the act itself." I replied, looking around the quaint office.
"Disappointment of what?" Dr. Collins asked.
"That it won't work and hurt my family. I'm used to things rarely going my way, but it hurts me to see my parents so distraught." I said.
"Grieving and coping is not a easy process for anyone involved, Ms. Gilbert. You can't protect your family from that, because they love you, but you shouldn't let that guilt hang over you." Dr. Collins said, writing down something in his notepad.
"Easier said than done." I mumbled as diverted my eyes from the ghostly Tom that was sitting on top of Dr. Collins' desk.
"Can I ask you a question?" Dr. Collins asked.
"Shoot." I said, focusing on the doctor with laser focus.
"You are suffering from PTSD and it is not uncommon for individuals to become immersed in flashbacks, but when I observe you, there's underlying lucidity in your mannerisms. I've taken a look at your latest scans to see that you had growth in your frontal lobe. My question is are you having hallucinations?" Dr. Collins questioned, taking in my shocked expression.
"Yes…" I said wide eyed. I never even thought that my cancer was causing my hallucinations.
"Are you seeing one of the hallucinations now?" He questioned, looking up at me.
I scratched at my forehead, feeling a minor headache coming across. "Yes, but he's oddly quiet for the moment." I commented, briefly looking over the desk to see blood dripping down the desk.
"He?" Dr. Collins asked.
"Tom Baker. I keep seeing his animated dead body. He talks to me like my personal guilt monkey hanging off my back." I said.
"What do you feel guilty about?" Dr. Collins asked.
"For killing him, even though he didn't give me a choice. I didn't want to do that." I started to cry, because for once I didn't feel like a nutjob.
I was happy that Dr. Drake allowed me to go home before my first round of chemotherapy. After spending the morning with my parents, I had met up with Michael. We talked about a little of everything until Stefan came up in the conversation. "I tried calling him after everything that has happened, but I'm sure he's tired of all the condolences at this point. How are you guys since…" I didn't know how to even continue that sentence without sounding like I was prying.
"Since our dad was accused of murdering Stefan's mom? We are doing okay, because we know Jason and our dad wouldn't do something like that, but everything has settled since they made bail." Michael said, before sipping on his coffee.
I frowned with confusion as I looked up at him. "Sonny and Jason made bail? When?" I asked, setting my mug down a little harder than I intended to.
"The day after they were arrested. Jason hasn't reached out to you?" Michael questioned.
I sighed, leaning against my fist. "Jason and I didn't leave on the best of terms when we last saw each other." I said.
"You guys had an argument?' Michael asked, nudging my hand that was holding onto my coffee.
"Not necessarily. There was detective-" I started to say but Michael interrupted.
"Let me guess: Detective Taggert." Michael stated, looking over at me with an annoyed look. I nodded in agreeance, causing Michael to sigh. "Listen Elena, Taggert is an asshole with a hard on for my dad and Jason. I wouldn't put too much stock behind what he's saying." Michael countered.
I 'hmmed' contemplated in my silence, before sitting up straight and looked Michael in the eye. "So, was it a lie that Sonny and Jason run a mafia syndicate?" I asked, watching a dip in Michael's expression. I watched as Michael's lips tightened, but looked torn on what to say.
I sighed disappointedly, my posture deflating. "Don't worry, your silence says it all." I mumbled.