Babble: Thanks for the great response to the first few parts of this story. I'm thrilled, so thrilled here's the next part.

Please reply.

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Quagmire

Part IV

~Kelly's~

Elizabeth raced up the stairs and the dark short hallway greeted her, habit formed from years of living in the building had her racing to her old room. Her hand closed on the knob but it refused to yield, gasping for breath she moved to the door next to hers, Lucky's room but that door was locked as well. Over her ragged breathing the sound of someone moving up the stairs came to her, frantic she bypassed Emily's old room, knowing it was locked and headed for Tammy's door. Tammy was out of town but sometimes she forgot to lock the door.

The door at the end of the hall was her last hope for salvation and she raced to it, her breath started hiccupping out and a part of her realized she was close to hyperventilating. After what seemed like an eternity she reached the door, but it refused to open.

"Elizabeth…"

The sound of her name drifted down the hall, at the same time she spied her possible salvation out of the corner of her eye. The faint light that was visible from the stairs was blocked out when the man reached the top of the stairs. Gasping in fear she raced to the back staircase that led to the kitchen. She clattered down the steep, winding, steps until she crashed into the closed door.

She grabbed the handle and turned the knob the handle turned easily and the door opened about 3 inches. Stepping back she rammed her shoulder into the door trying to push it open even farther and it opened a few more inches. Drawing back she rammed it again and again, desperate to push the rack that was kept in front of the door, out of the way so she could escape.

Her shoulder throbbed, her heart was pounding so hard her chest actually hurt but she kept trying. Finally the door was opened far enough that she thought she could get out of it. Inhaling as much as she could she squeezed through the opening and out into the pitch-black kitchen. She hadn't quite worked herself free of the door when a hand closed on her arm. Amazingly she had enough breath to scream, which she did, falling backwards her momentum pulled the man's arm through the narrow opening and she jumped at the door slamming it on his arm, and he let go of her.

Terrified she raced around the shelves, stumbling over a pan that was on the ground, she crashed hard into the shelf that they kept the plates on. The sound of things falling behind her warned her that her attacker was trying to get out of the small stairwell. Lightning lit the dining room and a trace of it worked its way into the kitchen, and it illuminated the shiny silver blade of a knife. Without thinking twice she picked it up and raced for the doors.

One of the doors was open and she ran over the glass that lay on the threshold and took off through the small courtyard. Habit had her turning to the docks, to her studio. The rain pelted down on her, soaking her in an instant, but she didn't feel the icy sting of the frigid rain, she didn't feel anything at the moment, nothing except fear. Running down the steps that led to the docks her foot slipped on the wet planks and she fell down the last step, crashing heavily on the ground, the knife flew from her hands.

Desperation had her by the throat and she didn't feel the pain, crawling on all fours her hand closed on the hilt of the knife the same time his hand fell on her shoulder. Pushed beyond her endurance Elizabeth merely reacted, twisting around abruptly she slashed out with the knife. She heard him groan as the blade hit home, then his hand closed on hers and they wrestled for control of the knife. She screamed in pain and fear when he forced her to let go of the hilt and the knife clattered to the ground.

She tried to yank her arm free and grab the knife but he kept a hold of her and the more she tried to break free the stronger his hold became. She began to fight in earnest, kicking, hitting, trying to bite him everything she had been taught to do in her self-defense classes, but she couldn't break his powerful grip. His weight pinned her to the ground and she was immediately thrown back to the horrible night of years ago. Freezing at the memory she waited for the feel of his breath on her face, and the pain that would come next.

"Elizabeth answer me."

Water hit her eyes forcing her to blink, and when she opened them the face she saw was not the one she expected. Shaking her head she tired to clear her vision. "Not you."

"You're okay Elizabeth."

Tears spilled from her eyes. "Jason?"

"Yes," Jason was relieved to see recognition in her eyes and he eased his grip on her arms. "It's me."

"Oh my god," she closed her eyes and gave into her shaking. Fear, adrenaline, terror, relief, all of them were mixed inside of her. "Wh-what h-h-happened?" her teeth were chattering so hard it was hard to form the question.

"I don't know," moving carefully Jason sat back and pulled her up so she wasn't lying on the docks.

"I thought," covering her mouth she swallowed hard and tried again. "I thought you were him."

"Who?"

Elizabeth bushed the wet hair from her eyes then frowned at her hands when she saw red mixing with the rain and rolling off of them. "God," she moved to her knees and reached out to Jason. "Where did I get you?"

"It's okay," he tried to calm her fear.

"No it's not okay I stabbed you," she cried and yanked the zipper of his jacket down trying to find the wound. "Where?"

"I'm fi…" he broke off when her questing fingers found the wound in his side. "You just slashed me."

"Slashed you?" Horrified at the thought she looked up at him. "I didn't mean too."

"I know," he covered her hand. "I'll be fine."

"I need to get you to the hospital," she managed to stem her shaking somewhat and got to her feet. "Let me help you," bending down she took his arm.

"I don't need a hospital," he informed her even as he rose to his feet.

Stepping closer she rested her hand lightly on his wound and saw his eyes flicker in reaction. "Please."

"Okay," there was no way he could refuse her.

"Lean on me," she ordered and slipped under his arm and tried to take his weight on his non-injured side. "I'm so sorry."

"It's okay Elizabeth," Jason answered. "I shouldn't have scared you."

"You didn't," she whispered.

When her shivering increased Jason decided to let his questioning go until they were out of the rain. Besides he had the feeling that until a doctor told her he would be fine, she wouldn't tell him anything. So he merely moved with her up the stairs heading to Waters street.

Lightning and the sound of thunder reverberated over the docks. The rain picked up in its intensity, and the sound of the water crashing into the posts of the docks, made the night seem even angrier. A man stepped out of the shadows and watched the pair move up the stairs.

"Soon Elizabeth." He vowed and rubbed his sore arm.

~GH~

Still shivering, drenched to the skin, and scared that she had really hurt Jason, Elizabeth huddled in a chair in the waiting room. The trip to the emergency room had been a blur, the only thing she had been consciously aware of was the heat that was seeping into her side, thanks to Jason's body heat. The sensation didn't mean anything to her, her concern was so great that he was losing blood on the other side, all because of her.

"I could have killed him," she finally said the words aloud and in doing so made them all the more powerful. Her determined pride to handle things by herself, her fear over being hurt again, had come back to haunt her. If she hadn't been so stubborn and would have told Jason what was going on with her, he wouldn't be lying in a hospital bed at the moment.

As frightened and worried as she was, she knew his injury wasn't life-threatening, but the fact remained the only reason he was hurt at all was because of her. It was her hand that had held the knife that had pierced his skin. She was the one to blame. Her mind rebelled at that thought. It wasn't her fault, not really, it was her stalker's fault.

"Elizabeth?"

The unexpected sound of her name had her flying out of the chair. "What? Is he okay?"

"Whoa," Dr. Chris Ramsey held up his hand to stall her questions. "If your asking me about Jason, I'm sure he's fine, Dr. Quartermaine is looking at him herself."

"She's his mother," Elizabeth's nods in approval stopped abruptly. "But she's a heart surgeon, oh god did I hurt his heart?"

"You broke his heart," Carly Corinthos commented loudly.

"Carly," not even hearing Carly's words Elizabeth moved to the blonde and grabbed her hand. "You have to make sure he's okay. You need to find out. You can do that, right?"

Carly was taken aback by the fear she saw in the younger woman's face. Her caustic comment died on her lips when she realized the fear was for Jason and not herself. Shifting her focus to the doctor she raised a brow in question.

"I didn't work on him, but I heard a nurse say he only needed a few stitches in his left side," Chris offered.

"There you heard him Jason's going to be okay," Carly awkwardly patted Elizabeth's hand.

"Do you believe him?" Elizabeth was desperate for reassurance and until she could see Jason, Carly was the next best thing. Since Carly wasn't trying to tear her head off, she knew that Jason was probably going to be all right. She may hate to admit it, but she was very aware of how much Carly cared for Jason, and how protective she was of him.

"Yes." Carly's attention moved to Elizabeth. "I don't know about you though. Is this all Jason's blood or is some of it yours?"

"What?" Frowning in confusion Elizabeth looked down. Her sky blue angora sweater, that she had only worn twice, was torn, dirty, and bloody. Her sleeve was especially dark, curiosity had her pulling at the sleeve. She didn't even flinch when what was left of her bandage was ripped off when she pulled up her sleeve.

"That's what I wanted to check," Chris stepped up again. "It looks like you hurt your arm again."

"He grabbed me on the stairs," she explained absently. "I couldn't get away, but it doesn't hurt."

"I'm glad it doesn't hurt, but I think I better check you out anyway," worried about shock Chris softened his voice and lightly touched her back. "I need you to come with me."

"Jason," Elizabeth pointed to a door.

"We'll be back before Jason is done," Chris promised. "Mom's worry she won't let him out of there until she's fussed over him."

"He doesn't like people to fuss," she countered but moved down the hall with the doctor.

Staring after Elizabeth Carly was left to wonder aloud. "What the hell is going on?"

~*~*~*~*~

"Monica it's a scratch," Jason was already reaching for his shirt.

"It's a big scratch that needs stitches," she countered with a stern tone. "Now when's the last time you had a tetanus shot?"

"Last year."

"Then it's time for a booster," she nodded at the nurse who stepped out to get it. "Relax Jason you'll be out of here before you know it."

"Fine," he forced himself to sit.

"I see you picked up another scar." Monica gestured and tried to keep her voice light, as if the sight of scars on her son's chest didn't bother her.

Frowning he looked down to see what had caught her attention. "Actually that one is almost three years old," he corrected her.

"Three years?" Monica asked. "But you were living here then, I would have known if you were shot."

Jason remained quiet.

"It seems I wouldn't have known, I understand, back then I didn't matter too much to you, I probably still don't," she turned away until she had control of her tears. "I better stitch you up, I know Elizabeth is dying to see you."

When she felt she had control she turned around. "These stitches won't have to be removed, they'll dissolve in time," she informed him briskly and took a seat on the stool.

"You matter," he hesitated, "mom."

Monica kept her focus on her work, and the only reason her hand didn't shake was because of her years of training. She had learned not to make too much of what he said to her. She'd wait until she was alone to let the tears flow.

~*~*~*~*~

"Finally," Carly slammed the magazine closed. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Jason looked around the waiting room. "Where…"

"Dr. Ramsey is checking her arm," Carly answered.

"Why are you…"

"I had to get some things straight with Sonny's ex," again she answered before he finished the question. "Now it's my turn, what…"

"It was an accident and it's none of your business," he cut her off.

"Did…"

"I told you." Jason warned her with a look.

"Fine," Carly held up her arms in defeat. "Defend the muffin."

Pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration Jason sighed.

"I know I'm leaving," she moved over and kissed his cheek. "She's barely holding on Jason, so for god's sake don't act like Sonny."

Jason blinked in surprise at her unexpected warning, but before he could say anything the blonde was gone.

"Jason?"

Turning around he found his arms full of Elizabeth, his arms closed around her waist for an instant before she pulled back.

"I'm sorry did I hurt your side?" She asked in concern.

"No," he rested his hands on her shoulders. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine I'm not the one who was stabbed," she reminded him seriously. "I'm the one who did the stabbing."

Recognizing the look in her eye he looked over her head at the man who was approaching and gave him a cold glare. "Can you go get the elevator for us?" He asked her.

"Sure," she obediently moved to the elevator.

"What the hell did you give her?" Jason asked.

"A very mild shot for the pain," Chris replied. "She was sliding into shock, the drug is reacting with her system, that's why it's hitting her so hard. But I had to give her something, the burn was aggravated when you grabbed her arm the way you did, not to mention the healing cuts were ripped open again."

Jason turned his head and studied the petite brunette who was holding the doors open on the elevator. "Was she hurt anywhere else?"

"Not really she has some bruising on her arms, and her shoulder seemed stiff but she didn't want me to check it. She also has a skinned knee from where she fell, but other than that she's fine," Chris sighed. "She was more worried about you than anything else."

Nodding Jason moved towards Elizabeth. It was time to get some answers.

~Harborview~

"You need to go right to bed," Elizabeth pronounced once they hit the elevator. "You've had a shock and your body needs time to recover. So I'm going to tuck you in bed. You'll like that I used to be a great babysitter, you can ask little Jason Loader, except he isn't so little anymore, he's bigger than you."

Jason merely nodded and hit the button for the penthouse floor.

"You're probably sleepy," she smothered a yawn. Adrenaline had long since faded and numbness was beginning to seep into her bones. "Have you eaten anything?"

"Actually…"

"Because you shouldn't take the pills on an empty stomach," she went on. "They make you loopy."

The doors opened and Elizabeth walked out of the elevator and turned to the right, only to stop and turn back around and head for the left. "Forgot again."

Jason quickly joined her at the door, unlocking the door he let her precede him inside before closing the door and locking it behind them. Elizabeth may not have realized it yet but she was staying with him tonight. All he had to do was inform her of it.

"Does your arm hurt?" He asked when he noticed her cradling it.

"I don't feel anything." Shaking her shoulders his coat slipped free and pooled at her feet, she stepped over it and kept walking. "I didn't think I'd see this pool table again." She sneezed and rubbed at her nose.

"You must be cold, I'll get you a towel and some dry clothes," he headed for the stairs.

"Jason," she called after him stilling him on the stairs. She clasped and unclasped her fingers, and studied her boots for a long time. "Can … can I stay here tonight?"

"I'd like that," he answered simply and moved upstairs. He had to tread lightly with Elizabeth. Something was going on with her and he needed her to tell him what. But at the same time he had to respect her anger and hurt. He had a feeling it was going to be a long night.

Stripping off his shirt Jason tossed it on the bed and headed for his dresser. His first priority was making Elizabeth comfortable, and for that to work, he had to be able to have a conversation with her, without her shivering. He yanked open a drawer and pulled out a long-sleeved fleece t-shirt.

Lost in thought he jolted when he felt her cold hand on his back. Raising his eyes to the mirror over his dresser he watched Elizabeth move her hand over his side, until she reached his bandage. Her eyes met his in the mirror and he could see the tears in them. "Don't cry."

"I hurt you."

"I'm fine," he reassured her.

She rubbed at her temple and tried to make sense of things. Her brain felt so foggy at the moment she couldn't seem to hold onto any thought. "It's just like it was last time, only I stabbed you instead of Lucky. What does that mean?"

"When did you stab Lucky?" He asked quietly hoping she'd keep talking.

"When we were looking for Tom, only we didn't know it was Tom we thought it was Mr. Moody, but it was Lucky I stabbed not Mr. Moody even though it should have been Tom the whole time, but I didn't know it then," her jumbled thoughts jumped again. "I shouldn't handle knives anymore."

Confused Jason could only hold out the shirt. "Here put this on."

"Okay." Agreeable again Elizabeth reached for the hem of her sweater and pulled it over her head before he realized what she was doing. Averting his eyes quickly he saw the sweater, then her bra hit the floor.

"It's warm," her voice was muffled, "I'm stuck."

Jason tugged at the hem and her head appeared through the opening.

"There you are," Elizabeth shot him an off-centered smile.

Nodding he bent over and picked up her ruined sweater. "I'll throw this in the laundry, I wouldn't count on it getting cleaned but we'll see."

Elizabeth snatched the sweater out of his hands and angrily stormed to the trashcan and threw it away. "I hate that sweater."

"Are you…" he broke off when he found himself addressing air as Elizabeth walked out of the room. Grabbing another shirt from his drawer he pulled it on and went after her. He found one boot just outside his door, the other a few feet down the hall and picked them both up. Her socks were near the entry of the spare bedroom, he hesitated but the door was still open so he knocked once then walked in the room.

Elizabeth heard him knock but kept her concentration on shimmying out of her wet jeans. "Denim sucks when it's wet."

Not from where he was standing it didn't. "We have to talk," he informed her and reminded himself at the same time, dropping the boots on the floor he moved closer.

"Not tonight," she shot back and finally free of the jeans she stalked to the bed and pulled back the covers.

"Yes tonight. We have to talk about what happened," he pressed.

"I told you…"

"Elizabeth."

"Fine," angry she spun around. "What the hell did you think you were doing chasing me like that? Didn't you realize chasing me through the dark, in Kelly's would scare the hell out of me? Are you really that desperate to talk to me that you'd do this to me?"

"What the hell are you talking about?" Jason asked.

"Oh that's just great, now you start lying to my face," she huffed and crawled in bed. "I think I liked it better when you simply ignored me. Well guess what? I don't want to fight with you tonight. So I'm going to sleep and in the morning we can fight, then I'll leave and we'll never fight again." Pronouncement made she turned on her side and yanked the covers up to her chin.

Now Jason was the one who was angry. "I'm not lying."

"Like I can believe you," she scoffed. "You're track record sucks."

Jason stalked to the bed and sat on it, rolling on her back Elizabeth glared up at him. "Do you really think I would deliberately try to scare you?"

"No," she answered honestly. "But if it wasn't you, then someone else chased me, and that scares me."

"I won't let anyone hurt you Elizabeth. Your safe with me," he promised her.

Tears slipped from her eyes. "That's what scares me most of all."

Puzzled he brushed the tears from her face. "What scares you?"

"Being with you," she admitted. "That's why I can't be," she rolled on her side and closed her eyes. "Goodnight Jason."

~Studio~

Angrily he worked the lock pick in the lock and tried to get the tumblers to turn. Elizabeth needed to be taught a lesson. He had warned her what would happen if she continued to see Jason. He had warned her that she belonged to him and him only. It was time she learned her lesson. It was time she learned what would happen if she disobeyed him.

His eye fell on the package that was on the floor next to him. After his next surprise Elizabeth would never disobey, or run from him again. Humming under his breath he concentrated on working the locks free.

Soon.

So very soon.