Shrieking, shouting and other obnoxious noises brought both of them awake. The door to Jason's room cracked open and only once the intruder was assured she wouldn't see anything that would scar her for life did it fly open all the way. Bubbling and jubilant, Emily ran in, did a little dance then

jumped onto the bed.

"She's your little sister but I'm gonna kill her if she doesn't shut up."

Garbled and grumpy Jason knew the wrath of Caroline in the morning. But since he was not so pleased by this 5:00am wake up call, Emily was dangerously close to some wrath from him as well.

"Em, what the hell is your problem? And could you have it somewhere else or in an hour?"

"Ha! Whatever. You guys love me and you're gonna love me even more when you open your eyes and sit up."

Caroline had about enough at that point. She was actually waking up and knew it was way to soon.

"Listen, kid, go downstairs, pour yourself a bowl of Fruit Loops and we'll talk to you in an hour."

Jason's only comment as he wrapped his arms around Caroline tighter without ever having opened his eyes,

"Yeah."

Emily decided to end this once and for all. They were ruining her good mood. And throwing a bigger monkey wrench into her latest theory.

"Ok, I'll go. Maybe later you guys might want to know where Rivera is. Or where he was when I tried to tell you."

5...4...3..2...

"What!"

They both shot up at the same time. Emily sat smugly from her spot near the foot of the bed with a folder in her hands waiving it around. Then she thought better of taunting once she considered the two people in front of her and that either one of them could take her one handed and half sleep.

"Yeah. A compound just outside of Caracas, Venezuela. I got the address, a map, floor plans, and pictures of the house too."

Caroline rudely snatched the folder out of her hands then leaned back so Jason could read it as well. At this point, neither of them realized the unusualness of their positions. Neither felt awkward because they were too engrossed in what they were reading. Almost at the same time they looked up at her,

"You just got a fucking raise."

She squealed jumped up and did her little dance again.

"Ok, I have to call Lucky and gloat that I won!"

With that she was out the door, slamming it behind her. Caroline narrowed her eyes at Jason as the sound pounded in her ears.

"We're not having anymore kids."

"Definitely."

Half an hour later Caroline and Jason were showered dressed and coming down the stairs just as Rey walked in. He glared at both of them.

"What?"

"You send that energizer bunny over to my place at 5:00am again and I'm not responsible for what happens."

Caroline had little sympathy for Rey.

"You caught the second act. I guarantee the first one was louder, more obnoxious and annoying."

He conceded the possibility of that with a shrug then went to the kitchen to make coffee. He didn't get through the door because Emily bounced out with a pot and several mugs on a tray. There was also a plate of chocolate donuts so Caroline knew that was a peace offering.

"Thanks."

Still giddy and bouncing.

"You're welcome."

They all noticed that she was prone to break out in her little celebratory dance at any moment. They also got a good look at her. 18 or not, expert hacker, she was still a kid. But she was happy and that was all Jason cared about in that moment. He caught Caroline's eye and smiled. She knew what he was thinking. As she grabbed a donut from the tray,

"Yeah, yeah, but we're still not having anymore kids. Two's my limit."

Rey knew he missed something significant. But when he saw the way they were both looking at Emily he relaxed and knew they were talking about her. He wasn't sure how a pregnant hitter would fit into things.

The plan was set. The team dispatched to retrieve him anyway possible except killing him. That was to be done in Puerto Rico and that was going to send the biggest message of them all.

Reginald sighed as he took in the sight standing on the front steps then stepped aside. This was not going to be a happy day. He'd seen enough and figured what was going to happen.

"Ms. Lila is in the Morning Room along with the rest of them. It isn't going to be pleasant so I hope you've already eaten."

Tony smirked,

"Yeah, I brought extra ear plugs this time."

"Good. He's going to blow your ear drums. Same rooms as last time?"

"That'd be great, thanks."

"Ok."

Reginald directed two of the maids to take their bags upstairs then turned back to them.

"I'd tell you all to walk this way but that's just too much of a cliche."

They all laughed. They all stopped laughing the closer they got to the Morning Room and groaned.

"That hooligan gangster will not get away with kidnaping my granddaughter. There are laws against that. Not that he has the least bit of respect for the law."

"Shut up Edward. It was your fault that she left."

"Don't start with me, Monica. She's your daughter and you didn't even know she was gone."

"How could I since she left when I was with you?"

"Hmph!"

Reginald looked up at the tough wise guys in sympathy. Mob 101 was insufficient preparation for the Quartermaine breakfast buffet.

"Come on, like a bandage its better to just rip it off quickly."

"I doubt it."

But, they followed anyway. Reginald opened the doors and caught Lila's eye.

"Ms. Lila, your guests have arrived. I already took the liberty of having their bags sent up to their rooms."

Lila was hip to this and played right along.

"Thank you, Reginald. Please, gentlemen, come in."

This little show caused Monica, Allen, and Edward to stare as they tried to catch up to what was going on. Tony had to give it to Jason's grandmother, she was good.

"Good Morning Ms. Lila. You look lovely today."

Lila Quartermaine is a notorious flirt. She smiled and even managed to bat her eyes in the most lady like fashion.

"Thank you, Anthony. You are quite dashing yourself."

That snapped Edward out of it.

"Lila, must you flirt with every rouge and scoundrel in Port Charles!"

Then he turned to the others.

"Get out before I call the police. This is trespassing. Unless Don Luciano sent you here to abscond with my precious Lila as well. A follow up to snatching my granddaughter last night? I won't stand for this in my own house."

He worked himself up pretty good and managed to get everybody in one rant. Rick couldn't help it.

"I thought this was Dr. Quartermaine's house."

"Why you degenerate! Out. Out now."

"Edward, be quiet. You are being rude to my guests."

"Guests? Lila, you can't expect for me to stand for this again."

"Then sit down."

Monica and Allen are getting it together again.

"What's going on? Has something happened to Jason or Emily?"

No answer.

Rick handed Lila an envelope and she took a few moments to read it over while the others stared and tried to get as close as possible in case she might speak. They didn't have to be so covert. Lila turned to Reginald, completely dismissing the group. She held the note up for him to read while commenting on something trivial so that they could get the point.

"Jason has always had such fine penmanship. He takes great care with his correspondence."

Reginald tried hard to hold it in and not start laughing at Lila's game. Tony smiled. She was a player with class.

Allen wasn't going to be put off much longer.

"Mother, what is the meaning of this? Why are these men here and what has happened to Jason?"

"These gentlemen are here because they are my guests."

Dismissing Allen while ignoring the rest of his questions.

"Would you all care for breakfast? We are just starting. Anthony, I know how much you enjoy the hazel nut french roast blend, should I ask Cook to prepare a pot?"

"I wouldn't want to be an inconvenience."

"There are fresh raspberry scones this morning."

She knew how to draw a person in. He couldn't help it and smiled his appreciation.

"In that case, I would love some. Thank you."

Edward had enough.

"This is a disgrace. Housing and feeding the criminals of Port Charles. I won't stand for it!"

Lila had enough.

"I believe I told you to sit down."

That was the last thing she said to him for quite some time.

Jason was keeping close and careful watch on Benny. He would be picked up once the team landed in San Juan. In the meantime, he had some debts to settle.

"Johnny, are Ned and Lois still at the hotel?"

"No, they left for the airport about an hour ago. Our guys there checked the flight plans. The ELQ jet is en route back here. Should be landing in another hour."

Jason thought for a minute. He'd already put some guys together to meet them at the airport. He knew Ned had guards but he still wanted to cover all the basis. He also felt he should do this himself.

"Ok, I'm going to meet them at the airport. Make sure the others are in place to follow them where ever Ned decides to go. I'll tell him when I get there."

"Done."

Ned stepped off the plane after two of the guards. Lois and Brook were right behind him. He was shocked to see 3 additional limos in addition to the one he had waiting with the sedan. Jason didn't take any chances. Especially with what was coming. The guard stopped and everyone started backing up into the plane when the door to one of the limos opened and Jason stepped out. That caused Ned to relax and Lois to break out in a wide smile. Johnny never met Ned's wife he wasn't sure what he expected from the wife of Ned Ashton. Sure, a society belle didn't live in Brooklyn but Lois was a surprise.

The two approached as everyone descended the plane. They couldn't stay out there long but it was definitely secure. Johnny took one look at the guards stepping off the plane as well as those standing near the sedan and limo. Then he leaned in whispering to Jason,

"Tell me your cousin's guards aren't wise and I'll have proof that Jason Morgan lies."

"I have no idea what's going on with Ned but as long as they're alive and safe I'm not going to ask any questions now."

"Yeah but later you're gonna?"

"Yeah, I'm gonna."

Ned met his eye and understood instantly that Jason knew everything that happened. Nothing else would warrant this level of security or his presence.

"Jason, glad to see it was you."

"Ned, I found out late last night. I swear I had no idea anything like that was going down. I didn't know where you were going to take them or if you had security here. They can give you an escort where ever you want to go and assist your people doing whatever they need done for as long as they need them."

Ned sensed that Jason was being intentionally vague as Lois approached.

"Its ok Jason. I know you couldn't have known. Lois and I have no secrets and we're not starting now." Then Ned chuckled, "Thanks for the 'escorts'. Never heard it put like that before. Grandmother?"

"Edward should be stomping through the Towers in about an hour. Grandmother gave him the deep freeze after he accused her of flirting with her guards."

Ned laughed harder.

"That sounds like her."

Just then, Lois practically bounced up to Jason and threw herself in his arms laughing.

"Jason! Its been too long. But you still look good."

Johnny was surprised. He never would have imagined that Ned Ashton would date, let alone marry a true Brooklyn girl. She was a knock out for sure. But, that accent could shred paper. Johnny also saw that Ned was looking at her like she was the Queen of England. Ned just went up several notches in his book.

"So do you. I'm glad you're back. I've missed you, Lois."

He meant it and his hug conveyed it. And a great deal more. She understood.

When she pulled back, she looked him straight in the eye and placed her hand on his cheek before speaking.

"Life is, Jason. We do what we gotta do and we keep movin on."

Lois kept her eye on Jason and they both came to an understanding. That was that. Johnny decided he really liked Lois.

Lois, Ned and Brook got into one limo trailing the one Jason sent and in front of the sedan Ned arraigned to follow. Ned didn't live in the Gatehouse anymore. He moved out shortly after Lois left. It was too empty and held too many memories of the life he wanted and had for too short a time. Initially, he lived in a penthouse suite at the Port Charles hotel. Well, until yesterday. No way did he want Lois that exposed to pedestrian traffic even if he could have the floor to himself.

After Lois' parents left, she and Ned stayed up talking for some time. They had many things to discuss and where they would live was at the top of the list. The Harbor View Towers isn't the only class act in Port Charles, just the most infamous. ELQ owned several complexes and Ned took out his hammer and started making things happen. It was the middle of the night but he was Ned Ashton so when he said he wanted the largest penthouse on the 30th floor of the Riverside Towers stripped, cleaned, furnished and well stocked in the next 10 hours, they hopped to it. He also instructed them to make the other 4 penthouses ready as well. Ned wasn't taking chances. Lois and Brook's guards would be the only other tenants on the floor.

Maintenance had a late night but they weren't complaining at double time. They were surprised by the "security specialists" awaiting them. The elevators were now locked out. It took a special code and pass key to get onto the 30th floor. Security cameras were everywhere. Not just on that floor or in the elevators. All the elevators, floors, stairways, lobby and outside the building had views fed into a security station in one of the penthouses on the 30th floor.

It would take more than 10 hours but Ned decided that one elevator would bypass all floors and only stop on the 30th at the advice of his primary security specialist. Worked for him, he did not care if it was a bother to anyone else in the building. He owned the building and he had a Lois and a daughter to protect.

They caused a bit of a stir walking into the lobby. Ask Ned Ashton if he cared. Jason's men saw a lot of strange things over the last two weeks so they were taking it in stride but they still had to wonder what was going on. Ashton was high society and a corporate mogul. Where were the navy blue jackets with crest on the sleeve indicating private security? There wasn't any way to tell the difference between the two groups. Jason's people were positive they were looking at wise guys as well.

Francis was sent with this group for a few hours, then he had to head back. Vinnie was brisk and to the point.

"No one but those who work for Mr. Ashton or are visiting with a prior appointment are permitted onto the 30th floor. I arraigned for guards in the lobby so four can be stationed there and I need three on the private parking level."

He's trying to flow with this but he's feeling like he's not being helpful. These were definitely strange times with strange things happening.

"Private parking level?"

"Yes, P5 is now off limits to all vehicles except those used by and for Mr. Ashton and his family. Guests are not permitted to park on that level either."

Jason didn't say anything as he made his report. Johnny didn't say anything either. Francis wasn't positive what that meant but he had a good idea. They were just as confused as he. Caroline sat at the dining room table watching them and listening in. She had an opinion but would wait until one of them asked her. She just wouldn't wait all day if they didn't hurry up. After Francis left, it didn't take long.

"What's going on with Ned?"

"No clue in general but I know what that other stuff means."

Jason gave her the look but Johnny said it.

"What?"

"If you'd found a bomb in my car accidentally the night before I was supposed to take Michael somewhere, how would you react? How would Rey or Johnny react?"

Johnny turned to Jason,

"She's got you there."

"What else?"

"Michael's at a safe house and I'm on the books. But Ned's daughter is here and he and Lois are going to be working their thing together. His mother tried to kill the woman that he is obviously still in love with and their child. His mother. Who can he trust? Edward is going to find a way to work it to his advantage. His grandfather. Who can he trust? Who would you trust? Ned doesn't trust anyone with Lois and Brook accept those that he knows he can trust."

When she put it like that it made perfect sense to both of them. They nodded and shrugged to each other then turned back to her. Johnny asked the question burning in him since the airport.

"Since you explained everything else so well, explain the security specialist. Vinnie, Paulie, Petie,

Giorgio, etcs etc. This is Ned Ashton we're talking about. You don't find any of that the least bit strange?"

"Considering the current situation and the direct threat against the woman he loves and his child, who should be guarding them and coordinating their security? Paulie, Giorgio, Petie and Vinnie who are wise or Niles, Brandon, and Fred who work security at ELQ headquarters downtown?

Jason cracked up laughing at that answer.

"Ok, I got it."

Rey walked in on the heels of that.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing."

"Ok."

"Why are you here?"

"Plane just touched down in San Juan."

Jason was all business with those words.

"Have them pick up Benny now. Take him to the warehouse, we'll meet you there."

Johnny looked at Caroline with a raised eyebrow.

"One free show per week sicko. Ask the boss, what do I know."

Johnny turned to Jason with a hopeful and slightly disturbing expression on his face.

"You heard her, sicko. We're gonna have a long talk when all this is over."

Rey doubled over laughing and walked out.

Jason gave some last minute instructions then called down for Emily.

"Yes."

"Don't leave the floor until we get back. Wait about an hour or so then start checking news and police reports from San Juan."

"Ok, what am I looking for?"

"If you don't know it when you see it, you didn't see it."

"Done. Anything else?"

"Yeah, take nap later. You've been bouncing off the walls all day. And if the old man shows up..."

"A) I'm 18. We don't take naps at my age. B) Whoever's on the door better not let him step off the elevator. Solves all our problems. C) Hopefully Justice won't have any work to do in the near future and he can get me a restraining order then we don't have to deal."

Jason smirked.

"Consider B & C done. Check the reports. And take a nap."

With that he gave her a kiss and a hug then turned and walked out.