Shot in an Alley: Jason's Worries

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Thank you, as always, to the reviewers!

Elizabeth had been gone for a while. Most of that time he had spent sleeping but now he was laying awake just thinking. He was trying to remember the rest of his odd dreams from last night. He had bits and pieces but not the whole thing. Sonny, the hospital, Courtney's dead, Sonny, graveyard, Elizabeth…

That was his other problem. Courtney and Elizabeth. Emotions were not his strong point. He had always known how he felt and never seen any point in hiding those feelings, even if they weren't what people around him wanted them to be. Now, he knew that he was supposed to be in love with Courtney, but he also knew that he just didn't – not the way he was supposed to.

Elizabeth though - that's where he got stuck. He wasn't falling in love. He was coming back to it. He had no idea how to deal with this or what to do next.

Call Sonny? He knew that Sonny would still be okay with his and Courtney's breakup. Jason realized that Sonny had caved only to save their friendship. If Jason were to tell him that he wanted to be with Elizabeth then his friend would support his decision and be happy for them. Carly was the problem there. He didn't even want to think about her reaction. He also didn't want to hurt Courtney.

The problem wasn't going to be solved now so he moved his thoughts to a more important issue. Carly. He needed to talk to Sonny about Ric and soon.

Then Elizabeth came through the door. She was carrying a Kelly's takeout bag. Jason wasn't sure whether he should smile or grimace – she had soup for him, no doubt. She turned to him after locking the door. "Hey, how do you feel?" she asked. Lunch with Ric had been hell. She had been thinking of Jason the whole time.

"Tired and worried for Carly." He honestly responded.

"Well I see you didn't mention hungry." Nor had he mentioned "in pain" which had to be true. Saying so wouldn't be much like Jason, however.

"I know." He knew that he was fighting a losing battle and didn't have the strength to fight her on the eating issue.

"Well that's just too bad."

Elizabeth prepared a tray with soup and a spoon then placed it on the floor next to the couch. "Jase, can you sit up?"

"Yeah."

He was now trying hard not to cry out as she helped him into the upright position.

"Okay Jason, you need to eat now." She told him as she brought a spoon full of soup to his lips.

He accepted.

-------- Corinthos Penthouse

Jason hadn't come home all night. Sonny could no longer tell himself that Jason was out looking for clues to Carly's whereabouts. It was time to start searching for his best friend.

"Johnny!" he called out.

The door opened. "Yeah boss?"

"Send out a few guys to look for Jason. I want to know if they find anything. ANYTHING."

"Right away." The door then closed.

First his wife now the one person he had ever considered a brother, after Stone. He needed to protect the family he had left. Michael, Courtney and Mike were going to the island no matter what.

He headed across the hall to break the news to Courtney.

-------- Elizabeth's Studio

Jason had eaten most of the soup and about ten minutes ago had fallen asleep. While he had eaten Elizabeth had talked with Jason between mouthfuls of soup. They had stayed on "safe" topics. Her artwork, how happy they were that Emily was now home.

Someone knocked on the door.

Elizabeth smiled – right on time. She got up and opened the door then paid the courier.

After closing the door she opened the package to reveal the blueprints. It was time to follow a lead.

Elizabeth's doing a good job! Am I? Please review and let me know!