Jason closed the passenger door of his Porsche and hoped to drown out his sister's onslaught of questions about Elizabeth. His mind continued to race with thoughts of Anthony's obscure remarks. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't rid himself of the ominous feeling that Anthony had been able to conjure up in the hospital. The idea of pulling away from the emergency room entrance without Elizabeth had nearly frozen Jason in place. All sense of reason and logic evaded him at the moment and what had taken center stage in his mind's eye was the look Elizabeth had on her face as he made his way from her room. He felt the lump in his throat grow as her eyes glistened with tears he knew she wasn't able to shed. Jason closed his eyes and pushed back tears of his own.

"I need you to do me a favor," Emily spoke as Jason positioned himself behind the wheel of the car.

"I thought I had already done my favor for the day." Jason rolled his eyes and imagined what his dear baby sister had in store for him next.

"You never did answer me before, Jason. How is Elizabeth?"

"What do you want me to do?" he asked obviously ignoring Emily's question.

"I would like it if you answered me. Is Elizabeth going to be all right?" Emily replied. She was determined not to let her brother off the hook.

"She's fine."

"Just fine?"

"What more do you want me to say?" Jason nearly shouted.

"Jason," Emily rested her hand on his. "I know you are worried about her, but... ..."

"Please drop this Emily. Just leave it alone. What's the favor you need me to do for you?"

Emily knew from the expression on Jason's face that she shouldn't push the issue. That look frightened her in a way that she hadn't been aware of until now. She knew that Anthony had been treading on thin ice with her family, especially Jason, for months now, but with this accident he seemed to have crossed over a line that Emily wasn't sure that he would return from. She was afraid that Elizabeth's husband had taken Jason with him as well.

"Emily," Jason's irritated voice disturbed her private thoughts.

"Huh?"

"This favor, what is it?"

"I need you to get my briefcase out of my car. The EMTs wouldn't let me go get it."

"Your briefcase?"

"Yes. It has all of the seating charts and the caterer's menu in it. I need it for tomorrow night, or Elizabeth and I will be completely flying blind at the benefit."

"Who says either of you will be up to attending the benefit?"

"Jason, is there something more seriously wrong with Elizabeth than what you have told me?" Emily's voice filled with guarded panic.

"No, no it's not that. I just mean that a full blown evening might be too much for you both."

"That doesn't make much difference, Jason. We are the chairpersons of the event. We need to be there, so could you please go to wherever my car was taken and get my briefcase for me?" Emily was relentless in her pursuit.

Jason ran his hands through his blonde spiked hair and thought about how much Elizabeth and his sister were alike. It was obvious to see how a friendship had blossomed between the two women. "Yes," he sighed.

Jason wound his way through the impound lot at the police station until he came upon the designated row where Emily's mangled Volvo could be found. "It should be in the back seat," she offered as Jason got out of the driver's seat of his own car.

He came upon his sister's silver Volvo as it sat in the middle of the line of cars. He was taken aback by the crinkled mass of metal that he found in front of him. There was a deep "V" in the front fender from where it had made contact with the hard surface of the fire hydrant. The hood was buckled high in the air and the windshield was a mass of splinters held together by the modern technology of safety glass. However, the image that held Jason captive though wasn't the destruction of the car itself, but the faint hint of blood he saw traced around the passenger side window. It was Elizabeth's blood.

Jason clenched his jaw and tried in vain to stop the tears that stung his piercing blue eyes. His mind played horrible tricks on him as he imagined just how badly both Elizabeth and Emily could have been hurt. He pressed forward in his pursuit of the brown leather briefcase that was perched on the back seat of the Volvo. The rear door opened with a loud gnashing of metal against metal as pieces of the car scraped against one another. Jason knew that it was only his imagination but he felt as if Elizabeth's scent still hung in the stale air that was around him. He saw her linen suit jacket draped on the floor and clutched the familiar beige material tightly in his hands burying his face within its soft folds. Jason's body then dropped against the seat without warning as a torrent of tears took hold of him. "This game of cat and mouse is over!" Jason said with more determination than he knew he possessed. "IT'S OVER!!!"

Emily watched as Jason handed her the briefcase and then climbed behind the wheel of his car again. There was no mistaking that he had been crying, yet she remained silent as they rode home.

Joseph and Cassandra rushed to the door like anxious children when Jason and Emily entered the foyer of the Morgan mansion. "Oh my baby," Cassandra cried as she hugged her only daughter tightly.

"Nice of you to have Johnny give us so little information to go on," Joseph barked with an angry tone as he stared coldly in Jason's direction.

Jason thought about speaking but decided against it. He knew that he had been wrong in the way that he had chosen to handle Emily's accident. He lost all sense of reason when it came to anything that even remotely concerned Elizabeth Malucci however he wasn't quite ready to admit that to his father.

"Do you have anything to say about the poor way in which you handled this situation?" Joseph questioned.

"I do apologize for not calling you directly," Jason offered. "All of my thoughts were about making sure Emily was safe. I wasn't thinking. I am sorry that Johnny's vague explanation worried you both," he said as he turned to his mother as well.

"It seems to me you haven't been thinking for quite some time now!" Joseph growled.

"Emily, dear, let's get you upstairs to your room. I am sure you could use some peace and quiet after all of this," Cassandra said as she eyed her son and husband with a very cross-pointed look.

"I think that Emily should stay right here for now," Joseph instructed.

"What on earth for?" Cassandra demanded.

"I need to be brought up to speed on exactly how this accident happened," Joseph answered.

"Can't that wait until later?" his wife asked.

"No."

"Papa, I have already discussed the accident with Emily. Maybe it is better if she rests. I can fill you in on the details," Jason stated.

"Thank you, but I would like to hear from your sister," the elder Morgan said. "I am sure it will only take a few minutes to ask my questions. Emily... ..."

"Yes, Papa?"

"What caused the accident?"

"My brakes gave out."

"That's impossible!!"

"Not really, since that's what happened," Emily plainly replied. "For some reason or another, there was a traffic jam on the street. I tried to stop my car, but nothing happened when I hit the brakes."

"Where were you this afternoon before the accident?" Joseph asked as he made his way into the dining room in search of a stiff drink.

"I was at the Chicago Botanic Garden working on the final details for the benefit tomorrow. Why?"

"Did anything look out of the ordinary to you when you were there? Did you see anyone who looked suspicious... ..."

"Joseph that's quite enough don't you think?" Cassandra interrupted him. "Can't you see the pain that your daughter is in? This inquisition will have to wait. I am taking her upstairs now!"

Cassandra was as protective of her children as a mother tiger and Joseph knew this wasn't a battle he was about to win. He crossed the room to stand by his youngest child. "You rest." He kissed Emily's cheek gently. "But if anything comes to mind, you

let me know. Understand?"

"Yes, Papa." Emily looked across the room at her brother. The two siblings exchanged glances, aware that if anyone were to tell Joseph what they knew, it would be Jason.

Both men stood in silence after Cassandra and Emily left the room. Joseph downed his first shot of liquid comfort and sought another one from the crystal decanter that sat on the cherry sideboard. "It's impossible that Emily's brakes would fail... ..." Joseph said quietly.

"What?" Jason asked.

"I have been having our cars checked daily, often double checked. There is no way there could have been anything wrong with the braking system on Emily's car."

"What did you say, Papa?" Jason asked again.

"Nothing," Joseph said pouring a healthy dose of vodka into his glass.

Jason watched as his father pensively paced the four corners of the room. He steeled himself for the inevitable confrontation that he knew would begin if he expressed his concerns regarding Anthony's role in this latest attack on their family. Jason was now even more certain that Anthony was behind everything. The way he had baited Jason that afternoon in Elizabeth's hospital room proved it in spades and the task was now to get Joseph to see that as well. "I'm sorry that I didn't call you and Mama myself to tell you about the accident," Jason began off on an apologetic note. Joseph turned and eyed his son carefully but didn't say a word. "I think there are some things that you should know, Papa."

"What kind of things are you talking about?" Joseph responded.

"Elizabeth was with Emily today. She was also involved in the accident." Jason waited for his father's thunderous reaction.

"I see. Well, that certainly explains a great deal. Now I know why your mother and I were handed some note and treated like two insignificant parties in all of this."

"That's not true at all."

"From where I sit it's very true, Jason. You have lost all sense of logic and understanding of the way things are to work in this business. I really am not surprised that your family was the last thing on your mind today.

Jason now went to the sideboard himself and poured his own glass of vodka. He was certain that he was going to need it. "I am sorry that you feel that way. You couldn't be more wrong if you tried. I am loyal to this family. I am sorry that I suddenly don't fit the cookie cutter vision you've had for me, but I am still your son and a loyal son at that," Jason stated solemnly.

"Up until now."

"Why is it that you continue to question my loyalty to this family? I am the only one who's still here. I am the one son who didn't snub my nose at you or issue ultimatums, yet suddenly that matters so little to you. I have been a loyal soldier in your army since before I even knew there was an army to lead! That has to count for something, doesn't it?"

"Yes," Joseph whispered.

"So why is it suddenly not enough?"

"You know why."

"Are you referring to Elizabeth Malucci?"

"Yes."

"Well you know what, Papa? Like it or not I love her! I have tried to deny it. I have tried to push her away but some power beyond my control forces us together over and over again. I can't do a damn thing to stop it! God knows I have tried."

Joseph watched his son and for the first time really saw the man he had grown to be. In many ways Jason was a carbon copy of his father. He was fiercely loyal, cunning and ruthless when he needed to be but there was a soft side of him that could be brought about by the love of the right woman. Joseph was just having trouble with the image of the woman whom Jason thought was right for him. "I am sure you have tried," Joseph agreed, leaving Jason stunned by this concession. "For all of your trying, however, you have still ended up in bed with another man's wife. That's not something I am prepared to accept."

"Even if the other man is a monster who is willing to sacrifice his own wife in an attempt to get what he wants?" Jason questioned.

"Son, you want me to see this as some sort of gray area and well, frankly I can't do that. It's a black and white issue for me. I can't let you justify what you are doing with Elizabeth as something that is acceptable just because Anthony is who he is. I can't imagine that Elizabeth didn't have some clue as to the kind of man she was marrying when she entered into her union with Anthony."

"That's just it. She didn't have a clue. Anthony played her. He played his role so well that when Elizabeth finally saw his true colors, it was too late for her to do anything about it."

Joseph recalled a similar conversation he had had with Rocco about how not all Mafia marriages were as good as the one Joseph and Cassandra shared. "What are you trying to say Jason? You can't expect me to sanction action against Anthony just so that you will be able to scoop up his wife in the process."

"That's not what I am saying at all!" Jason shouted.

"Then what do you expect to happen from all of this? You certainly know that the other families will never back us if they see this as a means to an end for you... ..."

"They don't have a choice but to back us!"

"Why do you think that?" Joseph questioned.

"You and I both know that we have enough on the others to keep them in line. We could squash them all if we really wanted to... ..."

"You know I don't play games like that Jason," Joseph countered.

"But we could."

"Yes, we could and it could backfire on us. We could end up in a bigger war than the one we are in right now. In my mind, that's not an acceptable risk."

"So what, am I just expected to leave Elizabeth at Anthony's mercy?" Jason gasped.

"Unfortunately, yes that may be your only choice."

"Well in MY mind, that's NOT an acceptable risk!" Jason shouted sarcastically.

"Jason, please... ..."

"Please what?"

"We need to begin working together rather than against one another."

"I have been saying that all along," Jason said with exasperation.

"While I don't agree with you, I do understand that you love Elizabeth. Rocco has made his affections for the girl quite clear as well, but Anthony is Rocco's blood and I feel it's necessary that we give him one last opportunity to control things within his own crew."

"WHAT!?!" Jason's rage bounced off the walls. All the progress that he thought he just made was suddenly null and void.

"In good conscious I can't act without first speaking to Rocco. He deserves that much from me."

"WHATEVER, YOU ARE THE BOSS! THIS IS YOUR SHOW TO RUN, SO FUCKING RUN IT!! BUT LET ME WARN YOU NOW!! IF ANY HARM COMES TO ELIZABETH IN ANY WAY, ALL BETS ARE OFF PAPA – ALL BETS ARE OFF!!" Jason yelled as he stormed from the room.

Joseph wondered to himself why he hadn't just told the truth? Why hadn't he just said that Anthony could be taken care of without another thought? For some reason, Joseph had stuck to his original line of defense. He pondered that thought as he picked up the phone to call Rocco. "Malucci residence." A voice traveled through the wire to meet Joseph's ear.

"Mr. Malucci, please," Joseph stated.

"One moment," the young woman answered.

Joseph leaned back against the supple leather of his chair and waited for Rocco. "Malucci here," Rocco said.

"Rocco, Joseph."

"Hello Joseph. How are you this evening?"

"I've been better."

Rocco heard the strain that filled his friend's voice. Anthony had caused that strain and that thought sickened Rocco. "I was sorry to hear of AJ and Courtney's loss."

"Thank you."

"I know how excited you and Cassandra were at the thought of becoming grandparents for the first time. I am truly sorry," Rocco stressed.

"Well, this conversation is at my daughter's request. Emily asked that I check on Elizabeth and see how she is feeling," Joseph lied.

"How Elizabeth is feeling?" Rocco was puzzled. "What do you mean? She's fine. Why do you ask?"

"You haven't heard about what happened?"

"Heard what?" Rocco's questions continued.

"Emily and Elizabeth had a small accident this afternoon... ..."

"WHAT?!?!" Rocco's voice resonated throughout his study.

"There was some sort of problem with the braking system on Emily's Volvo. Luckily neither girl was seriously injured. However, Emily was still concerned about Elizabeth. The doctors said that had a slight concussion."

"How did this accident really happen, Joseph?" Rocco asked rather pointedly. "Excuse me a moment." Rocco pressed his ear to the study door when he heard the booming voice of his son on the other side.

"Mrs. Malucci," Helena gasped as Anthony nearly threw his wife inside the foyer of the Malucci home.

"She's fine!" Anthony growled. "She just needs to rest! Take her up to our room," he ordered.

"I am fine really," Elizabeth said softly as the pounding in her head grew stronger. "Where are you going?" she asked as Anthony made his way out the front door again.

"OUT!"

"Out where?" Elizabeth pressed unable to get the heated confrontation between her husband and Jason out of her mind.

"Just out!"

"Anthony!" Elizabeth called to his retreating back as a sick feeling consumed her. She reached for Helena's arm to steady herself.

"Miss, we should get you upstairs," Helena said as she guided Elizabeth toward the staircase.

"Rocco?" Joseph's voice pulled Rocco's thoughts back to the conversation at hand.

"Um, I'm sorry, Joseph. No I didn't know anything about the accident, but I certainly intend on finding out about it."

"I know all that I need to know, Rocco." Joseph's tone was cryptic in nature and Rocco knew what his friend was really trying to say.

"As do I," he concurred.

"Might I suggest that we meet privately to discuss our options in controlling the uncontrollable?" Rocco understood Joseph's double-edged remark and openly agreed. "My limo will be by before tomorrow's benefit to pick you up. We can talk on the way there."

"That would be fine, Joseph. Elizabeth just came home and I would like to go check in with her. Please tell Emily not to worry. If Elizabeth is feeling up to it, I will have her give your daughter a call."

"I will let Emily know. Until tomorrow then?"

"Yes, tomorrow. Good night Joseph." Rocco placed the receiver in its cradle and let out a heavy sigh. "Anthony, what have you done?" he asked the framed wedding photo of his son and Elizabeth that graced his desk.

Rocco pushed the door to Elizabeth's bedroom open. He watched her sleeping form as he rolled his wheelchair closer to her bed. There was no stopping the tears that made silent tracks down his worn face. "I am so sorry Elizabeth. None of this should be happening to you." Rocco reached out and touched her bare shoulder. "If I wasn't such a feeble old man," he sighed, "I would be better at handling Anthony. You deserve so much more than my son knows how to give." Rocco choked back his tears. "You're too young to be shackled to a man whose sole purpose in life is to cause pain to all those around him. I promise you, Elizabeth, you will always feel the blanket of protection that I can provide. And I assure you that one day soon you will be free of Anthony forever!"

Reggie paced the docks as he waited for Anthony to arrive. He was still thinking about how to circumvent his boss' plan against Jason Morgan, but had yet to come up with any plan he thought would be viable.

"Reggie, my man!" Anthony said as he rounded the corner of one of the many building that surrounded them.

"Anthony."

"Is everything a go at the Morgan warehouse?"

"Uh-huh."

"Some enthusiasm man! It's show time!!" Anthony had a gleeful lilt to his voice.

"Listen man, I'm sorry about your wife being involved in that last accident. I didn't know she would be with Emily Morgan."

"Not a problem. If anything, that made it an even sweeter victory," Anthony sneered.

"Huh?"

"Morgan went through the roof! He was falling all over himself worrying about my wife."

"And that's a good thing?"

"Hell yeah it's a good thing! It will make wiping him from the face of the earth even better than I know it's going to be!"

"About that... ..."

"It's all set right?" Anthony questioned suddenly wary that his associate was still looking for a way to back out of their arrangement.

"Yes."

"Then what's the problem?" Reggie's attitude was quickly ruining Anthony's good mood.

"Nothing."

"Well then smile, boy! After tomorrow, you will be a hell of a rich man!" Anthony cackled as he slapped Reggie on the shoulder.

"Yeah right," Reggie answered with a half smile. He knew that all the money in the world wouldn't save him if Anthony's plan went off without a hitch.