Elizabeth turned and made a vain attempt at focusing her attention on the remainder of the benefit, yet she was unable to shake the odd feeling that surrounded her.

"Where's my father going?" Anthony asked gruffly. His alcohol-induced haze was getting the better of him.

"Home," Elizabeth answered simply.

"Home??" Anthony echoed.

"Yes, he's going home," Elizabeth stated once more. "Rocco told me he wasn't feeling well, actually he was just worn out from the event."

"He isn't feeling well?" Anthony questioned.

Suddenly Elizabeth felt like she was talking but the person before her wasn't listening. "He's just tired, Anthony. I am sure that the evening just got the better of him. Given his condition, I am surprised he managed to stay as long as he did," Elizabeth said more to herself than to Anthony.

"It's time we were going home too."

"What?" Elizabeth stared at him curiously. "I can't leave now! The benefit is only three fourths of the way completed," she stressed.

"I don't give a damn about this event!" Anthony shot back. All that he had once thought being tied to this event would bring him had long since passed. The outcome of the benefit mattered very little to him anymore. The one thing that did matter greatly to him right now though was finding Reggie and making the man pay for his incompetence.

"Well I do! For that matter so does your father."

Anthony clenched his jaw as the ever-present bond between his wife and father reared its head. "We're going home!" Anthony angrily tugged at her arm pulling her in the direction of the door.

"Elizabeth, my dear," Joseph stopped the pair. He hadn't taken his eyes off Anthony and his wife as he watched the action between them escalate. It wasn't hard to tell that the man was attempting to manhandle Elizabeth. That was something that Joseph Morgan would not tolerate in any form, no matter what the circumstances were. "Emily has been looking for you. There is a reporter interested in doing an interview with the two of you." Joseph's voice was as sweet as sugar yet his fiery eyes told another tale as he rested them squarely on Anthony.

"Oh." Elizabeth was caught off guard a bit.

"Anthony, would you mind if I escorted your wife across the room?" Joseph smiled as he offered his arm to Elizabeth. It was the identical self-assured smile that Jason had worn earlier, one that served to enrage Anthony further.

The sight of Elizabeth and Joseph walking across the ballroom floor readily caught Jason's attention not to mention peaked his curiosity. He couldn't help but think his father had to have something up his sleeve. Especially given the way Anthony Malucci stood to the side looking as if he was chewing nails. Jason picked up his drink from the bar and smiled arrogantly to himself. It may have taken his father some time to come around but it was a pleasure to know that Malucci would finally get what he so richly deserved.

Reggie paced the room as he waited for Anthony's father to join him. His anxiety was getting the better of him at the moment. His eyes surveyed the room. Reggie's gaze stopped on the sideboard filled with assorted liquor bottles. What he wouldn't have given for a drink right then.

"What was so important that you dragged me away from the Coronary Care Benefit?" Rocco's voice filled the silent room.

"There are some things I think you need to know about your son's obsession with the Morgan family," Reggie's voice caught in his throat.

"What would you know about his obsession?" Rocco's eyes traveled the length of the man's body as he did his best to size up the person standing in front of him.

"I know plenty," Reggie countered. "I need your protection sir."

Rocco motioned for everyone in the room to leave. What this man had to say Rocco wanted to hear in private.

Anthony slammed his phone down on the bar for the hundredth time that night. "Where the fuck are you?!?" he seethed. "You think you can run, Reggie, my man." Anthony spoke to the air around him. "You think you can hide from me, do you? NOT ON YOUR LIFE!!" Anthony picked up the phone and dialed it again. "Ralphie."

"Yeah boss?"

"I need you to find Reggie! When you do bring him to the docks."

"Okay," the man said. "Then what?" He had known for a while now that his boss was less than happy with the way that Reggie had been handling his work assignments. Ralphie couldn't help but wonder what exactly Anthony Malucci had in store for the poor sap.

"Call me. I will handle the rest!"

While it was unusual in most circles for the higher ups in the organization to carry out their own hits, Anthony Malucci never followed the norm. He had been dispensing his own justice for some time now. He loved every minute of it. That's where Anthony knew that he had gone wrong with the whole Morgan deal. If he had wanted it done right, he now knew he had to do it himself. But first there was the little problem of disposing of Reggie. It would be the precursor to the main event. Anthony looked across the room at where Jason Morgan and his family stood with Elizabeth in the thick of it all. "Jason first, then I'll deal with you my dear," Anthony whispered sadistically.

"What was that boss?" Ralphie asked.

"Nothing. Just find Reggie NOW!!"

"You got it."

Anthony crossed the room closing the large gap between himself and his wife. He donned his best gentlemanly mask as he approached the group. "I really think it's time that we be going," he said his voice full of softness. Anthony rested his hand on Elizabeth's shoulder as he spoke. He took great care in noticing how that simple touch brought fury to Jason's eyes.

"The benefit isn't over," Elizabeth protested.

"I know, but it is winding down," Anthony offered. "Besides, I really think that we should be getting on to check on father."

"Is Rocco all right?" Joseph asked.

"No... Yes..." Anthony and Elizabeth said respectively.

"Well is he or isn't he?" Joseph raised his brow.

"He was feeling a bit tired from all the excitement. He went home to rest," Elizabeth explained.

"I see," Joseph nodded.

"I still would feel better if we went home to check on him. You know my father. He's never been a man to draw attention to himself. I think he's been downplaying the seriousness of his condition lately."

If those standing around him hadn't known Anthony for the man he was, he would have sounded like a child concerned for their parent's well being. Yet that wasn't the case in the least.

Jason watched as Elizabeth's eyes dropped to the floor. Anthony certainly knew how to play his wife. Bringing up Rocco and his ailing health was the fastest way to get Elizabeth to comply with most things. "I didn't realize that Rocco was feeling that poorly. He seemed a little more tired than the last time I saw him, but given the scale of the evening that's understandable," Jason said in the hope that he would bolster Elizabeth's thoughts regarding her father in law.

Anthony swallowed hard around the lump in his throat before he found the strength to speak. "I agree," he nearly choked. "but you can never be too cautious. I really think we should be going," he said again.

"She can't leave," Emily spoke up at Jason's persistent nudging. "We haven't paid the caterer or the band yet. There are a few things that we need to clear up as soon as all the guests have gone."

Joseph's gaze toggled between his son and daughter. He didn't like what he knew was going on between those two.

"She's right, Anthony," Elizabeth chimed in. "I really do need to stay."

"If you are that concerned about your father, then maybe you should go home and check on him," Jason added nonchalantly. He knew that Anthony had boxed himself into a corner with his worried son act and Jason took full advantage of the fact that Anthony would have no choice but to leave.

"How will you get home?" Anthony turned to Elizabeth.

"Zander and I can bring her home," Emily offered.

Joseph let out a heavy sigh at those words. His children were cohorts in crime again.

"Are you sure?" Elizabeth asked as she played her part.

"It's no trouble. Is it Zander?" Emily questioned her soon to be husband.

"No," he said.

"Well then, it's settled." Emily was satisfied that she had done her part for her brother.

"Fine," Anthony said reluctantly. "I will see you at home?"

"Yes."

"When?" Anthony questioned his wife.

"In a few hours."

"Good-night," Anthony stated.

"Give Rocco my best," Joseph said to Anthony's retreating back. "Tell him that I will be calling on him in the morning." Joseph hoped that this would be the last time he would ever have to see Anthony Malucci alive.

"I owe you Em," Jason kissed Emily lightly on the cheek as they waited for Zander to bring the car around.

"I know you do!" Emily smiled as she jabbed Jason in the stomach playfully. "Jason," suddenly her voice took on a serious tone.

"Yes?"

"Please be careful."

"Always." Emily couldn't help but shake her head at that word. "I know what you are thinking," Jason stated. "I know that you think I haven't been careful at all when it comes to Elizabeth... ..."

"It's not that," Emily stopped him. "I know you love Elizabeth and she loves you. I probably knew that before either of you did," she chuckled. "But I also know what a snake Anthony is. If even half the things you think he's involved in are true, well, I'm just worried that... ..." Emily's voice trailed off as her mind played out so many scenarios. None of which had very good endings.

"Worried that what?"

"Just be careful. Both of you!" She stressed as Elizabeth joined them at the curb.

"It's under control Em." Jason kissed her again. He reached for Elizabeth's hand as they watched the taillights of Zander's car fade into the darkness of the night.

"Jason, are you all right?" Elizabeth questioned him as they made their way to his Porsche.

"Shouldn't I be asking you that question? You still look a little pale to me." Jason stroked her alabaster skin. "Are you sure you are up to this?"

"I'm fine and please stop trying to change the subject."

"I wasn't," he objected as he opened the passenger door for her. Elizabeth slid easily into the supple leather seat uncertain of what thoughts plagued Jason's mind.

"Thank you," Rocco said to the younger man before him.

"So, we have a deal?" Reggie pranced his nerves raw from his exchange with Capo Malucci.

"Yes. I think it's time you were leaving," Rocco announced as he looked at the clock. Reggie wasted no time in complying with the request. He certainly didn't have any intention of accidentally running into Anthony.

Rocco made his way into the living room. He wished that the darkened room would swallow him whole. The statements he had just heard bounced around his head. Yes, they had been things that Rocco had known all along, but hearing them from an active participant, hearing of the sheer enjoyment his son gained from each and every action sickened Rocco beyond all comprehension. "I'm sorry," he said to the picture of his wife that rested on the sofa table. "I'm sorry to have to kill our son, but I don't have a choice... ..."

"Who are you talking to?" Anthony asked as he joined his father in the unlit room.

Elizabeth settled herself on the large leather sofa as Jason opened a bottle of champagne. "What are we celebrating?" she questioned as he crossed the room with bottle and glasses in hand.

"What a wonderful success tonight's event turned out to be," Jason smiled broadly.

"Oh, and here I thought we were celebrating our reunion," Elizabeth pouted.

"We can celebrate anything you want." Jason rested his body against hers. The instant they touched an electric shock shot through them both.

"Anything huh?" Elizabeth brought her mouth within inches of Jason's. Close enough in fact that he felt her hot breath tickle as she spoke.

"Uh huh." Jason nodded almost as if he was mesmerized.

"I like the sound of that." Elizabeth enjoyed the knowledge that she had the ability to render one of the most powerful men in the Morgan crime family helpless.

Jason reached for the fluted glass in her hand placing it on the glass table. Suddenly, Elizabeth was the one held captive by his intense gaze. It was though his ice blue eyes could see into her soul. There was no where to hide from his stare. Methodically, Jason traced the thin straps that held Elizabeth's evening gown in place, yet never taking his eyes from hers. His fingers followed the path of the dress' deep V neckline. Elizabeth's eyelids fluttered as the soft pulses created from his touch coursed through her body. "I love you," he whispered as his tongue suckled her earlobe. Elizabeth let out a deep moan as the tip of Jason's tongue made a path along her neck.

"What are you doing sitting in the dark?" Anthony asked as he turned on the table lamp.

"Thinking," Rocco said absently.

"I thought you were tired and you were going to bed?" Anthony hadn't expected to have to deal with his father. He would have preferred to wait alone for Ralphie's phone call. He didn't want to have to explain his sudden exit to anyone, especially not Rocco.

"Where's Elizabeth?" Rocco cocked his head to see passed his son.

"At the benefit."

"What?"

"She and Emily had a few things to take care of. I came home to check on you. Elizabeth led me to believe you weren't feeling well." Anthony assumed he might as well continue to play out his act for a little while longer.

"That wasn't necessary. I am fine. But since you are here there is something I would like to discuss with you."

"What would that be?" Anthony tried not to roll his eyes.

"I am sure you have a good idea."

"Not the Morgan family again," Anthony said in an irritated tone.

"Yes, yes the Morgan family again."

"What's my supposed crime this time?" Anthony's cocky manner infuriated Rocco.

"Should I recite the list?"

"List? What list? What the hell are you talking about?"

"Like you don't know, son. Please don't insult my intelligence with this act. Dumb doesn't suit you."

Elizabeth let herself get lost in the euphoria that Jason's caresses elicited in her. A giggle escaped her lips as Jason's hands ran long the sides of her stomach.

"Ticklish I see," he said in a devilish manner.

"Who me?" she laughed. "No, not me."

"I beg to differ." Jason pinned her body against the sofa cushions as he began tickling her wildly until tears spilled from Elizabeth's soft blue eyes.

"Uncle... ...uncle!!" she finally yelled between bursts of laughter.

"You are so beautiful," he whispered as he pushed a few stray curls away from her face. "Everything about you is breathtaking." Elizabeth blushed at his kind words. "You do things to me no other woman has ever done."

"Good," she purred. She couldn't, didn't want to imagine Jason with anyone but her. Effortlessly she drew the long black skirt that encircled her legs up around her hips. Again revealing her naked form.

"You are so bad," Jason said as he drank in the sight of her.

"I know," she grinned with mischievous seduction as each clip holding her hose and garter in place was unfastened and removed. Elizabeth slipped her hands into the waistband of Jason's tuxedo trousers. Easily her fingers grazed his bulging manhood. She watched as Jason's breathing quickened as she undid the button and slowly eased down the zipper.

"I refuse to continually defend myself!" Anthony barked.

"You wouldn't need to be constantly defending yourself if you would just know your place and stay there!!" Rocco returned with much more anger than his son expected.

"I don't have to listen to this!!"

"The hell you don't!!"

The sight of the gun in Rocco's hand stopped Anthony cold. "WHAT... ...WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?!?!"

"I think you know," Rocco stated calmly.

"No, I don't think that I do."

"Let me refresh your memory. Cassandra Morgan was nearly run down. AJ Morgan's wife miscarried their baby. Emily Morgan had her brakes fail and Jason Morgan was nearly blown to bits this afternoon in a freak warehouse explosion. Does that help your memory any?" Rocco reached for the arms of his wheelchair to steady himself. The anger that boiled in him forced his body to tremble.

Jason stopped Elizabeth. Her eyes instantly searched his for a reason. Gently Jason brought his lips to hers as a way to allay the fear he saw looking back at him. Without warning Jason scooped Elizabeth in his arms and carried her to his awaiting bed. Their desire for one another set the events in motion without much thought on either of their parts. Articles of clothing were deposited on the floor until they were naked.

Jason stared in awe of Elizabeth. Everything about her took his breath way. He never once expected to find anything like this in his life. The feelings and emotions that coursed through him had always been reserved for others. That had been true until he met Elizabeth. Jason had never once expected his heart to be ruling his life, but it was. The hardest thing about following his heart was that it had taken him to places he knew he shouldn't be. Places that were as frightening as they were exhilarating and as dangerous as they were alluring. Sometimes the heart even takes you to places that you know can never lead to a happy ending. Jason prayed that this wasn't one of those times.

"You think that I am responsible for all of those things??" Anthony gasped in mock disbelief.

"I don't think, I KNOW!!"

"You can't know something that isn't true."

"ENOUGH!! ENOUGH ALREADY!!" Rocco shouted. "Do you really take me for a fool? Do you really believe that I could let you get away with all of this? I told you before to steer clear of Joseph and his family, but would you listen? NO!!!" Rocco felt his chest tighten as the rapid fire of his words and accusations dropped from his mouth. "YOU WOULDN'T LISTEN. YOU NEVER LISTEN...NEVER..." Rocco gasped for air as Anthony stood watching and waiting for what was to come next.

"I've been listening father," he stated. "It's you who hasn't been doing the listening. What choice did I have? You weren't going to take action to get what was rightfully ours. So, I did," Anthony said secure in the knowledge that he did what he had to do.

"I hope it was worth the risk you took son because you have left me with no other choice." Rocco choked on his words. As much as he knew he had to end his son's life it pained him greatly. No matter what Anthony had done deep down Rocco still remembered the little boy who had been like his shadow for so many years. "I'm sorry," Rocco whispered as he pushed himself to a standing position his gun trained on Anthony.

"You wouldn't!"

"I will." With that remark a stabbing pain ripped through Rocco's chest crippling him. His hands fumbled through his pockets.

"Looking for this?" Anthony asked as he held his father's prescription bottle. The expression on Rocco's face conveyed his unspoken answer. "I thought so," Anthony sneered as he placed the bottle just out of Rocco's reach. "You underestimated me father. That will be you last mistake." Anthony left the room without even looking back.