Chapter 22

Police, Statements, whodunnit, and NYE:

One of the courtrooms is reserved to hold all the suspects in the alleged murder of Jerry Jacks.

Robert Scorpio addresses the crowd. "almost everyone in this room is considered a suspect in Jerry Jacks murder. If alibis are confirmed, you are free to leave. Since I am one of those suspects, I am recusing myself and handing over the reins to Detective Dante Falconeri and my ADA, Jennifer Arden."

Dante addresses the crowd, "The corner has released the time of death. Jerry Jacks died approximately between 6:00-9:00 pm on December 23rd. A gunshot to the head killed him. The individuals in this room are either suspects or have a grudge against Jerry. I see many of you have your attorneys present."

Dante reads from a list of the possible suspects:

Robert Scorpio

Anna Devane

Patrick Drake

Robin Scorpio-Drake

Jason Morgan

Elizabeth Baldwin

Sonny Coronthios

Carly Spencer

Spencer Cassidine

Nikolas Cassidine

Johnny Zarachara

Roman Brady

Dante says, "I have been handed a list from Martin Grey, who represents: Robert, Anna, Patrick, and Robin. Mr. Grey has affidavits from patrons and a security tape at the Port Charles Grille that clears them from the time in question. Robert, if you want to resume control over the investigation, you may."

Robert replies, "thank you, Dante. I'd like you to stay if an arrest is needed."

Diane asks to speak, "I am representing several individuals. First, I also have security tapes, receipts, and a statement from the clerk who rang up items from Wyndhams's Department Store. The store was open late due to last-minute Christmas shopping. Elizabeth Baldwin, her children, and her bodyguard Roman Brady were present."

Diane continues, "Sonny and Carly Corothinos were having drinks at the Metro Court. Cameras and testimony from Olivia Quartermaine show they were there until after 11:00 pm."

Robert asks, "what about Morgan?"

Diane responds, "if I may? I want to show you proof of Jason's whereabouts that, at this time, I can't share with the rest of the court."

Carly looks at Elizabeth and whispers, "do you know what this is about?"

Elizabeth whispers back, "I have no idea. I was shopping at the time."

Diane hands Robert receipts and a videotape verifying Jason's alibi.

Robert announces, "from statements and videos, everyone is absolved of Jerry Jacks murder. There is one person who has not yet been cleared. Johnny Zaccahara is currently in a coma. Dante, are the results from the GSR in?"

Dante replies, "yes, thank you, Robert. The GSR results show that Johnny did not fire a gun, but the bullet pulled out of him came from the gun fired by Jerry Jacks. The same type of bullet and striations as what killed Esme Prince. Somebody killed Jerry with a ghost gun, and the culprit is unlikely to be found. Jason, as you are the next of kin, Esme's body will be released to you."

Robert says, "everyone is free to leave."

As soon as everyone leaves the courthouse, a gloved hand drops off a letter addressed to Jason Morgan and Elizabeth Baldwin, and they chuckle.

Jason puts his arm around Elizabeth and asks, "how do takeout and home sound?"

Elizabeth replies with a sigh, "like heaven. I can't wait to get home and hug my boys. I am glad this is over."

Jason says, "it may be over for Jerry, but we still don't know who killed him."

Elizabeth replies, at least right now, I don't care. Can we send Roman home and give him a few days off?"

Jason answers, "as soon as we pick up our food and he drives us home, I'll send him home."

Before they fall asleep, Elizabeth says, "Jason, Dante said you could pick up Esme's body tomorrow. Do you know what you want to do?"

Jason replies, "I'd like to cremate her, but I have no clue what to do next."

Elizabeth says, "you don't need to make that decision now. You will figure it out when the time is right."

Jason arranges for cremation and picks up Esme's ashes a few days later.

Robin and her family return home and promise to give their best to Beth.

NewYears' Eve:

Everyone bundles up, goes to the park, meets up with Laura, Kevin, Sonny, etc., and watches the fireworks ring in the New Year. Jason kisses her at midnight. They all return home, and Jason and Elizabeth crawl into bed. Jason has a bottle of champagne and two glasses. He says, "I've wanted to ask you this again for a long time. Maybe it was after we rescued you from Esme, and I was relieved you were safe, or maybe it was when we made love in the safe house. I don't know when it happened, but there never seemed to be a right time. I realize there may never be a right time, and we must take advantage of what we have. Will you marry me?" He holds out a velvet box and opens it exposing an oval Diamond ring surrounded by Emerald and Ruby gemstones.

Elizabeth replies, "yes, yes, yes. It will always be yes." He places the ring on her finger, and they clink their glasses of champagne and kiss.

Jason explains the Emerald gemstones represent the month of May for Cameron and Jake's birthdays. The Ruby gemstone was for July when Aiden was born. He asks her to read the inscription.

Elizabeth reads, "I love you always."

Jason says, "It's true. I'll always love you, but those words hold special meaning because that is what you said to me in the rain after I visited Michael when he was in his coma. You said those words to me, and you gave me hope."

Elizabeth kisses him again and replies, "I remember that night. You were so sad and hurt, and I only wanted to hold you and tell you everything would be okay. At the time, we didn't believe it; instead, I said, 'I love you, always.' I'm surprised you remembered that."

Jason lets everyone sleep in and makes a coffee run for coffee, hot chocolate, and pastries. He reads the paper waiting for everyone to wake up. Elizabeth is dressed and takes the coffee extended to her from Jason, and Cameron notices her ring.

Cam asks, are you and Jason getting married?"

Jason replies, "she said yes. I hope the rest of you will say yes too."

Jake is the first to say "yes" and hug his father. Cam and Aiden tell Jason that if he makes their mother happy, their answer is "yes," too.

Jason returns to work, and Elizabeth arrives at General Hospital for her shift. It doesn't take long for the rumor mill to circulate that Elizabeth is engaged. Monica finds her and congratulates her.

Elizabeth arrives home and flips through the mail. There is a letter addressed to Jason and her. She sets it aside, opens the bills, and puts them in a separate pile. She places mail for the boys in a third pile.

Jason arrives shortly, and Elizabeth shows him the envelope. Jason opens the envelope, and there is a letter with Elizabeth and Jason's names and another one with only Jason's name written on it. There is a sticky note that says, "read me first."

Jason opens the letter, and it is from Jerry. "Jason, you have been a formidable opponent. My real target was Esme. She had served her purpose, and now you will forever have to live knowing I killed your daughter, a daughter you could have saved almost 20 years ago. Don't try to find me. I am leaving the country, one with no extradition. You won't be able to find me. Too many people want me dead. As a parting gift to you, ADA Jennifer Arden was a wonderful asset who provided me with valuable resources related to Esme and you. Feel free to have her investigated. If you run into my brother, tell him I'm sorry I never said goodbye." It is signed, "Jerry."

Elizabeth opens the second letter, reading it to Jason. It starts, "I killed Jerry with a ghost gun. Before sending both letters, I waited until I knew no one else would be charged with Jerry's murder. I would have come forward if that was the case."

"Elizabeth, I am sorry you never got to raise your daughter. I didn't know she existed until I read Jason's statement in the news. I apologize to everyone who thought I was dead many years ago. Pretending the police killed me was the best option given to me by the government. I spent five years in prison, and then I spent the next several years in witness protection. I provided testimony that put several known criminals away. I kept apprised of what was happening in Port Charles."

"I am sorry I wasn't there when Emily died. I know how important she was to all of us. Jason, I'm sorry for not knowing what Alcazar did to your and Courtney's child and how Jerry got involved. Elizabeth, I am even more sorry Jerry took our child and gave her to my Aunt to raise."

Elizabeth places her hand on Jason and exclaims, "Zander is alive?"

Zander's letter continues, "I wanted to stop Jerry sooner, but I thought Esme was my daughter too and didn't know about Beth until later. It took me a while to find him. I wanted to take action, but I thought Jerry might lead me to Beth. Tomorrow I will fly to San Francisco and watch her as I did with Cameron. I hope to introduce myself as a friend and get to know her better."

"Elizabeth, I've had time to watch Cameron, and you have raised a wonderful and caring son. You should be proud of raising three great sons. I wish you and Jason happiness. I'm sorry that it took me so long to eliminate Jerry. I ask you to keep my identity a secret. By the time you receive this letter, I will be gone."

Elizabeth folds the letter and returns it to the envelope. She asks Jason what he wants to do with them.

Jason thinks for a moment and says, "I suppose I should show the letter from Jerry to Diane and let her decide what to do with it. For everyone involved, the PCPD should know who killed Esme to close the case.

Elizabeth replies, "I never liked that ADA. I hope Robert replaces her and she gets her just desserts."

Jason says, "We should keep Zander's letter and decide later if we should burn it."

Elizabeth agrees and says, "I don't want others to know Zander is alive. It is dangerous for him. The only person I'd like to know is Emily, but that can't happen, so…I think we should destroy it. Maybe one day we can tell Cameron his father is alive, but leave out the part about Jerry."

Jason replies, it sounds like a plan. I'll take care of Jerry's letter tomorrow. We can burn Zander's letter now."

Elizabeth sets fire to Zander's letter and tosses it in the fireplace.

When the boys return home, Elizabeth has dinner on the table. They are happy not to have the guards around all the time.

The Future: