Chapter 18

Author's note- I can not stand Ric. On some days, if he is really nice to Alexis or her girls, I tolerate him. But most times I see him I think "Panic Room." Anyway, this chapter thrilled me to be able to write him as I see him.

Location- The Lake House

Ric sat on at the dining room with papers spread out covering the surface in front of him. Since Alexis and the children were gone for the last month he had plenty of time and privacy to make his plans.

Too bad they are coming home tonight, Ric thought , Must work faster... faster...

He had all the evidence in place to insure the conviction of Jason Morgan on capital first degree murder, a death penalty case. The thought of it made Ric grin from ear to ear.

Then Ric could take his rightful place at the side of his brother. They would run this town with an iron fist. No more mistakes that let the cops threaten Sonny's freedom. Ric knew he could take good care of his brother.

"Sonny will see this is for the best," he mumbled as he scribbled on a legal note pad, "Yes, for the best, the best..."

He wiped the sweat from his head, his body rocked back and forth, This was exhausting work. But he must press on.

It won't be long now till Jason and Carly are only bad memories for me, Ric thought

He said to them, as if they were there and could hear him, "Your reign has ended. I'm here to claim my place beside the king."

Then he laughed and laughed because he found his own genius thrilling.

These streets
Turn me inside out


Everything shines


But leaves me

empty still


And I'll,

burn this lonely house down ...


Goo Goo Dolls

When Jason and Carly climbed off the plane in Port Charles Dara Jones was waiting at the airport.

"Thanks for meeting us. " Carly said

"We should get you right to the police station, Jason." Dara said "If Mac gets wind of this jet landing he will have officers dispatched to pick you up."

Jason nodded then said, looking at Carly, "Take the boys to Sonny's. I'll see you all once I make bail."

"Leticia and Max can take the boys. They'll be perfectly safe with them." Carly said " I'll stay with you."

"You don't have to." Jason said

She jutted out her chin, her eyes held his as she repeated firmly "I'll stay with you."

I'll stay with you
The walls will fall before we do


Take my hand now
We'll run forever
I can feel the storm inside you


I'll stay with you

Goo Goo Dolls

Carly walked over and crouched before her sons. "I'll meet you at your daddy's later, okay?"

"Sure, mom." said Michael

"Kay" said Morgan

They both hugged her. Then they ran over and hugged Jason.

Max said, "Mrs. C are you sure you'll be okay without a guard?"

"Just fine, Max. Now get my boys home safe for me."

"Consider it done." he replied

Once they left Carly asked Dara, "How bad is it?"

"Not good, Carly."

"Tell me straight, can we beat these charges?" Jason asked

"The case is strong but it's my job to break it down piece by piece. I'll do everything in my power to keep you from being convicted." Dara said

Carly didn't like the worried sound of Dara's voice.

Jason will be fine. He's going to walk away from this like he has every other arrest. Carly repeated over and over in her head as they drove to the police station. If she prayed it hard enough it would have to be true.

Holding Jason's hand in the backseat of Dara's car, Carly couldn't help but wish Jason had agreed with her idea to flee from these charges. It wouldn't have been fair to the boys yet how was it fair to any of them to risk Jason's freedom?

She leaned over and whispered in his ear, "Just say the word and we can get they boys and then leave this messed up little town in our dust and never look back."

Wake up this world
Wake up tonight


And run with me
Run to me now

I'll stay with you

Goo Goo Dolls lyrics

Jason turned and stared in her eyes. That was his Carly, always willing to do anything for him with no regard for herself. But he would feel guilty if he put her and the boys in a life of constant hiding.

"It's going to be okay." he promised softly

She hugged him and said, her voice on the verge of tears, so soft he had to question if he heard it or imagines it. "It better be."

The walls will fall before we do


Take my hand now
We'll run forever


I can feel the storm inside you
I'll stay with you

Goo Goo Dolls Lyrics