Part 14

Execution of the Plan

Early the following day, Jason brings Elizabeth coffee in bed. "We didn't talk much last night."

Elizabeth laughs, "we didn't talk at all last night."

Jason takes a sip of his coffee, smiles, and says, "I had an intriguing conversation with Sonny and Carly yesterday."

Elizabeth replies, "I had a polite conversation with Sam yesterday. You start first."

Jason says, "It started as expected. Carly was thrilled I was alive. Sonny was more guarded, especially when I told him of my proposed responsibilities changes, and I couldn't be his enforcer anymore. Neither believed I was serious. Carly said she'd leave you alone for now but that you don't deserve me. I told her that being with you makes me happy. She was also defensive that Sam knew before her."

Elizabeth replies, "are you sure that's possible? Can you separate what you did for Sonny in the past and what you want to do now?"

Jason says, "I'm going to try. I have too much to lose. I can't take care of anyone if something happens to me. You, Jake, Danny, Cam, Aiden, and Scout are more important. I know that now. I always tried to protect Sonny's kids, and I considered it my fault when something happened to them. Sonny blamed me too. That is how I felt when Michael got shot. You tried to tell me it wasn't my fault. You were right. While Sonny wanted me to claim Jake, he still believed he and his family came first. It's going to take Sonny a while to accept that. I told Carly that you and your family come first. I will still be there for her, but not 24 hours a day. It's a work in progress for them both. What about you and Sam?"

Elizabeth tells Jason about her conversation with Sam. "Sam brought up the danger and asked if I knew what I was getting myself into and why we decided to tell her before Carly. I told her I knew what to expect, and we weighed our options about moving forward. She was thankful we told her before Carly. I wouldn't be surprised if Carly tries to sway her about me.".

Jason helps Elizabeth get dressed and kisses her neck, "I'm sorry about the wine; maybe we can open it another time."

Elizabeth kisses him and says, "there are many things we can do another time. Hopefully, it will be soon."

Jason replies, "I'm calling Diane today and will set up everything before I come forward, money, protection, and any story we agreed. In this situation, I think it's necessary to make a statement to Dante. She won't like it, but I can't think of any alternatives. I'll also give Anna and Robert a heads-up. Since you already made a statement to Dante, it would be a good idea to have him come back to your house instead of here."

Jason walks her to her car, and Elizabeth says, "call me when you are ready. I love you."

Jason replies, "I'll call you. I love you too," Elizabeth drives home.

Jason calls Diane and asks her to come to the safe house. He provides the address. When she arrives, Jason tells her the entire story. He asks her to be there for his statement at Elizabeth's house. He says, "I know this is not typically how we do this, but there is no other way. I need to explain what happened and must protect my children."

After Diane leaves, Jason places a series of calls. He calls Spinelli and informs him he will be providing a statement to Dante about Elizabeth. Dante may need to follow up with him. Jason calls Anna and updates her, and she promises to include Robert when he's ready to make his statement. His last call is to Elizabeth. "Hi! I called everyone, and before you call Dante, I'd love to see you and your boys tomorrow. I can't wait to spend time with Jake, and I want to talk to Cam and Aiden about us seeing each other."

Elizabeth replies, "tomorrow is Saturday, so anytime after breakfast would be good. I can call Dante and ask him to arrive after lunch, around 2:00 pm. Diane can meet us here. If you want to see Danny, I can call Sam and have her bring him to my house after Dante leaves. The boys and I can leave to give you time with Danny."

Jason says, "thank you. I'd love that. I'm also going to ask Robert to be there. Can you have Laura there too? While Dante has experience with the Cassidines, I think Robert and Laura know more from before the 'curse' Helena put on her family. Since Nikolas has been through this with us from the beginning of this fiasco, he should be there too."

Elizabeth agrees and says, "I will make the necessary calls and see you in the morning."

She calls Laura and Nikolas and explains the next steps. Elizabeth calls Dante asking him to stop by for an updated statement tomorrow at 2:00 pm. She asks him if she can speak with Sam.

Elizabeth tells Sam that Jason wants to see Danny after Dante leaves. "After Jason and I have made an updated statement to Dante, you can tell him everything," Elizabeth says.

Before the boys head to bed, Elizabeth tells them about Jason and tomorrow.

Jason, Elizabeth, and the boys:

Jason arrives shortly after breakfast. Jake had been waiting by the window for Jason to arrive. Elizabeth opens the door, and Jake runs into his father's arms. Elizabeth asks Cameron and Aiden to help her in the kitchen and give Jason and Jake time to spend alone.

Jason tells Jake, "I'm sorry I didn't stop by sooner, but I'm sure your mother explained why. I am happy to see you again. I want to hear about everything you've been doing."

Jason is attentive as Jake fills him in on his life over the past year. Jake asks Jason about his mother, "are you and mom together?"

Jason replies, "I hope so. I want to talk to you and your brothers. Your mom and I want everyone to be okay with us being together. There will have to be some changes for everyone. We want to keep you and your brothers safe. Would you like us to be together?"

Jake answers, "of course I would. I know you didn't kill Franco; it was Peter. Mom said Ms. Devane killed Peter, but if someone wanted Franco dead because of things he did, what if someone wanted to hurt you for things you 'allegedly' did? Who is going to keep you safe?"

Jason replies, "that is a good question; there are few guarantees in life. Your mother taught me that. I can't change the past. Something could happen to me even if we aren't together as a family. I want to be here for you and your brothers. I can't promise you bad things won't happen. I can promise I will be careful. Can you accept that as an answer?"

Jake answers, "I guess so. I love you, dad."

Jason says, "I love you too, buddy."

Elizabeth was standing to the side, listening to the end of their conversation. "Jake can you help Aiden and me get ready for our guests? Jason would like some time with Cameron."

Jake follows Elizabeth to the kitchen, and Cameron sits with Jason.

Jason asks, "Cam; I know your mother spoke with you about us. Your mother means a lot to me, and I hope you and your brothers will let me into your lives. Do you have any questions or concerns about me?"

Cameron replies, "no. Mom told me everything. If you make her happy, we want you with her; however, if you hurt her, you'll answer to me."

Jason laughs and says, "I wouldn't have it any other way."

The Statements:

Diane, Laura, Kevin, and Nikolas arrived during Jason's conversation with Cameron. They were drinking coffee in the kitchen. Spenser drove with his father and offered to take Jake and Aiden to Kelly's while they met with Dante. Everyone collaborates on their story to explain Esme and the discovery she is Elizabeth's daughter.

As they wait for Dante, Robert arrives, and they prepare him for Jason's and Elizabeth's statements. They want him there because he has experience with Helena Cassidine and the curse she placed on Luke and Laura.

By the time 2:00 pm arrives, everyone knows their lines. Elizabeth places her hand on Cameron's to reassure him and says, "are you ready? Tell the truth; you don't know much other than what we told you."

Dante rings the bell, and Robert walks to the door and opens it. Dante walks in and is surprised to see Jason sitting with the group. "Jason, I thought you were dead; what happened? Why is everyone here?"

Diane explains, "there are some new developments that we want to include in an amended statement. You already have the statement from Elizabeth regarding her abduction. Jason has his side of the story to tell, against my better judgments."

Jason starts first, telling his story from when the tunnel collapsed. Dante continues writing notes after Nikolas takes over, and then Elizabeth explains the real story of her rescue. They apologize for the deception in the first statement. Elizabeth reveals her relationship with Esme.

"Dante," Elizabeth says, "Jason, Nikolas, and Spinelli rescued me. Shortly before Esme left me tired up, I remembered who she was. Several years ago, when I gave birth to Cameron, I had another baby. Cameron had a twin. Helena Cassidine took her away from me and told me her name was Esme. She told me she was reinstating the Spenser curse, and I would regret it several years later. She gave me something to forget, Helena took Esme, and she left. Esme confirmed everything, including the sex tape." Cameron adds his thoughts before leaving to join Spenser, Jake, and Aiden at Kelly's.

Laura adds, "Dante, remember what Helena and Stravos did to LuLu. We believe that was part of the curse and revenge on Luke and me."

Robert says, "I was there when Helena cursed Luke and Laura on their wedding day. There are no lengths to what Helena can do to the people of Port Charles."

Nikolas says, "Elizabeth had every right to be worried. I've been around my grandmother long enough to know her investment in her curses. She has made good on her threats, whether supernatural or her connections on knowing who to manipulate."

Dante asks a few questions, "Jason, you told me what you heard Peter say about an associate of Helena's, and you believe Esme is not the only one? Why?"

Diane opens her mouth to do her usual protesting, but Jason holds his hand up, indicating he will answer. "I don't believe Peter and Helena were the only ones involved in Esme's conditioning or brainwashing. I didn't want to show myself until I had more information. If Esme is Elizabeth's daughter, I hope she's not beyond saving."

Robert asks, "Dante, can you hold off filing your report? I want our team to know more about Esme and her accomplices."

Dante asks a few more questions and leaves.

Elizabeth calls Sam and says, "Dante left. Would you like to bring Danny to see Jason? I'll leave the house to give you both time alone. I'll let Jason know you are on your way."

Everyone leaves and Kevin offers to take everyone to dinner at the Metro Court. They call the kids to meet them there. Sam and Danny arrive at Elizabeth's house, and Jason spends time with him. When Elizabeth returns home with the boys, the house is empty.

Next up: Esme resurfaces: