A/N – Thanks for the comments! I appreciate your patience so much!
Chapter 21
Ric pushed open the door to what he thinks is Elizabeth's room as he carried some flowers. A nurse looked up and smiled. "Hi."
"I was looking for Elizabeth Lansing, I mean Webber."
The girl shrugged. "I don't know who the patient was in here, but I was told they were released."
He clenched his jaw. "So, you don't know who she left with?"
"No—sorry."
He sighed heavily and then shoved the flowers into her hands. "Enjoy…"
She sniffed them as he left and then dialed her phone.
Epiphany answered. "Yes?"
"He just left."
She smiled. "Good job." She hummed as she checked the schedule for the day loving that Ric Lansing would not get his grubby hands on Elizabeth any time soon.
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Taggert grinned as he read the report. "This is outstanding."
Brian chuckled. "Yup. Corinthos owns it. I already got the warrant."
"My man…" Taggert said before giving him a fist bump. "Let's go to the warehouse."
When they got there, Sonny had just walked out of his office. Spotting them, he sighed.
"Mr. Corinthos. Where is your enforcer?"
Sonny shrugged.
"You know, aiding and abetting a criminal—"
"Taggert, are you charging me with something?"
"No. We have a warrant for Jason's arrest."
Sonny frowned. "Why?"
"The evidence is stacking up proving that he killed Faith Roscoe."
"Faith's dead?"
"Don't act like you didn't know. I'm sure it was by your orders."
Johnny, who is leaning against the wall, shook his head. Taggert's stupidity is ridiculous.
"When?"
Taggert rattled off the date and time making Sonny grin. "What's so funny?"
"Jason has an air-tight alibi, not that you care."
Taggert hates Sonny's arrogance. "There's enough evidence building to counter your lies."
"We'll see."
"Where is he, Sonny?"
"He's out of town."
"Then call him back."
Sonny glared. "If you have any other questions, call my lawyer. This conversation is over." He is tempted to continue it because Taggert had given him a lot of information.
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Jason picked up the phone as he watched Elizabeth stare at a blank canvas. She had been quiet all morning after having a rough night. Her nightmares seemed to be increasing which is unsettling. "Hello?"
"It's Sonny."
"What's going on?" He's surprised to hear from him.
"Taggert was just here. They have a warrant out for your arrest."
"For what?"
"Faith is dead, and they think you killed her."
"Why?"
"Stan did some digging. She was found at one of our safe houses."
"Ric…"
"Probably…"
"I'm not coming home."
Liz turned around to face him.
"I don't want you to. We need to know what they have on you and Elizabeth needs time."
"Agreed."
"I just wanted you to know because as soon as you step off of the plane, they'll be waiting there."
"Thanks for the heads up."
"You're welcome."
Jason sighed as he put his phone back in his pocket and then feeling her eyes on him, he slowly turned around.
"What did Ric do?"
"We're pretty sure that he killed Faith."
Liz rolled her eyes. "I'm glad she's gone, but I'm guessing there is more?"
He nodded. "The police are blaming me."
She threw up her hands. "How predictable."
"They'll arrest me when we get back."
"Are we going back?"
"Whenever you're ready, so don't worry about it."
"This is a mess."
"Let me worry about it."
She can't help but fret because Ric is clever, and she's scared they'll ignore the facts.
"You have two of the best alibi's there are," Monica said walking toward them holding a cup. "Drink up," she said to Elizabeth who took a sip.
"What is that?"
"Some kind of fruit smoothie."
She drank some more. "It's good."
Audrey had added some protein and veggies to make sure the baby gets good nutrients.
"Your gram will be pleased that you like it. So, what did I interrupt?"
"Faith is dead, and they think Jason did it."
Monica rolled her eyes and then picked up her phone as Jason squinted. "Edward, I may need your help."
Jason smirked.
"What happened?"
"Taggert thinks Jason killed Faith Roscoe."
Edward groaned. "Was she dead before you left?"
Jason had heard. "Around the same time probably." It would explain the hospital losing electricity.
"I'll see if I can find out what they have on him."
Monica grinned and then ended the call. "He probably won't be able to change anything, but he'll at least be a thorn in Taggert's side.
"Good."
"Do I have to stay hooked up to everything?" Liz asked.
She can see Liz's predicament. It's hard to paint with tubes all over the place. "If you keep up on your water and fluids, I'll unhook the I.V."
Liz held up her hand. "Scouts honor…"
"I can take your blood pressure every few hours and do the fetal monitor at the same time."
"Thanks."
When Monica finishes, Jason lifts Elizabeth.
"What are you doing?"
"Taking you to the beach for inspiration."
She smiled. "Are you sticking your toes in too?"
He makes a face.
"Please…"
He puts her back down. "Give me a second." He ran inside and found some swim shorts and replaced his jeans and then slipped on some flip flops before retrieving her.
"I like the shorts."
"You would."
They are brighter than his norm. "I think that could be a nice office look for you."
He smirked. "I don't think Sonny would like it."
"Nobody is asking him to wear it."
He chuckled before placing her on the sand.
She wiggled her toes and then grabbed his hand and tugged him toward the water. When the ocean touched her toes, she smiled.
He pulled off his shirt and handed it to her and then ran into a wave as she watched.
"Want to go in?" Francis asked.
"I wish. Maybe we can come back after the baby is born."
"I don't think he'd mind. It's peaceful here."
She leaned her head on his arm.
"You tired?"
"A little, but I'm also tired of being tired."
He didn't reply.
"Francis?"
"Yeah?"
"Is Jason okay?"
He frowned. "Why do you ask?"
"I just worry, that's all." She knows he hasn't been sleeping well.
"I think because you're doing better, he is too."
"I'm ready to ask Monica to drug him."
He chuckled. "Is that right?"
"He needs to sleep instead of watching me sleep"
He pulled her back a little bit and placed a towel on the sand. "Sit." He helped her down and then sat next to her. "I think he'll stay out longer because he knows you're relaxed. Let him wear himself out, and I'll bet you he sleeps better."
They watched him swim farther away.
"There's nothing out there that will eat him, right?"
Francis grinned. "Nothing that wouldn't spit him back out."
She laughed. "Very funny…"
"I thought so."
She switched positions and laid her head on his leg, and soon she was asleep.
Jason stayed out for about fifteen minutes more before returning. Francis handed him a towel. "She okay?"
"Yup. She's just resting."
He sat next to him.
"Are you okay?"
Jason reclined. "Yes. Is she worried?"
"Yes."
"I'm not used to so much downtime."
"You're a workaholic."
"True. Have you spoken to Johnny?"
"Things are going smoothly, except that he did have to intervene between Helena and Emily"
Jason darted up. "What?"
"He handled it."
"We may have to take care of her."
"I know."
Jason laid back down.
"Take a nap."
Francis kept an eye out as they rested. About a half-hour later, Monica joined them.
"I can't believe you got him to rest."
Francis doubts Jason is sleeping because he's so hyper-aware all the time. "He needed it."
"I just wish he'd let himself be happy."
"It's not his norm, but I don't think he's necessarily sad. He likes taking care of people."
Monica winked at him making him smirk. She doesn't think Jason is sleeping either. "I just—Elizabeth is special, and if he doesn't act on that, eventually someone else will."
"I agree."
Jason is wondering why she is bringing this up to Francis.
"It's good if people think they are together. It sends a message. The more people believe they are a couple, the fewer people will mess with her. She and that baby deserve some peace."
To Jason, being with her can also mean that his enemies will use her to get to him.
"I know that my son has chosen a dangerous life, but he might as well use people's fear of him to his advantage."
Francis chuckled. "Have you been watching mafia shows?"
Monica grinned. "Not lately, but I have watched a little and read up on it."
Jason almost blew his cover and groaned.
"Really?"
She nodded. "Yup. He just needs to make an example of someone."
"Have someone in mind?"
"Ric…"
"You surprise me."
"I was a bitch back in the day."
Jason's eyes snapped open before he caught himself and then he quickly pressed them shut.
Francis is thoroughly enjoying this and had felt Jason's body jolt. His friend is just making this too easy. "I find that hard to believe."
"Alan and I are quite infamous for our shenanigans. His father is ruthless, you don't think that rubbed off?"
"Edward is a little gangster."
Jason rolled his eyes.
It was all Francis could do not to laugh, knowing that comment probably made Jason want to gag. He couldn't resist taking it further. "Well, Jason did inherit the Q glare."
Monica laughed as Jason frowned. If he could punch Francis in the back and get away with it, he would.
"I just—I want them both to be safe and happy."
Audrey, as was planned, stepped onto the porch. "Monica!"
She lifted her hand. "Life is too short," she said as she stood. "We almost lost her, Francis. My son needs to get his head out of his ass and go for what he wants."
Francis grinned as she hurried toward the house. "You can stop pretending, and don't hit me or you'll wake up Elizabeth."
Jason sighed "Why can't people mind their own business?"
"She loves you and is using her mom card."
"What the hell is a mom card?"
"Her excuse—since she loves you and you're her son, she gets to tell you what she thinks."
He made a face. "Whatever, doesn't mean I have to listen."
"Did she say anything bad?"
"You know it's not that easy."
"It's as hard as you make it, Jason. You and Elizabeth have been dancing around each other way too long. You need to step it up and be an alpha and tell her how it's gonna be. Fight for her."
Jason rolled her eyes. "It's her choice."
"It's yours too and sometimes a woman needs to know that you will fight for her and want her. She knows the reality all too well. You don't need to beat it into her head like a drum, but she needs to know you want it regardless of how she feels."
He stood. "I like to do things my way."
"You can do that, but your way also resulted in you and Courtney having a broken heart and before that, you broke Liz's. Maybe you need to adjust the playbook. Just saying…"
He mocked Francis as Liz stirred.
"We should wake her up and get some fluids and a snack in her," Jason said.
"I'm awake," Liz said pushing herself up with Francis's help.
"Did you sleep well?"
"Yes. Was Monica here?"
"She was for a little bit."
Jason helped her to her feet and when he went to lift her, she protested.
"I need to get my stamina back. Just walk next to me, okay?"
"Okay."
She suddenly smiled. "You got some sun."
"You didn't. Francis's big head was blocking it out."
Jason ducked when Francis swung.
"I'm very thankful for your big noggin, Francis."
He smiled. "Thanks, kid, but Jason's is enormous. I'll have him sit next to you next time."
She giggled as they made their way up the path.
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Emily is shoved into an elevator at the hospital as her guard rushes toward her. A gun is pressed against her head.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you."
Cooper's gaze locks with hers whose eyes are wide. The doors close, and Piph, who had been walking with them, says, "Give me your phone."
He does and she types her number.
"Take those stairs. They are going down. I'll text you what floor it stops on."
He took off, typing the 911 code for Emily as he ran.
Piph saw it stop on B and texted him the code to get into the basement from that stairwell. When she was finished, she alerted security.
"What's wrong?" Alan asked as he approached.
"Someone just took your daughter by gunpoint."
"What!"
"I know. Cooper is on it, and I called security. They went to the basement level."
Alan pushed the button. "I'm going down there."
"Not without me."
"We don't have any weapons," he said as they got in.
She dug in her purse. "I have pepper spray and I know how to use it."
"Duly noted…"
Piph smirked as she texted Johnny. They need reinforcements.
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Carly moved toward the bench Sam is occupying.
She looked up and then eyed her guard before holding up her hand for him to stop.
"Why do you have a guard?"
"People know I was with Sonny, and he thought it was for the best."
"I don't see why he would care to protect your little bastard when you lied about it being his."
"What do you want, Carly?"
She glanced at her. "You're showing more."
"That usually happens in your fourth month."
"Why are you still here? It's not like you have family around."
"Why do you care?"
"Because I truly don't want to breathe the same air as you."
"Don't act like I'm beneath you."
Carly's hands found her hips. "Oh, I know you are."
"Funny… Didn't you do the same thing with Tony and AJ?"
Carly's nostrils flared. "I had a reason to be fucked up, you're just a con artist and a skank. Nobody wants you here"
Sam slowly stood, making her guard move forward. "It's fine Kurt."
"He didn't even give you an a-list guard."
Kurt's eyes narrowed. He's an elite merc, so he is as a-list as they get.
Sam shook her head.
"What?"
When she said nothing, Carly leaned closer. "I'm watching you, and I will not be made to look a fool. Sonny is mine, and there is no way I'll let some piece of trash like you take him from me. Consider this a warning. You won't get another one."
After she was out of earshot, Sam plopped onto the bench. "I hate that bitch."
Kurt smirked. "You gonna tell Sonny?"
"No. I can fight my own battles. Carly doesn't realize who she is messing with. I won't hesitate to destroy her if she does anything to hurt me or this baby."
"How about you let me do the fighting for you?"
"This is one fight I need to win on my own. Let's go, okay? I can still smell her stinky perfume."
He held out his arm and led her down the path. Carly is going to be a problem. He won't say anything to Sonny this time, but if it happens again, he will have to report it.
