A/N – Thanks for reading! The hubby is doing fine btw. He's back to work. Unfortunately, someone gave him covid after his first week back, but he's doing well. They gave him a super drug and it knocked it out of him. I had it but it was milder and very weird compared to his experience. Still feel slightly off, but I'm good. First time we got it and made me mad because the person was careless and came to work knowing he had it. smh
Chapter 28
Elizabeth sat next to Jason on the porch. After several rounds of taking her blood pressure and monitoring the baby, Monica finally gave her a clean bill of health.
He chuckled due to her exasperated expression. "You okay?"
"Yes, but neither one of them better come near me again tonight unless they are carrying a cake."
"That bad?"
"They are just so fussy."
"Well, you could have been hurt."
"But as usual, I wasn't because you protected us."
"I should have reacted sooner."
She clucked her tongue. "You did the best you could under the circumstances. It's not like we knew he was having a heart attack."
"I know."
"We'll just stick to dry land from here on out, although, I had a wonderful time before that happened."
He reached over and held her hand. "I like your plan."
"Then it's settled. We stick to the beach."
"I asked Cody to follow up with Debi." Liz had told him her name.
"Thank you."
She yawned.
"You should lay down and rest."
"I'm not going to argue with you." A yelp left her lips when he lifted her, and she held on. "If you carry me around and fan me and feed me grapes, this will be the best trip ever."
He grinned. "Grapes?"
"What did you think I would say?"
"Chocolate…"
"Good choice."
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The next morning, Johnny paced inside Jason's office as he waited for his friend to pick up the phone.
"Hello"
"It's about time. We have problems."
"Did you think I would think that you were just calling to say hi?"
"Funny… Rick got a warrant for Audrey's arrest."
Jason's eyes closed as he gripped the phone.
"And there's more…"
"What could be worse?"
"There's a good chance that by tomorrow afternoon, he'll know where you are."
"How?"
"The boat accident is going to be major news. The guy's brother is famous. There is a press conference scheduled for 3:00 pm. Your name will be mentioned." Stan is doing a lot of scanning to ensure that they stay on top of things.
"Great…"
"It won't be safe to stay there."
Jason sighed. "I have to come home."
"I don't think you should bring Audrey, Liz, or your mother until we can get things straightened out."
"I agree and have a plan. Also, text me Taggert's number."
Johnny frowned. "Why?"
"I don't have time to explain. I need to get everyone packed. Francis or Cody will fill you in."
"Be safe."
"I will."
Jason took a deep breath and joined the others in the kitchen.
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Audrey put down her cup. "What's going on?" Jason looks way too serious.
"We have problems."
Elizabeth wiped her mouth. "How bad?"
"Very… First, Ric got a warrant for Audrey's arrest."
She groaned.
"And?" Liz asked. She's going to kill her ex.
"The boat rescue has put us in a bad position"
"How?"
"First, he's in stable condition, second, there's going to be a press conference. I can't get my name withheld because it's already out there. They are having a press conference at 3:00."
Monica's jaw drops. "He'll find us."
"Yes."
"You have a plan?" Audrey asked before taking a sip of coffee. Any other time, she might be worried, but Jason seems very confident.
"Yes."
When he paused Liz shook her head. "Care to share?"
"No."
The women dropped their cups almost at the same time.
"He's just messing with you," Francis said. "We need you to pack. We're leaving at 2:30."
The way Liz's expression faltered, made Jason move closer.
"You're not going home today."
"We have to—"
"All of you are going to New York with Cody and Francis. He reserved a suite, and you'll stay there for at least one day."
"And then?" Monica asked.
"I'm going to make a deal with Taggert to get rid of the warrants."
"You think you have it like that?"
He smirked. "They want me more, so yes."
"They'll put you in jail."
"I know, but there are things that need to happen to fix all of this."
"I guess we'll just have to trust you," Liz said.
He gripped her hand. "Don't worry about me."
Liz side-eyed her grandmother. "Did he just say that to me?"
She grinned. "Yes, he did."
Monica rolled her eyes. "Men…"
"I need to go make a call."
Liz tracked him as he left. This needs to stop. Hopefully, Ric will pay for all he has done.
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Taggert picked up his phone. "Yeah."
"It's me."
His eyes widened as he jumped up and closed his door. "Morgan?"
"Yes."
"Where are you?"
"Not far."
Taggert sighed. "When are you coming back?"
"That depends on you."
"What do you mean?"
"Get Ric to drop the warrants for Audrey and Liz and I'm all yours."
Outside in the hallway, the women frowned. Liz is livid and doesn't want him to sacrifice himself.
"I can try. He's determined."
Jason is surprised that he said that. "You know the truth, don't you?"
Taggert almost groaned. "I think so."
"What are you going to do about it?"
"You won't like it."
"What?"
"I need you to stay in for at least a day, maybe even the entire hold period."
"Why?"
"It's a way to try and get some proof."
"I'm surprised you're on my side."
"I'm not," he said leaning back in his chair. "I just want the truth."
"Even if I go free?"
"Yes."
Jason scratched his head. Being in cahoots with Taggert is creeping him out.
"I just need you to refuse to talk like you normally do."
"What about Diane?"
"Tell her not to come until the day after tomorrow."
"She won't be happy about that."
Taggert smirked. "Yeah, she has a reputation to uphold but this time, I need her to take the loss."
"This is between you and me."
"Understood."
"I agree if you make what I asked happen."
"What time are you coming?"
"I should be there before 5:00."
"Alright, text me when you're sure. I'll pick you up."
"Great…"
Taggert chuckled. "I'll go talk to Ric."
As soon as Jason ended the call, the door flew open.
"Are you crazy?"
He sucks in a breath at the furious woman in his doorway.
"Elizabeth…"
"No, Jason! You shouldn't have to sacrifice yourself like this."
To his shock, she started to cry, so he quickly closed the distance and hugged her.
"It's going to be okay. Don't worry."
"They hate you."
"I don't care. You have to trust me."
"Dammit, Jason. I'm so tired and it's going to be hard not being near you."
He finally understood. "I haven't seen you pout like this since I told you we couldn't go for a ride."
She gripped him tighter. "Not funny…"
"I'm sorry. I promise it won't be for long."
Slowly, she retreated. "I know. I'll probably sleep with Gram, but she's not as comfy."
His eyes softened. She looks so adorable when she pouts. When his hand slid against her face, her eyes closed.
"If they hold you for more than a day, the deals off."
"I'll remember that."
"I'm serious, Jason. Monica and Audrey can take Cody and Francis."
His brow rose. "You think so."
"Yup. If you haven't noticed, they are a force to be reckoned with."
He shook his head. "I will miss you."
Her eyes brightened. "You better."
Audrey cleared her throat. "You trust Taggert?"
"Not really, but I think he's telling the truth. Ric must have done something."
"I don't like this at all, but I know you'll handle it. However, if it starts looking back, I'm siccing Edward on them."
Jason almost smiled. "I don't think Taggert is scared of Edward."
Monica's eyes glinted. "Then he would be stupid. Maybe Edward can be our secret weapon."
"Francis!" Jason yelled making the women laugh.
"Alright, we'll go pack and leave the planning to you." She grabbed Liz's hand figuring Jason probably needs to make some calls and pulled her into the hallway.
Jason dialed again, so he can speak with Sonny.
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Carly came around the corner at Kelly's and ran right into Sam.
"Watch where you are going!"
Sam rolled her eyes. "You think I wanted to touch you?"
"Bitch."
"Skank."
"Your days are numbered."
"Bring it…"
Paulie pushed them apart. "Ms. McCall, please go to the car, Richie will follow you."
"That's my guard!"
"And?" He knows that Milo is there and will follow her, but figures if she doesn't know that, maybe she'll show her hand.
"Sonny is going to have your head!"
"Not when I tell him that you were accosting Ms. McCall"
Sam smirked and waved. "Bye, Carly."
"I'm gonna kill that bitch."
Paulie leaned closer. "What did you say?"
"Get out of my way."
She pushed passed him, and then Paulie signaled Milo to follow.
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Sonny answered his phone after reading Paulie's text and prayed that Carly didn't do something stupid and force his hand.
"Hello?"
"It's Jason."
"Everything okay?"
"Yes and no. Your brother made a move again."
Sonny groaned. "What now."
"He got a warrant on Audrey."
"What?"
"I'm coming home."
"Is that smart?"
Jason rolled his eyes. Like he'd suggest something stupid. "I'm moving everyone. They won't arrive when I do. The less you know about the details the better. I just need you to trust me and let me handle it."
"Okay."
"If you could show up and complain after I'm arrested, it would be good."
Sonny grinned. "I can do that. What time?"
"Maybe around 6:00."
"I'll be there."
"Keep everyone else away."
"Okay."
"I've got to go, but things will be clearer later."
"Take care."
"Bye."
Sonny truly misses his friend. He'll do what was asked so that hopefully, Jason will thaw.
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Ric sat across from Taggert. "What do you want?"
"Jason called."
Ric grinned. "I knew the new warrant would work."
"Yeah, about that, he won't come back unless you dropped the ones for Elizabeth and Audrey."
Ric rolled his eyes. "I don't negotiate with criminals."
When Taggert's hand slapped his desk, Ric reared back.
"If you fucking ruin this, I will kill you myself. You had such a hardon about getting him back and now you won't do what it takes."
Ric started to open his mouth.
"No—go to your damn office and sign whatever you need to rescind them. I mean it, Ric, we are very close. We need him back here and you don't want Elizabeth and Audrey anyway. If she finds out about the warrants, she will never want anything to do with you anyway."
"She'll forgive me, she always does."
Taggert shook his head. "You need help. What's it going to be? Do you want Jason back now or are you willing to risk him not coming back at all?"
Ric clenched his jaws. He hates that Jason is calling the shots, but if he gets the last laugh, he'll play along. It's a game that brain dead thug will never win. He moved toward the door. "Fine, but don't ever talk to me like that again."
As soon as he disappeared into the hallway, Taggert gave him the finger.
"Asshole…" He sent a message to Jason via Johnny.
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Milo watched in disbelief as Carly sat on a bench and then Ric joined her. Quickly, he sent a message to Paulie. He can't hear what they are saying, but the fact that she didn't get up and either hit him or run makes him think the meeting was planned.
Carly looked straight ahead.
"What do you want?"
"He's still fucking Sam and I want revenge."
Ric sucked in a deep breath. He doesn't need Carly's drama right now. "What the hell do you want me to do about it?"
"I need to stop her."
Ric grinned. "I see. Sonny doesn't want you and you can't handle it."
She glared at him. "Shut the fuck up."
"You called me."
"I need you to fix this."
"Carly, I don't have time for this. Handle your personal life and leave me out of it."
When he stood, she got in his face.
"I could have made you disappear after what you did. You fucking owe me. Come up with a plan. If you don't, I'll tell Sonny you are harassing me, and he will do what he should have all along and bury you."
Paulie asked Milo for an update.
"They are arguing. At first, I thought the meeting was planned, but she is pissed. Should I interrupt?"
"Yeah, do it for show."
"Alright."
Ric grabbed her arm. "Don't threaten me, Carly. You mean nothing to me and I'm willing to prove it."
Before she could get another word out, Milo wedged himself between them.
"Let her go or I'll put you down."
Ric smiled. "Have a nice day, Mrs.—wait, what's your last name now since no one wants you?"
She moved to slap him, but Milo pulled her back.
"Come on, Mrs. C."
"Take me home, Milo. I'm tired of the stench."
"Maybe you should take a shower," Ric quipped before moving away.
"I hate that man."
Milo followed as she muttered.
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Diane picked up her phone.
"It's me."
She grinned. "How is my favorite lethal apparatus?"
He shook his head. "Fine."
"And how is married life?" Hopefully, Elizabeth will be able to quell his moods.
"Good. I need a favor."
She lowered her legs from the desk. "Why do I have a sinking feeling you're gonna piss me off again?"
Diane is the best attorney in town, but her temper is legendary.
"I'm going to be arrested later today, and I need you to disappear until the day after tomorrow."
Her eyes are the size of slits. "Let me get this straight, you want me to leave you to rot in jail and ruin my reputation?"
"Yes."
"Hell no!"
"Diane, please…"
"You better have shoes for me and a good explanation."
"Open your door."
She put him on speaker and right before she got there, she hears a knock. After swinging it open, she grinned because she only saw Johnny. "You got me, Johnny?"
Jason coughed. "Diane, that's disgusting."
Johnny laughed.
"Oh baby, nothing is disgusting about the man standing in front of me and I'm willing to take the payoff."
"Diane, please don't touch Johnny, he has fleas."
"The best ones."
Johnny winked and then grabbed the bags that are leaning against the wall. Jason already purchased them in case he needed them in a bind.
Diane grinned. "I get him and the shoes? This is a wonderful day—best ever."
"Johnny?"
"Yes, Jason?"
"Run…"
He hurried into the hallway as the door shut behind him.
"That's going to cost you."
"Look in the bag."
She took the three boxes inside and then lifted the lids as Jason listened to her gush.
"Unbelievable…" he muttered. He doesn't even act like that when he buys a new gun.
"I can't believe you managed to get these. How?"
"Chloe helped." She had gone to Paris with Stefan in tow but sent them via courier.
"Well, I will have to send a thank you card. I agree to your terms."
"Thank you. I chartered a plane for you at 5:00. you're going to stay in a suite in New York and then keep Elizabeth and co entertained before you come back. No one can know, not even Sonny."
"I happen to like her. I'm sure we'll be fine." She doesn't seek Sonny out unless she must.
"You have to lay low."
"That's fine. Can I charge what I need to the room?"
"Yes."
"Thank you."
"Spoil her, okay?"
"You don't need to say anymore. Be safe…"
He hung up the phone and lay on the bed. God, he hates talking a lot. He can say all he needs to with one look.
"Aren't you supposed to be packing?" Audrey said.
He darted up. "I'm getting there."
She giggled. "Come eat. At least let me feed you before they put you in the big house."
He smiled. "You've got a deal." The food in jail sucks.
