Chapter 29 – Thanks for reading and sorry for the lateness. I have my first art show on Sunday. I'm so excited and hopefully, will sell lots of paintings.
The mood was somber while everyone ate.
Monica eyed Elizabeth several times, noticing that it was becoming harder to hold back her emotions.
When a tear finally escaped, she got up and went to the porch.
Jason wiped his mouth and followed.
"She's struggling," Audrey said.
"She's used to him being by her side."
Audrey nodded. "Is it bad that I had dreams of Ric eating a piece of poison pie that I baked?"
Monica grinned. "No. I'll write you a script for the poison."
Francis chuckled. "You two aren't going to give me any trouble in New York, are you?"
Monica laughed. "I guess you'll have to wait and see."
"Diane will be joining you."
"She's great and a trouble-maker. You'll have your work cut out for you."
Francis nodded. It will certainly be an interesting trip.
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Jason moved behind Elizabeth but didn't touch her. "Elizabeth…"
She wiped her face. "I'll be fine, Jason. I'm just emotional."
"Do you want me to call everything off?" He can't stand it when she cries.
She spun around. "No. I trust you. I'm just nervous, but I'll be okay."
"May I hug you?"
"You never have to ask that."
They embraced, neither saying a word as they soaked each other in.
"Will you do me a favor?"
"Anything," she said softly.
"Will you hold my ring?"
She abruptly retreated. "Why?"
A slight smile edged onto his face. "I don't want to reveal that yet."
"You mean you want to stick it to Ric at the perfect time?"
"Yes."
"Okay."
She held out her hand and he pulled the ring off.
"It's too big for your hand."
"I'll put it on a chain." Francis will help her get one.
His thumb swiped a tear away. "The only bad thing about seeing you again is that I'm used to you jumping into my arms after I've been away."
"Yeah, I guess I can't do that or beg you for a ride."
"True."
"Taggert better look out for you."
"I have eyes there too."
She shook her head. "I'm sure you do."
He grinned.
"I like it when you smile."
"I don't mind smiling at you."
"Who are you calling for your one phone call?"
He didn't skip a beat. "You."
"Good answer…"
He kissed her forehead. "We have to get going."
She nodded as he grabbed her hand and led her back to the group.
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The ride home was quiet on both planes. Jason tried to get some rest since things will be chaotic once he lands.
On the other hand, Liz had nodded off, but Monica and Audrey watched her like a hawk.
"By the time we check-in, it will be time for another meal," Audrey said.
"She needs to eat and stay hydrated," Monica said.
"The room service is stellar there. I also had them stock the fridge for snacks for her. They'll get anything you want," Francis said. He already instructed Cody to go find a chain for Elizabeth once they do some checks.
"She'll probably sleep with me."
"I think that is for the best."
"They are king beds," Francis said. Jason had spared no expense.
"Where will you sleep? Monica asked.
Francis smiled. "There are four rooms, so it works out that there will be an extra bed. We'll take turns sleeping. We don't need much." They are trying to lay low, so there will be no guard in the hallway, but there will be two other guards that will blend in downstairs.
"Are we allowed outside?"
"That is tricky. We'd prefer that you stay in, but there is a garden on the roof with benches." It's a penthouse suite, so it's their private area.
"Well, that sounds nice," Audrey said.
"Jason wanted to make sure that you were comfortable."
"You mean that Elizabeth is spoiled?"
"He cares about all of you. Once we get there, we'll be landing in a private area. You'll go through customs and then we have two town cars waiting for us." He thought that would be easier to get in and out of.
"Well, it seems like you've thought of everything," Monica said.
"I tried."
"Thank you."
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Sam swiped a tear that had fallen. "Sonny, it's beautiful."
He grinned, pleased that she liked the beautiful necklace. It's a large diamond surrounded by platinum on a delicate chain.
"Put it on me?"
He picked it up and fiddled with it a bit before securing it around her neck.
She touched it and then got up to look in the mirror. While Sonny does like to throw money around here and there, he had never bought her jewelry before and it's stunning in its simplicity and not at all garish.
His arms circled her waist. "You like it?"
"I love it."
"I got you something else too."
Her eyes lit up. "What?"
He rubbed her belly for a moment and then retrieved the bag.
She took it back to the couch and sat, grinning when she spotted the giant teddy bear and several other smaller animals. "They are very cute."
"I plan on spoiling her."
"Not too badly…" She doesn't want a brat.
Her eyes narrowed as he chuckled.
"Listen, I put an extra guard on you. Maybe you can lie low the next few days."
Her brow rose. "Is it bad?"
"Yes and no. I was told to stay out of it, so I will, but it doesn't hurt to be safe."
"Okay."
"After the baby arrives, or maybe even before, I'd like to get a job."
"Doing what?"
"I don't know, but I saved a chunk of money. Rumor has it that Jake's may be up for sale."
He's taken aback.
"You don't look happy."
"It can be a rough place." He never understood Jason's love of the place. Every time he went in there he wanted to take a shower by the time he left.
"I won't have to work late. A manager can handle it. During the day, it won't be bad."
He rubbed the back of his neck.
"I'm not used to settling down and if I'm going to, I need a challenge. I don't want you to just take care of me and I sit around all day."
"I don't know if I want you to take our daughter there."
"Then I'll find a daycare."
"You can have a nanny."
"I don't want someone else raising our child."
"They won't. Will you at least consider it?"
She sighed. "I'll think about it, but Sonny you can't always get your way."
A sly smile eased onto his face. "Why not?"
She chuckled. How she ended up with the handsome mobster is still a mystery to her.
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Emily led Johnny to a bench in Lila's rose garden.
"I need a favor and you're not gonna like it."
His head tilted. "That means it must be about Nikolas?"
She slightly nodded.
"What do you want to do?"
He'd do anything for her except bring that ass anywhere near her.
"Can you kidnap him?"
"Emily…"
"Please…"
"You are asking for World War three. Helena will never allow that."
"She'll never know."
He shakes his head. "That old bat has eyes everywhere."
"I have a plan."
"You are asking for trouble." The last thing he wants is Helena's complete focus on her.
"Hear me out."
He threw up his hands. "Go ahead."
"If we kidnap him and drug him to make him tell us the truth, we'll know how to deal with Helena and can take her down."
He sighed and thought for a long moment. "While it would be nice to be one step ahead of her, trusting Nikolas not to bust you in the end, could be an arrogant move. He is trying to prove his worth to her."
"I know, but I think he's also trying to protect me."
He groaned.
"You don't know him like I do."
Johnny started to pace. "And then what? What if this is all a ruse to protect you? Will you go back to him, Emily? Can you forgive him?"
His voice had risen, taking her by surprise.
"I don't want him."
She had said it so quietly he had to ask again. "What?"
"I don't want him?"
"I don't believe you!"
Her eyes welled with tears. "I understand where you are coming from, but it's so different with you. You make me feel sexy, naughty, smart, cherished, and God, I love it that you make me laugh and let me be me. I will always have love for Nikolas, but I'm not in love with him anymore. Even if Helena dies at the end of all of this, I won't go back to him."
When tears started to fall, he reached her in a few steps and tugged her against him.
"I can't let you go, Emily. You make me happy, and I'm hopelessly addicted to your mouth."
She grinned. "You mean it?"
"Yes. Let me show you."
He kissed her fiercely, leaving no doubt in her mind that he wants her desperately and it meant everything to her. When they pulled apart, their gaze locked.
"I'll think about your plan, but I don't like it and I think it's just very bad timing. Things are about to go down. Can we wait until next week to discuss it?"
She sighed. "Fine…"
"Thank you."
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The plane landed and slowly moved toward a hanger. There are so many police car lights, that if it were nighttime, they would have lit up the sky. It's not surprising though. It would be the perfect time to commit a crime somewhere else because he swears the entire police force is out.
His phone buzzed so he looked down.
"We just landed," Elizabeth said.
"Me too."
"Be safe."
"You too."
"I miss you already."
"I miss you too."
He handed his phone to the guard that is with him and stood. This better work or he is going to kill Taggert.
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Ric paced in his office hating that he had to withdraw the warrants because he was hoping to get to see Elizabeth. Jason won't probably let her come to the station on her own. He's so controlling.
He answered his phone. "Hello?"
"He is coming down the steps right now."
"Just him?"
"We think so, but once he's down, we'll go in and check."
"If she's in there, don't scare her. She's very pregnant."
"We'll be careful. Taggert is cuffing him now."
The man took a picture and then texted it.
"I'll text you if she's there."
He grinned when he looked at the picture. Jason looks miserable. When he spotted the news camera, his smile got wider. It's step one to the ultimate humiliation. Jason Morgan is going to rot in jail.
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Edward's eyes are so pinched, that Alan didn't understand how he could see the television.
"They are going to pay for this," he growled. When Ric goes to his car, he'll have four flat tires. It's the second time in two weeks, and in a few days, a few taggers will leave a nice message on it. He's ready to burn down that man's house.
"You should stay out of it."
"When have you ever known me to stay out of anything? You know I can't and so does that son of yours."
Alan shook his head as he watched. "Jason has a tan."
"He gets his good looks from me."
Alan laughed. "I'll let you tell him that."
"I'm sure he already knows."
Lila chuckled. "Are you up to no good again, my darling?"
"Of course. It's all I know."
"Mother, you may have to keep him chained to his chair."
"Like that would stop him. He'd just bribe someone or pay Alice off to let him go."
"Monica just called me," she said.
"Is everything okay?" Alan asked.
"Yes. They are the hotel. I think Elizabeth misses Jason though."
Edward grinned. "I'm almost a great grandfather. Well, I always was great."
Alan rolled his eyes.
"You don't get to where I have in this business unless you're a great businessman."
"Now, you've done it," Alice muttered. She can't see this conversation ending any time soon.
"Don't you have someone to go wrestle?"
"Are you game?"
Lila giggled.
"You have to wear tights."
"You have lost your mind."
Alice grinned. "I should have by now."
"Ungrateful employees…"
Alice winked at Lila as she headed to the kitchen.
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Elizabeth gazed out the window. Jason had spared no expense. As exciting as the lights of the city make everything seem, she's feeling a little lost.
The front door opened and Diane breezed in.
"Hello, ladies."
"It's good to see you," Monica said.
"Likewise…" She turned toward Audrey. "How are you, Mrs. Hardy?"
"I am fabulous, and you must call me Audrey."
"I thought I'd bring in some fun." Her brows lifted a few times.
Monica's head tilted. "You didn't hire strippers, did you?"
When Elizabeth spun around, Diane waved.
"Do you think I'm uncouth?"
Liz shot her a look.
"Tough room…"
Francis entered with a table and Cody grabbed some chairs from the dining room.
"What's that for?" Monica asked.
"We are learning how to play poker."
Monica smirked. "I think I have a great poker face."
"Francis is going to teach us and then we're playing strip poker."
Audrey choked on her water making Liz pat her back.
"But only Francis is stripping."
The look on Francis's face is priceless, making everyone laugh.
"Just kidding…"
Audrey clucked her tongue. "Maybe you shouldn't be."
Diane cracked up. Francis went from shock to bewilderment in a few seconds flat.
"Gram, will you please behave?"
"Never…"
Cody snickered as he walked past Francis.
"Don't laugh, Mr. Paul. You're next," Audrey quipped, making Cody stop in his tracks for a split second, and then he was out the door.
"Wus," Francis muttered.
"Alright, let's begin," Monica said.
They took a seat and then Francis talked them through shuffling and dealing, and an hour later, he muttered to himself as he took his shirt off, making a mental note to kill Jason when he gets out. These women are hardcore.
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Ric opened the door to the interrogation room and then took a picture.
Jason almost rolled his eyes.
"It's for my album." He smugly sat across from him. "Where's Diane?"
Jason stared him in the eye but didn't move.
"Even she knows you are doing down." He grinned. "The evidence against you is staggering. Poor Faith, she never stood a chance."
And to Ric's surprise, Jason slightly smiled, and he must admit that it had unnerved him.
"Are you done?"
Ric shook his head. "I'm just getting started."
There is a knock and then the door flies open, and Jason is stunned to see Justus standing there.
"You weren't interrogating my client without representation, were you?"
Ric stood. "No, no. We were just catching up." He took one more look at Jason. "Later…"
Justus stepped inside and waited for the door to close. "Hello, Jason."
"What the hell are you doing here?"
"Relax," he said before sitting.
"Did Edward send you?"
"It was Lila."
Jason is stunned.
Justus grinned and wished he could take a picture for the matriarch. "She figured you'd react like that. I was surprised when I got the call and had to fly here. I know that Diane isn't going to show up for a bit, and truly, I don't want to know why." The less he knows about mob business, the better.
Now, Jason looks perplexed.
"She told me to tell you that while she knows you have some sort of plan, there is no reason that you have to suffer by having to listen to that despicable excuse for a human being."
Jason just shook his head.
"So, she sent me to pretend we are talking and at least give you a break. Besides, Ric is about to get some news, so he should be disposed of for a while."
"Lila did all of that?"
"No, that last part was Edward."
"Unbelievable…"
"Against all odds, they love you. Personally, even though I'm not usually a conspiracy theorist, I think you drug Lila with those mints so that she'll forever adore you."
Jason couldn't help it and slightly smiled. "Maybe it's just my glowing personality."
Justus laughed. "I think the mints are more believable."
"You and the rest of Port Charles."
There is loud cursing outside and when it finally died down, Jason eyed Justus. "Do I want to know?"
"Of course, you do. Let's just say that Ric's tires are slashed for the second time in a few weeks."
"He'll probably blame me."
"You have an alibi."
"Like he cares."
"Point taken…"
