A/N – Thanks for the comments! Lots of twisty stuff coming up.

Chapter 31

The day seemed to take forever for Jason, but it also gave him time to plan. Ric needs to die but pulling that off right away will be difficult. Johnny had gotten word that the hooker Ric picked up has some video of their encounter and it's not pretty. Edward decided to go with the internet route since it was almost too salacious for the papers, and Stan will be posting it all over the web first thing in the morning. Jason is just glad he didn't have that conversation with Edward. Talk about uncomfortable. That will leave Ric distracted while Diane works to get him out. Since Francis will bring Liz to the hospital for a doctor's appointment late in the morning, Jason will probably run home to change and shower and then join her at the hospital. Diane is taking an earlier flight, so she won't be traveling with the group. Supposedly, he owes her a new pair of shoes for that.

The video from Courtland Street coupled with the proof that he doctored evidence will probably end up with Ric being charged.

Elizabeth answered her phone. "Hello?"

"Hey shorty," Johnny said.

Liz smiled. "Don't pick on the vertically challenged."

"But it's so easy."

"Are you being good?"

"Never." He told her about the letter to Jason and she cracked up.

"Why do you tease him so much?"

"Someone has to. Sometimes, I think he could break diamonds in his you know where because he's so uptight."

Liz laughed. "Maybe if people didn't upset him and make his job harder, he wouldn't be like that."

"You have a point."

"So, what's going on?" The fact that he's calling makes her a little nervous. It's something he sensed, which is why he joked to break the ice.

"I have a surprise for you. Hold on." He handed his phone to Justus who went into the interrogation room.

"First, you have a call, and then, Sonny sent food."

Jason is salivating.

"Hello?"

Liz almost squealed. "Hi."

Jason's eyes widened as his attention shot to a smiling Justus who grabbed the phone back and switched it to a video chat.

Liz eyed him carefully. "You look a little tired."

"So, do you."

"It's hard to sleep. The pillows aren't hard enough."

He slightly smiled. "You okay?"

"Yes. Seeing you makes me feel more at ease."

"Good. Seeing you—let's just say it's a welcome surprise."

"When will I see you tomorrow?"

"I'll hopefully be released before you get to the hospital, but I'll need to go shower."

"Okay." She wishes that he could make it to the appointment, but there is always the next one.

"Just be careful and watch your back. There will be extra guards."

"I'll do whatever they tell me to do."

That is something he likes about her. She understands the importance of safety and hasn't fought him like Carly does. "Thank you."

"I understand the assignment."

He smiled.

Audrey peaked into the frame. "Well, hello, Jason."

"Hello."

"She's fine. We've made sure of it."

"And I won't even charge you for shoes. She's delightful," Diane said.

"Thanks, I think."

Monica took Diane's place. "I know Sonny is feeding you, but I wish you could get some good sleep."

"I will tomorrow night."

She smiled. "Yes, you will. Just so you know, Edward is busting at the bit wanting you to come over for dinner. He's having way too much fun doing you know what to you know who."

Jason shook his head. "He was the right man for the job."

"I'll say."

The whole time Liz is honed on him, unable to hide her worry.

The ladies left them alone.

"I had an appointment with Marty earlier."

"How did it go?"

"Fine. I see some patterns that I need to fix. It's a good thing."

"I'm glad she is helping."

"Everyone is—I'm so glad you knew that I needed to get away. It helped tremendously."

"And now you are going to be in the fire again."

"I know, but it's necessary, so I'll deal."

Justus cleared his throat. "I'm sorry, but we shouldn't push it."

Jason sighed. They both looked dejected.

"I get a big hug when I see you, right?"

He nodded. "The biggest."

She smiled as her eyes filled with tears. "There go those hormones again."

"What's my excuse?"

She giggled. "I'm sure you'll think of something. Just say Justus was pinching you."

Jason shot Justus a look.

"Hey," Justus said holding his hands up, "Elizabeth, you're getting me into trouble over there."

"Sorry…" With a twinkle in her eyes, she said, "Be good, Jason."

"But you like me bad."

She grinned. "That is very true."

"Alright, this might get into TMI territory. Johnny warned me," Justus said.

"And you listened to him?" Jason said.

"I know, but he can be very convincing."

Jason shook his head. "See you tomorrow."

"See you later."

Justus took the phone back and Jason closed his eyes, trying to sear the memory of her smile into his brain.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Ric's jaw dropped as he pulled into his driveway. There are reporters taking pictures and practically gagging.

"What the fuck?" he muttered before slamming to a stop and then getting out. The smell hit him like a sack of potatoes in the face, and almost brought him to his knees, and he's shocked that it's not only partially on the lawn, but on his porch up to the door.

"Mr. Lansing, do you know who would do this?"

Ric can barely breathe as the pungent odor seared his nose. "I'm sure Jason Morgan is trying to make my life difficult since I put him in jail."

Another report smirked. "You think a hit man would order someone to dump manure in your yard? Don't you think that would ruin his reputation?"

Ric scowled. "I will find out who did this and they will pay."

The reporter took a picture of his car as he chuckled at the writing etched on it. "You must have pissed the wrong person off."

"I haven't done anything but my job."

"Maybe… There are a lot of rumors flying around that you're out for revenge and this is all about Elizabeth Webber." It's amazing what people will share when you wave a few twenties in front of them.

"I wouldn't do that to the taxpayers of this district."

The other guy rolled his eyes. "Sure, you wouldn't."

Ric's eyes narrowed. "What is that supposed to mean?" At this point, his eyes are watering, and he hopes to God that the inside of his house doesn't smell.

"Nothing… Have a good night, if you can."

They left and as he turned back to the house, he spotted that his front windows are wide open, which means someone broke in.

"Fuck you, Jason Morgan," he said before opening the garage and going in through the side. His eyes continued to water as he shut the windows and then plopped onto the couch. Taking out his phone, he made reservations at a hotel and hoped to God that his clothes don't stink.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Edward couldn't stop laughing. The look on Ric's face is priceless.

Alan was eying him like he was crazy. "What are you looking at?"

Edward swiped at his eyes. "Ric's demise." He handed over his phone and the video and Alan cracked up.

"The guys made sure his house stinks too. Priceless…"

Alan chuckled. It's good to see his father in such a good mood. "What's next?"

Edward took a minute to settle down. "I want to speak with Jason first."

"I'm sure you do."

Edward grinned. "You know me too well. I think dinner is in order with Jason and Elizabeth as the guests of honor."

Alan shook his head. "You'll have to be nice."

"Why is it up to me to be nice? You tell him to be nice."

Alice smiled. "Here, grumpy, Cook just made them."

Edward grabbed a chocolate chip cookie. "Don't tell my wife. And since when do you call me names?"

"I do it all the time," she muttered after Alan took one.

"I heard that."

"No, you didn't."

Edward growled. "You just can't get good help anymore."

"Keep telling yourself that."

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Everyone woke up early the next morning. Liz was a ball of energy and Jason couldn't wait to see her.

Taggert leaned against the cell. "Anything you want to confess?"

"Not to you…"

"I thought we were good."

Jason's confused expression made Taggert laugh.

"I'm asking because one of my officers just shared a very sordid video of Ric Lansing and a barely legal girl."

"Really?"

"I know you had a hand in it. Good job. He called in to say he'd be late. I hope Diane gets in soon."

"She should be here any minute."

"You won't be able to present evidence today. It's all about bail."

"I know."

Taggert pushed off the bars and turned around. "Stay clean when you get out. I should be getting some new info in a few days. You can't hurt him, Jason." When he was met with silence, Taggert continued. "I know you want to and any other day, I'd want you to so I could catch you, but this time, he's embarrassing the department and he needs to be dealt with." He eyed Jason one last time. "We do this by the book. Whatever you do after that is none of my business."

Jason held his stare but is surprised that Taggert even went there. When he disappeared, Jason stood and paced as he thought about what needed to be done. If he needs to make up evidence, he will. Ric is too arrogant which has always been his downfall. There is more evidence to be found. He is certain of it.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Diane whizzed into the police station and headed straight for the interrogation room and then waited until Jason arrived.

"Hello."

"Hi."

"We have a date with a judge about your bail in a half-hour."

"Good."

"I think your grandfather might have had a hand in that."

Jason groaned.

"What's wrong with that?"

"I'll owe him forever."

"Well, at least he's old."

"He'll never die. He'll live just to spite me."

Diane laughed. "Well, for now, it's a win, so you'll have to suck it up."

He eyed her. "Why are you so happy?"

The widest grin edged onto her face. "Let's just say, Francis is delicious, and I plan on diving into that dessert a little later if he's willing."

Jason's jaw dropped and he froze, making Diane snap her fingers in front of his face.

"You're into Francis?"

"Why do you sound surprised?"

"Francis Corelli?"

She scowled. "Now, you're trying to piss me off."

"No, I'm not. I just—"

"If you say his name one more time, I will kick your ass with my Louboutins."

He almost smirked but chose to roll his eyes again."

For the next half hour, they went over strategy before heading into the courtroom.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

The judge eyed Jason as he listened to Ric, who had just run in, and Diane go back and forth.

"How do I know he won't run?" the judge asked.

"Your honor, he has millions of dollars and the evidence against him is mounting," Ric said.

Diane cleared her throat. "I think he was asking me."

The judge nodded.

"Your honor, Mr. Morgan's girl is very pregnant. He is not going anywhere. He chose to come back and didn't even have to return to the states. Considering that he did the right thing and is about to start a family, not to mention that his own family, the Quartermaines, fully back him, it is safe to say that he isn't going anywhere."

When the judge stood, so did everyone else.

"I'll be back with my decision in a few minutes."

Diane squeezed Jason's arm. "I think we have a great chance."

Ric moved closer. "Give it up, Jason. There is no way he'll let you out given your past."

Jason stared straight ahead.

"Always the ice man. Luckily, it makes you look inhuman with no emotions which I not a good thing."

Jason sniffed. "Do you smell something, Diane?"

She bit her lip. Johnny had sent the video of the poop apocalypse earlier.

Ric glared. "It was you, wasn't it?"

"No, but you deserved it. I wouldn't be so subtle."

"Is that a threat?"

Jason smirked, but before he could reply, the judge came back, and Ric took his seat.

"Bail is set at one million dollars."

When he banged his gavel, Diane grinned. "Let's get out of here."

Rick looked miserable.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

It had taken about a half-hour to process all the paperwork and then Jason took a quick shower. Elizabeth should have just arrived at the hospital, so he's going to meet Johnny on the docks to exchange some information before heading to G.H.

As he came around a corner, he heard some arguing and then some banging and a sickening thud.

Drawing his gun, he ran towards it and is shocked to find Sam lying in a fetal position crying. "Sam?"

"I called 911," a guard said running toward them.

"Jason," she moaned, "help me."

He pushed her hair off her face. "I need you to calm down."

"My baby… I know I was scared, but I want my baby."

Jason swallowed hard, noting a slight bruise on her face. "Who hit you?"

"Carly…"

"What?"

He can hear the sirens.

"She was mad and slapped me, and when I went to hit her back, she dodged me, and I lost my balance and fell. She knows about me and Sonny, Jason. Please save my baby."

A pain seared through her, making her scream, and Jason can see blood seeping into her jeans.

"Look at me."

"Hurts…"

"I'm sorry. You're breathing too shallow. Try to take a deeper breath." Her grip on his hand is lessoning.

"Sam, stay with me."

A tear runs down her cheek. "Save the baby. Please… I don't matter."

"Don't say that."

Her eyes flutter open. "You have nice eyes when you aren't glaring."

He smirked. "I'll even smile if you stay with me."

A small smile edged onto her face and then she passed out.

"Sam!"

The guard motioned for the EMTs, and then they pushed the gurney closer.

Jason told them what happened, and they got her situated.

"Can I ride with you? She's alone."

"Yes."

He told the guard to find Sonny and then followed them to the ambulance.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Carly's chest is heaving as she makes it a few blocks away. There is no way that anyone will believe that she didn't push Sam. She pulls out her phone and dials.

"Hello?"

"Ric, I need you."

He rolled his eyes. "I don't have time for this."

"Make time, or I'll take you down with me."

"I knew I shouldn't get involved with you."

"Will you shut up! I need to get out of town, now!"

"Jesus, Carly. Did you kill anyone?"

"Not that I know of. Are you going to help me or not?"

He sighed. "Where are you?"

She gave him the coordinates, and he quickly texted someone.

"A man will show up in a few minutes. He'll take you to Canada." Luckily, they aren't that far, so if she did do something bad, they should make it across the border in time.

"Thank you."

"I'll tell him to give you some cash. You know you can't use your cards."

"I know. I have a backup one with a fake name. I'll be fine." She had been planning this for weeks, not pushing Sam, but knowing that she may have to leave abruptly if it came to a head. Hopefully, she's dead and can't tell anyone what went down, and then she can return to town soon.

"Don't call me again."

She hung up. The smug bastard gets on her last nerve.