A/N – Thanks for the comments!

Guest and leasmom - re: Drew trusting Sam – Liz gave him permission to tell her. It would be hard lying to someone you love.

As far as Liz/Monica – You know, I have mixed feelings. Jason and Liz told several people about Jake and left her completely out. Liz even told Luke and Laura. So, I get her being angry, and she gets to dislike Liz for her actions. At the time Monica was the worst, Liz was sleeping with Lucky, and Nik and Monica thought she was interfering with Jason's marriage and later Liz kept her son for her for almost a year. I get the ire, but jeez, it was the complete disrespect and total lack of loyalty to Liz who was such close friends with Emily that pisses me off. Honestly, the Liz on the show, I wouldn't be friends with, but everyone just went so crazy constantly looking down on her and berating her when they have done worst. Being angry or wanting nothing to do with her is their prerogative, but to go out of your way to constantly trash someone is ridiculous.

Sophie isn't like Liz personality-wise. Nursing is the main similarity. She doesn't have the same baggage (thank God!).

Chapter 30

Monica sipped from the cup as she stared at her son.

"You've been here way too many times," Liz said from the other side of the bed where she held Jason's hand.

"That's for sure. There are not many left."

Liz nodded. "I think about Emily often."

Monica turned her attention to the younger woman who looks exhausted. "Me too."

"Monica, I know things weren't great between us, but I will always have love for your son and because of Jake, there will be times we'll all be in the same room. I don't want it to be so awkward."

Monica sighed. "I agree. I never understood a lot of your decisions, but Epiphany and I discussed you on the plane and she made things clearer for me. I judged you more harshly than I should have, but I was so disappointed that you wouldn't tell me about Jake and you told others, not to mention that you were trashing your life and I also thought you were trying to interfere with my son's marriage. I apologize for my behavior. You were a part of our family through your friendship with Emily. I'm sorry I forgot about that. If anything, I should have shown concern and pulled you aside." It seems to be in her nature to overreact and she needs to work on that.

"I can't go back and change everything. At the time that I was sick, I wasn't trying to interfere with Jason's marriage, but I did later, and I know how badly my actions looked. I still never understood why you were so cold to me. I know you were angry that you missed time with Jake because of our actions, but the level you took it to; let's just say because you were a part of my life through Emily, it hurt that you treated me like a stranger."

"I was very angry. Lies always have a way of ruining lives. I was disappointed in both of you, but I took out my anger on you and I'm sorry. Instead of lashing out, I should have spoken to you."

"I'm sorry I lied about Drew. I'm sure that doesn't help your opinion of me."

"I was upset because I have already lost so much family. To get one back was a miracle and you didn't seem to care about how it would affect the people you lied to."

"I know. There's no excuse for what I did. I've been working on myself and trying to be a better person going forward. I'm done with the lies and indecisiveness, but I appreciate that you apologized and that you are accepting mine. I'm just thankful that I finally learned from my mistakes so I can stop repeating them. I love my children and I'm happy to call Jason my friend."

"Do you want more?"

Liz shrugged. "Honestly, I'm just trying to get all my sons through school unscathed. They are my primary focus. I don't think Jason and I are in the right frame of mind to even discuss anything else."

"I just want him to be happy and not be in danger. I'm tired of burying my children."

"I understand."

"Why don't you tell me the story of Jason and Elizabeth while I wait. There is a lot I don't know."

For the next few hours, Monica is spellbound as Liz weaves the tale and by the end, she realizes just how much time the two of them have wasted and how much hurt lingers between them.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Liz got out of the shower and got dressed. Jason had made it through the night, so she had come home to change and check on Cam and Jake. They are still at Maximus's mansion. She headed to the dining room where everyone is waiting.

"It's about time, Webber," Johnny said.

Liz smirked. "I could go back upstairs and take another shower. I think I might have missed a spot."

Cam shook his head. "Are you starting already?"

Emiliana enters the room and Cam quiets.

"Come in. You can sit next to me," Liz said. They made her stay and then today, she is going home to her mom.

"Thanks."

"Don't let these goombahs scare you. Dig in," Maximus said.

She eyed the serving dishes not knowing where to start.

"This is a diner-style American breakfast," Francis said. He had whipped it up.

She is speechless.

"Let me make you a plate," Liz offered. She shoveled on some eggs, pancakes, bacon, and grabbed some toast.

"I think this is more than I eat in a few days."

Jake smiled. "It's good eats."

They ate for a while in silence and then Liz frowned. "Where is my husband?"

Maximus smirked. "With his mistress."

"I heard that," Tess aid pulling her man into the room.

"You are just scandalous," Liz said.

"Sorry, wife." He frowned. "This isn't as much fun without Jason's glares."

"Yeah."

"There's going to be an article in the paper about how the stress of the abduction and rescue is putting a strain on your relationship. In a few days, you will file for an annulment and my lawyer will take care of the rest."

"Thanks," Liz said. She didn't realize it could happen so fast.

"There is no reason to delay it, and I don't trust those two because they can't keep their hands off each other."

Tess moaned when she tasted the pancakes. "Francis, you are a keeper."

"Now, you're going to make me gag," Johnny said.

Piph chuckled, drawing attention to her.

"Why aren't you eating?" Liz asked.

"I had a protein shake." There is no way she's going to thwart her weight loss progress.

"Have you heard from Drew?"

Johnny nodded. "They are on their way to a private clinic. I have bail money ready just in case."

Liz shook her head. "They'll be fine." Monica is at the hospital with Jason. "I need to get back to the hospital."

No one responded. They are worried about her. She's not getting enough sleep and her stress level is sky-high. They need Jason to wake up.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Sam slid onto a chair across from Andre.

"Why are you here?"

"I need to ask you something."

"I've told you all I know."

"Dr. Romanov."

Andre froze making Sam smile.

"What do you know?"

Andre sighed. "Look, they can still get to me in here. You don't want to mess with these people. They are well connected."

"That's not what I want to hear. My husband is on his way to speak to this man. What can we use against him?"

Andre thought for a moment. "He has a daughter named Kaitlyn who is twelve."

Sam quickly sent the information to Drew. "What else?"

"He held Jason at a clinic for a year. They switched facilities a lot so no one could track their movements."

"So, he would know what they used to sedate Jason?"

Andre frowned. "I know to some extent."

Sam started to type again. "Give me the names and spell them for me."

"Is Jason or Drew in trouble?"

"Yes."

Andre nodded and then gave her the name of several drugs. They had switched it up frequently so Jason's body wouldn't get to use to them.

She hit send. "Anything else?"

"While he's in Switzerland, he should look up Salmon Lorant."

"Who is he?"

"He may have been the person who set up the security box. I'm not sure if he's still alive."

"Thank you."

She typed the name and explained it before sending it.

"Believe it or not, I do have some remorse about what I did."

She is not going to give him forgiveness because he helped take away seven years of Jason's life, depriving a son of his father. Without a word, she got up and left.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Drew immediately called his fiancé as he stood outside the clinic. "Andre gave you all of that?"

"Yes."

"Do you trust him?"

"He seemed sincere."

Drew doesn't know what to think. "I forwarded the information to one of Jason's guards. He'll know what to do."

"Any word?"

"He's still hanging in there."

"I felt like I owed him this. I hurt him and I regret how I handled everything."

"It's not like there's a manual."

"True. Just be careful. He said these people are well connected."

"I will. We'll make it so we have a big head start before the doctor is discovered. I have someone looking into the other name. I want to hit them up before we get back on a plane." The longer they stay here, the bigger chance that word will get around and they'll be in danger.

"Call me when you're done."

"I will. I love you. Thanks!"

"I love you too."

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Elizabeth is shocked when she finds out that Sam of all people got the information from Andre they needed.

"Maybe she's growing up."

"Guilt will make you do things you don't normally do. Sam doesn't grow. She evolves and all her evil tendencies lay dormant until things get out of control and then she reveals her true self again."

Piph's brow rose. "Tell me how you really feel."

Liz smirked. "I will have to co-exist with her because of Drew, but let's be honest. She did this out of guilt for being a bitch to Jason when he returned. I know her enough that usually, she only goes out of her way if it benefits her in some way. Drew is trying to have a relationship with his brother, and she knows that. By helping to save Jason, she thinks it lets her off the hook for her behavior."

"Well, she has done that before. Danny is young. You have a long time that you'll have to deal with her if you and Jason do find your way back to each other."

"Oh, you don't know." She stares at Jason for a long moment. "Danny isn't Jason's. Unfortunately for him, Franco is his father."

"Wow."

"I know. I came clean to him about AJ and Ric."

Piph sighed. "How did he react?"

"He was very disappointed. I can't blame him for that."

"No more, Elizabeth. I will kidnap your ass before I let you make another mistake."

"That's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me."

Piph chuckled. "Speaking of kidnapping, how are Cam and Emiliana?"

Liz shook her head. "Cam has seen up close what lies can do to a relationship. I tried to talk to him and show him that what she did isn't that much different than what we did with his last name, but he is being stubborn."

"Do you think he likes her that much?"

"I'm not sure. Sometimes, there's a thin line."

"True."

"He's young. If they are meant to be, then they'll find a way back to each other."

"Are you staying in Italy after Jason deals with Frick and Frac?"

Liz slightly smiled. "I think so. I love my bakery and I'll be free. This whole time because I was in hiding, I didn't feel like that. Maybe eventually, I'll get away from here and buy a place in Tuscany and paint and drink wine."

"And maybe open your heart up again?"

"Who knows… Aidan will be done in four years, so then I could go do what I want."

"As long as I can visit."

Liz grinned. "You're never getting rid of me."

"I might join you for good, but I would like to be closer to Stanford. I was even considering moving closer to him."

"Really? That would be great."

"That cute little cherub is going ruin my rep."

Liz grinned. "I can remember when the boys were that little."

"Would you have another one?"

Liz's eyes widened. "That would be insanity."

Piph laughed. "Why? You are still young."

"It seems daunting when I'm so close to all the boys being out of the house."

"You always wanted a little girl."

"True. I don't know, but I definitely want to get married first."

"I know you felt judged about the boys."

"I did, but I don't regret any of them. Sometimes, I wished their fathers were different."

Piph chuckled. "Yeah, me too."

They laughed.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Sonny stormed into Sam's office and shut the door.

She eyed him warily. "What's wrong?"

"Have you heard from Drew?"

"Yes, I just got off the phone with him."

"Then you know about Jason?"

Sam nodded as she wonders how much Sonny knows.

"Were you going to tell me?"

"Sonny…"

He slumped into a chair. "Wow. It's like that?"

"I was scared you'd do something you'd regret later."

Sonny shook his head. "I just got him back! You know how much he means to all of us."

"And you know he wouldn't want you to interfere. From what I heard; Maximus is trying to put out fires. He doesn't need to worry about you. Did you tell Carly?"

"No. I'm not trying to kill him. I need to see him for myself first so I can figure out what to do." He stood. "I'm about to leave to go see him. Are you coming?"

She sighed. "Fine. I need to get a babysitter. Monica is out of town." She has a feeling she knows where she went.

"Mercedes is available. I ran into her yesterday. I'll make the call and meet you at the penthouse."

As soon as he left, she called Drew.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Drew ducked behind a car. "Sam this isn't a good time."

He held his breath as waited for someone to walk past him.

"Sonny knows and he is insisting on coming to Palermo."

All he heard was Palermo.

"Sam?"

"Can you hear me?"

"Yeah."

"I'm getting on a plane to Palermo tonight. I'll meet you there."

Sam ended the call as Drew stared at his phone.

"Shit!"

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Elizabeth woke up to a frantic message from Drew and she is perplexed.

"What's going on?" Francis said sitting next to her.

"Sam called Drew last night and said she is on her way here."

"What the fuck?"

"Exactly…"

Piph sat next to her. They are in the cafeteria at the hospital.

"What time did he leave the message?" Francis asked.

"It was about 2:00 am."

"Shit, she could be here in the next couple of hours,"

Liz stood. "If she's here to make some sick play for Jason and hurts Drew, I'll kill her myself."

"Did you pat her down this morning?" Piph asked. If looks could kill, then Sam would be dead.

"No, and I'm not going to do it now. I would like to live to see tomorrow."

"Smart man…"

They decided to let Jake go in with Jason who is finally starting to wake up. He is still stable, so they are hoping that if all goes well, he can be moved to a regular room in a few days.

Johnny was sent to the lake house to lie low.

When the elevator opened and Sam strode towards them with Sonny in tow, everyone's jaw dropped.

A/N – Next week – Jake holds nothing back, Sonny gets more than he bargained for, The past haunts several people.