A/N – Thanks for the comments! I appreciate your support on this one. I may need one more week before starting the new one. I need to get further ahead, but I'll start posting soon. I will be posting a new chapter of Dirty Little Secret, hopefully, tomorrow or Saturday, but that is only on my site. I hope you are staying safe!

Chapter 26 - Epilogue

James can tell his words had shaken her and he's intrigued. "Did you want to? My God, you were going to sleep with me to get out of the hole, weren't you?"

She eyed the man standing next to Jason and moved in front of him. "Is the safety one?" she asked as she perused his gun.

"Yes."

She grabbed it and before Jason could stop her, she held up the gun and knocked James over the head with it. He grunted before passing out and falling backward. The crash echoed through the room and then she calmly handed the gun back. "Thanks."

"Feel better?" Jason asked.

"I'm just getting started."

"Look at me."

She defiantly faced him.

"I don't know what is going on, but you can't let him get to you."

"I hate him."

He grabbed her face when she tried to turn away. "Breathe, Evangeline. He can't hurt you unless you let him. They are words from a man who is about to die a slow and painful death. You win. You survived. Fuck him."

She smiled as tears pricked her eyes. "Okay, Yoda."

He smirked as he dropped his hands. The other guards hoisted James back up and smacked him a few times to wake him.

James's head is throbbing. "You hit me."

"You're lucky she didn't shoot you," Jason said.

He moved closer.

"I suppose you have a bone to pick with me too."

Jason fist darted out and broke James's nose.

"Fuck!" the man yelled in pain.

"I wish I could systematically rip you apart, but I have other plans for you."

The top is taken off the hole and James begins to laugh as blood trickles down his chin.

"I suppose this is poetic justice?"

"You can call it that. It won't be pleasant." Jason eyed a man in a lab coat. "Is it possible to feed him periodically and let him have water so he'll last longer in there?"

The man's eyes lit up. "Nothing would please me more than to prolong his agony."

"Good."

James rolled his eyes as he's hauled to his feet. When they went to move past Jason and Eva he lunged, falling toward her and they went to the ground. He tried to kiss her, and she kneed him in the groin as Jason and another guard hauled him up. Jason punches him in the stomach, making him double over, and then James is dragged to the hole.

"Are you okay?"

He helps her stand.

"Yes. Are you sure I can't hurt him?"

Jason shook his head. Their attention goes to the door where Johnny is observing them.

"Why were you on the floor?"

She runs to him and he lifts her off the ground as he hugs her and that is when Liz comes into view.

"Hi."

A scowl mars his face. "Elizabeth!"

"I know. I'm sorry, but I just couldn't stay there going crazy. You're not one hundred percent."

He runs his hand through his hair. "How did you get away?"

"We used scuba gear and swam to a boat."

He glared as his head jerked towards Johnny, but he's occupied kissing his wife, so Jason looks back at his. "Seriously, Elizabeth?"

She grabs his face and pulls him into a blistering kiss.

"How heartwarming," James said.

"Bite me," Liz said pulling back.

They watched as James's cuffs are removed.

"Evangeline, you'll never forget our time together. No matter what you do to me, we'll always have our memories."

She lifted her hand and flipped him off as her man continued to ravish her mouth.

James smiled and then is ordered to strip. When he hesitates, he is struck multiple times before finally obliging.

"Goodbye, my love," he said before he is pushed into the hole, arms flailing as he yells and then hits the floor hard.

"Asshole," Eva muttered. "I want to see."

"Eva…"

"Please…"

He grabs her hand and leads her over there.

She gazes into the hole. "When you're peeing on yourself and can't even stand your stench, I want you to remember what you did to me and who put you in this hole. When you are begging for mercy and wish that death will come and it doesn't, just know that your actions and words prolonged your agony."

"You're supposed to be better than me," he said in great pain.

"Oh, I am, and you deserve every second of pain. You don't have control over me anymore. You're already dead to me."

With that, Johnny took the liberty of covering the hole as James laughed manically before spitting out some blood.

"Let's go home," Jason said.

They made their way to the car.

"What's wrong?" Liz asked.

"I'm just tired," Jason said.

"Do you need a hospital?"

He shook his head. "I can sleep on the plane."

Johnny made a couple of texts and then gave his girl his full attention. "You sure you're okay?"

"Yeah. It felt good to tell him off and hurt him a little. He can't get out of there, right?"

"No. There's nothing to climb on. He can't hurt you again."

She breathed a sigh of relief. "Good."

Liz glanced at Jason. "Are we okay?"

"Yes and no. I understand why you did what you did, but baby, sometimes, I need you to listen to me. Both of us can't go rogue at the same time. Our kids need at least one of us to be safe at all times."

"You know that may not always be possible. If it were me that left without you, I don't think you would have stayed put either."

"I know it seems like a double-standard, but I'm trained for all of this."

"And you are not up to speed yet, so I decided to back you up. Johnny was with me. It's not like he would have let me take some huge risk."

"He had you swimming in the cold lake. That wasn't a huge risk?"

Her eyes lit up. "It was so much fun."

Jason groaned as Johnny chuckled.

Liz moved forward so she could whisper. "Is this kind of a fight?"

Jason's head tilts. "Do you want it to be?"

"Yes."

"Am I ever going to figure you out?" He had spoken louder than intended making Eva giggle.

"I know we don't get in many fights, but you do remember make up sex, right?"

Johnny groaned. "Can you guys talk about this later?"

Jason tried not to smile. "I remember."

"Well, if we're fighting then we must have it later."

"Good call…"

"My brain is scarred," Johnny said.

"Like it wasn't before?"

"I will get my revenge soon."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Next time you have a choice regarding sleeping in the same bed as my wife, perhaps you'll opt-out."

Jason shook his head. "You're ridiculous."

"Let's see how you feel when I wake up in your bed tomorrow."

"That's disgusting."

Liz cracked up. "Enough! You guys are just being crazy."

The SUV stopped and they got out and boarded the plane.

"We have to make one stop," Johnny said."

"Fine…" Jason muttered.

They got situated and soon were on their way.

When they landed, Jason's eyes popped open. "Where are we?"

"You'll see," Johnny said.

The door is opened and a minute later, someone moves inside looking pissed.

"Shit," Jason muttered.

Epiphany put her hands on her hips. "What the hell were you thinking? Are you trying to undo all of my hard work?" She took the seat next to Jason and grabbed his wrist to take his pulse. "It's too high."

"Piph…"

"When we get back, you're going straight to bed."

Liz smiled dreamily.

"Oh, no, there will be no tents. You need your rest."

Jason groaned. "Johnny, I hate you."

"You know you missed me," Piph said buckling her seat belt.

"That's beside the point."

"Well, you're stuck with me. Your parents agree that you need someone to keep you on lockdown because you can't be trusted, so they gave me a much-needed vacation."

"Hi, Epiphany," Liz said.

She peeked around Jason. "Oh, hello. I didn't see you sitting there."

Eva laughed.

"You are just so wrong."

"Well, how am I supposed to pay attention when he's in a blue shirt, unlike his usual attire, and it accents his eyes?"

"I guess you have a point. I hate it when you turn it around on me."

Piph smirked and then winked at Johnny. "So, we land, and then what?"

"We get on a helicopter."

She did a double-take. "Oh, hell no."

Jason grinned. "I'll hold your hand."

"If you're getting me in one of those, I'll need more than that."

"You better slow your roll," Liz said.

"Damn, you're no fun."

Johnny smiled. With Piph in the mix, all is right with the world.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

They arrived on the island to much fanfare, except Frisco.

He eyed them warily. "Want to explain?"

"No," Jason said.

"Where did she take you?"

"To her evil lair," Johnny said. "Why do you care anyway? She was blowing smoke."

"But why?"

Jason sighed. "She thought they were close. Johnny got there and explained what you had found, and she backed down and then we picked up Epiphany on the way back."

"Why Epiphany?"

"Because he needed some chocolate in his life," she said saucily.

Eva turned her head so Frisco couldn't see her grin.

"Very funny…"

"Elizabeth contacted me because she was worried about him not getting rest and she knows I'll keep him in line."

"You people are just mind-numbing. I'm pulling my men since there is no threat. How did you get off the island?"

Liz smiled. "That's confidential, but you'll always remember that we bested you."

Frisco growled while his daughter giggled.

"Are you coming back with me?" he asked her.

Georgie held Elizabeth's gaze.

"You can stay if you want—Milo too."

Frisco's eyes narrowed.

"I want to stay, but you can pick me up on Sunday, and maybe we can spend some time together." That will give her four days of fun with Milo.

That seemed to soften her dad's features.

"Okay. I'll see you on Sunday."

"Later, James Bond," Piph said.

Frisco rolled his eyes as he left.

Once all the WSB people had left by helicopter and boat, Johnny poured some drinks.

"To a peaceful life going forward."

They drank and celebrated James's demise for the rest of the evening. Helena kept James alive for almost a month. Towards the end, he was mentally deranged and kept begging Eva to free him before his heart finally stopped. There wasn't much left of him but skin and bones since he was so emaciated. They burned his body in the concrete hole and then disposed of the ashes. Jason and Eva were pleased.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Five Years Later

Elizabeth ran into the house. "Jason!"

"Yeah?"

"Can you bring Lila down? They'll be here any minute."

"Okay."

He put the doll he had been holding down and picked up his two-and- a-half year old daughter. She is the apple of his eye. She is a mini Elizabeth and how he'll ever say no to her, he doesn't know.

"Want to play, daddy?"

He almost smirked at her pout. "Well, I have a surprise for you downstairs."

Her eyes lit up. "I like surprises."

"I know. That is why I got you a special one."

They head downstairs and he grins when he spots a pregnant Evangeline. She and Johnny had just come back from a Northern Italy vacation with his family and Lisa. Their daughter Kylie ran towards him as Lila wiggled to get down. He placed her on the floor and the two embraced.

"They are so cute," Eva said.

Jason kissed her on the cheek. "How are you?"

"Ugh, I'm fat and can't wait until this little boy is out. He took his kicking up a notch on the way back." She is in her seventh month.

"Have a seat," he said as the girls went to the playroom. They are the same age, only born a week apart.

She settled on the couch and Johnny put her feet up on an ottoman.

Elizabeth breezed into the room with some drinks. "You look fabulous," she said to Eva before hugging and kissing her. They had gotten even closer living in such close proximity. The O'Briens love Italy and are glad they decided to stay. Johnny went in with Jason with the bar, but they had purchased a second one, so now Jason ran one and Johnny the other. During the summer, Cody and Francis run them, so the families can travel. Francis had married Julia and opted to spend winters on the island and then summers in Italy where she loves to paint. They have a little boy named Benjamin who is three.

When the Corelli's entered the room, Elizabeth gave them a big hug.

"I'm going to go put the steaks on," Jason said.

Ben ran to the playroom to see what the girls were up to.

Epiphany strolled into the room followed by Monica and Alan.

"Piph!" Liz said before jumping up and hugging her.

"It's good to see you too. Where's my man?"

"He's outside."

Piph spotted Eva. "You are glowing."

Eva smiled and stood so they could embrace.

Monica and Alan got their hugs in and then went to the playroom to give the kids presents.

Jason returned with a grin on his face. "Hey."

Piph hurried towards him and they warmly embraced.

"Still working out I see…" She squeezed his bicep.

"Always…"

"Hussy," Liz said.

Piph chuckled. "Always…"

About a half-hour later, Jax, Carly, and the kids arrived. They are going to have a full house.

Carly greeted Elizabeth and then hugged Jason.

"You must be tired."

"We tried to sleep quite a bit." She handed Josslyn to him.

"She's beautiful."

The baby cooed at him making him smile.

Jax shook his hand. "Thanks for having us."

"I'm glad you could come." They had long ago made peace.

When Georgie and Milo arrived an hour later, everyone went crazy because Georgie is pregnant, and they hadn't told anyone. They had wanted it to be a surprise. She is barely showing. They were married two years prior and had decided to wait a bit before having kids.

"It's twins!"

"Wow," Monica said.

"I'm so happy for you," Liz said hugging her again. They had always stayed in touch and the Morgan's consider her as family.

When a very tall African American man strode into the living room that no one knew, the men stood and moved in front of the women, they were standing next to.

"Who are you?" Jason said icily.

He smirked. "My name is Shawn. I'm with her." He pointed to Epiphany who grinned.

"Oh, hell no," Jason said.

Shawn was prepared for the reaction. "I'm going to marry that woman. Do you have a problem with that?"

Liz's mouth dropped open as Eva grinned.

Jason crossed his arms in front of him as Piph stood. "I don't know yet."

Piph kissed Jason on the cheek. "While I love that you're all "grrr" right now, it's hot as hell, but that man right there rocks my world. You're going to have to get to know him."

Jason's eyes never left Shawn.

"Dear Lord, I think I'm pregnant again from just looking at him. Damn…" Liz said making the ladies in the room laugh. Easing next to his side, she placed her hand on his back. "Jason, you knew this day would come. You've had her all to yourself for a long time. Let her be happy."

Jason decided to play it up a bit. "But baby, she's mine."

"Kiss up," Johnny muttered.

Piph grinned. "You know, I love you and not only for playing along with me but for watching over me too. He's a good man, just like you. I love him and he loves me. He has big shoes to fill though. Since I can't have you, I had to find a hunk of my own. Aside from being an amazing cook too, he's handsome and treats me like a queen. Can you try and be happy for me?"

He finally noticed the ring on her finger. "While I'm not happy he didn't ask permission first, I suppose I won't kill him, but I'm still running a background check."

She laughed as Shawn looked at him warily due to the killing part.

"It's already done. Francis got wind of it first. Besides, he works for Sonny—"

"Oh, hell no!" Jason said as he started to move past Piph who blocked him.

The room explodes as everyone talks at once.

Shawn whistles loudly. "Mr. Morgan, I don't work for the business. I run his restaurant. It's totally legit."

Jason backed down. "Why didn't you just say that to begin with?"

"I tried but you went all enforcer slash caveman on me, which was very hot. Liz, you need to take him upstairs. We'll watch the kids," Piph said.

Liz laughed. "It's tempting. By the way, Alan and Monica are standing behind you. Perhaps we can put that conversation on hold."

Piph turned and waved making them laugh.

"God, I love my friends," Eva said. She smiled at Shawn. "Welcome to the circus. I think you passed."

He made a face which cracked them up and Piph made her way over to him and kissed him. A small growl is heard, and she grinned. "Seriously, Liz, if you don't take care of that…"

Liz cracked up. "You need to go check the steaks," she told her husband.

He muttered the whole way outside, but once he got to the grill, a sly smile appeared on his face. He's truly happy for Piph and will tell her that later.

"That was a nice performance," Shawn said as he moved closer.

Jason's eyes are still twinkling with amusement as he slightly turns to eye the other man. "I have no idea what you mean." He handed him a cold beer.

"Piph already told me about all the teasing and that I'd just have to put up with it because she loves her some Jason."

He chuckled. "She means a lot to me. I don't let a lot of people in, but Piph doesn't take no for an answer."

Shawn smiled. "That is very true. So, do I have your permission?"

Jason held out his hand and they shook. "If you ever hurt her—"

"I know. I can't even imagine doing that on purpose."

"I'm glad to hear it."

Piph joined them. "Seeing you together is swoon-worthy. I think you need an Epiphany sandwich." She moved between them and then Liz, who had followed, took a picture.

"Hold on," Johnny said. "Liz, squeeze in there."

She joined the group and he took another one and then sent them to Piph's phone.

Shawn helped Jason finish up and then everyone sat at the tables outside. It was a joyous occasion. Piph and Shawn eventually married, and everyone had gone back to Port Charles for the wedding.

Eva and Johnny had a little boy named Liam. A year later, Liz got pregnant again with another girl they called Lily and their family was complete.

The End