A/N – Thanks for the comments. You know I was thinking about Manny and how he would look a little younger. I think he'd still have a lot of tat's but maybe not as much as he does now. I found a picture of him from the movie Diehard (till post it at my site) with hair and I think that is the visual of him a want for this fic. I don't mind his bald head, just thought that was something that might have evolved. Also, since who I think I'm hooking him up with his 5'7, I'm picturing him taller than his 5'8 stature and will bump him an inch or two lol. I figure a lot of people say Jason is 6 ft plus in their fics and Steve is like 5'9.

Also, remember that Jason's fierceness grew as he matured and got older. He's still young and doesn't have the total respect yet in the business.

Chapter 26

A week later, Nikolas and Gia entered the diner.

Elizabeth slightly smiled. "Hey, guys."

Nikolas steered Gia to a table. "Hello. How are you?"

"I'm good. At least Gia is back so you don't have to look so miserable."

Gia smirked. "Was he pouting?"

"Always…"

"I'm right here."

"We know," they said at the same time.

"What can I get you?"

"I'll have a Cobb salad," Gia said, "Oh, and put the dressing on the side please."

"Got it. What about you?"

"I'll take the chili."

"Alright, let me put your order in." The diner had only been open for a few days and a lot of people were stopping in to show their support.

Gia perused the room. "It's weird not having Tammy here."

"I know."

"Is Elizabeth in danger?" While they aren't close, she does respect their friendship.

"Maybe, but you know her. She won't back down."

Lucky moved inside. "Hey."

Gia got up and hugged him. "I can't believe it's you."

"Yeah, that's pretty much the normal reaction."

"Should I have swooned?"

Lucky chuckled. "It might have made me feel missed."

They sat. "You were. Elizabeth just took our order."

Liz finished up at another table and then approached them. "What can I get you?"

"A number three would be fine."

"You got it."

She turned away and Gina glanced at her boyfriend. He had warned her that Lucky and Liz weren't together, but she didn't really believe it. However, Elizabeth was all business.

"What's the plan for tonight?" Lucky asked.

"Well, I'm going to unpack, but we can order some pizza if you want," Gia said. She had also been surprised when Nikolas informed her that they were staying in a flat he had bought instead of the island.

"I would like that." Hanging with them would make him feel normal.

"I heard your mom is in town."

"Yes. She is going to stay for a while. They are trying to find someone to reverse the brainwashing."

"Nikolas was telling me what Helena did. I can't wait until someone takes that shrew out."

Luke smiled as he plopped onto a chair next to his son. "I hope I get to do the honors, darling. Welcome back. You are a sight for sore eyes."

Gia smiled. "Thanks. It's good to be back."

Taggert walked in and did a double take. "When did you get back?"

Gia stood and embraced him. "I flew in a few hours ago. How are things?"

"Great. I put Jason away and it has been quiet."

Liz ignored the comment and put Gia's salad down.

Gia noted the tension. "Are you staying or just getting coffee?"

"You know me too well. Maybe we can have lunch tomorrow?"

"Sure, I'll give you a ring."

He kissed her on the cheek. "Be good…"

She faked an innocent look and he smiled and then went to the counter.

When Elizabeth coldly walked by him, he pretended to shiver and stopped her on her way back.

"Did I do something wrong?"

Liz rolled her eyes. "Can I get you something?"

"Coffee—to go."

She quickly poured a cup and placed it in front of him.

He handed her some money.

"Thanks," she said before going to the register.

He moved back towards Gia. "What's wrong with her?"

Lucky sighed. "She and Jason are friends."

Taggert groaned. "Please say it isn't so."

"It's true."

His phone buzzed and he answered it. "I'll be right there."

"Bye," Gia said as he waved and then hurried away with his phone pressed to his ear.

"I don't know if you should have told him that," Nikolas said.

"Why? Isn't it common knowledge?"

"I don't think so."

Lucky groaned.

"I can talk to him," Gia said. "Don't worry about it." Her brother wouldn't want anything to happen to Elizabeth. She quickly texted him to not say anything about Liz and Jason's friendship and that she'd meet him at Eli's for lunch the next day and they'll talk about it there.

"Should I say something to her?" Lucky asked.

"Let me talk to my brother first. There is no need to get her upset at this point."

Liz brought them the rest of the food and Nikolas changed the subject.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Manny entered the cell to find Jason reading a book. "Hey, I just met with my lawyer."

"You getting out of here?"

"Yeah. I leave tomorrow morning."

"Congratulations. Why don't you look happier?"

"I'm a little nervous about you."

"I meet with Diane in an hour. I'll find out what's going on with the hearing."

Manny started to pace. "People are going to test the boundaries with me gone. My boys are loyal and promised to keep an eye on you, but only if things are bad. They don't all work for Francis. I earned their respect and they gave it to me. Watch your back. I'm not sure who your new roommate will be."

"I will." He is a little nervous about not having Manny there, but he always keeps his eyes open. There are too many people looking to take him out and gain some street cred.

"You know where the weapons are hidden. Just be careful because you don't want to end up having to do more time when you're so close to getting out of here. I think that will be the angle for those trying to get to you. The longer you stay in here, the more opportunities they'll have."

Jason stood. "Any pointers?"

Manny slightly smiled. "Use your instincts, Jason. You're a good fighter, but when there are a lot of opponents, they are going to swarm you and once they get you to the floor, you screwed—no pun intended."

Jason grimaced and Manny laughed.

"Don't go to places where you can get jumped. Lay off the weights, man. You're big enough. Stay where there are guards. They won't totally risk their jobs, so they'll save you. I put in a good word for you to take my old job in the infirmary. It's quiet and much safer."

"Thanks."

"You can owe me a beer when you get out."

"I'm down for that, after all, you are going to be dating my sister."

Manny laughed. "Your sister is too young for me, but I definitely will be taking her to dinner at the mansion. I'll wear my best no sleeve shirt that shows off my ink." While he's not completely covered in tats, his ink is impressive.

Jason grinned. "Edward will love that. Does Armani make no sleeve shirts?"

Manny cracked up. "I'll ask Diane."

Jason smirked. "I think she has something up her sleeve."

"Really?"

"She said she's bringing someone else."

A slow grin eased onto Manny's face, making Jason tilt his head.

"What?"

"I think she's going to have someone else represent you in court."

"Is that good?" From what he knows, Diane is very good.

"If it's who I think it is, I'll try not to drool."

Jason chuckled. "That good?"

"Oh yeah."

Now, Jason is intrigued. "You like her?"

Manny shrugged. "She's gorgeous, smart, tough when she needs to be, and sexy as hell. All the guys drool over her."

"Interesting… Is she taken? Why haven't you gone for it?"

"She's way above my league."

"You sound like me when I talk about Elizabeth."

"Jason, I have no delusions about who I am and what I'm capable of. She doesn't need to be with a hardened criminal. Just because she represents the business from time to time doesn't mean she wants to live the life."

"Maybe you should let her make up her mind. Has anyone else asked?"

"No. I thought Francis would, but honestly, she works in Pennsylvania and he is under a lot of pressure. He has put his love life on hold because of the transfer of power. Johnny flirted, but his heart was somewhere else."

"Well, I'll let you know if she's wearing a ring or not."

Manny smiled. "Deal…"

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Diane's eyes shot up when Jason entered the room.

"Hello."

"You're by yourself."

"She just stepped out to make a call."

Jason's eyes narrowed, making Diane smile.

"Relax, you'll like her."

"From what I hear, so does everyone else."

Diane's eyes widened. "What did you hear?"

"Just seems like a lot of the guys have a crush on her, Manny included."

"Interesting…"

"Is he her type?"

"Are you playing matchmaker?"

Jason shrugged. "He has had my back, so I have his."

"I'm not sure if he's her type, but Manny is complex. I like him. We've had some great conversations that ran the gamut. He's smart. I'm not into ink, but it fits him."

He's glad that Diane thinks things through and doesn't seem to make snap judgments.

Evangeline rushed into the room and then froze when she saw Jason. While he is still bruised, she is taken aback by how handsome he is. "Hello, I'm Evangeline."

Diane can tell she's impressed and hides a smile. If Jason weren't already taken, she might have to make that happen.

"I'm Jason," he said as he stood and then shook her hand.

"It's nice to meet you."

She took a seat next to Diane.

"Evangeline is almost as good as me."

Eva smirked.

"So, you'll be in good hands. She lives in Pennsylvania, so Sonny won't know our connection. I keep her well hidden on purpose. This will buy us more time. Her name is listed on all of the paperwork. I will be in a room watching and can communicate with her if necessary."

"Okay."

"I've read through the case and have no doubt that you'll get out, it will just take some time. The hearing is very specific in nature. Once I'm done, the judge will reverse your guilty plea and then, we're back to square one. There will be a preliminary hearing and I'm hoping to get it thrown out and not have to go to trial. Either way, with the evidence that everyone has collected, you should be a free man soon," Evangeline said.

Jason likes her confidence.

"Do you have any questions?"

"If they throw out the plea, will I have to stay here until the hearing?"

"Yes, you will have to stay incarcerated but I'll try to see if you can be housed at county. The next hearing is in the next few days."

Jason is surprised but grateful.

"All you need to do is show up. We'll have a suit delivered," Diane said.

Eva perused his face with a frown.

"It looked a lot worse before."

Their gaze held.

"Well, I don't like that you were hurt, but hopefully it will affect the judge. If Hugh hadn't of misrepresented you, then maybe you could have avoided all of that."

"I was pretty determined to throw my life away, but I won't let on to that in court."

Diane and Eva slightly smiled. "Good. We have fifteen more minutes. Anything you want to know?"

Part of him wants to ask about Epiphany, but he still feels ashamed about what happened and instead, looked down.

"She's fine, Jason. In fact, I believe she's going to work part-time for the next few days."

His head jerked up. "Really?"

"Yes. She's tough. In fact, I really like her."

"She's one of a kind."

"And it's okay if you miss her. I know she misses you. There has been a lot of things going on while you were gone. Lucky Spencer is alive."

He is shocked. "That is unexpected."

"Yeah, well, according to Johnny, Helena Cassadine did something to him, so he's been keeping an eye on Elizabeth."

"I see. Did she go back to him?"

Diane shook her head. "No. He's unstable, besides, I think she's pretty taken with you at the moment."

He closed his eyes for a long moment.

"Let her in, Jason."

"I can't. Sonny is too dangerous right now. She'll be safer if he doesn't know about her."

Diane sighed. "I can't totally disagree with that, but one day Sonny won't be in the way of your happiness and you're going to have to deal with what she means to you. Run to her, instead of away. You deserve some happiness."

Eva curiously observed them, wondering what Elizabeth is like.

"For now, I just need to make sure that Sonny doesn't hurt anyone else I care about."

"Well, you're going to be a target as soon as he gets wind of this. Lila has worked extra hard to make sure it's a closed hearing, but he may have someone undercover at the courthouse. He'll find out."

"He does have someone, but I'm not sure who it is." Francis does too. It's just par for the game. The more inside information you get, the better off the organization will be.

"Well, while I understand the need to keep away from Elizabeth in public, there's always a throwaway phone. It doesn't have to be all or nothing."

When he doesn't answer, she sighs and starts putting her documents away.

Eva gazed at her phone. "There was an opening in the calendar. The hearing is in two days."

Diane grinned. "I can't wait to wipe the floor with Claire."

"Me too."

Jason sucked in a deep breath. The nightmare is almost over.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Manny eyed Jason as he entered the cell. "Well?"

Jason shrugged making his cellmate gaze at him incredulously. It's harder keeping a straight face than he thought it would be. "What?"

"Was she there?"

"Yeah."

Manny's head tilted. "And? What do you think?"

"She's alright."

His mouth dropped open and Jason couldn't help it and grins.

"Wait. You're messing with me?"

"Yes."

Manny shook his head. "Enough with the bullshit, spill."

"She's beautiful. I like her."

Manny's eyes narrowed.

"Relax, you know I like Elizabeth."

"And if Elizabeth weren't in the picture?"

Jason smirked. "You might have some competition."

Manny playfully shoved him. "Asshole…"

"You're worse than O'Brien right now."

Manny glared at him.

"She's going to represent me at the hearing so we can hide my connection to Francis for now."

"Good.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Epiphany opens her door to find Diane and Evangeline standing there. "I didn't realize you made house calls."

She grinned and brushed past her. "My dear woman, we are about to celebrate."

Piph smiled when Diane pulled out a bottle of champagne.

"This is Evangeline Williamson and she will be representing Jason in court."

Eva held out her hand. "I've heard a lot about you."

Piph shook it. "Well, it's my turn to find out all about you. Have a seat."

"Thank you."

"The hearing is in two days," Diane said as they sat.

Piph retrieved some glasses and placed them on the coffee table. "That is excellent news. How did he take it?"

"Oh, you know Jason. He was quiet but relieved."

Piph turned her attention to Eva. "What did you think of him?"

Diane finished pouring. "To Jason Morgan and freedom."

"I'll drink to that," Piph said before sipping. "This is good."

"I stole it from Francis."

Piph chuckled. "You are too much. I'm surprised he doesn't frisk you before you leave the office."

"He knows he'd get cut."

Eva smiled.

"Sorry we interrupted you," Piph said.

"It's okay. Well, my first impression is that he's fine as hell."

Diane almost choked on the champagne which sent them all into a fit of laughter.

"Yes, he is. Anything else?"

"He's quiet like Diane said, but his eyes—despite the beautiful color, I think they are the windows to his soul."

Piph nodded. "Good, you get him."

"He's complex, but I think he likes simple things. It really makes me want to meet Elizabeth."

"You will. She's young, but has been through a lot."

Diane perked up. "She's what I'd call an old soul and has the most fabulous skin I've ever seen. I try not to stand next to her too long."

Piph dissolved into a fit of giggles.

"What? It's kind of disgusting. She'll probably never age."

"My girl is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. I think in order to represent Jason, you have to understand him to a degree. He's not going to react like a normal person. The brain damage from the accident makes him process life differently. To most, he's an enigma who has a wall that goes on infinitely, but to me, he's gentle, kind, loving, and smart. Once he lets you in, unless you hurt him irrevocably, you're in for life. You can't beat that kind of loyalty."

Eva nodded. "Well, it sounds like Elizabeth is a lucky woman and he's just as lucky to have her."

"Amen, sista. To Jason and Elizabeth, we might need therapy trying to get them to paradise, but dammit, I'll take psych drugs if I have too. Those two are going to be great together."

Diane cracked up. "I'll drink to that."