Chapter Five

Matt shifted uncomfortably in the chair as they waited. Pierce Montgomery was indeed a formidable attorney. He and Diane had crossed paths on several occasions. In Patrick's opinion, this made him the perfect lawyer for them. Matt however was more reserved in his opinion. The only thing he truly cared about was not losing his medical license.

"Gentlemen my name is Pierce Montgomery. It's a pleasure to meet you," he said shaking both their hands. He could see the two men were nervous about the situation. It was something Pierce would have to work on before court. Diane would pounce and exploit the weakness. "As I told Nikolas I am very interested in your case."

"Because of Diane?" Matt asked despite the look Patrick was giving him. s

"In part. I always enjoying arguing against Diane but this case fascinates me especially since the mayor is involved."

"That does make things more complex."

"That it does. Mr. Cassadine told me about the board's decision and I happen to agree. You two need to keep a low profile until the trial."

"What makes you think there's going to be a trial?"

"Do you want me to settle? Because I can promise, Diane is going to come to me with some offer and I could take it. But I don't think it's what's best for either of you."

"No don't settle." Patrick said knowing how serious the situation was. "You're right if we take a deal there's a chance we lose our licenses."

"Exactly but we'll worry about the trial later. Right now I need to know exactly what happened."

Elizabeth was never as happy for her break as she was today. It had been awhile since she had been assigned to the ER. She had forgotten how chaotic it could be even on a slow day. That's why she found herself hiding on the hospital rooftop at midnight. It was the one peaceful place besides the morgue.

"You look like you could use some hot chocolate." Steven said leaning casually against the doorway.

"Steven! What are you doing here?"

"I'm on vacation," he said handing Elizabeth a steaming cup.

Elizabeth huffed and rolled her eyes. "No really."

"It's true."

"But you never take a day off let alone a vacation."

"Yeah I know and that's why by boss forced me. He was worried I might get burnt out or something." he told Elizabeth almost casually. Steven wasn't going to tell her he practically begged for the time off just to come help her. What Elizabeth didn't know wouldn't upset her. After all, it's what brothers did, Steven reasoned.

"It is so good to see you," she said despite not totally believing Steven. Elizabeth did not care why he was here just that Steven was.

"So tell me why you are so upset." Steven said softly. Elizabeth's first response was to throw her arms around his neck. He could feel the tension in her small frame alerting him to how serious things had gotten.

"I just really need my big brother."

"How bad is it?"

"You didn't come to Port Charles for this and we have a lot of catching up to do."

"We have plenty of time but I don't like seeing my little sister upset. Let me help."

"No one's been fired... yet. I think Nikolas pulled something with the board not that I'm complaining. Patrick and Matt are being sued though." Elizabeth rambled barely taking a breath.

"That's not surprising. It happens lot especially in cases like this."

"It doesn't help she was the mayor's mistress."

That tidbit of information wasn't new to Steven though he pretended it was. "I imagine not. Do they have a good lawyer?"

"Yeah Nikolas pulled some strings or something... I didn't exactly ask," she said brushing off the question. Elizabeth knew exactly how ruthless Nikolas could be especially when protecting someone he cared about. She was at the age she no longer needed the details.

"What about you?"

Elizabeth blinked confused the subject change. "What about me?"

"How are you doing? It's never easy to lose a patient and now your boyfriend is being sued."

"Matt is not my boyfriend." Elizabeth immediately protested. She had no idea what gave Steven that idea but he had to be corrected. Matt was the one who insisted on the way things were. She may hate the arrangement at times but she wasn't willing to lose Matt yet.

"Alright what is he?" he asked laughing when Elizabeth turned bright red. Steven knew there was more then she was willing to tell him right now. Thankfully, he was a patient guy.

"I can't talk about this with you."

"Alright but you have to answer two questions."

"Depends on the questions."

"Fair enough." he briefly conceded. "Does he treat you good and are you happy?"

"Yeah." Elizabeth answered after a moments thought. She did not dare go beyond the simple word though.

"That's all I care about then."

Epiphany looked up to see Dr. Hunter approaching the nurses' desk. It did not take a genius to know who the young man was looking for. In fact she was shocked they tough she didn't know. Epiphany rolled her eyes at the idea. This was her hospital and she knew everything that went on here. "She's on the roof."

"Who's on the roof?"

"Nurse Webber. I assume that is why you here so late. If not I'm sure I can find some bedpans that need cleaning."

"Um... I'd rather see Eli… Nurse Webber."

"Uh huh. See that she isn't late."

"Yes ma'am." he said heading for the elevators. Matt hated that he was so obvious. How the hell did Epiphany know about him and Elizabeth anyways? She was Epiphany that is how. It was no use in looking beyond that because Matt would never find the answers.

It did not take long to reach the rooftop. Matt hoped to spend a few minutes with Elizabeth where there was no pressure. So much of what they had was built on sex amazing sex but sex nonetheless. He wanted more from Elizabeth. Matt just didn't know how she felt about that.