AN:

Thanks for all the comments. I'm glad to see people hanging in with me. Only 1 more chapter and an epilogue after this.

~Kelly~

Chapter Four

Nikolas stared at Cam shocked by the sudden outburst. He wanted to point out this defense of Ric wasn't exactly healthy for his nephew either. He doubted Elizabeth would agree with him on the subject. "Maybe I should go." he said politely.

Elizabeth nodded still shocked by Cam's defense of Ric. She knew her son was close to her ex but nothing like this. It made her wonder when they had gotten so close. "That's probably a good idea. I need to get Cam calmed down before bed."

He gave her a quick hug before heading for the door. "Just think about what I said. Please?" Nikolas pleaded opening the door. He was surprised to find Molly on the other side about to knock. "What are you doing here?"

"I need to talk to Elizabeth," the younger girl explained while glaring at him. Molly clearly wasn't pleased to see him. "Is she here?"

"Is something wrong Molly?" Elizabeth asked as the younger girl entered the house. It was weird for the young girl to show up at her house. They didn't really know each other despite being connected through several people.

"I... I just wanted to talk to you about my dad." the teenager said nervously. Her mom had broken the news this morning. Molly refused to believe that her dad was guilty of anything. She hid in her room for several hours trying to decide what to do. She hoped talking with Elizabeth might help her be less confused. "That is if you're not too busy."

"Of course not. Nikolas was just leaving."

Nikolas nodded reluctantly. He didn't want to leave until he'd talked some sense into Elizabeth and Molly. "I'll call you tomorrow," he promised before leaving.

"Nikolas thinks my dad is guilty doesn't he?"

"I'm afraid so." Elizabeth admitted motioning the younger girl to sit down. "The two of the have a bit of a history."

"Kinda like you and my dad?" Molly asked only half kidding. It was easy to see her dad really cared for Elizabeth. She didn't want him to get hurt.

She laughed at the comparison. "It's not quite the same."

"Of course not."

"Why don't I get Cam in bed and then we'll talk okay?"

The young boy immediately frowned at the suggestion. He'd hoped his mom had forgotten he was still awake. "But mom I wanna help save Ric."

"Not this time." she said urging her oldest up the stairs. School was nearly out and she was looking forward to a few more days of quiet. "You have school tomorrow."

"Fine but I'm helping next time." Cam grumbled as he stopmed up the stairs.

"If Ric knows what's good for him there won't be a next time." Elizabeth muttered under her breath. Molly must have heard her because she laughed at the statement. "Well he better not." she said pausing halfway up the stairs.

It didn't take long to get Cam into bed. Her oldest really was a good kid most of the time. Except for bedtime. He didn't want to miss anything that was going on by sleeping. Something Elizabeth found amusing because she had been the same way.

When she came down the stair Molly was still sitting on the sofa. "I'm guessing Alexis told you about your dad."

"I know dad isn't well liked but I can't believe someone would try to frame him like this. You..." she paused to take a deep breath and gather her thoughts. "you do believe dad is innocent right?"

"Of course I do." Elizabeth reassured her easily. She might have had doubts before seeing Ric but they were all gone now. No matter what the evidence said she couldn't believe her ex was guilty. "You're dad has done a lot of things but... I know he didn't do the things Julian Jerome is accusing him of."

"Good because my dad really likes you."

She blushed at the comment. "I like him too."

"Are you guys serious? Because I could get used to the idea of having two little brothers."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Luke knew this meeting wasn't going to go well. His boss usually preferred to do business over the phone. That way nothing could be traced back to the other man. It was a smart decision really.

That's why a face to face meeting was such a surprise. It made him wonder if something hadn't gone wrong with their plan. "Here I am. Right on time."

"At least you're capable of doing something right." the man grumbled staring out across the harbor. "I want this over."

"What this are you talking about? Because I assure you things are back on schedule. Julian Jerome has even fallen into line again."

"I always knew he was a smart man. But that wasn't what I was referring to."

Luke scratched his head at news. He honestly had no idea what the other man was talking about. He only hoped admitting it didn't get him killed. "Then you're gonna have to help me out boss."

"Ric Lancing. I want him dead." the man said his voice devoid of emotions. The tone sent chills up Luke's spine.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Alexis was in her own world as she headed towards the docks. She hoped the fresh air would clear her head. There had to be a way to at least get Ric bail. However she'd been up for the day and half mostly working on this case. Maybe some rest would bring things in to focus.

There had to be some way to at least get Ric bail. Even though the case against her ex was strong Alexis refused to considering failure. He was Molly's father and that meant she's have helped him either way. But to know he was innocent made her more determined to win.

Admittedly the evidence against him was good. Almost too good. Ric wasn't a stupid man. There as no way he'd keep a gun in his room. Especially not the gun that shot Lucas Jones. It galled her that the PCPD was falling for this obvious frame up.

As she reached Elm St Pier Alexis heard two familiar voices. She thought about turning around but something stopped her. She was grateful a moment later when one of the men ordered Ric's death. Now she knew exactly who Julian's boss was. And why they had chosen to frame Ric. Trouble was she almost didn't believe the person's identity.