Chapter Six:
Three Days

Staring out the window in the guest room of Jason's penthouse, Elizabeth takes the time to think through the situation she has been thrust into. She always knew she'd return back to the trappings of the organization, but she never imagined it would be this way. Or this soon. Now, as much as she hated it, Elizabeth had to come up with a plan to forever rid the world of Anthony Zacchara. Many have tried to kill her father and none have succeeded. No matter what it takes, she had to be the one to succeed. For everyone's sake.

"Yeah?" she answers, not really wanting to.

"Nice show." her sister comments. "Here I thought you mellowed with distance."

"Stuff it, Claudia." Elizabeth spat, turning away from the window. "Spit it out or hang up."

"Daddy dearest is going to send another team after you." Claudia warns. "I suggest you get your little buddy Zander to pick you up before Johnny gets discovered."

"Any ideas on how I do that?" Elizabeth counters. "Zander's life isn't up for grabs."

"Use your imagination." Claudia says plainly. "If you can take down one team of thugs, you can figure it out. Just get back to the house and fast."

"I don't answer to you. I'll get back my way without risking Zander's life." Elizabeth ends the call, calling up Johnny moments later. "About dinner...I need to get a rain check."

"What's going on?" Johnny questions, looking on Lulu, who's having dinner with Logan.

"I have unfinished business." Elizabeth says plainly. "I'll call you later."

"Lizzie..."

"I'm okay, John." Elizabeth swears. "I just have to take care of something."

"Okay." Johnny concedes. "I'll be waiting."

"Be safe." Elizabeth says seriously, ending the call before Johnny can call.

Tossing her cellphone to the side, Elizabeth walks over to her bag and takes out the only picture she has of her mother. All her life, all Elizabeth ever wanted was a chance to see her again. Every bruise, every broken bone, and every dungeon lockup she's suffered through...all she ever wanted was her mother. A lot of people tell her that she looks just like her. That she could be her mother's twin and they'd be right. Her mother sacrificed her life for Johnny, something Elizabeth would do without a second thought.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

"Come in." Elizabeth says as she puts her mother's picture away.

"You okay?" Jason asks, standing in the doorway.

"Depends on your definition of the word." Elizabeth kicks her bag under the bed. "I won't be here for much longer."

"What does that mean?" Jason eyes her intently, a darkness can be found in her eyes.

"It means that its almost time for me to return to hell." Elizabeth says plainly, scooting back on the bed until her back is against the wall of the headboard. "I'm going back."

"Why?" Jason blurts out. "Why would you go back without a fight?"

"The only reason that matters." Elizabeth can see that he doesn't like it. "To take down my father."

"And you can't do that from here?" Jason counters. "You're as good as dead if you go back."

"Its a risk I'm willing to take." Elizabeth says sternly. "This is my life and I've accepted that."

"It doesn't have to be your life." Jason walks into the room, sitting down in front of her. "Give me a chance to take him down."

"You're not green. You know the ins and outs of this life. " Elizabeth points out. "Its a dog eat dog world and I'm fighting for what I want...my freedom."

"If you go back, you're entering his playing field." Jason says seriously. "You don't stand a chance."

"Its my playing field too." Elizabeth reminds him. "I lived there for most of my life. I know what I'm doing."

"Do you, really?" Jason counters. "Because, from what I can see, you're scared and fear doesn't bode well in situations like this."

"Yes, I'm scared." Elizabeth concedes. "But mostly I'm angry...and anger gets you a long way in this world."

"What happened to letting me help you?"

"You still can." Elizabeth assures. "From the outside...I, on the other hand, have to return."

"Why?"

"To keep my brother out." Elizabeth slides off the bed. "Its the only reason I've got for taking this risk."

"How long before you go back?"

"Two...three days tops." Elizabeth concedes. "Why?"

"Give me three days." Jason says, standing in front of her. "Please."

"To do what?"

"To save you." Jason says firmly. "Give me three days."

"Fine." Elizabeth couldn't understand the look in his eyes. "You've got three days."

Letting out a breath of relief, Jason walks out of the room, closing the door behind him. Just before he does, he sees Elizabeth walk over to the window, arms wrapped around herself, just staring out at the town. He wasn't sure how he was going to save her from going back, but he had to. He owed it to her. Walking down the stairs, Jason was met by a knock at the door.

"Emily." Jason couldn't believe she's back again.

"Don't Emily me." Emily says, unable to believe that he's blocking the way again. He usually always lets her in. "Aren't you going to let me in?"

"Its not a good time." Jason says apologetically. "Please, Em...don't fight me on this."

"What's going on with you, Jase?" Emily counters. "Spinelli is living with Sonny. You're not answering anyone's calls. Something's up with you and I want to know what it is."

"I can't tell you." Jason sighs, running one hand down his face. "Its business."

"What kind of business?" Emily eyes him intently. "Because not even Sonny knows what's going on with you."

"Em, I love you, but I can't do this with you right now." Jason says seriously. "Everything will go back to normal soon. I promise."

"Stone Cold has requested the Jackal's presence?" Spinelli says from behind Emily.

"Go across the hall." Jason directs. "Its going to be a long night."

"As you wish, Stone Cold." Spinelli bows his head slightly in greeting to Emily before walking off.

"Jason...please." Emily says pleadingly. "Tell me what's going on."

"I can't. I'm sorry." Jason kisses her cheek. "I'll see you soon."

"What about the Black & White Ball?" Emily questions as he locks the door. "Are you still going?"

"I'll try to make it." Jason says softly. "Its the best I can give you."

"I'm worried about you, Jase." she calls out to him as he walks across the hall. "You're not acting like yourself."

"Don't worry." Jason opens the door. "I know what I'm doing."

"I'm not so sure you do." Emily says to herself, staring at the door after Jason has closed it. "Be safe."

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