Chapter 17
When Jason arrived at the Hardy residence the boys rushed over to drag him along with them. "Mommy said to wash up before dinner."
After lots of water and soap, the three were discussing toys as they joined Elizabeth in the dining room. "Jason, when did you arrive?"
"Daddy went to wash his hands with us." said Cam while Jake struggled to get into his seat refusing help. Once they were all seated, Jason looked around and said "Where is Audrey?"
"With Leslie, they are talking to Laura on the phone about Lucky and what to do next." she said in a lowered voice as the two boys talked to one another.
"Have you told them?" he asked.
"No, and I don't think I am going to yet. When Cam heard Lucky's name earlier, he flinched and I found out why. Lucky should be glad he is dead or I would strangle him. Cam called him yesterday. Told Lucky he was sorry but he wasn't his daddy and he didn't think he should keep something that he had given him. Lucky snapped at him and said for him to toss it in the trash that it was garbage."
"How did he know how to call Lucky?" he asked while pacing back and forth.
"He's six, Jason. Of course he knows how to use a phone." she pointed out.
"I just hate that his last memory of that man is going to be getting yelled at." he said. "What about you, how are you doing with his dying?" he asked holding his breath.
"I am fine. I am over feeling bad for Lucky. It is more like hearing that someone you knew, but not that well has died." she admitted more to herself than Jason.
Remembering how he had felt that way about Courtney, Jason said "I understand."
He was soon in the living room keeping the boys distracted while Elizabeth was talking on the phone with someone named Annie who called for her grandmother. Jason couldn't help thinking that this was all he had ever wanted, time like this with his family.
Getting up to answer the knock on the door, he saw Jake imitating him as Jax entered. "It's done. I am going with AJ to take Michael to the center then taking Morgan and Jocelyn to Australia until this blows over. Marty is in charge of the hotel and if you need to reach me, here, these are my numbers there."
"Jax, you are doing the right thing." Jason said while Jake climbed on his lap. Cam returned from the bathroom and quickly greeted the Aussie.
"Hi, Mr. Jax. Do you know our daddy?" he asked once the man had greeted him.
"Yes, I do. How was your trip?" he asked and was amused to see that the curly haired boy still had his great love of trains. When Elizabeth joined them, she gave Jax a hug and said "I wish I could say it is going to get better."
"I know, I only hope she decides that being sane is a good thing." with that he left once again thanking Jason for all of his help. Cam and Jake rushed off to play with their toys in the den leaving the great room quiet for a few minutes.
"Hey, how are you doing?" she asked hugging the man she loved. "Sam, Spinelli and now Carly."
"Fine. The only one I feel bad about is Spinelli, mainly because I should have never let him in my life, who knows what he would be now."
"He would be dead. You told me he was working for Lorenzo Alcazar and Ric, Jason, you gave him a chance, he chose to betray you." she pointed out. "And for what? Sam?"
"I know, as for the other two, Sam and Carly, I did what had to be done. I only hope that Carly gets help and Sam, she is going to be someone's responsibility but not mine." he said. "Nik's more than likely." He was just curious as to what Jerry was doing, the man was jumping around, never in the same place twice.
"I doubt he helps her. If she is Stefan's daughter, she can make a claim on the Cassidine empire."
"Such as it is." said Jason. "Now what are your plans for the rest of the evening Miss. Webber?"
"I am intend to be here with my boys. All three of them, if they want." she said as Jason pulled her close. "There has been a lot going on today. I just want to sit here and talk, or not talk. Just be."
Jason said "Wait, I have a present for you." When he returned he gave her the sketchbook and pencils while showing her the book he himself was reading.
"Jason, why that one?" she asked with a soft chuckle.
"The boys, I was thinking we could take them." he said then went back to reading. Stopping every once in a while to watch as she dealt with either the boys or the constantly ringing phone. When her grams returned, Elizabeth laughingly told her that she felt like her social secretary.
"I am sure that the rumors about you being alive are fueling more than a few of those calls." said her grandmother as she greeted her grandsons and their father. "Now, if you will excuse me, I am heading to bed. It has been a very long day."
!!*!!
Nik hung up the phone, then tossed it. Swearing, he looked around the room and found himself trying to figure out how he could make up the missing funds. "Damn you, Lucky. Couldn't you just once, keep your mouth shut."
Alexis had come over to see if Nik needed anything and had heard his comment. "What is it?"
"My bastard brother told your not daughter about the bonds I had been keeping since Stefan's death. She gave them to your ex-lover Jerry Jacks. Now I am broke. I can't make payroll yet again."
"Nik, how is that possible? Where did all the funds go?" she asked walking over to the desk.
"It is my estate, my funds, my empire. Don't you worry about it." he snapped then said "You are partially at fault anyhow. Not that you will ever admit it."
Alexis turned and looked at him then said "I am sorry I came. Nik, when you get back to being the nephew I love, give me a call. Right now, you resemble your father."
Hearing her phone ring, Alexis listened to what Mac said then turned to Nik afterwords. "Those weren't your bonds. The ones that Jerry was caught with were counterfeit."
Nik froze, then recalled his earlier conversation with Alfred and snapped "Leave, now."
Watching as she got on the launch from his office, he waited until she was across the harbor then bellowed for the butler. "Earlier, you said the Ming Vase wasn't the real one. What did you mean?"
"Sir, it was a fake, a good one. But a fake." he said then stepped back when Nik's eyes turned black.
"How is that possible?" he hissed as he moved forward.
"I don't know, sir. Maybe when the family was having financial troubles your Uncle arranged for a discreet sale." said the elderly man. Nik looked around horrified, one of the things he had counted on to bail him out of this mess was the various brick a brak that had been accumulated by the Cassidines.
"That will be all Alfred." he said dismissing the butler. With shaking hands, Nik took out a copy of the police report from when Ric Lansing had been stabbed on his estate. Reading it he came to the description of the weapon. 18th century French issue replica broad sword.
Closing his eyes, Nik felt his head start to throb and walked slowly up the stairs. Tomorrow, tomorrow he would call a reputable discreet antiques expert.
!!*!!
Spinelli sat in his jail cell, his head rolling back and forth from the shot that Lainey Winters had given him. "Is he sane enough to stand trial?"
"I don't know. I have always thought he needed tests run, that he might be suffering from some illness." she said looking at the DA and the police commissioner. "Tom Hardy would be the best for the testing but after all he has done to his niece, he won't help."
"Can't say I blame him. Mac gave me a rundown of all he learned." said Harper coming to join them. "Jerry Jacks just escaped custody, fled to Canada. He left a note for Morgan."
"Do you have it?" asked the DA still hoping to get the goods on the mobster. After reading it, she cursed because it was an apology and a confession from the Australian. "Call Morgan and get him in here."
"Tomorrow is soon enough." said the commissioner, ignoring the Mayor's appointee's pointed looks. "He didn't do anything criminal and I am not anyone's lackey."
"We can use this to push him. I want him in a jail cell, just like the rest of the mobsters." she said only for Harper to snort.
"You have a problem?" she asked the man.
"Corinthos falling apart and ending up in jail, his ex-wife, Morgan's ex-lover, his former tech geek. Are you noticing a pattern? They all hurt Elizabeth Webber, they are all now in jail or heading that way. YOU, you didn't take down them, Morgan did." announced Harper.
"There are rumors, Cassidine is in severe financial troubles, Lucky Spencer is dead. Both hurt the woman he loves. This all leads me to agree with Harper." said Lainey Winters. "Morgan was clearing the decks."
"Then arrest him for it." replied the political stooge.
"On what charge? You are the attorney here, what laws did Morgan break?" mocked Harper.
Sputtering, she fled while the commissioner went to find out how Jerry Jacks escaped. Lainey and David Harper looked at the geek then he said "What is going to happen to him?"
"Without a good attorney, my guess is he ends up locked up for life." she said. "Carly Jacks was sent to a private clinic in Switzerland. Michael Corinthos, now Quartermaine has gone to the Words Columbus treatment center with his father. That only leaves Sam McCall and him."
"I heard she never is going to walk again." said Harper.
""She is never going to do anything but breath again." said Lainey and then looking at Spinelli added "That might be best for the world, anyhow. What she did to this boy, is sad."
"Sam played him, but that boy, he played his part as did you I hear." he said. "Patrick Drake and Monica Quartermaine are furious with you."
"I know, I had no idea of the soup they were swimming in. Nik always seemed so caring, so protective of Elizabeth, I had no idea that he had once been in love with her and that he would dare do anything like this. Tom Hardy said Elizabeth is taking the blame, but god, he knew. He knew how bad of a mess she was."
"I talked to him about Lucky, he is still blaming it on Liz, saying she threw herself at him." he said disgusted. Lainey kept her mouth shut, she had see it herself, Liz HAD been chasing after the prince, it was one of the reasons she had gone to him in the first place.
!!*!!
Early the next morning, Elizabeth was rifling through the mail when she saw the letter with the official seal of Port Charles. Reading what it said, she turned white and was swaying when Jason found her. "Oh god, I am so sorry Jason. I forgot I did this."
Taking the blue backed paper, he read the legal writ and said "It's fine."
"No, no it's not. I can't believe I forgot doing this." she said wiping away the tears when she saw his face was blank. "I swear, I will take care of fixing this."
Pulling her into his arms, Jason said "It hurts, god it hurts but I get it. I really do. Let me call Diane and have her take care of this for us. Okay?"
Nodding, she sat down while he called his attorney who held her breath when he told her what was going on. "I am sorry, Jason. I had no idea any of this."
"Just fix it, okay." he said his eyes still on the black words that stated he had no legal rights to his sons. "Diane, I know about Max, but if you aren't able to do this... maybe you need some time off."
Thinking on what she had read on the Internet, the wedding pictures she had seen of Max and his bride and she said "No, I am fine."
Hanging up with two quick calls, things were straightened out but Diane decided to talk to Jason face to face, needing to reassure him of her ability to do her job.
Meanwhile Elizabeth and Jason were sitting on the sofa, not touching except where they were holding hands. "Jason, I don't know what to say."
Looking at her, she saw the torment in his eyes and reached over to pull him into her arms. "I, am so, so sorry." Hearing the sobs, she felt his head on her shoulder and the hot warmth of his tears as he seemed to finally realize he didn't have to be strong.
Audrey had come into the room to let them know breakfast was ready and slowly backed out of the great room letting them be. She stopped in the arched doorway between the dining room and them and felt her heart ache as she watched Elizabeth soothing Jason like she would his sons.
"Jason, it's fine. Diane said she would fix this." with that she leaned over and kissed his cheek. Hearing his quiet sobs stop, she asked "What is it?"
Lifting his head, she saw the brilliance of his eyes that was caused by the tears and the pain and winced. "I just, what would have happened? If you really had...died."
"I am sorry." she said her heart sinking at the pain she had caused in a moment of anger and despair.
"No, that's just it. You did the right thing, as far as you knew. I just, the idea of Jake and Cam no longer being mine.... the idea of how close I was to losing our sons, … that I had lost you in a way...." he looked into her eyes and said "You, and they are my world."
Elizabeth leaned in and kissed him gently on the lips, meaning it to be for comfort and it quickly started to get out of hand, ending only when they heard a loud knock on the window next to the entry door. Glaring at Johnny, Jason went to let him in.
Patrick and Tom Hardy were on a conference call to the state board discussing Lainey Winters and how she had gotten around her medical license being suspended. "I think I should leave it up to Elizabeth."
"No, she has too much on her plate. And Steven said you were in charge, so it is your decision." stated Tom as he read the file proving that Nik had gotten her her job back. "How did you miss this?"
"At the time, I was dealing with my friend dying, my wife having lost what was left of her mind by befriending Sam and Jason Morgan, and not Jason Morgan." he said. "I just let it go and didn't question it. But it does put another light on her version of Nik Cassidine, doesn't it?"
"Yes, and frankly I had heard about part of this from Elizabeth, but my focus was on Jason and her, not what this woman did by accusing her without proof." said Tom as he groaned. "Isn't she in charge of that Spinelli nutcase?"
"Yes." answered Patrick grimly. Making another call, he asked "Dr. Baldwin, I am sorry for ignoring your calls for long. The situation has been rectified. Dr. Winters is going to be fired and face the board yet again. Can you take over her patients?"
"I am coming into town anyhow, so sure." she said looking at the picture of her husband and the Hardy's.
!!*!!
Johnny and Jason were in the kitchen with the boys when Elizabeth saw Lainey being let into the house by her grams. "Elizabeth, I need your help. I have a board hearing for my license again."
Looking at the woman who was her friend, Elizabeth sat her down then said "Lainey, I can do so as your friend, but frankly as a patient, I would be leading the charge to get you removed. I am sorry, but this isn't the first time you have damaged me."
"Elizabeth, I never meant...." Lainey couldn't believe how angry her friend was.
"Then why did you let Nik buy your license back for you. I know about the donation from him to the board, I know that you were fired the same day I died." she said gently. "As a friend, yes, I think you are great, but you can't seem to set up boundaries and you should not be advising the police."
When her friend left crying, Elizabeth called Kelly Lee and told her what had happened. Kelly said she would talk to Lainey but that the rumors around the hospital was that the other woman was fired.
Seeing her son's coming out of the kitchen bundled up and then the sound of footsteps on the porch, she was amused to see Johnny and two of Jason's guards leading sleds. "Mommy, wes are going sliding out back." said Jake.
Hugging her son, Elizabeth was heading to the den to watch when Audrey said "I asked him to come over, I have something I need to tell the two of you. A few somethings."
Jason felt apprehensive but sat down next to Elizabeth, his mind was still whirling from how he had felt earlier reading that legally Jake wasn't his son.
Going over to the small writing desk, Audrey hesitated then pulled out her notes made in Colorado and handed them to Elizabeth who read them silently then passed them on to Jason. "Grams, you don't have to do that."
"Yes, I owe the two of you an apology for each and every single item on those lists. And there is one more and it's a biggie." Handing them the second piece of paper, she saw on their face the minute they realized what it was.
"Grams..." asked Elizabeth. "You knew?"
"I suspected. From the moment Jake was born." she said with a smile. "I may be old but I tend to remember every single baby I ever held. And Jason, your biological mother was one of my nurses and I have to say I never took sides in that mess that Monica, Rick, Alan and Susan had going, I should have."
"Grams, you knew about that?" she asked. "Did you know that Spinelli, Maxie and Sam were using that to hurt me?"
"No, because I would have pointed out, that it was more like the other side of this mess. The two of you were better slotted into the Alan and Monica roles involving the AJ mess, then what happened there."
Explaining, Audrey said "You two, no matter what else was going on, there was love there. Don't forget that. Now if you will excuse me, I have to go and see that the cleaning service gets the Baldwin residence ready for Gail again. She is taking over for Dr. Winters."
Jason and Elizabeth talked after she had left, both trying to figure out what comes next. "Elizabeth how long are you going to stay with your grams?"
"Until I find a place." she said sighing. "And the worst part is that the last time, it was Emily who found my house, I can't stand doing that sort of thing."
"How about letting me turn it over to Diane." he said. "We can look together."
"Jason, you have your penthouse." she reminded him.
"No, actually I don't. They caught it on fire and frankly I think it is time to move on, don't you? Too many people have ruined it for me." he said "I want a home, one for all of us."
"Jason, I don't know if I am going to be ready for that, any time soon." she warned.
"I am talking about just being there, not us, together, at least not until you are ready." he said. "Besides, your money is in an Italian bank account. We moved it when Lucky tried to access it."
"Diane can look, but nothing too outrageous, too big. Okay?" she asked.
"Fine." he said then called her only to find she was on her way. Giving her her new assignment, he added "Also, I might need your help, I need to see Spinelli."
"Okay, I am on my way to visit Alexis right now if you don't need me to come there." she said before hanging up. Thinking on the house she had always seen as reminding her of Elizabeth and Jason, Diane made a few calls then went to see her fellow attorney.
!!*!!
Luke was let into the visitor area and saw that Bobbie looked nervous. "What did Caroline do now?"
When he had sat down, she felt her hands shaking then she said "Carly is going to a secure medical facility, Jax arranged it."
"Wow, isn't this the SECOND husband to do so. Not that it will last, Morgan will bail her out." he said leaning the chair back on two legs. Then seeing Bobbie didn't seem to relax, he said "What else?"
"Elizabeth is alive. Jake really is Jason's. Spinelli altered the tests because Sam was pregnant, the baby wasn't Jason's like she claimed. It was Lucky's. Also, Sam isn't Alexis' daughter, she is Stefan's."
Hearing her brother snort unhappily, she said "She had an abortion."
"Why am I not surprised, but that is the best thing for my cowboy. Maybe he can get on with his life but more than likely not. Elizabeth does like to keep him in reserve for when Morgan flakes out."
"No, not this time." she said grimly. This was not going as planned but she needed to get through it. "Sonny is dead, Michael is living with AJ."
"The late unlamented isn't so late, huh?" he asked.
"No, and Alan and Georgie Jones are alive as well." Luke didn't like that one. His main hope for getting out here just petered out, there was no way Tracy could help him now. "Nik is in deep financial trouble, Luke. He is about to lose everything according to Alexis."
"Good, if you only knew what he was doing with Elizabeth, the damage they did to my cowboy. She was sleeping with his brother while agreeing to marrying poor Lucky who was being duped into raising her kids. I never thought I would see the day she would be slutting around, hurting him like that, but after Morgan, I guess I shouldn't be shocked."
"Luke, what about what was being done to Elizabeth? She was sick, and Nik knew and took advantage of her. As for Lucky... he isn't going to be … Luke, Lucky was shot, murdered. Sam McCall for some reason."
"No, she was set up, it was probably Morgan trying to keep him away from Elizabeth." said Luke only for Bobbie to say wiping away her tears.
"No, I saw the evidence myself, the police have her on tape. She shot him. He bled out from her using Laura's old gun. The only thing they don't know is how she got it."
It finally hit, she saw the moment that Luke realized that this time Lucky wasn't coming back from the dead. "No, no, tell me you are wrong. That he isn't dead."
Reaching out, Bobbie said "I can't. Sam McCall shot and killed Lucky."
"Where, where is she?" Luke vowed vengence.
"GH, she can't feel anything from the neck down. She ran into one of the walls fleeing Jason and Elizabeth." she said. "She tried to blame it on them, but they have her on camera once again."
"That freak, he ,..."
"Is on her side, he refuses to see that Sam isn't his friend." she said. "Nik is losing it, I talked to Laura, she can't come. The warden is not letting you out, I tried Luke. Even Alexis tried. They said no."
"Who is going to bury my little boy?" he asked. "What about Lulu, how is she doing?"
"Not well." was all Bobbie said, not wanting to worry Luke about how Lulu seemed to be walking around in a daze.
Luke started making plans, he was in a medium security prison and knew he had to get out, he had to be there for his son. Thinking on it, he made a call on the pay phone and soon got an agreement with the voice at the other end.
Now all he had to do was wait, they would take care of things for him. After all that was what friends do.
!!*!!
Ethan arrived back in town, having found the answers for Carly only to find that things had changed overnight. Stopping over to Bobbie's brownstone, he talked to Lulu who started to come out of the fog she had been floating in with the news he had given her.
"Red Glass, is Jason Morgan and AJ Quartermaine?" she asked furious. Calling Nik, she only reached his butler who said his master was busy right then. "But I need to talk to him."
Getting no place, she went to the Hardy house determined to locate Elizabeth. She had to fix this. This was all her fault. Arriving she saw Johnny leaving and the boys with Audrey and Gail Baldwin. "Where is she?"
"Elizabeth isn't here, right now. What may I do for you, Lulu?" Asked Audrey more than a little annoyed with the whole Spencer clan.
"Give her a message, tell her that she is going to be pay. It's not my brothers' fault she was a slut and now she is causing Jason to ruin them. If she doesn't fix this, I am going to make her life a living hell." she said not realizing that Johnny had stuck around to listen to what she had to say.
Shaking his head at how much she was like her blond cousin, he was just grateful for his escape. Seeing Maxie at the Scorpio house, he asked if her sister or her father were there?
"No, Georgie avoids me and Dad had to fly up to Canada." she said then asked "What do you need?"
"To talk to your sister." he said then asked "How is Spinelli?"
"I don't know. I haven't seen him." she admitted. Seeing Robin coming, she said "I have to go, Robin and I are going Christmas shopping."
!!*!!
Alexis heard a soft knock on her office door and stood to let in Elizabeth Webber. "Alexis do you have a minute?"
Nodding stiffly, she listened as Elizabeth apologized for what she said to Molly and Kristina.
"Thank you, but in a way, I owe you. It helped us talk. I finally cleared the air with Kristina, about a lot of things." she said with a heavy sigh. "I know from Diane that you were sick and frankly even if you hadn't been, looking back.... I almost wish Sam had been there when you told them."
"Why?" she asked still horrified at what she said.
"Because, it brought a level of honesty between the younger girls and me. Did you hear about Sam, not being my daughter?" Seeing her nod, yes. "I know its wrong, but I am happy. I only wish I knew what did happen to my child."
When Elizabeth stood, Alexis said "Elizabeth, one thing, I wish you had told me what Sam did in regards to the kidnapping and the incident in the park. My blinders would have been ripped off a lot sooner. After Kristina was kidnapped, I of all people should have been doing the right thing, instead of offering up excuses for Sam." Elizabeth just nodded that she heard, not sure what there was to say.
"Alexis, I just wanted to say I am sorry again." she said heading for the door. "And I heard about Ric, I wish I could say it was unexpected."
"Me too." she said watching Elizabeth leave. Then looking at the wills in front of her said again "Me too."
Spinelli was lead into the interrogation room and beamed when he saw his master but frowned when he saw the older man with him as well as the bald detective he had seen around the station and a dark haired man wearing an FBI badge.. "Sit down, Spinelli."
Sitting down, quickly before he left, Spinelli looked up expectantly at Jason. "I have a few things I wanted you to see."
Showing him the tapes of Raynor and Sam, Jason listened as Spinelli tried to make excuses for what was on the screen, including the part where the agent said she had to offer up Spinelli as well. Then the tape of her making a deal with Jerry in Mexico, then Jason asked for a few minutes alone with him.
"Fine, but Morgan, be careful." said Tom. He could see the wildness in the kid's eyes.
"I will." he said then when they were alone, he moved in closer and said "You have no idea how badly I wish I had never met you."
"St-"
"No, you listen, I talk. Elizabeth and I are a family, Sam is nothing to me. Get over it. I am only here for one reason only, to tell you that you are to take your punishment. If you try to escape, don't come back here, or I will kill you myself. Do you understand me?" he asked his voice getting softer and deadlier.
"But---" whimpered Spinelli.
"No, there is nothing left to say. Spinelli, one more thing, Jerry set you up, he set Sam up and he used Nik Cassidine to do it." he said. "I sat back and let him. Right now, those men outside, they want to talk to you about the computer worm here and in the GH system."
"I did that for you..." he stuttered. "To protect you."
"I know about the disk that Jerry sent from Mexico, how was keeping that away protecting me?" he asked.
"Stone Cold, you had reconnected to the goddess, why would an old tape of her be allowed to surface."
"Old tape, that happened while she was in Mexico, she made a deal with Jerry and don't lie to me. I know that you were aware of that. And one more thing, we have your laptop, we wiped it clean."
"Stone Cold, thank you." he said with a grin.
"No, you should be aware that I gave them the one you tossed at Jake's. Coleman had it. It has every single dirty deed you have pulled since I broke up with Sam, including giving Elizabeth placebos while she was at Mercy." he saw the moment that Spinelli realized Jason knew everything. "If she had died, you would be dead. I wanted to kill you, but she talked me out of it. Remember that on the cold nights you are sharing a jail cell at Pentonville."
"Stone Cold, no, the evil doer is there," he said his hands shaking. "Anthony is there, please Jason, don't let them send me there."
Walking out, Jason looked at Jagger and handed him back his folders and said "I am done."
Looking at the blubbering idiot, Jagger said "Great, I thought we had a deal?"
"We do, I just want him too afraid to even think of coming back here." he said walking away.
Morgan saw Abbott coming out of his office and said "Yes, I read it. And no, I agree, Ric didn't commit suicide."
With a small grin he said, "We know, turns out Anthony Zachara killed him. The man he hired gave it up in exchange for a transfer to a different prison under another name."
"Why would he do that?"
"Anthony himself was killed last week. I have been looking for his son, but Johnny seems to be good at avoiding me." he said reluctantly.
Going outside, Jason tracked down the Italian and ordered him to meet him at the warehouses. When the younger man arrived, Jason told him to go and see Abbott. "If you want a clean slate, this would be the best start. And, if you need to talk..." Jason left it open, knowing he owed the kid but not sure how he could help him with his father's death.
!!*!!
Mac walked down to the docks, talking to the off duty Mountie who had found the Haunted Star. "So I am going to tear it apart, see what I can find before signing off on the papers for Bobbie Jones."
"Do you need any help?" asked the tall man next to him as they approached the rusting bucket of bolts.
"No, I knew Spencer pretty well, and have a few other people who are going to help me." he said then saw his sister in law and brother waiting. Once the man had left, Robert said "Why are we searching it first?"
"A few things. Robert, I know Luke was your friend, but frankly... we need answers." he said as they went room to room. Piling up anything suspicious in the game room, Mac got more than a few answers to some of his questions, but not to the one that sent him up here on this wild goose chase.
Finally, he found something. "Robert, you had better read this."
Finding the birth certificate, he said "That would be impossible, I was being held by Faison at that point."
"I know, my guess is that this Ethan was going to pull another con now that Luke is out of reach." he said sighing. Seeing Anna nudging Robert he said "What is it?"
"I had a call, he wanted a favor. Old friend to old friend. He wants to bury Lucky." admitted Robert only for Mac to start cursing. Making a quick call he let Abbott know then turned to his brother. "This is Luke, he is going to escape from custody once here. As for burying his son, yeah right. He will come to town, start a war then flee, leaving us to pick up the pieces."
"Mac, do you remember how you felt when Georgie was thought dead?" asked Anna.
"Yes I do and I also know Spencer, the man he is now not the man you knew. He is coming back for one reason only to cause problems." he snapped then lifted the last file and started swearing fluently. "At least he won't be able to get a hold of this."
Calling Monica's cell phone, Mac sent her a copy from the Kinko's down the street then called the Mounties. "Sink her."
Taking out the sack from his side pocket, Mac called the FBI and asked for Jagger Cates. "I found your missing stones."
"Good, now I just need to find that briefcase." he said. "I heard about Spencer, what the hell is your brother thinking?"
"He wasn't. Robert is out of touch when it comes to Luke. He still sees the man who helped save the world."
!!*!!
Johnny was stunned, he was finally free. "Why didn't someone let me know?"
"I tried, I am sorry for your loss." said Abbott then asked "The books, can you take a look?"
"I would be no help, I never had access to them. What about the estate?"
"I have no idea, it is a mess. You should talk to your attorney." he said. Johnny left and went to find a few minutes of peace and quiet.
"Hey, are you okay?" asked the soft female voice.
Turning to see Georgie, he said "I will be. My dad died. He pissed off someone and was killed. And here I am sitting thinking that I am free, and strangely enough happy."
"Well, the only time I met your father, it wasn't a pleasant experience." said the brunette as she sat down next to him.
"For me either." he said with a sideways' glance. "How are you doing?"
"Fine, trying to avoid Maxie, I keep snapping at her and yet I am not really angry with her, more like annoyed at the way she wants to act like nothing has changed. My father is driving me crazy, Mac is away and I am seriously thinking of calling Monica and asking if I can crash at the Q's, it might be quieter."
"She would say yes, she seems to like you." Everyone seemed to like the brunette.
Laughing quietly, she said "I was kidding, that place has never been quiet. You were seeing Lulu, you never saw that insanity that is that place?"
"Not really, compared to my dad's, it was quiet but I was only there a few times." he said. "I heard that Jerry is gone, it's why I let you be. But I miss talking to you."
With a grin she said "Same here. You know, I do owe you an apology, for the incident in the kitchen."
"None necessary. You were scared and your only knowledge of me involved my sister and Jerry. I do have to admit that you can handle yourself."
"WSB parent, police commissioner and a PI, they made sure we could handle ourselves." she said. "I still was shaking anyhow."
"You didn't act like it was a big deal." he said "And there is no way your sister would have remained that calm."
"Maxie could, she was given the same training, the same genes." Georgie was trying to be fair to her sister.
"Training and how you were raised has nothing to do with it. Lulu liked to talk tough, about being a Spencer and she was incapable of thinking before acting, same with your sister." He said recalling all the times that the blond had panicked.
Laughing she said "Lulu, was BEING a Spencer. They NEVER think before acting. As for Maxie, you aren't giving her enough credit."
"No, I saw your sister in action, she panics and relied on others to rescue her." Looking out at the water, Johnny said "What is next for you?"
"I don't know. My scholarship is still good, but I don't know that I still want the same things. I guess for now, college for the winter session and then figure out what comes next."
"What are you studying?" he asked.
"The law with a minor in education." she said then saw his looking at her in shock. "What?"
"I knew you were smart, but wow. Speaking of law though, I have to go talk to Diane Miller and figure out what happens to my family's estate."
"And I, have to decide if I want a job." she said. "Problem is I can't go back to waiting tables, and being an orderly doesn't pay much."
"You can come work for me. Repairing cars, I could get you a book and poof, instant mechanic." he teased. "I think you are more than smart enough."
Laughing out loud, she leaned in and whispered. "Want to know a secret... I hate to get dirt beneath my nails. So I think I will pass on that one."
Walking away, Johnny called out. "I could buy you a pair of gloves."
"Go to your meeting." she said laughing as she walked towards the Metrocourt where she was meeting with Tracy Quartermaine who had called and ordered her to have lunch with her.
!!*!!
Robin saw Elizabeth up ahead of them at the kid's clothing store talking to Cam who looked mulish. Walking up she heard them discussing turtlenecks and the little boy saying he didn't like 'em.
"So, this is where you are, avoiding me?" she asked only to be hugged.
Elizabeth said "No, I am sorry. I just have been so busy."
"I know. Same here, with Maxie since Georgie is avoiding her." she said with a heavy sigh. After hugging the boys, she asked "Are you here alone?"
Pointing out the two guards and Audrey, Elizabeth said "No, I just noticed that Cam hit a growth spurt and needed new clothes but he is being stubborn."
"Don't like them." said the little boy as he joined his grandmother and brother while still glaring at his mother.
"Wow, my future." said Robin. Hearing a sigh, they turned to see Maxie asking if this would fit Emma.
Looking at the frilly dress with the layers of crinoline and velvet, they stared at each other then Maxie before Robin said "Yes, but please, no."
"What, I think she would look beautiful." said Maxie who said hello then went back to the girls side of the store.
Robin said "My poor daughter. I know this isn't the best time, but I do want to tell you, I understand why you kept it quiet about Jake. What I don't get is why you never told me what Sam did to you and them?"
"Long story, but I felt like I would be tattling." she said shrugging. "Like I was reacting because of jealousy."
"Who cares, she endangered your children. You should have shouted it from the roof tops. I have a few words to say to Jason about it as well. She was a threat to more than just your kids, you know that don't you?" she asked staring at her friend.
"Sam only reacted..."
"Bull crap and you know it." said Robin then hugging her friend said "I had better go, the natives look restless."
"I don't know what got into Cam today..." said Elizabeth with a sigh as she turned around only to see that Robin must had been making an excuse to leave since Cam seemed fine.
"No, not that one." said Robin turning her head to where Maxie had her hands full of clothes and was beckoning Robin.
Laughing, Elizabeth finished picking up a few more outfits including the dreaded turtleneck for the boys. Then hugging them close, said "Have a good time with grams."
Taking out the letter to Santa from the boys that they had written with Monica, Elizabeth then went Christmas shopping. In the toy store, trying to decide which bear fit Jake's description, she heard someone say "That one."
Turning to look at Jason, she asked with a smile "What are you doing here? I thought I gave you half this list?"
"I am done." he said with a smirk. "Took care of it already, so I decided to help you."
"Good, here." she said handing over the bags. "Now are you sure?"
"Yes, there was one similar in Paris he wanted." said Jason who then saw her cross it off her list. "Does this mean we have time for lunch together?"
Looking at her watch, Elizabeth said "Yes, where to?"
Looking around, Jason saw a private spot then went to get them some food. When his hair fell into his eyes yet again, he sighed and said "I have to get this cut."
"Don't." she said quickly then blushing at his expression she said "I like how it kind of flows, but don't get it cut short, like you usually do. I kind of liked it the length it was when you were on trial."
As Elizabeth face flamed, Jason felt his own flush a bit then leaned over to say "Maybe I will wait until after Christmas."
"Okay." she said avoiding his eyes, she could see the heated warmth in them and felt answering response in her body. "So what now?"
"Diane sent me a location of a house. She said it was perfect. Five bedrooms, within a gated community."
"Then what are we waiting for?" asked Elizabeth tossing the remains of her salad while Jason saved their coffees. "I want to be in the house before the New Years. A fresh start, you know?"
Kissing her lightly, Jason said "Yes, I do."
!!*!!
Nik read the report, he was officially bankrupt and couldn't sell his home in Greece thanks to Sam showing up. Calling the Greek attorney he asked "Who notified you of this?"
Looking it up, the man said "An attorney named James Craig. I have the DNA sample he sent, it is the truth. I am sorry, Mr. Cassidine, but she does have claim on this part of the estate."
His hands were shaking as he looked around at the fake antiques, then thought about the fake bonds and couldn't help thinking that he should have stayed married to Lydia all those years ago. Now he had nothing. He had one remaining items he could sell, then thanks to Courtney and his son, he would have the best claim to the family estate in Greece.
Hanging up after reminding the man he was the male heir and that he had a son. He added that Sam was barren and unable to move. Calling his aunt, he snapped "Put Spoon Island on the market."
"Are you sure?" she asked soberly.
"Just do it, or do I have to go to another attorney?" he said.
"Consider it done." she said hanging up then turned to Johnny O'Brien. "Are you still looking to buy Wyndemere?"
"Yes we are." he said then made a call. "Tell him ten million."
"I will pass it on later this week." said Alexis leaving his hospital room and heading down to see the one person she didn't want to. But Sam had been begging for her to come and Alexis knew she had no one.
Entering she saw the woman in the bed that was tilted so she could see people. "How are you?"
"I want to sue Jason Morgan and Elizabeth Webber. Then I want you to make sure that Nik gives me my share of the Cassidine estate. And if you don't... you will never find out what happened to your real heir. Spinelli and I found the proof in the files your brother had. I can just as easily make it disappear."
Looking at the woman she had thought of as her daughter, Alexis gave a cold smile then said.....
TBC