Author's Note: As always, my sincere thanks to everybody who have read, saved in favorites, set to alert or commented on 'Till You Make It'. I really do appreciate it.
First let me apologize for any mistakes I may have made or if this chapter is not the best. I hadn't been feeling very well and I fear it may reflect in how this was written. I am feeling much better now so hopefully the next one will be better and longer.
Happy Reading and I hope you enjoy!
Valerie
Chapter 11: Special Delivery
It seemed as though once one thing was taken care of something else would come up. It was getting tiresome and all Jason wanted was some peace and quiet. He was getting tired; not just his body but his mind as well. Sonny called him last night and informed him about the threat Anthony made against Brenda and her son and that he was ready to take the man out. Right about now he was in full agreement but according to Brenda last night's incident had been witnessed by Dante and if they were to do anything then suspicion would fall on them and that was the last thing they needed. The detective was already watching their every move so Jason is forced to wait till the time was right before he could move in and illuminated their threat. Johnny was another reason why he was waiting.
Sonny wants both Zacchara's to be taken care of and Jason did not agree. Without his father's influence and interference he believed Johnny would not be a threat to them. Sure the man was looking for revenge for Claudia but when it came right down to it he has seen that the man was willing to put all that behind for the greater good. No, Jason did not see the younger Zacchara as a threat but trying to convince Sonny of that was not going to be an easy task. At this morning's meeting he tried to use the fact that Elizabeth has been seen with Johnny to motivate Jason to see things his way. He didn't have to ask his friend how he knew about that; obviously Carly had told him, but he didn't appreciate Sonny trying to play that card.
"By your reaction I'm going to say you were aware of it."
"I've seen them." He told Sonny who was sitting behind his desk looking up at him.
"And it doesn't bother you?"
"What Elizabeth does is her business."
"Still, I'm sure you feel a little anger towards her after she pushed you out of her and your son's life because of the danger; the same danger that comes with Johnny." Jason didn't say anything.
"A decision we both made Sonny."
"One that I still don't agree with but I won't say anything more on it because I know you don't like talking about it. But let me say this, I think you should talk her out of dating him." Jason had already planned on talking to Elizabeth about the possibility of something going on between her and Johnny but not for the same reason Sonny was thinking; more for concern about their safety. Of course he didn't tell him this. Instead they discussed a few warehouse matters.
On the way back to his place he considered stopping by and paying Johnny a little visit of his own but a phone call from one of his guards had him dropping that thought quickly and continue the path he was on. A package had just arrived for Jason and though it was already scanned, it still looked suspicious to the man. When he arrived the guard handed him a medium sized box. Looking down at it gave Jason a very bad feeling. He waited until he was inside his Penthouse before he began opening it. What he found inside stopped him cold. Nestled between folded black tissue papers were two dolls. One was completely dressed in black; from the jeans, shirt and leather jacket to the long hair. The other had brown hair and wore a pair of pink scrubs. He immediately recognized who they were supposed to be. A small white card was sticking out between the two.
Are you sure you're with the right woman?
There was no signature on the card but Jason didn't need one. He knew who it was from. Franco. The man was back and this time he was drawing somebody else in his sick twisted game. Somebody that had him getting on his phone and making a phone call.
"Yeah."
"I need you back in Port Charles now." Jason told the man who answered the phone. "This has nothing to do with the business. It's personal."
"I'll be there first thing in the morning."
After hanging up he then called Sam and asked her to stop by. Jason didn't have to explain anything else to her. She heard the seriousness in his voice and said she was on her way. Next he called Spinelli and asked him to find anything he can on what Franco's been up to and his whereabouts. He told him that everything else was to be put on hold; this took precedents. While he waited for Sam to arrive he thought about how Franco knew anything about Elizabeth and the relationship they once shared. He feared what else the man may have learned; like the fact that Jake was really his son. Jason wanted to rush over to Elizabeth's house and send her and the boys away to a safe house where he wouldn't be able to find them but he knew she wouldn't go for that which was why he made that first phone call. Whether she liked it or not he was putting a guard he trusted on her and the boys.
"Hey. What's going on?" Sam walked through the door and asked. Instead of answering he handed her the box. While she read the note Jason worried about what her reaction would be.
"I take it these are supposed to be me and Elizabeth." It wasn't a question but Jason nodded anyways. Sam was still staring at the note. "Franco sent this, didn't he?"
"That's what I'm thinking."
"How does he even know about her?" She finally looked up at him.
"I don't know."
"Have you two been spending time together that I don't know about?" Jason sighed; seeing where this was going.
"The only time he could have seen us talking was when I ran into her and Kristina and that night at Jake's."
"You didn't tell me you talked to her that night." Jason nodded. "Did you two talk long?"
"No." Sam slowly placed the box back on the desk. "What did you guys talk about? Wait; forget I asked."
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine but it looks like Elizabeth is the one you need to worry about now."
"I was waiting till you got here before heading over to her place."
"Then I guess we better get going so you can inform her of what's going on."
The drive was filled with silence. Arriving at Elizabeth's Jason saw two cars parked in front of her house. One was unfamiliar but the other he recognized immediately. It looked like Johnny was here and he wasn't happy about that. When their knock was answered by the man he saw at the hospital yesterday he tensed. Who was he? What was he doing here? Glancing over he saw Elizabeth standing in front of her couch; on one side stood Kristina and on the other was Johnny Zacchara.
Despite the late night she had, Elizabeth woke up early when her boys charged into her room claiming they were hungry and demanding that she make them breakfast. It was only going on eight and she felt she could use a few more hours of sleep but Cameron and Jake were pushing her to get up. She decided to treat them all to pancakes because despite her sleepy state she was in a good mood. Last night's date with Johnny was amazing. The restaurant he took her too was unlike anything she had ever seen before. It was the most romantic place she had ever been in and wouldn't mind going back again. Of course it helped having a sexy man sitting across from her. He had some amazing looking eyes and when he unleashed them on her Elizabeth felt her insides melt. The kisses they shared left Elizabeth wanting more but they agreed to take things slow. The last thing she wanted to do was jump into things which is why she was okay with keeping it a secret for now. Should things end up not working out before they went public then they could end things quietly and privately.
After breakfast had been made and served; dishes washed and put away, Elizabeth helped Cameron and Jake get dressed for the day before situating them in their room with a movie while she showered and got ready herself. Seeing the hamper was filled she carried them down to the kitchen and put a load in. When the boys saw what she was doing they groaned in disappointment. They knew when it was laundry day then they wouldn't be going to the park or anywhere else. She promised that later she would join them outback for a game of baseball. It seemed to appease them. Kristina had called and informed her that she would be stopping by to pick up her stuff and talk. Elizabeth didn't even have to ask what she wanted to talk to her about; she had a pretty good idea. She and Johnny decided to let Kristina, Ethan and Ray know about them – nobody else, so she knew that would make the girl very happy.
She was coming down the stairs after folding away the first load of laundry when a box on the table by the door caught her attention. Elizabeth couldn't remember seeing it there before. Picking it up she saw the label with her name and address on top but no return addressee; not even a logo or name indicating where it came from. She knew she hadn't ordered anything. What could it be? On the couch where she now sat, she cautiously opened it up and frowned on what she found inside. Lying there between folded black tissue papers was a doll; a male ken doll. It made no sense why anybody would send her something like that. But when she lifted it out, she immediately began noticing details such as the blonde hair, the blue eyes, the jean clad legs, the leather jacket and the small gun that looked to be glued to the right of the hand. Immediately she dropped it back inside. Who would send her a doll made up to look like Jason? A white card sticking out from beneath it might answer that question. But all that was written were two lines.
Feelings never go away.
Are you sure yours has?
Elizabeth was thankful the boys were upstairs occupied in their room. She did not want them to see her shaking like this. Obviously this had to come from one of Jason's enemies; but who and more importantly - why? Sam was the women in his life, the one he loved. So why was she receiving this gift? Throwing the card back inside, she closed the box up and laid it on the coffee table where she stared at it and wondered what she should do? The right thing was taking it to Jason and letting him deal with it but she didn't want to do that; didn't want him becoming concern and putting one of his guards on her. Not when she was starting a new relationship with a man he was at odds with. Telling Johnny was the next thing she should do but he already had so much on his plate with his father and protecting Kristina; she didn't need to add this to his list. The sound of her door opening frightened her and she jumped up from the couch startled.
"Whoa, it's just me." Kristina assured her as she closed the door and looked at her with concern. "Are you okay?"
"Do you know anything about where this package came from?" She pointed towards the box.
"I found it on your doorstep yesterday when I got here after work. I brought it in and laid it on this table." She tapped the object. "Why?" Instead of answering she picked it up and handed her the box.
"Look for yourself." When Kristina saw what was inside she gave Elizabeth a startled look then rushed back to open the front door where she motioned Ray to come in. The girl moved so fast that she didn't have a chance to stop her. It looked like Johnny would learn of this after all.
"What's wrong?" He asked immediately seeing the looks on their faces. Kristina passed the box off to him.
"This was left for Elizabeth." After seeing what was inside he started asking her questions.
"When did you receive it?"
"Apparently yesterday, according to Kristina."
"And you just opened it today?"
"I didn't notice it till earlier."
"And I forget to tell her about it." Kristina added in.
"Do you know who it's from?"
"No."
"Any ideas on who may have sent it?"
"None what so ever."
"Does the doll have any significance?"
"It looks like Jason." Elizabeth and Kristina answered at the same time. Ray nodded his head once then got on the phone and called Johnny.
"Mr. Zacchara you need to get over here to Elizabeth's...she received a package from an unknown source...yes sir." He hung up then announced he was going to walk the property. When he was gone Kristina grabbed her hand and led her back to the couch.
"Are you planning on telling Jason?"
"Should I?" She asked. "Because honestly I really don't want to."
"I think you should. Obviously it's from somebody he knows."
"Since your sister is dating him, maybe you can tell me if you know of anybody who would send this?"
"There is this crazy guy that is like obsessed with Jason." Kristina shuddered. "He's gone after Sam, Carly and even Maxie numerous of times."
"Who is he?"
"His name is Franco." The name sounded familiar to her.
"Where have I heard that name before?"
"He's the guys who kidnapped that newborn baby at the hospital." Elizabeth's eyes widened in fear as she remembered this particular incident. The day it happened she was off from work and home with the boys. The next day she heard all about it from co-workers and recalled Lucky, Jason and Dante working together to find this baby boy and bring him back to the parents who were beside themselves with worry. She was there comforting them; trying to keep their spirits up when Lucky walked in with their son.
"What does he want with me?"
"I don't know. What I do know is that he is obsessed with death, Jason and everything that has to do with both. What I don't know is why."
Ray returned back to stay with them. Whether he found anything he did not say. He just stood by the door statuesque like. Elizabeth excused herself to check up on the boys where she found they had fallen asleep on Cameron's bed. She was thankful the two were both napping. Walking over to them she cleared the toys that were surrounding them and quietly put them away before closing the curtains and exiting out of the room. Back downstairs she sat on the couch with Kristina, ignoring the box.
"Why didn't you tell me about Ethan leaving town." She asked the girl to help keep her mind busy.
"I didn't want you to ruin your night being concerned for me. Besides he promised he would be back in a week."
"That's good." Elizabeth really hoped the man kept his promise.
"We kissed again." Kristina told her; a smile lighting up her face.
"Oh, do tell." Elizabeth shifted her body to face her.
"We were discussing the first one and I thought he was about to tell me he regretted it but he didn't and this time it was him who kissed me and it was..." She paused to sigh and had this dreamy look on her face that made Elizabeth smile. "It was amazing and unlike any kisses I'd ever shared before." Kristina looked at her. "Ethan actually admitted that he felt something for me. Do you know how long I've waited for that?" She grabbed hold of her hands and gave them a squeeze; conveying the happiness she felt for the girl.
"What's wrong?" She asked when she saw a worried expression flash across her face.
"What if he takes this time to talk himself into believing he doesn't feel something for me after all?" Elizabeth believed that was a possibility but she wasn't about to tell her that.
"I don't think that will happen; he's already admitted he feels something but if by chance it does then know I will be here for you okay."
"Thanks." The sound of a car pulling up to the house alerted the three that Johnny had arrived. Elizabeth and Kristina stood up as Ray opened the door to let Johnny in who immediately rushed in and over to pull them both in his arms.
Johnny knew his father was avoiding him. He woke up to find that he was already gone and when he called he didn't answer; hasn't been answering any of his phone calls since. The guard he had tailing his father lost sight of him when he gave the man the slip. He rushed to get ready and immediately set out to find Anthony intent on discussing last night's events. Should his father pull another one like that he wouldn't be surprised if he found his father floating in the water near the docks. Only he had a feeling it wouldn't stop there – no – he would more than likely be floating alongside him.
He needed to figure out what his father was up so that he could come up with a plan to take him down and send him back to prison. What he did with the Zacchara organization after that was still indecisive. Walking completely away from the mob was not realistic unless he planned on disappearing completely; either leaving his name and past behind or six feet under and both did not sound very appealing. Whether he liked it or not this was his life and he would never be able to be completely out. Locating his father was not an easy task. Johnny had been everywhere he could think of and nothing. He was beyond frustrated and not in the right frame of mind when he ran into Olivia on the docks. As soon as he saw her face and the expression on it he knew what she was going to ask before she even opened her mouth.
"What's going on between you and Elizabeth Webber?" And as always, she did not disappoint.
"Why it's good seeing you too Olivia."
"Cut the crap John and tell me what you are up to?"
"Why do you assume I'm up to something?"
"Experience. So why don't you stop stalling and answer the question."
"Now is not a good time but hey let's do this again sometime soon." He tried to brush her off and walk away but she grabbed a hold of his arm stopping him.
"Make time."
"It's really none of your business."
"She is Steven's sister so I am making it my business."
"Elizabeth is a very attractive woman and we had a few drinks. End of story." Again Johnny tried to leave but Olivia stepped in front of him.
"Stay away from her John." This made him laugh.
"Really Olivia?"
"She is a sweet single mother of two young boys who doesn't need your lifestyle touching hers." Johnny remembered all the heated kisses they shared last night and thought that 'sweet' was not a word he would use to describe Nurse Webber. "Do you really even know her?" He asked Olivia with a smirk. She narrowed her eyes at him.
"I may not know her as well as I'd like to but I do know you."
"And I'm damaged goods to be with someone like her. Is that what you're saying?"
"Of course not." She was quick to answer. "I just know how consumed you are with this vendetta you have against Sonny and not to mention your father is out and about doing God knows what. Do you really think Elizabeth should be subjected to all of that?" Olivia was right; Elizabeth shouldn't be tainted by his life. The fact that she was choosing to see if there was anything between them was still surprising.
"We shared a few drinks and had a few laughs. Nothing else happened." Johnny lied. "But if by chance we were to run into each other again and something did happen then it would be none of your business. The days of you telling me what to do are in the past so stay out of it."
"I'm not trying to butt in your life John..."
"Really because that's what it sounds like to me."
"I'm concerned for her."
"Do you really think I would hurt her?"
"Not intentionally – but that's what will happen." Olivia seemed to hesitate. "Does this have anything to do with Jason Morgan?" Her question surprised him. What did she know about Jason and Elizabeth? Did Steven say something to her or Elizabeth herself? "Carly mentioned it while she was arguing with her that night at Jake's." She explained.
"And you think I would start something up with her just to spite Jason. Do you really think so little of me?" Olivia tried to protest but he cut her off. "I already told you it was nothing and I won't say anything more on the subject."
"Don't do it John. There are plenty of other women you can have. Pursue any of them but stay away from Elizabeth Webber." Johnny knew nothing he said would stop her from backing off. She was like a pit-bull. His phone rang before he could say anything. He saw it was Ray; immediately he answered.
"What's up?"
"Mr. Zacchara you need to get over here to Elizabeth's." There was seriousness in his voice Johnny did not like.
"What's wrong?"
"She received a package from an unknown source." That was all he needed to hear.
"I'm on my way."
"Yes sir."
"I have somewhere I need to be." He told Olivia.
"But we're not through..." Johnny ignored his ex and walked away.
On the drive over he wondered if his father somehow found out about their date last night. He took every precautions to ensure that wouldn't happen but the old man was good at discovering secrets. That thought had him pushing down on the gas pedal because not only did he worry for Elizabeth but he also worried for Kristina, who was there with her. Johnny really wished Ethan hadn't left. When he arrived Ray was the one to open the door. Before anybody could say anything he rushed up to Elizabeth and Kristina who were both standing in front of the couch and pulled both of them in his arms. "Are you guys okay?"
"We're fine." Elizabeth assured him.
"It's not me you should be worried about." Kristina answered after pulling away and looking at the other woman still in his arms. There was concern in her eyes. Johnny held Elizabeth a little tighter before letting go and spotting the half closed box sitting on the coffee table.
"Is this it?" At their nods he picked it up and looked inside. After seeing the doll he knew this did not come from his father but he felt no relief by that fact; if anything, he was even more worried than he was before. "Well we know whose enemy this came from." He said as he pulled out the card and read it. The words left an unsettling feeling in his stomach.
"Have you contacted Jason yet?"
"Elizabeth doesn't want to." Kristina answered at the same time as Elizabeth shook her head.
Johnny walked back up to her and placed a light kiss on her lips. "He has to be notified."
"Why?"
"Because he may know who this person is."
"Can't you just put a guard on me?" She asked him. "Once this person sees they can't get to me then they will move on." Elizabeth was grasping at straws and he had a feeling it had to do with trying to avoid Jason.
"He needs to know." Deep down she had to know this was what needed to be done.
"I don't understand why I'm receiving this; I haven't been a part of his life for three years now."
"It really doesn't make sense." He agreed.
"Actually I may have a theory." Ray spoke up. All three of them looked at the guard. "Someone may have been following him the day he showed up at the café." Understanding dawned on all their faces.
"They saw the two of you talking." Johnny added.
"Not to mention the umm...moment." Kristina looked like she hated admitting that.
"There's nothing going on." Elizabeth assured her.
"I know that." Kristina gave her a small smile. "But there's no denying that there was something there between you and if I saw it then surely this person did too."
"Trust me, all there was between us was awkwardness. I was nervous about how you would react to discovering our past."
"Something you didn't have to worry about since I already knew but getting back on the subject; you really need to tell Jason. If it is who I think it is then you don't want to mess around."
"You have an idea of who may have sent this?" Johnny asked Kristina who nodded.
"I'm thinking Franco." Johnny didn't have to ask who that was; he knew exactly who the man was and it made him fear for Elizabeth and her boy's safety. They needed a guard immediately but before he could pull out his phone to make a call there was a knock on Elizabeth's door. When Ray opened it Johnny saw he wasn't the only one surprised by the two people standing on the other side.
Any other time Kristina wouldn't have felt uncomfortable being in the same room with those standing around her but knowing what she now knew changed that and she wished more than anything that she was anywhere else but here. But that wasn't going to happen because there was no way she was going anywhere. When Ray opened the door she was surprised to see Jason and her sister standing there looking just as surprised. In a matter of seconds the tension in the room shot right up and Kristina worried about what was going to happen. The first thing that concerned her was Ray's presence. Jason was bound to question who he was and once he discovered that he was her guard he would no doubt stop that immediately and go to her father about this. That was the last thing she wanted; especially since she hadn't even told him about her new job and her new place. Kristina planned on stopping by to see him and tell him about them today once she had her own car back.
"Jason." She could hear the surprise in Elizabeth's voice. "What are you guys doing here?"
"We need to talk to you alone." Kristina watched as Jason narrowed his eyes when he saw Elizabeth swerve her head to look up at Johnny who leaned down and whispered something in her ear.
"Actually before we do that I need to show you something." Elizabeth picked up the package that lay on the coffee table and handed it to Jason. Kristina wanted to not think about the doll that was inside or what was written on the card but it was impossible not to. When Kristina first saw it two different emotions coursed through her body; concern for her friend and worry for her sister. Somehow she knew that the package was from Franco and after reading the card she feared that this would draw Jason and Elizabeth closer impacting his relationship with her sister.
"When did you get this?" Jason's voice broke Kristina out of her thoughts.
"I got it yesterday..."
"Why did you wait so long to open it?" He didn't give Elizabeth a chance to finish what she was saying.
"That would be my fault." Kristina jumped in. "I found it on her doorstep yesterday after work and brought it in but forgot to tell her about it."
"And I just noticed it earlier." Elizabeth finished.
"You two didn't look surprise to see what was inside." Johnny stated. "Why is that?"
"This doesn't concern you. I think you should leave now."
"This is my home Jason." Elizabeth reminded him. "Johnny is here because I called him after receiving this package."
"Why didn't you call Jason?" Her sister asked.
"Because I didn't want to. If I had it my way then you wouldn't even know of this but Johnny and Kristina were trying to convince me otherwise and now that Jason knows then we don't need to discuss this any further."
"The man that sent you this; his name is Franco and he is very dangerous." Jason told Elizabeth. "He likes to get in peoples head and play games for his own sick amusement."
"What is it he sent you?" Johnny questioned Jason.
"He sent me the same thing."
"He sent you a doll looking like you?" The tone in Johnny's voice sounded like he didn't believe Jason.
"It's really none of your business."
"But it is my business since it involves me so answer the question." Elizabeth stated firmly.
"It was two dolls." Kristina looked just as confused by that as Elizabeth did.
"Let me guess; one is supposed to be Sam and the other Elizabeth. Am I right?" Johnny asked. Jason just nodded once. "And what did your card read?" Kristina wasn't sure she really wanted to know.
"Are you sure you're with the right woman?" Sam supplied the answer when Jason didn't.
"It sounds like this guy is just trying to create personal problems for us all." Elizabeth said.
"He can try all he wants; he's not going to succeed." Her sister stated firmly.
"I agree." Elizabeth seconded. "Maybe once he realizes that then hopefully he will leave me alone."
"But in the meantime you will need a guard on you." Johnny told her.
"I know. I don't like it but I will agree to it because of my boys."
"Good." Johnny seemed relieved to hear this. "Then..."
"That won't be necessary." Jason stepped in. "I've already made plans to put one on Elizabeth." Johnny didn't seem surprised by this.
"Fine."
"Actually I have a problem with that." Elizabeth said before turning to Kristina. "No disrespect towards your father..." She turned back to face Jason. "...but I don't exactly trust Sonny to have my best interest and would prefer one of Johnny's."
"My father would never hurt you." Kristina argued for her father.
"I know not intentionally but when it comes right down to it I believe I won't be top priority and I don't think I should be with a guard I wouldn't trust."
"How could you even think that?" Sam asked. "He's your friend Elizabeth."
"Correction; we used to be friends but now we are just friendly acquaintances and then there's Carly who has most of his guards wrapped around her finger and should she try anything once she hears about this then I have no doubt she will get in my face and the guard will let her."
"Is that what you really think?" Kristina tried to keep the hurt out of her voice.
"I'm sorry Kristina but it is." She didn't know what to say to that.
"You don't have to worry about Sonny because the guard I'm putting on you is one of mine."
"Who?" Sam asked with a baffled look on her face. Kristina wasn't even aware Jason had his own guards separate from her father.
"Cody. You remember him?" He asked Elizabeth who nodded. "I've called him back to Port Charles. He will be arriving in the morning."
"I trust him and he answers to me; not Sonny." Elizabeth seemed to be thinking about it. After a minute she nodded.
"Okay."
"What about the boys?" Kristina asked, concerned for their safety.
"They will either be with me or in daycare at the hospital. The only time they won't be is when they are with their...father." Elizabeth stumbled over the last word which confused Kristina. She didn't understand why everybody seemed to be avoiding looking at each other or why Johnny was staring at Jason with a look of disappointment.
"I just wrapped up a case so I am free to help guard them." Sam offered.
"No." Elizabeth was quick to say. Again Kristina was confused. Why was she saying no?
"It's no trouble at..." Sam tried again but was cut off.
"I said no..." Elizabeth was stern in her answer but then she softened her face. "But thank you for offering." She could see how upset this made her sister. Kristina felt like she was missing something.
"I think now that everybody is informed we are through here." Johnny said. "I will stay here tonight and guard her until your guy shows up. That is if it's okay with Elizabeth?"
"It's fine with me."
"Okay." Johnny walked over to pick up the box and handed it over to Jason. "I know you and I don't exactly get along here but please remember this is about helping Elizabeth out so we need to push those feelings aside for her."
"You really want to help then keep your father in line." With that said he said goodbye to Elizabeth and walked out the door. Sam followed behind and Kristina joined her so she could say goodbye.
"I think it would be a good idea if you were to avoid spending so much time with Elizabeth. Things are going to be too dangerous and I don't want anything happening to you."
"I appreciate the concern Sam but I'm fine."
"You need to take this serious Krissy. Franco is a very dangerous man and I don't want you to get caught up in his games."
"I'm not making light of this. I understand how dangerous it is but that doesn't mean I'm going to desert Elizabeth. She is my friend."
"I understand that but..."
"I love you Sam. Really I do, but you're not going to change my mind. Spending time with Elizabeth is no different than when I'm with you or my father; if anything I'm in more danger when I'm around you all."
"Fine."
"Good, I'm glad you see it my way." The two sisters laughed.
"Is there something I should know here?" Kristina unexpectedly asked Sam.
"Like what?"
"Like what that was between you and Elizabeth."
"It was nothing."
"Why didn't she want you to help guard her boy's?"
"Probably just fear. Jason and the guards is one thing but me, well that's a different story and I'm sure she just wants to ensure their safety." She was lying. Kristina could see it and it did nothing but re-spark that curiosity she had when she first met Elizabeth; the one she thought was gone. "Looks like Jason's ready to go. Are you heading home soon?"
"I am. I just need to do pack up a few things."
"Okay, well be careful." Sam leaned in to hug her.
"I will." Kristina returned the hug then watched as Jason and her sister drove away.
"Well that went better than I expected." She announced to the other three when she walked back inside the house.
"Yeah it did." Elizabeth agreed.
"Are you sure you're okay by Jason putting this guard on you because if it's not then I can put one of my men." Johnny asked Elizabeth.
"No, it's fine. I know who Cody is and I'm okay with it."
"You hesitated." Kristina heard that too.
"I'm just worried."
"It's going to be okay" Kristina assured her.
"I hope so."
There were so many questions Kristina wanted to ask Elizabeth but she knew she wouldn't get any answers and getting them from Johnny may no longer be an option because of his new relationship with Elizabeth. It looked like she may have to do some digging around of her own and see if she can discover what it was they were all hiding from her. Maybe once she knew then she could help mend whatever was broken between her and her father and maybe even get her to be friends with Sam. It would save them from having any more awkward moments like the one they just had but for now she had to concentrate on the things that needed to be handled immediately and that was packing up her room and telling her father about the new changes in her life.
The large room was dark; the only light came from the area where Franco stood staring down at all the papers he had on Elizabeth Webber. He always thought he knew everything about Jason Morgan; but now he saw how wrong he was. It looked like Sam McCall wasn't the only one he could have used to make the man squirm. This made him giddy with delight. The more he read about this other woman the more he saw how far back their relationship went. She was the complete opposite of Sam and he wondered what Jason's draw was to the woman. When he discovered that Elizabeth was an artist too he broke out in laughter; something that went on for quite some time after learning she was the ex wife to Detective Spencer. "Having an affair with a cop's wife – very ballsy." Turning around he faced the board that was behind him and looked at the three pictures taped to the top.
"Ah, how much fun am I going to have with you three?" Walking up closer he lifted his hand and pressed his fingers on the last picture; the one he took the day he first saw her. "I'm going to get inside your heads." He wondered what Jason and Elizabeth thought of the gifts he sent them and what Sam's reaction was. "Don't you worry Sam, I haven't forgotten about you." He told the woman in the other picture. "Your gift is coming soon but for now you will have to wait. You see I want you to stand back and watch as the love of your life gives his full attention to another woman." His eyes averted to the picture in the middle where a pair of blue eyes stared back at him. "And what about you Jason? What will you do after spending so much time with your ex? Are you completely in love with Sam or are there still some lingering feelings there for Elizabeth?" Only time will tell.
Author's Note: I struggled for the longest time on what gift I was going to have Franco send to Jason and Elizabeth. At first I was going to do something like flowers but then I remembered he sends roses to Maxie so I vetoed that right away. Then I remembered that damn stuffed monkey he talks to and thought of dolls. The more I visualized it the more I liked it but I worried you all wouldn't; then I stopped fretting over it and just went for it. So I hope the dolls weren't too silly.
Thank you for reading. Chapter 12 will be added soon. Comments, criticisms and suggestions are always welcomed.