A/N – Thanks for the comments! Glad you're still liking this story. Lots of action to come!Guest – Sorry re: Sam. It just fit into the story. Maxie is a very soapy character!

I think I'm going to try and start posting on my lunch hour for the most part. So, will be posting a little earlier.

Chapter 14 – Road Trip

Carly had stepped out onto the balcony to get some air and Jason followed her to check on her.

"When you were gone, I did a lot of thinking about what kind of friend I was to you."

Jason frowned. "What do you mean?"

She turned around to face him. "I'm sorry I convinced you to marry Sam. I thought she made you happy but I think I was wrong. Maybe I was just being selfish because I wanted you to have a family of your own. You're so good with Michael and honestly, you seem the most happy when you're around him. I was thinking about what I wanted for you and not what you really needed."

Jason sighed. Carly could be a handful but she always had his back. The loyalty they had for each other was the cornerstone of their relationship. "I was happy to a degree with Sam. There was just something missing and now that I'm with Elizabeth, it's glaringly clear that while Sam and I fit on many levels, she really wasn't the one for me. I have a tendency to try to make everyone but myself happy so, you can't take all the blame. It's not like you forced me to propose to her." Jason said.

"I know but you probably wouldn't have made the move without my encouragement. Just don't do anything to screw this up with Liz. You have a good thing going with her."

Jason smiled. "I know."

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Sonny cleared his throat. "Is there anything that you want to ask me?"

Liz wasn't sure what to say. "Not really. I mean, I'm sure there isn't much you could tell me anyway."

Sonny smirked. "I'll let you know if you cross the line."

"Do you want Michael to follow in your footsteps?" She asked curiously.

Sonny was surprised by the question. "No. I—I would hope that he'll chose something less dangerous."

"So if not for a legacy, then why did you choose this life?"

Sonny shifted in his chair and wondered what her angle was. Elizabeth just wanted to understand the kind of man Sonny was and to get a feel for his moral compass since his actions dictated how the organization was run.

"I think in a way, this life chose me. I had a screwed up childhood and as a result, I had this need to be in control. Power is an intoxicating thing to possess. If I was in power, then I had control and no one would ever treat me like my step-father did again. I started out low in the ranks but I fought and clawed my way to the top. Maybe it's shallow, but I like having money and being able to take care of my family in a way that they deserve. I like being the boss. Jason is different from me. He doesn't care about power and position but his presence still commands both. He needed a purpose and I helped give him one and it was mutually beneficial."

"You didn't care that he was brain damaged and possibly making a mistake?" Liz asked hoping she wasn't pushing it too far. Seeing the look on Sonny's face she wondered if he was even going to answer.

After a long moment, he spoke. "The car accident—the anger and tantrums, the different way he processed life. Those were the cards Jason was dealt. He was struggling and lost. I felt bad for him but at the same time, I respected that he was trying to make his own way. He was a raw nerve, something that I understood. I knew that he could get into a lot of trouble if he didn't have something to focus on. He was trying to take control where there was none to be found. Jason was a train wreck of emotions and raw anger. I think he'd be in prison right now if I hadn't of stepped in. I really did want to help him. Maybe he reminded me of myself in a way. I know we're very different but I understood the anger and loss. We've become very good friends. I trust him with my life and hope that he feels the same way because I'd do just about anything for Jason."

Liz nodded. "It's a lot to take in. It's like a whole new world that's hard for me to digest."

"It's a business and sometimes there is violence because people want in. It's not all the time but we never let our guards down. I'm not going to lie, it can get dangerous. There are times where I have to send my family away to make sure that they are safe. Carly knows the deal. She goes without question."

"So she doesn't get a say?" Liz asked.

"Oh, she always has something to say." Sonny says flashing her dimples. "But she knows if I tell her that she's going to island that it's because her life is in danger."

Liz took a sip of her wine.

"This life is not cut out for everyone. Carly has learned how to roll with it because she loves me and wants to be with me. I can see that you and Jason are close. You're not the type of woman who is intoxicated by the lifestyle and that's good and bad. Good because Jason doesn't need someone that doesn't have his best interests at heart, but bad because you haven't been exposed to it and your reactions could get you hurt."

Liz nodded. "I understand. Maybe I'll have to take a Carly 101 course to get myself acclimated because I can assure you that I'm not running away from Jason. If I have to learn how to be a good mob girlfriend then so be it. But, my opinion matters and I'm not going to be blindly submissive. It's not who I am."

Sonny smiled. "Good because I don't think that is even remotely what Jason wants. He had that and it didn't work out for him. I like you Elizabeth. I think you will have Jason's back and call him on his shit. He needs that."

"The man turns me to mush and he knows it." She said smirking. "But I do want what is best for him. He's worth it."

Sonny liked her. He could tell that she'd be tough when she needed to be but her lightness was probably what really attracted Jason. He just hoped that their world didn't dim that for her.

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Maxie banged on Spinelli's door until he opened it.

"Greetings Maxinista. How can I be of service?" He said grinning. Maxie was his biggest crush ever. She was more like a siren than goddess but he didn't care as long as he got to be near her.

Brushing past him, she threw her purse down on the couch and plopped onto it. "I need your help."

Spinelli loved it when she needed him. He sat down next to her and gave her his undivided attention.

"I need to bug EJ Bank's office and maybe put a GPS on him."

Spinelli frowned. "I've already researched him and came up with nothing."

"But you didn't have me. I'm going to follow him tomorrow." Maxie explained.

"A stake out of sorts?" Spinelli asked smiling. "Count me in."

"No Spinelli, I can't endanger your life. You are too important to me."

Spinelli's eyes got all glassy.

"I need to get some information because I think that he is using Sam and I don't want her to get hurt." She said lying through her teeth.

"The Goddess is still reeling from Stone Cold's rejection."

Maxie nodded. "She is hurting Spinelli and I don't want to see her hurt again." She said sadly.

"Fear not, I will help you on your quest." Spinelli said fervently.

"This has to stay a secret Spinelli. No one can know."

"Understood."

Maxie smiled. It was like taking candy from a baby.

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Jason looked over at Elizabeth as they were driving back to the penthouse. "What's wrong? You were pretty quiet all night. Did Sonny say something?"

"We talked and I guess I was just mulling it over."

"About?"

"The organization. How Sonny and you crossed paths and danger and stuff." Liz said.

Jason was surprised. "That must have been some conversation."

"It was."

"And?" Jason asked.

Liz sighed. "I have a lot to learn."

He reached over and took her hand. "If I had any doubts that you couldn't handle this life, I'd say so."

"I just don't want it to change me or the "you" I got to know."

Jason sighed. "I can't guarantee that Elizabeth. Clearly I wasn't Jake."

Liz bit her lip.

Jason didn't say anything. He hated her silence. He hated that he knew he would change. It's how he managed to exist under all the pressure. You have to turn your emotions off or at least that is how he handled the enormity of it all. Right now, he was scared that Elizabeth wouldn't be able to accept that.

They went upstairs and got changed. Jason sat on the bed and watched her take off her makeup in the bathroom.

When she was finished, she sat down next to him and held his hand. "I'm not giving up."

"Thank you." He said.

The phone rang and it was Max.

"What's wrong?"

"You need to get down to warehouse fifty-two now."

"I'll be right there." Jason said. Turning to Elizabeth he kissed her softly. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay." She said. "Be careful."

He nodded and went downstairs to get his gun.

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Jason walked up to the group of men that were standing along the side of the building.

He looked at the device that had been placed on top of the air condition unit.

"There's enough there to take out two buildings." Jason said.

"Whoever is doing this is getting bolder." Johnny said.

"I think they wanted us to find it." Francis said. "They are playing with us."

Sonny rubbed the back of his neck. "We need to find out who is doing this and what they are up to before it's too late."

They started working on a plan to try to track down the source.

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The next few days were really busy. Jason and Johnny were questioning a lot of people; trying to scare up some clues. There were two other lame attempts on halting shipments which were clearly sent as a warning.

Elizabeth put in her application at General Hospital and interviewed with Alan who hired her.

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Sam looked down at her phone and sighed. EJ was calling. She had been avoiding him since they had sex the other night. It was clear that he wanted something more than she was ready to give, but she couldn't keep putting him off forever.

"Hello." She said.

"There you are. I was starting to get worried."

"I'm fine. I just needed some space." She said standing up and walking over to her window.

"Samantha, I don't want things to be awkward now. You know I care for you but I do understand that you are still reeling from your breakup. I have no intention of being the rebound so right now, let me at least be your friend."

She sighed and sat down. She did miss talking to him. "I'm just tired." She said wiping away a tear.

"I know he hurt you badly. It makes me want to ring his neck."

She chuckled. "You have no idea about the things I've been dreaming of doing to him."

EJ smiled. "You know if you need me to, I have resources."

Sam didn't say anything for a long moment. "I don't know EJ."

"I don't have to make him disappear, but I can make him hurt." He said.

"It's tempting but bottom line is that Elizabeth is the real problem here. I know Jason would take me back if she weren't around." Sam said. "We were happy together."

"Well, I don't usually go after women, but I'm sure between the two of us, we could do something reprehensible to make her go away."

Sam grinned. "As giddy as that sounds, if Jason ever found out, he'd kill the both of us."

"Then I guess we'd have to be careful."

Sam thought about how Elizabeth poached her man and it pissed her off to no end. "Let's get together tonight to discuss it. I'll order in."

"Sounds good. I'll be there at 5:30."

"See you then." She said. Elizabeth Webber needed to disappear and Sam had no problem fighting dirty to get what she wanted.

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Elizabeth packed a light bag and brought it downstairs. To her surprise, Jason was sitting at his desk.

"We leave in an hour." She said walking over to him and wrapping her arms around him.

"I'll be ready." He said. "I'm just trying to finish this up so I don't have to worry about anything."

He was actually looking forward to getting away for a few days.

Liz kissed him on the cheek and went over to the couch and grabbed a book. About a half hour later, Jason jumped up and ran upstairs and packed.

They rushed to the airport and boarded the jet. At least it wasn't a long flight.

Once they were settled in, Jason sighed and tried to let the stress go. "So, you start on Monday?" He asked before taking her hand.

"Yup. I can't wait."

"I'm sure you've been bored." He said.

"A little bit."

"I'm sorry. It's been a busy week. It's getting a little dangerous and we're trying to get a jump on whoever is messing with us." Jason explained.

"I understand." Elizabeth said. She had two guards instead of one when she went out and she was sure there were more lurking around.

"I'm really looking forward to this weekend though."

She smiled. "Me too. I've missed you."

Jason had been working long hours.

He leaned over and kissed her. "I've missed you too."

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They landed and got their things and went to Elizabeth's apartment so she could sign some paperwork.

"Wow." She said looking at the stacked boxes.

"You'll have everything by tomorrow night." He said.

"Thank you for handling that." She said smiling.

"No problem."

The landlord knocked on the door and had her sign the papers. Once he was gone she took one more look around.

"Are you sad?"

"A little bit. We had some pretty good memories here."

Jason smiled. "I think they were more than just pretty good."

She chuckled. "You're insatiable."

"Definitely when it comes to you."

He kissed her passionately.

"I definitely missed that." She said.

"We have to go or I'd take you up against the wall." He said before sucking on her lip.

Liz's body shudder. "Maybe later?"

He answered her with a hot kiss before they took off.

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Liz looked out the window as they drove to the garage. "Jason is someone following us?"

He smiled, glad that she noticed. "Yes, there are two guards watching out for us."

She looked over at him. "Were they on the plane?"

"No, they came up the day before to make sure everything was okay."

She nodded and wondered how long it would be before she was used to the routine.

"We're here." He said pulling into the parking lot.

Frank looked up and smiled.

They got out and he gave Liz a big hug and patted Jason on the back.

"It's good to see you."

"Nice to be back." Jason said. "How are things going?"

"It took a little bit of a dive after you left. It kind of gave me a complex."

Jason chuckled. "Sorry."

"It's not your fault you were born with that face." He said.

Carolyn walked towards them. "How is my favorite couple?"

"Great." Liz said giving her a hug.

"Glad to hear that." She said before hugging Jason.

"I'll be sad to see you go." Frank said. "But, I know you need to get back to your life. Honestly, I knew it was coming."

"I have something for the both of you." Jason said handing Frank an envelope.

"Jason, you didn't have to."

"It's my way of apologizing for leaving you in a lurch."