A/N – Thanks for the comments! So glad you liked the action.

Chapter 13

"It's okay Chloe," Doreen said trying to calm her. She is whimpering and growling.

Jim followed Kyle to the back door which was wide open. "Peter," Kyle yelled.

"I'm right here. I think I dislocated my shoulder." There wasn't much room to dive and he had inadvertently landed against some bricks.

They watched as a helicopter dipped below the trees about a quarter of a mile away. "Shit," Kyle said as he called it in.

Jim prayed that Elizabeth and Jason would stay where they are. He really didn't want to have to explain everything to Kyle. Their lives are still in danger.

Jason called Johnny off, letting him know it isn't safe for them to come closer. He looked at the monitor and Doreen is holding up a message saying they left via helicopter and Jason gave Johnny the message.

"I see it. What do you want me to do?"

"I don't know what the cops will do, but if they find you in the area it won't be good. Go back. I'll be in touch."

Johnny didn't like it, but he obeyed.

Meanwhile, Jim and Kyle helped Peter sit up just as the cavalry got there. About six cop cars parked in front of the house along with an ambulance. The EMT's helped Peter get inside of it while the rest of the cops searched the woods.

Kyle went into the house with Jim. "You want to tell me what the hell is going on?"

Jim sighed. "Why are you here?"

"I saw their abandoned truck and figured they either went to your house or Mae's. She's on vacation so I came to yours first. When I saw a man with a gun, I tried to force my way in. Your turn…"

"He caught us getting out of the truck and said his had broken down. I told them the way to the center of town and they ended up pulling a gun on me and said they were staying with us."

"You got really lucky."

"Don't I know it." His eyes met with his wife's. "You okay?"

"I could use a hug."

He got up and embraced her and she whispered. "They know."

"I don't think you should stay here tonight," Kyle said.

"Aren't they gone?"

He left for a minute to check. "The woods are clear and we're trying to track the helicopter, but they could send someone here to finish you off."

"I'm not going to run like a coward. We are not his target."

"You're more than welcome to stay with us." His wife wouldn't mind. "Did he say who his target was?"

"No and thank you, but we're staying here. I'll lock us down and flip the alarm on. Chloe will let us know if anyone comes nearby."

"Suit yourself, but at least let me help you fix the door."

It took them an hour, but they fixed it so it was good enough to be secured.

"We'll patrol a few times just to make sure everything looks good," Kyle said.

"Thanks." They shook hands and the sheriff left.

Doreen threw down her dishtowel and rushed into his arms. "I was so scared and I wanted to strangle you."

"I'm sorry. I was scared too, but I didn't want him concentrating on you. I don't think we should go downstairs until the morning."

"We'll hold up a note."

He nodded and scrawled a message on a piece of paper. He had walked Chloe while the police were still here, so they are ready to go to bed.

Jason watched and read the note aloud, "Will see you in the morning. Everything is okay."

"They could have died and everything is okay?"

"I know. They don't realize who he was."

"Do you want to leave here?"

"Yes, but I would put some guards on them. I honestly don't think Gabriel will come back here. He's not stupid and he doesn't know that they have anything to do with us, but I'm not willing to take that chance."

"Then where do we go?"

He pulled out his phone and dialed.

"Who is this? Do you know what time it is?"

"It's me."

Edward's eyes grew big and he scrambled out of his chair in the sitting room and ran into the study. "Jason?" He had seen him on the news. "I know that you're in trouble. What can I do?"

"I need somewhere to hide out. We're about an hour away."

"I don't think that they'll look for you at one of my places and there is one that is not in my name. I used a fake one. I never trust the vultures in the press."

Jason shook his head. "Where?"

"Do you think you can get to Oswego?"

"Yes. It's about two and half hours away."

"Alright, there are plants on the side of the house, look for the forth pot from the right. There's a key box buried under it. You'll have to bring food."

"That's okay."

"The electric is on. I didn't have the heart to sell it. Lila loved going there."

"Thank you, Edward."

"Are you sure you're okay? I know we don't always get along, but I do worry."

"I'm safe. I promise I'll stop by after I get back."

"I would like that." Too much time had passed and he isn't getting any younger.

They said goodbye and Jason shared the news with Elizabeth.

"We'll have to lay low. There will be more people in the area."

He used google maps to see a picture of the house. There are big trees on either side, but he can see other houses.

"I can think of worst places to hide. At least we'll have a beautiful view."

"Hopefully, the neighbors won't be too nosey."

"Let's get some sleep. We need to get a car tomorrow and somehow get out of town undetected. Maybe Jim can smuggle us out and we'll meet Paulie and take whatever car he brings and then Jim can bring him home with him so he can guard them."

"Sounds good."

They went to bed, both wondering if it was the right move.

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The next morning, Jim and Doreen came to visit. They saw the bags and Jim sighed.

"You're leaving, aren't you?"

"The man that was here was the one that is after us."

Doreen gasped.

"I know. Why was he here?"

"Their car broke down."

"He was on the way to Canada," Jason said, running his hand through his hair.

"Do you think he'd come back here?"

"No, but I can't take that chance. I need to leave a guard with you. You can say that it's your cousin or something. I'd rather him be inside, since the cops are probably watching your house. He can get to know Chloe. His name is Paulie."

"Where are you going?"

"I can't tell you that, but I need you to take us a little way out of Buffalo so we can meet up with Paulie. He'll have a car for us and food and then you can bring him back with you. Take him into town and get a burger or something so the people you normally hang out with see you."

"I know this sounds crazy, but I'm gonna miss you," Jim said.

Jason slightly smiled. "We'll miss you too. I can't say thank you enough."

"You know you don't have to give us that vacation."

"A deal is a deal. You're going to get an epic one."

Doreen hugged him, taking him off guard. "You take care of her okay?"

"I will."

She hugged Liz. "Did I do good?"

Liz laughed. "Very good."

Doreen winked at her. "Alright, I'll go fix some breakfast before you go. I can't send you away on an empty stomach."

Chloe waited patiently for Jason to pet her and he leaned over and gave her head a nice rub.

"I think Chloe's going to miss you too," Jim said.

Jason smiled. "Paulie loves dogs. I'm sure she'll forget all about me."

"That dog's brain is like a steel trap," Jim said. Soon enough, Doreen called them and they went into the basement area and ate.

The mood is somber. Jim and Doreen are scared for them.

"You're going to come upstairs and go into the garage. We'll take Doreen's SUV and you can lay down on the seat so no one sees you."

"Sounds good."

"I have some food for you. I know Paulie is bringing some, but I want you to have something homemade. All of you have to do is heat it up."

Jason grabbed her hand and squeezed. "Thanks." She disappeared up the stairs and grabbed Elizabeth's new wig and then came back down and put it on her.

It was a higher quality one, so you couldn't tell. This one is shoulder length. Liz looked in the mirror. "It looks good."

Jim gave her a hug. "Take care of my boy for me."

"I will."

He gave Jason a quick hug as Doreen and Liz embraced. "Alright, let's get on the road."

They went upstairs and Jason gave Chloe some love before getting into the truck. He lay on his side and Liz got in front of him.

Jim kissed his wife goodbye and then made her go into the shelter until she had to leave for her appointment. He didn't want to leave her alone, but knew she'd be fine down there.

"Alright, I'll let you know when it's safe to sit up."

He turned on some music and about twenty minutes later he let them know they were out of town.

"We've got about fifteen minutes to go."

Liz and Jason held hands.

"You know our number by heart, right?" Jim asked.

"Yes," Jason replied.

"If you get in trouble, you let me know. I have trucker friends all over. They'll get you out."

"I'll keep that in mind."

They pulled up to the meeting place and Jim turned around. "Please be careful."

"We will."

"Call us soon as you can okay?"

"Okay."

Liz's eyes filled with tears. "Bye." She quickly followed Jason out the car and they slipped into the other one. Paulie stood by the door to talk to them.

"It's full and the groceries are in the trunk. There's a package on the floor from the boss."

"You got what I asked for?"

He patted his pocket. "Yes."

Jason wanted to give Jim and Doreen more money. "Thanks."

"Be safe."

He got into Jim's car and they exchanged pleasantries and Jim and Jason went their separate ways.

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Gabriel transferred some money he had in off shore accounts to a new one. Luckily, he was smart enough to keep the bulk of his fortune overseas. His U.S. accounts had already been frozen. There is no turning back now. He will probably be on the run forever. Most people would get out of the country and re-event themselves, but he is driven by his revenge. He just couldn't let it go and wanted every Jerome dead. With that thought, he started to develop of a plan. Locating Jason will probably be impossible, so he knows what he has to do to smoke him out.

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Jason pulled into the driveway of Edward's house. It has a beautiful view of the lake and he is thinking it is a shame to have to let it go to waste. They quickly popped the trunk and Jason dug up the key and went inside. It took a few trips, but they got everything in and then started putting it away.

"It's nice," she said as she walked around. It is small and cozy with two bedrooms and one bath.

He is a little surprised that it's smaller, but he likes it. No sooner had they settled down on the couch when they heard a knock.

Jason sighed and got up and opened the door. There is an older lady standing there looking surprised.

"Oh hello, I thought that maybe Edward was here."

"No, I'm his grandchild."

"How nice, I haven't seen him here since Lila passed away. I was hoping he tore himself away from the company and found some time to relax." Truth be told, she always had a little crush on him.

"No such luck."

She smiled. "I don't want to keep you. Enjoy your stay and if you see your grandfather, tell him Carole said hello."

"I will."

Jason locked the door. Hopefully, no one else would bother them. He grabbed the bag that Sonny had left them and opened it. There is a note. "Jason, I hope everything is okay. I put a few things in here to keep you busy. Julian is doing well and recovering. Hopefully, it won't be long before we can bring you home." He took out the travel books and put them down next to him. There are a couple of books for Elizabeth and some art magazines. He chuckles at the look on Elizabeth's face when she spots the chocolate.

"My dad must have told him that I'm an addict."

He watches her open the bag and rip one open, popping it into her mouth.

"Divine."

It hit him that there is so much about her that he doesn't know. "What else do you like?"

Her face softened. "I don't know…baths. I like watching the sunset, especially when there's some clouds in the sky."

She licked her lips and he smirked. "Are they good?"

She glanced at the chocolates and then back at him. "Very."

He leans forward and sucks on her lips and then kisses her sensuously. When he pulls back she bites her lip and the dreamy look in her eyes let him know that she is definitely aroused. "I think we need to test out the bed."

Her mouth slowly curved up. "I would be into that."

He grabbed her head and then plundered her mouth before picking her up and carrying her into the master bedroom where he stripped her naked and feasted on her body. Elizabeth was in heaven as he pleasured her over and over until they both lay sated and exhausted.

"You're going to be the end of me," she said as she struggled to catch her breath.

When her reply is met with silence, her eyes flutter open and she wonders what is going through his mind. Their eyes held for a long moment before Jason spoke.

"Maybe it's wrong, but I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop. Things don't usually work out for me."

She touched his face lovingly. "I'm not going anywhere Jason."

He kissed her passionately, pouring out his feelings as she melted beneath him. "I sure hope not."

She felt overwhelmed by how good he makes her feel and then her dad popped into her head. There is a chance that he won't be happy about the relationship. "So, you got along with my dad, right?"

"Yeah. I didn't interact with him a lot, but when I did we were fine. You think he'll be mad?"

"I don't know. It's my life, so he knows better than to tell me who to date."

Jason has a feeling that Elizabeth wears the pants in that relationship. "I don't talk to my family a lot. I didn't remember them after the accident and severed ties with them. I couldn't be what they wanted me to be. I don't hang out with them, but it's not as bad as it was."

"Do you want to be closer?"

He shrugged. "Honestly, I don't think about them a lot. It is what it is."

"I guess with me losing my mom and being the only child, I'm really close to my dad because he raised me. I can't imagine not remembering him. I think it would kill him."

"I know it hurt them, but at the time, I couldn't control my rage and when I could, they didn't like my lifestyle choice."

Liz lifted his hand that was entwined with hers and kissed it. "I'm sorry. You don't have to be alone, Jason. You've got me now."

He slightly smiled. "That sounds really nice."

They spent the rest of the day just lounging and reading and then they stood at the huge window at the front of the house and watched the sunlight disappear. For the next couple of days, they got to relax and just enjoy each other. It's too bad it didn't last long enough.