A/N – Thanks for the comments! Glad you still cheering Liason on.

Chapter 20

Doreen moved closer to the bed. "That was a good thing you just did. I can tell that he loves you Jason."

"Old habits are hard to break, but I'm trying."

"That's all anyone can ever ask. They are trying too. Just keep in mind that they aren't perfect and will probably do something to piss you off, in the near future, because they are family. It's what they do."

"I know."

"When Jim gets back, we're going to head back to the penthouse so you can get some rest. Maybe I'll kick his ass in some pool."

Jason smiled. "My money is on you."

"As it should be, we'll have to play another round when you're feeling better and hopefully this time, Liz won't resort to cheating."

Elizabeth gasped.

"Don't even try to deny it. I've got your number." She hugged Liz. "We'll come see you before we leave in the morning."

"Okay."

After she left, Jason patted the bed next to him and she climbed up and laid next to him. "So, are you going to stay with your dad?"

"Probably, but if you need someone to take care of you, I'll come back to the penthouse with you."

Julian walked inside. "I guess Jason could stay with us for a few days. I have a cook and a maid."

Liz's eyebrow shot up. "Who are you and what have you done with my father?"

"I'm trying to hold out an olive branch. My offer stands."

"Let's see what Patrick says. If he needs extra care, then I will accept it." She doesn't think Jason will want to stay with her dad, so she is giving him an out."

Patrick walked in. "I got your test results. Do you want them in private or is it okay?"

"It's fine."

"Well, your swelling has gone down a little. You don't have an infection, and I think you're healing nicely. Are you dizzy when you get out of bed?"

"I feel a little off, but it usually goes away."

"And the headaches?"

"I'm still having them, but they aren't as strong."

"Jason, I really need you to be honest with me. I know you want to get out of here, but if you are experiencing any severe pain, you need to say so. You have numerous cuts in addition to everything else. Pain management is important for your healing."

"No. You know I have a high tolerance for pain."

Jason is a tough patient. "Alright, I'll let you go home tomorrow, but no stairs for a couple of days and I need you to drink a lot of water, eat, and take short walks so your equilibrium can right itself. No washing your hair for two days. There are some dry shampoo products you can buy at the store. I want to keep the area around your bump dry. If you can sit down while you shower, that would probably be best."

"Okay."

"I'll give you a prescription for pain meds. Take them if you are in a lot of pain. That is important and don't jostle your body too much."

"Can I breathe?"

Patrick smirked. "Only as needed."

"Thanks."

"I'll take care of him, Patrick."

Patrick stepped behind Julian and mouthed, "No sex." And then he held up two fingers.

"Weeks?"

Patrick shook his head no as Liz blushed. They only had to be good for two days.

Julian figured out what Patrick was doing and glared.

"Alright, I'm done here."

"There is one room downstairs. I will have Millie set it up for you."

"Thanks, daddy."

Julian left and later, the Thompson's brought some food into the room and they ate together. Jason couldn't wait to get out of there.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

The next morning, Jim and Doreen came to the hospital and said goodbye. There were a few tears shed and it wasn't from Jim and Jason.

"Are you going to cry too?" Jason asked.

Jim smirked. "Only if you do."

"It would ruin my street cred."

"Yeah, mine too."

Jason smiled. "You guys know you are welcome any time."

"We appreciate it and would love to have you visit and actually stay in a regular room."

Liz wiped a tear away. "I can't wait."

Jim hugged her. "Don't cry."

Doreen gave Jason a hug. "Take care of my girl."

"I will."

They left and Jason raised his bed just as Epiphany entered.

"Alright, I've got your discharge paperwork. I'm going to help you into the bathroom. You can take a sit-down shower and then we'll get you dressed."

Jason swung his legs around and Epiphany took out this I.V. and assisted him. He took a nice hot shower and then got up and put some clothes on. His body might be bruised and sore, but it felt so good to be moving around. When he opened the door, a guard had joined Julian and Elizabeth. Epiphany rolled up a chair and Jason sat and they made their way to the car.

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Julian showed Jason to his bed. "It's small, but it will do."

"It's fine. I don't need much."

He sat on the bed and Liz fussed around him until he was situated and comfortable.

"I'll go get you some water," she said before leaving.

"Thank you for keeping her safe."

"I'm glad that I could."

"Just be good to her Jason or I'll have to hire someone to kick your ass."

Jason smiled.

"It's either that or hire Brenda to torture you."

"That was just low, Julian."

Liz laughed as she walked into the room. "I was going by Brenda while we were on the run."

"Good one. I'm sure Jason really appreciated that."

"She's just a regular comedian. Did you know that she is a card shark?'

Julian looked over at his daughter. "Oh really?"

"Just something I picked up from your guards."

Julian shook his head. "You just can't get good help anymore. Was it Carlos?"

"Sorry daddy, I'll never tell."

His phone rang and he left them alone.

"You look like you're cold," Liz said.

"Really?"

"Yup. I think you need some body heat."

Jason fought a smile. "I see. I don't remember Patrick prescribing that."

"It was in the fine print," she said crawling onto the bed and snuggling against his side.

"Amazing, I feel better already."

"I told you."

Julian stepped into the room. "I'm going to the office. Milo is here for his shift and Millie is around here somewhere."

"Dad?"

"Yeah."

"You can admit that you're going to see Carly. Wasn't she released today?"

Julian smiled. "I am going to do that on the way home."

"Uh huh."

She closed her eyes and Jason did the same.

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Liz slipped out of bed and went into the kitchen. She caught a glimpse of Milo in the backyard and opened the door.

He smiled. "How's the boss?"

"I'm fine."

Milo laughed.

"He's sleeping. I wasn't that tired."

"It must feel good to be back though."

"It does. I was wondering, do you know anyone that has an affinity for art? I'm looking for an assistant."

"Um, Georgie Jones does, but she's Maxie sister."

"Oh."

"The funeral is in two days. She had been out of town visiting a friend, but she goes to college here."

Liz's head tilted. "You seem to know a lot about her. Are you friends?"

Milo blushed. "Not really."

"But you'd like to be? Why don't you talk to her?"

"Her dad is the police commissioner. That conversation would probably end in hand cuffs and jail time."

Liz laughed. "Well, maybe after she has a chance to mourn, she'd be willing to consider it."

"I know she hates waitressing at Kelly's and she's really a nice person."

"Okay, I want to go to the funeral. Maybe you could go with me and point her out."

"I'll get all the details for you."

"Thanks, Milo." She went back inside and made some phone calls to various galleries to get an update and that ate up the next few hours.

Jason had gotten up and sat on the couch as he listened to her. She was so focused on the call and her computer that she hadn't realized that he was there. When she finally came up for air, she glanced up and smiled. "Hey, you should have said something."

"I didn't want to interrupt."

There is a knock on the door and Johnny walks in.

"What's up fugitives?"

"That's former fugitives to you," Liz said.

"I figured he must be driving you crazy by now."

Jason shot him a look.

"I just wanted to let you know that things are quiet and you should take some time to heal."

Johnny handed him a bag. "I picked up a new travel book and retrieved a few things from the penthouse. There's a motorcycle magazine in there too."

"You ride?" Liz asked.

"Jason is addicted to speed."

Jason smirked. "I'll have to take you for a ride sometimes."

"I would really like that," Liz said eagerly.

"You go back to the hospital in two days, right?" Johnny asked.

"Yeah. Patrick wants to check me out. He left me a message."

"Maxie's funeral is on that day. Milo is going to get me the details. I want to pay my respects."

Johnny and Jason's gazes held for a moment.

"Elizabeth, I don't know if that is a good idea."

"I can handle whatever they throw at me."

"I can't attend because of Mac." There is no way he is going to push Mac's buttons. He is harassed enough.

"Milo can take me."

Johnny sighed. "I'll go too."

"I don't want to put you out. You have things to do. Milo and I can handle it."

"I didn't tell you, but Milo will be your permanent guard if that's okay," Jason said.

"We get along well, so that's fine. I don't think my father will fight you on that." As long as she is protected, Julian is good. She just didn't expect it to be someone from Jason's organization.

"Did you have a guard when you were in Europe?" Johnny asked.

"I had them, but I never saw them. They were very discreet and nobody has come after me before."

"If there's nothing going on, then discreet is fine, but if we get wind of any trouble, Milo will stick by you closer," Jason explained.

"I understand as long as you agree to have a guard too."

Jason made a face.

"I'm sorry, but that is a deal breaker." She folded her arms in front of her chest.

Johnny grinned.

"Fine, I can't stop you from going. If it gets too rough, just leave. I don't want you taking a lot of crap from people."

Her phone rang, so she stepped aside to take it as Johnny stared at his boss.

"When are you going to get your hair fixed and shave that face? You look like one of those kids from Children of the Corn and it's freaking me out."

Jason laughed. "Just for that, I might keep it."

"I shiver every time I look at you. I keep waiting for your eyes to glow or something."

Liz walked towards them. "Why are you messing with him?"

"Cause he looks scary with that hair. He's either going to be possessed by Satan or start saying dude. Either option gives me nightmares."

Liz grinned as Jason purposely fixed his eyes on Johnny like something had taken him over.

"Stop it. I'm going to have to sleep with the light on tonight. Anyway, I have to go."

"Bye Johnny," Liz said.

After he was gone, Liz sat on Jason's lap.

"Do I give you nightmares?"

"Trust me, there is only one reason I'd be screaming your name."

He kissed her fiercely as she melted against him.

"Yum. Do you want to change the color back?" she asked as she swiped her fingers through his hair.

"Yes."

"Okay, what time is your appointment with Patrick?"

"It's at 2:00."

"Alright, I'll make a hair appointment at 4:00. Just tell me where. It will be cheating on Doreen, but I don't think she'll be too upset."

"You can cheat on your hair dresser?"

"Yes. They have feelings too."

Jason sighed.

"There is so much I need to teach you."

He kissed her again.

"What were we talking about?" she asked.

"Go out on a date with me on Saturday?"

"I would love to. Do you think you'll be up for it?"

"I hope so. I'll go crazy if not," he said as he smoothed her hair.

"Why don't we wait to see what Patrick says?"

"That's fine."

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Julian knocked on Carly's door. It took her a minute, but she got up and answered it.

"They are beautiful," she said admiring the flowers in his hand.

"I'm glad you like them. May I come in?"

"Of course."

He placed the vase down on her coffee table.

"This is very unexpected."

"I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

She sat down. "I'm sore, but I'll live."

Julian heard a squeal come from upstairs.

"Little man is awake. Mercedes will bring him downstairs. Do you want to meet him?"

"I would love too."

"He's four and very rambunctious."

"I think all little boys are at that age. There's a lot to explore."

"True. How's your house guest."

"I left him in good hands. He's tired."

Michael ran down the stairs ahead of his nanny.

"Go slower," she called out.

He ran around the couch and skidded to a stop.

"Hi," Julian said.

Michael smiled. "Hi." He crawled up next to his mom, making sure that he was gentle.

"Are you taking care of your mom?"

He nodded.

"That's very good. I'm Julian."

"Tell him your name."

"Michael."

"That's a great name."

Mercedes rounded the couch. "It's time for your snack."

Michael gave his mom a kiss and followed Mercedes into the kitchen.

"He's cute."

"I think so."

"Faith and I wanted to have a lot of kids, unfortunately, that dream ended way too soon."

"I'm sorry you lost her. Elizabeth was her gift to you."

Julian slightly smiled. "I have always thought of her that way."

Carly yawned.

"You should be resting. Lay down. I'll stay until you fall asleep."

"You are a very good surprise," she said as she got comfortable. He threw a blanket over her.

"Will you mind if I come by tomorrow?"

"No. You can eat with us if you want."

"Sounds good."

Her eyes closed and he watched her until her breathing evened out and then he left.