A/N – Thanks for the comments! * Guest – Emily is not acting superior at all. You're missing my point. The flash of anger re: the Jason part of it was more that Liz saw how all the cheating hurt people first hand and she did it anyway, not that he is her brother and it's not like Liz told Lucky the truth about it either. Emily ending it with Zander doesn't matter. She still loved him. The one thing I hate about soaps is the hopping around. Zander was with Emily then eventually Liz, then back to Emily, then back to Liz. Yuck. And Liz/ Zander friendship didn't happen until after the first breakup. This fic is obviously AH, so I didn't go by the book on the past, but re: being hypocritical, just because you do something bad in the past doesn't mean you don't get to react to someone doing that in the present. Liz is going to call people out which is the whole point of this fic., but regarding Lucky, Emily and Liz's actions came from the same place. She gets it and wants to make amends. Really read what I wrote because all the irony and remorse is there. They both were living in the past regarding Lucky. How do you separate that and be mad at one, but not the other? Unless you just give Liz a free pass… We'll agree to disagree.

Chapter 9

Jason rubbed his hands over his face. He had cricks and aches in places he wasn't aware that could hurt. It was a rough night because he couldn't turn his brain off and sleep refused to come. Elizabeth wasn't far from his mind as well as Cameron.

Dante stopped in front of the cell and pushed a bag through an opening. "Here. It's a breakfast sandwich from Kelly's."

"Thanks!" He is surprised by the hospitality.

"For what it's worth, I think you're being set up."

"Why?"

"It's too clean. I did some testing at the scene for tape residue where your prints were found."

Jason's brow rose. "Thanks."

"I'll let Diane have the report when it's done."

"Why?"

"Maybe the way Elizabeth looked when she was here just haunted me. Cameron doesn't deserve what happened. If getting you out of here means that you can get her son back, then I'm on your side in this one." Dante by no means agreed with Jason's lifestyle or choices, but this wasn't about Jason.

"Thank you for putting him first."

Dante nodded and left, leaving Jason with his incessant thoughts and for the first time since he had been arrested, he had a little hope that just maybe he'd get out of there in time.

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Sonny's eyes tracked Johnny as he plopped into a chair. He looked tired and his suit was slightly wrinkled. "You look like shit."

"I was up all night. I only got a couple of hours," he said before throwing a manila envelope on the table.

Sonny grabbed it and started perusing the information.

"Luke came home and promptly disappeared. It's safe to say that he came back to rescue his son. Maxie and Lucky were holed up in a cheap motel."

Sonny rubbed his jaw. He hoped that Luke won't expect any preferential treatment. There will be no stopping Jason anyway. "And there is no sign of them?"

"No. He's off the grid, but I don't think he'll be there for long."

"Everyone needs to be on this."

"I agree. Stan has Spinelli working on it too. I'm going to see Jason."

"I'm sure it was a long night." Sonny was having a hard time accepting that Elizabeth's problems had spilled over in their life, especially since now they were on the Russian's radar and that was not going to end well. While he sympathizes with her predicament, he still has a business to run.

"We'll get him out," Johnny said as he walked to the door. They just had to.

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Elizabeth stared at the rose garden through the window. Taking Jason away from her was the last straw and she isn't going to take it lying down. She was a fighter when she came to this town and dammit, she is not going to let all the assholes in town ruin her. All morning she had been going over options and had finally made a decision regarding her next step.

"Elizabeth."

At the sound of his voice, fury bubbled up inside her as she slowly spun on her heel. "What the hell are you doing here, Ric?"

Her anger was palpable and he hesitated due to the look in her eyes. Usually, she remained neutral.

"Let me help you."

She smirked. "That's rich coming from you. Let's see, you helped yourself to Faith and I ended up having a miscarriage. You helped yourself to my birth control pills and almost killed me. I'd bring up Carly, but she's on my shit list right now and then, you helped yourself to Sam while your wife—her mother was suffering from cancer. I think you have helped quite enough."

He swallowed deeply as Edward listened from the hallway, mentally taking notes and wondering why Ric is still standing if he had done all of that. "I thought you forgave me."

She snorted. "You just dig a bigger hole with every breath you take. I will never forget what you put me through. I suppose Jason's arrest is what brought you here? Did you think you could waltz back into my life and be the big hero?"

"He's bad for you and dangerous. Why can't you see that?"

"And you're good?"

"What is wrong with you?"

She strode towards him. "My child has been taken and Lucky has screwed me over for the last time and then you of all people show up."

"I'll help you get Cam back."

"And just what will that cost me—my body or maybe soul? You're so damn predictable. You're like a buzzard waiting to pick over what's left of my life. It makes me wonder what sick scenario is running through that dense head of yours. Does it go something like this? Let me go see how weak, poor and downtrodden Elizabeth is so that I swoop in an be her hero. Am I warm?"

He held up his hands as he made a face. "Clearly, you are hormonal."

Edward heard the smack reverberate in the air and then rushed into the room. "Now you leave here this instant. I will not have you come in here and upset her like this."

Ric rubbed his jaw. "You really shouldn't have done that."

Liz stepped around Edward and poked Ric in the chest. "This is your only warning. If you do anything to prevent me from getting my son back, including putting Jason in jail, I will make you suffer and personally wipe that smug look off your face. I'm done letting people walk all over me and think they know what is best. Done! You had two chances with me and you failed to put me first. There is no third chance. Walk away Ric, and don't look back because I am not Sonny and I know a lot of people that would help me bury you."

Alice grinned. "Lizzie is back," she muttered before striding into the room. "You heard the lady. Get out."

Ric is pissed. Elizabeth had gotten herself knocked up by a fucking mobster and then had the nerve to throw shade at him. He glared at her for a few seconds before rushing towards the front door.

Edward lightly touched Liz's arm. "Will you please sit down? I'll have Alice bring you some water."

She sat on the couch as angry tears clouded her eyes. "I'm such a fool for giving him a second chance. I don't know why I settle for men like him."

"Elizabeth, maybe you don't think you deserve better."

She closed her eyes. "Well I do now."

Edward grinned. "That's the spirit."

She blew out a breath. "I'm going to go lay down."

He watched her leave and then made a few phones calls to try to get something on Ric. He didn't trust the man to back down. It clearly wasn't in his nature.

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Jason listened to Johnny's update and was in an even worse mood by the end of it. "Keep Ric away from her!"

"Edward isn't going to let him back in. Alice didn't realize her mistake until too late."

"She's holding up though?"

"Yes. It's rough and she's not sleeping, but your family will make sure that she takes care of herself.

It was pretty ironic that after all these years of avoiding his family, he was actually happy that they were embracing Elizabeth. While he understood they had known her for a long time, it had been a while since she had graced their home. Elizabeth was busy being a mom and Emily was well entrenched in Nikolas's life.

"What's the plan?"

"We're checking out several leads. They look promising."

"The longer they have him, the more traumatized he's going to be."

"I know. I'm doing everything I can."

Jason closed his eyes. "Thank you." He just couldn't fail Elizabeth. It would kill him.

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Elizabeth took a deep breath and made a phone call. She had to call in a favor at the hospital to even get the number. "This is Elizabeth Webber."

"Interesting…go on."

"I need your help."

"I heard about your son. Sorry."

"That's why I'm calling. Jason is in jail and he has some people looking, but they haven't found him yet."

"And you want my help?"

Liz chewed on her lip. "Yes. I know you protected your brother and you probably understand the predicament I'm in."

"I'm not known for my compassion, but I'm at least willing to hear you out." With Liz's connection to Jason, it might be a good alliance.

"Can you meet me at Kelly's in an hour?"

"Yes."

"Wear a disguise so my guards don't realize who you are."

"Fine."

The call ended and Liz rubbed her stomach and hoped that wasn't a mistake.

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Luke and Lucky strode into the PCPD to the amazement of everyone there.

"My office, now!" Mac bellowed.

Lucky winked at Ronnie and followed his boss.

"Have a seat."

He waited until they were settled. "Lucky, you are in some serious trouble."

"Why?"

Mac shot him a look. "You know what down with Cameron. Why did you leave town?"

"I just needed some time to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I didn't have a television and when I went to the store earlier, I heard about the amber alert. Have you found him?"

"No. Unfortunately, he's still missing."

"Elizabeth must be upset."

"She said she found you on the floor stoned out of your mind."

Lucky made a face. "That's a lie. I have been trying to stay clean."

"Well according to some of your fellow officers, you had been losing that battle."

Lucky rolled his eyes. "Am I under arrest?"

"I should arrest you for child endangerment."

"The charges were dropped against Elizabeth and you have no proof that the drugs were mine. Did you test Elizabeth for drugs?"

Mac wanted to strangle him. "Yes, but you are the one with a history."

"That's all circumstantial. With everything going on, it's obvious someone planted that in the apartment."

"We are testing the bag for prints." Hopefully, something would come back, but unfortunately, it was compromised at the hospital with so many people touching it.

Lucky sighed. "Are you charging me or not?"

Mac's hands were tied because he needed to make sure he could make the charges stick. "Not at the moment, but you are a person of interest so don't leave town."

"I won't. I'm not fired, right?"

"No, but considering the criminal investigation and your possible involvement, you're on leave. There will probably be a drug test if they determine you're allowed to come back." Unfortunately, he had no proof that Lucky had been strung out or that he had something to do with Cam's abduction, but he definitely is going to make sure he knows where the man is at all times and leave no stone unturned.

"And I'll pass it."

"Well you have had several days to detox."

Lucky smirked and left the room, wishing he could sneak to the cell where Jason is being held and taunt him, but right now, he needs to speak to his wife.

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The smell of beer and something she couldn't identify filled her nostrils as Liz entered Jake's. It is probably years of build up and grime, but she still loved the place.

"Over here."

She quickly got seated and then asked for an ice tea when queried by the waitress.

"So, what exactly is it that you want me to do?"

Claudia Zacchara is a very interesting and intense woman. Everyone says she is crazy, but Elizabeth thinks she is just cunning. Here she sits wearing a blonde wig, glasses, and Liz swore she saw jeans and tennis shoes, nothing the woman would normally be caught dead in.

"I hate to admit it, but I've been a total wus for years. I've let Lucky and Ric beat me down and I just took it. I'm done being a doormat. Jason likes saving me, but he's not available right now. I'm pregnant and I need to be careful about my stress levels, but I also have to learn to protect myself just in case."

Claudia's brow went up. "Go on."

"I was wondering if you could not only give me some bitch lessons, but take me to a shooting range and that's not all."

Claudia couldn't help it and smiled. Elizabeth was letting her bad girl out and she was thinking that should start with a better wardrobe. She'd work on it. "I'm still with you."

"Jason is being framed. We believe Luke, Lucky, and Maxie are behind it and the original reason Cam was taken still stands. I was wondering if you could use your connections to help me."

"I can ask around. There are people who owe me favors. Tell me, what do I get out of this?"

Liz leaned forward. "Well, you seem to like challenges and I'm sure Jason will be very grateful for your help."

Claudia studied Liz for a moment and then held out her hand. "Done. We'll figure out a way to get you to the range. Is it safe?"

"Yes. I asked my doctor and I think I already have an idea of how to get away, I just have to convince her to help me—without mentioning your name of course."

Liz took a sip of her drink.

"So, is the baby Jason's or Lucky's?"

"I don't know."

"Scandalous…"

Liz chuckled. "Yeah, that's me."

"I think under that good girl persona is a pretty decent bad girl. You just hide her away, but it's time to let her out."

"Lizzie is ready, willing, and able."

Claudia stood. "I have to go." She threw some cash on the table and Elizabeth followed her outside and ran smack into Lucky."

"Elizabeth."

She pushed him away. "You're back."

"Of course I am. I need to find my son who you lost."

Liz growled. "You bastard! God, I wasted so many years on your sorry ass, protecting you—drinking poison. I'm such an idiot. You are the single worst thing that has ever happened to me."

"Actually, that would go to Jason, especially if he ends up being your bastard's father."

Her hand lashed out and knocked his head back. "Next time it will be a punch. I will see you six feet under before you get near Cameron again."

His eyes smoldered as he relished her feistiness."I am the only father he has known. Besides, I'm not the one who had him taken away. You really think that the courts will side with some slut who is knocked up with a mobster's child?"

Max grabbed Elizabeth and pulled her backwards while Claudia slipped away.

"Mark my words, if you do wrong by my son I will make sure you suffer. Because of your drug habit, he was been taken and could be hurt. I should have walked away from you months ago. That is on me, but there is no way in hell that you'll get your hands on him again."

"You think I'm scared of you?"

She conjured up her best bitch face. "If you're not, you're even more stupid than I thought. Consider yourself warned. Walk away or face the consequences."

"I can't believe he has turned you into a thug already. I'm an officer of the law and you just threatened to kill me. Maybe I should have you arrested."

"You can't prove it."

Luke started to talk and Liz cut him off.

"You freaking raped your wife and have to be the shittiest father on the face of this earth, so I don't want to hear another word from you."

Luke held up his hands and smirked. He liked Lizzie. They could go on some awesome adventures with her new attitude.

"Consider our permanent lock broken—asshole."

Lucky's jaw clenched. "I would never touch you again knowing that he did."

Her eyes gleamed wickedly. "And oh, does he touch me. You don't hold a candle to Jason in bed. He's bigger, better, and I scream his name multiple times every night. Funny, I don't remember ever screaming your name in passion. Maybe you could get one of those penis pumps and some Viagra." She eyed him with disgust. "Eh, that probably wouldn't help either."

Max grinned and then followed her as she strode towards the car while Luke laughed.

"What's so funny?" Lucky barked.

"I think you're in big trouble. I haven't seen her this mad in years. I suggest you lay low."

"I'm not letting that bitch ruin our plans."

"That bitch has a lot of friends who would be willing to give you some cement shoes. Lay low until the trial. I wouldn't put it past Morgan to try and kidnap you, so I hired some bozos of my own. Let's go." Thank God the Russians were bankrolling this. With Jason out of the way, Carpov has his eyes on the prize. After stealing his latest diamond stash, they had enough to travel and live on for a few years. Life is good.

A/N – Lucky can't be in jail or punished yet. I need him and Luke to hang themselves and think they are untouchable. Yeah, I could have had him arrested for Children endangerment, but there is no prove he was even at the apt., except for Liz's word. Even showing he picked up Cam is circumstantial because he could have dropped him off. It's basically his word against hers and if the charges didn't stick against her they wouldn't against him because there is no proof he is doing drugs, but have no fear, you know the end game.