A/N: Wow, you guys! I've been so inspired by the incredible reception the last chapter received. I was honestly so worried about it, because that reveal was kind of a big one. I wasn't sure how the way I handled it would be received. So I am SO glad that everyone loved it and had such amazing things to say about it. THANK YOU.

Okay, so in this chapter, we're going to see how the revelation affected Jason and how he sees things. And then Jace and everyone will finally learn who the hit and run driver is. So grab an umbrella, because shit's about to hit the fan. And fair warning, to those who know and love me, there will absolutely be a cliff hanger! :p

P.S. Happy birthday, Barbara! Here's the chapter, as promised. :D

Happy reading and please keep reviewing! It keeps me inspired :)

Jen

buttercup0303

Chapter 17

Jace woke up with the phone still pressed to his ear, but the battery had died at some point in the night. Annoyed with himself for not charging it, he plugged in his phone. What if Sam had needed him? He decided to work off some of his frustration by heading to the PT room.

The entire hour he was working out, his thoughts were full of Sam and their discussion from the night before. He wished more than anything he could take that pain away from her.

Unable to get her off his mind, Jace pushed away from the bars and made his way back to the room. He wanted to call and check on her.

"Looking good, Mr. Smith!" Epiphany called out encouragingly as Jace shuffled past the nursing station with his walker.

He grinned at her.

"Must be the awesome nursing staff taking such good care of me." He called back, making her grunt in acknowledgment, though she couldn't quite hide the smile of pleasure at his words. She was a tough nut to crack, but she was a helluva nurse and Jace was determined to make her like him.

"Epiphany's right. You look great, Jace."

Jace looked up to see Carly leaning against the nurses' station watching him with a big grin. He started to smile in greeting but it faded as his conversation with Sam and all he'd learned the night before came flooding back.

"Carly." He said curtly, unable keep the bite from his voice. Carly's brow furrowed as she studied him.

"Is something wrong?"

"Yeah. You're marrying the freak that made Sam think he raped her. What the hell's wrong with you?"

Carly paled and stared at him. She looked around surreptitiously to see if anyone had heard before hurrying over him and leaning close.

"Please, Jace. Not here."

He stared at her, a feeling of shame crawling over him. He hadn't meant to attack her like that. In fact, just the night before he had decided he wouldn't judge her. But that had been before his conversation with Sam. Hearing the pain she still felt had left him with so much anger and frustration pent up. He hadn't meant to relieve any of it on Carly.

"Yeah, sure. Let's go to my room." He replied quietly.

The doors to the elevator opened behind them and Sam and Spinelli came walking out. As her phone beeped, Sam glanced down and saw that it was her mother.

"Can you wait for me here a minute? I need to take this call."

Spinelli nodded and Sam walked a few feet away from him. Spinelli bounced on his feet and decided to people watch while Sam was occupied. His eyes were traveling the halls when they landed on...

"The Valkyrie!" He said gleefully as he spotted Carly talking to a stranger. But wait...that silhouette...that build was so familiar...it couldn't be...could it?

"Stone Cold! Oh my God, it's Stone Cold!" Spinelli cried out happily, rushing forward to throw his arms around Jace from behind.

Having heard Spinelli's shout, Carly looked up just in time to see Spinelli barrel into Jace from behind and grab him in a bear hug. She also saw Jace's instinctual reaction.

Feeling arms grab him from behind, Jace felt himself snap into a sort of cold and mercenary state. Before he knew what he was doing, he was moving with lightening fast reflexes. His walker and injuries forgotten, he spun around quickly and flung off his attacker, pulling back his elbow and bringing it down viciously towards his frightened face.

"Jace, no!"

The sound of Sam's voice snapped Jace out of it and he stopped himself seconds before his elbow would have shattered the stranger's nose.

Sam ran up, somewhat in shock. She'd never seen anyone move like that except Jason. What the hell was going on? Why was he attacking poor Spinelli?

Jace watched as Sam wrapped her arms around the shoulders of the goofy looking man cowering in front of him and felt an unwilling spurt of jealousy.

Sam glared up at Jace.

"What the hell? Why were attacking Spinelli?"

The rush of adrenaline now gone, Jace's body seemed to realize he was standing without the aid of his walker. Jace swayed and Carly hurriedly shoved the walker in front of him. Jace nodded gratefully as he gripped the walker and got his balance back.

"I wasn't attacking anyone! He attacked me." Jace replied angrily. Some stranger grabs him from behind and she jumps all over him for defending himself?

"My apologies, Fair Samantha. It's my fault. It was a simple misunderstanding." He stuttered, completely thrown by this man's appearance. From behind, he looked exactly like his dearest, departed friend. But his face was different and yet somehow familiar to Spinelli as well.

"What happened?" Sam asked, still confused. She'd been on the phone and all she'd seen was Jace about to hit Spinelli.

"I was talking to Carly and all of a sudden this guy runs up and grabs me from behind. I just reacted. It was instinct." Jace explained defensively. He didn't want to admit it, but Sam's reaction had hurt him.

Sam looked at Spinelli in confusion.

"Why would you do that, Spinelli?"

Spinelli flushed and looked around at them miserably.

"It-it-it was a simple case of mistaken identity. I'm horrified and offer my most humble apologies." He said, tripping over his words.

"Who did you think I was? Who the hell is Stone Cold?"

Sam froze, turning to stare at Spinelli, who was looking at her apologetically.

"What? What is it? Who did he think I was?" Jace repeated, not understanding Sam's reaction.

"He thought you were Jason." Carly finally said quietly, making Jace's head snap towards…her.

"Wait, what?"

"Stone Cold is what Spinelli used to call Jason." Carly explained.

Sam was still staring at Spinelli, the loss of Jason a very real reminder just then. No wonder Jace had- Oh God! She realized how accusatory she'd sounded when she'd talked to Jace and guilt seeped in. She stepped away from Spinelli and laid a hand on Jace's forearm.

"I'm sorry for jumping all over you. I didn't see the whole thing; all I saw was you about to hit Spinelli. I'm just really overprotective of him. He's one of my best friends. But I know you better than to think you would attack someone without provocation. I'm sorry." She apologized, looking up into Jace's bright blue eyes.

Jace could see the sincerity in her eyes and knew he couldn't' stay mad at her.

To her relief, his eyes warmed and he nodded, reaching out and tucking her hair behind her ear.

"No apologies needed, Sam." He said softly. Out of the corner of her eye, Sam saw Carly raise a brow and quickly stepped back. Jace smirked, knowing exactly why she'd pulled away.

He looked over at the nervous looking stranger and smiled politely, holding out a hand.

"Sorry for the misunderstanding, buddy. I'm Jace, Jace Smith."

Spinelli's eyes widened with recognition and he hurried forward to grip Jace's hand, pumping it several times more than necessary.

"Of course! It is a pleasure to finally meet you. Fair Samantha has told me all about you. And I am Damian Spinelli, aka The Jackal aka Assassin of the Internet aka The Ace of Cyberspace aka-."

"Spinelli!" Sam and Carly both say with a laugh at the same time, cutting off his babble as Jace grinned in amusement. He liked this kid.

Spinelli flushed again.

"Humble apologies once more." He muttered, grinning self-deprecatingly.

"Spinelli and I came to discuss your case." Sam said, trying to get back on track. She glanced at Carly.

"Actually, if it's okay with Jace, I'd like you to be part of our discussion about his case. It affects you too."

Carly's head tilted in question.

"What do you mean? How could who hit Jace possibly have anything to do with me?"

"Jace?" Sam asked, waiting for his permission.

Jace nodded.

"Let's go to my room." He suggested. Now that things had settled down, he watched Sam, looking for any sign that she was still being affected by their conversation about Franco from the night before. She was a bit paler than usual and she had dark circles under her eyes. Even so, she was as lovely as always.

As they got to his room, Spinelli and Carly went in first. Sam was about to follow but Jace stopped her by grabbing her hand as she passed. She glanced up at him in question.

He stepped out of sight of the door, pulling her with him. When she was close enough, he shoved his walker out of way. He put a finger under her chin and lifted.

"Are you okay? I mean, after last night? We talked about some heavy stuff." He asked carefully.

Sam smiled softly, touched by his concern.

"I'm okay, Jace. It's always hard to think about, but having you to turn to, to listen to me? It was a huge help. And thanks for staying on the phone with me. I slept like a baby. Seriously, thank you." Sam did something she'd wanted to do for a long time. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his waist, hugging him tightly.

Startled, Jace nevertheless immediately closed his arms around Sam, holding her to him. He rested his chin on top of her head, breathing in her subtle, sweet perfume. For the first time since they spoke, Jace felt peace settle over him. Holding Sam felt right. It felt...like home.

Sam held onto Jace, staggered by the overwhelming feeling of coming home. She had the strongest sense that she was safe with him.

"You guys coming-oh!" Carly stopped, surprised to catch Jace and Sam in an embrace. A sparkle came into her eye and she grinned, as they broke apart in embarrassment. Sam avoided Jace's eyes as she walked around him and entered the room.

"Don't start." She hissed at Carly as she passed. Carly shrugged innocently, continuing to grin happily. Jace rolled his eyes and followed Sam into the room.

"You're timing sucks." He whispered as he passed her and Carly burst out laughing.

She closed the door and went over to sit by Spinelli. Jace was sitting on his bed, and Sam was standing by the sofa.

Sam took a deep breath, moving to the center of the room.

"So I like I said earlier, Spinelli and I came by to discuss your case, Jace."

"Do you know who's responsible for the hit and run?" Jace asked at once.

"We have a suspect." Sam glanced at Carly. Carly raised her brows.

"Spinelli managed to hack the DOT's video feed near the site of your accident, Jace. It captured video of the person who nearly ran me off the road, coming from the direction of your accident. That's who I believe hit you and left you there."

Spinelli opened the file folder he'd been holding. He pulled out the photos they'd printed that morning. Sam took them and handed one to Jace and the other to Carly.

Jace instantly recognized Franco and his eyes shot up to Sam. No wonder he'd been on her mind last night.

"There's some mistake. Franco wouldn't have hit Jace and just left him on the street! He was home with me that night." Carly exclaimed, her face pale as she stared down at the incriminating photo.

Sam sighed in exasperation.

"Oh really? It obviously wasn't all night because he nearly ran me off the road and didn't even slow down."

Carly paused, unsure. She shook her head in denial.

"He came home a little later than usual that night. But that doesn't mean he hit Jace! And okay, he did almost hit you but maybe he didn't realize how close he came to hitting you or…...or...maybe he-." Carly trailed off, unable to come up with another excuse. She stared back down at the photo of Franco behind the wheel, a crazed expression on his face.

"Could he have done this? Did he hit you and leave you to die?" Carly whispered, staring at Jace.

Despite his earlier anger, Jace felt pity stir within him as he stared into Carly's devastated face.

"I'm positive that he did." Sam said firmly.

"But alas, we do not have firm evidence of this. The video was obtained illegally, but even if it was not, it is circumstantial at best." Spinelli was quick to point out.

"What are you going to do?" Carly asked quietly, tears in her eyes.

"That's up to Jace." Sam said, looking at him.

Jace stood up slowly and shuffled over to Carly. Spinelli got up quickly and made room for him. Jace smiled at him briefly before lowering himself to the couch beside Carly.

"Carly, I know you're in love with Franco-." He started, but Carly interrupted him.

"I'm not." She said quickly and then froze, stunned by her own admission. Sam was staring at her too.

"I'm not." She repeated slowly, as if trying to process it. "I...I thought I was. But lately, I've started to doubt that. But I didn't want to hurt him because I truly thought he'd changed. That his tumor made him commit all those crimes." She looked up at Sam suddenly, her voice pleading. "Sam, I swear to God, I thought the tumor was responsible for Franco's crimes."

Sam didn't hesitate, she just held her hand out for Carly's. Grateful, Carly put her hand in Sam's, closing her eyes in relief when Sam squeezed.

"I know you did. But Franco has gotten away with too much. He belongs in jail." She said firmly.

"He belongs six feet under." Jace muttered under his breath, his thoughts wandering to their discussion the night before.

Carly nodded and took a deep breath.

"Then you need to turn what you have into the PCPD. Give it to Dante. He's a good cop. He'll take what you have and get it through the proper channels and open an investigation."

"And I have another source who may be able to provide more evidence. I'm just waiting to hear back from him." Sam added.

Jace looked up at her.

"Then let's call the police."

...

Dante knocked on the door to Jace Smith's hospital room and then pushed it open. His brows rose when he saw Sam Morgan, Damian Spinelli, and Carly Jax sitting in the room with Mr. Smith.

"Sam, Carly, Spinelli." He nodded his head in greeting before turning to Jace.

"Okay, I'm here. What can I do for you?" He asked, looking around the room.

Sam stood up, the file folder in her hands.

"I've been investigating Jace's accident and I came across some information that I believe will be helpful to the PCPD in their investigation."

Dante's brow arched but he reached out and took the file folder. He glanced at the photos, his eyes shooting up to Carly before going back down to the folder. He held up a flash drive and looked at Sam questioningly.

"What's this?"

"Video of Franco nearly running me off the road moments before I found Jace."

Dante nodded slowly.

"And where exactly did you obtain this video?"

Sam looked him steadily in the eyes.

"A source in the DOT got it for me." She lied easily.

Dante shook his head in exasperation and gestured at Spinelli.

"Let me guess; your source is Spinelli. Spinelli hacked the DOT and got the feed."

Spinelli's spine straightened.

"Detective Falconeri, as I am sure you are aware, hacking into the Department of Transportation is illegal and as such, I would never commit such a heinous act."

Dante smirked.

"No, of course not." He replied sarcastically. He turned to Carly.

"What about you? You're about to marry the guy. Can you attest to his whereabouts that night?"

Carly took a steadying breath, toying nervously with the gaudy necklace she wore around her neck.

"No. I mean, we were supposed to have dinner but he missed it. He did come home, but not until around midnight."

"Forensics gave an approximate window of time based on the evidence we did have, and Sam's statement that she found Mr. Doe at 11: 27pm. The accident occurred between 10:45pm and 11:20pm. Which gives Franco plenty of time to leave the scene of the crime and make it home." Dante said appraisingly. He looked at Carly.

"Did you notice any damage to his car? Has he had any repairs done recently?"

Carly paused.

"I don't know. I didn't see it that night and he was gone when I woke up. Wait! He did mention getting his annual tune-up a few days later. He had to use the nanny's car while his was being worked on."

Dante nodded, slapping the folder against his hand.

"Alright. Well, then. Franco is officially a person of interest in your hit and run, Mr. Smith." Dante announced, grinning at the room.

"So what happens now?" Jace asked.

"Well, I go about obtaining the video feed from the DOT through legal channels, I get a warrant to search Franco's car for evidence, and we bring Franco in for questioning."

Jace looked at Sam, who was smiling. He nodded and held his hand out to Dante.

"Thanks, Detective Falconeri."

Dante grinned.

"Believe me, it's my pleasure. I have my own reasons for wanting Franco behind bars." His eyes slid to Carly before he nodded shortly to the room and left. Carly watched him leave, knowing he was thinking about what Franco had put into motion while Michael was in jail.

"How could I have been so stupid? How could I have ever thought I was in love with that sick freak? What the hell is wrong with me?" Carly burst out, shoving her hands through her hair.

"I'm done. No matter what happens with the investigation, I want him out of my house and out of my life!" Carly exclaimed.

Suddenly, Carly stood up and ripped the necklace from her neck, hurling it across the room. Sam jumped and stared at her, while Spinelli and Jace watched.

Without another word, Carly was rushing out of the room.

Jace stared after her, before looking at Sam.

"Someone should go after her." He said worriedly. Sam shook her head.

"No, she needs to be alone. She needs to do what she should have done a long time ago and kick that bastard out of her life." Sam walked over to where Carly's necklace had crashed against the wall and fallen to the floor. She picked it up and her eyes fell on a black wire poking out between the back of the charm and the glass.

"What the hell?"

"What's wrong?" Jace asked. Sam was staring at Carly's necklace.

"There's something in her necklace." She said slowly, turning around, still staring at the charm in her hand.

Spinelli walked over and picked it up from her hand. He pulled the charm apart and looked up at Sam with horror.

"It's a camera. The Demented One was spying on the Valkyrie." He announced.

Sam looked at Jace in dismay.

"If he saw what just happened..." Her voice trailed off as she looked towards the door Carly had just stormed out of. Realization seeped through Jace, followed by alarm.

"Carly's in danger."

...

Franco slammed the laptop shut, his eyes hard with rage.

"Oh, we're far from done, Carly."

He picked up his phone and started tapping away, smiling happily.

Michael, your mother needs you. Come to the house, quick."