A/N – Thanks for the comments! Hope you had a great Christmas or Hanukkah and have a happy New Year!

Chapter 44

Elizabeth hummed as she perused the baby's room. Jason and the guards had put together the crib along with a dresser. While she would have rather painted, her belly and stamina are preventing that, so for now, she used some Disney pictures, and the walls are painted a soft lilac.

Monica cleared her throat.

"Hey," Liz said after their gaze locked.

"Hello." Monica moved further into the room. "It looks good."

"It's a start."

They are having a baby shower Sunday afternoon since they were already coming over for dinner which should close the gap.

"I'm sure you'll get a lot of things this weekend."

Liz shook her head. "You guys went crazy, didn't you?"

Monica grinned. "I have no idea what you are talking about."

Liz chuckled. "I have three more weeks and then, she'll be out."

"I know you are looking forward to that."

"My lower back will be very happy."

"I remember those days."

"Do you miss them being little?"

"Yes, I do. They were so cute."

"I'm looking forward to every minute."

Monica touched the giant bear that is in the corner. "Did you pick this put?"

"No, that's from the guards."

"That was very nice."

"Johnny is crazy. He put a chip in it so the baby can hear his voice."

Monica laughed and then seeing the button, she pressed it.

"This is your Uncle Johnny. Your daddy is crazy, so if you need anything you let me know."

Monica shook her head.

"Told you that he is nuts."

"I think it's cute. They can be very intimidating, so I like seeing their humorous side."

"Have you spoken to Emily?"

"Not in the last few days, but I hear she is doing better."

"Good." Hopefully, that means that Sam is doing well too. She can't help but worry about them.

"I was wondering if you could help me out."

"What's going on?"

Monica sighed. "Well, Jason's birthday is coming up soon."

Liz frowned and then her eyes widened. "Oh, his real one?" Ironically, it's about a week before the baby is due.

"Yes."

"He doesn't celebrate it and I don't want to make a big deal about it, but I do want to give him something."

Liz nodded.

"Do you think if I got him a certificate to a bike shop, he'd like that? I don't want to assume and buy himself he wouldn't enjoy."

Liz slightly smiled. "I think he'd like that a lot."

"I know he has money and doesn't need mine, but I just wanted to give him something because God gave us a gift that day. I'm willing to accept his wishes, but at the same time, I want him to know it's remembered."

"I get it. I don't think he'll be offended. So, how can I help?"

"Can you let me know which shop he likes?"

"Sure. I'll ask Johnny to make sure and then text you."

"Thanks!"

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Cody slipped behind Steven who is about to open his car door. "Don't move." They are in the parking garage of the hospital and Stan had arranged for the camera feed to be looped.

Steven froze as the hairs on the back of his neck rose. He figures that Helena has decided to hurt him because he didn't come through, so he slowly lifted his hands.

"Walk straight ahead to the SUV."

He turned and looked up. A black SUV is idling in a stall. "Okay." Quickly, he hurries toward it, hoping no one else comes along and gets hurt because of his bad judgment.

A door swung open and large men stepped out and motioned for Steven to get in.

He climbed inside and sat near the window.

The other men got situated, and then Cody drove them to a non-distinct building. After parking, Cody got out and opened the door.

"You'll do everything we say or die. Is that clear?"

Bile rose in his stomach as Steven nodded. Solemnly, he followed them inside and is directed to sit in a chair in the middle of the room.

For the next hour, he was left there to fret, and then Cody moved a chair across from him and sat.

"You betrayed her."

Steven's head tilted. "Helena?"

"No."

He is confused. "What—who are you talking about?"

"Your sister."

A lump grew in Steven's throat as he realized where the threat is truly coming from. "I tried not to."

Cody leaned forward. "You questioned her to get information for someone who wants to hurt her. You didn't try hard enough."

"She was blackmailing me." He wasn't prepared for the force of Cody's fist in his gut and almost puked.

A slight smile edged onto Cody's face as Steven fought to breathe. God, he'd like to kick the shit out of him. Elizabeth is a good person, so he can't believe her brother would throw her under the bus so easily.

"If you want to live, you'll do everything that I say."

Steven's eyes welled with tears. "Okay. I just didn't know what to do."

"The fact that you weren't willing to face your problems like a man and chose to help a lunatic hurt your sister instead, shows me what a piece of shit you are. I'm tempted to give you to the people you owe and let them eliminate you."

Steven's eyes bulged. "I'll do anything. Please…"

Cody's fist lashed out one more time, striking Steven in the jaw and making him and the chair fall backward and crash to the ground. As the man moaned and moved onto his side in a fetal position, Cody stood over him. "I'll think about it."

When he heard the door shut, Steven began to cry. He had traded one devil for another, and he's not sure if he'll live another day.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Nikolas stood on the parapet gazing at the water. Something is up that Helena hasn't told him about because suddenly, more guards have come onto the island and movement is limited. Stefan supposedly went on a short trip to do her bidding, and Helena is more smug than usual.

"A storm is brewing," she said as she moved to his side. "I love it when the water gets rough and crashes against the rocks. It reminds me of what I do to my enemies."

He briefly glanced at her before returning his gaze to the water. "It should hit within the hour, but it won't be too bad." There have been times when they've lost power due to wind gusts, but thankfully, it's just a thunderstorm approaching.

"I think we'll begin our offensive in a week."

"Is that why you're gathering more men?"

"Yes."

"What about Jason?"

"I'm handling that. I need to focus on getting things ready for Elizabeth."

"Are we going to Greece?"

"No. I have other plans. Greece is too obvious. Even if Jason is out of the equation, I'm sure others will want to avenge him." She has prepared their castle in Russia. It will be much harder for Sonny or anyone else to get to them. Elizabeth can have the baby there and marry Nikolas immediately.

Nikolas nodded.

"I'm still looking for Emily."

He shrugged. "Why bother?"

"Because I don't think you'll ever get over her unless she is dead."

He schooled his expression. "There is no chance for me and Emily. It's just the way things are, so I don't have any foolish notions where she is concerned." His ex has made it clear where she stands.

"I don't like loose ends. You know that."

"The Spencers have been loose ends for years."

She chuckled. "True, but that Is because of the game which I enjoy." Luke is going to flip when he finds out that Elizabeth is not only carrying her grandchild but that she is married to Nikolas. She can't wait to deliver the news herself.

"What do you need me to do?"

"I have someone I want you to kill, but not until I say so."

He frowned. "Who?"

"You'll know soon," she said before strolling back inside leaving him to wrack his brain for an answer.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Sam had been going back and forth on what to do about Carly when Ryan approached her.

"Hey."

He nodded and sat next to her on the porch.

"My instinct says that she's going to attempt to go back to Port Charles."

He sighed. "I think you might be right. I don't have any proof but based on her past actions, she's stupid enough to do so."

"She's arrogant and thinks they'll forgive her."

"What do you want to do?"

"I think I want to go back, but not tell anyone. Physically, I'm doing a lot better. I can handle her."

"Maybe you should tell Sonny."

Sam shook her head. "I can't because he'll end up trying to stop me."

"He just doesn't want you to get hurt again."

"Carly won on a fluke last time, but it won't happen again. I'm smarter than her and fight dirtier."

Ryan leaned forward, resting his arms on his thighs. "I'll only agree if you take one of my men with you."

"I can handle this on my own."

"I don't care. That is the deal. Take it or leave it."

She glared at him before acquiescing. "Fine."

"When do you want to leave?"

"Early in the morning. I want to get there while it's dark."

"Where are you going to stay?"

"I have a boat that I can hide out on. There is an extra bedroom for the guard."

He nodded as he stood. "I'll make the arrangements. You should tell Emily now."

"I'll tell her that I need to go see my brother. He's in Pennsylvania. I'll let her know that I'm leaving and it's a secret."

When he was out of sight, a smile edged onto her face. It's time to bring Carly down and she can't wait to do it.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Hours had passed before Cody returned. Steven's eyes are red, he's shaking, and his jaw is bruised. Mission accomplished.

"Do you want to live?"

Steven let out a long breath. "Yes."

"Then you either take this deal or leave it."

"I'm listening."

"We are willing to hide you until Helena is stopped, but you have to go to rehab for your gambling."

Steven's eyes pressed shut. He had been out of control for too long. Maybe this is for the best. "What about my debt?"

"It is already paid."

He is stunned. "Why?"

"Despite your lack of regard for your family, they don't want you to die?"

A lump grew in his throat.

"Jason chose to pay off your debt. You'll pay him back by getting yourself together and getting a job afterward, so you can work off your debt. He's not greedy. It will be fair, so you have enough to get by with. Notice was given to your job. They were told that you are ill, but you are still on good terms with them. You can thank Audrey for that." At some point and time, Jason might choose to forgive the debt, but Steven doesn't need to know that.

A tear ran down Steven's face.

"You are not allowed near them unless they reach out to you. Is that clear?"

"Yes. I'm grateful."

"You should be because you don't deserve their kindness. We leave in an hour. We'll be going out of the country, and your new identity is Scott Williams. Get used to it."

"Okay."

Cody took the cuffs off. "There's a bathroom in the corner. You can't escape and there is nothing in there you can hurt yourself with. I'll give you five minutes and then I'm coming in."

Steven has no intention of doing either. He has been given a gift.

Cody checked his watch as the sullen man disappeared into the room, and then sent a text to Jason.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Elizabeth observed as Jason glanced at his watch. They are in the baby's room making some plans.

"Steven agreed to the terms. They leave soon."

She nodded and then shut her eyes.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes. He was kind of my last hope for having someone I could be close to in my family. Now, I'm just done with the lot of them."

"I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault."

"You can have mine."

She laughed. "Thanks—I think."

He grinned. "They like you a lot."

"They are used to me at this point."

The baby kicked, so she grabbed his hand and placed it on her belly. When she moved again, Jason's eyes widened. "That has to hurt."

"It's not so bad—surreal, but usually, she doesn't kick too hard."

"I can't even imagine."

"Are we ready for this?"

"We'll be fine. Together, I think we can do anything."

She smiled as she hugged him. "I can't wait for Christmas."

He groaned. "Elizabeth, it's still the summer."

She laughed. "I know, but it will be her first Christmas which will make it even more exciting."

"We're not getting an ugly tree."

She clucked her tongue. "We will see who is in need."

"Then we'll have to have two because my daughter needs a proper one."

"Since when do you have the Christmas spirit?"

"I don't, but that doesn't mean I don't want the best for her."

"You know, teaching her that not everything has to be perfect is a good thing too."

He sighed.

"Fine, I'll agree to both."

"Thank you."

"We could start making paper—"

He cut her off. "Don't make me call Audrey."

She laughed. "Fine, but once you taste her Christmas cookies, you'll be sold."

"I will look forward to it."

"We're putting the tree up around Thanksgiving. It will be our new tradition."

He shook his head. "God help me."

She grinned. "Come on, I'm hungry."

"Yes, Elizabeth."

Her laughter echoed in the stairway as they ventured downstairs.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

The next day, Sam arrived and after retrieving some food, she and her guard Harry settled in on the boat.

"So, what's the plan?"

"Today, we're going fishing."

"Really?"

"Yes. I'm sure the throughways are monitored. I'm going to dock it so that we can see the island. There are cameras on the outside and I have monitors. It's state of the art. I will be able to see some of the activity on the island." She can't zoom very far but should be able to see well enough should Carly pop into view.

She isn't aware, but there are four more men in the area just in case there is trouble. Ryan doesn't want the wrath of Sonny on him. He just doesn't want the drama.

"Sounds like a plan."

"It's going to take some patience, but I think it will be fine."

He's hoping that they won't have to get in the water. Other than that, he's up for the adventure.

"Let's get some breakfast." He is following instructions to make sure she eats and stays hydrated.

She nodded. "Okay."