Chapter 11
Monica and Jeff
New Doctor in Town
Johnny
Sonny and Carly
Morgan/Webber family
January-July 2025
January 10-15
Monica is in her office reviewing the final three applications for Head Cardiologist, her replacement at General Hospital—Aaron Frey from Philadelphia, Sarah Jacobs from Denver, and James Newton from Kansas City, MO. Monica skims the CV's again. She tosses Newton aside. Monica places the remaining two applications side-by-side. Her eyes move to Aaron Frey and the family bio. She gasps and picks up the phone calling Aaron. Monica asks if he is available for a Zoom interview later that day or tomorrow. He agrees to a video conference at 3 pm.
Monica, sure she had found her replacement placed the other two files behind her on the credenza. She wanted to call them and say, "The position was filled," but she needed her second and third options open until Aaron signed his name on the dotted contract line.
Monica entered Jeff's office as he was hanging up his phone. She looks at him quizzically and asks, "Well?"
Jeff replies, "I found my replacement; it's my nephew, Tommy Hardy Jr. Remember he was here for Audrey's 60 Anniversary at General Hospital? Well, he's been seeing a former colleague of Robin Scorpio-Drake. Tommy said you met her a few times when she worked here in 2008. They are getting married, and he said yes when I offered him my job."
Monica replies, "That's great. I remember him from when he was a baby. When I saw him again as a grown man giving Audrey her award, it reminded me of my own grandchildren. I hope one day I get the respect and love from them that Audrey gets from her grandchildren."
Jeff hugs the woman he found love with again after many years apart. He says, Elizabeth's kids adore you. Jake knows you are Jason's mom, and Cam and Aiden like having more than one Grandmother."
Monica says, " I may have my replacement wrapped up by the end of the day, and if General Hospital can get him, his wife will have a job. She used to be an intern here, AND she is family."
Jeff replies, "Who?"
Monica shows him the papers, and Jeff grins.
At 3 pm, Monica video conferences with Aaron. She says, "I've reviewed your CV and am impressed. Your credentials are outstanding, and your references are excellent. I am retiring and offering you the Head of Cardiology position. There is a position open for your wife too. "
Aaron's wife sits beside him, so she is in the camera's view and says, "Hi, Monica! How are you?"
Monica smiles and replies, "I'm fine, Maya. How are you? Did you know that Keesha and her kids moved here?"
Maya laughs and says, "Yes. I got quite the earful about her first meeting with the family. I think she's over it. I never told her about Tracy and her blackmail regarding Ethan. I didn't want to add that drama for her."
Monica replies, "That's okay. You dodged a bullet with that kid. Aaron, you married a wonderful woman, and I hope you accept the position, but I warn you, if you come here, it means you are part of the family, and the Quartermaines are crazy."
Aaron laughs and says, "Maya told me. General Hospital is a great teaching hospital, another reason we want to come. Our answer is yes."
Monica replies, "I'll have my assistant send you the DocuSign to complete. I would appreciate it if you could take a few days for a brief orientation before you start. I'll be gone before you officially begin, and I want to welcome you to GH. The other Cardiac surgeons need to know you will be in charge. My daughter-in-law is the Head Nurse, and she can guide you and Maya when you are full-time."
They say their goodbyes, and Monica ends the chat. She adds a checkmark on her to-do list.
Johnny sweeps the warehouse floor of the coffeehouse before he checks with the foreman on the inventory count. Morgan was right. The job sucks. He shrugs and admits it's better than prison, and hopefully, he will get promoted. Johnny leans to rub his ankle and thinks, "This stupid monitor chafes my leg. But hey, it's better than prison."
Johnny hands the foreman his inventory count and asks him to sign his time card to send to his parole officer when he hears shouting from the main office. Johnny ducks and covers and waits until Jason's visitor leaves. He listens in.
"Dang it, Jason! Why did you have to hire that Zacchara kid?"
Jason replies, "I am in charge of the Coffee House, Sonny. I can hire or fire anyone I want. Johnny didn't want to be part of Anthony or Trevor's world. He was born into it. He didn't want it. Look at what happened to Michael, to Morgan. Michael went to prison, but look at him now. He has a job at ELQ. Morgan inherited your disorder and had dark issues. He didn't make it. He is gone. Johnny deserves a chance to redeem himself."
Sonny says, "What about Elizabeth? Aren't you worried about her? The kids?"
Jason replies, "Elizabeth can take care of herself. She was the one to convince Johnny to give her his gun. I will support her decision if she has a stance on Johnny and the boys. Unlike Sam or Carly, Johnny has not been a threat to the kids, but Elizabeth managed to forgive them. Sam is around Jake and Aiden all the time. Cam daded Carly's daughter Joss. Sonny, I have work to finish before going home to my family. Johnny is working for me, not you. The warehouse is under my control. Goodbye."
Sonny gruffs and leaves. Johnny counts to 100 and walks into Jason's office. Jason says, "How much did you hear?"
Johnny replies, "All of it. Thank you for standing up to Sonny for me."
Jason replies, "I didn't do it for you. You still need to prove yourself. I suggest you keep your distance from Sonny. Avoid him if possible. I won't be responsible for him or you if there are altercations."
Elizabeth is on the phone when Jason enters with groceries. As he unloads the food, he sets aside the ingredients for dinner. Elizabeth says, "Thank you for calling, Nikolas. I won't be able to see you and Gia this week. Jason, the boys, and I are flying to Boston to see Cam off for his international tour. When we return, I have work to catch up on. Monica and my dad are leaving before the end of the month, and Jake and Aiden want to spend time with them. No, Nikolas, Gia, and I were never friends. I'm happy for you if you want to try again with her. We can have lunch or go for drinks but don't expect Jason to join us. You are my family; Jason understands interacting with you is expected, but Gia is part of my past; he doesn't have to be subjected to that. I'll call you when I am free. Yes, I'll tell Cam what you said. Goodbye."
Jason overhears, and he recalls who Gia is. He makes the connection between Gia and Liz. Gia and his sister. Gia and Taggert. Elizabeth is right; he has no desire to join them for anything.
The food simmers on the stove, and he walks to hug and kiss his wife. Jason says, "I'm sorry. I overheard your conversation with Nikolas. Johnny was telling me about Gia. She works for Diane and assisted in Johnny's release. I didn't realize who she was until now. Dinner is almost ready."
Elizabeth joins him in the kitchen, and she prepares a salad. Jason continues, "I may need to interact with her because of Diane, but we don't need to socialize outside of work unless you want to."
Jake and Aiden arrive home, and Elizabeth tells them to clean up before dinner. She calls Steve and invites him for dinner. Elizabeth reminds her brother they are leaving tomorrow to see Cam before he goes for a six-month tour. She asks him to collect the mail. Jason tells Steve that he still has guards checking in occasionally. Elizabeth emails him the link so he can access the house's video feed while at work.
The family, along with two guards, arrive in Boston mid-morning. They check into the Whitney Hotel Boston, and Jason arranges for two town car rentals. As the boys explore their rooms, Elizabeth calls Cam and asks when he wants them to be there. She says they want to take everyone out for dinner before he leaves the States.
While at dinner, Spencer asks, "Father told me about an old flame who moved back to Port Charles. Did you know Gia Campbell?"
Elizabeth sighs, places her hand on Jason to keep him from defending her, and says, "Yes, I knew Gia. She is a former model and now works for Jason's attorney."
Spencer replies, "And?"
Elizabeth says, "And she's beautiful; she was involved with your Father before Emily. She helped us out of some jams, and that's all I remember. She's also Trina's Aunt. When you have a free weekend, fly home to meet her. Find out for yourself what you think."
After breakfast, Jason takes the boys for last-minute shopping for Cam. Elizabeth invites Trina and Emma for a girls' lunch later. Elizabeth asks Emma about med school and Robin, Patrick, and Noah. Emma smiles, and she gushes about her little brother. Emma says when Spencer visits Port Charles, Trina and she will drive to Maryland to see her parents. Trina presses Elizabeth for what she knows about her Aunt, and Elizabeth says, "No, leave me out of it; call your Father. Ask him."
For dinner, everyone votes, and pizza delivery wins. Before leaving the young adults, Jason pulls Cam aside. He whispers to him and hands him a small package. Jason, Elizabeth, Jake, Aiden, and their guards return to the hotel safely. Jake and Aiden watch a movie in their room, and Jason takes Elizabeth to the shower in their room.
Elizabeth asks, "Are you going to tell me what you gave Cam?"
Jason replies, "I gave him some universal power adapters, prepaid debit cards, and reinforced locks for his equipment." Jason kisses Elizabeth's neck as she laughs.
Elizabeth says, "I thought I was the practical one. You are slightly boring in your gift-giving. I'm glad you are more creative with me."
Jason growls and says, "Speaking of creative, are you going to model your gift to me?"
Elizabeth wraps her arms around Jason's neck and replies, "I'll give you a hint. The weather is not conducive to modeling it unless we are in a sauna. It's skimpy, two-piece, four if you count footwear. Will you take me to bed now?"
After breakfast in the hotel restaurant, the family returns to see Cam off. They arrive as Cam, and his band load their equipment in their Uber SUV. Cam pulls Emma to him, and they kiss deeply. Elizabeth thought if it wasn't her son, she would shout, "Get a room!" but didn't want her mind to go there. Elizabeth loves Emma with Cam. He appears more relaxed and happier than she ever saw with him with Joss. Emma blushes when she realizes they have an audience.
The manager clears his throat, prompting the band to get in the car to take them to the airport. After their departure, Elizabeth approaches Emma and says, "If you ever need to talk and aren't comfortable talking with your parents, this is my cell phone number. Also, you are welcome in our home whenever you want." Elizabeth hugs everyone goodbye. The boys follow suit. The family returns to Port Charles.
January 16-February 28
Aaron and Maya arrive in Port Charles, and Monica and Elizabeth orient them. Maya points out the changes to General Hospital from her last stint. Maya asks Elizabeth if she has been in contact with Ethan. Elizabeth replies that Lucky and Ethan went to Amsterdam to attend the second memorial for Luke Spencer. Tracy hosted the event. Elizabeth hands the couple Lucy Coe's realtor's business card.
Monica and Jeff pack, and the family arrive to bid them adieu before leaving for their trip. Olivia hands Monica several containers of her baked Italian goods. Ned assures Monica he will take charge while she is gone. Michael, Willow, and Wiley said goodbye at the house. Drew, Sam, Danny, and Scout hand the older couple handmade Bon Voyage cards. Finn and Hayden arrive with Violet. Violet hugs her Grandfather, saying that she will miss him. Hayden apologizes for not spending more time with her newly found Father. Steve, Jason, and Elizabeth bring Jake and Aiden. Jake drew a mock travel guide based on Aiden's research for their Grandparent's trip. Elizabeth hands her Father a list of Cam's tour dates in case their trip coincides. Steve hugs Jeff, saying he's happy his Father found love with Monica. After goodbyes, Monica and Jeff walk up the steps to the Quartermaine jet to fly to the International Airport in New York City, heading to Asia and other parts of the Country.
Once Carly spent time with Sean, she grew to see what her daughter saw in him. Sonny was a tougher sell. His guard was always up around his step-daughter's boyfriend. Since Sean has spent most nights with Joss, she asks him to move in with her at her penthouse suite. With Sean gone, Mary has a spare room; she asks her girlfriend, Serena, and Serena's sister, Christina, to move in with her.
After saying goodbye to Monica and her Father, Elizabeth finally finds time to have lunch with Nikolas and Gia. Elizabeth watches her best friend with Gia, and for the first time since Ava's death, heck, since before the asteroid, she sees that Nikolas is happy. Elizabeth asks if Gia has seen Trina yet, and Nikolas says they have plans to fly to Boston next month. Gia asks about Elizabeth's kids, and Elizabeth proudly shows her pictures of the family from her phone.
Gia sees how happy Elizabeth looks in the pictures with Jason and says, "So you finally got together with Jason Morgan?"
Elizabeth replies, "Yes, we have a son, Jake,17. We are touring colleges next month. It took several years, but we finally reconnected again about three years ago. We are celebrating our second Anniversary in July. Jason told me you work with Diane."
Gia says, "Yes. She is a shark and a fascinating lady. How long have you known her?"
Elizabeth replies, "Oh, I knew about her since before Jake was born, but it wasn't until after his birth I got to know her, but that was due to Jason. If you've reviewed the files, you know what she did for me with my divorce from Lucky."
Gia nods.
March 1-April 10
Jason, Elizabeth, and Sam take Jake, Aiden, and Danny to the Port Charles Airport and hand off the boys to the group chaperones for the Spring Training games in Arizona. Elizabeth meets with Steve at his temporary apartment, reminding him that she and Jason are traveling in the morning for their Flordia vacation. She says, "I already cleared it with Diane that Jason and I were taking a few days off. Diane said you would be fine without supervision for that brief period. She said to call her if your parole officer shows up for any surprise tests." Steve wishes Jason and Elizabeth a fun time and promises to behave.
Elizabeth cleans the house, finishes the laundry, and starts packing. Jason arrives home with dinner and joins his wife in the bedroom. He starts packing for the trip. He says, "Dinner is warming in the oven. I want a preview of that skimpy two-piece with matching shoes before I allow you food and beverage" he grins.
Elizabeth feigns anger and replies, "Allow? I just might hold my apparel hostage with that kind of language." Elizabeth laughs, and Jason chases her as she runs downstairs. After dinner, they return to finish their packing.
Jason and Elizabeth are on an early morning first-class flight to Miami for four days and three nights. Elizabeth sleeps for most of the three-hour flight time. By noon they are on the beach, and Elizabeth removes a red beach robe, exposing a forest green bikini with matching sandals. Jason sighs, wanting to carry her back to the hotel and forget about swimming and the sun. They enjoy Flordia with beach time, drinking and dining, calls to the boys, and texts to Cam. On their last day, they have a late lunch at the hotel and drinks at the airport, waiting for their flight.
They collect their bags at the carousel and take an Uber home. Elizabeth falls asleep in the car, pulling up to the house; Steve meets the car and takes the bags from the trunk. Jason carries Elizabeth, following Steve inside. He thanks his brother-in-law and says they will see him in the morning. Jason brings Elizabeth to bed and switches her clothes to the ruby teddy.
Elizabeth wakes early, starts the coffee, and showers quickly. Steve pours a cup of coffee and makes French toast while he waits for Elizabeth to return. Elizabeth dries her hair with a towel as she returns to the kitchen. Elizabeth thanks her brother for breakfast and asks if anything happened while she and Jason were gone. Steve says she didn't miss anything exciting. Jason enters freshly showered and thanks Steve for keeping an eye on things for them. Steve says welcome back and quickly leaves the couple alone.
Elizabeth completes her grocery list while Jason loads the dishwasher. Jason offers to collect the boys at the airport. He calls Sam and tells her he will drop Danny off later.
Jason lets Jake and Aiden off at the house and asks them to take care of the laundry while he checks on the warehouse. Jason follows up with Johnny and the warehouse foreman.
That evening Jason and Elizabeth relax while Jake and Aiden update them on their adventures.
Steve and Elizabeth meet with Diane and his parole officer, and Steve's ankle monitor is removed. Steve shakes his leg, rubs his ankles, and says, "Wow! That feels much better. Diane, can I take you and my sister to lunch?"
After lunch, Diane says, "Tell Jason I'm waving my bill for today; your brother is an inspiring client." Diane leaves, and Elizabeth raises an eyebrow at her brother.
Steve says, "Don't look at me like that, Elizabeth Immogine Webber. I'm allowed to have a personal life. I'm due at General Hospital, but feeling a little freer and not needing to worry about those unannounced piss tests, I'd love to have drinks at that Asteroid Bar I've heard about."
Elizabeth replies, "Jason and I have plans, but rain check? Or you could ask Terry or Someone else. Steve, I'm proud of you."
That evening in bed, Elizabeth tells Jason that her brother and his lawyer might be involved. Jason raises his eyebrows, and Elizabeth covers his eyes and laughs. She says, "I did the same thing to Steve, and he told me to mind my own business, more or less. We could take them out for drinks. Now that he is free from supervision, he wants to try the Asteroid Bar."
Jason replies, "After we return from Jake's college tours."
April 11-June 12
Jake completed three campus tours and applied to two universities.
Jason, Elizabeth, Steve, and Diane have dinner and drinks at the Asteroid Bar and Grill, attracting attention from the other patrons at the unusual couples. Gia and Nikolas join them towards the end of the evening. Jason watches the tables across the bar comprising Joss, Sean, Mary, Serena, Christina, Maya, and Aaron.
Jake celebrates his 18th birthday. Joss books the Metro Court Ballroom for additional joint birthday celebrations, including Christina's 25th, Sam's 45th, and Sonny's 60th birthday.
PC High School winds up the school year. Jake graduates 5th in his class. He has been accepted at the University of California, Berkeley.
July
Johnny, Gia, and his parole officer meet at Diane's office. Johnny gets his monitor removed. Diane reviews the terms of his continual parole and nods to Johhny to sign. Johnny still needs to check in bi-monthly for another six months, then once a month for a year.
Jason and Elizabeth celebrate their 2nd Anniversary. Jason surprises Elizabeth with a trip to Rio. Elizabeth gives him a sterling silver ring with a garnet stone on one side and his name, the other side a diamond on the other with her name. Engraved inside notates their wedding date and "2 years".
Steve and a guard ensure Jake and Aiden's safety while Jason and Elizabeth are away.
Jason and Elizabeth spent a week relaxing, swimming at the Vermelha and Urca Beaches, and hiking the Pedra da Gava.
Arriving late, they thank Steve and crash into bed. Jason's cell rings; he looks at the caller ID and groans. Elizabeth asks, "Who is it?"
Jason replies, "It's Carly. She can leave a message. I'll call her in the morning." The house phone rings. Jason says, "Ignore it. It's late."
Elizabeth's phone rings, "Uggh," Elizabeth exclaims. She answers and says, "Carly can Jason call you back? We just got back from Brazil. What? Never mind, here's Jason." Whispering, she says, "Carly is hysterical; I can't understand her," Elizabeth hands Jason the phone.
Jason says, "Carly? Calm down. Stay there, and wait for the police. I'll meet you there. I'll call Diane."
Elizabeth says, "What's wrong?"
Jason replies, "Someone shot Sonny! He's dead!"
Jason and Carly
Diane
Johnny
Jason and Elizabeth
Whodoneit
