A/N – Thanks for the comments! You really need to learn to trust me lol.

Chapter 17

Amelia sat on her bed. "Well, when you were twenty-one, you had an accident. Your brother was drunk and crashed, and you suffered a severe head injury and didn't remember anything from your past."

"Like now?"

"It was far worse. You were in a coma for a long time and struggled with anger issues. Your family wanted you to be how you were before, so you fought them bitterly."

"Sounds like I was a handful."

"Yeah, but you couldn't be him, so you were doing the best you could. You changed your name from Quartermaine to Morgan."

He wishes that he could remember.

"During that time, you met your first love, Robin, and she taught you a lot. You also met Sonny Corinthos and started working for you."

"So, I turned to the mob? I'm sure my family was thrilled."

She chuckled. "They went crazy which pushed you away. A lot has happened. Your father died and your grandmother, Lila, who you were very close to."

"Do I talk to my mom now?"

"Yes. Your grandfather is still alive too. You butt heads but aren't fighting."

"And what about you?"

She blew out a breath. "That's complicated."

"I have nowhere to go."

"Well, my father was murdered by your ex."

His brow rose. "Come again?"

"She is a con artist and slept with him and then stole all his money. It led to a confrontation, and they fought, and Sam killed him."

"I'm sorry." When tears filled her eyes, he squeezed her hand.

She gripped it as she continued talking. "I tried to get my revenge. Funny thing, you warned me that it probably wouldn't help, and it didn't."

"I'm glad I was there for you."

"Me too."

"You're nice."

She laughed. "That's like the kiss of death in dating."

He smiled. "But you're my wife."

"Yes."

He couldn't help but notice that she looked away again. "Were we having trouble?"

"No."

His thumb brushed against her hand several times making her shudder.

"I just need some time to wrap my head around this."

"You are willing to try?"

He feels bad he doesn't remember her. "Yes."

A tear fell down her cheek. "Thank you." She'll figure out how to tell him what's going on at some point, but for now, their conversation will please Ric, but it's torture for her.

She put her other hand on top of his. "We will take it slow."

He nodded. She's all he has to keep him sane right now.

"You probably should lay back."

When he groaned, she smiled. "I promise that your stamina will get better soon. You're still getting headaches." She reached up and brushed his slightly wet hair back. "You need to take it easy." She thinks he must have some kind of bleed or swelling that is affecting his memory which could be dangerous.

He noticed the worry in her eyes. "I'll be fine."

"You don't know that."

He slowly stood and then pulled her up. "Come here."

Her eyes closed as he hugged her.

"I needed that," she said before slightly retreating.

"I can't do much right now, but that I can do."

She just hopes he doesn't end up hating her, but they just need to be convincing enough to buy some time and then, she'll figure out what comes next.

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Elizabeth stared out the kitchen window. What was supposed to be their dream house almost seemed like a tomb, and their dreams were slowly rotting away. It has been a week, and there has been no word. Ric is in it for the long haul, and they have no leads at all.

"Whatever you're thinking, stop," Johnny said before moving forward.

"He could be dying somewhere."

"You know I'll do anything to get him back."

"I know. Thank you!"

Monica came into view and sat on a stool. "Elizabeth, I'm not sure what to do about Cam. He's acting out."

Liz sighed. "He was hurt when Lucky left and Jason told him he wouldn't go away. He misses him."

"It may take a while before we get a lead."

"I know. I don't know what to do."

Emily stopped at the doorway. "Do you by any chance have Jason's voice recorded or a video?"

"I can check. You know he isn't into all of that."

"I know, but maybe you could watch with Cam and get him to open up." He's young, but usually, he'll tell you what he's thinking. His quietness and tantrums worry them.

Johnny pulled out his phone. "I took it without Jason realizing it. It was from a day you took Cam to the park."

Elizabeth watched it with tears in her eyes. "Send it to me."

He forwarded it and then Liz went up to Cam's room.

He looked up for a second and then went back to playing.

"Hey, Cam. I found something on my phone."

"What?"

Liz sat and then started to play it. The minute that Cam saw it, he was transfixed.

"Miss Daddy."

"He'll do anything to come back to you. He loves you so much."

His little lip poked out and he began to cry. Liz cried right along with him as she held him.

"I know you're sad, but so is Mommy. We're trying to find him, okay?"

He nodded.

"I also know you're mad that he's not here, but you can't be mean to Nana or Gram, okay?"

He cried a little harder before saying, "Sorry, mommy. I want him back." He had quickly attached to Jason because the enforcer gave him a lot of attention.

"Oh Cam…" She is scared to promise him anything because if the worst happens, Cam won't understand. She held him until he fell asleep and then tucked him in.

Monica wiped a tear away. This is tearing their family apart.

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Two days later

Amelia played with a radio and turned on some music as Jason watched. She smiled as a song she liked came on and then eyed him. "Is this, okay?"

He shrugged. "It's fine. Tell me about yourself."

"Well, right now I'm a producer for a television show. I've traveled a lot looking for Sam. Usually, I manage to find jobs at the local stations. It's not glamorous, but I like it."

"Did you go to school for it?"

"Yes."

He frowned. "I guess there isn't a school for a mob enforcer?"

She smiled. "You got training, but it may have come to you naturally too."

"I'm not even sure how to reply to that."

She chuckled. "From what I've heard, you were going to be a doctor before the accident."

"That would explain some of the useless medical terms I remember."

"So, nothing else is ringing a bell?"

"No."

Ric had called and told her that he'd give her two more days before she needed to get physical with Jason and she was still not sure how she was going to swing it, but a few ideas popped into her mind. That is why she turned on the radio,

"You have a motorcycle you love to ride fast."

He nodded. "That sounds like fun."

"I don't think you've ever wrecked it so that probably helps your mom sleep better. She's a doctor."

"Dad?"

"Unfortunately, he passed away not too long ago. He was a cardiologist. You have a sister Emily who is going to be a doctor as well. As far as I know, your brother AJ, who is responsible for the accident is not in the picture." She can't remember if he's dead or just left.

"What can you tell me about Sonny?"

"He was there for you when you needed him. You're friends. He's complicated. I believe he has been diagnosed with bipolar. disorder"

He thought for a moment. "I think I know what that is."

"He takes medicine to help control it."

"Am I the first person you've married?"

She nodded, but again looked away and he wished that she would confide in him and then it dawned on him that maybe she couldn't because Ric was listening.

He swings his legs over the bed.

"What are you doing?"

"I need to exercise a bit." Everything is stiff and he still doesn't feel right. His head feels like it weighs a ton."

She got up and slowly they moved around the room. Earlier, his head had been throbbing, so he couldn't wait for his symptoms to go away. Suddenly, a bolt of lightning felt like it went through his head and Amelia had to steady him.

"I've got you."

They made it back to the bed and he laid down. That one was the worst yet and had taken his breath away.

She slowly scratched his scalp, as she eyed him.

His eyes slowly shut as he sighed. "Feels nice."

"It's getting worse. I wish I could get us out of here."

"Will he talk to me?"

"I doubt it. Just relax."

She waited until his breathing evened out and then sat. If the worst is yet to come, she's afraid of what that means.

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Elizabeth finished doing some laundry and then answered the phone.

"I'm just checking on you," Epiphany said.

"I'm hanging in there."

"How is Cam?"

"He misses him, but he's doing a little better."

"If you need me to take him…"

"That is very nice. Emily is staying here, and Monica and Gram have been wonderful,'

"You sound tired."

"I am. Sleep is hard to come by."

"Well, I hope that he comes home. You were finally happy, and I have a feeling you will be again."

"I hope so."

"I need to go but feel free to call me. I miss you."

"I miss you too." Lots of people don't get Epiphany, but Elizabeth has come to respect and care about her. She's tough but fair.

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A few days later, Amelia pulled a chair from the table and sat it between the beds.

"What are you doing?"

"Well, I think we should get to know each other a little better. Are you game?"

"Will it hurt?"

She smiled. "No."

He got out of bed and when she pointed, he sat.

After turning on some music, she stood in front of him.

"Trust me?"

He nodded as he wondered what she was up to.

Slowly, she straddled him as an amused Ric watched.

He smirked. "What did you have in mind?"

"I thought that if we kissed it might jar your memory."

"Interesting theory… And suppose it doesn't?"

"I have faith in my abilities."

Her eyes danced with wickedness, making him chuckle.

"I'm game."

Slowly, she moved forward, pressing her body against his, and then pressed joined their lips before eying him. "Okay?"

He gulped. "Yeah." He feels way out of his element.

"Let's try it again."

His hands are gripping the chair as she slowly deepens the kiss until he returns her ardor.

"I think I like kissing."

She grinned. "You are very good at it considering you don't remember."

She kissed him one more time before peppering his face and then sliding against his cheek and whispering, "Don't react to what I'm about to say."

When her lips tickled his throat, he gasped due to the feeling.

"I'm not your wife."

His eyes snapped open.

"Don't react."

He shut them again as she returned to his neck and then waited until her lips hovered above his before continuing. "He's making me do this or he'll kill you. Play along. I promise that we won't take it too far, okay?"

"Yes,' he whispered a little loudly, which made Ric grin.

"I need you to push back like you're a little freaked by your body's reaction and then let me do the talking."

When she pulled back, he softly said. "Did I even know you?'

"Yes. You were a friend when I needed you to be and saved me a few times. The stories I told you were true, but your girlfriend, who you have a son with, was the woman involved. Her name is Elizabeth."

When she went to kiss him again, moving her hips a bit, Jason took that as a cue and pushed her back.

Amelia jumped up. "I'm so sorry. It's just so hard holding back when I love you so much."

Jason ran his hands over his face. "I didn't mean to react like that. I just—it was overwhelming."

"We can go back to taking it slow."

"Thank you."

She turned the music off as Ric reversed the tape and took a screenshot. He just couldn't resist sending a little something to Elizabeth. While he hadn't planned on making any contact, he knew this would drive her crazy. Now, he just has to send it to a tech who will anonymously forward it.

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They were in the middle of dinner when Elizabeth's phone beeped. When she clicked on the image that was sent from an unknown number, she gasped and abruptly stood as tears pricked her eyes.

When she ran, Nikolas picked up the phone and studied it.

"What is it?"

"It's not good."

Johnny wiped his mouth and then took the phone. "They are together."

Monica frowned. "Who?"

"Jason and Amelia." He had thought that maybe Ric had killed her since she hadn't returned.

You could hear a pin drop,

Monica got up and looked over Johnny's shoulder. "He would never willingly cheat on Elizabeth."

"I don't think so either."

Nikolas frowned. "Look, he's not touching her. He's gripping the chair."

Johnny nodded. "That could imply that they were forced."

"Ric is just awful," Audrey said.

Emily sighed before running upstairs and going into Liz's bedroom. "He wasn't touching her."

"It still hurts." The picture is engrained in her mind.

"Which is what Ric intended. They were probably forced so he could torture you."

"That I believe because Jason would never hurt me like that. I just hate Ric. This is all my fault."

"I wish we could tell if he's hurt."

"I just want to scream, but I took one look at that and was glad he's alive, but I wished I was with him, not her."

Emily rubbed her back. "I get it, but Cam and Jake need their mommy. Jason is probably relieved that you aren't." She feels bad for Amelia after all she's been through and hopes Ric won't harm her.

"I just want him back. Damn, Ric." He will suffer for this. That is for sure.

"Come on. Cam needs to see that you are okay."

"You're right."

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Another week went by. Amelia and Jason had managed to mostly avoid being physical. He is pretending to be sick and did let her sleep next to him once which seemed to please Ric.

Amelia prepared a meal. Some of the items she had to throw out. Luckily, he had left some bags that were sealed, so she's using them so that the trash doesn't make the room smell.

She has been rationing the best that she can. Looking up, she notices that Ric is calling and answers. "Yes?"

"What's wrong with him now?"

"The headaches are getting worse."

Ric sighed. "I'm leaving town in a week."

"What does that mean?"

"You're on your own."

"We need more food."

"Tough… I think you know how this ends."

She is pissed. "Just let us go. You can go somewhere and live your life."

"If I let him live, he'll never stop looking for me."

"And you think that Sonny will?"

"Yes, because I'm his flesh and blood."

"There is more to family than that."

Ric chuckled. "You don't know him like I do." Sonny has had so many chances to kill him and didn't.

"I think you are oversimplifying things."

Ric shrugged. "It doesn't matter. They'll never find me. I'm going underground."

"Whatever, Ric."

"I sent another picture of you sleeping together."

She rolled her eyes. "I doubt Elizabeth will buy it."

"She will."

"Are you done?"

The line clicked, and she wanted to slam the receiver against the wall. Turning, she found Jason staring at her.

"He's leaving us here to rot in one week."