A/N – Thanks for the comments! Glad I surprised you with Liz's keen sense of smell lol. It gets harder to be original when you've written so many stories. I even discussed different options with the hubby to try and figure out how to set everything up and for them to find them.

Chapter 20

Francis enters the basement where Ric is being kept. He had been a bit delirious, so they had waited for him to be able to focus before sharing the good news.

Ric could barely see because his eyes were almost swollen shut. "Come to gloat?" he barely managed to say.

Francis almost laughed. They had pulled out several of his teeth, so talking was difficult. A doctor tends to him every hour to make sure he stays alive, and they will let him heal for several days before starting again. It's a delicate situation because they don't want internal bleeding or infection to take him out. They had to give him pain pills to help him manage his distress and keep him alive. There will be plenty of time for suffering later.

"As a matter of fact, I have. You see, Jason and Amelia are at General Hospital receiving treatment. They will be fine."

Bile rose in Ric's belly. "You're lying."

"You wish. You see, Elizabeth insisted that we check your house and the area around it again."

Ric tensed.

"She smelled food, which led to Carly finding the pipe, and then we dug up the yard until we found the hatch. From there, we used sledgehammers to break them out."

"Impossible."

"Thankfully, we got to them before permanent damage set in. So, you see, they will get to live a good life and you will suffer and eventually die because of your ridiculous hatred and need for revenge. Everything is right in the world."

"Amnesia…"

Francis grinned. "As the swelling is going down, Jason's memory is returning. It's only a matter of time before he's standing in front of you. It's almost time to pay the piper."

A single tear ran down Ric's face. He knows he's screwed and will probably die at the hands of a man he loathes.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Sonny made his way into Amelia's room. "Hey."

She slightly smiled. "I didn't think you were the visiting type."

"No?"

"I would have thought you'd have minions to do that for you."

He grinned as he sat next to the bed. "You saved him. I think that warrants a face-to-face."

She sighed. "How is he?"

"He's stable but isn't awake. How are you?"

"I'm doing better. I feel like a camel at this point, but they knocked me out and I slept well."

"That's good."

"Is he dead?" she whispered.

"Not yet."

"Why?" She could feel her blood pressure begin to rise.

Sonny grasped her hand. "Take a deep breath. We wanted to make him hurt. Besides, Jason might want a turn."

"As long as he can't get out..."

"He can't." Ric wouldn't be able to walk if he tried. Elizabeth had made sure of that. She has done more damage than she realizes.

"Good."

"Jason is important to a lot of people. Thank you for watching over him."

She nodded. "He's important to me too."

"Do you love him?" He wouldn't be surprised if she did, but they don't need the drama right now, and he's trying to make sure they consider any potential problems.

"Not the way you probably think. I don't have many friends. The last few years were spent with my evil plans to make Sam pay. Jason saved me a few times and he's been a friend. We went through something crazy together and I don't want to lose that friendship. I care about him a lot."

She could tell Sonny might not believe her.

He cleared his throat. "I get Jason's appeal. He listens and he likes to protect people as well as be loyal. Many women have fallen for that."

She rolled her eyes. "Just because a man is hot doesn't mean a woman has to go there. Some things are more important."

"So, if he wasn't with Elizabeth, you might give it a shot?"

She shrugged. "I have never considered it because he isn't an option and even if he was, I—he's a little younger than me and we live very different lives. With that said, I've seen his vulnerability and he has a big heart. That is endearing. He and Elizabeth are kind and I want them in my life. I don't know where I will end up, but it's nice to know you have people who care about you to visit."

He frowned. "You want to leave?"

"I don't know, but I'm not in a crazy hurry to figure everything out. I haven't had roots somewhere in a long time. Although, this town is a bit crazy."

He chuckled. "Yeah. Well, I know you won't take financial help, so I owe you a few dinners until you decide." He's relieved that it seems like he doesn't have to worry about her. Jason deserves some peace.

Her brow rose. "You can cook?"

"Very well…"

"What's your specialty?"

"Italian and Cuban."

Her mouth is watering. She held out her hand. "I accept."

He grinned again as he shook it. "When are they letting you out of here?"

"In about three hours. I'm going to stay with the Quartermaines."

"Okay…"

She chuckled. "Are they that bad?"

"Uh, no. They hate me, but they are pretty crazy."

"Well, at least I'll be entertained."

"If they drive you insane, I have a back house with your name on it, or I can put you in the towers."

"I will need a permanent place if I decide to stay. Can I get back to you about the towers?"

He nodded. "Definitely. So, tell me what you like to do." He thought that getting her mind off her situation would help.

She smiled and they chatted for another fifteen minutes or so before he had to go.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Patrick looked Jason over and then went into the hallway. "He should be awake in the next few hours. We took out the vent because his levels are good."

Liz smiled. "Excellent."

"You know the deal."

"Thank you so much for saving him."

He grinned. "Anything for you."

She laughed. "I missed you."

"Most people do."

Piph rolled her eyes as Liz smacked him on the arm.

"Hey, watch it. I need that arm."

"She should pull it off and smack you over the head with it," Piph quipped.

Johnny chuckled.

"Such violence…" He walked away, so Liz went back inside. She talked to Jason for a while about what Cam and Jake were up to and then nodded off.

Jason's eyes blinked open and after a minute, the room came into focus. The first thing he noticed was that he was incredibly thirsty and had a throbbing pain in his head. His gaze landed on Elizabeth, and he stared.

Because his vitals changed, Piph rushed into the room, jarring Liz who jumped up and couldn't believe it when her gaze locked on Jason.

Patrick was not far behind. and another nurse led a shocked Liz into the hallway.

Johnny held her. "Our boy is back."

"I'm not sure if he recognized me or not."

"We'll find out soon."

She starts to pray in her head, hoping that everything will be back to normal.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Patrick checks his vision. "Do you know who you are?"

"Jason?" he said shakily.

"That's right. Do you know what year it is?"

"Everything is jumbled."

"It's okay."

Piph lets him sip some water.

"You were hit over the head about a month ago and had a brain bleed which made you have amnesia." Patrick realizes that Jason is holding his breath. "Breathe please…"

Jason tries to breathe more deeply. After a few minutes, he asked another question as some recent memories flooded into his mind. "Amelia?"

"She's fine. She was dehydrated, so we kept her overnight. We're about to release her. I'm sure she'll stop by."

He is relieved. "The woman that was here. I feel like I know her."

Patrick smiled. "That was Elizabeth. She hasn't left your side."

"I love her, right?" Things seemed so scrambled that he was having a hard time processing anything.

Piph moved closer. "Yes, and she loves you. I'm so glad you're back."

"Why are my memories messed up?"

"As the swelling continues to go down, it will get better. Don't try to force it. You had brain surgery, and your body needs to heal."

"How long do I have to stay here?"

Piph chuckled. "Well, now you are back to yourself."

"Several days," Patrick said.

Jason groaned.

Outside, Amelia is pushed via wheelchair to the room.

"What's going on?"

Liz smiled. "He's awake."

"Does he remember?"

"I don't know."

Piph joins them. "He doesn't entirely remember. It's jumbled but that is to be expected."

"What does he recall?"

"Well, he mentioned Amelia, so he still has his short-term memories. I'll let you go in when Patrick is finished. I think you should go together."

Amelia nodded.

Piph eyed Liz. "He thought you seemed familiar and then said he thinks he loves you."

Liz smiled. "That's progress. I'll take it."

"Patrick thinks as the swelling lessens; it will get better."

"After all he's been through, it's a miracle that it's coming back already," Amelia said.

Patrick came out. "He's stable and wanted to know when he could go home."

Liz rolled her eyes. "I will duct tape him to the bed if I have to."

Piph chuckled. "I'll help."

Patrick opened the door, and then Liz pushed Amelia inside.

Jason smiled. "Hey."

Amelia doesn't even realize that she's crying. "Hey." She squeezed his hand. "How are you feeling?"

"Like someone slammed my head into a wall."

"That good?"

He groaned. "I hate hospitals. That, I do remember."

"What else do you remember?"

His gaze went to Liz. "I sort of remember you. I know that I love you." He is very drawn to her and doesn't want her to go.

Liz smiled. "I love you too."

"Do you remember what I told you about her in the room?" Amelia said.

"It's kind of jumbled."

"Don't stress about it. I'm sure you'll remember in time."

Monica rushed into the room. Emily is with the kids. "What happened?" She froze when she locked eyes with her son. "Jason…"

Jason closed his eyes for a second and then opened them. "Mom?"

Tears fell down her cheeks as she rushed to his side.

"You are my mom, right?"

"His memories are jumbled," Liz said.

"They'll come back," Monica said before kissing his hand. "I can't stay because I have an emergency surgery, but I love you and I'll check on you later."

"Okay."

She rushed off as Alice entered the room.

"You ready, Miss Amelia?"

"I am." She focused on Jason again. "I'll stop by in a few days, and we'll talk." She wants to give him time to spend with Liz and hopefully, it will jar his memories.

Alice smiled at Jason. "It's good to see you, Mr. Jason."

Jason nodded and watched as they left.

"Alice works for your family. They invited Amelia to stay with them."

His gaze fixed on her. "Don't go." He's tired and is scared he'll fall asleep.

"That is one thing you can't do—get rid of me."

"Good."

She pulled up a chair and held his hand and he immediately felt calmer.

"You're beautiful."

She chuckled. "You used to tell me that all the time."

"Good to know I wasn't stupid."

She laughed. "I missed you so much. If I cry, just ignore it. I'm just so relieved."

His eyes widened. "Sons?"

She almost squealed. "Yes. Cam is three going on seven, and Jake is four months."

"You—you're everything."

Liz began to cry, so he pulled her closer. She carefully got on the bed and lay next to him.

"I never thought I'd get to hold you again."

"I'm sorry."

"Never again. I'm not letting you out of my sight."

He slightly smiled. "Tired."

"Sleep. I'm not leaving you. Not even Epiphany could pry me away."

He sighed contently as he drifted off. Having her next to him just felt right.

Piph eyed them from the hallway. "She's a hussy getting into bed with him like that, but I can't blame her."

Johnny grinned. "You jealous?"

"Hell yeah."

"You still have me, Piph."

She shook her head. "I swear you were dropped on your head."

He laughed quietly.

"They are beautiful though. She's going to be fine."

"I agree, and my bro is back."

"Makes no sense…" she said as she walked away.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Johnny made his way into the Quartermaine residence to Amelia's room. After that, he had been ordered to get some sleep.

Right before he entered the room, she screamed, and he bolted inside to find her sitting up panting.

"Hey, you're okay."

She groaned as she fell back onto the pillows. "This sucks."

"Having some sleeping issues?"

She sighed. "Yeah. I don't want to rely on sleeping pills."

"Maybe you need them right now."

"I'm used to having someone in the room with me."

He took off his jacket and kicked off his shoes as her brow rose. Laughter arose in the room as he made his way to the other side of the bed. "You're in luck. I've been ordered to sleep, and you need a roommate."

She smirked. "You think you have it like that?"

"I know I do. You think you're the first woman that has used that excuse to get me into bed?" he said as he lay on his back.

Amelia laughed genuinely for the first time since she was rescued. "You are an interesting man. So, why did you come here anyway?"

"Sonny asked me to check on you and make sure they weren't holding you hostage on my way home."

Amelia rolled her eyes. "They are very nice."

"Uh-huh. You're suffering from severe dehydration syndrome. Thinking the Q's are great is a side effect. Jason would tell you that if he could remember, but right now, he's in ignorant bliss."

She laughed again. "You are too much."

He smiled. "Sleep. I won't leave you."

"Thank you."

"Any time." She's hot, so he certainly doesn't mind being in her bed even if it is platonic, but he wonders if Sonny is going to make a move since he seems to have taken an interest. Either that, or he's worried that Amelia will make a move for Jason, and he thinks his dimples will help his friend thwart it so he can save the day. Johnny sighed. Sonny is so predictable.

A few hours later, Audrey peeked in and was surprised to find them together. Amelia had rolled into Johnny whose arm was around her. A smirk edged onto her face as she considered the match-making possibility and then made a mental note to see if Monica was up for some scheming.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Sonny moved toward Ric.

"What do you want?" It's easier to talk now that they stopped beating him to death. He's now lying on a gurney which is more comfortable than the chair. The meds are helping a lot, but he knows that won't last for long. These are his last days, and he wishes they'd just put a bullet in his head and get it over with.

Sonny has other plans. "I had to comfort your daughter today."

"What's wrong with her?"

"She wanted her daddy."

"I'm sure you lied."

"She'll know you're a piece of shit once she eventually reads it on the internet. Alexis will take care of her, and of course, I'll try to be a good father figure to her."

Ric is livid. "Stay away from her."

Sonny smiled. "Too bad you don't get a say. I've been helping Alexis since she's still recovering. I'm glad that she was able to divorce your ass so quickly. She probably doesn't think about you at all."

"You're just loving my downfall."

"Damned right I am. Get some sleep. Jason will probably be here in a week. I want you to be well rested for whatever hell he's going to unleash on you."

Ric cursed under his breath as his brother left the room.