Chapter 23
Thank you to Starlight Guardian and Trini12180 for your comments and reviews on the past (What If) and the 2023 versions. Thank you to the guest reviewer for your comments and reviews on both stories.
January 11/2008 –April 2008
Summary:
Cameron plays with matches, Elizabeth chases him, and the door locks behind her. Jake is inside when the house catches on fire. Elizabeth breaks in and cuts her leg while rescuing her son. While bringing him to GH, there is a bomb threat. Elizabeth receives treatment, and Jake suffers minor smoke inhalation. After the event (a fake bomb), Jason sees Lucky bring Jake to his mother and is relieved they both are fine. A nurse takes Jake for a further check-up, and Jason sees his mother tending to his son.
1/21/2008
Elizabeth wants to go home, but Dr. Leo Julian insists Elizabeth needs to stay in the hospital for a few days to recover. He suggests that Elizabeth make arrangements with her baby's father while in the hospital. Lucky arrives with Jake, and she relays what Leo said.
Part A:
Lucky asks, "Has Jason been by to see you or Jake?"
"No, not yet."
"Good. He's honoring the agreement; we did this to keep Jake safe. I love Jake; it's in his best interest."
"Lucky, I have a confession. Jason and I have been seeing each other secretly, and sometimes he sees Jake."
"Elizabeth, we had an agreement. It's for Jake."
"No, Lucky, that was your agreement. I just went along with it. No one else knows, and Jason loves his son. Jake is happy when he sees Jason."
"How fair is that to Jake? How long will that last? Jake won't stay little forever."
"When the time comes, Jason and I will decide."
"That's not fair to me. Jason is still dangerous."
"Let's face it, Lucky; Cameron played with matches and set the house on fire. If Jason were around, maybe that wouldn't have happened. The fake bomb in the ER had nothing to do with Jason. There is danger everywhere; you can't shut it out."
"What are you saying?"
"I'm asking you to allow Jason to see Jake at least once while I am in the hospital. He will agree to your terms of visitation. Jason loves Jake as much as you do. He deserves to love his son."
"If I say no?"
"Lucky, when you think about what is fair, think about you making demands on Jason and Jake. I'll lay out demands on Sam. She is far more dangerous than Jason ever will be."
"Why do you keep suggesting Sam is bad for Jake?"
"Ask Sam why I don't want her near my children. If she can tell you the truth and you are still comfortable leaving her alone with them, then I will go for full custody and press charges. If you don't confront her, just keep her away from Cameron and Jake."
Part B
1/22/2008
Elizabeth mutters to herself, "It's January 22."
Carly enters the hospital room and says, "Yes, you know damm well what today is. It's Jason's birthday, and the perfect present for him is that he'd like more than anything to spend it with his son."
"While it is none of your business, Lucky is arranging that."
"What?"
"Carly, you hate not being in the inner circle. It is none of your business how I live my life. If Jason chooses to be a part of my family, he is welcome to it. You cannot dictate the terms of Jason's availability to see his son. That is up to Jason."
"We are going to keep going at it until I can convince Jason to go after custody of his son."
"Here's the phone; call Jason and tell him what you told me. I have had it up to here with your bullshit Carly. First, you pass off Michael as someone else's son 'twice,' then you keep a son from Nikolas and try to pass him off as Jax. All in the name of Cassidines are the devil. You are a hypocrite!"
Carly snarks, "How is he safe from you, given that he almost died in a fire? How did that happen?"
"How did Michael smash Morgan's toys and ask for revenge for Leticia?"
"Bitch!"
"Keep throwing them at me, Carly. I'm no angel. I've made plenty of mistakes, and Jason and I should have been truthful from the beginning, but don't you dare call me a bad mother."
"See, I've checked, and it seems your first bastard son likes to play with matches."
Elizabeth sighs, "I don't appreciate you calling my children names because if I were to stoop to your level, the same could be said about Michael. And do you want to call Jason's son a bastard? I don't think he'd appreciate that. What about Bobbie? Your father was one of her Johns. We can throw insults at each other all day long. You are no better than me, and I'm not better than you."
"Well, when I corner a lawyer and tell him about Cameron and the fire, I may look into having you declared an unfit mother and have your son taken from you permanently."
"Jason would never agree or forgive you. He is not your child. You do not get to make decisions for my son. Get over your obsession with Jason. Get a life, get some therapy, just let it go."
Jason had someone watching Elizabeth's room, and they told him about Carly's encounter with Elizabeth. "You told Jax?"
"Jax won't say anything. But Elizabeth has no right to cry on your shoulder. It's your birthday, and you should be with your son."
"I didn't hear about this from Elizabeth. I'm asking you to stop this, Carly. Do not attack Elizabeth anymore or threaten to declare her unfit. I have shitloads of crap on you. Would you like me to make that public? Because if you force me to choose, you won't like my response."
Part C
1/23/2008
Jason finally gets to see Elizabeth. They hug, and she tells him about her nightmares about the fire.
He thanks her, and she thinks he's talking about the sketch she did of Jake for his birthday; instead, he thanks her for saving their son.
"That day in the emergency room, I was so worried I couldn't get to you and that any danger to Jake would come from me and my life. It never occurred to me it could be from something else. It was some freak random accident."
"It was my fault. My head was all over the place after Carly left. Cam was playing with matches. He ran out, and I went after him. The door locked behind us, and the trashcan caught on fire. Jake was upstairs in his crib. I'm sorry, I'm really, really sorry."
"It's okay. We can't let it happen again."
"Jason, do you want to change the agreement? Please don't let my lapse in parenting make you decide to take Jake like Carly has threatened."
"No, that's not it at all. I want you to feel safe, and your house isn't protected. I could have guards at your home, but I'd prefer to move you and Cameron into the penthouse. Is that something you could think about?"
"I think about it a lot."
"I think about you and Jake every night. I'm wondering what you are doing and want to call you. I want to see you; I want to hold you. I want to be with our son. Please, think about it."
"I will. I'll try to bring Jake to the safe house sometime. Would that help?"
"Of course."
Summary-Used for the timeline. There is little dialogue unless it serves as a "what if" scenario to change the event.
1/30/2008
Lucky overheard Elizabeth and Sam arguing. Later, he confronts Elizabeth and asks for the truth. Elizabeth tells him about Sam watching Maureen kidnap Jake and that she also hired the men to threaten Elizabeth and the boys.
2/1-2/7/2008
Elizabeth's nightmares are making her skin crawl, and she needs to see Jason. He worries if she should be driving. She tells him what happened with Lucky. He offers to pick her up, but she says she will take the side road, and there will be less traffic. She wants to meet at the safe house. Robin tries to talk her out of leaving, but Elizabeth says she can't sleep there anymore.
Elizabeth drives to the SH and dozes off briefly. When she arrives, she tells him what happened. She thinks that she veered off the road. While in the shower, Jason checks her car. He reports there is a dent. She thinks she hit a guardrail. Jason tells her there was blood on the bumper. Elizabeth worries she hit a deer, and Jason says it didn't have that much blood, but the rain could have washed some away. She wants to go and check because it might still be alive if it's a dog or something. Jason says they should sleep first and offers to check it out in the morning. She should go home to her boys.
She returns to PC and GH, and Lucky tells her Sam was a victim of a hit and run. Jason checks out the area and sees police tape around the area Elizabeth mentioned. Cruz says the victim is his ex-girlfriend, Sam McCall.
Elizabeth sees Sam and is worried that she hit her. She calls Jason, and he knows Sam is a victim but doesn't believe Elizabeth hit her. Elizabeth asks him to meet her at the SH.
2/8-2/26/2008
"Jason, I fell asleep and thought I hit the shoulder, but what if I hit Sam? There is so much animosity between the two of us no one will believe it was an accident." Elizabeth lays out all the reasons people would believe she hit Sam on purpose, from the fight at Wyndemere to the truth about what Sam did. "Jason, I need to say something before it looks worse than it is."
"No."
"What? Please don't tell me you want to cover this up because I can't live with myself if I did this."
"What if it wasn't you? There were other people on the road that night. Before you come forward, we need to be absolutely positive you did it. Please let me investigate first."
Jason has suspects ranging from Nikolas and Carly to his mother, Monica. Elizabeth still wants to go to the police. He asks her to wait. She says, "If I did this, I don't want a cover-up like what happened with Courtney."
"Courtney came forward, and you forgave her. I don't see Sam being as forgiving as you were."
"To be honest, I forgave Courtney for you."
"Please, please wait. Don't put yourself through this hell if you didn't do it."
Part D
The Text Message Killer is revealed, and he takes Sam and Elizabeth
Summary of events leading up to more scenarios
2/28-3/4/2008
Summary
Diego Alcazar is revealed to be the TMK. He kidnaps Sam and hides her in the trunk. Elizabeth planned to tell Sam she might be the one who hit her, but she sees Diego in a mask; he chases after her and chloroforms her. Elizabeth is handcuffed in the back seat, and she unmasks Diego. He confesses he killed Emily because she was Jason's sister. Elizabeth fights him, and Diego loses control of the car, crashing it into the side of a bridge. Lucky arrives at the scene of an accident and calls it in. He exits his vehicle, and Diego shoots and wounds him. Jason discovers where Diego took Elizabeth and drives to find her. He drags Lucky to safety. He fights with Diego and gets to the car to rescue Elizabeth. He gets her out, and she tells him Sam is in the trunk. Elizabeth tends to Lucky. The car is about to fall into the icy water below. Sam climbs out from the trunk to the back seat cushions, and as Jason is about to take her hand, the car crashes over the side. Elizabeth checks on Jason, and Lucky rescues Sam hanging from the ledge.
3/5/2008
Summary
Jason is seriously injured and needs intensive surgery to save his hands, which could prevent him from ever working again. Carly blames Elizabeth for Jason's actions to save her and Sam. Elizabeth points out that Jason would do the same for Carly. Carly says, "But it wasn't me."
After surgery, Elizabeth visits Jason in recovery. She brings Jake, kisses Jason's forehead, and says, "There's nothing I wouldn't do for you. I brought you a visitor. Jake wants you to hurry up and get better, but I say take your time and see that you do get better because we both love you." She exits Jason's room, and Patrick observes her leaving. Later, she passes Jason's room, and Patrick stops her.
Scenario 1.
Patrick says, "He's still out. And I'd like him to get as much rest as possible."
Elizabeth replies, "Okay."
"I saw you brought Jake to see Jason."
"I was on a break."
"With Lucky's son?"
"I don't know what you are getting at."
"Sorry, it's certainly none of my business, but I don't think Lucky would appreciate you bringing Jake to see Jason. He is his father and should have a say in his kid's life."
"You are right; it's not any of your business."
"I'm sorry that was out of line."
"You are right; it was out of line. If I were to tell you something in confidence as Jason's doctor, you are bound by privilege. Jake is good for Jason's recovery. I don't care how Lucky would feel about my bringing Jake to see Jason because…."
Patrick realizes what Elizabeth is about to reveal. He completes her sentence. "Because Jason is Jake's father."
"Yes."
"Does that concern you?"
"Sometimes, but Jason loves Jake, and Lucky knows the truth."
"I won't tell Lucky."
Summary
3/7-3/21/2008
Jason is awake, and Elizabeth visits. "How do you feel? Do you remember what happened?"
"Diego had you. Why were you at Sam's?"
Elizabeth explains she was going to see Sam about her hit and run. Jason is upset because he's asked her to wait. Lucky overhears the conversation. Jason says he still hasn't cleared Monica.
Lucky confronts Jason about the conversation, and Jason asks Lucky to wait until he's sure it was Elizabeth who hit Sam. Jason travels to Seattle for further surgery on his hands.
Lucky decides to investigate himself. Sam finds out and goes to Elizabeth's house to confront her. Sam harasses and calls Elizabeth names. Later, while Lucky is present, she says she won't press charges, and Elizabeth knows Sam is playing on Lucky; if she forgives Elizabeth, he should forgive her for her actions with Jake.
3/21/2008
Jason returns to town, and Elizabeth visits him at the Coffee House. She embraces him and asks how the surgery went.
"Doctors say I should make a full recovery."
"That's great; Patrick says your doctor was brilliant. That hand surgery can be a little tricky."
"I was more worried about you. I got Spinelli working full-time to prove you're innocent."
"Jason, I'm sure it was me. All the evidence points to me."
"Monica hit something, too. She was drunk."
"Jason, I love you for believing in me, but even Sam has accused me of hitting her."
"Sam? She has no proof."
"She doesn't need proof to manipulate me. That's why I'm going to the PCPD and confess."
"How did Sam find out?"
"She overheard me talking to Lucky. Of course, she confronted me and threatened to press criminal charges."
"Well, you could send her to prison for assault and kidnapping."
"I know. I told her, and that's when she backed down. But she could hold this over me for the rest of my life. I don't want to wait for the other shoe to drop. I'd rather confess and deal with it."
"You can't confess to something you don't remember. I know I've asked you a lot, but please give me a little more time. Do you trust me?"
"Of course I trust you."
"Okay, and if it turns out you did it, you can go to the police."
"Okay. Okay, I'll wait."
Jason kisses her. "Will you be okay?"
"Yeah, yeah. I'll be fine. I'm glad your surgery went well. I love you."
"I love you too. I'll call you."
Scenario 2
3/23/2008
Lucky visits Elizabeth at GH. He says, "Sam and I are going to give it another shot. We will take things slow, but eventually, she will be around Cameron and Jake."
"Lucky, if that happens, then Jason will be allowed around Cameron and Jake. Sam is more of a danger to my boys than Jason is."
"I believe Sam is sorry for what happened. It's my life, my choice."
"I know."
"And I'm making it."
"I'm making my choice too. Jason will see the boys when he is with me. You can't have it both ways, Lucky. I am tired of hiding my feelings, and Jason deserves to be a part of their lives. He's earned it more than Sam has. If you fight me on this, I'll turn myself in and sign over custody to Jason."
3/24/2008
Spinelli finds conclusive proof that Monica was the person who hit Sam. Jason confronts Monica, and she throws it back at him, saying everything is his fault, from Alan to the reason why Emily is dead. Jason tells Sam, and she says she's not pressing charges. He asks Elizabeth to come to the coffee shop and tells her the news.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. Spinelli has the video proof if you want to see it. You are not the one who hit Sam."
"Oh, My god! Thank you. Thank Spinelli."
"I always believed in you, Elizabeth." He kisses her.
Elizabeth says, "Sorry."
"Why are you sorry?"
"Here I am, happy it wasn't me, but you discovered it was your mother. That has to be difficult."
"You didn't do anything wrong."
"Neither did you."
Scenario 3 This is one of the times I think Elizabeth was in the wrong. I'm correcting it.
3/25/2008
"But Monica is suffering because of the choices I've made. I'm the only child she has left and haven't been much of a son to her. I want to help her; I want her to have hope. I find myself wishing I could tell her Jake is her grandson."
"Do you want to claim Jake? I know Monica is hurting, but what happens if you tell her? Will she be happy knowing she has a grandson? Jason, I know how hard this is for you. Every time Jake does something new, all I can think about is you, and you are not there to see it. It's not right that our little boy is growing up without you."
"You send me pictures all the time."
"It's not the same. It's not the same as being there when he cries or rocking him to sleep. You should be there to put him to bed every night."
"No, it's not. But it helps me to know you are taking care of him."
If you want to claim Jake, I want Monica to be included in his life. If you stay quiet, how will we explain her sudden interest in Jake? Do I bring him to the Quartermaines for tea? Would she meet us at the SH in secret? Will Edward know?"
"I haven't thought of it in that way."
"If you want to tell Monica, I will support you. If you think she can keep it a secret, we can find a way to make it better for her."
Jason receives a call from Epiphany that his mother has been in a car accident. When he arrives at GH, Epiphany tells him Monica is banged up, but her blood alcohol is over the legal limit. Jason and Monica talk. He wants her to get help. She apologizes for her recent behavior and will tell the cops everything. She says, "Jason, no matter what has been said in anger, you are my son. I love you."
"I love you too. I wish I could do more for you."
Elizabeth knocks and closes the door behind her. She has Jake in her arms. She locks the door. She says, "Jason and I want to tell you something."
Jason says, "Are you sure?"
"I think Emily would want your mother to know."
Jason says, "Monica, Elizabeth, and I have a secret. We hope you will keep this secret. Jake is my son. Would you like to meet your grandson?"
Monica doesn't understand, but her eyes well up with tears. "I have another grandson?"
Elizabeth hands Jake to Monica. "Yes. There are reasons why Jason hasn't come forward, but he wants you to know. We are not ready for the rest of the Quartermaines to find out yet."
Monica laughs, "Jason, you have a son! I will keep your secret. Elizabeth, what do I need to do to see more of Jake."
Jason replies, "Get help first, and after rehab, Elizabeth and I will devise a plan for you to see him."
Jason needs more surgery, and Elizabeth greets him in the PH when he gets home.
The proposal
Michael
And different choices
XXX
2023
It's one week before Thanksgiving.
Jason takes Jake and Aiden to the Estates in the morning as promised. At the entrance are security cameras and a locked gate operated by a remote control. There is a security building to use the gate. The driveway leads to a four-car garage and a separate shed for two motorcycles. There is space for bicycles. Jason leads them inside. He hands them a notepad to make suggestions. He shows them the entryway. He leads them to the kitchen and points out the separate large oven for Aiden. There is a gas stovetop and a regular oven. An overhead microwave is above the stove. The area for the cabinets is empty. Jason says, "I want your mother's input for the cabinets and the type of refrigerator she wants." Jason wants their input on the flooring.
He leads them to the Great Room and asks for ideas for flooring and furniture, but Elizabeth will have the final say. He shows them to the back near the vaulted windows with two separate artist's rooms. There is a supply closet. The main level includes a study for Jason and the family room. Jason asks for input.
There are two bathrooms partially finished on the main floor.
They follow him to the furnished basement. It has a pool table and an area for a dart board, and Jason asks if they want to include additional games. There is another bathroom with a shower.
Jason takes them to the top floor, which has six bedrooms. The master room is partially complete. There is a master bath with a fireplace. Jason shows Cameron's room and says he is waiting to hear back from Cam. Cameron has his own bathroom. Jason takes them to Jake and Aiden's room and says they will have complete input. Their room has an adjoining bathroom. There are two guest rooms, currently unfinished. There is one guest bathroom. Elizabeth has her private study next to the master room.
They returned to the main floor, and Jason apologized that the landscaping would have to wait until the spring. There is a guard house on the back side of the Estate.
As they leave, Jason calls Kelly's and orders BLT burgers and chili for everyone. Jack enters to pick up the food, and they head home.
Elizabeth drives to GH to oversee Drew's release. She hands him a list of care instructions. Carly arrives as Drew is transferred to a wheelchair. She calls an orderly to wait with Mr. Cain for his ride to arrive. Elizabeth wishes Drew well but prefers not to interact with Carly today.
Elizabeth finishes charts and schedules. She stops by patient's rooms and returns to the hub to make notes to her nurses about the changes they need to make.
Elizabeth arrives home and calls Cameron. He has plans to come out two days before Thanksgiving. He says the Scorpio-Drake family are flying with him.
Elizabeth calls Robin. Robin says they will be staying with Anna. Elizabeth invites everyone, including Anna and Robert, to dinner. Jason has ordered most of the food. Robin offers to bring wine and desserts.
Jason walks in at the end of the conversation and says she hopes there will be enough food.
"If you can take a break, I brought lunch from Kelly's."
Elizabeth replies, "I'm due for a break."
The boys set the table and placed the food. Elizabeth catches everyone up on Cam's visit for Thanksgiving. Jason says, "I ordered a smoked turkey, oyster stuffing, and prime rib, which should arrive before Thanksgiving."
Elizabeth says, "I'm making the mashed potatoes and vegetables. Aiden is going to surprise us with his pies. Robin and Patrick are bringing wine. I'm not sure if Anna or Robert will contribute, but we need to get the house ready, and I'm using Gram's china and silverware."
Jason says, "It's a lot of people, but I will enjoy time with Robin and Patrick and our family. It will be worth it."
"So, how was the viewing of the Estates?"
"Jake and Aiden have many ideas, and I hope we can implement everything in time. I'm still waiting for Cam's input.
During lunch, Elizabeth and Jason lean back and enjoy watching Jake and Aiden rave about the Estate, and they ramble on about all the changes they want to add." After lunch, Jake and Aiden cleared the table and headed to the family room to plan the decorating of their new rooms.
Jason says, "Are we going overboard? Do you think I'm spoiling them too much? Am I overstepping my role here? I want you to have everything you've desired."
"Jason, ten years ago, I might have felt that way. I've struggled as a single mom and was stubborn and independent, not wanting to admit I needed help, but I wished my children could have had things I never had. The boys are old enough to experience hard work and not expect to have everything given to them. They will appreciate what we have. I don't expect other things to change. They will still be responsible for their chores. They know the value of ethics."
"And you? You've always been independent. You have worked hard all your life. I want to make you happy."
"Being with you makes me happy. I will love our new home and am ready to splurge at this stage in our lives. I still want to continue working at GH."
"Of Course. I would never ask you to quit doing something you love."
"Are you seeing Monica today?"
"No, we spent too much time at the Estates today; I rescheduled it for tomorrow. I promised to bring the boys. Monica, Michael and his family will be there. Ned and his family may be around, and Drew may be there unless he's moved in with Carly."
"Are you going to be okay around all those Q's?"
Jason grunts. "I'm not big on gatherings, especially the Quartermaines', but I promised Monica and I would like to know Michael and his family. I plan on exiting after an hour and leaving Jake and Aiden time with them. Willow was Aiden's teacher, and he's talked about seeing her again."
Elizabeth laughs, "Sounds about right with your tolerance level with the Quartermaines. What are your plans for this afternoon?"
"I am meeting with Diane and Sonny today to discuss business and signing over companies back to Sonny. I think he wants me to stay with the coffee side since I'm good with the books. It is one of his few legit businesses. I'm hoping to meet this Dex guy. I want to get an impression of him. Hopefully, I can get his DNA and have Spinelli run it through a private site."
"I can give you the information for the site I used to retest Aiden's DNA."
"Thanks. I hope your instincts are wrong. Despite everything, I don't want to see Sonny get hurt. He doesn't trust easily, and if Dex plans something against Sonny, it could send him off the deep end."
"You don't think…?"
"No, not by Sonny, but he may enlist Brick to take care of it or ask me to step in."
"Remember, Joss is involved with Dex. She will be destroyed if something happens to him."
"I should stop by her dorm room. I haven't seen her since I've been back."
"Sounds like a busy couple of days."
"What about you?"
"Besides work, I've narrowed down candidates for Gram's care. They are coming for an interview with her later today. Elizabeth drives to Audrey's house and says, "Before the candidates arrive, I have some suggestions to make the house safer for you. The den can be converted into a bedroom. I don't want you climbing stairs without assistance. Over time, I can help declutter your home and pack things you no longer use. I can put them into storage for you."
"Elizabeth, what do you want to do with the upstairs? There are still things you left behind in your old room."
"I can go through the rooms. I want to use at least one of them for your aides if someone needs to stay the night. We don't need to decide on the other two rooms until you are ready."
"Elizabeth, sweetheart. Thank you for going to all this trouble for me. It's an adjustment for someone of my age. I'm glad my granddaughter is in town to look after me."
"Always Gram. I love you."
The candidates arrive separately, and Audrey chooses two of them. Elizabeth says, "I'll set things up to start on the first. Jake, Aiden, and I will visit daily."
Meanwhile, Jason stops by Joss's dorm to see his goddaughter. She opens the door. "Jason! I heard you were back." He hugs hers.
Jason says, "I'm sorry it's taken so long for me to visit. It's a long story, and I hope you will listen to my side before you choose who to believe."
"Jason, I've spoken to Michael and Drew. My mother loves you but cannot see straight when it comes to Elizabeth. She was kind to her when I was dating Cameron. But when you reappeared, every gracious interaction went out the window. I love my mother, but she can sometimes be overbearing and insufferable. I am happy for you and Elizabeth. I heard about the engagement. I love you."
"Thank you, Joss. I love you, too. I can't promise an invite to the wedding since Cam will be there, but perhaps you can stop by for lunch when the new house is complete."
"I'd like that."
Jason takes his bike to Pozzulos. He tells Mario to stay hidden. He will call if he needs him. Jason enters, and Diane is waiting. He apologizes, "Sorry I am late. I stopped to see Josslyn. Diane, it's been a while. Sorry I didn't contact you earlier."
"Apologize later. My time is money. I understand some dissolution papers need signing and filing. Jason, are you sure you want to sign over control to Sonny?"
"Diane, I do not need those properties. I haven't been involved in them for over two years. Sonny should have complete ownership."
Sonny says, "I'd like to keep you on as a co-owner of Corothinos Coffee. It's something we started together. It's a legitimate business."
"I'll think about it, but I want you to have the rest."
"Okay, gentlemen, sign where indicated. I'll file them tomorrow. Jason, I understand you need an attorney separate from Sonny. If there is no conflict of interest, I will happily work for you again. I've got my eyes on a couple of pairs of Louboutin shoes. Goodbye, gentlemen. Jason, call me when you are ready."
Sonny and Jason follow Diane out of the office. They watch her walk away. A young, sandy-haired man around 25 sits at the bar drinking coffee. Sonny says, "Jason, I want you to meet an associate of mine. Jason, Dex Heller. Dex, Jason Morgan."
Jason extends his hand. It's nice to meet you."
Dex replies, "It's nice to me, you too. I've heard a lot about you.?"
Jason doesn't respond. His face is expressionless. "Can I get some coffee, please?"
Dex heads behind the bar. He flips over a cup and pours coffee into it. "Cream or sugar?"
"Black is fine, thanks. How long have you worked for Sonny?"
"Since mid-2022." Jason nods and sips his coffee. Sonny asks for coffee, and Dex complies. Dex leaves them alone and finds a corner in the back to sit in. He drinks his coffee,
"Jason says, "Man of few words."
"Yeah, kind of like you sometimes."
Jason surveys the restaurant to figure out how to find Dex's DNA without anyone knowing. Sonny goes to the kitchen to check the meal simmering on the stove. Jason is about to cut his losses when Sonny says, "Jason, do you want to stay for dinner?"
"Sure, let me make a call." Jason calls Elizabeth, "Hi, it's me. I'm having dinner with Sonny and a friend. I'll be home soon."
Jason offers to clear the table. Sonny says, "Elizabeth has domesticated you. I have staff to do that."
"I don't mind Sonny." Jason carefully separates the fork Dex used from all the other silverware. He pockets it with Dex's napkin. He rinses the dishes and asks Sonny if he should leave them in the sink.
"Sure, the overnight crew will take care of it. I have some business to discuss with Dex. Say hello and congratulations to Elizabeth for me."
"I will. Thanks. Nice meeting you again, Dex."
Jason leaves and exhales. He rides away. He arrives home and rushes to get a large ziplock bag. He places both the napkin and fork inside. Elizabeth says, "Is that what I think that is? Did you meet Dex? What is your take on him?"
"I want to call Spinelli first and have him pick this up in the morning." Jason calls Spinelli, and Spinelli says he will be there first thing. Jason locks the bag in the upstairs safe.
"Elizabeth, this is the first step to discovering who Dex is. I got Spinelli checking his military background. The fork has Dex's DNA and fingerprints. Dex is guarded. He's quiet and knows how to keep his mouth shut around someone he doesn't know. Nothing jumped out at me, but like you, I have a gut feeling something is off."
"Hopefully, there will be answers soon. How was the rest of your day?"
Jason tells her about his visit with Joss, Sonny, and Diane and passes their congratulations. "How did things go with your grandmother?"
Elizabeth updates him on her visit. She says, "We've already eaten, and the boys are in their room. Would you like to turn in early?"
Jason smiles and says, "Lead the way."
Early the following day, Spinelli knocks on the door. Jason sneaks out and hands him the evidence. Elizabeth welcomes him inside, but Jason says, "Another time, okay? Spinelli extends his congratulations. Elizabeth says, "Thank you, Spinelli."
After breakfast, Elizabeth heads to GH for her shift. Jason cleans up, Jake sketches in the art room, and Aiden works on his pies.
Jason pulls one of Elizabeth's journals.
10/31/2012: Not only have I fucked things up this past month, but 2012 has been a terrible year overall. I lost one of my best friends in February. Robin Scorpio-Drake lost her life in a lab explosion, developing a serum to save Jason's life. Jason was furious Robin lost her life saving him and angry at Sam for keeping her death from him. He missed her service. Jason told me that one of the many things Robin taught him after his accident was that it was important to be able to say goodbye to those important to you. Jason was upset he didn't have that chance. I saw him on the bridge after Robin's service. He wanted to know what happened. I think it helped to hear what people said about her. We realized it had been a year since Jake died, and we found a way to declare our love for our son and say goodbye to him on the anniversary of his death.
Patrick did not handle Robin's death well. He began drinking and using pills to mask his pain. He avoided working at GH and invented cases at Mercy. He's doing better now, but Robin's death has been painful for everyone. Jason saw me with Emma and Aiden at Kelly's, and Emma was sad. Jason helped her by telling a story about something Robin did for him.
Dr. Matt Hunter, Patrick's brother, confessed to killing Lisa Niles, and he accepted a plea deal for manslaughter. Lisa was cruel. Patrick lost his wife, now his brother and Maxie even lost Matt. Matt was a good doctor.
Sam is pregnant, but they think this Franco guy is the baby's father. I miss Jason, but I know he's hurting with Sam confiding with John McBain. Jason and I are connecting more, and I wish I could make him feel better.
I should listen to Jason's advice more often. He was suspicious of Dr. Ewen Keenan. Everyone loved him and encouraged me to get involved with Ewen. Jason was right about him. He was right about Zander and was right about Ric. I don't regret being with Zander because it gave me Cameron, but the relationship itself was toxic. I make poor choices when it comes to men. I screwed up everything with Jason. I wish I handled our break-up differently. Nikolas was a mistake; trying with Lucky again was a mistake, except for Aiden. Ewen was an accomplice of Jerry Jacks. Ewen helped Jerry during the water pathegon this summer. Ewen kidnapped me, and Jason rescued me. For a moment, I thought we could find our way back to each other. Jason said, "Don't you know what you mean to me?" I wish I had said something, but Sam and her baby were still present.
I'm not one to normally condone murder, but I wish Jason would have gotten rid of Jerry years ago. If Jerry had died in 2007, Nikolas would not have been poisoned, and Jerry would not have blackmailed Emily.
He had Stan Johnson killed; he was an accomplice to Michael's shooting and kidnapped numerous people, including Sam. People warned me that Jason's life was dangerous, but Jerry was worse.
My lies come back to haunt me, and I should learn my lesson. I lied to Jason about his son for two days, and when I confessed, he didn't yell, scream, or call me names. He looked disappointed in me. That feeling was worse. Ten days later, Jason is dead. I can never make it up to him again. Jason brings out the best and the worst in me over the years. I wish I were strong enough to try, and I wished I hadn't lied.
Jason closes the journal and tells the boys to be ready in ten minutes to visit the Quartermaines.
Jason, Jake, and Aiden meet Monica, Michael, and his family for lunch at the Quartermaine mansion. Ned, Olivia, and Leo join the group. After an hour, Jason says he has to check on the plans at the Estates, and Michael asks if he can come. Jason agrees and gives a tour of the home he will soon share with Elizabeth and her children. Jason returns and picks up Jake and Aiden, and they return home.
TBC