Chapter 1.) Dark Day
"You nervous?" The dark haired man asked the young woman in front of him.
"Yes and no," The chestnut brunette replied and then clarified, as the man gave a look that suggested he would like a more specific response, "I mean, this is Jason that I'm meeting with today. I still love him and no matter how hard I try I can't seem to help it."
"And the no?" the man asked urging her on.
"And no, because I know that he has never cared about me so this shouldn't lead anywhere. Even though after everything that has happened a part of me wishes that it would."
"Do you have any demands?" the man asked while fiddling with his tie.
"Not really…well just one I suppose. It's not really a demand per se ," the woman answered shrugging her shoulders and casting her head down.
"Well?" the man asked.
"I would like the ring back that I gave him and a promise that he won't come looking for me," she answered, "Maybe if I can finally put all this behind me. I can move on."
"You just want the ring back? It's the least you deserve," the man said.
"It's not for me. It's for him," Elizabeth replied.
Then the realization of why she wanted the ring back hit and he replied, "Oh, I get it. That makes sense. Do you want to a ride to his lawyer's office? I could have my driver take you."
"No, but thank you. I'm going to take a cab. I have a lot to do. Plus, it won't be good for you if you're seen with me. Thanks for the offer and I will be back this afternoon," the woman replied while standing and grabbing her purse. "I'll let you know how it goes."
"Please do that. You know Elizabeth, you don't have to do everything on your own," the man said.
"I really need to though. It's the only way my life seems to work," Elizabeth said, "Thanks again for allowing us to stay here Lorenzo."
"She wouldn't have wanted it any other way. If you ever change your mind about living here. You know I would take care of you," Lorenzo replied.
"And I appreciate the offer, but it would make everything even more strained and no one wants me here permanently," Elizabeth replied.
Elizabeth's cab pulled up and she exited Lorenzo's home. She got into the cab and said, "Lexington and VanBurren, please."
The cab made its way through the town that she once briefly knew. Elizabeth looked out the window taking in the familiar sites. She noticed that the leaves were beginning to change. Of course, it was late summer, and where the rest of the country had a month or two before fall would set in, New York was well on its way to being the middle of their fall. The cab slowed and then stopped at Lexington and VanBurren. Jason's lawyer's office was located on the southwest corner. Jason's lawyer's name was Diane Miller, a real ball buster. She was a far cry from his last lawyers Ric Lansing and Ric's current wife Alexis Davis. Although, it appeared that Alexis suddenly turned noble and became the District Attorney of Port Charles. It wasn't that surprising when one considered how neurotic Alexis could be, but when you took into account the absolute despot that was her husband, it had to be quite the challenge to overcome. Not that Alexis knew of Ric'smany atrocities. Due to the danger, Elizabeth waited until the 3 years were up, and she was certain that Ric was out of town before she agreed to meet with Jason to finalize their divorce. Ric and his father, Trevor, were out of town on business for the Zacchara Organization. Ric, had never been highly favored where her soon-to-be ex-husband Jason was concerned. Jason's business partner was Sonny Corinthos. A well-reputed mob boss on the East Coast. In the past, Sonny tried to do business with his half-brother, Ric, but as Elizabeth understood it, Ric repeatedly proved himself a liar and fraud, working as a mole on behalf of the Zacchara organization. Sonny spared Ric because he believed their mother would want him to- though it went against his belief system. Now the final tie that bound both the Corinthos and Zacchara organizations was coming to an end with this divorce. Elizabeth was walking down the hallway. The building had obviously been remodeled as it smelled of new construction. She finally reached the office with Diane Miller's name on it. Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth turned the knob and entered.
Elizabeth's attire wasn't fancy. A simple light blue top, and a nice pair of black pants and closed toe shoes was all she wore. She looked proper, but no one could accuse her of buying clothes from a well-known label. She wore her hair in curls that covered up both the bruise and the cut on the left side of her forehead. With limited resources makeup could only cover so much. She didn't want to be here, and if you had asked her on her wedding day three years ago if she thought this is where her marriage would end up, this wouldn't have been her reply.
As she walked in the lawyer's office, she was greeted by a secretary who instructed her to take a seat. Elizabeth only waited a minute before being called back. She was led into a conference room. The room was empty. There was a rectangular table in the middle with six chairs around it.
"You can take a seat if you like. Miss Miller and Mr. Morgan will be in shortly," the secretary stated before leaving Elizabeth alone with her thoughts. Elizabeth preferred to stand next to the window and look out of it. With foliage falling from the tree outside, she could see the remnants of an empty nest, and thought of the irony of it all. She was brought out of her reverie by the sounds of three sets of footsteps. Surprised to hear an additional voice she turned around in time to see who she assumed to be Miss Miller, escorted by her husband Jason, and his business partner Sonny.
Her breath was stolen in her throat. It had been such a long time since she'd seen Jason. He still was as handsome as ever. Of course, he would be more handsome if he wasn't casting such a cold glare in her direction. Sonny's expression wasn't much better, and for private reasons close to her heart, that hurt nearly much as Jason's callous expression.
"Let's get this over with. I have more important business to take care of," Jason said as he crossed his arms assessing his soon to be his soon to be ex-wife. He observed wife's facial expression and noted that she was great at feigning pain in his opinion, and today was no exception. His cold tone always did the trick.
"Whatever you want," Elizabeth said gently as she slowly took a seat. Miss Miller, who was dressed to the nines was seated at the head of the table. Sonny was at the other head of the table, and Elizabeth sat opposite of Jason. After Elizabeth sat down they all took their seats.
"Should we wait for your attorney, Mrs. Morgan?" Diane asked Elizabeth.
"No, I don't have one. Let's just get done with this so everyone can move on," Elizabeth said sullenly.
"Very well, we're here to dissolve this marriage 3 years to the day, as per the pre-nuptial agreement. The perimeters of this marriage have been met by Mr. Morgan only, and Mrs. Elizabeth Morgan is entitled to nothing because she didn't stay in town and live with the defendant during the duration of the marriage, as outlined in the prenupt."
Elizabeth only cast her head down. She wasn't upset about the money. When she married Jason she didn't even know about the pre-nuptial agreement. To this day, she still hadn't laid eyes on the forged document. Someone else had signed her name, but unfortunately Jason and Sonny didn't know that nor did they care. They'd been consistently lied to regarding her character and never looked into the mounting evidence to the contrary.
"That's fine. Mrs. Miller. I don't want the money. I'm actually only interested in one thing," Elizabeth stated.
"I bet you are. And what's that?" Sonny asked beating Miss Miller to the punch.
Elizabeth looked at Jason and swallowed before saying, "Jason, I would very much like to have the wedding band that I gave you on our wedding day. That's all that I want."
"That's a shame. I threw it away two years ago," Jason said with a smirk. He was surprised to see the devastation on her face. 'She's always been such a good actress. Just like Anthony said she would be.'
Elizabeth swallowed again, trying to calm herself before continuing, "Oh, I see"- Liz said before biting her lip to stave off the tears.
"You wouldn't have been entitled to it anyways. You abandoned the marriage two and half years ago," Miss Miller explained.
"I didn't abandon the marriage," Elizabeth stated trying to defend herself.
"You've been missing for almost 2 and half years. Interestingly enough, you went missing around the same time as my money," Jason said accusingly.
"What? What money? I didn't take any of your money. Did you happen to ask that blonde you're dating if she took it?" Elizabeth asked with indignant tears in her eyes.
"Are you really going to sit there and accuse my sister of stealing?" Sonny argued.
"All I know is that I didn't steal anyone's money," Elizabeth said looking at Sonny.
"I think we've gotten off topic," Miss Miller said handing the divorce papers over to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth perused the papers, for the most part the papers stated that Elizabeth owed Jason nothing and visa versa. Jason would however, get to retain ownership of the docks as promised by Anthony Zacchara when he wed her to Jason. While Elizabeth was not a lawyer she was also not an idiot. There was a great deal that the gentleman at this table never bothered to learn about her, like where she was educated, or how far she could've gone had outside factors bothered to leave her alone.
"I'll sign these as long as you agree to one thing," Elizabeth stated looking at Jason with a teary-eyed stare.
"You can say no to any money. I'm not giving you a dime," Jason firmly stated back.
"I wasn't going to ask for that. I was going to ask that you and Mr. Corinthos, along with anyone in your employ not come looking for me. I will stay out of your way, and make my life elsewhere in peace."
Sonny looked at Jason, who exchanged glances back before nodding. "Fine," Jason answered.
"Miss Miller, please add that in there and I'll sign the papers, so these men can be on their way," Elizabeth said looking at the well-groomed attorney.
"Very well. I'll have this added just give me a few moments," Diane said before rising up and leaving the table.
"I'm going to the warehouse, man. I'll see you later to discuss the other more pressing situation," Sonny said to Jason as he rose.
"Sonny before you go, can I say something to you since it will be the last time?" Elizabeth stated.
"I really don't have more time deal with you. We'll leave you alone as long as you go away as promised, and don't cause us anymore problems," Sonny replied.
"I just wanted to say that I know you aren't fond of me. I don't pretend to know why or what you've been told."
"I don't have time to deal with any of you Zacchara's," Sonny said as he left the room.
That stung, and it was clearly evident that Sonny didn't care for her. She'd hoped they would leave an opening, but they were right where they left off. Sonny didn't care for her and he wanted her to know it.
She looked at Jason and asked, "How have you been?" as she as dignified as she could.
"Why do you care?" Jason asked perplexed by her previous admission of care and forgiveness for Sonny and bafflement at her tears.
"You're my husband. Of course I care about you and how you've been," Elizabeth said her voice hitched in grief.
"Yeah, well thankfully not for long, and you can save it because the feeling is in no way mutual," Jason replied with seemingly cold detachment. He couldn't lie, Elizabeth was a beautiful creature and he was certain that she knew it. At least that's what he was told by Anthony Zacchara and Trevor Lansing before they were married, but sometimes he wondered, then he would remember that she some sort of con-artist that disappeared along with their money.
"Do you have to be so unkind? Can you honestly tell me what I've ever done to you personally? And don't go by what others have told you. I mean have you actually ever witnessed me be unkind to you or Sonny, or anyone you care about for that matter?" Elizabeth asked leaning forward slightly.
"I learned everything I ever needed to learn about you when you made me sign that prenuptial agreement and didn't mind our terms, and then later had the nerve to steal my money. It's not that the money matters. It's the principal of the matter," Jason answered as Elizabeth shook her head.
Miss Miller took that opportunity to walk back in with the revised divorce papers. She presented them to Elizabeth. Elizabeth looked them over and signed the papers. She then stood up. "Miss Miller it was nice to have met you," Elizabeth said offering her hand for Diane to shake. Diane didn't take it, but Elizabeth offered and understanding smile and walked around to Jason's side of the table.
Elizabeth took a moment to compose herself before saying to Jason, "I'm not the monster you think I am."
Jason only shook his head no in response while he signed the divorce papers before Elizabeth added, "When I married you, I married the man that I loved with my whole heart."
"I don't care what you have to say, and I know for a fact that you don't know anything about love," Jason replied in anger.
"Stop," Elizabeth said before continuing, "You've never let me defend myself."
"Why would I? I know all I need to know about you and the things you've done. You're the biggest mis-,"Jason started to say. Elizabeth touched her left index finger to his lips to Jason's surprise. He noted that her fingers smelled delicious like cherry blossoms. He tried to remember that he was supposed to be angry before Elizabeth continued, "Shhh…I know how you feel about me and that you don't believe me. But someday, when the truth comes out, and I'm certain that all of it will. I don't want you to come back to this moment in time and remember the hateful things you said to me. I'm going to go now. Remember your promise to not come looking for me," Elizabeth said as she made her way out the door and down the hallway.
"Well that was unexpectedly easy," Diane said.
"I trust you to finish this paperwork up," Jason said as he stood. They had a lot going on and Sonny expected Jason to be at his best. They'd been double-crossed along the way, but by whom and why? Sonny was certain it was a Zacchara, possibly even Elizabeth.
"I'll handle the paperwork. The sooner you're divorced the sooner you and Sam can move forward," Miss Miller said.
"Thanks Diane," Jason replied.
"Don't thank me yet. You haven't gotten my bill," the attorney said as she patted his shoulder on her way of out of the room.
Elizabeth was walking through the park across from Ms. Miller's office when she came across a vendor, "One hot chocolate, please," as she handed him $2.00.
"Coming right up," the vendor replied as he made the hot chocolate.
"El-Elizabeth?" someone said from behind her. Miss Miller was also making his way through the park when he heard Elizabeth's name being called. Curious, as to who someone like her could possibly be friendly with she stood behind a tree watching.
Elizabeth slowly turned around and was surprised to see Reginald, Mrs. Quartemaine's butler and friend. Elizabeth smiled and said, "Reginald, is that you? I can hardly believe it!" She reached forward and embraced the man in a hug, "How are you?"
The man returned her hug and replied, "I'm fine. How are you? You look so much better. We were so worried about you when you left. When you disappeared, we feared the worst, and that Ric got to you," Reginald asked in return releasing her from the hug so he could get a look at her.
"I'm doing…o-okay. I guess," Elizabeth replied finding it hard to withstand the scrutiny as Reginald looked at her. She mistakenly shifted the hair on her forehead which revealed the faint coloring of a bruise and the deep scab from a cut. Thankfully she hadn't moved her hair during the meeting with Jason.
"- Christ, Elizabeth! What happened? I thought you said you were doing well. What are you doing in town? I don't have to tell you what will happen if Ric or his goons find you, right?" Reginald asked.
"Your hot chocolate is ready, ma'am," the vendor said as placed it on the cart's ledge.
"Thanks," Elizabeth said as she turned around to retrieve her drink. She turned back around and nodded her head at Reginald for him to follow her. Thankfully he took the hint and followed. Diane Miller who's interest was now clearly piqued decided to discreetly follow as well, "To answer your question, Reginald, yes, I know what they will do to me if they find me. I have it on good authority that they are out of town right now. I had to finish up paperwork today, with Jason for his- our divorce."
"Ouch, do I even want to know how that went? –And what about your head? How did that happen? Do I even have to guess?" Reginald asked as Elizabeth grimaced remembering her recent interaction with Jason.
"The same way it always did once we were married. As for my head, Ric's goons found us." Elizabeth said before taking a swig of her drink.
"That bad, huh?" Reginald asked and Elizabeth nodded in affirmation.
"Reginald, you haven't brought up Miss Lila. Why is that? She understands why I couldn't write anymore doesn't she?" Elizabeth asked.
"You don't know?" Reginald asked in return shocked that Elizabeth hadn't been made aware.
Elizabeth shook her head no, "Know what? What aren't you telling me Reginald?" Elizabeth asked fearing that she may already know the answer.
"I don't know how to say this, but…Well…Lila passed away last fall," Reginald said. In response, Elizabeth dropped her hot chocolate. Diane was surprised that she was surprised and was shocked that Elizabeth even knew Jason's late grandmother let alone be hurt by it.
"I'm sorry Elizabeth, I thought you knew, with her being so prominent," Reginald said.
"I'm sorry, Reginald. It just took me by surprise. I…I've been on the run so much. Hiding from Ric and Zacchara that I didn't have time to pay attention to the news half the time. No sooner would I have grown accustomed to a place would I be tracked down, and things would happen, and then we'd have to move…again. I've really been a terrible friend," Elizabeth said wiping the tears away.
"With all that you've endured I think Lila would be pleased that you're still standing," Reginald said.
"That's very kind of you to say," Elizabeth replied as she carefully picked up her spilled cup from the ground and threw it away.
"Are you in pain?" Reginald asked.
"Only a little. You be surprised how easy it is to get used to the bruises after a while. Not a big deal. They'll heal. They always do," Elizabeth said taking a breath in resolve.
Are you in town for long?" Reginald asked.
Elizabeth shook her head no before responding, "No, just long enough to give Jason the divorce he's been dreaming of, and then I'll be on my way."
"You know that I'm fond of Jason, but how he let you escape I'll never understand. I mean I used to hear him talk all the time about finding a good woman to share his life with, and you were it and he just threw you away," Reginald said shaking his head.
"Remember, Anthony lied to him about who I am. Just because Lila did a background check and found out that I was telling the truth doesn't mean that everyone is willing to, and when Jason and Sonny were confronted with compelling evidence, albeit fake, they had no reason to believe anything that I had to say," Elizabeth said reminding Reginald.
Diane stood in silence contemplating the implications of such a conversation. 'How could Jason's grandmother know about her and not tell him?' The conversation picked up again garnering Diane's attention.
"Did you hear about Carly Corinthos?" Reginald asked.
Elizabeth quirked her head and raised an eyebrow in question, "No, should I know about her? Carly and I have only ever had negative interactions. She hates my guts, and after the way she's treated me, I gotta say that I'm not too fond of her either. Why do you ask?" Elizabeth responded.
"She's gone missing. It's been all anyone here can talk about," Reginald said, "Word is she was kidnapped."
"Kidnapped? Gotta say, I'm not surprised considering," Elizabeth replied.
"Word is that the Zacchara's have her. That's not even the worst of it. She's pregnant. That's a lot of leverage," Reginald stated.
Elizabeth made a peculiar face and her mind went somewhere else for a minute before she replied, "That's awful, Reginald. How far along in her pregnancy was she when she was taken?"
"About 3 months." Reginald stated as Elizabeth made a strange face at him.
"I've got to go. It was good seeing you," Elizabeth said kissing him on the cheek before she started to carefully walk away.
"Elizabeth wait. I know that look. Before you go off on some crusade to help rescue Carly, did you bother to tell Sonny you're his kid?" Reginald asked.
'What did he just say?' Diane thought alarmed.
"No, and I've got to go, Reginald. Sonny won't believe anything I tell him. That man has no interest in hearing that I'm his kid. Plus, I don't think the Zacchara's have her," Elizabeth said before walking away. Diane continued to follow Elizabeth.
Elizabeth opened her phone and made a call, "Hi can I speak to whoever your commissioner is? It's important."
After a minute, Elizabeth spoke again, "Oh hello, Commissioner Scorpio, this is…ah...This is Beth. I think I know where Carly Corinthos is," Elizabeth said. From her purse she pulled out a scarf and covered her hair. She put on sunglasses and walked the two blocks to the police station.
Elizabeth walked through the front door of the police station, "Commissioner Scorpio?" Elizabeth asked.
"You're Beth?" the commissioner asked.
"I am. I just heard about Carly Corinthos possibly being taken," Elizabeth said.
"Who told you?" Commissioner Scorpio asked.
"I heard it in passing, but that's not the point. You have to go to this address," Elizabeth explained to the commissioner as she handed him a sheet of paper with the address on it.
"What's this place?" Commissioner Scorpio asked.
"It's a house, off of Peppercorn and Rosedale. When you walk in the front door. There's a built-in book shelf to the left. Go to the far end. There's a button. Top shelf. Press it. I'm certain you'll find Carly there."
"How do you know this? Are you in on this?" Mac speculated.
Elizabeth shook her head no, "No, of course not."
"-Who's holding her, the Zacchara's? Mac asked.
"People who work for the Zacchara's," Elizabeth said shaking, "That's all the information that I have."
"It wasn't the Corinthos Organization?" Mac asked.
"No, it wasn't. Sonny doesn't go after women, especially his own wife." Elizabeth said.
"I need to you wait here at the station while we verify this," Mac said.
"I can't. I have somewhere that I have to be. I'm handing you the possible whereabouts of a kidnap victim. Do your job and leave me out of it," Elizabeth said before trying to walk away but was detained by Mac.
"Lucky bring Beth here to interrogation, while I go check out this lead on Carly Corinthos," Mac ordered.
"Mac, don't you think I could do more by going to check that lead on Carly. After all, Carly is my cousin. I ought to be there," Lucky said trying to persuade Mac.
"No, the fact that you're related to the kidnap victim puts you too close to this case." Lucky didn't like Mac's response and rolled his eyes.
"Come on…Beth is it?" Lucky said looking her over. He recognized her immediately, and he hoped she wouldn't recognize him. He'd seen her before. He'd taken a job that had taken him out of town and he'd definitely seen 'Beth' before.
Mac took the note to his vehicle and ordered several units to the address listed, but they were to roll in quietly, no lights and no sirens.
Mac and the other units pulled up the address. The house was in a nice neighborhood. The home was modest, and appeared to be well manicured, and at the moment the house looked empty. No one was answering when he knocked. He decided to enter, the situation being exigent circumstances and all. The house was like the young woman Beth maintained. There was a bookshelf to the left, built-in just like she said. Mac moved forward and opened the glass door. There was a red button and he decided to push it. There was no noise and for a moment he thought he'd been played by the young woman, but then to his right he noticed movement and a door silently slid back exposing Carly Corinthos who'd run to the open door, as tears streamed down her face. "Oh thank God, Mac you found me," Carly said.
"It's okay to come out Carly," Mac said slowly approaching her.
"I can't," she sniffed and said, "My ankle is chained to the bed."
"It's okay, we'll get you out of here," Mac replied reaching for a cuff key.
Carly moved out of his way to let him in, and Mac bent down to undo her handcuff key.
"Do you know who did this to you?" Mac asked.
"It was Ric Lansing and Faith Roscoehe had help," Carly said nearly hyperventilating.
Mac nodded at the information and looked over to a fellow officer, "We need a bus for Mrs. Corinthos. "I'm following you to the hospital," Mac said looking at Carly, "I'm going to need you to cooperate for once."
Carly slowly walked to the door and nodded her headher head. Mac slowly escorted Carly out. He asked for the units on site to secure the scene.
"How did you figure out how to find me?" Carly asked exhausted from worry.
"All in good time Carly," Mac replied as the ambulance pulled up and the EMT's took over her care, and drove off with the pregnant woman.
Mac followed behind the ambulance while his officers worked the crime scene.