Chapter 30
Thank you to Trini12180, Guest, Leeleelay5, and Diamond2225leo for your reviews. Elizabeth decided to be a nurse when she was pregnant with Cameron. Following that timeline, it should happen sometime in 2003.
September 2002
Summary:
The "mystery woman is Brenda Barrett. Alcazar has plans for her. She wants to escape to warn her loved ones.
Zander and Elizabeth stay with Jason in his PH. Zander claims to have no memory of what happened before being fished from the harbor.
Jason boards the yacht, and complications occur.
Roy refuses to murder either Sonny or Jax. Alcazar's men kidnap Felecia's daughters, Maxie and Georgie. Roy confronts Alcazar and agrees to follow orders.
Carly plays nice with Elizabeth.
Jason and Elizabeth move forward.
Skye returns, wanting Jax back.
Courtney continues to pretend to be naive.
Lucky has been helping Roy and Claude run Luke's Blues Club while Luke and Laura are away.
9/1-15/2002
Zander has partial amnesia from being caught on Luis Alcazar's yacht. He was beaten and tossed overboard in a boat explosion and only trusted Elizabeth. After the hospital, they were shot at, and Elizabeth called Jason. Jason told Elizabeth to wait for him at her studio, and they'd go to his PH.
Jason rushes to the studio and embraces Elizabeth. He kisses her and says, "Are you okay? What happened?" He glares at Zander.
"Some fishermen brought Zander into Kelly's. They found him floating in the harbor. He doesn't remember how he got into the water. He doesn't remember me. I took him to GH, and Dr. Jones checked him out. He wants to see him for a follow-up. We were walking on the docks when a bullet whizzed by us. I told him we could trust you."
Jason kisses her again and holds her. "This sounds like Alcazar's doing. I want you at the PH until it's safe." Jason glances at Zander. He wants to find out what Zander knows, and by protecting Elizabeth, he must, unfortunately, safeguard Zander, too. "Zander, you should come with Elizabeth and me to my PH. Whoever is after the both of you, my PH is better to hide."
Zander looks at Elizabeth, the only one he trusts, and says, "If that's what Elizabeth wants, then okay."
Jason shows Zander the spare bedroom. Jason sets the small bag Elizabeth packed on his bed. I hope I'm not being presumptuous, but since we've slept together on your couch, I thought my bed would be more comfortable."
Elizabeth smiles and says, "It's fine." They return to the living room, and Jason shows her the pool table. "I have some business to attend to, but feel free to practice." He points to the sketch pad she brought, "Or you could draw. I'll be back soon."
Elizabeth stares out the balcony window, still feeling Jason's hands on her shoulders from two hours ago. He was pointing out Alczar's yacht, and Elizabeth imagined sailing the Medeterrian with Jason, escaping the madness of Port Charles.
Zander comes down the stairs, and she wonders if Zander has amnesia or is afraid of what could happen to him once the Alcazar situation is resolved. Zander is manic. One moment, he's thanking her for helping him, and the next, he accuses her and Jason of plotting against him because she loves Jason. "Why are you helping me if you are in love with Jason?"
"Zander, you may not have your memories back, but we are friends. You have tension between Sonny and Jason because you betrayed them. If the information you provided is valuable, you can prove yourself again. My feelings for Jason have nothing to do with wanting to keep you safe." Elizabeth thinks, "If the little shit could remember, he'd have known better not to cross Sonny or Jason in the first place, and neither of us would be in the position we are in now."
Zander didn't appreciate the way Sonny treated him. He thinks he might be better off on his own. He wants to run and asks Elizabeth to go with him. Elizabeth shakes her head, "It's your choice, but remember, you made some bad choices. You have no memory, people are out to kill you, and your judgment is suspect."
Elizabeth and Zander played a pool game. She opened up to Zander about her feelings for Jason and tried to be honest with him. Zander asked her if they had ever been more than friends. Elizabeth said, "No, we were never more than anything other than friends. You were in love with my best friend Emily at one time, but that didn't work out. She's out of town, in rehab for a broken back, but is doing better."
Jason picked the lock in one of the rooms in Alcazar's boat. Brenda was on the other side of the door. Jason said she was safe with him and that he worked for Sonny Corinthos. He explained that he was there to help her. Brenda recognized Jason's voice but was afraid to tell him who she was. When he opened it, Brenda's nurse was on the other side. She refused to help Jason, and Alcazar and his men entered and caught Jason.
Alcazar ordered his men to kill Jason and to "make no mistakes this time." They dragged Jason out on deck and tried to kill him. Jason fought back, knocked both men down, and dove overboard after they tried to shoot at him in the water.
Jason returns to his PH, injured from the attack, to find Elizabeth on the couch waiting for him. She jumps when she sees him. Jason shows up with a cut on his temple. Elizabeth quickly regains her composure, finds a first aid kit, and takes care of his cut. He smiles and thinks, "This is familiar, Elizabeth, tending to my wounds."
Jason questioned Zander. All Zander remembered was that the hitman had been on Alcazar's boat. Jason asked Elizabeth to stay with Zander, and he'd return soon. Elizabeth continued to query Zander about his memories of the ship. Zander remembered a woman with dark hair. Zander copped an attitude, wondering why Sonny and Jason despised him.
Sonny went to see how Jason was and discussed what happened on the boat and how Jason had been shot at. Jason told them he'd found the nurse of the woman that Alcazar had been holding. Before he could find the woman's identity, he was attacked.
After Sonny leaves and Zander retreats to his room, Jason is alone with Elizabeth. Jason's heart sinks. He wants her, but it's his life. He's afraid she will look at him differently one day because of his choices. He doesn't like pushing her away. She holds her hand to him, and he says, "I'm not what you need, Elizabeth."
"Jason, I don't care what you do out there or about tomorrow or the next day. The only thing that matters is what we have now, and we have each other tonight."
What about Zander? He's why you are here."
"He may be why I'm in your PH, but he is not why I am sleeping in your bed. You are the one I want to be with, Jason."
Jason replies, "You matter to me. I want to be with you, too."
Elizabeth says, "Before Zander comes and ruins the moment, can we go upstairs to your room and lock the door?"
"Elizabeth, I'd rather wait until Zander is gone before..."
"Jason, I want to talk about what this means. People have a way of interrupting us before we fully express our feelings. Talk Jason. That is what I want to do."
Jason closes the door behind him. "There are things I will never be able to give you. I can't promise I won't be called away in the middle of the night or have to go to a meeting or be able to tell you about who I meet. I can't promise you that my life or I won't hurt you. I would never intentionally hurt you."
"Jason, "That is important to me."
"I can respect you, listen to you, and be honest with you. I want to try."
"So do I."
Jason pulls Elizabeth close for a hug, and she kisses him. Jason checks his watch and says, "I have a few minutes if you want a game." She grins. She will never be as good as him, but she's been practicing.
"You're so beautiful and smart. You make me see things I've never noticed until you pointed them out. You have a lot of dreams, and that's good because I hardly have any, but I can believe in yours; that's what you bring to me. What can I offer you? Pool lessons? Motorcycle rides?"
"Jason, you listened when no one else could hear me. You trusted me to live my own life when I didn't even know how to trust myself. You make me happy. You make me feel free."
Jason locks the door. You make me happy, too. We can be alone when Zander no longer needs protecting; for now, I want to hold you."
"Jason, I won't change my mind about what you do for Sonny. I know there will be things you can't tell me. But when you can, I want you to be honest with me."
In the morning, Jason receives a call and says, "I'll be there in 20." Jason kisses Elizabeth's forehead, "I can't tell you where I'm going. I want you to trust me. I will call you later, but it should be safe soon."
She kisses Jason, and he leaves. She whispers, "I do trust you."
Coleman is sitting at one of Courtney's stations. He tells her he's re-thought his decision to help her. The extra money would help; as long as Sonny doesn't know, he'll follow the script. AJ intrudes and tells Coleman to get coffee somewhere else. Coleman looks at Courtney through the restaurant window.
Alcazar's Yacht
Sonny got a report from Jason that the woman he saw on Alcazar's boat was escorted off the ship, and it looked like Alcazar was planning to leave port. Sonny didn't buy it and wondered what Alcazar's next move would be. They witness Alcazar's boat catching on fire from the window of the penthouse.
9/16-30/2002
Brenda escapes and convinces a teenager to call Sonny to arrange a meeting at St. Timothy's. Sonny agreed to meet with the woman. Brenda got to the church and waited. After an hour, she grumbled, "He always leaves me waiting in the rain." She headed toward the church's front door. Roy watched and waited to take his shot at Sonny. Sonny walked up the steps toward the church, and as he got there, Brenda walked out; they locked eyes for a moment before a shot rang out.
Sonny collapsed to the ground in the pouring rain. Roy took off, accomplishing his task. Brenda rushed to a blood-soaked Sonny. Sonny tells Jason to take care of Brenda. Jason calls the necessary contacts and then calls Carly to the church. Jason thinks, "Why did Brenda show up? She could screw up the plan. Now I have to babysit a woman who annoys me more than any other." Jason calls one of the guards and tells him to stay with Sonny until Carly arrives.
In Sonny's car, Brenda fumed at Jason for taking her away from Sonny. "Brenda, what the hell happened with you? I'd rather be with Sonny than worry about your sorry ass, but Sonny asked me to care for you. It's your fault what happened. What is your relationship with Alcazar?" Jason physically carried Brenda into a room at an undisclosed safe house. Brenda revealed to Jason that she had her mother's insanity. She wanted to know about Jax and get someone to protect him.
Roy returned to his apartment and found Alcazar waiting for him. "Get out! I did the job!"
"I need one more thing from you. My woman escaped." He shows Roy a picture of Brenda. "Find her and keep her from contacting Jasper Jacks. Only then will your girlfriend and her daughters will be off limits."
Jason meets up with Sonny and Carly at another safe house. Sonny has removed his bulletproof vest and exits the shower, towel-drying himself. Carly gives a rundown of Taggert arriving and trying not to be an asshole but failing.
Sonny pulls Jason aside, "How is Brenda? Was she the woman on the boat? Is she okay? What does she know?"
Exasperated, Jason replies, "She doesn't know much except she thought Luis Alczar was helping her. She heard about the hit and went to warn you. She knows something is off. I think she knows you are not dead."
"Jason, just take care of her. Keep her safe and away for now."
"Sonny, I did what you asked. I got Brenda away, but you should talk to her. I want to tell Elizabeth you are alive. She can keep a secret."
Angrily, Sonny shouts, "You do not tell Elizabeth Webber anything. You do as you are told. Go to Brenda and make sure she is okay."
Jason throws Sonny against the wall. He yells, "I did what you ordered me to do about Brenda, a woman I strongly dislike. I did it because you asked, and we are trying to take down Alcazar. You should go to Brenda. You do not get to order me about what I say to Elizabeth!"
Carly says, "Jason, she doesn't understand your world. She might say something to Zander."
"Carly, she's seen what I do. She is at my penthouse with Zander because of my world. She found me in the snow; a bomb was in her studio, and she was kidnapped and locked in a crypt. I trust her. She won't tell Zander anything. She understands and accepts what I do is different."
Sonny snarkily replies, "Just because she nursed you back from getting shot does not mean you should indulge her crush."
Jason throws Sonny to the floor. "I'm tired of being your little bitch. It is not a crush. As I said, I will work with you on your faked death, but you stay the fuck away from Elizabeth and leave our relationship alone. Carly, go home; you need to play the grieving widow. Sonny, you need to do something about Brenda because she wants to find Jax and warn him. She won't listen to me."
Jason leaves and places a call. "Elizabeth, could you get one of the guards to take you to your studio? I need to speak privately with you without Zander knowing."
Jason lets himself into the studio and waits for Elizabeth to arrive. He removes his wet jacket and towel-dries his hair. She enters, and Jason instructs the guard to wait outside. Once the door closes behind her, Jason embraces her and kisses her. "What did you tell Zander?"
"I told him I needed air and was going for a walk and later to paint. What is so secretive?"
Jason pulls out the bottle of tequila he snagged from Jake's and takes a swig before handing it to Elizabeth. "Last night, I told you there were parts of my business I couldn't tell you. I also said I would never hurt you on purpose."
Elizabeth takes a drink, "Sounds serious. Why would this hurt me?"
"I want to be honest with you. I can't tell you everything, but it concerns Alcazar and trying to take him down. Alcazar tried to take a hit out on Sonny, and we faked his death."
"We?"
"Carly knows; others do too, but I can't tell you who."
"Fair enough. What do you need from me? I don't trust Zander. I think he's faking his memory loss. Could he be working with Alcazar?"
"I don't know. I don't trust him, either. Taggert is investigating the 'shooting' and is giving Carly a hard time. There will be a small service, and you have a part to play. You can't let others know that Sonny is alive. Sonny and Carly are pissed that I told you, but I told them to go to hell. I'm trusting you, Elizabeth."
"Whew! Okay, I won't ask any questions, and you will tell me the rest when you want. Thank you for your trust. Sonny was my friend once, and I would be concerned that you lost one of your best friends. I'll show up, and if Taggert or anyone arrives, I'll act the part. What else do you want me to do?"
"Come here. We couldn't be alone last night because of Zander, but we can be together for an hour before I return to Carly." Jason removes Elizabeth's shirt, unbuttons her jeans, and helps shrug off her pants. Jason removes his wet clothes and places them on the heater. He pulls her to him, and they fall backward, landing a humph on the couch. Elizabeth laughs, and Jason nibbles her shoulder. She moves her hands down his chest, kissing his stomach. He holds her arms above her head and enters her. She bites his shoulder to keep from screaming in ecstasy.
Jason dresses and kisses her. "I must leave. The news about Sonny will break in the morning. I won't be home for a few days. Don't tell Zander, and he is not welcome at the wake. I'll see you soon." Elizabeth responds with more kisses, waits for Jason to leave, and gets dressed. She asks her guard to take her back to the PH and passes Zander in the hall, saying she is tired and will see him in the morning.
Elizabeth enters Sonny's PH and asks if Carly needs anything. Carly snarls, "I wish you didn't know. Don't fuck up this operation. You better act the performance of a lifetime playing the grieving friend. Go across the hall and leave me alone. Wait for Jason to return home. Elizabeth agrees and walks to Jason's PH.
Felicia told Taggert to find Alcazar for Sonny's murder and that he was the one who had blown up Sonny's warehouse and killed Kristina.
At the SH, Sonny asked Jason about Alcazar and Brenda. Jason relayed what Brenda told him about her disease and why she had stayed with Alcazar so that Sonny and Jax wouldn't have to watch her go insane. Brenda had been at the church to warn Sonny about Alcazar.
AJ dropped Courtney off at the penthouse so she could attend Sonny's funeral with Carly and Mike. Bobbie and Lucas also showed up for the funeral service. Carly wished she could tell Courtney the truth about Sonny's "death" but wanted her to have the element of shock and surprise when Sonny returned from the "dead."
Elizabeth and Zander talked in Sonny and Carly's PH. Zander said that it wasn't safe for them to stay with Jason any longer after Sonny had been killed. He wanted to leave, but Elizabeth said to wait for Jason to tell them if it was safe. Zander asked why Elizabeth could leave the PH, but he couldn't; Elizabeth explained she has a guard and only travels from Kelly's to the PH. Zander is the one Alcazar wants.
Courtney flees from a Quartermaine family gathering. She's sick of hearing Edward trash her brother. AJ defends Courtney but is unable to stop her from running away. Jason fends off a would-be attacker. Courtney sobs in Jason's arms. "Jason, thank god you were here."
Jason carefully disentangles himself from Courtney's arms. He calls his brother, "Hey, AJ. I found Courtney on the pier. Someone tried to mug her, but he ran off before I could identify him. Yeah, she's fine. I'll bring her back to the mansion; just keep the old man away from me." Jason hands his phone to Courtney, and she sobs to her husband about how she could have been raped if not for Jason.
Reginald waits by the front door with the rest of the family, except Edward. Jason helps Courtney to the front door, and she rushes to AJ, crying. AJ extends his hand to Jason. "Thank you, Jason." Alan, Monica, and Lila greet Jason warmly. He spends a few minutes with them and kisses Lila's cheek before leaving. Courtney calms AJ, who admits he's hurt that Jason rescued her when he couldn't. Jason returns to the PH and explains to Elizabeth how he rescued Courtney.
Kelly's:
Elizabeth discusses the mugging with Courtney, and Courtney is upset that Jason told her. Courtney thinks, "Jason is supposed to worry about me and watch over me. Carly should ask Jason to protect me. It's what her brother would want."
Elizabeth reveals her rape from a few years ago. She tells Courtney how Jason and his former girlfriend helped her survive something terrible. Elizabeth tells Courtney she can trust Jason. Elizabeth offers to listen if Courtney needs to talk. Courtney says she doesn't think of Jason as her brother-in-law. Courtney wonders what it will take to get Elizabeth to feel insecure.
Scott arrives and looks through the restaurant window, watching Elizabeth and Carly talk. Lucky is lurking by the bushes with a camera. Scott goes in and approaches Carly with a pretense of concern and sympathy. Carly confronts Scott about his "fishing expedition," but she tells him he's getting no information about Sonny's business dealings from her. Lucky enters and tells him to leave his cousin and Elizabeth alone. "Scotty, I know what you and Rick did to my mother. Stay away from Carly, or I will tell Mac you are harassing her. She just lost her husband."
Alexis and Jax have a prenatal visit.
Jax believes that, since Sonny is gone, Alcazar is no longer interested in him. Alcazar decides that he may have to kill Jax himself. Brenda finds Jax, explains her absence, and warns Jax that his life is in danger.
Courtney receives disturbing calls and letters, usually when AJ is out of town. Her father, stressed over losing his son, starts drinking and gambling again.
Roy and Jason set off to look for Alcazar, and when Roy finds him, they struggle, and he shoots Alcazar in the stomach.
Alexis decides to run against Scott in the race for District Attorney.
Kelly's: AJ tells Courtney he was worried about her going anywhere alone and says she could count on him. While clearing a table, Courtney finds a crumbled sheet of paper that says, "I'm watching you." Courtney pretends to be scared of the letter and the phone calls but tells AJ she will be alright. Coleman comes in to pick up his order and talks to Courtney briefly. AJ wonders if Coleman left the note.
Alcazar's men kidnap Monica and order her to save Alcazar's life. Sonny returns to the PH. After she accepts Tagliati's invitation to attend another meeting, Sonny and Carly argue over her increased involvement in his business.
With AJ out of town, Courtney calls Jason after receiving another disturbing phone call. He picks her up from Kelly's and escorts her to the mansion. She cries about not feeling safe. She asks if she can stay at his PH. He gently explains that Elizabeth and Zander are there. He says the Quartermaines have security, but he will place a guard on the house. He is afraid to offer Carly's because Carly could let slip that Sonny is alive. He also knows Elizabeth distrusts Courtney almost as much as he distrusts Zander. After Courtney arrives home, she calls Carly. "What am I doing wrong? I'm blonde and beautiful; how can he look at that waif with adoring eyes and not at me?"
"I don't get it. My cousin Lucky had a thing for her, too. That 'waif' has a hold on Jason since she rescued him when he was shot. Maybe it's the nightingale effect. Keep playing the victim, and if you can get AJ to slip, Jason will come to your rescue. I've seen it when Elizabeth was in danger."
October 2002
Summary:
Elizabeth feels a twinge of jealousy watching Jason escort Courtney to Kelly's. She trusts Jason but feels Courtney has an agenda, trading one brother for another. Jason assures her he is devoted to her and is only doing what Sonny wants to protect his sister.
Zander remembers his memories and keeps them from Jason and Elizabeth. He's hoping to chisel away Elizabeth and Jason's closeness. Jason gets wise and kicks Zander out.
Alcazar seeks Monica's assistance and forces her to save him. She gets a message to Jason, but by the time Jason reaches the hideout, Alcazar is gone.
Jax Cottage
John and Lady Jane Jacks arrive to say goodbye before they leave. They wish the couple well and want updates on Alexis's pregnancy.
Jax tells Alexis about Alcazar, the arms dealer who had Sonny and Kristina killed. He tells her Alcazar is now after him. She asks him how he knows he is a target. He tells her about Brenda. He assures her despite Brenda's return, he will still take care of her and her baby.
Brenda writes a goodbye letter to Jax. She asks Jax not to follow her or try to rescue her. Brenda believes if she leaves town, Alcazar will follow her and leave Jax alone. Brenda is ready to leave the cottage when Jason arrives looking for her. Jax walks in. Jason tells Jax to protect himself and anyone else he cares about, alluding to Brenda and Alexis. Brenda tries to tell Jax how dangerous Luis is, but Jax doesn't listen.
Jason tells Sonny that they found Alcazar's hideout, but he managed to get away but was shot. He explains that Alcazar knows where Brenda's cottage is and is probably heading there.
Alcazar shows up and aims a gun at them. Jax refuses to let him get to Brenda and take her away and steps in front of a wounded Alcazar and tries to rush him. Alcazar shoots Jax despite Brenda's pleas to leave him alone. Jax falls to the floor with a gunshot wound. Brenda rushes to cover Jax's body to protect him. Alcazar tells her to come with him, and he'll let her call 911 in the limo. He tells her the longer she stays there, the better chance that Jax will bleed to death. Jax asks her to leave him there and run while she still can. Brenda kisses Jax goodbye. Suddenly, two shots are fired, and Brenda covers Jax with her body, thinking it is Alcazar shooting Jax. Alcazar goes down after Sonny arrives and shoots him twice. Sonny approaches to see Brenda hovering over Jax. Brenda looks over and sees it is Sonny and is stunned.
At the PCPD, Brenda refuses to implicate Sonny in any wrongdoing and states he saved her and Jax's lives. Jason brings her to his PH until he can get her cottage security ready.
After Zander leaves the PH, he moves into Kelly's. He makes a statement to the PCPD and agrees to testify against Alcazar when he is brought to trial.
Jason asks Elizabeth to stay, but she touches his face. "Jason. As much as I'd like to stay, I need some time. I love you and want to be with you, but I'm insecure. I want you with me because it's what you want, not an obligation to keep me safe. I'm returning to my studio. I still want to see you, but need space to think and work on my art. I want you to think about what you want, not what you think is an obligation.
Courtney feeds AJ's insecurities and finds ways to have him see her with Jason. One morning, she spikes his orange juice with vodka. At dinner, she spills wine on him, and he leaves to change his clothes. She switches drinks with him, and he sips her spiked drink. The following day, she hands him a water bottle spiked with vodka. She calls Jason with worry and asks for his help. While she waits, she turns on the video camera.
Jason arrives and finds his brother drunk. "Awe, AJ, what the hell happened? You have been sober for years!"
AJ slurs his words, "Jase, I…I…don't know what happened. Cour….Courtney gave me water."
Courtney cries, "Jason, I'm sorry. I didn't want to call you, but AJ has been this way for days. Michael is due here tomorrow, and I'm concerned."
Jason is disappointed. He says, "I'll take care of it," Jason calls Gail Baldwin for a referral. "Dr. Baldwin, I'm a friend of Elizabeth Webber. I'm hoping you can refer an alcohol rehab center for my brother AJ. Thank you. Yes, I'll bring him in now."
He hears Courtney call Carly and is surprised at how quickly she calls her sister-in-law. He knew they had grown close since before Sonny's presumed death, but he didn't think she'd turn on her husband that fast.
November 2002
Summary:
Carly and Courtney go after AJ.
Elizabeth and Jason counterattack.
Ric Lansing arrives in early November.
AJ is served custody papers while in rehab. Carly demands he relinquish full custody since he violated the terms. Courtney and Jason are listed as witnesses. Jason offers to check on Courtney while AJ is detoxing. Alan and Monica are disappointed in him; Edward says he always knew AJ was a failure. Ned says, "Junior, once a screw-up, always a screw-up." Jason stops by Kelly's and asks Elizabeth if she wants to go for a ride. They take the Cliff Road and end up at Vista Point. She removes her helmet and sits next to him. "What's wrong?"
"How do you know something is wrong?"
"You are even more quiet than usual."
"It's AJ. He slipped and is drinking again. I got him into rehab, and soon, he will find out he's lost custody of Michael. He was sober for over three years."
Elizabeth rests her head on his shoulder and wraps her arms around Jason. She pauses before speaking. "I've seen AJ work hard at his sobriety. Even when Zander and Carly threatened him and left a bottle of scotch in that warehouse, he didn't drink. I will never be friends with Carly, but what if AJ had help to drink? I know she's your best friend."
"Elizabeth, I don't have any illusions about the lengths Carly would take to have full custody, but she's had no contact with AJ. All the handoffs with Michael are done through Letecia."
"Have you spoken to Letecia?"
"Not yet. Courtney tried to cover for AJ but said he's been hiding his drinking. I can't let Michael be exposed like that." Jason kisses her and apologizes. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to go on like this."
"You can't talk to Carly because it affects her, and Sonny is probably dealing with legal paperwork from being dead." She laughs. "I'm always available to listen to you. You do the same for me."
Jason stands and extends his hand to help Elizabeth get onto the bike. She fastens the helmet strap. He walks her to her studio door, kisses her, and thanks her for listening.
Elizabeth was sketching on the docks, hidden so she could have privacy. She hears voices arguing and realizes it's Courtney and Coleman. He wants to know when he will be paid.
"Lower your voice. I can get another payment to you tomorrow. Call me at Kelly's tonight, and I'll act like I'm getting a threatening call. Jason will be there at 5 pm to escort me home." Elizabeth fumbles with her phone, unable to hit the record in time. She waits, and Courtney places a call. Elizabeth has her phone and is close enough to hit record and get one side of the conversation. "Carly, it's me. Coleman wants more money. I can't afford to dip into AJ's account while he's in rehab. I did my part to push AJ over the edge. As soon as you get custody, I'll leave him, and Jason will feel obligated to take care of me. I'll push Elizabeth out of his life, and we can be a family. Your plan is falling into place. I can make Jason happy, unlike Elizabeth. I need the money for Coleman tomorrow afternoon. Can you meet me thirty minutes before him? Yes? Good!" Courtney walks off in the direction of Kelly's.
Elizabeth quickly shuts off the recording and rubs her face. "Holy shit!" She dials Jason's number. She hears the smile in his voice before she lays out what she heard. "I'm sorry, Jason, but Courtney and Carly set up AJ. Courtney faked her stalking all to get you to pay attention to her. Yes, I have proof. Meet me at my studio, and you can listen to Courtney's conversation."
Jason is at her studio in five minutes. Elizabeth says, "Jason, brace yourself. Courtney may be responsible for AJ going off the rails."
Jason listens, and fury crosses his face before it turns impassive. "Elizabeth, if Carly helped plan it. We need to catch her in the act tomorrow. I want to see the handoff of money."
"What will you do tonight when Colemen calls and Courtney asks you to escort her home?"
"I'll think of something." He holds Elizabeth tightly for a long minute and leaves.
Carly and Courtney's Takedown.
Elizabeth showers and dresses for her shift at Kelly's. She enters the diner and grabs an apron and order pad. She nods hello to the shift manager and smiles at Courtney. "Busy day?" Elizabeth asks.
"Not too bad; tips are okay. What's it like back at your studio? You must miss Jason's PH." Courtney thinks, "I don't understand how she would leave the PH for that dinky apartment."
"Oh, not too bad. I've customized it, and there's easy access to my art." Elizabeth thinks, "I can't wait for you to get what's coming to you."
Jason enters and sits at the counter. He asks Elizabeth for coffee. She turns the cup over and pours the coffee. "Can I get you anything else?"
"No, thank you. Courtney, are you ready?"
Courtney looks at the clock. I have 15 minutes left; then I can clock out.
Elizabeth sweetly says, "That's okay. It's slowed down. Leaving early is okay."
Courtney struggles to stall or make up an excuse when the phone rings. She inwardly sighs in relief. "Kelly's Diner, can I help you?" Fear strikes her face, and she yells, "Stop calling me!" She drops the phone, letting the cord bounce up and down until it hangs. Jason rushes to embrace Courtney and hangs up the phone. Elizabeth rolls her eyes.
"Courtney, is it the same guy?" Courtney trembles and nods. "Elizabeth, I'm taking Courtney back to the Quartermaines. You will be okay for the rest of the shift?"
"Yes. Courtney, I hope you feel better."
Jason has his car; he's never taken Courtney on his bike. Unlike Elizabeth, she's never taken an interest in it. He walks her to his car, opens the door, and straps her in. He takes her to the park and lets her cry on his shoulder. He asks her about the 'man' on the phone and the letters. "Do you have any idea who might be doing this?"
She sniffles, "No, maybe it's an angry customer. I've gotten most of the calls at Kelly's and found notes at my table."
Jason nods and plays along. "I can have someone sit outside Kelly's and make sure no one bothers you. I'll ask Bobbie for permission to place a tap on the phones."
"Oh, no, I don't want anyone to go through that much trouble for me. Your presence is more than enough for me."
Jason checks his watch, "I should get you to the Quartermaines. Maybe you can still get dinner."
"Jason, I don't want to go back to the Quartermines. They turn their noses down at me. Can I stay with you? Zander and Elizabeth are gone; there should be room for me."
"Shit!" Jason thinks. "Brenda Barrett is staying with me for the time being. She's been through a lot with Alcazar holding her prisoner for four years."
"Yeah, I understand. I'm sure I'll be okay. Lila is nice."
Jason grits his teeth, thinking, "Stay away from my grandmother." Jason drops her off at the door and drives away. He calls Paulie, the guard on his door, and checks on Brenda. After assurances that Brenda is behaving, Jason drives to the studio and lets himself in. He lies down and falls asleep.
Elizabeth finishes her shift and walks the short distance to her studio. She startles Jason when she enters. He jumps and pulls his gun. Realizing it's Elizabeth, he puts the gun down. "Sorry, it's a reflex. I hope it's okay I'm here."
"Of course. I gave you a key. How is Courtney?"
"She's at the Quartermaines. She wanted to stay with me. I told Brenda was there, and it wouldn't be right."
"Great excuse. What are you going to do tomorrow?"
"I'm going to catch Carly and Courtney exchanging money, and I hope to get Carly on tape confessing to what you think she said to Courtney earlier this afternoon. I don't want you near this because Carly would go after you if she knew you were involved."
"Don't worry, I have no interest in getting in Carly's face this time. What's going to happen to Michael?"
"I have copies of the custody agreement, which means if Carly was involved in getting AJ to drink, she loses custody. The only problem is I am in the middle of something big, and I'm not in a position to take custody until AJ is out of rehab. Letecia can stay with Monica at the Quartermaines, but Edward must stay away from Michael."
"I'm sorry, this sucks. They will be supportive once Monica and Alan learn the truth about AJ. I'm not even going to ask how you plan on controlling Carly."
I wanted you to know everything. I'm going to be busy with business for the next few weeks. I won't have much time to be with you."
"That's okay, I understand. Steven called me and wants me out for a visit. I was thinking of leaving next week."
"I wish I could stay, but I have an annoyance named Brenda back at the PH. I love you." Jason kisses her and leaves as Elizabeth replies she loves him too.
Summary:
Jason hides and catches Courtney and Carly discussing what they did to AJ. Carly thanks Courtney for helping her get full custody of Michael. Courtney thanks Carly for helping her frame AJ for her stalking. Carly assures Courtney she will push Elizabeth out so Courtney has access to Jason. Carly hands her $1,000 to give to Coleman. Jason comes out of hiding.
"Carly, Courtney, I heard everything. How could you do that to AJ? Carly, you voided the custody agreement with your comments. AJ will get full custody now!"
"Not if you don't tell him. Come on, Jase, Sonny, and I can raise Michael. AJ is a loser; eventually, he would slip, so we just gave him a nudge."
"Carly, stay; I'm not finished with you. Courtney, stay with Sonny or have him put you up somewhere. I'll have Reginald pack up your things from the Quartermaines. You are not to step foot in my mother's house ever again! You tried to ruin my brother's life! You faked a stalking, so I'd pay attention to you. Do you seriously believe I'd fall for you over Elizabeth? Don't bother answering."
Jason turns to Carly and rips her about her actions. "Carly, I will not cover for you. I was out of town during the last stunt you tried pulling on AJ. AJ gave you a pass; I won't. Until AJ is out of rehab, Michael will stay with Monica. I'm covering Letecia's expenses. She will stay at the mansion and keep Edward away."
Carly screams, "You can't do this to me! I won't let you. You are my best friend! You are supposed to back me up."
Jason has had enough of Carly's excuses for bad behavior. "Carly, you don't listen; you do what you want and make excuses when it doesn't go as planned. You brought a baseball bat to a mob meeting, and now Sonny has to fix your error in judgment. I'm done covering up for you."
"Sonny won't let you take Michael."
Jason checks his phone, "He already has. Letecia and Michael are at the Quartermaines now."
"Bastard!" Carly rushes off.
Summary Update:
AJ gets out of rehab and gets full custody of Michael. He divorces Courtney. The family apologizes for how they didn't believe in him. Edward tries to offer AJ the CEO job. AJ declines and leaves Port Charles with Michael. Courtney is humiliated and vilified, but Carly and Sonny stand by her. (This takes place through December 2002.)
Elizabeth and Jeff leave Port Charles to visit her brother Steven. They return shortly before Thanksgiving. Before leaving, Elizabeth argues with Jason about his running to protect Sonny or Carly. She celebrates her 21st birthday before leaving town.
Jason continues to work for Sonny, and while his relationship with Carly is strained, they eventually forgive each other. Jason says he will put up with her for Sonny's sake. Once again, Jason puts Sonny's needs above his happiness. Brenda's mental illness concerns her, and she doesn't want to put Sonny or Jax through making medical decisions for her and asks Jason to take on that responsibility when the time comes. Brenda also suggests it will keep her away from Sonny. They get married in Vegas, much to Jason's disgust.
11/20/2002
Elizabeth from her trip. She's having dinner at Luke's with Lucky and Nikolas. Jason enters and asks to speak privately with Elizabeth. They find a vacant table, and Elizabeth sadly says, "Congratulations. I heard you got married."
"Yeah, well, it won't be for much longer. Brenda will be moving out soon." Jason explains why he married Brenda, and it turns out she wasn't sick. "Alcazar faked everything to keep her away from Sonny and Jax. We are getting an annulment. It was a marriage in name only."
"So you did this for Sonny and Carly?"
"Yes, I'm sorry. I wanted to tell you, but you were out of town. The PH will be free soon."
"I'm hurt you didn't tell me. I do have a cell phone." Tearfully, she says, "I understand why you did this, but I foolishly held out hope that maybe one day you and I would make that decision. You can tell Carly she's won. I'm done coming in second, make that third place." Elizabeth returns to her table and continues her conversation with Nikolas and Lucky.
Jason is crestfallen. He walks away to rejoin dinner with Sonny and Carly. Carly opens her mouth to say something, "Not a word, Carly. Stay out of my personal life."
11/21-30/2002
Luis Alcazar is murdered. He is pushed off his hotel balcony and falls 14 stories to his death, and the suspect list is long.
Skye Chandler is drunk in his bed.
Jax is seen near the hotel and was shot by Alcazar.
Monica was held captive and forced to operate on an injured Alcazar.
Sonny had a reason, as Alcazar had placed a hit on him.
Roy was forced to work for Alcazar via the kidnapping of Felecia's children.
Alcazar kidnaped Felicia's kids.
Zander was nearly killed via Alcazar's orders.
Alcazar was responsible for the bombing that killed Alexis' sister, Kristina.
Brenda and Jason were in the hotel and had reasons. They decide to stay married to prevent testifying against the other.
New resident Ric Lansing was seen walking by the hotel moments after Alcazar's fall.
Ric Lansing sets his sights on Elizabeth after seeing her at Luke's Club and flirts with her after moving into a room above Kelly's. Elizabeth rebukes his invitation to a date, making the young lawyer more determined.
A/N: I've expanded the suspect list and will take thoughts and suggestions of the real culprit. Jason and Elizabeth's relationship will not always be smooth sailing. This is the couple's first bump in the road, but they will be endgame.
December 2002