Chapter 8

Thank you to chicki62, guest, Trini16180, guest, and guest for your reviews. Thank you to the new favorites and followers of my story. I stand corrected on how Carly would react to Ric. I will try to fix her return jab.

A/N: I've been reading other Liason stories, and occasionally, when I get to the end, the story is incomplete. It is frustrating when you get sucked into a great story and get to the end where the author has stopped writing, leaving you wanting more. I am currently writing two stories. This one and one titled Liason the New Reality. "I Can't Testify" should be complete soon. I have 4-5 more chapters planned. I will mark all my stories "complete." If you find a story you like that is not posted as 'complete,' please let me know so I can complete it.

September 11.

Elizabeth wakes to smells of eggs, bacon, and coffee. She smiles, thinking back to 2007, the morning after Jake was conceived. She dresses in a pair of jeans and a green and yellow top. She applies a light dusting of powder and blush. She finishes with a light rose-colored lip gloss. She slips into the standard nursing staff shoes and walks to the kitchen. "Mmm. Jason in the kitchen cooking eggs."

Jason smiles, "Promise you won't tell people I cook."

"Your secret is safe with me."

Aiden and Jake give each other confusing looks. Elizabeth joins them for breakfast. Jason pours her coffee and offers cream. She nods. Elizabeth says, "After breakfast, I'm going to GH. Aiden, do you want to see your father? Jake, do you want to see Lucky?" The boys, in unison, say yes.

Jason offers to clean up and pick up Danny from the Quartermaines and bring him to GH to visit Sam. Elizabeth gets the boys in the car and says, "Jason, Danny is probably tired of staying at the Quartermaines, and Dante is bouncing from Sam and LuLu's room. He's never at the PH. Your room at Kelly's isn't suitable; would Danny want to stay here? Aiden will stay with Laura and Kevin when Lucky is discharged from GH. Danny could stay in Cameron's room until Cam flies out for Gram's birthday. Then, if Sam still needs care, Danny could bunk with Jake. You can remain on the couch to stay close to the boys."

"I'd like that. I'll ask Danny."

Elizabeth grabs her bag as she walks out; Jason stops her and pulls her into a kiss. She brushes her fingers across his lips. "Thank you for breakfast. I'll get Jake to prepare things for Danny when he returns."

Jason smiles and follows Elizabeth out. He starts his car and heads to the Quartermaines. He knows he wants to be with Elizabeth, but nothing can happen if the boys are in the house. Danny is waiting for him, but Jason stops to visit with Monica. She is dressed and finishing the touches of her makeup.

Jason says, "You look better. What are your plans for today?"

Monica smiles, "Jason, it's wonderful to see you. I'm going to GH today. Yuri is taking me to visit Sam, Lucky, and LuLu. The Board has an impromptu meeting, and I plan to be there to cast my vote. Tracy and I may go head to head." She laughs.

Danny enters, says he's ready, and wants to see Sam and Dante. On the ride, Jason explains Elizabeth's offer. He pulls into the garage and turns off the engine. Danny, if you want to stay with the Quartermaines, that's okay, but if you'd rather live temporarily with me and your brother, Elizabeth has room. I don't think you should be at the PH since Dante spends most of his time at the hospital. What do you want to do?"

"I love the Quartermaines, but they can be a bit too much," Jason and Danny laugh. "I have to be nice all the time. It's too busy. Rocco is okay, but there's Violet, Wiley, and Amelia. I'd miss Sasha's cooking, but I'd rather be with you over all the other Quartermaines and everyone else."

They exit the vehicle, and Jason says, "We can tell Dante together, and I'll call Monica.

-XX-

Elizabeth arrives at GH and escorts Jake and Aiden to the room reserved for the Spencer family. Kevin and Laura are waiting, and the boys hug their grandmother. Elizabeth changes into her scrubs. She logs into her station and checks on her patients. She stops at Lucky's room, and Isaiah talks to Lucky, who is awake. Elizabeth quickly dons a gown, mask, and gloves. She grabs Lucky's chart and enters. Isaiah moves aside to let Elizabeth greet Lucky. She smiles and says, "It's good you are awake. How are you feeling?"

"Like I gave up half my liver to save my sister."

Isaiah jokes, "Ever the charmer."

Elizabeth records his vitals, "You have a roomful of people who want to visit and thank you. Are you up for a few hellos?"

"I think so, but can you first stay with me for a few minutes."

"Sure." Elizabeth sits on the stool beside the bed. Isaiah leaves to give them privacy.

-XXX-

Isaiah meets with the family to discuss Lucky's care. He says that Lucky will remain at GH for one week. After his release, it will be another six to eight weeks before he can resume regular duties. Isaiah stresses that this timeline does not mean he can rush to Africa to rescue captured doctors. The doctor recommends nursing care or someone to monitor him when he's released. Laura says, "When Kevin or I are unavailable, a nurse will be there."

Lucky says, "Elizabeth, I'm back. I mean, I'm back for good."

"Don't promise something you can't deliver."

"I'm serious. I want to be here for Aiden and Jake. I want to be here for you."

"Lucky, make your promises to Aiden, not me."

"I was hoping you'd give me another chance."

"I'm glad you are back. I am happy you could save LuLu, but there are no more chances with us."

"Elizabeth, please."

"Lucky, you have family waiting to see you. I'll get them prepped."

Elizabeth shows everyone how to wear a gown, mask, and gloves before they enter Lucky's room. Laura, Aiden, Jake, and even Carly visit one at a time.

-XXX-

Jason brings Danny to see Sam and asks to speak with Dante. Jason suggests Danny stay with him while Sam is in the hospital. He mentions Elizabeth has a room at her place, and Danny would be near his brother. Danny tells Dante he's tired of staying at the Quartermaines, and Dante hasn't spent an entire night at the PH since his mother was shot. Danny stays with Sam while Jason and Dante talk outside the room.

Dante says, "Jason, you know Sam wouldn't agree to Danny staying with you. I could try to spend more time at home overnight."

Jason calmly replies, "Dante, I understand your concern, but I am Danny's father, and Sam cannot make decisions right now. Elizabeth's home is safe, but if you are concerned, I'll provide security."

"Safe? Sam was shot outside Elizabeth's house. How do you think that is safe?"

"I think that your Uncle Ric has planned his revenge on your father or me since his return. Unfortunately, Sam was collateral damage. This was not a planned attack. You told me Ric was following her. I'm meeting with Curtis later to find out what else he discovered."

"This is what Danny wants, and getting a break from the Quartermaines will be good. Tell him to call if he wants to come home."

"I will; thank you, Dante."

Jason walks past Lucky's room and sees Elizabeth with Lucky. The doctor had left to speak with Lucky's family. Jason hangs back and listens in on the conversation.

"I want to be here for you."

"Lucky, make your promises to Aiden, not me."

"I was hoping you'd give me another chance."

"I'm glad you are back. I am happy you could save LuLu, but there are no more chances with us."

"Elizabeth, please."

"Lucky, you have family waiting to see you. I'll get them prepped."

Jason leaves quickly and looks for Danny.

-XXX-

Elizabeth checks her other patients and updates their charts. Coming out of Heather's room, she watches Molly hug Ric before she visits Sam. Ric approaches Elizabeth, walking toward the Hub. "Elizabeth, how is Lucky?"

"He's awake. Only family is cleared to see him."

Carly exits Lucky's room, "And you are not family, Ric."

Ric smirks, "How's the cheek, Carly?"

Elizabeth notices Carly picking up her pace and jumps behind the Hub. Carly leg swipes Ric, tripping him and pushing him to the floor. "Oops, Ric. Did you trip?"

"Uhh, yeah, I did. I guess I deserved that?"

Carly mutters, "That and more."

The phone rings and Elizabeth answers, "Tenth Floor Nurses Station, Elizabeth Baldwin speaking." "One moment." "Ric, the phone is for you."

Elizabeth walks over to the side and lets Carly know Sonny is on the other end of the call. "That was a nice shove you gave Ric. Payback for what he did yesterday?"

"Yes, thanks for the assist. I wonder what's got Ric's panties all in a bunch. I can imagine what Sonny is saying."

"Thank you for taking the time to visit LuLu and speak with Lucky."

"Elizabeth, I'm sorry. I may have made things worse. Lucky was asking questions about you and wanted my help convincing you to give him another chance. I let slip about Sam and how Jason was with you when it happened."

Jason walks up, "You did what?!"

"I told him Sam is in a coma, and it happened on your property while Jason was with you. He wants to see Sam."

Elizabeth grunts, "Great! Thanks, Carly; Lucky does not need this stress. Hell, I don't need this stress." Elizabeth heads to speak with Lucky.

Jason says, "What were you thinking, Carly?"

"I'm sorry, Jase. I wasn't thinking."

"No, that's your excuse. I think you knew exactly what you were doing. I gotta get Danny's things from the Q's and the PH. We are staying with Elizabeth until Sam is out of danger."

"What the fuck, Jason. What is wrong with the Q's or Kelly's? Why do you need to stay with Elizabeth?"

"Not that I need to explain my life to you, but Danny wants a break from the Quartermaines, and my room at Kelly's is not appropriate for a teenager and his father. Besides, it will give Jake and Danny more time to work out any issues they've been having."

-XXX-

Elizabeth sucks it up and enters to face whatever issues Lucky will have with Carly's confessions. "Lucky, I'm about to go off shift. Cameron will be here around the 25th for Gram's birthday. You are invited if you want to come. I'm getting Aiden ready to stay with you when Isaiah discharges you."

"Elizabeth, is what Carly said about Sam true? Was Jason with you when she was shot? I don't like Jason being around Aien."

"I am not having this conversation. You lost any rights when you walked out of Aiden's life nearly ten years ago!"

"And Sam? Is Jason to blame?"

"I guess Carly didn't share everything. Some rival mob families did not shoot Sam. She was likely shot by Ric, though the only evidence is my hearsay. Carly mentioned you wanted to visit Sam. I can have a nurse take you to see her in two days. Before you leave the hospital, I'll arrange for you to visit LuLu."

Lucky sighs, "I'm not going to win this argument, am I?"

"No, but full disclosure, Jason is moving in with Danny until Sam emerges from her coma. It will be good for Danny and Jake. Adien will be with you in a week."

"I'm tired; I can't deal with any more of this right now."

-XXX-

Elizabeth calls Jason and asks if he wants her to pick up dinners from the Metro Court or if she could cook with help from the boys. Jason suggests the MC for the first night, as the extra bodies could be overwhelming.

After dinner, Elizabeth and Jason help get Danny settled while Jake and Aiden clean up the kitchen. Aiden works on his treats for Gram, and Jake invites Danny to help with his project for Audrey. Jason helps Elizabeth set up his bed on the couch in the family room. She grabs two beers from the fridge and hands him one. She turns on the news and settles back against the head of the bed.

Elizabeth tells him about her day and what Carly did to Ric.

Jason says, "Wow, I'm sorry I missed that."

Elizabeth pulls out her laptop, opens the GH website, and logs in as an administrator. She types in her head nurse password and says, "I have access to security feeds on my floors." She pulls up the video from today's altercation. Jason watches as Elizabeth steps aside to allow Carly to take Ric down.

"Wow, you should send that to Sonny."

Elizabeth clicks on a few links and hits send. "Done. What else?"

"I overheard your conversation with Lucky. Are you done giving him extra chances?"

"He can have extra chances with Aiden if Aiden wants it, but there are no more chances with Lucky and me."

"Are there more chances for us?"

Elizabeth turns to face Jason, places her hands on his face, and says, "No matter how hard I've tried to put you behind me, after 25 years, there will always be more chances for us."

Jason raises his eyes, "25 years?"

"Yeah, I know it's not a guy thing, but 25 years ago, late last month, you saved me, and we took our first ride to Nowhere."

Jason touches her cheek, "I remember that night. It was my first time feeling something other than loss and sadness over Robin and Michael." They lean in and kiss. He pulls her closer.

Elizabeth is enjoying the kiss but pulls away. "Jason, we have kids in the house that may not understand what we are doing. Hell, I'm not sure I know what is happening."

"Maybe it'd be different if we were married. We wouldn't have to hide anything."

Surprised, Elizabeth says, "Wow! That's sudden, isn't it?"

Jason chuckles, "Yeah, I guess it is. It wouldn't fix things or change how our kids would react, knowing we want to be together. I guess I hoped it would make things more palatable for them."

"I'd like to wait until Lucky is discharged and recovering at Kevin and Laura's. Aiden will be there for a few weeks. Danny is still worried about Sam. It's not the right time."

Jason claims her lips again. "Timing, ours sucks. A safe house isn't available, but what about my room at Kelly's? An hour or two for just us?"

Elizabeth ponders the invitation, "There's Carly to worry about, though I do know where the back entrance to the rooms is. I have some hospital business to attend to. I don't envy what my Gram or Epiphany had to do. Can I think about it?"

"Of course."

"I should go."

Jason sighs, "Yeah, timing." As Elizabeth walks to her room, Jason holds his middle finger toward the ceiling.

-XXX-

September 12

Elizabeth starts her day by checking her inbox. She gasps as she sees the test results for Heather Webber. She pages Terry and shows her the numbers. "Terry, these numbers were triple-checked at the outside lab."

"This is not good, Elizabeth. It's not something Portia would miss. I have to let the Board know." Terry sees the disappointed look on Elizabeth's face. "Elizabeth? What are you not telling me?"

"Can't you go by the numbers? I don't want to testify against my friend."

"Please tell me now, and I'll determine if your testimony is necessary."

"Portia has not taken Heather's presence here well. She's upset that Heather could go free since Heather stalked Trina and Spencer and almost attacked them with her hook."

"Well, I'm pissed about what she did to Britt, but it's no excuse to falsify tests. I gave Brad another chance. I'll fire him if he colluded with Portia. Portia's license is at risk, and she will have to face a medical review board after the GH Board."

"I'm sorry, Heather's not my favorite person, but I don't like how this will affect Portia."

It's okay, Elizabeth. I'll handle it from here."

A/N: Since this does not tie to Liason. The remaining events and repercussions will happen away from this s/l. Conclusions will be explained in summary.

Lucky remains at GH until the 18th. He has visitors and will stay with his mom and Kevin after discharge. Aiden will temporarily live with them while Lucky is recuperating. He remains hopeful that Elizabeth will change her mind, and Carly hopes he will succeed.

LuLu will wake up soon.

Sam's saga will unveil next chapter.

Molly and Kristina remain united while Sam is in her coma, much to Ric's detest.

Jason meets with Sonny. Sonny yells, "What are you going to do about Ric? I heard what he did to Carly. Please thank Elizabeth for the link. Ric deserved it."

"What do you want me to do?"

"Ric is representing Ava; he's pointing the blame at Kristina. He thinks he's protecting Molly, but he is way off-base. Ric likely shot Sam. He cannot walk away from that."

"Again, what do you want me to do?"

"Talk to your friend, Anna. Find out what she knows. Find a way to pin something on him because if he does not go down in the courts, I want you to take him down. My brother will pay one way or the other with the pain he's caused me since he set foot in PC 22 years ago."

"Sonny, we are at a stalemate on the shooting. I destroyed the gun since it was tied to you. Ballistics don't exist. Ric provided an alibi. He was getting drunk at Brown Dog Bar and picked up a woman. She confirmed she was with him, but patrons could not verify an exact time. Elizabeth's witness account is insufficient to bring him to trial without the weapon. Anna can't do anything unless Sam wakes up and points the finger at him. You don't want me to kill Ric for Sam. That is just an excuse. You want him gone because of the past. I want him dead because Sam is Danny's mother."

"Find a way where it's not tied to you or me."

"Sonny, when I returned, it was because of Cate's blackmail. That is over. I got rid of the gun for you. All I wanted was my half of the warehouse. You are back on your meds, but I can't keep cleaning up after you. If Sam doesn't survive, I want a different life for Danny. I don't want him or Jake to live through what Michael did. I don't want Elizabeth to live through any of that if I get the chance."

"What are you saying? You won't take care of Ric? You are ending things?"

"I don't know what will happen with Ric, but I only want the legal businesses. You managed without me for almost three years. You can manage without me now."

"Jason…"

"Sonny, don't make me choose between my children and Elizabeth."

-XXX-

Over the next few days, Jason takes Jake, Danny, and Aiden to ball games and boat rides on the Quartermaine's lake. Jason helps Elizabeth with meals and works in the warehouse.

-XXX-

September 16-17

Elizabeth helps Aiden pack and drops him off at Laura and Kevin's the following day.

Elizabeth walks Lucky through his discharge checklist for the 18th.

After reviewing Portia's actions regarding Heather Webber's test results, she is put on administrative leave pending further investigation. Brad Cooper is fired. Ric gets back on board to help Heather.

Jason moves from the couch into Aiden's room on the 17th.

Lucky wants to see Sam before his discharge. Amy Driscoll offers to wheel him to see her. She stands outside Sam's room. Elizabeth is at her station and says, "Nurse Driscoll, don't you have other patients to see? There is a call button if Lucky needs assistance. I don't want you gossiping about why Lucky is visiting Sam. They were friends when he was last in town. I'll make sure he gets back to his room."

"Yes, Nurse Baldwin. I'm sorry."

Elizabeth shakes her head and laughs. She thinks, "Amy Vining had nothing on Amy Driscoll."

Elizabeth calls Jake to find out how his project is progressing. Jake says, "Danny is surprising me with his help. I got authorization from PCU to use their video editing room. We will be there most of the evening and get dinner ourselves."

"Thank you. I'll let Jason know. I will visit Gram after my shift and get dinner out." Elizabeth eyes Sam's room, and Lucky is still visiting. She breathes deeply and places a call. "Hi, it's me. If your offer still stands, I'm available by 4 pm, and the boys will be at PCU having dinner themselves. I'm leaving GH at 2:30 and stopping to see Gram, but after that, I'm yours if you want." Elizabeth smiles at the answer and hangs up the phone. She walks to Sam's room, and Lucky holds Sam's hand; he prays that she wakes up. Elizabeth clears her throat. "Lucky, are you ready to return to your room?"

Lucky wipes a tear and says, "Yeah. Thanks." Elizabeth helps him back to his room.

"Lucky, I'll be here tomorrow for your discharge. Kevin and Laura will take you back to their place. Aiden is already settling in."

-XXX-

Jason hangs up the phone, smiles, and prepares his room for Elizabeth. He rushes to pick up a few supplies, carefully avoiding glances from Carly or Joss.