Chapter 29

July 2002

Thank you to Trini12180, Chris P, Guest, Leeleelaya5, and Guest for your reviews.

Fan Fiction was down for a couple of days. It has been corrected.

Brief Summary re-write:

Laura recalls a memory from her childhood and recalls her father and Scotty covering up an accidental murder. Laura and Luke blast them for keeping her from remembering. Luke threatens Scott, telling him to "fix it" or he will reveal the cover-up Scotty and Rick did as accessories after the fact. Luke and Laura remarried and left PC with LuLu in July 2002. Later, Scott "corrects" the felony and makes a deal, closing the case as involuntary manslaughter, and since Laura was a minor, he was able to get the time served dropped. Rick and Lesley reunited and left town in late July. Rick, Jeff, Elizabeth, and Sarah spent quality time before Rick left.

Skye left Port Charles after being humiliated by Jax when he announced he had been involved with Alexis since April 2002. The Quartermaines rejected her, and Alan, knowing she was not his biological daughter, kicked her out. (He did not adopt her). To prevent Sonny from finding out about Alexis's reveal, she moves in with Jax. Jason leaves Jake's and moves back into the PH. Jax accompanies Alexis to her pre-natal visits.

AJ continues his sobriety. He does not drive into the strip club, but Carly encourages Courtney to form a "friendship" with Coleman Ratcliff. Courtney tries to entice AJ to drink. AJ continues working for ELQ. He suffers through Ned's interference but proves himself invaluable.

Luis Alcazar arrives in PC and enlists the help of Roy. He provides him with one million dollars to invest. Roy recruits Zander. Zander happily accepts when he finds out Sonny and Jason are the targets. Luis has plans to destroy Sonny and Jasper Jacks.

Sarah is upset about Lucky's concern for Elizabeth.

July and after the crypt

Lucky is worried about Elizabeth not returning his phone calls. Sarah is irked. She believes Elizabeth faked her disappearance to get attention.

Sonny tries to enlist Alexis' help, and Alexis stuns Sonny when she reveals the conflict of interest is due to her new client, Jax. Sonny confronts Jax.

Roy receives a suitcase of money from a mysterious benefactor.

Per Carly's instructions, Courtney places a flask for AJ to find. It has his initials on it. AJ is irked, thinking Ned planted it and threw it at him, telling him he was not amused.

7/1-10/2002

When the emergency vehicles arrive, the crypt is engulfed in fire. Jason helps Elizabeth to an ambulance, where they administer oxygen. He waits with her while the medical personnel checks Sonny for injuries. The fire is extinguished, and the crew enters the crypt. The fire chief yells for the EMT. Zander is carried out on a backboard and loaded into a second ambulance. Elizabeth and Jason watch as the bus drives away.

Elizabeth leans against Jason, "I knew you would find me in time."

Jason leans in, kisses her forehead, and gently kisses her lips. He leans in for a more urgent kiss, and they are interrupted by Taggert.

"Uhumm. Nice to see you survived, Ms. Webber; I have questions about your kidnapping. It would be best if you came with me to the PCPD to make a statement."

Jason thinks Elizabeth should go to GH. The EMT says, "Ms. Webber's breathing has stabilized, but a physician should check her out."

Sonny, now cleared by the EMT, says, "Defective (emphasis on the 'defective' Sonny thinks) Taggert, it's late; she needs to shower and rest."

Taggert changes his tune, hoping Elizabeth will provide information to nail Corothinos and Morgan to criminal activity and why she was kidnapped. "Elizabeth, I'm sorry if I was harsh. Can you tell me what happened? Did your kidnappers tell you why they grabbed you?"

She shook her head and said, "No, I don't know who or why. I was in my studio. Two men entered, took me, and shoved me into a car. They brought me here and locked me inside."

"What did they say?"

"After I was inside, I only saw one guy. He didn't say anything." (Elizabeth lies). "He left me alone for one or two hours. He returned and had me talk to Jason. He left, and several hours later, I spoke with Jason again."

"Are you sure he didn't say anything about Sonny or Jason? Why was Zander there?"

Jason thinks, if I punch Taggert, it would be worth it if I go to jail, but I can't leave Elizabeth alone. "Taggert, she answered your questions. Why are you treating her like she did something wrong? I already told you what happened."

"Just a few more questions, and then you can come to the station tomorrow and sign a release. Why was Zander there?"

Elizabeth coughs and occasionally uses the oxygen mask to breathe. "The guy carried Zander into the crypt and dropped him on the ground. Zander was unconscious. I asked if he could get him to a hospital, and he laughed. I checked to see if Zander was bleeding, and he was not. It was maybe 15-20 minutes later when Zander woke up. Zander said he thought he could rescue me by pretending to report on Sonny. Zander got himself knocked out and thrown in with me."

Taggert thinks he tripped Elizabeth up and says, "I thought you said you didn't know why you were taken."

"No, you asked me if my kidnappers said why they took me. It was Zander who said he pretended to rat out Sonny. I'm tired, is that all?"

"No, that's all for now; get some rest and come by the station tomorrow."

Jason puts his arm around Elizabeth, and she rests her head against his chest. Jason says, "Can I take you to GH?" Elizabeth nods. Jason hands her his phone; you should call your dad to tell him you are okay." He drives them to GH, where Tony Jones examines her and releases her with the condition someone stays with her and that she returns tomorrow. Elizabeth says she will be at her father's for a few days. Tony hands Jason a portable oxygen tank with instructions and asks Jason to give it to Jeff. Tony gives Elizabeth a sample pack of pain pills for the night. He wants to see her tomorrow for a follow-up. Jason drives her to Jeff's.

Jason pulls into the driveway, where Jeff and Rick await her. Jeff yanks open the car door and pulls his daughter to him. He kisses her head and holds her. Rick greets Jason, holding his tongue about knowing him as a little boy. "Jason, I'm Jeff's brother. Thank you for bringing Elizabeth home." He takes the tank from Jason. "Please come inside."

Jeff shakes Jason's hand and thanks him. Elizabeth says, "Dad, is Sarah home?"

"No, I asked her to stay with Audrey tonight."

"Thank you." Jason follows Elizabeth upstairs, and Jeff places the tank and instructions on the bed. He quickly leaves and closes the door behind him.

Elizabeth strips, removing the clothes of her ordeal. Jason offers to leave, and she says, "It looks like you need a shower too. There's room for two." Elizabeth starts the shower and waits for the water to heat up.

Jason looks at his watch, smells his shirt, and wrinkles his nose. "I guess you are right." He strips out of his clothes and looks at Elizabeth's finger, motioning him to her shower. Elizabeth steps under the water. Jason embraces Elizabeth, kissing her as the water pours over them. He squeezes a generous amount of body wash in his hands and scrubs Elizabeth from top to bottom. Holding her from behind, he kisses her neck, shoulders, and back and turns her to face him. They kiss, and Jason applies shampoo to her hair. He rinses her and helps dry her off. Jason towels himself dry, and when he returns to her bedroom, there is a fresh T-shirt and jeans on her bed waiting for him. There is a note, "The T-shirt should fit; I hope the jeans fit too. Jeff."

Elizabeth gets spare clothes from her dresser, pulls a shirt over her head, and finger-combs her hair. Jason kisses her neck and says, "Sonny left a message. He needs to see me. I'll pick you up tomorrow to take you to the PCPD and GH. I don't want you returning to the studio until it's more secure." He kisses her.

"Jason, thank you for saving my life."

Jason meets Jeff on the stairs, and Jeff is about to bring Elizabeth a sandwich. "Thank you for rescuing my daughter," Jason says.

Jason brings Elizabeth to the PCPD in the morning, and Sonny and Alexis await her arrival.

Taggert says, "I see you have a lawyer. Why do you need a lawyer?"

Alexis says, "Do I need to add harassment to the growing list of charges on behalf of Sonny Corothinos and Jason Morgan? I am here to protect the interest of my client. She gave you a statement last night. Unless she has something to add, she is here to sign that statement."

"I apologize, Elizabeth. Let's start over. How are you feeling? Do you remember anything about the people who took you or why? Do you have anything to add to your statement from last night?"

"No, I have nothing to add to my statement. I'm late for an appointment at GH. Where do I sign?"

Jason takes her to GH, and Tony examines her. He says, "Elizabeth, you look and sound much better than last night. I recommend a few days of rest before returning to work or school."

"Thank you. How is Zander?"

"He's better. He spent several hours last night in the hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber. He has another treatment this afternoon and could be released tomorrow."

"Thank you."

Jason asks if she is ready to return to Jeff's. Elizabeth leans against him and says yes. On the drive, Jason explains that Johnny had retrieved her car from behind the studio and brought it to her father's. "Elizabeth, I'm installing a reinforced door in your studio, and I don't want you to move back until it's complete."

They enter the house, which is filled with flowers. "Wow."

Jason says, "That is a lot of flowers."

Elizabeth looks at the cards and sees stuffed animals. "There's stuff from Gram, Bobbie, Sonny, and even Laura sent me something." She runs upstairs, and he follows. More flowers fill her room.

"Are you okay?"

"Sure, of course," Elizabeth says haltingly. Jason knows her better than most people and questions her. She sits on the couch in her room.

"No, something is wrong."

"It's nothing."

"No, it's not nothing. Stop doing that with me. Stop trying to be all cheerful and pretend with me."

"Sorry, I forget I don't have to be brave for you."

Jason sits next to her and says, "Tell me."

"Last night, I had nightmares and felt like I was buried alive. Coming home to these flowers makes me think people sent them because I'm dead." Jason offers to take them away, and she starts to say no, that would be rude, but instead agrees. "The smell is getting to me. Thank you."

Jason moves most of the flowers out of the room. He says, "I have something for you. I bought it for you when we were in Italy." He hands her a postcard.

"Jason, this is beautiful."

He thinks, "You are beautiful," instead, he stammers and says, "It reminds me of you, of the way you paint. I hid it in one of my travel books and planned to give it to you later. I forgot I had until that night in your studio."

"This means a lot. I'll put it with the other postcards from our trips. This connection means everything."

Jason looks at the floor and then back at Elizabeth. "You might change your mind when I tell you that I'm the reason why you almost died. Those men grabbed you because they wanted something from me."

"I know. I lied to Taggert. I knew they were using me to get to you, but as terrified as I was, I held on because I knew you wouldn't stop looking until you found me. You are the reason I held on. My faith in you was unshakable and justified."

"When I found you, you were almost dead. I don't want that to happen again."

"Jason, if you are going to say you want to stop being my friend for my own good, you should save your breath unless you decide you don't like me."

"No, I love you." I have for a while. I didn't know how to tell you until now."

"Good, because I love you too. Being with you is my choice. No bailing."

Jason replies, "No bailing." Sarah walks in; he kisses Elizabeth and says, "I'll let you rest and catch up with your sister.

Alexis finalizes her packing, and Jax arrives with the movers. Carly tells Sonny to fumigate the PH and wants Sonny to ask Jason to return to his side.

Jason arrives at the PH. Sonny tells him that something is bothering Carly, and he doesn't know how to help her. He talks about how he does want a child, but he's afraid of the pain of losing a child again. Jason tells him that it's good that Carly is getting fertility treatments and it could work. They then talk business and about who might be used next to get information from Sonny. While Sonny and Jason continue talking, Jax drops off Alexis's key. Sonny gives Jason the keys and says he can have it but warns him they will kick him out to make a nursery if he and Carly have a baby.

Sarah asks about the postcard, and Elizabeth tells her Jason gave it to her. Sarah tries to take it from her, but Elizabeth won't let go.

Sarah snidely says, "You are going to clutch a postcard from the man who almost got you killed? Are you insane, Lizzy?"

"Excuse me? Jason is my friend, unlike you, who doesn't respect me by calling me Lizzy instead of Elizabeth. Maybe you are the one who is insane."

"How can you be friends with him unless it's another Lizzy drama for attention since Lucky chose me."

"I'm going to explain something to you. My life does not revolve around you. I don't care if you are sleeping with Lucky. I haven't thought about it in days; locked in a crypt puts one's priorities in order."

"Boy, don't you get it, LIZZY? Everything has to be about you, and you always turn things around, so I am in the wrong. Don't you get that you were kidnapped because of Jason? Why the hell would you want him around?"

"Sarah, you are pissing me off. Not that it's any of your business, but I like having Jason around. He doesn't lie to me. He doesn't judge me or ask me to live my life to his specifications. He doesn't make me feel like I don't belong. I like being with him, looking at him, and I love how he touches me!"

"You really can't accept that Lucky loves me!"

Laughing, "Whatever gets you to sleep at night, Sarah. Don't you have a shift at GH to get back to or someone else to annoy?"

Elizabeth's cell rings as Sarah stomps off. Jason wants to know if he can bring her dinner from Kelly's or something from the Port Charles Grill.

Elizabeth falls asleep and awakes from the sound of the front doorbell. She throws on a shirt and a pair of jeans and runs down the stairs. Before she gets to the door, there is a rapid succession of knocks. She opens the door, hoping to see Jason. Lucky is waiting, holding a dozen white roses. Her face drops in despair. "Lucky, Jason will be here soon."

"How can you even think about being with that guy? Sarah means nothing to me."

"I don't care that you slept with Sarah. I've moved on, and you should, too."

Jason arrives and holds his temper when he sees Lucky holding roses and petals accumulating on the floor. "Spencer, what are you doing here?"

"Morgan, you shouldn't be here. You are a danger to Elizabeth."

Elizabeth says, "Lucky, you should go. Thank you for stopping by and the flowers."

Jason shares his food with Elizabeth and says, I'd like to take you somewhere. He brings Elizabeth back to the studio. As they approach the door, Elizabeth stops before Jason hands her the keys. She thinks the door is just like the metal door at the crypt. Her face is pale. Jason says, "I replaced your old door with this one, but if you don't like it."

Shaking her head, she said, "No, this is fine. It's more sturdy."

Jason hands her the keys, and she unlocks the door. Closing the door behind them, she sees three locks: a top lock, a deadbolt, and the lock on the doorknob. "Elizabeth, what's wrong? I thought this would make you feel safer."

"Jason, it will take time, but this door reminds me of the one in the crypt. I can't see out. Would it be possible to put in a peephole?"

"I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking about that. I should have asked you first."

"Jason, it's okay. I'd rather discuss what you said yesterday."

He scratches his chin, "I said something, and you said something back. Is that what you want to discuss?"

She reaches up and wraps her arms around Jason's neck, and he pulls her into his arms and carries her to the sofa. He kisses her, and she responds. Jason pulls his shirt over his head, and Elizabeth scrambles out of her shirt and kicks off her jeans. He burrows his head in her chest and kisses her neck. She moves her hands over his shoulders, arms, and down his back.

Jason tears the top of the package with his teeth, removes the condom, and places the sheath on his growing member. Elizabeth chews on her lower lip and trembles as Jason enters her. She says, "I do love you, Jason Morgan. I have loved you since that night at Jake's."

Jason shudders and replies, "I love you too, Elizabeth Webber."

Jason has Elizabeth in his arms as they both sleep. There's a knock at the door, waking them. She rubs her eyes and glances at the clock. She groans and says, "That better not be my sister or Lucky."

Jason replies, "Whoever it is, if we ignore them, they will leave."

The knocking continues, and Jason nibbles on her ear, sending shivers down her spine. "Elizabeth, it's Zander. If you are there, please open the door. You were gone when they released me from GH. I want to know you are okay."

Jason says, "It's either now or it will be later. It would be best if you told him how you feel. I don't want a one-night stand. Zander expects something from you, and unless you tell him, he won't leave."

The knocking continues. "Elizabeth, I saw the light from the window. I won't stay long; I must know you are safe."

Elizabeth nods to Jason, "Just a minute, Zander. I'll be right there." She puts on her jeans and finds a new shirt to wear. Unlocking all the locks, she opens the door and says, "I'm fine, okay? I was getting antsy and had to leave the hospital, and Jason brought me home."

Zander holds flowers, and Elizabeth thinks, "Enough with the flowers!"

"When did you get the new door?"

Jason puts on his jeans and walks up to Elizabeth. "I had it installed two days ago. I wanted her to feel secure."

The color drains from Zander's face. "Why is Jason here? After what happened to you, why would you trust him?"

Elizabeth counts to ten and replies, "Zander, you should be grateful Jason found us. After the first explosion, Jason went back in and found you. He directed the EMT to your location. You told me your version of what happened while we were locked up. You wanted to blame Jason for getting me kidnapped. You went off on your own, alerting the guys who could have told him our location, but if you had gone to Jason and told them you saw Kurt and Hayes at the River Rat, he might have pressured them into telling him my location. Instead, you thought you could handle it yourself. That is why it took longer to find me. They knew you weren't intimidating, and you got kidnapped next to me. I could have been home a day sooner, and two men might be in jail instead of the morgue."

Zander feels like Elizabeth slapped him. "I was only trying to help. Jason thinks he knows everything. He thinks he is a god, and we should all bow down to him."

Jason wants to punch Zander, not only because he is pissing him off but also because he's spoiling the moment he had with Elizabeth. "I don't think I am god, nor believe in bowing, but I do think you are a punk who doesn't think things through. Hayes may have wanted to use Elizabeth as leverage, but you hindered her rescue in many ways."

Elizabeth says, "Zander, I think you should leave. I'm glad you are alive, but stay away from me in the future." She pushes him out the door, shuts it, and locks it. Grinning, she says, "Now, where were we before we were so rudely interrupted?"

Jason picks her up, throws her over his shoulder, and tosses her on the couch. Elizabeth shrieks, laughs, and pulls Jason to her. He says, "I think we were about to start round two."

7/11-31/2002

Sarah gets even angrier because Lucky always chases Elizabeth. They break up on the spot before they do each other even more damage. Sarah leaves Port Charles and gets an internship at a hospital in California.

Roy and Felicia go down to the docks, where Roy insists Pier 52 is a business investment. Felicia is concerned about the dangers of owning Pier 52. That's Sonny's territory. They discussed their cover story for having the money to buy it. She wants to know why he wanted to buy the pier.

Jason questioned Roy about his buying Pier 52. After a "casual threat," Jason left, and a clueless Felicia was concerned about this new venture and feared for Roy's safety. Later, they met with their new business associate, who wanted to ship from the pier.

Alexis announces to Ned and Jax that she's severed her final tie to Sonny.

Luke and Laura stop by the studio with LuLu to say goodbye to Elizabeth. They had already said goodbye to Lesley, Rick, Lucky, and Nikolas.

Pier 52:
Jason offered double the price for the pier on behalf of Sonny. Jason called Sonny and told him that Felicia had come up with the money left to her by an uncle. They refused to sell. Later, Jason's assessment of the situation appears on target when Roy secretly meets with a mysterious courier.

Jason talks to Felicia in the park about Pier 52 and how the people who kidnapped Elizabeth had wanted it. "Think about how Roy got the money and how suspicious it is." Roy arrives and tells Jason they are unwilling to accept Sonny's offer to buy the pier.

Jason discovers Alexis is pregnant and informs Sonny. Sonny argues with Carly when he finds out Carly already knew. He confronts Alexis and asks if he is the father, and Jax interrupts, armed and ready to the teeth. He says he is the father and provides a paternity test proving it. "Sonny, you should leave. Alexis needs a stress-free pregnancy, and as her partner and father of our baby, I intend to ensure that it will happen." Hurt and tearful, Carly leaves her rings behind and returns to her cottage.

Jason protects Elizabeth from further harm and probes Zander for clues about the kidnappers. He wants to know if they mentioned the names of anyone else who wanted the property. He knew Hayes and Kurt didn't have that kind of capital. Zander fails to give Jason any useful information. Zander approaches Roy for a job.

Elizabeth crouches, frightened, behind a piece of furniture in her loft because a stranger is banging on her door. If she has to protect herself, she grabs an artist's knife. When the person on the other side of the door calls out, she realizes that they think they are somewhere else, and she informs them that the apartment they are looking for is on the floor above. A short while later, Jason stops by to check on her, and she eagerly opens the door. He's concerned about how frightened Elizbeth is, and she explains what happened. They then talk about what it would take for her to feel safe, and Jason offers to get her a gun. Knowing that a gun could cause her to hurt an innocent person accidentally, she refuses. Jason shows Elizabeth how her artist's knife will not protect her, and they laugh as he pulls her to him.

Jason returns with the baseball bat. After showing her how to use it, he places it in the corner near her couch. Laughing at the demonstration, Jason pulls her to him and kisses her. He tells her he will be leaving Jake's and will be back at the PH in August. They are interrupted by a call from Carly.

She calls Jason in tears. She plans to seduce him as revenge for Sonny abandoning her to see Alexis.

"Carly, are you dying? No? What happened?" Carly explains she is at her cottage and has left Sonny. "Carly, you will be fine. I told you I can't always be at your beck and call. I have other pressing matters. Call Sonny and talk to him." He hangs up the phone.

Elizabeth says, "Are you sure you don't want to leave?"

"I'm where I want to be. Carly needs to handle her drama herself." He kisses her, and they make love.

Roy and Felicia were celebrating. He talked about getting a penthouse at Harborview Towers. He remembered before it got built. He got a call that Pier 52 was on fire and rushed out. Felicia followed him. Felicia and Roy talk about the fire being a message from Sonny. Roy feels Sonny is just a thug and refuses to back down. He calls Sonny and demands a meeting at the Oasis. Sonny knows what Roy is trying to do with the meeting at the strip club but agrees to go. Sonny is annoyed with Roy for wasting his time. Roy lays into Sonny for trying to scare him.

Felicia breaks into Roy's apartment. She starts looking around when she hears someone coming in. She hides in the closet as Jason walks in. Jason walks to the closet and tells Felicia she picked a horrible hiding place. Felicia threatens to call the police as Jason pulls out the briefcase full of money. Jason says again that Roy is working for someone and that Felicia should be careful who to trust. "Roy does not know what he is walking into. He is aligning himself with someone who wants to bring more crime to Port Charles."

"Unlike you."

"Sorel wanted to traffic drugs. This person wants to traffic arms. Do you really want to bring more guns to Port Charles, especially when you have children?"

Jason tells Elizabeth about the fire at Pier 52 and wants her to be safe., He insists she has a guard. Resigned, Elizabeth accepts.

Jax introduces Alexis to his parents. Roy informs Zander that it's time to pay Sonny back for everything he's done.

Elizabeth tells Zander that she knows he's responsible for the cops all over Sonny's warehouse. She tells him that he's risking his life and asking for trouble.

"I can handle myself. The next time, Jason will be in the hospital instead of me. Warn Jason to watch out."

"Jason saved your life, Zander; whatever your plans are, you are going down a slippery slope."

Roy tells Zander that his vendetta against Sonny is more involved than he let on. Zander said he can handle it. Roy said the cops got into the warehouse on schedule and asked if there were any problems while checking out the room and looking for something. After he leaves, Zander pulls out the bag holding the cash. He later shows up at Jason's penthouse and breaks in. He starts rifling through his desk and finds an address book. After copying its information, he takes Jason's coat from his closet and is about to leave but hears the elevator, so Zander hides. He hears Elizabeth with Jason, saying she needs time alone with Jason.

Elizabeth and Jason enter his PH, but something is off. Jason puts his finger to the mouth, indicating 'quiet.' Jason looks through his desk and motions Elizabeth upstairs. Once inside his room, Elizabeth asks what is going on. Jason whispers, "I think someone is hiding in the closet, or there was. Wait here; I want to see what happens." Elizabeth stands next to Jason, and they watch from the top of the stairs. They see Zander quietly closing the closet door and leaving wearing Jason's jacket. "Damm, I liked that jacket. I'm going to have to burn it now."

"Are you going to go after him?"

"No, I'm going to put a tail on him. Elizabeth, I'm sorry; Zander is your friend, but I can't sit idly by and let him get away with it."

"I understand. I don't want to know what you will do, but will you let me speak to him first?"

"About what? I don't want you to warn him."

"Trust me, I'll figure something out."

Jason kisses her, "Okay. If you can get the jacket back, I want it destroyed. Zander has no right to it."

7/29-31/2002

Roy is on the docks and checks his gun in his pants. The money man arrives and says we finally meet. Roy says it's about time. He asks who he is and what he wants.

"My name is Luis Ramon Alcazar. I'm an influential businessman. I left you money because I need people on my payroll whose interests mirror mine."

"Why me?"

"You are touchy for a man given one million dollars."

"I invested it per your instructions. That went to crap. The pier burned down. What do I do with the rest?"

"I'm a simple man of simple means. Invest it, let it grow, or be a silent partner collecting profits with your beautiful friend."

"Stay away from Felecia. How does Sonny fit into this? Do you have a grudge against Sonny?"

"No more or less than anyone else who has something I want." Felicia had been eavesdropping as much as she could.

Elizabeth brings Jason's jacket back. "It's a nice jacket. Are you sure you want to burn it?"

Sonny and Jason question Elizabeth about Zander. While there, Carly stops by looking for Sonny and seems angry to find Elizabeth. She worries that Elizabeth is up to her old schemes and that Jason will get hurt. Sonny and Carly go across the hall and talk about being back together and happy. Jason says, "Elizabeth, you need to be careful. I wish I could convince you to stay with me, but Francis is outside your studio door until further notice. I'll take you home." He kisses her, "You understand; I only want you to be safe."

Roy and Felicia get a call from Alcazar telling them to blow up Sonny's warehouse. Roy informs him that he isn't working for him. So, Alcazar decides that he'll take care of it on his own.

Sonny goes to see Roy, and they argue about Zander trying to frame Jason and make it appear that he is stealing from him. Roy claims not to know about it. Later, Roy gets on Zander's case about trying to frame Jason because that's not what he was instructed to do.

Zander comes to Elizabeth to ask for Jason's jacket so he can return it, but Elizabeth says, "I already returned it. Zander, I want to help you, but you aren't thinking clearly, and your vendettas are ruining your chances to make amends." They argue, and Zander accuses Elizabeth of choosing Jason over him. "Zander, I chose Jason long before we met. I do care about what happens to you, but you are like a five-year-old in a candy shop. You want everything and think you will get away with taking it. You don't think about repercussions; when you get caught, you make unconvincing excuses." Elizabeth shuts the door, showing Zander out.

August 2002

Summary:

Alexis considers telling Sonny that he is the father, but she changes her mind. Kristina learns the truth about Alexis's pregnancy and believes Sonny should know. She searches for him to tell him the truth.

Alcazar has a vendetta against Jax and Sonny and wants Roy to do his dirty work for him. Roy refuses to go after Sonny's warehouse, and Luis comments about Roy's beautiful friend. Luis takes matters into his own hands. Roy learns a woman is involved in Alcazar's revenge.

Skye returns in late August 2002.

8/1-

Roy was headed toward the warehouse when it exploded with Kristina inside. He was thrown to the ground but was okay.

Zander and Elizabeth are talking on the docks when an explosion erupts at the Corothinos/Morgan coffee warehouse. Jason rushes past them toward the blast, and Zander and Elizabeth follow. Roy runs inside looking for Felecia but finds Kristina inside. Felecia and Alexis appear, and Alexis is hysterical because her sister is trapped under steel I-Beams. After a joint effort with Zander, Roy, and Jason, excavating Kristina and carrying her outside to a waiting ambulance, Jason accuses Roy of setting a bomb at the warehouse. Roy and Zander had been working against Sonny and Jason, and Jason didn't trust them.

Jason says, "Roy, you diffused a bomb once. You would know how to set one." Jason remembers the bomb under Elizabeth's table in her studio on New Year's Eve over two years ago that Roy dismantled. "You set that bomb, and an innocent woman might die."

Roy retorts, "Like you give a damm about her."

Jason jumps Roy, tackling him. Roy's gun flies out of his shoulder holster, and Zander picks it up. Jason and Roy are throwing punches when Zander aims the gun at Jason. Elizabeth is yelling at Zander to put the gun down. Zander jabs the gun into Jason's back. He says, "It's over. Let go of Roy. Are you going to hurt him like you hurt me?"

Jason backs away. He remembers Zander is not only a hothead but an idiot at that. Elizabeth worries about Zander's hair trigger. He does not have the level-headedness that Jason has. She says, "Zander, put the gun down. Please put the gun down for me."

Zander's hand is shaking. He aims the gun toward Jason, but Jason pushes his arm away as Elizabeth yells, "No!" The gun goes off, and Zander, holding the gun, looks at a stunned Elizabeth. Jason sees the look on her face, and the gun is still in Zander's hand. Jason knows she has been shot.

Elizabeth's hand goes to her shoulder, and she mutters, "I've, I'm…shot." She lunges forward, and Jason catches her before she falls to the ground. He helps her stand up and sits her on a crate. Jason talks calmly to Elizabeth and asks questions to distract her and keep her from going into shock. Zander apologizes, paces, and achieves the complete opposite of Jason; even Roy tells the kid to calm down.

Jason says, "Elizabeth, where are you?"

"Your warehouse."

"Good, now tell me about Italy. What was your favorite memory?" He brushes her hair away, strokes her face, and prays for the ambulance the idiot is searching for. Elizabeth recites the places they visited. He kisses her.

Detective Andy Capelli arrives on the scene with his gun drawn, shouting, "Hands up, everyone." Jason has a shirt against the bullet wound in Elizabeth's shoulder and does not want to let go of her. He thinks, "This moron cop does not care about Elizabeth; he only wants to make a bust. No one is armed."

Andy yells again, and Jason instructs Elizabeth to apply pressure with the shirt, and he stands with his hands interlocked behind his head along with Zander and Roy. Capelli runs to Elizabeth and removes the shirt, yelling for a first aid kit. Elizabeth starts going into shock again without the calming sounds of Jason's voice. She thinks, "Aren't cops supposed to know how to react in situations like this? I want Jason back. This cop does not know what to do. Zander pacing is not helping."

Jason says, "I can stop the bleeding.:

Elizabeth adds, "Please let him help. Jason knows what to do."

Jason wraps her shoulder, softly explaining her wound and what he is doing. It's a flesh wound; you'll be okay. It's going to hurt." His concerned blue eyes bore into her, momentarily distracting her.

"Lucky me, no kidding."

Other police personnel arrive to secure the scene. Jason insists Elizabeth can't wait for an ambulance and to please get her to GH.

Capelli carries Elizabeth to his car and transports her to GH, meanwhile interrogating her about who shot her. Elizabeth leans her head against the window. "Does this guy not shut up?"

The other cops take the trio to the PCPD and interrogate them. Jason approaches Zander and coldly says, "You are going to pay."

Elizabeth gets checked out at GH by Dr. Tony Jones. Elizabeth asks about Kristina, and all Tony can say is she could use your prayers. Capelli is hovering, and as soon as Dr. Jones leaves, he badgers Elizabeth again. Who shot you? Give me a name. Was it Smith or Morgan?" That Morgan guy is bad news; Zander Smith is a drug dealer; you've been kidnapped. You should stay clear of both of them.

Elizabeth wants to say, "I didn't ask for your opinion. Leave me the fuck alone." Instead, she answers, "No one. It was an accident."

Zander, Roy, and Jason were led into the PCPD, but Alcazar bailed Roy out quickly. Roy exited the station and got into a limo. Alcazar presumed Roy had gotten his message. "You set the bomb," Roy replied.

Mac gets the call about Elizabeth's statement the shooting was an accident and that she won't name names. Mac says Jason and Zander are free to go, and Jason rushes out before the cuffs are off Zander. He finds Elizabeth waiting for her discharge papers and wants to know if she is okay.

"I told the police it was an accident. No one meant for this to happen."

"Elizabeth, this has to stop. You keep getting hurt because of Zander and me. It's not safe for you to be in Port Charles."

"What if I don't want to leave? What about you? Put aside the danger. Do you really want me to go away?"

Before Jason can answer, Zander bursts into the exam room. Zander apologizes, and Elizabeth says she is okay.

Jason tries to exit, but Elizabeth stops him and says, "You never answered my question. Zander, I was talking to Jason. I'll see you tomorrow. I appreciate your concern." Zander leaves, bent on revenge against Sonny and Jason.

Jason takes Elizabeth back to the studio, helps her out of her clothes, finds a sleep shirt, and helps her dress. He tucks her into bed and feeds her a round of antibiotics. Elizabeth laughs and says, "The shoe is on the other foot. This time, you are providing me with antibiotics. Before I drift off to sleep, do you really want me to go away?"

Stammering, he says, "No, I don't want you to leave. I want you to stay, but tomorrow, we must discuss security."

Elizabeth murmurs, "Okay." She falls asleep. Jason strokes her face, kisses her forehead, and says, "I love you. I'll make things right for you." He leaves to check on Kristina.

Meanwhile

Carly showed up and learned Kristina was going to the hospital.

Ned went to GH to look for Kristina. Kristina was taken in, and Alexis was crying beside her. She needed emergency surgery. Alan told him about Kristina being at Sonny's warehouse when it exploded. Jax was at his cottage when Ned called to inform him about what had happened to Kristina. He left to console Alexis. Kristina forgave Alexis for lying about the baby's paternity and agreed to keep the secret.

Mac and Scott questioned Sonny. Scott insinuated that Sonny had blown up his own warehouse.

Roy told Felicia that Alcazar was framing him for the warehouse explosion, and Felicia recommended they seek Sonny's help. Roy is concerned about aligning himself with Alcazar since he has threatened Felecia.

Sonny went into the ICU to ask what Kristina wanted to tell him. She suffered heart failure and died before she could say anything. Sonny offered condolences, but Alexis accused him of failing to protect the people around him, and she wished him dead.

Kristina's funeral drew a large crowd. Alexis blamed Sonny, Jason, and Roy for her sister's death. She revealed how disgusted she was with them. She gave Sonny her sister's ashes as a "souvenir" and dropped the urn and spilled ashes on the ground.

Ned and Jax comforted Alexis. Sonny and Jason confronted Roy, with Felicia as a witness. Sonny warned Felicia to be careful. Roy told Jason he hadn't planted the bomb; he refused to say who was behind the explosion.

After Alexis' meltdown, Elizabeth finds Jason on the docks. He hears her footsteps. "Alexis was right. It's not safe to be around me."

"I'm willing to take the chance."

Jason turns to face her. "I'm not. When Alexis was talking, I flashed back to all the times you came close to dying because of me." Elizabeth reaches for him, and he grasps her hand.

"Jason, we've made it this far; why are you so willing to throw it all away?"

"I'm not willing. Dammit, Elizabeth, I'm terrified of losing you." Jason storms off.

Alcazar met with Roy, who said he hadn't forgotten Sonny but wanted him to target Jasper Jacks next. Roy wanted to know what they both had in common.

"We have money in common."

"Such as? I don't know much about Jax, except Alexis and her sister, who you killed. What does that have to do with money?"

"Jax has oil wells, and his family's wealth was there. I want you to break into his home safe and get the map to the wells."

"You are responsible for the death of a young woman. I'm through with helping you."

Roy told Felecia that he had been with Alcazar. They went outside, and he told her that things had gotten more complicated and that it was good that she was going to Texas the next day.

Carly tries getting Michael to call Sonny "daddy." Michael says, "I already have a daddy. Uncle Sonny is not my daddy." Sonny chastizes Carly for confusing Michael.

Alcazar spoke to a dark-haired girl. "Don't worry, I'm getting rid of your obstacles." He kissed her.

Courtney hands Coleman an envelope and says she has more requests for him.

At the docks, Zander told Roy he was ready to go back to work for Roy. Roy said, "Get out of this life. You are too bent on revenge and aren't thinking clearly. You aren't cut out for this line of business."

"No fucking way! Sonny betrayed my loyalty. I want to work for you to exact revenge."

"This is exactly why I don't want you working for me. You are too emotional to be an asset." Roy gave Zander a generous severance pay and told Zander to leave town. Zander accepted the check.

Alexis asked Carly to visit her and requested that Carly get a copy of Sonny's medical files for her baby's medical history. Although reluctant to help, Carly returned with the files after removing any detail that would provide information about who the birth father was. When Carly left, Jax took the file and filled in his information so that if they ever needed the medical data, it would appear that the files were Jax's instead of Sonny's.

Alcazar talked to a woman about Diana taking her medication and requested an increased dosage because she was beginning to behave oddly.

Sonny and Jason discussed who Roy's backer was and how big of a threat he was to Sonny.

At Kelly's, Jason told Elizabeth he was worried; he didn't want her to get close to him because it was too dangerous. She asked him to meet her at Vista Point after her shift. She confronted him about his true feelings: "What happened to us loving each other? You are running away and are using your life, which is dangerous, as an excuse to run away from me."

Jason admitted that was part of it. "I am not taking any more chances with your life. I'm leaving. Please don't follow me."

"Jason, you are such a liar. You aren't leaving to protect me; you are doing it to protect yourself."

Jason looks into her eyes, "You are not safe with me. I…I...I just want you out of this."

Frustrated, Elizabeth replies, "Don't you get it? It's not okay for you to drop out of my life. I would miss you too much. Everything about you matters. The way you listen and the way you care like no one else does."

Jason holds her face, strokes her hair, and pulls her in for a kiss. She responds. Jason says, "Things will change. I'll arrange for security if you want to try."

Elizabeth kisses him, "I want to try." Jason kissed her passionately and left. She wiped away a few errant tears and waited five minutes before leaving.

Coleman walked into Kelly's and demanded service from Courtney. AJ recognized him and warned Coleman to leave his wife alone.

Coleman called Courtney and asked, "How did I do? Was I convincing enough?"

"For now. Next, I want you to drop hints to my brother Sonny Corothios that I work for you."

"Shit! Sonny, is your brother? Forget it! I want nothing to do with pissing off your brother."

"I'm financing you. I'll pay you more."

"No way. My life is more important than your money. If you try to implicate me, I'll tell your brother everything. You will have to find another patsy to gaslight your husband."

Alcazar assured the mysterious woman they would soon be able to leave Port Charles after he "took care" of Sonny and Jax for her. She didn't speak, but earlier, she had pretended to take her "medicine" from the private nurse but put the pills behind a planter. Zander popped up to look around the place after following Alcazar and his men. He saw the woman and followed her to her room. He listened outside the door but was knocked out from behind before he could enter.

Zander woke up in an unfamiliar room, trapped. The mystery woman's nurse entered and admitted to hitting him over the head. She told him he needed to stay there quietly and remain hidden. Zander said he had information, and the nurse called it good, saying the woman she worked for would love to hear it. The woman's hand covered Carly's face in a newspaper picture of Carly and Sonny. Zander said he could only be helpful to the man in charge, not some girlfriend. The nurse told him to pay attention. "The man in charge will take your offer and kill you anyway."

"I'll answer questions for a price."

"You are a foolish boy. If you leave now, I won't tell him you were here. He is not someone you bargain with. Leave the way you came."

Carly heard a racket outside the PH and found the guards telling Elizabeth that Jason would return soon. She pulled Elizabeth aside and called her a stalker. "For some unknown reason, Jason likes you. I want him to be happy, but he won't find it with you. Let me give you some advice."

"Fine, that doesn't mean I have to listen."

"If you want to be the 'little gangster girlfriend,' you must know some rules. Rule number one is if Jason tells you to stay away or butt out, you need to do it because if you don't, it would only complicate things."

"Carly, Jason, and I are doing just fine without you. You must be out of the loop. Jason doesn't want me gone; he wants me safe."

"If you push Jason too far, he'll cut you off 'just like that.' Carly snaps her fingers to make a point. "I give you a month before you get either yourself or Jason killed. You've already been kidnapped and shot, but if you want Jason, you'll have to take the whole package because there will be no separating the two." Jason was standing at his doorway, listening, and walked toward Carly. She froze.

"What the hell are you doing messing with my life? One of these days, you will push things too far. Elizabeth, can you wait inside for me? This won't take long." Elizabeth enters Jason's PH and looks out on his balcony.

Carly was going on about Elizabeth, the twit. "Carly, stay out of my life! Elizabeth is important to me. Leave her alone. Elizabeth has endured much that had nothing to do with me." Jason returns to his PH and asks, "How much did you hear?"

"Not much; I was out on the balcony. I was looking at the beautiful yacht out in the harbor."

Sonny subtly threatened Roy and showed him a few pictures of "accidents," revealing what had happened to each. Sonny said they were pictures of previous business associates of Roy's new boss, "Alcazar." Sonny had names and dates if Roy wanted to check them out. Roy asked what Sonny wanted.

Roy said it was personal with Alcazar. Roy told Sonny it would cost him to get information on Alcazar. Sonny says, "I'm not asking for a favor. I'm giving you a chance to survive. Alcazar lives by a different code. If all you want is money, he will eventually betray you. When you are ready, I'll listen."

Elizabeth is locking Kely's up for the night. She hides and listens to Roy talk with Alcazar outside. She overhears their conversation.
Sonny won't touch me; I have something Sonny would want more than anything."

"What's that?"

"None of your concern. You are getting arrogant; as I said, accidents happen."

Sonny's PH:

When Sonny got home, he asked Jason to watch over Courtney. "I can't prove my sister works at the Oasis, but I've seen her with Coleman Rattcliff."

"Sonny, she is married to AJ. I thought you were getting along with him. He hasn't violated the custody agreement, has he?"

"No, but my sister is up to something. I want her protected."

"What about Elizabeth? Doesn't she need my protection? She has been trustworthy and loyal. I love her."

"Jason, I like Elizabeth, I do. But this is my sister. You follow my orders!"

"Excuse me? I am a partner. I advise you and follow your orders when I believe they are just. I won't abandon Elizabeth. I can put Johnny on her."

Alcazar's Yacht
Zander tells the mystery woman's aide that he is there to sell Sonny's business information to Alcazar. He tells her he doesn't know about Sonny's and Jax's love life and doesn't care. Zander claims he was once valuable to Sonny, and he betrayed his loyalty. She says he is a fool, thinking Alcazar would be more forgiving than Sonny. He is playing with fire. He asks when he can leave the compound. The aide continues to query Zander about Jax. Zander, under the influence of alcohol and possibly drugs, collapses. The aide reassures the mystery woman that Zander will stay until she has all the information she wants. Zander is coming out of his drugged stupor and meets the mystery woman.

Vista Point

Elizabeth leaves a message for Jason to meet at Visa Point. Elizabeth tells Jason she overheard Alcazar and Roy talking about Sonny. She says he told Roy he has something Sonny wants more than anything in the world. Jason tells her Alcazer is dangerous. "Please don't eavesdrop in the future and stop warning him, risking your life for me. "I held you in my arms and watched you bleed; I can't have that happen to you again. You could could have been killed. Until Alcazar is neutralized, please keep away from me. I love you."

"I love you too."

Jason brings Sonny to Kelly's, and she recounts the overheard conversation.

Sonny and Jason corner Alcazar and his men near the docks. Sonny asks him what he has as leverage against him or what Sonny wants. Alcazar doesn't tell him much, but he isn't afraid of Sonny's threats.

Sonny and Jason talk on the docks about Alcazar. Sonny instructs Jason to put men to tail Alcazar's movements, watch over the docks, and watch his yacht for activity. Jason says, "Elizabeth saw it from my balcony." He looks through some binoculars into Alcazar's yacht. All they can see is him talking to someone. The "mystery woman's" nurse checks on Zander, still dizzy from the drug she gave him earlier. She asks him again about Sonny and Jax's private lives. She tells him that her mistress once loved Sonny and Jax and wants to know if Sonny mentioned her. Zander doesn't remember hearing about Sonny's former lovers and that if Sonny were with her mistress, he would never talk about her. "I'd be the last person he'd confide in. He won't share his past with me. Jason Morgan is the one to ask." The "mystery woman" overhears their conversation through the door.

Alcazar also overhears and realizes that Zander has been hiding and giving his "woman" information through her nurse. He confronts Zander, and Zander offers up information about Sonny and Jax. He thinks Alcazar will let him spy on Sonny and Jax for him. "I have no use for you. Pay attention; you are a pest. The woman was correct. I won't pay you for information I already have. You should have never boarded my yacht. You know too much and must be eliminated." Zander looks at him in shock.

Alcazar orders his henchmen to throw Zander overboard and make the drowning appear accidental. Alcazar roughly interrogates his lady friend's nurse.

Zander was brought into Kelly's, half-conscious. Zander was fished out of the river. Elizabeth took him to GH. He doesn't remember anything, including who he is. One of Alcazar's men reported that Zander was still alive and was told to get rid of both Zander and Elizabeth.

Tony ran some tests and wanted to see Zander in a few days. They left GH and were walking on the docks when a bullet whizzed by their heads. Zander figured they were still after him, whoever they left GH were. Elizabeth called Jason, and he sent men to collect them and take them to his PH.

Jax explains to Ned and Alexis that he and Sonny have a mutual enemy. Alexis mentions that, for once, Jax needs to align himself with Sonny because if they have a common enemy, they are both in danger.

Carly sees Courtney, who gleefully comments that their plan is slowly working. AJ's insecurities will cause him to resort to drinking again.

Alcazar is surprised when one of his men informs him that a helicopter is trying to land on the yacht's roof. Alcazar instructs him to lock "the mystery woman" downstairs in her room and have the nurse watch her while he deals with his unexpected visitor. The visitor happens to be Jax. Jax asks Alcazar what he wants with him and his family. Alcazar "suggests" he leave town. Jax says he must turn down his offer since he is about to become a father. The "mystery woman" leaves her room and overhears the conversation.

8/31

Sonny confronts Jax and thinks he's working with Alcazar. He fills him in on Alcazar's dealings and asks about Jax's plan. Jax tells him to give it a rest. He will help him take Alcazar down. He tells him that he's after his family's wealth. Jax tells Sonny of Alcazar's threat and asks if they will work together. Sonny agrees. He may hate Candy Boy, but their survival depends on each other.

Jax arrives home, and Alexis says Skye has returned.

September- 2002