Chapter 7

A/N: This story timeline will not match the dates of GH. John "Jagger" Cates was shot and killed on August 31st. Alexis disposed of the gun on September 1st. Chapter 7 will mark September 8th. Some recent events may be tied into the story. Other characters not relevant to the story will not be mentioned.

I've gotten mixed comments about Sam and whether she should be killed off or Something else. I'll take suggestions.

Ric is having breakfast at the MC. He is nursing a hangover and following the news on his laptop. A local station reports that Sam McCall, a long-time resident of PC, private investigator, and founding partner of Aurora Media, was shot last night and is currently in a coma at GH. Ric thinks, "Shit! She's alive. She saw my face." He continues reading, looking for a mention of a gun. The report does not include the location of the shooting. He thinks, "I'll have to go to GH and see if Elizabeth has anything to share."

-XXX-

Elizabeth rises early and prepares to go to the PCPD and give a formal statement. She arrives at 8 am, and Diane arrives, followed by Jason. Elizabeth raises her eyes in confusion. Diane says, "Jason called me and told me what happened. I'll represent both your interests."

"I'll just tell them what I saw." Elizabeth thinks, "Except the gun. Jason wouldn't have told Diane because that would be destroying evidence."

Jason asks, "Are we ready?" Elizabeth nods, and they enter the interrogation room.

Anna says, "Jason and Elizabeth, thank you for coming to provide a statement. Diane, I assume you are here for Jason, but neither Elizabeth nor Jason are being charged at this time."

Diane replies, "The PCPD is well known for bias against my client. I will also be representing Elizabeth Baldwin."

Anna replies, "Fine. Elizabeth, could you give me your version of last night's events? Harrison Chase recorded your statement, but that was informal. Please tell me what happened."

Elizabeth clears her throat. "Jason arrived around 10:30 yesterday morning."

"What was the purpose of his visit? Was it personal?"

Diane says, "Really, that is your question? They share a child; maybe he came to talk about Jake, or maybe they were enjoying breakfast."

"Okay, fine. When did Sam arrive?"

"Around 2:30."

"What did you do between those times?"

Jason scoffs, "Does it matter?"

"When Sam arrived, what transpired?"

Jason and Elizabeth waited for Diane's approval. She nods, and Jason says, "Sam arrived to see Elizabeth. She was not expecting me. Our son, Danny, skipped school and went looking for me. Danny told Sam that Elizabeth allowed Jake to see me and went to see Elizabeth for support."

Anna looks at Elizabeth, "I didn't know you and Sam were friends."

"We co-exist for our sons. Danny and Jake are brothers. We get along for them, but since Jason's return, I've been more open to Jake seeing his father."

"Why is that?"

"Does it matter?"

"Humor me. I'm curious."

"I've made mistakes since Jake was born. We worried so much about Jake's safety that I deprived Jason of knowing his son. Since Jason's return, I've encouraged Jake to spend time with his father. Jake is leaving for art school in Spain in a few weeks, and I don't want there to be regrets."

"So Sam was afraid for Danny?"

"I'm not a shrink."

"You are a mother."

"Sam was worried that Jason wouldn't be around for Danny."

Jason thinks, "Ouch. Does Elizabeth feel that way? She mentioned feeling like that with Lucky and his impending return."

Anna says, "Okay, after Sam's anger about Danny, she left, and you heard a shot?"

Jason and Elizabeth nod. Jason says, "I ran out and saw Sam on the ground. I yelled for Elizabeth to call 911."

"How many shots did you hear."

At the same time, they answer, "One."

If I told you Sam was shot twice, would your answer change?"

Elizabeth shakes her head, "I heard one shot and looked outside and saw a flash of light. It could have been a muzzle flash, as it happened during a thunderclap. That was when I saw Ric running away."

"Are you sure it was Ric?"

"He was tall, medium-build, and silver/grey hair. Ric has aged since he was last in PC, but I think I'd know my ex-husband with whom I had ice cream last week."

"Thank you, Elizabeth. Jason, do you have anything to add? Why would Ric want to shoot or kill Sam?"

Diane interrupts, "I believe that calls for speculation. It's been six years since Ric Lansing has been in PC. Jason hasn't seen Ric in 15 years."

Anna says, "Diane, we aren't in a court of law. Jason and Elizabeth haven't been charged."

"Commissioner Devane, Ric Lansing is Sonny Corothino's half-brother and despises Sonny and Jason. He slept with Sam while married to her mother. I can think of several reasons Ric would want to punish or hurt Sonny and Jason by killing Sam."

"Sonny is missing a nine-millimeter gun. A nine-millimeter gun shot Sam. A nine-millimeter gun killed Agent Cates. Ballistics should be available later today. Should they match, I want to see Sonny in my office later. I will be questioning Ric Lansing."

"Can my clients leave? Elizabeth has a shift at GH."

"Of course, I'll have your statements prepared, and Elizabeth can sign hers later.

A/N: Ric left in 2009. He returned in 2014-16. Jake Doe/Jason/Drew from 2014-17. Jason "died" in 2012 and returned in 2017-21 and 2024. Jason hasn't seen Ric since sometime in 2009.

Elizabeth rushes to GH and changes into her scrubs. She checks on Sam and records her vitals. Jake sits with his brother in the waiting area. Elizabeth has her back turned when Ric approaches. He calls her name, and she jumps. Her hand reaches her pocket and hits speed dial. She regains her composure. "Ric, as always, it's good to see you. What can I do for you today?"

"I wanted to ask you out to lunch, but I heard Sam was shot yesterday. Is she okay? What happened?"

"You are not family, Ric. I'm not obligated to update you on her condition."

Jason's phone rings, and he's about to say hello to Elizabeth, but he hears her talking to Ric. He mouths to Anna and Diane that Ric is at GH. He runs up and across the street to GH.

Ric says, "I'm concerned. Is Molly around? I could ask her."

"Molly is with Alexis and Kristina in Sam's room. I'll ask Molly to come out."

"Thank you, Elizabeth. Can I say hello to Jake and offer my well-wishes to Danny?"

"No, please leave them alone. Danny is worried about his mother."

Ric smiles, "I'll just say hello and leave."

Ric walks toward the brothers, and Jason bursts out of breath from the stairs, "Stay the hell away from my sons."

Elizabeth runs to get in between Ric and Jason. The last thing she needs is a brawl on her floor. "Ric, you should leave or wait over there to talk to Molly. You don't have permission to speak with Jake or Danny." Ric's smile disappears, and he glares as he walks to the other side of the room. Elizbeth sighs, "You got my call. Thank you for the rescue."

Jason whispers, "Thank you. I could have killed him for going after my sons. Are you okay?" Elizabeth nods. She tilts her head toward the boys. "Jake, Danny, have you had breakfast yet? I'll bring you back, and Danny, we can check on your mom."

Elizabeth mouths, "Thank you. I'll be okay." Jason leaves with Jake and Danny, and they walk to Bobbie's. Elizabeth enters Sam's room and tells Molly that her father wants to talk to her outside. Molly squeezes Kristina's hand. They both agreed to set aside their differences for Sam's sake. They want to focus their energy on her.

Molly runs into her father's arms, "Dad, it's good to see you. Elizabeth, thank you again for finding Sam and calling 911."

Ric's ears perk up. "Elizabeth, you didn't tell me you found Sam. What was she doing at your house?"

"Getting shot."

"Wow! What happened?"

Elizabeth sees Anna approaching. "Molly, let's go see your sister." Elizabeth walks Molly back to Sam's room and returns to the Nurse's Hub.

Anna asks Ric to come to the PCPD for questioning. "Why? My daughter, Molly's sister, is in a coma. I want to be here for her."

"If you answer my questions, you can return and be with Molly."

"Okay. Elizabeth, can we have lunch or dinner later?"

"Ric, I don't think that's a good idea."

"Please tell Heather I'll check her test results when I return."

"Okay, I'll look at them and tell her."

Anna says, "Ric, please."

Elizabeth's phone beeps. She looks at the text, "Landed ten minutes ago. On way to GH, be there in 20 minutes. L."

Elizabeth replies, "Room set up for testing. Lu needs you, E." She calls Jake and asks where Aiden is. "I got a text from Lucky. Can you get Aiden to the hospital?"

Jason borrows Jake's phone, "I'll make sure he gets there. Did you survive, Ric?"

"Barely, Anna's questioning him now. He wants to take me out to dinner. I told him no. Can you help?"

"Definitely. I'll see you soon."

-XXX-

Elizabeth stacks the forms Lucky electronically filled out yesterday and tabs them for his signature. She calls Deanna to be on call for the blood work. She grabs Heather's chart and enters her room. "Good morning, Heather. Dr. Robinson was due to report your blood work. She is unavailable. I will try to decipher the results for you." Elizabeth scans the results and frowns. "Heather, initial results show there is no change."

"How could that be? I feel better. I don't have those thoughts anymore. Sure, I hoped for money to help me if I got out, but now I have nothing."

Elizabeth looks closely, but Something does not add up. "Heather, let me get back to you." Elizabeth pages Terry and asks for her opinion.

Terry looks at the results and says, "Something is off. Portia took the tests to the lab, but Brad's name was on it besides her name. He begged for another chance. I want an outside lab to retest Heather's blood. Can you withdraw the blood and give it to me? Then I'll use a different lab."

"Sure, but Lucky will arrive soon, and Jason is bringing Aiden to see his father." Elizabeth enters Heather's room and explains she is drawing blood for another test. She quickly draws a sample, hands it off to Terry, and waits for Aiden, Lucky, Laura, and Kevin to arrive. Jason arrives first with the boys, and Aiden hurries to LuLu's room. Jake follows, and Jason takes Danny to see his mother.

Jason waits with Elizabeth for Lucky. "How do you feel?"

"You asked me last night, and I held off my judgment on Lucky and you. I see Sam's point. It has less to do with the danger. I know you will do everything you can to keep my children safe. I don't like being second or third to Sonny and Carly. But what I fear most is you disappearing again. That is why I'm angry with Lucky. He left Aiden. He didn't "die" or have his death faked, but he left us behind. Our relationship was toxic, and he said hateful things to me. You never belittled me. You never called me a lying slut. You didn't judge me. That is the difference between you and Lucky."

"Elizabeth, there were times you hurt me when you chose Lucky over me, so I understand how you feel about Carly."

"Jason, I was wrong and foolish. Lucky and his family convinced me I was there to save him. That I owed him for what he did for me after my rape; even when he got hooked on drugs, I felt responsible."

"I'm sorry we weren't stronger back then."

"Me too."

The elevator doors open, and Lucky runs to hug Elizabeth. She looks dispassionately at Jason. "Where is LuLu? Where is Aiden?"

"I'll take you to her room. Aiden is with her. You still have forms to sign and need blood work taken."

Lucky sees Jason standing beside Elizabeth. He extends his hand. "Jason, it's good to see you. I hope I get to see Jake while I'm here."

"Jake is with Aiden," Jason replies. He leaves to be with Danny.

Lucky quickly signs the paperwork, and Elizabeth shows him to LuLu's room, where he reunites with Jake and Aiden. He sits with LuLu, and Deanna enters to take his blood.

Laura paces outside LuLu's room, and Kevin tries to calm her. Elizabeth sets up a conference room reserved for the family. Isaiah enters with Carly and says, "Dr. Robinson gave me privileges to perform the transplant, providing Lucky's tests indicate a match."

Carly asks, "How is Sam?'

Elizabeth replies, "Still in a coma."

"What happened?"

"Carly, I don't mean to be rude, but I'm dealing with Lucky's return, Heather Webber, LuLu, and the events of last night. Jason can give you the same answers. He was with me last night when Sam was shot."

"Jason was with you?"

"Carly, I don't have time for this." Elizabeth walks off. Carly storms off to confront Jason.

-XXX-

Carly approaches Jason and asks him about last night. "Jason, how could you? You were with Elizabeth?"

"Carly, we're not going to start this again, are we?"

"I just don't understand why you're with Elizabeth again."

"I thought you were getting along with her."

"We were; I mean, we are. It's just strange to see you're with her again, but I guess it's better than Ric. So what happened last night?"

"I was visiting Elizabeth, and Sam came along. She was upset about Danny, and we argued about it. She ran outside; Elizabeth and I heard a shot, and I ran to check on her. Elizabeth called 911. The ambulance came and took her away. I went to Danny and brought him to the hospital. This morning, the PCPD questioned Elizabeth and me. We came here to check on Sam and Lulu. Lucky is completing forms, and we will determine whether he is a suitable match for Lulu. Satisfied?"

"Seeing you with Elizabeth will take getting used to. I'm sorry that I went on the attack."

"That's okay. Elizabeth and I aren't together, at least not yet. I'm hoping for more, but Lulu is what we have to focus on, and also, we have to focus on Sam. There's Something I'm not telling you, but I suppose you should know because it will come out anyway. Elizabeth saw Ric running away last night. He's being questioned right now. I told Sonny what Ric did, and he's furious."

Deanna rushes to Elizabeth, "I waited at the lab for the results. Lucky is a match; we can go ahead and tell Isaiah and prepare both Lulu and Lucky for surgery for the transplant."It's exciting, but…"

Elizabeth interrupts, "Deanna, Lucky still needs a physical. Less than 24 hours ago, he was living in another country. Lucky will be fortunate if he gets a clean bill of health. We still need the second set of blood tests to determine his white blood cell count and whether he is healthy enough to undergo surgery.

Lucky meets with Isaiah; they hug each other warmly. Isaiah, Dr. Kathleen Woo, and Dr. Larson meet with Lucky, Laura, Kevin, and Dante. Dr. Larson explains Lucky needs to be quarantined for 48 hours before he can donate. His WBC count needs to be consistent and not too high. Lucky showers and remains in a closed, sterile room. Jake and Aiden visit him outside and communicate via intercoms. Carly visits and thanks Lucky for returning.

Anna arrives and taps Jason on the shoulder. She says, "You should know the ballistics do not match. The gun that shot Sam is not the gun used to kill Agent Cates." Jason knew that, but he sounded surprised. Ric returns to the MC to regroup and plan his next move.

Carly walks out of the waiting room and overhears. She confronts Anna and asks what she's going to do about Ric. Anna says that without the gun, it's only hearsay that Elizabeth saw Ric running away. They need to get more information.

Forty-eight hours later. Lucky's test results remain constant, and he is scheduled for surgery.

In the family waiting room at GH, Carly, Laura, Kevin, Dante, and Rocco wait to find out how the transplant surgery went.

Elizabeth signs off on her shift and waits outside the OR. Jason has gone to get food for everybody, and he finds her with her head against the wall, napping. Jason smiles and sits on the bench next to Elizabeth. He pulls her to him, and her head rests against his shoulder.

Ric arrives, pulls Jason away, and Elizabeth slowly slides onto the bench.

She wakes and looks at Ric. He is furious, and as he's about to hit Jason, Carly steps in the way and gets hit by Ric's fist. Jason grabs Ric and throws him against the wall. A guard comes over and says break it up,

Ric says, "How could you?"

"How could I what?"

"How could you claim that Elizabeth saw me running away? You weren't even there."

"Elizabeth says, "Yes, he was, and I'm the one who saw you running away."

Ric is confused, "I don't understand. What Jason was doing there?"

Elizabeth smiles, "What do you think we were doing?"

Carly rubs her face, chokes back a laugh at the retort, and thinks, "I didn't think Liz had it in her."

Jack Brennan strolls by and approaches Carly. He notices the faint bruise on her cheek. He glares at Ric. He says, "I heard you found Lucky. I'm glad that my information was accurate. Now I'm on the lookout for one Holly Sutton; it turns out she stole some diamonds, and they belong to the WSB."

Five hours later, Isaiah comes out and says that Lucky and Lulu are in recovery; it may be a few hours before they wake up and determine that the transplant was a success. He suggests everyone go home, rest, and return in the morning. He says, "By tomorrow, Lucky should be awake, and I'll run tests on LuLu."

Elizabeth is tired, and Jason offers to take Jake, Aiden, and her back to her house. Elizabeth asks Jason to stay, and he says yes.

-XXX-

Ric is furious. He was sure Elizabeth would do the right thing and hand the gun over to the police. He wanted the gun he fished out of the river to match the gun that killed Agent Cates. Most importantly, the gun he used to shoot Sam belonged to Sonny. Sonny could have been held responsible for shooting Sam. He didn't expect Jason to be there or that Elizabeth would support Jason in destroying evidence. Ric thinks, "Jason is a criminal; how can Elizabeth choose Jason over me? If only Elizabeth hadn't seen him running away. Even if he could destroy Jason, with Lucky back in town, Elizabeth would turn to Lucky before she would turn to me."

Dante travels back and forth between LuLu's room and Sam's room. Anna placed a guard outside Sam's room since she could still be in danger.