For The Love of A Child (C)

Chapter One

Audrey Hardy looked around the house she once shared with Steve. A lot of good memories had happened in this house. But this house was not a home any longer. It was just a place she stayed when visiting with Elizabeth and Cam. It was furnished simply with a couch and chair in the living room (secondhand), table and chairs in the kitchen (secondhand), and two beds in hers and Cam’s rooms (second hand as well). All her belongings sat in a part of Steven and Lindsay’s garage in Vancouver, WA. She was living with them and enjoying her retirement.

Steven had left Port Charles and gone to work in NYC for a couple of years. He worked occasionally for the NYPD’s CSI team. It was how he’d met his good friend Lt. Mac Taylor. Mac was head of the Crime Lab. He and Mac are close friends. It was also how he met his wife Lindsay. Lindsay is a native of Bozeman, Montana. Her Midwestern manners, such as removing her shoes before entering a victim's home, are a novelty to her co-workers. Because of her roots, she is particularly sensitive about cases in which the victim comes from a small town. Ten years before her arrival in New York, she was the lone witness and survivor of a multiple homicide in which three of her friends and a waitress were killed. This event is what both motivates and hinders her as a CSI, as it has also left some deep scars; she finds it difficult to talk to mothers of crime victims and is particularly rattled by the sight of young deceased girls. Lindsay had to laugh; when she moved to Port Charles and married Steven, her friend Stella followed and ended up marrying the police commissioner. Lindsay was happy for her. She had a daughter, and for the most part, it was just her and Elena.

_______________________

Spencer Apt.:

Liz had just arrived home after a double shift at General Hospital. She walked through the door to find the place a total disaster area.

Then she heard it, sounds of sex. Damn him, Liz thought. “Lucky”, Liz shouted as she walked into their bedroom! As she stepped inside the door, she saw Lucky and Maxie going at it. Lucky looked up and saw her just before she turned and walked out.

“Elizabeth”! “Elizabeth!”, Lucky shouted as he went to follow her out.

“Elizabeth stop”, Lucky asked?

Liz stopped but didn’t turn around.

“I’m done, I can’t do this anymore”,Liz said.

“Give me another chance Liz”,Lucky requested?

“This is your last chance Lucky”,Liz said; knowing that Lucky would screw it up. “This happens again, and I file for divorce”.

“Okay”, Lucky replied, not quite coherent. He had taken some pills just before he and Maxi started.

_______________


Over the next few weeks:

Lucky was still refusing to get professional help for his addiction. And Cam and Jake were still living with her Grams.

_____________________


Hardy Home:

“Grams, thank you again for keeping Cam and Jake for me”, Liz told her grandmother.

“You’re quite welcome dear”, Audrey said. “I enjoy having them here; they are a great joy”.

“I love you Grams”, Liz said.

“I love you too dear”, Audrey answered.

“How’s Lucky”, Audrey asked? She had a feeling that things had not gotten any better.

“Not good”. “I caught him with Maxie again”. “I told him I was done”, Liz told her.

“What did he say”, Audrey asked?

“He begged me for another chance”, Liz replied.

“What answer did you give him”, Audrey asked?

“I told him this: that it was his last chance. I catch him with Maxie or anyone else, and I file for divorce”, Liz stated.

“Anything you need dear, please let me know”, Audrey told her granddaughter.

“Thanks Grams”, Liz said.

“Go, spend time with your son”, Audrey told her. Cam, Jake and I are leaving in the morning for Vancouver. Audrey knew that Elizabeth was no longer in love with Lucky. She also knew who she was in love with; and she wasn’t going to get in the way.

__________________________


Meanwhile across town
Harborview Towers:


Jason was sitting at his desk, thinking out what Spinelli had mentioned to him as well as his suspicions about Sam.

Spinelli suspected that Sam was consorting with the enemy. And he told Jason of his suspicions that Sam was cheating.

Jason was having those suspicions as well. But about the cheating; technically she wasn’t. Jason had ended things with her after her shooting. And as for the other, it wouldn’t matter in a few months if she was; she wouldn’t be his problem anymore.

He was getting out. Sonny didn’t know, but he was getting out for good. He was already separating himself financially from Sonny and the mob. He planned to let Sonny have it all.

He’d been moving his funds quietly to an account out of state. Once it was complete, he would meet with the 5 families, then he would leave town. Some of the men who worked with him and trusted him more, had decided to leave with him. He’d offered them jobs; they included: Johnny O’Brien, who was still alive after Sonny claimed Johnny had betrayed him. Jason had realized that Sonny had been wrong. But even after that, Johnny’s life was still in danger. Francis Corelli; who was fed up with Sonny’s mood swings and cavalier attitude, had left town, but returned at Jason’s request. Spinelli, whose loyalty is to Jason and not Sonny. Jason is his family. Marco, who felt the same way Francis did, and had left town. Marco was back helping Frannie get Jason ready to leave. Paulie felt that Sonny was not the man for any job. Paulie felt that Sonny was a megalomaniac and was /is bat-Sh** crazy. Cody Paul; to whom Jason had hired, had heard from Spinelli that Jason was leaving. Cody had said that where Jason went he went. Cody knew that even if Jason got out, he would still need guards. And Cody had a feeling about a certain brunette nurse who still held Jason’s heart. Diane Miller, who had come on as Jason’s personal attorney, had decided to relocate with him. She told him wherever he went, she went as well.

He and Elizabeth had been deluding themselves. They didn’t owe it to anyone but themselves to be happy.

As he waited for more information from Spinelli he was taken back to what had taken place when he’d left Port Charles after Sonny had slept with Carly the night that he’d been shot...

Begin flashback:

Somewhere in the world- 1999

"Don’t you die on me", Jason told the man that he had helped escape the Russian mafia.

"Why did you help me", Ezekiel asked?

"Because I think that we are on the same side", Jason said. "What are you doing in Russia?

"I am here to end Romanov", Ezekiel said. "He killed my wife and two daughters".

"You are lucky that I was there or you would be dead", Jason said.

"And I now owe you my life", Ezekiel said. "I will pay up whenever you’re ready".

"We need to get you out of here first", Jason said as they sped to the private airstrip.

"What are you doing in Russia", Ezekiel asked?

"Do you know who I am", Jason asked?

"You’re Jason Morgan, enforcer for Sonny Corinthos", Ezekiel said. "Yes I know who you are". "But still, why are you here in Russia"?

"Looking for someone", Jason said.

End flashback:

He had made a new friend that day. One that Sonny didn’t know about. As he continued to wait on information from Spinelli he was taken back to a conversation with Ezekiel right before he returned to Port Charles the first time....

Begin flashback:

"Can I ask why you left Port Charles", Ezekiel asked?

"There were a couple of reasons", Jason said. "There was the fact that my boss slept with the woman that I was involved with the night that I got shot by Moreno", Jason said.

"I don’t believe that being the main reason that you left", Ezekiel said.

"It wasn’t", Jason said.

"Then why", Ezekiel asked?

"There is a girl that I know; her name is Elizabeth", Jason said. "We are friends but I would like more".

"Then why did you leave", Ezekiel said?

"Because she is still in love with her boyfriend, who died in a fire", Jason said.

"You are an idiot", Ezekiel said. "You should have stayed and fought for her".

"How can I compete with a dead person Ezekiel", Jason asked?

"Idiot", Ezekiel said. "You are a coward". "If you are in love with this young woman then go home and fight to be with her; don’t just run with your tail between your legs and let some other man have her".

"It’s not that easy", Jason said.

"It’s only as hard as you make it", Ezekiel said. "Go home and get your girl".

End flashback:

_______________________


Spencer Home:

“Luke, have you seen Lucky with Elizabeth recently”, Laura asked?

“No, but she has been working a lot”, Luke said.

“Did you know that she sent Cam to stay with Audrey”, Laura said. “Lucky’s the only father that those little boys have ever known, and she moves them out; what is going on over there”?

“I don’t know”, Luke said in answer.

“I do”, Nik said as he entered the house.

“Why”, both Laura and Luke asked?

“Because Lucky’s doing drugs, and Liz doesn’t want Cam or Jake around that”, Nik explained.

“That’s no excuse”, Laura exclaimed. “I’m going to talk to Liz and demand that she moves Lucky’s son back in immediately”!! “How dare she use our son’s addiction as an excuse to take away his children”, Laura shouted as she walked out to her car?

She and Luke were more concerned with Lucky’s welfare and life then they were with their daughter’s. It seemed that Lulu had fallen through the cracks.

___________________________


General Hospital:

“Lainey”, Kelly Lee said.

“Yes”, Lainey answered. They were eating lunch on the roof.

“I’m worried about Liz”, Kelly told her friend.

“Why”, Lainey asked Kelly?

“She’s got a huge bruise on her back, and I don’t think she fell down the stairs like she claims”, Kelly said.

“I’ll talk to her, and see if she’ll tell me”, Lainey told her friend as she finished up and headed back down to her next patient

________________________

Lansing Home:

“What do you think”, Alexis asked her husband?

“I agree; a lot of people aren’t going to be happy about it”, Ric answered his wife.

“Oh, they can stuff it!”, Alexis said. “It’s our decision”. “And I will not be made to change my mind”. “I completely trust who we have picked”.

“Yes, it is”. “It hypothetically could turn Port Charles on its ear”, Ric said with a laugh.

_____________________

Jacks Home:

“Jax, why do we live here again”, Kate asked?

“Because, I like it here”, Jax said.

“No, you just want to piss Sonny off”, Kate said flatly.

“Yes, my being here urks Sonny off; but my friends Alexis and Elizabeth are here”, Jax answered. Jax knew that Kate disliked Alexis, although he didn’t know for what reason. And she thought that Elizabeth was plain.

__________________


Apt. of Sam McCall:

Sam and Lucky were lying in her bed catching their breath. As she laid there she thought: Elizabeth’s head would explode if she knew about the fact that Lucky had come to her for sex.

She figured if she couldn’t get Jason to get involved with her, she’d find someone else to scratch that itch. Sam didn’t like Elizabeth. Elizabeth thought that Sam was beneath her, at least that was how Sam saw it. As far as Sam was concerned, Elizabeth was a snob. A snob, that Sam just couldn’t get away from. Her mother was friends with her, and Jason well she didn’t know what was between Jason and Elizabeth.

She had wanted to hurt Liz and knock her down a few pegs; so here she was doing the “Bed-hopping Rumba” with Lucky.

____________________

Apt. of Courtney Corinthos:

“Oh, how I hate Elizabeth Spencer”, Courtney shouted. “Because I hurt her while Jason and I dated; and before we were married, Jason won’t talk to me”, Courtney said to the empty room. “She’s not going to get away with taking Jason away from me again”. “I didn’t do what I did back then and get involved with THOSE WOMEN just so that she could have him”! “Damn her to hell”, Courtney yelled. “I want him back”.

__________________

GH Roof:

Liz was looking up at the stars when she remembered her conversation with her attorney Alexandra Cabot:

Flashback:

“I am so sorry to bother you Ally”, she said when Alex had taken her call.

“It’s no problem Liz”. “What’s up”, Alex asked?

“I need you to draw up divorce papers for me”, Liz said.

“Okay, anything you want”, Alexandra asked?

“No, I don’t want alimony”. “And I can’t ask for child support, he never adopted Cam; and that should have told me something right there”, Liz said. And Jake isn’t his son.

“Don’t worry Liz, since he didn’t attempt to adopt Cam”; “and with his current drug use, no judge would let him have Cam or Jake”, Alex stated. But you might have to tell everyone who Jake’s father really is.

“Alex, his parents are capable of anything”, Liz started to say…….

“Elizabeth, do you have someone who could spirit you, Cam and Jake away if need be”, Alexandra asked; worried about her client and friend’s safety?

“Yes, I do; but I would have to include my Grams”, Liz answered.

“Okay, here’s what we’ll do”, Alex said; then they figured out a plan. “I’ll draw up the papers and FedEx them to you”.

“Thanks Ally”, Liz said. “Bye”, and then ended the call.

end flashback:

And true to her word, Alex had Fed-Ex’d the papers. Liz had received them yesterday. She had already signed hers and sent them back, with instructions that if she called, she wanted Alex to file them.

Liz headed back down to finish her shift.

___________________

Corbin Residence:

Mike was spitting mad. His little girl was unhappy, and it was all because of one Mrs. Elizabeth Spencer. He’d even gone to Sonny; asking him to “take care of” Mrs. Spencer, but Sonny refused. He cited that he couldn’t, because of some promises he’d made. As far as Mike was concerned, his daughter was more important than some empty promises.

___________________

Wyndemere:

Emily was sitting on the sofa listening to Rylan read, when Nikolas asked? “Do you think Liz will be mad when she finds out”?

“No, she’ll be honest”. “She’ll know that it was what we wanted”. “She’ll stand by it”, Em said.

_________________


The Park:

“Push mommy”, Jake said sitting on a swing.

“Okay baby”, Liz said as she started to push Jake.

Jason was watching Liz and Cam from behind the Gazebo when Laura Spencer approached the duo. Kelly had called him, concerned for Liz. Kelly had told him about the bruise. He too was concerned.

…………………

Finally, Laura thought. She’d spent the last 5 days trying to track down her daughter in law. When she’d gone to the hospital, Epiphany had headed her off, saying that “Elizabeth was too busy to chit chat”. Now seeing her, Laura was going to have her say.

“Elizabeth Spencer, how dare you”, Laura demanded?

Chapter Two


“How dare I what Laura”,Liz said, having had enough of her overbearing ex mother-in-law? “Explain to me exactly what I’m doing wrong”. “But know this Laura; I won’t be your daughter in law for long”. “I don’t answer you or the rest of the Spencer family”.

“Move LUCKY’S sons out of LUCKY’S home and keep them away from LUCKY”, Laura yelled. “And your divorce isn’t final yet”.

“1st of all Laura, lower your voice”. “2nd, Cam is not LUCKY’S SON Laura, He NEVER adopted him”! Jake isn’t Lucky’s son either! “3rd, Cam and Jake are my responsibility; and YOUR PRECIOUS SON is addicted to drugs, Therefore MY Sons are not SAFE with Lucky”! “And how did you get the information about my divorce”?

“How dare you”, Laura yelled? “My SON is no danger to your precious Cam or Jake”. “WHAT DO YOU MEAN THAT JAKE ISN’T LUCKY’S SON”? “And another thing, you move those children back in immediately or I’ll make sure that you never see them again”,Laura threatened just as Mac approached. “And I have my ways of getting the information I need; and that info about you, I needed”. “I will not allow you to leave my son”.

“Laura, did you just threaten Elizabeth”, Mac asked knowing that Laura would lie?

“No”, Laura lied.

“Laura Spencer, you’re under arrest”,Mac said. “And I will be launching an investigation into how you got that information”.

“For what”, Laura demanded to know?

“For threatening Elizabeth with bodily harm”,Mac replied.

“Take her to the station Hernandez, Mrs. Spencer and I’ll be right behind you”,Mac ordered.

Mac and Liz arrived at the station, and Liz gave a statement. Mac then drove her home; on the way he asked: “Lucky’s still using isn’t he”?

Liz looked at Mac and knew that this time she couldn’t lie to him. “Yes”, she replied. “He never stopped using”. “I hate to have to tell you, but Maxie has been helping him get them”.

“How long have Cameron and Jake been living with your Grams”, Mac asked?

“They’ve been living with my Grams for 2 months”, Liz said as they arrived at her building.

They headed up; each in their own thoughts, they didn’t realize they’d reached her door.

Mac waited while Liz opened her door; and both were shocked at what they saw: Lucky and Maxie naked on the floor in the middle of the living room; going at it.

“MAXIE JONES”, Mac yelled?

“LUCKY GET OUT”, Liz screamed.

“Daddy, it’s not what it looks like”,Maxie tried to explain.

“No one move”, Mac ordered. Then he called Taggart. Mac knew that Taggart could find evidence.


____________________


10 minutes later:

“Elizabeth”, Taggart said concerned as he arrived?

“Taggart, did you bring everyone”, Mac asked?

“Yeah, they’re on their way up”, T answered.

“Lucky Spencer, you’re under arrest for sexual relations with a minor”, Mac said. “We may be adding more charges to that, depending on what we find”.

“Elizabeth, do you give us permission to search the premise”, Mac asked hoping she would consent?

“Yes, you can search every inch of this apartment Mac”, Liz said. “I give you my consent to search”.

“Mac, before you take him can I tell him something”, Elizabeth asked?

“Go ahead”, Mac said.

“Lucky; sign the divorce paper and start over”. “But know that it will not be with me”.

“Officer Tyler, take my daughter to the station; and keep her in my office”,Mac ordered. “Maxie, you’d better stay there”, Mac yelled. Once Maxie was gone, he nodded to Liz.

Liz then handed Lucky the envelope, then turned to Mac and said: “Commissioner, can you let me know when I can come and pack up my things”?

“Yes, I’ll let you know when we’re done”,Mac replied.


____________________


Meanwhile @ Harborview Towers:

Jason had just returned from having his own “wake up call”.

He’d gone to tell Sam that he was telling Sonny about her meeting with Tagliatti, and that he wouldn’t be helping her. When he got there, the door was ajar. He could see quite enough through the opening: Jerry Jacks was back, and he and Sam were doing the dirty deed on her kitchen table. Seeing that, he turned and walked away.

………

He took off his jacket and hung it in the closet, and that’s when his thoughts went back to a strange call that he’d gotten from Elizabeth’s attorney.


Flashback:

“Morgan”, Jason said when his phone rang.

“Mr. Morgan; my name is Alexandra Cabot”. “I am Elizabeth Spencer’s attorney”,Alex said.

“What can I do for you Ms. Cabot”, Jason asked?

“You can be there for her if the Spencer family tries anything”,Alex said.

“I would do anything for Elizabeth”,Jason said without hesitation.

“Good, you’ll be hearing from me”,Alex said and ended the call.

End Flashback:


___________________


Liz didn’t know what to do; she knew Lucky’s family would be gunning for her. And her Grams had taken Cam and Jake home to Vancouver, WA to see Steven and Lindsay. As she started to walk, her heart knew where to go, where it was always safe………

________________


Jason had been sitting doing paperwork when the power went out. He went and lit candles, then put the paperwork away.

Again he started to think about the call from Ms. Cabot. What was going on, and why the hell had Laura attacked Elizabeth in the park? Suddenly there was a knock at the door. He went to open it.

“Elizabeth”, Jason said. Then he pulled her into his arms. “What’s wrong”,he asked as he led her to the sofa?

“Lucky’s addicted to drugs”. “And he’s having an affair with Maxie Jones”, Elizabeth blurted out.

“I’m sorry”,Jason said.

“Don’t be, my marriage has been over for a while now; I’ve filed for divorce”, Liz stated.

“Well, I found out that Sam’s been consorting with the enemy”,Jason said. “Then earlier tonight I saw her having “a roll in the hay” with Jerry Jacks”.

“WOW”, Liz said.

She looked at Jason and all those feelings from a couple of years ago came back, but she didn’t know if he felt the same.

Jason looked at her, and could see it in her eyes, she felt the same as he did. He walked over to her, and pulled her into his arms and all conscious thought was gone. They spent the rest of the night making love in the living room, on the pool table, in the shower, in the “pink bedroom”.

“No more running from each other or ourselves”, Jason said.

“No more running”, Elizabeth said in reply.


_____________________



Next morning:

“Good morning beautiful”, Jason said as Elizabeth slowly woke.

“Did we just spend the night” ………Elizabeth started to ask before Jason kissed her?

“Yes, we spent last night and early this morning making love in every room in this Penthouse”,Jason said happily.

They laid there for a while saying nothing for a few minutes, then Jason said: “I know that this is really late in coming but I have been in love with you for a long time”. “I fell in love with you that 1st time at Jake’s”, Jason admitted.

“Why didn’t you ever tell me”, Liz asked?

“Because I felt that you were too good for this life that I lead”,Jason said.

“Since we’re admitting things, Liz said; I fell in love with you when I found you lying in the snow at the boxcar”, Liz admitted.

“So where do we go from here”, Jason asked? “I can’t walk away from you anymore; and I can’t let you walk away from me either”. “It’s not doing either one of us any good”.

“Well before I showed up here, Lucky was arrested after he was caught by Mac having sex with Maxie”. “I already filed for divorce”. “And I am a little afraid Luke and Laura are going to try something, so I think I’ll pack up and leave town”. “But I don’t want to leave you”. “What about you”?

“Well, I’m getting out”, Jason said.

“Does that mean what I think it means”, Liz asked with hope?

“Yes, it does”. “And I’ve started separating from Sonny”. “I’m almost completely out”, Jason answered.

“What then”, Elizabeth asked?

“I’m meeting with the 5 families tonight, then as soon as I get everything settled, I leave town; I’d like you, Cam, Jake and Audrey to come with me”, Jason said. “Will you”, he asked?

“Yes, I will”, Liz told him. “And I’ll talk to Grams”.

Jason felt that he needed to tell Liz about Johnny and Francis. “Elizabeth there are some things I need to tell you”, Jason said.

“What”, Liz asked?

“Johnny O’Brien is alive”, Jason stated.

“What, when and for how long”, Elizabeth asked? She’d always liked Johnny.

Jason told her about how Sonny believed that Johnny had betrayed him, and had ordered Jason to kill him. “But I didn’t believe that Johnny would betray us”, Jason finally said. “So I sent him to a friend I had in Vancouver, BC”.

“Oh thank god you didn’t kill him”, Liz said holding Jason’s hand.

“There’s more”, Jason stated.

“Okay”, Liz said.

“Francis is back; he and Johnny, Paulie, Marco, Cody, Spinelli and Diane are all going with us”, Jason said. “We’re all getting out”.

“WOW, I didn’t see that coming”, Liz said.


___________________


Carly Corinthos was happy; her business was booming. She and Courtney owned the Metro-Court. A hotel that now stands where the PC hotel once stood.

But one thing stood in the way of her total happiness: Elizabeth “stinking” Spencer. If only she would disappear; then things in Carly’s life would be as they should be: Sonny and Carly together and happy, and Jason and Courtney back together as they should be. But she couldn’t get rid of Liz, because Sonny would be mad, although Carly didn’t know why.


____________________



As Jason and Liz were cuddling after their latest round of love making; Liz told Jason of her confrontation at the hospital with Bobbie:

Flashback:

“May I have a word Nurse Spencer”, Bobbie said?

“Of course”, Liz said then followed Bobbie into an empty room.

“I’ve heard from various people how you’ve been disloyal to Lucky and to your marriage vows”, Bobbie said.

“What happens between Lucky and I behind closed doors is nobody’s business but ours”, Liz stated.

“Everything involving Lucky IS my business, I’m family; and family stands by family”, Bobbie said pointedly. “And another thing Elizabeth; Lucky is not an addict, he’s just misguided”. “You need to support him”. “And MOVE Cameron home WHERE he belongs”, Bobbie said. “And one last thing, I have a lot of clout here at GH, so stop slandering my nephew, or I will have you fired”; Bobbie said then walked away.

End Flashback:

“I’ve lost Bobbie as a friend”, Liz said sadly.

“I’m sorry Elizabeth”, Jason said.

“Me too”, Liz replied.

“Well, I had a confrontation of my own”, Jason stated.

“Who”, Liz asked?

“Mike”, Jason said then recounted what happened.


Flashback:

Kelly’s:

“Can I get a coffee to go please”, Jason asked?

“What; got nothing to say to me Jason”, Mike accused?

“Mike, I’m not looking for a confrontation”, Jason replied.

“Well, I have a few things to say and you’re going to listen”, Mike demanded. “You walked away from my daughter for what, Sonny’s used up whore”? “Or was it so that you could get your friendship with Poor Pitiful Elizabeth back”?

“No, I divorced Courtney because she did things without thinking, and went off half-cocked”, Jason answered. “Sam was never a factor in my relationship with Courtney. And Elizabeth and I were still friends”. “And DON’T you ever talk about her that way again”.

End Flashback:

“WOW, Mike wasn’t nice”, Liz said.

“Can you tell me where we are going to go”, Liz asked?

“Yes, I can”, Jason said. “Port Angeles, WA; you can help decorate our house”, Jason told her then he showed her the house and all that was there. “I bought up the property, and then I turned it into a gated community, called “Elizabeth Groves”. “The mayor of Port Angeles and I are acquaintances, and so when I requested zoning to become a suburb of PA”, he helped.

“Why Port Angeles”, Elizabeth asked?

“I went there on one of my trips; and I liked the city and the people”, Jason stated.

“How do you think Nik will take the news”, Jason asked Elizabeth?

“Well, he was very understanding when he and I talked”, Liz said then told him about her conversation with Nik.



Flashback:

“Nik, can we talk”, Liz asked?

“Come on in, Emily’s at the hospital”, Nik said.

“That’s okay, maybe it’s better that she’s not here”, Elizabeth said.

“What wrong Elizabeth”, Nik asked?

“Lucky’s addicted to pills; painkillers in particular but who knows if that’s all he’s using”, Liz told her brother in law.

“Is he getting treatment”, Nik asked?

“No, and there’s more; he’s sleeping with Maxie Jones”. “Who of course is supplying the pills and sex”, Liz explained.

“Elizabeth, I think it’s time we let him sink or swim on his own”. “You have Cam and Jake to think about”, Nik said. “And Lucky NEEDS TO GROW UP”.

End Flashback:

Chapter 4


20 Minutes later:

Jason was pissed. Max had betrayed him. Jason didn’t do betrayal! He knew he needed to hold out until after Liz got her divorce; then they could leave. But until then Liz, Cam, Jake and Audrey would need guards. Cody was arranging that for him.

As Max followed Sonny into the warehouse, Max knew his days on earth were numbered. He had betrayed Jason; and this Jason didn’t tolerate betrayal. He had also realized that his father was not going to be pleased with his behavior. His father respected Jason. And he had betrayed Jason by breaking down the door to Jason’s penthouse after realizing that the locks had been changed.

“Jason”, Sonny said? “What's going on”?

Jason didn’t answer.

“About the door”, Sonny said?

“I know it wasn’t you Sonny”, Jason said. “But yet you didn’t stop them”.

“Jason, I’m sorry”, Max started to explain.

“I DON’T WANT TO HEAR IT”, Jason shouted. “You kicked my door in, then let Carly and Bobbie into my home; after being told that I didn’t want her there”.

“But she had a key”, Max reasoned.

“NO SHE DIDN’T”, Jason said loudly; “the key she had no longer worked”. “But that didn’t matter to you, did it”? “You just kicked the door in for her”. “What did the three of you expect to find”, Jason questioned?

Sonny knew he couldn’t tip his hand too soon, there was too much at stake. So he kept his mouth shut.

Max really was a stupid man; because he answered “Elizabeth Spencer and her children”.

“Why would Carly or Bobbie need to be looking for Elizabeth or her children”, Jason asked?

“Because Bobbie is Lucky’s aunt, and Elizabeth is married to Lucky’ and those children are Lucky’s sons”, Max stated.

“No they aren’t”. “Jake is my biological son Max”. “So WHAT’S CARLY’S EXCUSE”, Jason thundered?

“Because Mrs. C is your best friend; and knows what’s best for you”, Max stated. “And what do you mean that Jake Spencer is your son”?

“AND WHAT’S BEST FOR ME”, Jason asked? As if you’d really know.

“Not Elizabeth Spencer”, Max said. What do you mean that Jacob Martin Spencer is your son?

“She won’t be a Spencer much longer”, Jason said. “None of them will”.

Max started to say something, but Jason had had enough; he grabbed Max and started pounding on him. Jason beat up pretty bad then said: “YOU STAY AWAY FROM ELIZABETH, CAM, JAKE AND AUDREY OR YOU’RE DEAD”! “And as for you”, Jason said looking at Sonny, “you could have stopped him”. “I don’t know what to think, but I am not sure I can trust you right now”. “So stay away unless I ask you to come”.

Oh by the way Max; I just got off the phone with your father. He was not happy to hear about what you did. Did you forget that your father has met Elizabeth? He really likes her. And you were trying to help a drug addled man and his family find her so that he could hurt her some more. One more thing Max, there are bruises on Elizabeth’s back from Lucky. HE HIT HER, Jason said.

As Jason walked away, Sonny knew that he needed to make things right. Sonny was beginning to feel that he’d betrayed Jason, Elizabeth and three other people he didn’t want to betray.


________________________________


Bridge:

Jason had come up here to clear his head.

“Corelli”, Francis answered.

“I need you to go in the back way and sit with Elizabeth”, Jason said.

“Why”, Francis asked?

“Because I’m going to pay Lucky and Bobbie a visit”, Jason said.

“Okay”, Francis said.

“She’s at Sonny’s old PH”; Jason said then closed his phone.


____________________


PCPD:

Jason had called their informant inside; and he was going to get Jason in. It was late and not many people would be in the station.

…………

Cell 4:

Jason held one hand over Lucky’s mouth, the other at his throat and said: “I’m going to talk and you’re going to listen”. “You’re going to sign the divorce papers and walk away”. “And by the way, you’re “lucky” that I‘m not going to kill you for the bruises that you gave Elizabeth”. “If you go after custody of Cam or Jake, LULU DIES”, Jason said. “Let Elizabeth, Cam and Jake go”, he said then he was gone.

Lucky knew that Jason didn’t make idle threats; if he didn’t do what Jason wanted, Jason would kill Lulu. But he also knew that his mom and dad wouldn’t let it go.


___________________


Brownstone:

When Bobbie entered her bedroom, she didn’t see Jason.

He watched from the closet until she was in bed and the lights were out.

Then he struck!!! “You scream and I kill you where you lay”, Jason said with a deadly aire. “You stay away from Elizabeth, Cam and Audrey, or I will end your life”. “Also, you back Carly off of me and Elizabeth or I will destroy you”, Jason told her.

“Why ar…r..r…re you doing this, Carly’s your friend”? “And I thought that you didn’t go after women and children”, Bobbie asked?

“Carly is no longer my friend”. “She is an enemy, who is going after Elizabeth and her son”. “Elizabeth is my best friend, Jason stated matter-of-factly”. “So you heed my warning Bobbie”, he said and he was gone.

______________________


As Jason was traveling back to the Towers, Jason started to think: If this had happened before Lucky had “died”, Bobbie would have been right; but all that changed when Elizabeth entered his life and his heart. No one hurt her and got away with it.


__________________


Next weeks @ a glance:


In the days after the incident at the Towers, things had not been easy for Jason and Liz: Audrey and Cam had returned from Steven and Lindsay’s. Audrey fully supported her granddaughter. She, Cam and Jake were also getting to know Jason. Audrey had come to realize that Elizabeth and Jason really loved each other.

_______________


Elizabeth had returned to work. But Bobbie hadn't made that easy for Liz. But Liz had friends who weren’t afraid of Bobbie: Kelly, Lainey, Leyla, Epiphany, Nadine; all of whom stood by her.

The rest of the Spencer clan weren’t making things easy either. They would show up at General Hospital and start yelling at Elizabeth.

Elizabeth was worried about Lulu. She spent as much time as she could with the little girl, but she feared that Lulu was falling through the cracks. Lesley had even mentioned that she might have to intervene on her granddaughter’s behalf.

Alan and Monica had finally put a stop to it; barring Luke, Laura from General Hospital.

Carly was also constantly in Liz’s face’ she just didn’t know when to quit. The one bright spot about that was that apparently Sonny wasn’t helping her.

_________________


Over the last several weeks, Sonny had done a lot of thinking. He knew that he had to make amends. He’d broken a huge promise to Ms. W. When he’d met Ms. W all those years ago; he didn’t know that she was from Port Charles.

He and Ms. W. had gotten to be friends. Then she’d asked him for a favor: protect my grandbaby. He was failing Ms. W big time and that had to change. And his thoughts again took him to his conversations with Ms W.


Begin flashback:

“Who is your granddaughter Ms. W”, Sonny asked?

“Ms. W then showed Sonny a picture”, on the back was a name Sonny didn’t recognize.

“She’s with her parents or so she thinks”, Ms W said.

“What do you mean”, Sonny asked Ms. W?

“What I mean is that my granddaughter is not the child of my son’s wife”, Ms. W stated.

“Who’s her mother”, Sonny asked?

“Her name is Lily; my son met her while working in Puerto Rico”. “He and his wife were having problems”. “He had an affair with Lily”. “When Lily found out about my granddaughter, she was scared that her father would hurt the baby”, Ms. W said.

“Who is Lily’s father”, Sonny asked?

“Her father is a very bad man; Hernando is in the mob”, Ms. W explained.

“So what did Lily do”, Sonny asked?

“She came to me and asked for my help”. “She stayed with me until my granddaughter was born”. “Lily made the decision that her daughter would be safer with her father”, Ms. W said.

“What did your daughter in law say to that”, Sonny asked?

“My son and I didn’t tell her; all my daughter in law knows is that my granddaughter is a friend’s child”. “We had papers drawn up stating that”, Ms. W said.

“So your son adopted his own daughter”, Sonny asked?

“As far as my daughter in law is concerned; yes”, Ms. W stated. “My son was there when his daughter was born; he held her, named her and signed her birth certificate”.

“How did he explain that”, Sonny asked?

“He told his wife that he’d signed her birth certificate as a favor to his friend”, Ms. W explained.

“And your daughter in law bought the story”, Sonny asked?

“Yes”, Ms. W said.

“Where is your granddaughter now”, Sonny asked?

“She’s in Colorado; but I fear for her happiness”. “My daughter in law is a “picky mother”, Ms. W stated matter of fact.

“How so”, Sonny asked?

“I fear that she plays favorites; my granddaughter has two older siblings”. “Don’t get me wrong, I love all of my grandchildren”, Ms. W said.

“I don’t doubt that you do”, Sonny said.

“I did not approve of Jennifer when my son brought her to meet me”. “Her statements of how children should be raised concerned me, but my son convinced me to give her a chance”. “So I did”, Ms. W said.

“Did she prove you wrong”, Sonny asked?

“No, she did not”. “She ignored my oldest grandchild; who isn’t hers”. “Then she had a child of her own, and she spoils that child rotten”. “Then Lily’s daughter came into the picture; Jennifer treats her like a 3rd class citizen in her own family, Ms. W confided. “I hope that you get to meet her one day Sonny”, Ms. W said.

“I promise Ms. W, I’ll look after your granddaughter”, Sonny said.

End Flashback:

___________________


And up until 6 years ago he’d kept that promise from afar. He’d had men watching Ms. W’s granddaughter. Sonny hadn’t known that Ms. W’s granddaughter had even been in Port Charles until he’s seen in the paper that Elizabeth Webber had been raped in the park. That was the first time he’d failed Ms. W; who Sonny now knew was Helene Webber.

And he’d failed Helene again when he let Carly convince him that Elizabeth wasn’t good enough for Jason. And 3 weeks ago, he’d failed her again. He wouldn’t fail Helene, Lily or Elizabeth again. He hadn’t known that his Lily was Helene’s Lily until after they were married and he’d told her about his promise to Ms. W; Lily then told him about Ms. W. She’d told Sonny of how Ms. W was really Helene Webber and how her daughter was her granddaughter.

He’d been surprised; he’d been in love and married to Elizabeth’s mother. His mind then went back to the conversation he’d had with Lily the day she and their unborn child had died.

Begin Flashback:

“Sonny, I need you to promise me something”, Lily demanded.

“Okay”, Sonny said.

“I need you to promise to look out for my daughter; and tell her all about me, and how I didn’t give her up because I didn’t love her”, Lily said. “I did it to protect her from my father”.

“I promise”, Sonny said.

End Flashback:



_________________________


Sonny knew that as soon as Elizabeth came to town; he should have told her about Lily; and the promise he’d made to Helene. But after Lily’s death, he’d convinced himself that Elizabeth was better off not knowing about Lily or Helene; he now knew he’d been wrong. Now he needed to keep that deathbed promise to Helene; one that she’d extracted in the days before her death.

Begin Flashback:

“My dear Sonny”, Helene had said. “I’ll be leaving this world soon”.

“I’m going to miss you”, Sonny said softly.

“I’m going to extract one last promise”, Helene said. “I have found out about some things that have been done to my granddaughter”.

“I’m”………. Sonny started to say but Helene stopped him.

“Sonny, you didn’t know she was here”, Helene said. “It wasn’t your fault”. “What I meant was the pain, neglect and loneliness my daughter in law and her daughter have put her through”. “What I need from you is this”: “I would like Jennifer punished; don’t kill her, but you can take the things she prizes the most from her”.

“What does she prize most”, Sonny asked?

“What Jennifer prizes most are”: “Her wealth, her prestige, her job, her home, and her rich friends”, Helene said. “I want those taken from her”.

“As for Sarah”; “She is much like her mother; she prizes”: “Her wealth, her name, her clout, her career and her importance over Elizabeth”. “I would like it all taken from her”, Helene said.

“What about Jeff”, Sonny asked; knowing Helene knew of her son’s involvement?

“He is being dealt with as we speak”, Helene said.

“I promise to carry out what you ask”, Sonny said.

End Flashback:

**********

Chapter 6

Sam McCall’s Apartment:

“Who was that”, Sam asked?

“None of your concern”, Jerry told her. Then he walked out of the apartment.


___________________


Jacks Residence:

“Who was that”, Kate demanded?

“No one you need to worry about”, Jax said.

“Well can you at least tell me what they wanted”, Kate asked?

“They were reminding me of our business meeting”, Jax said.

“Which I am heading to now; I’ll be back in an hour or so”, Jax told Kate.


____________________


Lansing Home:

“Thank you for letting me know Epiphany; have a good night”, Alexis said then hung up.

Ric looked at her wanting to ask, but knew he needed to wait.

“That was Epiphany”. “She wanted to let me know about what happened to Elizabeth, Audrey, Jake and Cam a couple of weeks ago”, Alexis said.

“What happened”, Ric asked?

“Luke and his crazy family showed up at Audrey’s and started throwing bricks through the windows”, Alexis stated.

“Was anyone hurt”, Ric asked?

“Cam ended up with a concussion and a broken wrist”, Alexis said.

“Was Luke arrested”, Ric asked?

“Eventually, at the time of Cam’s injury, he ran”. “He’s since been arrested”, Alexis said.

“How are Liz, Audrey, Jake and Cam now”, Ric asked?

“Epiphany says they’re doing okay”, Alexis said. “Epiphany said Liz is staying at the Qs with Cam, Jake and Audrey”.

“And Jason”, Ric admitted.

“Yes”, Alexis said. “Are you mad”?

“No, I’ve always thought that Lucky was crazy”, Ric said. “Rumors were that he wasn’t right in the head after returning from being held by Helena and Fasion”. “Hopefully Jason will treat her better”.

“Now that Jason is with Elizabeth; do you want us to change the papers”, Alexis asked?

“No, I trust Elizabeth and I guess I can trust Jason as well”, Ric said.

________________


The entire Spencer clan, aside from Bobbie; were all sitting in a jail cell. They were all facing charges for what happened at Audrey’s house. Lucky would be facing those charges, plus the other charges against him.

And unfortunately Bobbie couldn’t afford to bail them out.

______________________


Port Charles Courthouse
Judge Martin’s courtroom:

“All rise”, the bailiff said.

“Judge Martin presiding”, the bailiff then said.

Judge Martin entered the room and sat in his seat then said: “please be seated”.

Then everyone sat.

“We are here to hear case #819437; NY State vs. Lucky Spencer”, Judge Martin said.

“How does the defendant plead”, the judge asked?

“No contest your honor”, Jessup Barrow said.

“That being said; is there anything you’d like to add DA Eason”, the judge asked?

“The police commissioner would like to address the court your honor”, DA Eason said.

“Go ahead Commissioner Scorpio”, Judge Martin said.

“Thank you Judge Martin”, Mac said. “I’ve known Lucky Spencer for many years”. “But this I didn’t see coming”. “1st: Lucky, you need to know that Maxie has been sent to her mother”. “And her mother is getting a restraining order against you”. “2nd: Lucky, you no longer work for the PCPD”. “Your locker has been cleaned out and your belongings given to your aunt”. “3rd: Your medal received after apprehending Manny Ruiz has been rescinded”. “We have new information stating that you were not the one to apprehend Manny”. “And lastly, I have here a restraining order; it states that you are not allowed within 100 feet of Elizabeth Webber, Cameron Webber, Jacob Morgan or Audrey Hardy”; Mac said as he walked over and handed the order to Mr. Barrow.

Mac then returned to his seat, to listen to the judge sentence Lucky. He knew there was an explosion coming: Lucky’s family was in the room; albeit, they were in police custody save for Cassadine and Bobbie. Mac had heard about the rift between the brothers.

“I’m ready to pass sentencing”, Judge Martin said. “Will the defendant please rise”?

Once Lucky was standing, the judge said: “I hear that your wife has filed for divorce; so until that is final, you’ll start serving your sentence at the PCDP”. “It will be under heavy guard. I suggest you don’t draw the proceedings out”, Judge Martin said. “On the charge of drug possession: Lucky Spencer, I hereby sentence you to 3 years”. “On the charge of sex with a minor: Lucky Spencer, I hereby sentence you to 3 years”. “On the charges of assault (4 counts): Lucky Spencer, I hereby sentence you to 15 years”. “Sentences to be served concurrently”. “I also am requiring you to attend AA meetings as well as NA meetings”, Judge Martin said. “I hereby am also ordering you to attend Abuse Awareness meetings and classes”. “I hope you take your time while incarcerated to get clean and stay clean”. “Court adjourned”, Judge Martin said.

____________________


Judge Andrews’s courtroom:

“We are here to hear case # 918725; the state of NY vs. Laura Spencer”.

“How does the defendant plead Mr. Baldwin”?

“Guilty by reason of temporary insanity”, Scott said.

“Does the DA’s office agree”, Judge Andrews asked?

“We’re willing to agree on the condition that Mrs. Spencer be committed to Rose-lawn for Psychiatric care”, Dara Jenson stated.

“Very well”, Judge Andrews said.

“Laura Spencer, I hereby sentence you to Rose-lawn Psychiatric Facility; for no less than 10 years or until I am assured that you are no longer a danger to society”, Judge Andrews said plainly.

“But your honor”, Scott pleaded?

“No buts Mr. Baldwin”; Judge Andrews said. “Your client attacked three people in a private home by throwing bricks”. “Your client also hurt a child”. “My sentence was lenient”. “Mrs. Spencer, I hope for your sake, you embrace treatment”. “You’ll be glad to know that Cameron Webber and Jacob Morgan will be fine, despite your family’s attack on them”.

As she was being led away by an employee of Rose-lawn; Laura commented: “I wish he’d died! The illegitimate little bastard! He was pawned off on my son”.

…………

As soon as the judge was out of the room Amy Vining snickered: “Laura got hers”. “The hospital’s going to love this”.


________________


Meanwhile outside PC:

Safe house 6:

“Grams, I still don’t understand what all this means”, Elizabeth stated.

“We’ll find out soon enough dear”, Audrey assured her granddaughter.

Jason was taking a call in another room; and was just returning.

“That was Diane; Lucky pled no contest in court this morning”. “And his attorney just delivered the divorce papers to her”. “She said she’d bring them by tonight”. “Diane also noted that Laura claimed temporary insanity”. “The judge committed her to Rose-lawn”.

“I don’t buy that for a minute”, Audrey said. “Laura’s as sane as I am”.

“What about Luke, and Siobhan”, Elizabeth asked?

“She didn’t say, but we can ask tonight”, Jason said as Sonny’s car arrived.


_____________________________



Once the car stopped, Sonny stepped out and walked to the door.

“Sonny”, Jason said.

“First of all, Elizabeth I have a whole lot to apologize for”, Sonny stated. “But I need to return something to you first”.

“I saw this on the coffee table at Jason’s”. “I knew Carly would see it when she came back down”, Sonny said handing her the bracelet that she had made after Cam was born.

“How did you know it was mine”, Liz asked him?

“I’ve seen you wearing it”, Sonny asked?

“Thank you”, Liz told Sonny.

……………

“Elizabeth, I’m sorry about the bomb that Sorel put in your studio”. “I never apologized for that”. “He was my enemy”. “And I also need to apologize for the kidnapping”. “I didn’t approve when he went to Taggart and Edward”. “I have failed as a friend time and time again; and each time I failed monumentally”, Sonny said. “And I should have let you in on the plan to fake my death”. “I guess I wasn’t thinking”. “I’m sorry about Courtney; and that she convinced us to convince you not press charges when she hit you”. “I always felt like you were a sister”. “And with what I need to tell you; I failed royally with that too, I am so sorry and I hope that you can forgive me”, Sonny admitted.

“Your hiding my bracelet from Carly is a start”, Liz said. “Now can you tell me what you know about Helene”?

……………

“First I need you to open the letter that her attorney gave you”, Sonny said.

“Okay”, Liz said taking the letter out of her purse and opening it.

“My dearest Elizabeth”,

“I know that you don’t know me”. “That is thanks to your father and Jennifer”. “But I have known about you and have loved you since before you were born”. “I had not planned on being the one to tell you this information, but your father has failed to do what I have requested over the years”. “You’re probably wondering why Mr. Corinthos is involved”. “Well that is a story I’ll let him tell you”.

Elizabeth stopped reading and looked at Sonny for a moment, then continued to read.

“I am your grandmother”. “Your father is my son”. “You never knew about me because of Jennifer”. “Jennifer is not your mother”. “Your mother was Lily Rivera, and then later Lily Corinthos”. “Jennifer was only your step mother”.

“WHAT”, Elizabeth shouted? Elizabeth, stunned, read on.

“Your father and Jennifer had been having marital problems; and Jeff had left and was filing for divorce”. “He then went to Puerto Rico to help a fellow doctor”. “While there; he had a 2 month affair with your mother”. “After that he went home to finalize his divorce”. “When your mother found out about you; she was afraid for your safety”. “Her father threatened your life, so she ran, and she came to me”.

“Your father doesn’t have the best judgment when it comes to Jennifer”. “Because when he found out about you, he showed up demanding Lily give you up to him”. “He told Lily and me that he would give the child to Jennifer and she would be the only mother you had!”

“I knew that something had happened after his return to Jennifer”. “He had stopped here on his way back; he was going to file for divorce and marry Lily”. “After he returned home it was like my son had been cloned and not for the better”. “Then two days after his arrival and finding out about you; it was as if I had my son back”.

“He didn’t tell Jennifer about you, not until after”. “Lily was still afraid for you so, the 3 of us came up with”: “Lily was going to let your father raise you”. “Her only stipulations were: she would sign your birth certificate, and if she found out that Jennifer tried to adopt you; Lily would come back and Jeff would have to give you back”.

“Your father agreed”. “He signed your birth certificate, as well as an agreement about his wife and adoption”. “Jennifer didn’t take that news well”. “And I know life after that wasn’t easy for Jeff”. “But I worried for you as well; I know what Jennifer is like”. “So over the years, I had people watching over you”.

“But they didn’t know about what happened behind closed doors, and for that I’m sorry”. “I didn’t know about your being in Port Charles until I saw the paper the day after you were attacked”. “I wanted to help but I have been gravely ill for some time now”. “Even my dear Michael did not know you were in town until he saw the paper”. “I know he carries that guilt as well”.

“I extracted some favors and promises from my dear friend; and I know he thinks that he’s failed Lily and me but he didn’t, he’s done the best he could”. “You don’t know my friend Michael; at least you don’t think you do”. “You know him as Sonny Corinthos”.

At hearing that Jason looked at Sonny for a minute. He just didn’t know what to think.

Elizabeth looked at Sonny and said: “What happened to me wasn’t your fault”. “It was Tom Baker’s fault and maybe Lucky’s just a little”. “So please don’t carry that guilt”. Then she continued reading.

“Elizabeth my dear, I have left some things with Sonny for you”. “I hope you enjoy them and please don’t hate your mother, Sonny or myself; we love you”.

Always
You’re Grandmother
Helene Webber