Sometimes it feels like they wanna remind me
Send all those villains after me
I’m not their hero
But that doesn’t mean that I wasn’t brave
I never walked the party line
Doesn’t mean that I was never afraid
I’m not your hero
But that doesn’t mean we’re not one and the same
– I’m Not Your Hero, Tegan and Sara

---

Thursday, November 27, 2003

Corinthos & Morgan Warehouse: Sonny’s Office

“Is this going to take long?” Justus asked Jason as they filed into Sonny’s office. “Tamika will kill me if I leave her alone at the Quartermaines too long.”

“I don’t know,” Jason said. He’d been unhappy when Sonny had insisted they all come to the warehouse today—he’d argued that they could meet at Sonny’s place, or even at Jason’s, but Sonny didn’t want either Carly or Elizabeth to overhear anything—and Jason wasn’t in the mood for that argument again.

“Johnny called,” Bernie told them as he nodded at Sonny. “Late last night. One of Michelena’s men saw Ric in Caracas.”

Jason exhaled, some of the tension bleeding from his shoulders. The first sign of Ric since he’d gone missing three weeks earlier, and he’d surfaced thousands of miles away. “So he’s out of the country. That’s—” He looked at Sonny, and some of his optimism dissipated when he saw Sonny’s expression. “That’s good.”

“Good?” Sonny scowled. “How did he get out of the country without anyone knowing? How do we know it’s him?”

“Johnny already sent two of his guys to verify and to see if we can bring Ric in,” Bernie told him. “He’ll report back as soon as possible.”

“Bring him in?” Sonny said. His eyes snapped, and he whipped his head to look at Jason, who was in the middle of a wince. “What the fuck—”

“If Ric just disappears,” Jason said, as Bernie offered him an apologetic glance behind Sonny’s back, “none of us win. The PCPD will still be breathing down our backs. And Capelli’s dumb enough to try another raid. Eventually, a warrant is going to get through. We don’t need that. We bring Ric in, we deal with him—”

“And leave him for the vultures to pick apart,” Sonny bit out. “The PCPD can take fucking crime scene photos—we’re not doing this—” He whirled back around, jabbing a finger at Bernie. “You call Johnny back. Shoot to kill, you got it?”

“Got it, Boss.”

Sonny stalked out of the office, slamming the door behind him as Bernie and Justus looked at Jason, their brows raised.

Jason had to tread lightly. He’d meant every word of his argument to Sonny—if they could just dump Ric on the PCPD or the FBI, the heat would be off them, but he also wanted to keep his promise to Carly and Elizabeth.

Especially if Elizabeth might not be able to get justice in her rape case—he was sure as hell going to make sure she got to see Ric rot behind bars.

“Jase?” Justus asked. He rested his hands on the back of a chair, his brows lifting. “Does Bernie make that call?”

“No,” Jason said with regret. “No. I’ll talk to Johnny myself. Bringing in Ric alive is—it’s the best solution for all of us. You can tell him Johnny got the message.”

“All right, but if this blows up on us, you’re taking the hit,” Bernie told him. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a football game I’d like to watch.”

He left the office, but Jason could see Justus wasn’t convinced. “Go ahead,” he told his cousin. “Say it.”

“I’m wondering if this is a fight you want to have with Sonny,” Justus admitted. “You know he’s at the end of his rope. Three weeks—this is the first sign of life we’ve had from Lansing—Sonny is driving Carly crazy. Every time I go over to their place, she looks miserable—”

“She’s going back to work on Monday,” Jason told him. “That was their deal—” He shook his head. “I’m not wrong. If we can’t bring him in alive, fine. But I don’t want anyone wondering where he went. I want this case closed.”

“Look, you know, I’m not comfortable with this side of the business,” Justus told him. “But it’s Lansing. It feels different to me. It feels like revenge, going after him this way.” He tipped his head to the side. “I know I want him brought in alive, and I’d prefer it’d be the FBI, so our hands were clean.”

“I—” Jason exhaled slowly. “I promised—” He looked at Justus. “I promised Elizabeth he’d go to trial and rot in prison. It’s what she wants, what Carly wants. I don’t care. I just want him gone. He can go to prison. You’re right. What Sonny wants is revenge.”

“There are ways to make sure it gets done your way,” Justus told him. “I just don’t know if you’re ready to take that leap.” He straightened. “We’re about to have Thanksgiving dinner with our cousin, Ned, who also happens to be the mayor.”

“It’s crossed my mind,” Jason said. He felt an itch between his shoulders. “But it’s—it’s not how we do things.”

“No, it’s not how Sonny does things. He taught you everything you know about this business, and I get where he’s coming from. I’m asking you—how do you want this done?” Justus walked towards the office door but turned back to look at him briefly before he opened it. “And what are you willing to do to keep that promise?”

Scorpio House: Living Room

“Hey, Uncle Mac?”

Mac looked up from the classified section and squinted at his niece as she stood in the doorway to the kitchen, a plastic container in her hands. “Yeah?”

“Mom wants to know if you want to leave for Felicia’s in ten minutes or so?” Robin Scorpio sniffed the plastic. “And what is this?”

Mac frowned, considered it. “Um, I think it might be soup—” He got to his feet and crossed to her. “What are you doing?”

“Cleaning out the fridge,” Robin said simply as she returned the kitchen where her mother, Anna Devane, was drinking a glass of water. “It looks like you haven’t done it in months—”

“You don’t need to—” He took the container from her and tossed it in the sink. “You don’t need to do any of that.”

“Yeah, but—” Robin shrugged. “I want to. Did you want to leave in about ten minutes?”

“Yeah, yeah, that sounds fine—”

“Great.” Robin kissed his cheek. “I need to go grab some things from my room. I’ll be right back—”

Mac sighed as his niece left the room, then turned back to Anna. “Every time she comes to see me, she cleans something.”

“She’s always horrified by the state of my pantry,” Anna offered. “Apparently, one isn’t supposed to live entirely on wine.” She tipped her head to the side. “We haven’t had a moment to speak—not really—about my coming to Port Charles—”

Mac held up a hand. “It’s fine,” he told her. “I know the department will be in good hands for you, and I’ve been preparing to be fired since Ned announced he was running.” He hesitated. “I was surprised you accepted. I thought you were happy living in Pine Valley—”

“I was,” Anna said slowly. “But after losing Leora last winter…” She pressed her lips together, looked away as Mac remained silent. Anna’s daughter with David Hayward had been stillborn the previous January. “She was supposed to be my chance to get right,” she murmured. “After losing so much time with Robin, after losing that baby with Duke—” She forced a smile. “I needed to change something. When Ned contacted me, I honestly didn’t think twice. I’m sure I should have—”

Mac shook his head, leaned against the counter. “Anna, really—”

“Mac, come now. We’re still family. You raised my little girl—she’s so perfect, so bright and beautiful—and you did what Robert and I couldn’t.” Anna set her water glass in the sink, then folded her arms. “You can be honest with me.”

“I wasn’t…” Mac waited. “I wasn’t thrilled,” he finally said. “I knew I was getting fired. I’d convinced myself it—it was what I deserved—that Ned had every right to fire me. I just—I never thought a lot about who would come after me. And even though I know how capable you are—I think—”

Anna simply waited, with that familiar patient look in her eyes. Mac continued, “It feels a bit like I’m being replaced by my brother. And I know that’s not fair—I know how good you were at this job. How capable and devoted you are. But I can’t help but think Ned picked you deliberately. Maybe that’s wrong—and I know it sounds selfish—but—” He shrugged a shoulder. “You asked.”

“Yes, I did. Robert loved you very much, Mac. By the end,” she clarified when Mac just raised his brows. “And perhaps you’re right. Perhaps Ned did have an ulterior motive seeking me out. I’m sorry for that, Mac. I truly am—”

“All the same, Anna, if I have to be replaced, I think I can live with it being you. You won’t make the mistakes I did.” He paused. “Listen, about dinner with Felicia and her girls—Maxie isn’t really speaking to me at the moment. I just wanted to warn you.”

“What—”

“Are you guys ready?” Robin asked, coming to the door. “I don’t want to be late. I haven’t seen the girls in forever!”

Quartermaine Mansion: Family Room

Elizabeth was chatting with Lila, arranged in her customary position next to the sofa in her wheelchair, while various members of the Quartermaines wandered in and out of the room, grabbing appetizers, refilling drinks.

“Here, my dear.” Edward offered Elizabeth a plate with a few canapes arranged, then sat next to her on the sofa. “I wasn’t sure what’d you like, so I hope it’s okay—”

“It looks delicious,” Elizabeth assured him. “Thank you. You didn’t have to—”

“Nonsense. You’re carrying the Quartermaine heir. You need your strength.”

“He says that like I’m not right here,” Dillon offered as he passed by them with a roll of his eyes. Edward waved him away as Elizabeth grinned.

“How are you feeling, dearest?” Lila asked. “I’m surprised Jason isn’t with you today.”

Elizabeth managed a thin smile. “There was a last minute thing that came up at work. He promised he’d be here for dinner.” She looked over at Edward who had opened his mouth, probably to complain. “You know how work can be. I’m sure you missed a few dinners.”

“Well, naturally, but—” Edward hesitated, caught Lila’s warning glare. “Of course, some things can’t wait. I was fortunate enough to find a woman who understood.”

“I’m actually excited to be invited this year,” Elizabeth told them. “Emily and I have a bet going on whether we get turkey or pizza.”

“Well, we do have the local pizzeria on standby,” Ned admitted with a grin as he passed by, a flute of champagne in his hand. “But maybe—”

“This family,” Edward muttered. “You never said how you’re feeling.” He furrowed his brow. “Lois said you were dizzy a few weeks ago. Is that reprobate not taking care of you?”

“Edward,” Lila said, pleasantly. “No.”

“But—”

“No.”

“I’m fine,” Elizabeth assured them both. “I’ve been tired a lot lately, but that’s normal. I’m actually going to have an ultrasound in a few weeks, and my blood pressure is in the normal range.” On the high end of the normal range, she thought, but Edward and Lila didn’t need to worry. “Jason makes sure I take care of myself, I promise.”

“What about the future?” Edward demanded gruffly. “Are you going to just—” He gestured with his hands. “Live in sin forever?”

“Live in sin.” Dillon plopped down next to Edward on the sofa. “I’m sorry, Elizabeth, do you mind? I just need to listen to Grandfather talk about sin. It’s like a movie out of the fifties.”

Elizabeth smirked. “Actually, Jason and I haven’t talked about it,” she told Edward. “I’m still technically married to someone else. My divorce isn’t final until January 27.”

“So, we’ll plan a ceremony for January 28?”

“Edward,” Lila admonished. “Elizabeth might not be in a rush to get married again. Darling, don’t listen to him—”

“It’s okay. I know it comes from a place of love,” Elizabeth assured her. She looked at Edward. “And I know my grandparents would be asking the same question. Jason and I haven’t talked about it. I’m sure we will one of these days, but we seem to keep running from one disaster to another.”

She set her plate on the coffee table. “Actually, that’s something I wanted to talk to you about.” Elizabeth bit her lip. “You know there’s a hearing in two weeks.”

“I do,” Edward offered with a scowl. “And I am livid. All that money I’ve donated and these damn politicians can’t get one thing right—”

“You have a lot of friends in high places,” Elizabeth said. She touched his arm. “Maybe you’ve already done it, but I was wondering if you might make a few phone calls.”

Edward hesitated. “Well, I didn’t want—” He flushed slightly. “I was worried I’d mess things up—”

“Maxie said that Hilary Clinton called the PCPD after what happened to Brooke,” Dillon said, and the three of them looked at the teenager. He shrugged. “She said it freaked Mac and Floyd out.”

“Exactly. With Emily’s case, you leaned on Floyd, who is…” Elizabeth searched for a word that was appropriate to use with Edward and Lila.

“An asshole,” Lila offered delicately.

“Uh—” Elizabeth blinked at her. “Yes. I don’t know if you could get someone like Hilary Clinton again, but—I don’t know. The federal government is threatening to derail the prosecution of a serial rapist responsible for at least seven rapes in Port Charles and three more in Buffalo. How is this something that isn’t making national news?”

“We’re all coming down to Syracuse,” Dillon told Elizabeth. “Lucas organized a bunch of the college students to go and protest outside. He and Maxie have been volunteering at RAINN and at some of those hotlines. I did a few shifts last August, and I’m going back over break. But Maxie’s been trying to get that organization and a few others interested in the protest.”

Edward peered at his grandson. “That’s—that’s very—I’m surprised. And proud.” He looked at Elizabeth. “Lois told us that you’d also done some organizing.”

“All of the women who filed police reports—the attacks Vinnie are charged with—they’ll be in the audience. Scott was able to get us reserved seating. The women from Buffalo are also coming.”

“I’m so sorry, darling, that you have to do any of this,” Lila said. “Edward, isn’t there someone—”

“I’ll make phone calls this weekend,” Edward promised. He squeezed Elizabeth’s hand. “Your grandparents would be so proud of you. I’m very proud of you. What you’ve been through, young lady, it boggles the mind that you’re still standing much less…” He gestured. “Everything you’re doing. I didn’t want to get in the way.” His voice was more gruff. “I will never forgive myself for what happened—”

“You wanted Emily to have justice,” Elizabeth assured him. “I will never blame you. The only reason Mac panicked and created that false report was because you called them after what happened in court. You tried to get me justice, and they lied to you. Don’t blame yourself. Let’s just use that power for all the women Floyd and Mac threw away. They deserve someone in their corner as much as Emily and I did.”

Morgan Penthouse: Kitchen

“You know, I can do this without you,” Bobbie said idly as she leaned down to check the pie in the oven. Sonny hadn’t wanted anyone else in his kitchen while he cooked dinner, so Jason and Elizabeth had offered their place for Bobbie to warm her pies.

Carly had followed, and Bobbie couldn’t help but notice that her daughter was sticking close to her. Lucas had reluctantly come to dinner—and also elected to use the Morgan penthouse to hide out from Sonny. He and Felix were in the living room, watching the football game.

“I know. I just—” Carly forced a smile, then picked at the hem of her shirt. “I just wanted to help.”

“Carly—” Bobbie closed the oven, turned to her, and sighed. “How are things? You haven’t been by the Brownstone in a few weeks—”

“I’ve been sticking close to home,” Carly said. “You know, with Morgan. And Leticia’s on vacation—which she deserves—”

“I know Sonny tried to fire her,” Bobbie said bluntly. Carly stared at her. “Please don’t be angry, but Elizabeth told me. She wasn’t sure if you would, and she was worried.”

Carly sighed, then sat at the table. “He wants me to stay at home,” she murmured. “He hinted at it first—other women take two months, but some take six—and I just—I don’t see why I should have to wait to go back to work. I can take Morgan with me most of the time. Isn’t that the best of both worlds?”

“It would be. Sonny doesn’t want that?”

“He can’t decide what he wants,” Carly muttered. “I think he liked it better when he thought I was playing at having a job. The way I played with Deception. I treated that like a toy, but the club—The Cellar—that’s my baby. I know he gave me the start up money, but I made it work. I made it a success.”

“I know you did—”

Carly folded her arms. “He just doesn’t seem to…hear me.” She looked towards the window. “Nothing’s changed, Mama. I thought it had. I thought—well, our problems are over. I left because of what happened with Ric. Because Sonny wouldn’t even think about what I needed.” And because Sonny had made a threat against Scott’s life, but she didn’t want to bring that up with her mother, who was quasi-dating Scott. “He needed the wake up call. I thought he’d listened, but he’s still—he’s still not thinking about me.”

She cleared her throat. “Sonny says that me staying here until Ric is found—it’s what he needs to focus. Like—he’s too scared if I’m out in the world and I—I wanted to help him. I love him, and I didn’t want him to spiral like he did last time. When he hallucinated. I really thought if I just…gave him a little…he’d appreciate it.”

“But he doesn’t.”

“No. He just—wants more. And—” She looked around the penthouse. “I’m watching Elizabeth live her life like Ric isn’t a factor. Because, for her, he’s not. She trusts Jason’s security, and he loves her enough to give her what she needs. They worked together so they could both be happy. Sonny tells me we’re not Jason and Elizabeth, but—”

Bobbie said nothing as Carly struggled to put her thoughts into words. “I don’t want to be them,” she said finally. “We can’t be. I know that. But they have respect for each other. And I think—I think that I do deserve that.”

“Of course you do.” Bobbie scowled. “Carly—”

“I’ve tried so hard not to be that woman anymore—the one who just thought the world revolved around her. I thought my pain was always the most important, that my trauma, my happiness—that I had the right to hurt other people to get what I wanted.” She looked at her mother. “I hurt you. I hurt Tony. I hurt Lucas. I know I’ve hurt Michael, and despite everything, I don’t think AJ deserved everything I did to him. And of course—Jason. I’ve hurt a lot of people, Mama. I just wanted to do better. I didn’t want to be selfish.”

“Well, that’s—” Bobbie hesitated. “That’s a good thing. And you have—you’ve grown up so much these last few years, Carly. These last six months—not being selfish—Carly, that’s a good goal. Please tell me you don’t think you’re selfish for expecting Sonny to respect your wants and needs?”

“I don’t know. He’s not giving me what I want or need, which is usually the time when I decide to make someone pay. I don’t want that, Mama. And hurting him—I don’t want that either. I just—” She sighed. “I just don’t know what I’m doing.”

“Then come back to the Brownstone. Come home,” Bobbie told her softly. “You’re not happy—”

“I can’t. Not—” Carly got to her feet. “Not right now. You know, I need to—I promised Sonny I’d do this his way until December 1. I gave in, and he promised he’d give a little. So, on Monday, we’ll—” She pressed her lips together. “We’ll see what happens.”

Quartermaine Mansion: Foyer

After dinner, Elizabeth took Jason’s arm and led him away from the male members of the Quartermaine family. He’d arrived just before they sat down to dinner, and having made it through an actual meal without catastrophe or arguments, Elizabeth didn’t want to take any chances with Jason spending too much time with Edward or Alan.

Jason’s eyes almost lit up when he realized she was leading him towards the entrance and coat closet. “We’re leaving?” he asked.

“You know, it’s a little sad how happy you look right now.” Elizabeth tossed him his leather jacket before retrieving her white winter coat. “No, but I want to take a walk in Lila’s garden, and it’s too cold without jackets.”

Jason grimaced slightly but put the jacket on without another argument and willingly let her take his hand again and walk towards the back terrace. “I wasn’t going to fight with anyone,” he promised her as they stepped outside. The sun was just dipping below the horizon as Jason and Elizabeth meandered down the pathway in the rose garden, the outdoor lamps lighting their way.

“No, you did very good,” Elizabeth said, winding her arm around his. “But I haven’t seen you all day, and I wasn’t sure if Edward was going to behave himself once Lila went to rest.”

Jason was quiet for a long moment before nodding. “Yeah, she looked a bit more tired than when I saw her last,” he admitted. “I—I think I forget that she’s almost ninety. She—and Edward,” he added, “both seem so much younger.”

“I’m glad you came today,” Elizabeth said. “I—I was thinking the same thing about Lila when we had lunch last week, and I remember wishing I’d spent more time with my grandmother before she died.”

“I never—” Jason stopped as they reached one of the gazebos that dotted the property. He took both her hands in his. “I never had the chance to tell you I was sorry.” Their eyes met. “I didn’t know she’d passed away until Monica told me last June. I—I missed it.”

“Your trial for Alcazar’s murder started that same week, Jason. And you and I—” Elizabeth bit her lip. “We weren’t exactly close. Not to mention, Gram wasn’t your biggest fan.” She slid her arm around his waist, and they started walking again. “It’s okay.”

Neither one of them commented on the fact that it had been Audrey’s sudden passing and Jason’s absence from the scene that had given Ric the opening to grow closer to Elizabeth—helping her with Audrey’s estate, with the memorial—

He’d drugged her that night for the first time.

If Jason hadn’t been on trial, he might have known. He hoped he would have gone to see her, to talk to her. But maybe he wouldn’t have. Maybe he would have seen her with Ric and decided to leave it alone. And thinking of Ric, Jason decided now was as good a time as any to tell Elizabeth about the sighting in Caracas.

“Hey, let’s sit for a minute,” he told her, drawing her over to one of the wrought iron benches. “About my meeting this morning—”

“You don’t have to apologize again,” Elizabeth told him. She shook her head. “I know things come up, and you made it to dinner—”

“I’m glad you understood—” Jason brought her chilled fingers to his lips, marveling again just how well she did understand the way he had to live his life and wondered how he’d ever thought for a single minute that she wouldn’t. “But it’s not that. It’s what happened at the meeting.”

Elizabeth swallowed, looked down at their joined hands between them. “Ric.”

“Yeah. One of Johnny’s contacts finally got word. We think he’s in Venezuela.”

“Venezuela—” Elizabeth lifted her head, her eyes wide. “Really? He—he’s gone? He really did leave the country?” Her shoulders slumped. “Oh. Wow. I guess I didn’t even realize that I—I think I expected the worst. Sonny’s had me anxious, too,” she admitted. “He was so sure Ric would try something.”

“I didn’t—” Jason pressed his lips together. “I didn’t realize you were worried. I should have—”

“No, no—” She squeezed his hands. “No,” Elizabeth said more firmly. “I didn’t even think I was, either, Jason. Until I knew for sure he wasn’t in the country—hearing it—it just lifted this weight off my shoulders. I thought—God, there’s been so much else rolling around in my brain these last few weeks—”

She laughed weakly. “I feel so much better. Are they sure? You said you think he’s there,” Elizabeth said. “What—what happens next? I mean, if I can ask that.”

“Well,” Jason said carefully, “Johnny sent some men to Caracas to verify and, if he can, to bring him in. Alive.” He met Elizabeth’s eyes, shadowed in the dim lights of the garden. “So, we can turn him in.”

“So he can go to trial,” Elizabeth said, her eyes searching his. “Sonny—he agreed to that? Carly will be—Oh.” She must have seen his answer in his expression because she sighed, then wrinkled her nose. “Of course not.”

“Sonny wants him shot on sight,” Jason admitted. “Bernie was supposed to call Johnny with that order. He didn’t. Because I told him not to.”

“Jason—” Elizabeth tipped her head to the side. “You didn’t have to do that. I know this is an issue for Sonny, that it’s making things worse between you two. Carly and I have talked about it. We understand—”

“Ric isn’t going to get away with this,” Jason told her. “Just letting someone take care of it, thousands of miles away, just to—” He looked away, not wanting to see her face with such darkness in his head. He didn’t want her to have those visions in her mind either. “It’s not what you and Carly said you wanted or needed. It’s too easy.”

“Jason—”

“Have you changed your mind about wanting a trial? Wanting him to rot in prison for what he did?” Jason asked. He looked back at her. “I told you. This is up to you and Carly. Not me and Sonny.”

Elizabeth didn’t answer him right away, and he grimaced. “Don’t just tell me what you think will be easier for me or for Sonny.”

“What if that’s important to me, too, Jason? I love you. And I’m worried about Sonny. I don’t want to hurt either of you by asking for something that I can’t have—”

“I need you to be okay,” he interrupted with a quick shake of his head. “Sonny can, and will, take care of himself. You’re what matters. And Carly,” he added. “What he did to you—to both of you—you have the right to end this on your terms.”

“I’m over that, Jason. I can’t speak for Carly, but that’s all over—”

“Is it?” he asked, his voice quiet but firm, and Elizabeth fell silent. “Elizabeth, every time we go to the doctor, it comes back for you. I can see it. Do you think I can’t?”

“I—I’m trying very hard to be over it,” Elizabeth admitted. “But, yes, when we go to see Kelly, and she tells my blood pressure is high, and I worry about every little thing—I had a dizzy spell a few weeks ago, and I know it’s normal. But I also know it could mean a thousand things.” Her voice trembled slightly. “Because of what he did to me, I couldn’t even find out we were having a baby without being terrified. God, Jason, we had to consider abortion.”

“I know.” And he’d been the one to bring it up. He’d had to make it part of the conversation—

“So, okay, I’m not—” Elizabeth’s voice faltered. “I’m not over it. And yes, I still want him to pay for what he did. You’re right—having someone put a bullet in him two thousand miles away—that’s not enough. It will never be enough. If anyone gets to shoot him, it should be—” She shoved herself to her feet, stalked away a few feet, then turned around to face him.

“If I can’t be the one put him away, then I want to be the one that kills him,” Elizabeth said. “That’s how I really feel, Jason. If Sonny is so bent on ending Ric’s life, then fine. But I want to do it. That’s the only way it’ll feel fair. I want to end him the way he tried to end me—”

“Elizabeth—” Stunned, and even a bit shaken, Jason got to his feet. “That’s—”

“And I hate him for making me feel this way—” She curled her hands into fists at her side. “I hate him for every minute he’s stolen from my life, from all the minutes he gets to have from me in the future. Every minute he’s out there, running free, living his life—”

Jason took her into his arms as she started to cry, her shoulders shaking. He held her tightly against him, pressing his lips to her hair. “I’m sorry,” he murmured. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have pushed—”

“I’m trying so h-hard to be okay,” Elizabeth managed, her words punctuated by harsh breaths as she attempted to get herself under control. “I don’t want him to win. He can’t.”

“He won’t.” Jason drew back from her slightly so he could tip her face up, so their eyes could meet. “He hasn’t. Look where we are. Look at who you are,” he said even more forcefully. “What’ve you done in these last few months. How strong you’ve been—not just for you and Carly—but for all the others—for Brooke, and Ned and Lois. For the women in your support group—”

“I don’t feel very strong,” Elizabeth admitted. “I just—I keep just thinking about it being over, but it doesn’t ever get to be over. There’s always one more thing. We have to go to Syracuse in two weeks because, God forbid, a serial rapist pay for his crimes without making his victims do all the damn work—and Ric was supposed to be done—the trial should be over—I should be starting next year with none of that in my life, and it’s still here, still happening—”

Elizabeth gripped the sides of his jacket, tightly as if she needed to hold on to him to keep standing. “Edward asked me today if we were getting married.”

Jason grimaced. “I’ll talk to him—”

“No, that’s—” She sighed. “And I told him we’d never talked about it. How could we? When would we have had the time? I should be able to just be with you and not think about anything else. To think about our future. And we can’t do that.”

Jason hesitated, looked at her, searching her eyes. “We could,” he said slowly. “If you want to talk about it. We can.”

“I—” She bit her lip, then shook her head. “No. He’s not stealing this from me either. If we—if we have that conversation, Jason, if you ask me that question, I don’t want to be crying—I don’t want you to be worried about me. I don’t want him to take that from me, too.”

“Okay.” Jason tucked her hair behind her ear. “Okay. We’ll put it away for now. Come on, it’s getting colder, and it’s the first time the Quartermaines have made it to dessert in living memory. Let’s go back inside.”

Dante & Cruz’s Apartment: Living Room

“Thanks for making dinner, Mrs. Falconieri,” Cruz said as he emerged from the kitchen, the last of the dishes in the dishwasher. “Thanks for saving me from Chinese food.”

“Any time,” Olivia told him with a smile. “I’m sorry you couldn’t get home to your family.” She kissed his cheek. “You and Taggert be careful tonight on patrol. Lots of crazies out there.”

“Thanks for doing the dishes, man,” Dante told Cruz as his roommate shrugged into his uniform jacket. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

When Cruz had left, Dante followed his mother into the kitchen to pour himself another cup of coffee. “Hey, Ma.”

“What’s up?” Olivia asked. She cut herself another slice of pumpkin pie and carried it to the table. She waited for him to sit down. “I can tell something has been bothering you all night. You worried about the case? About what might happen at the hearing?”

“No. Well, yes. No.” Dante hesitated. “I—I wanted you to know I’m testifying. After Elizabeth.”

Olivia furrowed her brow. “You—” She set her fork down. “Why?”

“Because I have evidence that I need to give.” Dante pressed his lips together, set a tape recorder on the table. “Baldwin has the original. I gave it to him a few weeks ago when I decided I couldn’t sit back. And since Grandma and Aunt Fran are going to be at the hearing—”

“Dante—”

“I wasn’t sure if it would be admissible,” Dante admitted, “and Baldwin says it might get thrown out, but Vinnie had already signed his statement at that point, and he’d agree to see me. I went there as family, but I had access as a cop. So he said we’ll see what we’ll see. It might never make it into a trial, but it might be okay at a hearing.”

“Baby.” Olivia reached over to squeeze his hand. “You shouldn’t have gone alone—”

“I needed to know why.” Dante cleared his throat. “I needed to understand how someone I knew—someone with my blood—how he could do this—and I needed to know why Brooke.”

“What’s on the tape?” Olivia asked quietly. “Is—how bad is it?”

“What’s on this tape—” He took a deep breath. “It’s bad, Ma. He brags about it. He talks about how he thinks Elizabeth is his soul mate, and none of the others were right. He said he followed her a lot—he wanted to rape her again, Ma, but she was never alone at night again.”

“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph,” Olivia murmured. “Dante—”

“And he realized none of the others were right because he didn’t know them. He picked Brooke because he knew her. And because he knew—” Dante swallowed hard. “Because he knew she didn’t like men.” He looked at his mother. “She—she never came out to her parents, Ma. They might not know.”

Olivia pressed her lips together. “I doubt Ned would have known, but Lois…wondered. So this might not surprise her. Baby, they’re not going to think any less of her—”

“But it was Brooke’s secret to tell. Brooke should be here to tell it, and it’s his fault she’s not—” He shook his head. “It doesn’t matter. I want to protect her, but it’s not as important as making sure she gets justice. So I just—I needed to warn you.”

“I understand.” Olivia looked at the recorder, and her face all but turned green. “I’d rather not listen to it. Until the hearing. I can’t—I don’t want to have it in my head twice.”

She squeezed his hand. “Whatever happens after this, Dante, I’m proud of you. You’re standing up for Brooke, and you’re doing the right thing.”

Quartermaine Mansion: Foyer

Jason saw his chance to speak with Ned alone when Elizabeth was distracted by Tamika, Emily, and Monica, asking her about a baby shower. He ducked out of the family room to catch Ned as he was walking Lois out the door.

Ned closed the door and turned, frowning slightly when he saw Jason standing there. “Oh. I didn’t—I didn’t hear you. Are you and Elizabeth leaving?”

Not as soon as Jason would like. “No, not yet. She’s, ah,” Jason glanced over his shoulder towards the room where the last of the family were enjoying drinks and dessert. “Elizabeth is still having a good time.”

“Oh, yeah. It’s nice to see it,” Ned said as he came closer to Jason. “She’s been working so hard with the support group, organizing for the hearing. I’m sure you’re happy to see her relaxing for a change.” He slid his hands into his pockets. “Ah, you okay? Did you need something?”

“Yeah.” Jason had listened carefully to Justus’s warnings earlier about turning Ric over to the authorities, but the image of Elizabeth’s tear-stained face in the garden had made up his mind. “About Ric Lansing.”

“Well, I don’t start work until Monday—” Ned grimaced as he gestured for Jason to follow him in the front parlor. He closed the door behind them. “I’ve been in contact with Mac. No one seems to know anything.” He shrugged. “You’d be more likely to know than me.”

“I know. That’s why I’m—” Jason rubbed the back of his neck. “This is—this is off the record. You—”

“Jason,” Ned said, holding up a hand. “You and I both know that I was lucky to be elected considering I have my own history with Ric—and Faith Roscoe,” he added with a wince. “I’m not a choir boy, either.”

Surprised Ned had brought up his association with Ric but relieved because it would help to smooth the way, Jason nodded. “Fine. I’m sure it won’t surprise you that Sonny and I had plans for Ric initially.”

“It would not,” Ned said slowly. “The fact that Ric was still alive to make bail was…noted.” He raised his brows. “I assumed, at the time, you and Sonny didn’t want the heat, but then the months passed, and he was still alive.”

“Scott offered a deal to Carly and Elizabeth to make it go away. Sonny liked it. He thought it would make it over faster, and we could—” Jason stopped because what could be done was implied.

“But they didn’t want the deal. Scott told me that. He said Carly and Elizabeth wanted to testify. He was right, wasn’t he? That you and Sonny agreed to let Ric make it to trial?”

“I promised Elizabeth that Ric would live so that she could testify,” Jason confirmed. “And later, Carly said she wanted the same thing. I promised her, too. They not only wanted to testify—they wanted Ric to rot in prison.”

“Rot—” Ned repeated. “You mean—”

“Yes,” Jason said simply. “Sonny doesn’t like it. And he doesn’t mean to bring Ric in alive.” He took a deep breath. “But Elizabeth still needs this. She’s trying to be okay with it not happening, but if I can—if I can do this for her, I can—”

He could forgive himself for not being the man she deserved a year ago.

“I can’t work within my world to make it happen,” Jason admitted. “Not entirely. Sonny just—it’s not going to happen.” He exhaled slowly. He met Ned’s eyes. “One of our men saw Ric in Caracas, Venezuela two days ago. We sent a team to verify it. Those men have orders to bring Ric in alive. If they do, I’ll arrange for Ric to be turned over to the authorities. If this doesn’t pan out—I’ll—” He grimaced, looked away. “I’ll share any future information with you.”

“With me.” Ned exhaled slowly. “You’re offering to be an informant to the PCPD because you made Elizabeth a promise.”

“No, I’m passing information to my cousin,” Jason said firmly. “You told me what I needed to know about Ric once. I’m just returning the favor.”

Ned rubbed his chest, still looking a bit bemused. “I, uh, I’m not sure what to say. This isn’t really—it’s not how I planned to spend Thanksgiving.” He hesitated. “Elizabeth must really…she must really need this if you’re going to this trouble.”

Jason said nothing. Ned didn’t need any further information on his life. “Agreed?” he pressed.

“Elizabeth has been nothing but supportive since the moment I asked for her help last July,” Ned said. He crossed the room to a photo of his daughter, sitting on a table clustered with others. He picked it up. “She’d been out of the hospital a handful of days and never hesitated. And she stood up for me when I ran for mayor even though I made the call to Floyd that ended any chance that her case would be investigated properly.”

Jason waited, and finally, Ned turned back to him. “Does she know that I was involved with Ric, too?” he asked. “That I gave him money and support—things he used to torment and traumatize her?”

“I don’t know. We never talked about it. Ned—”

“Yeah, yeah, give me all the information you can about Ric when you can get it. I’ll make it work.” Ned set the photo down. “Whatever I can do for you and Elizabeth, just let me know.”

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