September 2003

Sonny’s Island

Elizabeth flicked the on button to answer her cell phone and rolled over onto her stomach. “Hello?”

“Hey, it’s me,” Sonny said. “How’s the weather down there?”

“Still warm as ever,” Elizabeth replied. She tipped her sunglasses down to peer at the setting sun. “How’s Port Charles?”

“It’s…the same. Emily and Nikolas are engaged–did she tell you that?” Sonny asked.

“Yeah, she called me last night–fifteen seconds after she’d answered his question.” Elizabeth traced her fingers in the sand. “Ric moved to New York yet?”

“Not yet. It’s been made clear to him that you’re not coming home until he’s gone but I don’t think he’s getting the point. It’s probably better that you’re away right now.”

“I like it down here,” Elizabeth admitted. “But two months of sitting around and just–relaxing…it gets old quick, you know? I miss my friends, my life. I needed the time away from everything but I’m ready to come home.”

Sonny nodded. “Whenever you want, the plane is ready to bring you back.”

“I appreciate you letting me use the cottage down here,” Elizabeth told him. “Maybe another week or so – I’ll come home.”

“Right, right. Did I tell you my lawyer is dating AJ?” Sonny grimaced. “There’s no accounting for her taste.”

“Robyn’s a good lawyer–and AJ’s not the idiot of old,” Elizabeth reminded him. She sat up and tugged at the top of her bikini. “As long as she keeps you out of jail, what do you care?”

“But…AJ…” Sonny shook his head.

“How’s…Jason?” Elizabeth finally decided to ask. “I mean–after Courtney and all…?”

“He’s still quiet–still keeps to himself. He’s been going back to Jake’s a lot, riding his bike–doing the things he did after he lost Michael and Robin,” Sonny admitted. “Carly’s been restricted to bed rest or else she’d be following him around, trying to make him talk.”

Elizabeth bit her lip. “Sonny…why don’t you send that plane tomorrow?”

Jake’s

Coleman stood behind the bar, nursing a beer as he watched Jason Morgan get into his third fight of the night. He couldn’t complain–the man acted as his unofficial bouncer. No one messed with the bar with the reputation it had of being Jason’s hangout.

And anything the man broke–he paid for. Couldn’t ask for much more than that.

When Elizabeth Webber entered the bar, she stood back on the fringes of the crowd and waited for Jason to finish his fight and return to the pool table.

She pushed out of the crowd and grabbed a pool cue “Is there room for someone else?” she asked.

He turned and stared at her–his eyes narrowing at the familiar outfit she wore. Her hair was teased back, she wore a pair of black jeans and a black tank top. If he wasn’t sure he hadn’t drank enough to impair his vision, he might have thought he was staring at an Elizabeth from four years ago.

“I thought you were on the island,” he said after a moment.

“I flew back this morning.” Elizabeth chalked the cue and set the pool balls up to break them. “Sonny told me you were hanging out here again.”

He shrugged. “People mind their own business here and those who don’t….”

“Deal with you.” Elizabeth nodded and lifted the cue so she could break. The balls scattered across the table and he was mildly surprised when she sunk three balls at the first shot. “I’ve been practicing.”

“Obviously.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “So what are you doing here?”

“Trying to find trouble.” She smirked. “What are you doing here?”

“Trying to forget,” he answered honestly. “What do you need trouble for?”

She lined up her next shot and muttered something under her breath when she missed. “I’ve spent two months on Sonny’s island–waiting for my divorce to be final–on my terms. I turned down alimony, support, the house–I turned it all down because I just want him out of my life and those things keep him there. I’m waiting for him to sign the papers and move out of town.”

“He hasn’t signed yet?” Jason asked, surprised.

“He signed this morning. I believe I have Johnny to thank–for a little bit of extra persuasion.” She shrugged. “So–after he signed, I thought–I thought I’d feel a little better. Like–whatever’s been hanging over my head will be gone. It’s been three months since the miscarriage, two since the trial–and I should be feeling better.”

“Just because you should feel something–doesn’t mean it’s wrong that you don’t,” Jason told her.

“It’s not that I feel something–it’s that I feel…nothing.” She eyed him. “Do you remember what nothing feels like?”

“Yeah–” he nodded and suddenly, his throat felt thick. “Yeah, that’s pretty much where I live.”

She set the pool cue down and held out her hand. “You want to see how I escape?”

He found a smile in him at that point and he took her hand. “You’re not driving.”

She pouted. “Spoilsport.”

 

THE END

Port Charles Courthouse

Scott Baldwin cleared his throat and stood. “Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the testimony you’ve heard in this courtroom along with the evidence presented leaves only one possibility. Sonny Corinthos pushed Elizabeth Lansing down those stairs in cold blood.”

He crossed to the front of the jury box. “They were the only two present. They were arguing and yes–Mrs. Lansing states that she does not believe Sonny Corinthos is guilty but how many times have you been reluctant to believe a friend is capable of something and find out later it is true?”

He slid his hands in his pockets. “Some of you are parents–mothers and fathers. You remember how incredible it was when you found out you were going to have a child? When my little Serena was born–I felt like I was on top of the world. I could no wrong, I was invincible.”

Some of the jury members smiled. Scott smiled back at them. After a moment, that faded. “Along with various other injuries, Sonny Corinthos stole that opportunity from Elizabeth Lansing. He pushed her down those stairs with no regard for her health or that of her child. She will never feel that baby’s heartbeat, feel that baby kick–hold that baby in her arms–watch him grow, take his first step–call her Mommy…”

In the back of the court room, Lucky put an arm around Elizabeth and Emily squeezed her hand tightly as Elizabeth fought back tears.

“It’s a travesty that we were unable to charge Sonny Corinthos with the death of that child but we can and have prosecuted him for pushing that poor defenseless young woman down those steps. Now–I’m asking you to do your civic duty–your moral duty–and send him to jail.”

He took his seat and smiled at Robyn who ignored him. “Ms. Nichols,” the judge prompted.

Robyn cleared her throat and stood, doing her best to walk without a limp. “As a woman who hopes one day to have a family, Elizabeth Lansing has my sympathy. I cannot imagine what it must be like to lose a child so soon after discovering its presence. And it is tragic that she will never experience being a mother to that child.”

Carly glanced over her shoulder and sighed when she saw Elizabeth silently crying. She wished there was something she could do to ease the other woman’s pain when she’d so selflessly defended Sonny on the stand that morning.

“But even though someone stole that from her, Elizabeth Lansing sat in this chair,” Robyn pointed to the witness stand, “and she not only stated it clearly–she practically screamed it to the heavens: Sonny Corinthos is not guilty. He did not push her. She even stated that she felt the long fingernails of a woman.”

“The only thing that the prosecution has stated without a doubt is that Sonny Corinthos and Elizabeth Lansing were at Rice Plaza that night alone and we even stipulated that. They were there, they did argue–but Sonny Corinthos walked away and there is no one who says he didn’t. The prosecution was unable to produce a witness stating that they saw Sonny push her. They couldn’t even introduce evidence showing that Sonny is a violent man, capable of such a heartless crime.”

She paused for a moment. “Sonny Corinthos is innocent and it would be a terrible miscarriage of justice to find him guilty. Don’t make that mistake.”

She sat down in her chair, grimacing at that slight pain in her leg.

The judge looked at the jury and began giving his instructions to the jury so they could begin their deliberations.

“I have to get out of here,” Elizabeth whispered to Lucky. He nodded and helped her to stand. He led her out of the courtroom as the judge released the jury to the jury room. Emily and Nikolas followed them.

Jessica and Ric were standing outside the courtroom, Jessica holding a tape recorder with a triumphant smile. The smile faded as she saw them exit, Elizabeth almost having to be propped up by Lucky and Nikolas, the trembling in her body so bad.

Ric took a step forward as if to comfort her but Jessica held him back. “You promised that you wouldn’t go near her.”

“But she needs me,” Ric hissed.

Carly, Jason and Sonny exited a moment later and Carly immediately crossed to Elizabeth. “I am so sorry that you had to sit through that,” she told the woman with complete sincerity. She touched Elizabeth’s shoulder. “Is there anything I can do for you?”

Elizabeth’s eyes dropped to the bulge of Carly’s abdomen and raised them back to her face. “How did you do it?” she asked hoarsely. “How did you go on with this aching void inside you?”

“One day at a time,” Carly said softly. “And sometimes I don’t feel I’ve gotten past it at all.”

Elizabeth nodded and stepped away from Lucky and Nikolas. “I need–I need some air.” She moved towards the stairs and held up her hands to stop them from following her. “And some space. Please.”

She turned and walked quickly away from the crowd, eager to break free from them all.

She’d never even seen her estranged husband standing there.

“What are you doing here?” Lucky asked, approaching Jessica and Ric. “Why did you bring him?”

“We just came from the police station,” Jessica said quietly. “We turned in a copy of this.” She held the recorder up and pressed play.

“Sure, I pushed the little wilting flower. Did you really think I would let her get away with keeping you from me?”

She stopped it and slid it back into her bag. “We’re not sure if it’s enough to prosecute her though but Ric manipulated her into thinking he was going to be with her so she’d confess.”

“Yeah, he’s real good at the manipulation part,” Carly said scornfully.

Ric cleared his throat and looked away. “I just hope it’s enough to get the charges against Sonny dropped.”

“Too little too late,” Lucky retorted. “You’re the one who fixed it so he was indicted in the first place.”

“I–”

“Just shut up. You said you wouldn’t say anything and you’re already breaking that now.” Jessica shot him a nasty glare before looking back at Lucky. “How did it go today?”

“Elizabeth testified this morning. Scott tried everything he could to shake her but there was nothing he could do. But the closing arguments were tough and she had to get out of there.”

“How does it look though? Will Sonny win?” Jessica asked.

“Robyn made a good case,” Carly informed her. “But you never can tell with juries.” She frowned. “Where’s Jason?”

Courthouse Steps

Elizabeth took in a big gulp of air and leaned against one of the pillars of the building. Her hands covered her abdomen and she closed her eyes.

Would the baby have been a girl or a boy? Would the baby have been enough to keep her marriage together or were she and Ric doomed from the start?

Would the baby have had her blue eyes or Ric’s brown ones? Light brown hair, dark brown hair? Sarah’s blonde hair maybe? Genetics were weird like that. The baby could have even looked more like its aunt than either of its parents.

Tears slid down her cheeks and her body started to shake. She slowly slid to the ground and buried her face in her hands.

“Elizabeth?”

She heard Jason’s voice and raised her eyes to find him kneeling next to her. “J-Jason?”

“I saw you leave and I–I wanted to check on you.” He touched her shoulder.

“I’m fine.” She swiped at her eyes and stood quickly. He followed suit.

“I didn’t ask if you were,” Jason remarked. “I could see that you weren’t.”

“It’s–just–I thought I was okay. I mean–it’s been over a month since it happened. I only knew about the baby for a few days. I–I thought I came to terms with it a while ago. But sitting in that room–listening to Scott Baldwin list the things that I will never do with my baby–” She swallowed hard and looked away. “It just hit all over again.”

“I’m sorry that you had to hear all of that,” Jason said.

“I know it had to be said. Scott wants to drive home the fact that a child was killed a-and I wish that the person on trial could have been guilty so I could feel good about him saying those words–because it’s not fair that no one will ever pay for the death of my baby.” She closed her eyes. “It’s not fair that just because my baby was nine weeks old and not twenty-five, it doesn’t count. It was a still a baby–it was still a little living presence and I could feel it inside me–and now it’s gone and I’m supposed to pretend it was never there–”

She started sobbing again and after a moment, he was unable to watch her in pain any longer. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and drew her into his arms. She clutched at the front of his black dress shirt and buried her face in his chest.

A few moments later, someone cleared their throat near them. Jason glanced over to see Nikolas Cassadine standing there. “Hey–the jury’s back.”

Port Charles Courthouse

“Fifteen minutes. That’s not good is it?” Carly asked as she leaned towards the bar that separated the front of the courtroom from the spectator seats.

“It’s not usually but it’s possible the jury didn’t buy Scott’s case,” Robyn answered. She turned and caught Jessica Mitchell’s eye–she hadn’t had a chance to really speak to the other woman but her presence at the trial assured Robyn that the morning’s project had gone as planned.

“Did you find out where Jason went?” Sonny asked.

“No–” Carly glanced over her shoulder to see Jason and Elizabeth entering the courtroom, his arm around her shoulders. “Well–yeah.”

“Hey,” Elizabeth said softly. “I thought it might show some more solidarity if we all sat together.”

Carly nodded and slid over. “You’re more than welcome to sit here.”

Jason sat down next to Carly and Elizabeth next to him. The jury filed in one by one. She tried to read their faces but found that she couldn’t.

The judge called the court back into session and cleared his throat. “Members of the jury, have you reached a verdict?”

The foreman stood and nodded. “We have, Your Honor. On the charge of aggravated assault in the first degree, we find the defendant Michael Corinthos, Jr. -not guilty.”

Carly cried out and threw her arms around Jason before leaning across the divide and hugging her husband tightly.

“It’s over,” she whispered, closing her eyes. “It’s over.”

Elizabeth hugged Jason before embracing Sonny. “Thank you for everything that you did,” he told her. “If there is ever anything I can do for you–”

“There is something,” Elizabeth told him, keeping her voice down. “Maybe we could talk after everything dies down.”

Sonny pulled away and looked at her oddly–but as if sensing she would not talk until she was ready, he just nodded and kissed her cheek before turning to his lawyer.

A week later

Robyn’s Office

Georgie pulled her black jacket and hung it over the back of her chair, shooting Dillon a nasty look as he worked on collating some of the newest briefs that been delivered while they were at Courtney Matthew’s funeral.

“I can’t believe she put you on salary,” Georgie grumbled. She sat down and started going through the mail. She set aside bills and shoved letters from clients in another pile. “She must be on crack.”

“She has been on some powerful pain killers,” Dillon agreed. “I told her it really wasn’t necessary but…”

“Hey, is your mother still in town?” Georgie changed the subject.

“Nope. She was only home long enough to give my grandfather heart pains. That and to get funding for some project. She got it, she’s gone–son of a bitch!” he yelped in pain, bringing his thumb to his mouth. “God damn stapler.”

“Yeah, those things can be lethal,” Robyn cracked from the doorway of her office. She had a cane to help her walk and had a bit of a limp but otherwise, looked and acted fine. “Jones, if a Jessica Mitchell calls, put her through. She’s doing a little side job.”

“Isn’t that the reporter from the Herald?” Georgie asked. She yanked Dillon’s finger from his mouth and slapped a bandage on it.

“Yeah. She’s got a lead on the real culprit.” Robyn took a deep breath. “Okay. We go back into session tomorrow. Did Scott send over the paperwork for his expert witness?”

“Yeah, I left it on your desk. Apparently, it’s some psychologist from California,” Georgie said. “I read Scott’s paperwork and then Dillon did some research on the computer about him.”

“Yeah?” Robyn asked, interested. “So he’s gonna earn his salary now?”

“That’s my aim,” Dillon said. “He’s got some theory all men hate their siblings and seek to destroy their lives. He’s going to present that theory for Sonny.”

Robyn frowned. “Has Scott lost his mind? He can’t introduce psychiatric testimony about a theory that’s not in general practice.”

“Nope. So you probably won’t have to worry about his testimony since you can get it thrown out.”

“Gee, thanks for that bit of law,” she said dryly. “Okay, and that’s Scott’s last witness so I’d better call our star witness and get her prepared.”

She disappeared back into her office and Dillon stared at the bandage on his finger. “Hey, you do care.”

Georgie rolled her eyes. “You’re a buffoon, you know that? I couldn’t let you drip blood on the papers.”

“Uh uh,” Dillon wagged his finger at her. “You like me. You can’t deny it.”

“Go stick your head in a boiling pot of water,” she scowled.

Corinthos Penthouse

Carly rubbed her eyes. “I think we should convince Jason to come over for dinner tonight,” she told Sonny. “He’s been sitting in his penthouse for the past two weeks, no one’s seen him except for today at the viewing and he hasn’t even said anything.”

“Jason’s never really dealt with grieving,” Sonny replied. “He’s never lost anyone close to him before–not like this. You have to let him figure this out for himself.”

“Yes, but he doesn’t have to be alone while he figures it out,” Carly argued. She sighed. “Look, we’ve been under so much stress this last month, with the trial and now Courtney…I just want to make sure we can keep our family together.”

“We will,” Sonny assured her. He put an arm around her shoulders. “We just have to give it some time. The trial will be over soon–Robyn only has one witness and she called a little while ago. Elizabeth goes on the stand tomorrow.”

“What if the jury doesn’t believe her?” Carly asked fearfully. “What if they believe the rumors and you get sent to jail and Jason and I are all that’s left?”

Sonny shook his head. “Don’t even think about that. It can’t happen that way. We’ll find a way out of this, I promise.”

The Next Day

Port Charles Courthouse: Lobby

Robyn emerged from the judge’s chambers with a smile on her face and a sulking Scott behind them. She stopped in front of Sonny and Carly. “I sure hope Elizabeth is ready.”

“So you got the testimony thrown out?” Carly asked hopefully. “No psychiatrist?”

“No psychiatrist,” Robyn confirmed. She glanced over at Scott who was fighting through a group of reporters, doing his best to remain silent. “Not only did Scott not give me proper notice but he can’t introduce psychiatric testimony when the defendant has not been examined or isn’t putting on a psychiatric defense. Also, the doctor he wanted to call practices a theory that isn’t generally accepted so all in all, it was obvious a desperate move on his part.”

“He knows he’s gonna lose,” Carly stated. She touched Sonny’s arm. “Because you’re innocent.”

“Elizabeth is prepped, she’s our star witness and Scott won’t shake her. I promise you, Mrs. Corinthos, I have done everything in my power to keep your husband from getting a guilty verdict,” Robyn told her. She glanced at her watch. “Okay, I need to call Elizabeth and let her know that she’s due in a half hour.”

She strode towards a bank of payphones. “She’s a good lawyer,” Carly admitted. “She’s going to get you acquitted.”

“All the lawyers in the world can’t control the jury,” Sonny sighed. He rubbed the back of his neck. “How you feeling? You all right?”

“I’m fine.” She kissed his cheek. “I’m going to go call Jason and let him know court will be in session soon. He’ll want to come out for this at least.”

“Don’t push him,” Sony warned her again. “It’s okay.”

“What’s okay?” Jason asked, approaching them. “Did Robyn talk to you about the psychiatrist?”

Carly blinked, her mouth open a little. A moment later, she threw her arms around Jason. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

He held her tightly. “I’m okay, Carly,” he promised. “I just needed some time to process everything, okay?”

She nodded tearfully. “Well, it’s good that you’re here because Robyn’s calling Elizabeth to the stand in a half hour and then she’s resting her case. It all hangs on her now.”

“She’ll come through,” Jason said firmly. “She always does.”

Port Charles Courthouse: Steps

Elizabeth darted up the stairs, shielded from the press by the glares of Lucky and Nikolas. It’d been a bad morning for her–it was all she could just to get out of bed and get showered. But once Robyn had called, she’d felt better.

She had a reason to breathe this morning.

“You okay?” Lucky asked. He gripped her shoulders. “You up for this?”

“I’m fine,” Elizabeth repeated for the third time that morning. “I need to tell the jury that Sonny is innocent.”

“Scott Baldwin’s going to do whatever he can to shake you,” Nikolas warned her. “So…don’t be surprised if he brings up everything and anything.”

Emily nodded. “Right. He’ll do anything to get Sonny in jail.”

“I know all of this,” Elizabeth assured them. She smiled briefly. “I’m ready.”

“Okay.” Lucky took a deep breath. “Then let’s do this.”

Emily rolled her eyes. “Oh for…we’re not going to war, Lucky!”

Port Charles Courthouse: Courtroom

The judge called the court to order before looking at Robyn who was getting last minute typed questions from Georgie. “Ms. Nichols, present your first witness.”

Robyn stood. “The defense calls Mrs. Elizabeth Lansing.”

The doors open and all eyes were on the victim in the case as she nervously came down the aisle and stepped up to the witness stand. A bailiff swore her in and she sat down.

Because of her limp and the cane, Robyn was unable to question Elizabeth in her normal pacing manner and settled for staying seated. “Please state your name, address and occupation for the record.”

“Elizabeth Lansing, 231 Harbor Drive and part-time waitress,” Elizabeth answered.

“Mrs. Lansing, on the evening of May 23 of this year, where you?” Robyn began.

Elizabeth took a deep breath. “I was at Rice Plaza meeting with my brother-in-law, Sonny Corinthos.”

“You were meeting with the defendant,” Robyn clarified.

“Yes.”

“Why were you meeting with him?”

“I had married his brother the day before and I wanted…I wanted to form some kind of truce between them,” Elizabeth answered. “They only recently found out about their relationship and it’s been very antagonistic. For the sake of my child and the one Carly is about to have…” she took a deep breath and forced herself to continue. “I was hoping to find a way to get past it.”

“But the meeting didn’t go well.”

“No,” Elizabeth admitted. “We were both arguing. We both yelled. Called in markers, so to speak. Took advantage of past favors…it was a bad fight and I walked away, knowing we weren’t going to come to any kind of agreement.”

“You walked away first,” Robyn said.

“Yes.”

“You did not see Sonny walk away.”

“No.”

She stood then and started towards Elizabeth. “What’s the last thing you remember before waking up in the hospital, Mrs. Lansing?”

“I was on the stairs and someone pushed me,” she answered softly.

“You sustained a number of injuries, none particularly life-threatening. But the one that concerned and upset everyone was the miscarriage of your child,” Robyn said bluntly.

“Yes,” Elizabeth answered in a hushed voice. “I…when I woke up, my husband told me that the baby had not survived the surgery.” She glanced away and met Emily’s reassuring gaze.

“You say someone pushed you down the stairs. Do you remember who? Did you see?” Robyn asked.

“No. The push was light–just enough to make me lose my balance,” Elizabeth answered. “It was a woman’s touch. I…” she hesitated and met Mac Scorpio’s eyes. “I felt the nails. They were women’s long nails.”

“Objection!” Scott bellowed. “None of this was in the police report.”

“Your Honor, the event was traumatic and it’s possible that the more Mrs. Lansing talks about it, the more she remembers,” Robyn said quickly.

“Overruled.”

“Mrs. Lansing, even if you weren’t sure of the kind of hand it was, is there any doubt in your mind that my client is innocent?”

“There is none,” Elizabeth told her clearly. “I’ve known Sonny for a long time and he would not have done this.”

“You’re good friends,” Robyn said. “You’ve been close for a few years. Supported each other through a great many things. Friends do things for each other. Get each other out of trouble…?” she trailed off.

Elizabeth shook her head. “I wouldn’t lie to protect to him. When I say Sonny is innocent, I mean that. He didn’t push me. He was angry but he never would have pushed me down the steps.” Her eyes teared and she found Sonny’s gaze. “He and his wife lost a child that way a few years ago and I can’t imagine for one second he’d ever put another woman though that kind of pain–not even for revenge or out of anger.”

Robyn nodded. “Thank you, Mrs. Lansing.” She glanced at Scott before taking a seat. “Your witness.”

Scott stood and shoved a hand inside one of his pockets. “Mrs. Lansing, good morning. How are you?”

“Fine,” Elizabeth answered warily.

“You testified that you’ve known Mr. Corinthos for a great many years, that the two of you are friends.”

“Yes.”

“Give me an example of one of the times he’s helped you, been a friend.”

Elizabeth glanced at Robyn who urged her to go on with a gesture of her hands. “A few years ago, there was a fire in a garage that his best friend Jason owned. My boyfriend lived above in one of the rooms and he was believed to be dead.” She took a deep breath. “I was devastated–I was there when they brought out this…a chain Lucky wore around his neck…they had taken it off the body…” her voice caught, remembering that night. “And Lieutenant Taggart handed to me. Up until then I had just…I’d been adamant that it wasn’t Lucky in there. It couldn’t be…but when they gave me that…” she shook her head. “I just fell apart.”

“And Mr. Corinthos?” Scott prompted.

“He caught me before I hit the ground,” Elizabeth answered in a hushed voice. “That’s really only one of the clear moments I remember of that night. He and Jason were there that night–and I guess they felt responsible…because Jason owned the building a-and they couldn’t do anything to save Lucky…he was very supportive of me that night. They both were,” she added quickly.

“So you and Sonny were friends even before you started dating his best friend,” Scott stated.

“I–yes,” Elizabeth answered. There was no need or way to explain the complicated relationship she’d once shared with Jason and she knew he’d understand that. “He was always there for me if I needed him and I was able to offer him comfort the night Carly miscarried.”

“And yet…once you ended your relationship with Jason Morgan, didn’t that end your friendship with Sonny Corinthos?”

“No,” Elizabeth said immediately. “You don’t have to see each other or talk to each other every single day to be friends. That’s not how friendship works,” she retorted. “Sonny was and still is someone I consider a very good friend.”

“This is the man who is on trial for killing your child,” Scott said, suddenly coming forward and resting his hands on the edge of the witness stand. “The man who is accused of pushing you down a flight of stone steps–”

“Objection, council is badgering the witness!” Robyn cut in sharply.

“I know what he’s accused of,” Elizabeth said in a shaky voice. “I know what you think of him and I know what everyone else thinks of him. But what you think and what I know are very different things. He did not push me, Mr. Baldwin. It is not in his nature or in his character to push a defenseless woman down a flight of stairs purposefully and deliberately. You think by throwing the death of my baby in my face you can get me to say well maybe he did do it but you’re wrong,” she snapped. Tears were streaming down her face now and her hands were trembling but her voice was still strong.

“Sonny Corinthos didn’t push me,” Elizabeth repeated. “You can sit here all day and you will never get me to say anything different. Not out of revenge for his best friend breaking my heart, not out of revenge for the death of my child breaking up my marriage. There is nothing you could say that would make me change my mind.”

Scott glared at her for a moment. “You met Sonny Corinthos at Rice Plaza to plead for your husband’s life, didn’t you?”

“I met with him to plead for a truce,” Elizabeth corrected in a scathing tone. “He and Ric argued and fought with each other every time they came near one another. If something bad happened to either one of them, they automatically suspected the other had orchestrated it. I didn’t wait to raise my child in an environment like that.”

“Well, Sonny Corinthos certainly made sure you didn’t have to,” Scott challenged.

“Someone pushed me but it wasn’t Sonny!” Elizabeth retorted.

“How can you be so sure?” Scott demanded. “Are you willing to stake your life on that?”

“Yes,” Elizabeth replied firmly meeting his glare straight on. “I am one hundred percent positive that Michael Corinthos is innocent of this crime.”

Furious with his inability to shake her testimony, Scott threw his hands up. “I’m done with this witness.”

The judge nodded. “Ms. Nichols, any redirect?”

“Oh, I think Mr. Baldwin pretty much took care of it for me,” Robyn said. “Oh…and the defense rests,” she added with a smug smile.

The judge nodded. “Mrs. Lansing, you may step down. This court is in recess until 1 PM. You will meet me in my chambers to discuss final instructions to the jury and then closing arguments will commence after that.” He rapped the gavel.

Elizabeth shakily stepped down from the witness stand and went over to the defense table. “Did I do all right?” she asked hesitantly.

“You did so much better than I could have dreamed,” Robyn assured her. “That whole last few minutes up there? With you listing all the reasons why you could frame Sonny and didn’t? Girl, those are moments we dream about in law school.” She put her arm around the slightly trembling brunette. “I’m buying you a drink. Come on.”

“You okay?” Lucky asked immediately as he, Nikolas and Emily strode through the gate. He gripped her shoulders. “Do you need sit down?”

“Why don’t you sit down, Mother Hen?” Emily rolled her eyes. She stepped over to her brother and wrapped him in her arms. “Hey, how are you?”

“I’m fine.” He hugged her back. “A lot better now that we know for sure Sonny will be acquitted.”

“Thank you for the things you said about my husband,” Carly told Elizabeth. “With all of the evidence and your testimony…there’s no doubt in my mind now.” She glanced at Sonny. “Right?”

Sonny nodded. “Right. Thank you, Elizabeth. I don’t deserve the things you said up there but it made my heart feel good to hear them.”

Elizabeth nodded and hugged him surprisingly. “I’m so sorry about Courtney,” she said softly. She glanced at Carly and Jason. “I’m sorry to all of you. I wanted to come to the viewing but these last few weeks have been hard for me.”

“There were some mornings I didn’t want to get out of bed,” Carly said, with a note of understanding.

“We should get some lunch while we can,” Nikolas told Elizabeth.

“Yeah, Kelly’s?” Emily suggested, taking Elizabeth by the arm and leading her away from the Corinthos family.

“That sounds good,” Elizabeth agreed. She laughed shakily. “I could use some hot chocolate.”

“With sprinkles and whipped cream,” Emily added, pushing the doors open.

Kelly’s

Elizabeth looked at her skeptically. “You can’t possibly be serious.”

Jessica sighed. “Look, I know it’s not the best situation. You and your ex don’t get along but everything you’ve told me and everything I’ve heard…Ric seems to genuinely want justice for you and your child. Wouldn’t he jump at the chance to do this?”

“I don’t want to have anything to do with Ric,” Elizabeth said firmly. “There’s got to be a different way.”

“I’ve been following the trial very closely,” Jessica told her. “Robyn Nichols is a fantastic lawyer–she’ll get Sonny off. There’s no doubt in my mind. But even if Sonny goes free, Faith might never be prosecuted.”

“They could find evidence,” Elizabeth protested.

Jessica shook her head. “There’s nothing substantial there. Just a grudge from before. Yeah, everyone knows that Faith pushed you. And the general consensus is that she ordered the shooting that killed Courtney. She pushed you down a flight of stairs and your baby died. Isn’t finding justice for that child and for Courtney Matthews…isn’t that more important than hating your ex-husband?”

Elizabeth bit her lip and closed her eyes. “You don’t understand, Jessica. Ric Lansing doesn’t do anything without thinking about how it might benefit him. If I go to him and I ask him to do this…he will want something in return.”

“Then I’m really glad you’re divorcing him,” Jessica replied. “Because that kind of guy sounds like a son of bitch.” She hesitated. “I’ll ask him.”

Elizabeth shook her head. “Why is this so important to you? So you can have the exclusive story when it’s done?”

Jessica sat back in her chair and ran a finger around the rim of her glass of soda. “When I was in college,” she began, “I got pregnant and I miscarried the baby. And I spent about a semester and a half in therapy trying to understand why.”

“I’m so sorry,” Elizabeth breathed. “It’s the most horrible feeling in the world, isn’t it?”

“Yeah,” Jessica admitted, her eyes a little glossy from tears. Her voice broke. “It’s like this empty feeling and you’re sure that something you did put it there. If maybe I’d taken better care of myself, eaten better food…” She cleared her throat. “There was this little life inside and now there’s not and you can’t change that no matter how much you want to.”

Elizabeth reached across the table and took Jessica’s hand in hers. “Or if maybe I had just stayed out of it?” she continued in a quiet voice. “If I hadn’t called Sonny that night and if I hadn’t taken Faith’s bait…” she shook her head. “So many what ifs.”

Jessica cleared her throat. “Anyway, that’s why I want to see this through. Because you have a reason–you have somewhere to put your anger and frustration. You can lock up the person who did this to you–we just need to get the evidence to put them there.”

“If you think you can talk Ric into doing this without making promises…” Elizabeth trailed off. “Then by all means, give it a shot.”

Jessica sat up straight and smiled a little. “Everyone has a selling price. You just have to know the angle.”

Robyn’s Hospital Room

Robyn shifted through some briefs and signed her name to a few before handing them to Georgie. “File those in the office and these at the courthouse,” she instructed.

“Sure.” Georgie slid the papers into brown file folder before sliding it neatly into her messenger bag. “I finished the filing system at the office,” she told her boss. “It’s all categorized and then alphabetized.”

Robyn smirked. “Trying to make yourself invaluable to me?” She snorted. “Too late. You already know how to use the copier machine without smacking it. You’ve got a job for life.”

There was a knock on the closed door and Robyn wrinkled her nose. “You don’t think it’s Carly again do you?”

Georgie smiled. “I doubt it. She doesn’t really like you that much and I think she had an appointment with the funeral home about Courtney.”

“Okay, then.” Robyn raised her voice. “Come in!”

The door opened and AJ Quartermaine entered. “Hey, have you seen the wayward one?” he asked.

“I’m going to need some details and your name,” Robyn said briskly with a smile. “Jones, do you know this person?”

“That’s Dillon’s cousin, AJ,” Georgie told her. “AJ, this is Robyn Nichols, the lawyer I’m working for.”

“Nice to meet you,” AJ said. He grinned. “The lawyer who he won’t leave alone in his endless quest to woo Georgie?”

“Shut up,” Georgie hissed.

“Ah, so you know of Dillon’s master plan,” Robyn said knowingly. “Do you help him come up with his angles?”

“I hope he’s not getting any tips from me, “AJ replied. “Since he’s been unsuccessful so far, what would that say about my love life?”

“If it’s anything like poor Dillon’s, it can’t be much fun,” Robyn quipped. “You were looking for him?”

“Yep. We’ve got a Class Four Emergency at the house and his presence has been requested.”

“He left about an hour ago to go do something,” Georgie reported. “He didn’t say what.”

“Which means it’s another dastardly plan to win your heart,” AJ replied, grinning.

“What’s a Class Four Emergency?” Robyn asked curiously.

“Oh, that means that someone unexpected has come into town and the family has to get together and get rid of them before they do anything to make them lose money,” Georgie said.

AJ’s grin grew wider. “Got it in one. She’s destined to be a Quartermaine.”

Georgie scowled. “Am not.”

“Your family actually has a list of these emergencies?” Robyn asked, surprised. “Do you write them down or is it kind of ingrained from birth?”

“Sort of both,” AJ replied. “Just ask Georgie to decipher the language. Seems like she knows it pretty well.” He earned a glare from the teen. “If you see Dillon, tell him the Flamingo is in town and he’ll want to get home as soon as possible. Oh, and tell him to bring you. She’d get a kick out of it.”

“Who’s the Flamingo and why would she want to meet Georgie?” Robyn asked suspiciously.

“The Flamingo is Dillon’s mother and I am not meeting the woman who abandoned her son into that asylum,” Georgie retorted.

“You give each other code names?” Robyn asked, amused. “I’ve got to meet this family.”

“That can definitely be arranged,” AJ replied. “But be careful, once you go Quartermaine, you don’t go back.”

Robyn smiled at him. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Georgie grimaced when she realized the two had practically been flirting the whole time that AJ had been in the room. When he was gone, she shook her head. “What do people see in him?”

“Oh, he’s kind of charming,” Robyn remarked. “Kind of like your Dillon.”

“He’s not my Dillon.”

“So, if he were to go and ask some other girl out–”

“She’d be wearing her guts as a hair band,” Georgie retorted hotly.

“Yep. That’s what I thought.”

Ric’s Apartment

He was in the middle of packing his law books when someone knocked on the door. He set the heavy book back on his desk and crossed to open it.

Ric frowned when an unfamiliar young woman was revealed to him. “Who are you?”

“Jessica Mitchell, Port Charles Herald,” Jessica said briskly. “I’m here on an errand from your ex-wife.”

“Estranged wife,” Ric corrected automatically. “We’re not divorced yet.” He stepped aside. “You want to come in?”

“Not a problem.” She entered and he closed the door. “Nice place.”

“It was good while it lasted.” Ric returned to the desk and started putting books inside. “You said you were here on an errand for Elizabeth?”

“By now it should be completely clear that Sonny Corinthos didn’t push her,” Jessica began.

“He hasn’t been found innocent yet,” Ric reminded her.

She glared at him. “You want be quiet while I do this? Thanks.” She took a deep breath. “Your ex–”

“Estranged.”

“–wife thinks it might have been Faith Roscoe,” Jessica continued, her eyes turning frosty with his interruption. “I happen to agree but I also know that there’s no evidence against her.”

“What does any of this have to do with me?” Ric asked shortly, taping the box shut and setting it next to the door. He put his hands on his hips. “As you obviously know, my wife is no longer speaking to me.”

“She mentioned that Faith admitted to you that she put a snake in Elizabeth’s studio prior to your marriage,” Jessica went on. “Is that true?”

“Yes.” Ric smirked. “And you want me to trick her into confessing that she pushed Elizabeth as well? I’m sorry, no.”

“You’re not interested in learning who killed your baby?” Jessica asked coldly. Ric glared at her.

“I already know who killed my baby,” he retorted. “Sonny Corinthos. He pushed Elizabeth down the stairs and now he’s crying innocent. And she’s naïve enough to believe that he didn’t do it.” His voice began to rise. “But what she’s conveniently forgetting is that Sonny has already pushed another pregnant woman down the stairs–only he didn’t succeed in killing that baby, did he?”

“Look, I don’t care about your grudge against your brother–that has nothing to do with me–”

“None of this has anything to do with you,” Ric snapped. “You’re just butting in where no one wants you.”

“Your wife wants my help,” Jessica corrected. “And she wants to know who’s responsible for killing her child and effectively ruining her marriage. I would have thought you’d want to know too.” She tilted her head to the side. “Unless…you blame her.”

“Of course I don’t blame her,” Ric said immediately. He turned away from Jessica, driving his fingers through his hair and squeezing his eyes shut. “Elizabeth was the only good thing in my life–the only person who ever loved me. And because of Sonny–”

“That’s a fucking copout and you know it,” Jessica cut in swiftly, her eyes cold and hard. “If you don’t blame Elizabeth, then you blame yourself. You think about the reason Elizabeth even went to Rice Plaza and you realize that if it wasn’t for your stupid vendetta, she might have been home safe where she belonged. Because she was looking out for you–this makes it your fault.”

He spun to look at the petite brunette who’d managed to voice the very things that he’d been thinking over and over since the day Elizabeth fell. “If I hadn’t given her a reason not to trust me, she wouldn’t have thought I tried to blow Sonny’s limo up. She wouldn’t have feared retaliation. She wouldn’t have tried to fix it.”

“And she wouldn’t have been at Rice Plaza May 23,” Jessica said softly. “You blame Sonny so you don’t have to blame yourself.” When he didn’t say anything, she sighed. “He didn’t do it and I think you know it.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“Doing this isn’t going to get your wife back but maybe…” Jessica hesitated. “Maybe it will make you feel better about your part in this.”

He nodded. “Yeah.” Ric sighed heavily. “Yeah, tell Elizabeth I’m in.”

Robyn’s Hospital Room

Robyn narrowed her eyes. “He what?”

Georgie shifted uncomfortably and shot a look at Dillon. “Scott petitioned to assign Sonny with another lawyer to continue the case.”

Robyn actually made a sound that resembled a growl and started to sit up. “I am going to kill that man with my bare hands,” she muttered.

“The judge turned him down. He said in light of the circumstances, he was giving a two week recess,” Dillon hurried to tell her.

“Okay.” Robyn pressed her index finger against her temple. “Everything’s in order at the office?”

“Yeah,” Georgie told her. “I rescheduled all your meetings.”

“They’re releasing me in two days,” Robyn told them. “Just a little gunshot to the arm and one to the leg. No big deal.”

Kyle snorted in the doorway. “No. No big deal at all.”

Georgie twisted and glared at the other teen out of habit. “I still can’t believe she’s related to you.”

Kyle ignored her and joined them at his aunt’s bedside. “You know, my mother warned you,” he said lightly. “But you were determined to work for Sonny.”

Robyn shrugged. “What can I say? I love a challenge. Sorry about your birthday party.”

Kyle shook his head. “Don’t worry about it, but…uh…could you not tell my parents that I had it? I’m kind of…grounded.”

Georgie couldn’t suppress a grin. “Good. You deserve it.”

“Why don’t the two of you go home?” Robyn suggested. “You’re officially on vacation until I’m out of the hospital.”

“He doesn’t even work for you,” Georgie said, exasperated.

“He does so,” Robyn protested. “He’s just not on salary. He’s a volunteer.”

Dillon scowled. “I should get paid. I do a lot of stapling.”

Georgie rolled her eyes and grabbed his arm to lead him to the door. “Well, I keep telling you to go home…”

The argument faded as the two walked down the hall and Kyle shook his head. “Those two are demented.”

“They’re entertaining though.” Robyn shifted in the bed. “So, how do you know Georgie? She seems to have a stellar opinion of you.”

Kyle sat in one of the two hospital chairs. “I sort of dated her sister, Maxie, before I went and screwed up.”

“Oh, yeah?” Robyn asked. “How’d you do that?”

“I sort of…hid a web cam in my room and broadcasted…us…together,” Kyle said reluctantly.

Robyn raised her eyebrows. “Oh, really? I’d say that was pretty stupid.”

“Yeah, well, she won’t talk to me anymore.”

“If I were her, I would have made impossible for you to have children.” Robyn shook her head. “How do you get away with things like that?”

Kyle shrugged. “My parents don’t pay attention to me. I pretty much get to do whatever I want.”

Robyn scowled. “So what exotic country did Caroline and Greg take off to this time?”

“They’re in London for a week,” Kyle reported. “They left this morning. Mom was going to come by, but Dad kind of hurried her along.”

“Yeah.” Robyn studied her nephew. “Did your sister get that student scholarship program to Russia?”

Kyle nodded. “Yeah. She leaves tomorrow and then it’s just me for the rest of the week. I think Mom and Dad are going to Italy for August. Why?”

“So you’re basically going to be in that house by yourself for the entire summer?” Robyn asked incredulously. “You’re barely eighteen. You’re not responsible enough for that.”

Kyle scowled. “I am, too.”

“How many parties have you had?”

“A few.”

“A few?”

“One every night,” Kyle admitted. “But we’re celebrating my graduation.”

“Yeah, okay.” Robyn rolled her eyes. “Well, that settles it.”

“What settles what?” Kyle asked, suspiciously.

“I’m going to suggest to your parents that you stay with me while they’re gone.”

“Aww…Aunt Robyn,” Kyle groaned. “Come on. You used to be cool.”

“If you’re producing and starring in your own porn movies, I think you need some supervision,” Robyn remarked.

“They’re not porn,” Kyle muttered. “It’s not like I made any money off them.”

“Yeah…that makes it so much better.”

Kelly’s

Elizabeth picked at her plate of French fries. “I just can’t believe it,” she said softly. “It seems so…unreal.”

Lucky nodded. “Yeah. I mean, one minute you’re insulting the girl while she’s across the diner and the next, she’s dead. Really makes me want to apologize to the guy at Dad’s club that’s always picking at his teeth.”

She smirked. “You’re a real winner, you know that?” She sat forward, pushing her plate out of the way. “I’ve been thinking about this divorce settlement and I just don’t feel right about it.”

“You’re getting a lot of money and a free house and you’re getting rid of the jackass while you’re at it,” Lucky said. “What’s not to feel right about?”

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “It’s not about that, Lucky. I just…I want him out of my life and having to receive alimony and living in a house he bought…I can’t do that. It just…it feels wrong.”

Lucky shrugged. “So don’t take it. Blackmail him. He did admit to you that he bribed Scott Baldwin not to call you. Tell him you’ll go to the cops unless he submits to your terms.”

“Yeah, so that I can be no better than him,” Elizabeth muttered. “No…there has to be some way to make him see reason.”

“Yeah. Blackmailing him would definitely make him see reason.”

“Lucky…” Elizabeth remarked, exasperated. She checked her watch. “You might want to clear out of here. Jessica Mitchell’s coming by and I know you despise her.”

“She’s a bloodsucker,” Lucky muttered.

“Gee, thanks, I think that’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said about me,” Jessica remarked from behind him. Lucky yelped and jumped a little.

“Damn it!”

Jessica grinned and sat down. “You make it so easy.”

Lucky scowled. “I’m out of here. I’m gonna go meet Nikolas and Emily. You wanna come over to the island after you’re done here?”

“Go to Wyndemere?” Elizabeth wrinkled her nose. “No way.”

“Thought so.” He stood and kissed her on the forehead. “See ya later.”

“So, how do you two know each other?” Jessica asked after Lucky was gone.

“We grew up together–almost got married before we realized what a mistake that would have been,” Elizabeth told her, deliberately glossing over their history.

“First loves–you’re lucky it turned into a friendship. I still don’t talk to my first boyfriend.” Jessica grimaced. “Ass.”

“Lucky’s my rock,” Elizabeth said simply. “Always has been, even before we ever got together. He, Emily and Nikolas, they’re my safe place. I know that I can always count on them.”

Jessica smiled. “Sounds perfect.” She hesitated. “So, how does Jason Morgan fit into this? And Sonny Corinthos?”

“A few years ago, I was in a bad place. Lucky had been kidnapped and we all thought he was dead,” Elizabeth began. “It was so horrible for me…for all of us. I was devastated but I tried to hide it, tried to pretend I was okay. You know, because if I were okay, everyone else felt like it okay to be okay…to move on. So I was trapped…because…”

“You weren’t okay,” Jessica supplied softly.

“Yeah.” Elizabeth sighed. “Eventually the pressure got to me and it was at the point where I just wanted to feel something–anything. So I got all dressed up and went looking for trouble.” She smiled then–a tiny one. “I found Jason instead and for the first time in a long time, it was okay to be sad, to be upset that he was gone and to really mourn him. Jason was really there for me at a time when I felt really alone.”

“So your friendship with Sonny springs from there?” Jessica asked.

“Yeah. When Jason was out of town, I’d go to Sonny for news on him and we were close. Sonny was there at the fire the night Lucky died and he caught me when I almost collapsed.” Elizabeth frowned. “He blamed himself at first but I told him it wasn’t his fault–it was mine. I’d given Lucky the candles.”

“It’s kind of weird to hear you talk about Lucky dying when I just saw him leave,” Jessica said, with a chuckle to lighten the mood.

Elizabeth smiled. “Yeah. It was a miracle to get him back.”

“What makes you think Sonny is innocent?” Jessica asked.

“Because I know him,” Elizabeth remarked. “He couldn’t do this–even if he thought himself capable of it in a blind rage, he didn’t do it. I know that he’s innocent, I know it like I know my own name. And I’d give anything to stop this–for the real guilty party to be brought to justice.”

“And you believe this is Faith Roscoe?” Jessica asked.

Elizabeth nodded. “Without a doubt. She’s the one who called me about Sonny and Ric’s fight, she’s the one who was always by, trying to get me out of Ric’s life. She’s the one who admitted to planting a snake in my studio. She wanted Ric for herself–and she would definitely not be above pushing a pregnant woman down a flight of stairs.” She sighed. “But there’s no real evidence.”

Jessica tilted her head to the side. “She admitted to planting the snake. Who’d she say that to?”

“Ric, she told Ric when he asked her.” Elizabeth shrugged. “What does that have to do with anything?”

Jessica’s face lit up. “I think I have an idea.”

 Corinthos Penthouse

Carly cleared her throat. “Janine called, wanting the details. I didn’t think it would hurt for her to come.”

Mike Corbin nodded and accepted the cup of coffee that Sonny handed him. Sonny sat next to him on the couch. “Janine was her mother, she deserves to be there.”

Carly glanced towards the door. “He hasn’t come out since we got home from the hospital. I’m so worried about him.”

“He’ll be okay,” Sonny said after a moment. “He just needs time to process–he might even leave town for a little while, but one day, he’ll be okay.”

Carly sighed. “I don’t know, Sonny. I want to believe that, but…I know Jason. I know better.”

“You could call Emily,” Mike suggested. “She’s always been good to him–she might be able to get through.”

“That’s a good idea,” Sonny replied. “Carly, why don’t you go do that?”

“Sure,” Carly replied. She grabbed her purse. “I’m going to the hospital to see Robyn. She’s getting released in a few days and…” She shrugged. “She was the last person to talk to Courtney. I just wanted to know what she might have said.”

“Carly…” Sonny protested.

“I’ll be fine,” Carly swore. She kissed him on the cheek and exited the penthouse.

Courtroom

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Robyn grumbled under her breath as Scott petitioned for a continuance.

“On what grounds?” Judge Stevenson asked.

“One of my witnesses was flying out of LAX and his plane was grounded,” Scott replied. “He won’t be in until tomorrow and I can’t finish my case without him.”

“Which witness is this?” Robyn asked. “I don’t see him on the list.”

“He’s an expert witness,” Scott smirked. “Maybe if your secretary was old enough to vote, she might have given you the packet I sent over.”

Robyn frowned and twisted in her seat to search out Georgie. The young girl was scowling at the district attorney in confusion.

“I don’t remember any thing about an expert witness,” Dillon whispered under his breath. “And I must have copied every single piece of paper in existence.”

“He didn’t send anything,” Georgie hissed back. She bit her lip. “What if she fires me?”

“She’s not gonna fire you.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Robyn said, turning back to face the judge. “I have obviously not received any notice of this witness. I don’t know his qualifications, I don’t know what exactly he’s supposed to be an expert on–”

“Yes, Ms. Nichols, you’re quite right. However, I am going to grant Mr. Baldwin a two day continuance so that his witness may arrive and that you may get up to speed.” The judge rapped his gavel. “Court is in recess until Wednesday at 9 a.m.”

People started to get up and move and Robyn was muttering under her breath as she started to shove files and note pads into her briefcase.

“Ms. Nichols, I swear to God I never saw anything about any witness,” Georgie said in a rush as she practically flew up the aisle to her employer.

“Georgie–”

“I’ve filed everything and I’m really organized, there’s no way it got lost,” Georgie continued, her eyes filling with tears. “I’m so sorry–”

“Georgie–” Robyn tried again.

“That’s what you get, Robbie,” Scott cut in smoothly. He patted Georgie on the head like she was a five-year-old. “When you hire children, you get that kind of level of work in return.”

Dillon swatted Scott’s hand away from Georgie. “Don’t touch her,” he snapped.

“Dillon, shut up,” Georgie hissed.

“No, Dillon’s quite right,” Robyn corrected. “Scott, touch my assistant again and you’ll be on the floor, is that clear?”

“That’s no way to treat the district attorney,” Scott said, smirking.

“And furthermore, the next time you forget to notify me about a witness and you try to blame it on my more than capable staff, I will report you to the Ethics Committee, got that?”

“Whatever,” Scott replied. He glared at the Corinthos-Morgan group who were talking quietly behind them before heading to the back of the courtroom to talk to the media.

“I’m so sorry, Ms. Nichols,” Georgie started to apologize again.

“Georgie, you didn’t do anything wrong,” Robyn assured her. “Scott’s an idiot and trying to blame this on you. Now, do the two of you need a ride back to the office?”

“I do, Dillon’s going home,” Georgie said firmly.

“Your car’s the red Miata right?” Dillon asked, grinning. “Can you put the top down?”

“You’re going home,” Georgie said to him again.

“No, it will mess up my hair,” Robyn said smoothly. “I’ll meet you two at the car.”

Dillon and Georgie argued all the way out the door while Robyn turned back to Sonny and his family. “I can’t imagine what Baldwin’s got planned now, but I assure you that it’s going our way.”

“It certainly seems that way,” Carly said, feeling a bit better than she had in days. “With Elizabeth’s testimony, we should be okay, right?”

“Unless she does a 180 and decides Sonny pushed her, we’ll be fine,” Robyn assured her. “Listen, though, I don’t know that we can chance putting the guard on the stand.”

“Why not?” Jason asked. “Max’s an honest guy.”

“It’s not what I’m worried about,” Robyn replied. “I don’t want Scott cross-examining him. He can be ruthless and it might do us more harm than good.”

“We’ll do whatever you think is best,” Sonny said quietly. “Come on, Carly, let’s get back to the penthouse. We can spend the afternoon with Michael.”

Carly nodded and kissed Jason on the cheek. “We’ll see you for dinner, okay?”

“Okay.”

Robyn sighed. “Well at least I can stop by my nephew’s birthday party tonight,” she muttered to herself. As she passed Courtney, the blonde put an arm out to stop her. “Oh, what now?” she snapped.

“Can we talk?” Courtney asked. “I need to say something to you.”

“Fine, go ahead,” Robyn said, facing her.

“No…” she looked up at her fiancée. “I’ll meet you at the limo, okay?”

“Okay,” Jason remarked. “I’ll see you later,” he said to Robyn and exited the courtroom.

“Come on, walk me to my car,” Robyn sighed.

A Building Across the Street

“You see where those two teens are,” Faith gestured. She glanced at the dark-haired man kneeling in the window, a sniper’s rifle in his hands. “Another woman will come to the car. I want her shot.”

“Shot and killed? Or just shot?” the man asked after a moment.

“Just shot,” Faith murmured. “I want a message sent to Sonny.” She smirked. “But fire a few times. You know…for effect.”

Elizabeth’s Car

“So, tonight at seven?” Jessica said, leaning against the used Toyota Elizabeth had salvaged from a dealer. “Kelly’s?”

“Actually, why don’t we head over there now?” Elizabeth asked. “We can get some drinks and get this out of the way.”

“That sounds good,” Jessica remarked. “Let me go to my car and I’ll meet you there.”

Near the Courthouse Steps

“Hey, Johnny,” Jason greeted. “Aren’t you still on Elizabeth?”

“Yep,” the guard replied. He gestured to where the brunette was talking with a reporter. “She’s talking to Jessica Mitchell from the Port Charles Herald .”

“You know who she is?” Jason asked skeptically. He frowned at the guard.

“Yeah. I read,” Johnny replied defensively. “Her picture’s next to every editorial she writes.”

“Yeah, okay.” Jason shook his head and headed towards the two women.

“So, what exactly are you going to be asking?” Elizabeth said as he approached.

“Well, I’ll want a biographical approach at first,” Jessica answered. “Background of you, of your marriage and your relationship to Sonny and Jason–”

“Why?” Jason interrupted, stepping up behind her.

Jessica whirled around and momentarily lost her train of thought. “Uh…”

“Jason, it’s fine,” Elizabeth said, impatiently. “She’s on our side.”

“Yep. Completely,” Jessica confirmed. “I think Sonny is innocent and I hope to sway public opinion.” She hesitated, turned back to Elizabeth. “I’ll meet you at Kelly’s.” She hurried towards her own car, leaving them alone.

“So, what do you want?” Elizabeth asked after a moment of silence.

“I wanted to thank you for what you said to Sonny,” Jason told her. “He…was…he was worried that he might have done it.”

“I’m glad he believed me,” Elizabeth replied. “Because I hate that this is happening. I want this over as much as any of you.”

“I wish I could tell I was sorry to hear about your divorce,” Jason told her. “But I’m not. You’re better off.”

She smirked. “Well, I should belt you for being so arrogant, but you’re right. I am.” She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. “You’ve got a great lawyer. Everything’s going to be fine.”

“Yeah. Yeah, we’re pretty confident,” Jason replied.

Before she could say anything else, she heard several gunshots in quick succession. She attempted to turn and look in the right direction but Jason pushed her to the ground. “Stay here,” he directed roughly.

Robyn’s Car

“I apologize for the way I’ve been acting lately,” Courtney said as they approached the car. “I’ve just been so worried about Sonny and everything. I know you’re doing the best you can.”

Robyn frowned and looked away. “Yeah. Okay. It’s fine.”

Courtney smiled. “Great. I’m glad we got this all worked out.”

Robyn nodded and turned to Georgie. “Georgie–”

Whatever she was going to say was lost in the sound of gun shots. There were six in quick succession. Georgie screamed as Dillon pushed her to the ground and before they could even begin to recover from the shock, Jason was there, bending over the fallen figures of Robyn and Courtney.

“Courtney!”

General Hospital

Elizabeth shifted uncomfortably as she sat next to Georgie and Dillon, waiting for news on Robyn and Courtney’s condition. It was impossible to tell who the target had been since according to the teens, they’d been standing side by side. Robyn had taken two shots, one to the arm and one to the leg. Courtney had taken just one, to the chest. It was serious, and she could see from Sonny and Carly’s expressions from across the lobby that it didn’t look good.

“She’s going to be okay, right?” Georgie asked. “I mean, people recover from this stuff all the time.”

“Right,” Dillon agreed.

The elevator doors slid open and another teen their age flew out of it and headed for the nurse’s station. “Robyn Nichols,” Kyle Radcliffe told them, slightly out of breath.

Georgie frowned and stood. “How do you know Robyn?”

At the familiar voice, Kyle turned and looked at her oddly. “She’s my aunt. How do you two know her?”

“I work for her,” Georgie answered.

” We work for her,” Dillon corrected, standing behind her. “She’s still in surgery.”

“What happened?” Kyle demanded. “All I got was the message on my machine to come down here. The rest of my family’s out of town–they won’t get back until tomorrow.”

“We were at the courthouse waiting to go back to the office when we heard these gun shots,” Georgie explained. “Robyn was shot in the arm and the leg and Courtney Matthews was shot in the chest.”

“My mom tried to tell her taking Sonny Corinthos as a client was a bad idea,” Kyle muttered. “How long has she been in surgery?”

“About an hour or so,” Dillon replied.

Elizabeth stood suddenly. “Oh no,” she murmured. Her eyes were trained on the sobbing Carly instead of the two statuesque men next to her.

Kyle frowned. “Who’s that?”

“Elizabeth Lansing, one of Robyn’s clients. She was there, too.” Georgie approached her. “Are you okay, Mrs. Lansing?”

“I think they just got news about Courtney,” Elizabeth said quietly. She pulled her cell phone out. “I’d better call Emily–Jason’s going to need her.” She started for the lounge where cells were allowed.

But Emily, Nikolas and Lucky piled out of the elevator next, having heard the news on the radio. Emily hugged Elizabeth before making a beeline for her brother.

“You okay?” Nikolas asked. “You weren’t hurt?”

Elizabeth shook her head. “No. A few scrapes when Jason pushed me to the ground, but I’m fine.”

“So, it was your lawyer and Courtney who were shot?” Lucky asked. “Is there any news?”

Elizabeth shook her head. “Robyn’s not out of surgery yet, but I think they got news about Courtney.”

Across The Room

Emily guided her brother into a chair. He hadn’t moved or even blinked since the doctor gave them the news. Too much bleeding, too much internal damage. The bullet had ruptured an artery and she hadn’t gotten to the hospital in time.

“I’m so sorry,” she whispered. She kneeled in front of him. “Is there anything you need?”

He didn’t speak and he wouldn’t speak for another two weeks.

Courtroom

Scott stood in front of the jury for a few silent moments, just peering at them. He had his hands in his pockets and was completely still.

After a few long moments, he finally spoke. “On May 22, 2003, Elizabeth Webber married Richard Lansing. She’s twenty-two and beautiful as anyone can plainly tell. She’s sitting in the back, by the way,” Scott gestured to where Elizabeth was sitting. “She was also pregnant.”

After long moment of silence.

“On May 23, 2003, Elizabeth Webber, now Elizabeth Lansing, met with the defendant, Michael Corinthos, Jr. at Rice Plaza. She met to plead for a truce between Sonny Corinthos and her husband, Ric Lansing, who had admitted to being Sonny’s half brother. A newlywed pregnant woman who just wanted peace in her family and really who can blame her?” Scott said with a charming smile.

Another moment.

“But after an unsuccessful meeting, Elizabeth, realizing she’d never get through to Sonny, walked away.” Scott surveyed the jury carefully, making eye contact with everyone. For all his shortcomings, when Scott wanted to be, he was an incredible lawyer and he’d never wanted to win a case so badly before.

“Elizabeth Lansing, a newlywed with a family to start doesn’t remember what happened after that point. She woke up in General Hospital almost ten hours later after surgery to correct internal bleeding and sadly, suffering a miscarriage.”

Scott turned and met Robyn’s eyes before looking at her client. “Ric Lansing found his wife lying unconscious at the bottom of the stairs at Rice Plaza and Elizabeth remembers being pushed. Now, if you remember, I told you that Elizabeth walked away first. She says that and the defendant agrees. She walked away from the fight but that wasn’t enough for Sonny Corinthos. To be defied openly by a woman, by the wife of his enemy…” Scott shook his head. “He wasn’t going to take that. He was going to finish this.”

Robyn shook her head and made some notations.

“Now, maybe he didn’t mean to push her, maybe he just reached out to grab her and to finish the fight. We don’t know. But what we do know is that Elizabeth Lansing was pushed down those steps and that they both admit the only other person there that night was Sonny Corinthos.”

“I will prove that there is no question that he pushed her. He is guilty of assault and I only wish we could prosecute him for the death of the child she was carrying because certainly, if anyonedeserves justice, it is that innocent child.”

Lucky wrapped an arm around Elizabeth’s trembling shoulders. Scott was reminding them all that the real crime here was not Elizabeth’s injuries, but the loss of her child. Lucky would agree with that, but he wished the defendant was at least guilty.

“Thank you,” Scott said another a moment of silence. He smiled charmingly before taking his seat.

“Ms. Nichols,” Judge Stevenson prompted.

Robyn cleared her throat, took a sip of her water and stood, smoothing her skirt down. “Good morning,” she said briskly as she rounded the table and faced the jury. “I’m Robyn Nichols and I represent the defendant, Michael Corinthos, Jr.”

“The state has most of its facts straight. Elizabeth Lansing did marry the day before the assault. She is twenty-two and she is sitting in the back. She did meet with Sonny Corinthos and she did walk away first. After that, she only remembers being pushed.”

“My client is a popular name to read in the Port Charles Herald,” Robyn continued. “But I remind you that doesn’t matter here. All that matters are the facts and the fact is, not even the victim believes Sonny Corinthos is guilty.”

There was a burst of whispers in the courtroom as Scott leapt up. “Objection.”

“You can’t object,” Judge Stevenson said. “Not if Ms. Nichols intends to back that statement up.”

“I will when Elizabeth Lansing testifies,” Robyn assured him. Scott sat back down and Robyn continued. “Mrs. Lansing will also testify that she and the defendant are friends, have been for years. She works for his wife’s mother in their diner. Her name has been linked several times to Mr. Corinthos and to his business partner Jason Morgan in the newspapers. There is no bad blood between the victim and my client, and Mrs. Lansing will confirm that.”

“My client has been charged because it was convenient. He and Mrs. Lansing were the only two present. But once Mrs. Lansing walked away, my client turned his back and walked inside. And at that time anyone could have come up the second set of stairs. Or…” Robyn paused. “Someone could have been waiting for Elizabeth to walk away. What matters is that Sonny Corinthos is not guilty and I have every confidence that you will return a verdict of not guilty.”

Robyn smiled at the jury before taking her seat.

“Your first witness, Mr. Baldwin.”

“The state calls Dr. Karl Oldham.”

Dr. Oldham was the doctor that had operated on Elizabeth and the general gist of his testimony was to report that Elizabeth had had some minor internal bleeding, a concussion and some bruised ribs. The fetus–Elizabeth had cringed when the doctor had referred to the baby that way–had been nine weeks old and the miscarriage was not unexpected, though they’d taken every precaution to prevent it.

When Scott was finished, Robyn had just one question. “Dr. Oldham, did any of Mrs. Lansing’s injuries indicate who had pushed her?”

“No.”

“Did Mrs. Lansing wake up at any point and tell you?”

“No.”

“Thank you.”

Dr. Oldham stepped down and Scott called Mac to the stand.

“Commissioner, you decided to handle this case personally didn’t you?” Scott asked once Mac had taken his seat and been sworn in.

“Yes, I felt that a personal approach to a case like this might be the better solution,” Mac answered.

“When you took Mrs. Lansing’s statement, did she state for the record that she had been arguing with the defendant and if so, what was the argument about?”

“She stated that she and the defendant were talking heatedly and she indicated that the conversation was about her husband.”

“Did Mrs. Lansing indicate whether or not she saw Sonny walk away before she headed for the stairs?”

“No,” Mac answered stiffly.

“You later interviewed Sonny Corinthos. Did his statement fit Mrs. Lansing’s?” Scott asked.

“Their statements agreed right up until the end. Mr. Corinthos remarked that Mrs. Lansing walked away first and then he left.”

“What about Sonny’s guard, Max Giambetti?”

“Mr. Barker stated that he was waiting inside and did not see anything. Mr. Corinthos came inside and they left.”

“Is there any evidence indicating that Sonny Corinthos actually walked away?”

“No,” Mac said reluctantly. “Other than his word.”

“Thank you.” Scott returned to his seat.

Robyn stood. “Just a few questions, Commissioner. Did Mrs. Lansing indicate what she thought when it became apparent that my client was the prime suspect?”

“Objection, speculation,” Scott barked without bothering to stand.

“Overruled.”

“Mrs. Lansing stated that she did not think Mr. Corinthos was guilty. That she knew him and did not believe him capable of pushing her.”

“Did Mrs. Lansing give you any other names during the course of your investigation?” Robyn asked.

“Objection, leading the witness.”

“I’ll rephrase,” Robyn said quickly. “Commissioner, during the investigation, was Sonny Corinthos the only suspect?”

“No,” Mac answered. “We also suspected Faith Roscoe. Mr. Lansing stated that Mrs. Roscoe had placed a poisonous snake in his wife’s studio and later admitted it to him.”

“Is Faith Roscoe still a viable suspect?” Robyn asked.

“Until someone is convicted,” Mac answered, “the investigation remains open.”

“Is there any other evidence that Faith Roscoe might have committed this crime?”

“Mrs. Lansing told me that Mrs. Roscoe called that night and told her that Sonny and Ric were still angry with each other,” Mac replied. “Mrs. Lansing indicated that she was worried since both men have volatile tempers and had fought badly in the past.”

“And Mrs. Lansing thinks it’s possible that Mrs. Roscoe might have wanted to lure her from her apartment that night?”

“Objection, leading the witness.”

“I’ll rephrase,” Robyn said again. “Commissioner, what did Mrs. Lansing say in regards to this call?”

“Mrs. Lansing got the feeling that Mrs. Roscoe wanted her to talk to Sonny. After which, she called the defendant.”

“Commissioner Scorpio, do you believe that my client is guilty with the crime he is charged with?”

“No,” Mac answered, spurring more fervent whispers. “No, I don’t. And I intend to continue the investigation.”

“Thank you. No further questions.”

“Redirect your Honor,” Scott said. “Commissioner, is there any evidence that Faith Roscoe was even present the night in question?”

“No.”

“Thank you.”

“You may step down, Commissioner.”

“It’s going okay, don’t you think?” Elizabeth asked softly. She searched Lucky’s eyes before looking at Emily and Nikolas. “Robyn’s doing a good job.”

“She is,” Lucky said. “But…”

“But what?” Elizabeth asked.

“But this is still Sonny Corinthos on trial. They might not care.”

She sighed and watched as Scott shuffled his notes. He called the paramedic who’d taken Elizabeth to the hospital. He’d just recited the injuries again, said that the fetus had been in distress at that point. No, Mrs. Lansing didn’t wake the entire trip to the hospital.

Once the paramedic stepped down, the judge called a recess for lunch and Elizabeth stood on shaky legs. “Scott’s at the end of his case already. I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not.”

“It is, he has no evidence,” Nikolas assured her. He wrapped an arm around Elizabeth. “Let’s go to the Grille for lunch.”

“Can I meet you there?” Elizabeth asked. “I need to speak with Robyn.”

“Sure,” Summer said. “Do you want me and Lucky to wait? We’ll drive you over.”

“It’s only a few blocks, I’ll be fine,” Elizabeth replied. They left the courtroom and she hesitantly approached the front of the courtroom where the Corinthos-Morgan family was still seated, whispering among themselves.

“Robyn?” Elizabeth said.

“What do you want?” Courtney demanded. “Can’t you see she’s busy?”

Robyn glared at the blonde. “I can speak for myself,” she seethed. “I’ve got it all under control anyway.” She stood and pulled Elizabeth aside. “I wanted to speak with you anyway. Your husband dropped off some notes–”

“I know. I just wanted to know what they were,” Elizabeth said. “I was hoping they weren’t anything like outrageous so that he can stall the proceedings.”

“Actually, they’re pretty straightforward,” Robyn remarked. She moved aside back to the table to fish out Ric’s notes. Forgetting the interested stares of her client and his family, she started to read. “He wants to give you a two hundred thousand dollar settlement, to buy you a house in any location in town and an alimony of about three thousand a month. He said he wanted to have it higher, but he was worried you’d reject.”

Elizabeth stared at her. “Let me get this straight. Ric just wants to give me a settlement, a house and some alimony?”

Robyn nodded. “I was surprised. From his reaction at the arraignment, I was expecting more of a fight, but he just said that the divorce was something you seemed to want and he wanted to do what was right for you for a change.” She peered at her client. “What do you think?”

“Isn’t this a conflict of interest?” Courtney demanded suddenly. Robyn and Elizabeth turned to the blonde. “I mean, Sonny is on trial for pushing you, Elizabeth. Couldn’t you have found your own damn lawyer?”

“Excuse me for a moment,” Robyn said, “I see that I have a blonde to kill.” She glared at her client’s sister. “What did I tell you about pretending that I work for you?” she demanded.

“You can’t talk to me like that!”

“The hell I can’t. I don’t take orders from you, you insipid little twit. In case you didn’t notice, Elizabeth here is on Sonny’s side. There is no conflict of interest because Elizabeth agrees that he’s innocent,” Robyn snarled. “You moron.”

“Okay, watch it,” Carly declared, rising to her feet. “You should have more respect for her.”

“As soon as she respects that I pick my own clients, that I can handle my own case,” Robyn retorted. “She is not my keeper. The only person I answer to is my assistant.” She frowned. “Speaking of which, where is Georgie?”

“Right here, Ms. Nichols,” Georgie piped up nervously from the row behind Courtney, Carly and Jason. “I didn’t want to interrupt.”

“Okay, good.” Robyn pressed a hand to her temple. “Take Miss Matthews outside for some coffee or something since she can’t endeavor to keep her mouth shut.”

“Robyn,” Jason said. “Could you just knock off the smart ass comments?”

“Sure. As soon as your fiancée butts the hell out.” Robyn shook her head and looked at Dillon next to Georgie. “Wait, change that. Dillon, you take the fiancée. Georgie, come over her and take notes for me, okay?”

“So does this mean I have a job?” Dillon asked, grinning.

“Yeah, you’re my host,” Robyn remarked dryly. “Take her.”

“This isn’t over,” Courtney snarled as she followed Dillon out of the courtroom.

“Goody,” Robyn muttered. “Okay, are the three of you okay while I finish this divorce thing for Elizabeth?” she asked Carly, Sonny and Jason.

“You’re getting divorced?” Carly asked surprised. “Why?”

“I would think it was obvious,” Elizabeth remarked coolly. “Robyn…I have no objections save for one. I don’t want that much of a settlement. Tell him to name any number under a hundred thousand and he’s got a deal. I also don’t want him present when I pick out this house. I really don’t want a damn thing from him, but I’d rather take it and have this over more quickly.”

“That’s fine.” Robyn glanced at Georgie. “You got that.”

“No more than a hundred thousand for settlement and stay out of her face during house hunting,” Georgie read back.

“That works,” Elizabeth replied. “I need to get to lunch. When do you think you’re calling me?”

“If Scott rests his case after lunch like I expect he will?” Robyn shrugged. “As soon as I open my case. You’re my star witness, kid. So be prepared. Don’t eat any pasta.”

“Pasta?” Elizabeth echoed.

“Yeah, I had a witness who had some pasta before she went on the stand. She got so nervous and completely hurled. Pasta looks much worse coming back up,” Robyn reported.

“Well, there goes my appetite,” Elizabeth murmured, smiling. “See you after lunch.”

PC Grille

Jessica Mitchell was waiting at the entrance of the restaurant, just out of sight from Elizabeth’s table.

Elizabeth had to smile at the reporter’s tactics and she approached her first. “Hi, I’m Elizabeth Lansing. My friend Lucky told me that you were looking for me.”

Jessica blinked. “Wow. You…you just came right up to me. That’s…that’s never happened before.”

“Oh?” Elizabeth asked. “How long have you been doing this?”

“A year, but this is my first real story. I’ve been doing obituaries and birth announcements and a few editorials up until now,” Jessica said. “The only reason I got this assignment was that Lily Bueller is on maternity leave, Frank Josephs is on vacation and Barb Neilsen has been banned from covering stories that cover Sonny Corinthos.”

“So, you were kind of the last resort?” Elizabeth asked.

“Yes.”

“I like that.” She gestured to the inside of the restaurant. “Join us for lunch. We can set up a good time to meet and talk.”

“You’d really give me an interview?”

“An exclusive one,” Elizabeth said as they walked inside.

“Why?” the reporter asked. “I mean, you don’t even know me.”

“No, but I like what I’ve seen so far,” Elizabeth replied.

“What did you bring her for?” Lucky complained, catching sight of Jessica.

Jessica narrowed her eyes. “You’re a horse’s ass, you know that right?”

“Okay, okay, Jessica is here as my guest,” Elizabeth cut off Lucky’s angry retort. “I’ve decided to give her an interview but right now, she’s not a reporter and I’m not the story. We’re going to have lunch and go back to the courthouse, okay?”

Nikolas stood and pulled an empty chair for Jessica. “Ms. Mitchell, I’m Nikolas Cassadine. This is Emily Quartermaine, Summer Holloway and you know the horse’s ass.” Lucky tossed his brother an nasty look.

“Thank you, and it’s Jessica,” she remarked, taking her seat. Nikolas pulled another chair out for Elizabeth.

“So, what do you think of the trial so far?” Emily asked Jessica. “Do you think it’s going well?”

“I think both sides have scored some good points. Robyn Nichols is a good lawyer, she’ll get Sonny acquitted, but she’s got her work cut out for her. Even with Elizabeth’s testimony, people still have a view of Sonny Corinthos that’s not altogether flattering,” Jessica answered briskly as she flipped her menu open.

“And not altogether undeserved,” Nikolas supplied.

“Robyn was right in bringing up Faith Roscoe, though. Faith is more of a mystery to the jury. By placing the blame on her and bringing her into light, she takes the shine from Sonny. She’ll probably portray Sonny as a businessman who loves his family while Faith is just an obsessive bitch.”

“Sounds like you know Faith,” Elizabeth murmured, a tiny smile on her face.

“You can’t have lived in this town over the last year and not have come across Faith Roscoe,” Jessica replied. “She’s a bitch who practically haunts the docks and unfortunately, that’s where my apartment is.”

“So, what angle are you going for in your story?” Nikolas inquired.

“I thought we weren’t going to do this over lunch,” Elizabeth protested.

“No, no, it’s okay,” Jessica cut in. She cleared her throat. “The main story is Elizabeth. My predecessor made the mistake of concentrating on Sonny, but Lily’s an idiot. I think the real story here is Elizabeth and her past friendship with Sonny. If I can get some people to concentrate on Sonny the man instead of Sonny the abstract mobster, he’ll be more firmly rooted in reality for the reader and the opinion polls might swing the other way.”

“But the opinion polls mean nothing,” Lucky interrupted.

“On the contrary, I’ve done some research. Scott Baldwin keeps up with the public opinion polls. The more the public swings the opposite way, the more flustered he gets during the trial. The more points he loses, the more ground Robyn can cover. It’s all very simple.”

“Well, if you think you can swing the popular opinion the other way,” Elizabeth said. “Then I think we need to do this.”

“Great,” Jessica said, pleased. “At your earliest convienence of course.”

“I still say this is a bad choice.”

Elizabeth glared at Lucky. “Lucky, I know you’re trying to be supportive. Shut up.”

He glared right back at her. “Why can’t you just stay out of sight? The more you go public with the idea that Faith did this, the more she’ll want to come after you and finish the job. I don’t want that to happen.”

“And I’m not going to hide just because Ric’s obsessive and psychotic one night stand is after me,” Elizabeth retorted. She looked at Jessica. “Tonight. Meet me at Kelly’s at seven.”

“Gotcha.”

Emily and Nikolas exchanged uneasy glances. “Let’s change the subject,” Emily said awkwardly. “Summer, how’s the new job? Do you like Kelly’s?”

Courtroom

Just after lunch and just before the court was called to order, Faith Roscoe entered and sat in the very back row, her eyes trained intently on the defendant’s table. She’d had someone reporting back to her about what was said in here and that fact that her name had been mentioned worried her.

Perhaps it was time to send a message to the Corinthos family.

Lansing Apartment

He stared at the sheaf of papers he’d been served with that morning. Today was the opening arguments for the trial and he’d been getting ready to attend when the process server had knocked on the door.

It’d been a week since Elizabeth had walked out. She’d come in the next day and cleared some of her things but Ric had still thought it was temporary. He’d never expected her to go to this Robyn Nichols woman and file for divorce.

She’d already signed the papers and it pained him to see her flowery script on every pages. She’d initialed every page and then signed the last few. She wanted no alimony, no settlement. She just wanted the marriage to be over and if he signed these papers, it would be.

He set them aside and rubbed his temple. His blind hatred for Sonny had been running his life for so long that the second he’d had a chance at a different life, he’d gotten scared. Sure, he’d tried for a week or so. He’d buried himself in trying to open a law practice here, in thinking about Elizabeth.

But then the opportunity had presented itself. Scott Baldwin had tracked him down and asked him how it felt to know that his own wife would help set Sonny Corinthos free, the man who’d pushed her and killed their baby. Ric had scoffed at that, Sonny hadn’t done it. Elizabeth believed it and that was enough for him.

But then Scott had told him a little story about his daughter, Karen. About how Sonny had tempted her into drugs and stripping, about why his daughter had ended up a drug addict when she was barely finished high school. Now, a man like that, who’d seduced an impressionable young girl, well a man like that was capable of anything, Scott had mused.

Ric had told him Elizabeth had made her mind up to testify for Sonny and he wasn’t going to be able to change her mind.

And then Scott had posed the question. What if Elizabeth didn’t testify? Sonny would be charged, then. He’d go to trial. His name alone would get him convicted.

Ric refused at first. Elizabeth would testify at trial–the defense lawyer could call her if Scott didn’t. Not if Ric could take her on a nice long honeymoon, Scott had suggested.

It was a tempting idea and at first, Ric thought he might be able to pull it off. He could manipulate the situation and get Elizabeth out of town to miss the trial. And his burning need to make Sonny pay had taken over his life again.

He’d agreed. He’d paid the money Scott had proposed and it was too late to go back then.

And now Elizabeth had walked out on him. The sound of the door shutting echoed in his mind every time he saw something of hers lying around the apartment. She loved him, she’d said, but she couldn’t trust him.

And she was right. She couldn’t. Because he’d never be able to guarantee to let go of his hatred of his half-brother. Not even for Elizabeth. He’d tried, but he’d failed.

Ric studied the papers again before tossing them aside and taking out some paper to make some notes. Elizabeth would get her divorce.

But on his terms.

Courthouse

Robyn Nichols was the picture of perfection that morning. She’d prepared relentlessly for the last week and a half, only taking a few moments to prepare Elizabeth Lansing’s divorce papers.

She’d worked late every night, worked on pretrial motions until her eyes crossed. She’d come so close to getting Scott excused from the case because of his daughter Karen, but at the last moment, the judge had back off and allowed Scott to continue.

She’d prepared witness statement after statement. From Elizabeth as her star witness, to Max Giambetti, the body guard who would testify that his boss had been upset when he left but not enough to do anything to Elizabeth.

Georgie had worked just late as late with every night, but the young girl had always been in the office before Robyn arrived, fresh coffee brewing. Robyn was beginning to think the girl was either inhuman or very goal-oriented. Either way, she didn’t regret hiring her.

Dillon Quartermaine had proved to be persistent presence outside the office. He brought Georgie breakfast, forced her out to lunch and brought dinner. He didn’t leave all day and Robyn had a feeling that until he convinced the girl to at least go out with him once, he wasn’t leaving.

She’d put him to work copying and collating.

She was prepared as she ever going to be.

Carly and Sonny strode down the aisle of the courtroom, Sonny taking his place at defense table while Carly sat behind him. Jason and Courtney entered a few moments later and sat next to Carly.

“Tell me again,” Carly asked leaning forward. “Tell me again that you can do this.”

Robyn sighed and turned towards her client’s wife. “Mrs. Corinthos, I assure you. There’s absolutely no reason why we should lose.”

Carly nodded and sat back. “Okay, okay.”

“She’s just a little nervous,” Sonny told her, keeping his voice low. “With the baby and everything.”

“I understand,” Robyn remarked. She turned and caught sight of Georgie entering the courtroom, Dillon hot on her heels.

“Go home,” Georgie hissed as she approached the table. Dillon just grinned and took a seat in the second row. “I’m sorry, Ms. Nichols, but he totally followed me from my house and he won’t listen to me.”

Robyn smirked. “I feel like I should be paying him salary now. Don’t worry about it. I’ve got everything I need for right now. Go sit next to your boyfriend.”

“He’s not my boyfriend,” Georgie said, irritated but she went and sat next to Dillon. “I hate you.”

“You love me.”

“Ha.”

She folded her arms tightly and decided to give him the silent treatment. He was making it real difficult for her to turn him down.

“Hey, that’s the husband, isn’t it?” Dillon asked, nudging her arm.

“I’m not talking to you.”

“No, seriously. He’s talking to Robyn.”

Georgie focused on her boss and watched as Ric Lansing handed Robyn some papers. “What’s he doing?”

“I believe we already established this. He’s talking to Robyn.”

“That’s Ms. Nichols and don’t be an idiot. I mean what’s he giving her?” Georgie craned her neck. “She’s representing his wife in the divorce.”

“Yeah, that’s right. Wasn’t he supposed to be served today?”

She eyed him. “How’d you know that?”

“I practically work there now, remember?”

“Because you won’t leave!”

Dillon was about to reply when Ric Lansing passed him and strode out of the court room. “I hope he doesn’t give his wife a hard time about this divorce thing.”

“I feel so bad for her you know?” Georgie sighed. “Losing her baby, her marriage crumbling, it must suck.”

“Well, it just teaches you to seize every opportunity,” Dillon decided. Georgie glared at him.

“Don’t think I don’t know that wasn’t a veiled hint,” she muttered.

“If you didn’t get the hidden meaning, then you wouldn’t have been as smart as everyone gives you credit for.”

“Jerk.”

Courtroom Hallway

Lucky was escorting Elizabeth past a group of reporters when she saw Ric heading her way. She blanched and pulled Lucky into a corner to avoid her soon to be ex-husband. “He was served today.”

“I know. But you’ll have to talk to him sometime,” Lucky told her.

“I know. But it shouldn’t have to be today,” Elizabeth replied. Much to her chagrin, Ric spotted her anyway.

“Elizabeth, can we speak for moment?” he asked.

“Go ahead,” Elizabeth said, folding her arms tightly.

Ric eyed Lucky for a moment before looking back at his wife. “Alone?”

She sighed. “Okay. Five minutes.” She followed Ric down the hall. Lucky watched them intently until someone tapped on his shoulder.

He turned and frowned when he saw an attractive brunette dressed in a tank top and jeans. “I’m sorry. Do we know each other?”

“Jessica Mitchell,” she said briskly, extending her hand. “I’m taking over the trial for Lily Bueller.”

He frowned. “Lily Bueller as in Port Charles Herald Lily Bueller?”

“That would be her. She’s going on maternity leave and I was–” Jessica broke off abruptly as Lucky turned and started to walk away. “Wait a second. Will you just listen to me a moment?”

He spun around. “I’ve had to it up to here with reporters dogging Elizabeth. She’s not some freak on display, she’s a human being who’s suffered a loss–”

“I know that and that’s why I wanted to speak with you,” Jessica interrupted. “I don’t agree with the Herald‘s position. I don’t think Sonny Corinthos pushed her and I would like the opportunity to interview Mrs. Lansing.”

“You don’t honestly think that’s going to work, do you?” he scoffed.

“I’m not lying,” Jessica said, irritated. “Look, I’m going to write the story I want to write anyway, so it doesn’t matter to me if I interview her or not. I just thought the article would look better with a quote from her.”

“Yeah, you reporters rarely give a damn about the truth, right?” Lucky bit out.

“Whoa, where is this hostility coming from?” she demanded. “I think I’ve been very polite and cordial. I’m agreeing with her position on the events. I just thought she’d like the opportunity to tell her side.”

“She told her side to Lily Bueller and that wench just twisted her words,” Lucky retorted. “Why should she trust you?”

“Because I am not Lily Bueller and I don’t appreciate being treated like I have a disease because I’m a journalist.” Jessica flipped her dark hair over her shoulder and glared at him. “You had your chance. I’ll just try and track down Mrs. Lansing by myself.”

“You do that,” Lucky replied. He noticed Summer arriving over her shoulder and pushed past her to go meet his girlfriend.

At the other end of the hallway, Ric was explaining the reason for his presence at the courtroom.

“I dropped off a list of objections I have to the divorce papers with your lawyer,” he admitted.

“What possible objection could you have?” Elizabeth demanded. “All I’m asking is that you sign the papers. I don’t want the apartment, money, anything from you. I just want you to leave me alone!”

He winced as her words hit him and looked away. “I understand that. And you’ll get the divorce if that’s what you want. But on my terms–”

“Everything about us has always been on your terms,” Elizabeth interrupted heatedly. “Why can’t it be my way for once?”

“Just talk to Ms. Nichols,” Ric pleaded. “Look over the changes I suggested before you decide.”

“I’ve already decided!” Elizabeth said exasperated. “I just want this entire situation over with already!”

“And it will be,” Ric shot back. “You just need to give me a chance to make this right–”

“You can’t make this right! What do I have to make you see that?” Elizabeth bit out angrily. “All you had to do was let go of this stupid vendetta with Sonny and we would have been fine!”

“I know that,” Ric hissed back. “You think I don’t hate myself for even accepting a meeting with Scott Baldwin?”

“Why?” she pleaded. “Why did you sacrifice us just to get back at Sonny?” Her eyes filled with tears. “Why wasn’t I enough?”

“I don’t know,” Ric confessed. “I know that I will never get past this thing with Sonny if I stay in Port Charles.” He stepped closer. “Come with me, Elizabeth. We can start over. Somewhere else.”

She closed her eyes. Part of her wanted to give in. She did love him after all. It wasn’t as though her feelings had vanished when she’d walked out. But the reason for her leaving still existed. She still didn’t trust him.

She took a much needed step back and shook her head. “I can’t, Ric. My life is here. And yours isn’t. It’s that simple.”

He nodded and looked away, down the hall where Lucky was standing with Summer, glaring at him. “Okay,” Ric replied. “Just…talk to your lawyer before you decide, okay?”

“Okay,” Elizabeth agreed. She sighed. “They’re starting opening arguments. I need to go.” She started to walk away.

“Elizabeth,” Ric called. She turned halfway to look at him. “I love you. You know that right?”

She sighed and looked at her feet. “Yeah. I know that.” She didn’t say anything else, just finished walking to Lucky and Summer. They disappeared into the courtroom.

Courtroom

Carly watched Elizabeth enter the courtroom and sit near the back, Lucky and Summer on either side of her. After another moment, Emily and Nikolas entered, sliding into seats next to Lucky.

“Ric’s not with her,” Carly said suddenly. Jason twisted in his seat and frowned when he realized his friend was right.

“That’s strange,” Courtney mused. “You’d think he’d jump at the chance to see Sonny go to jail.”

“He’s probably out, fabricating more evidence against Sonny,” Carly muttered.

“Maybe he’s not here because he doesn’t want to be around his wife,” Robyn muttered under her breath. Sonny frowned and leaned towards her.

“What does that mean?”

“What?” Robyn asked startled. “What does what mean?”

“Why wouldn’t Ric want to be around Elizabeth?” Sonny asked, his voice carrying behind him to the trio.

“Maybe he finally woke up and saw what a naïve little brat she is,” Courtney suggested.

“Maybe he’s a little upset because she walked out on him and is suing him for divorce,” Robyn shot back, irritating with the blonde’s know-all attitude. Stupid twit couldn’t find her way out of a paper box if her idiot fiancé showed her how.

Courtney widened her eyes. “What?”

“Nothing,” Robyn said quickly. She turned. “We’re getting ready to start, so let’s concentrate on the matter at hand, okay?”

Back of the Courtroom

Elizabeth frowned. “Jessica Mitchell. I seem to remember an editorial by her a few weeks ago. About the Nurse’s Ball and how it being canceled two years in a row was a travesty.”

“I remember that article,” Emily said. “She seemed like a really witty and intelligent writer. Maybe you should talk to her, Elizabeth.”

“I don’t think so,” Lucky said stubbornly. “They don’t care about the truth. They just want to sell papers.”

“Be that as it may, she did say she thought Sonny didn’t do it,” Elizabeth reminded him. “That’s got to count for something.”

“Maybe,” Lucky said grudgingly, “but–”

“Lucky do you trust anyone?” Summer joked. “Maybe this reporter will write a good story.”

“What do you think Nikolas?” Elizabeth asked, knowing he’d at least pretend to be reasonable.

“I think you should do whatever it is you think is right,” Nikolas said easily.

Elizabeth smiled. “Good. I’m going to talk to her.”

Lucky snorted and shook his head. “No good can come from this.”

Front

“Please rise for the Honorable Judge Stevenson. The State of New York versus Michael Corinthos, Jr. will begin momentarily.”

Lansing Apartment

Elizabeth quietly unlocked the door and then relocked it behind her. Ric was looking out the window across the way and didn’t turn to acknowledge her presence.

“Scott Baldwin didn’t call me to testify for a reason today,” Elizabeth said softly. “I just want to know if you’re that reason.”

He turned finally and sighed. “Elizabeth, I didn’t mean that earlier. You know how much I was looking forward to our child.”

“And now that it’s gone, it’s back to business as usual?” she asked. “Destroying Sonny–finding any and all reasons to blame him?”

“It is his fault,” Ric snapped angrily. “He yelled at you, he pushed you down the stairs. You wouldn’t have been there if it weren’t for him!”

“I called him there to meet with me. I put myself in that situation, not Sonny!” Elizabeth cried. “And the more I think about it, the more I think it was Faith who pushed me!”

Ric stared at her for a moment. “What makes you say that?”

“Because she was here before I called Sonny. She told me that Sonny was going to go after you!” Elizabeth closed her eyes and drug her hands through her hair. “Oh my God, she set me up.”

Ric hesitated. “Are you sure?”

“Yes!” Elizabeth said. She crossed to the desk. “I have to call Mac right now and tell him.”

“Wait.” Ric rushed over to her and put his hand over hers, blocking the phone. “Wait a second.”

“Why?” Elizabeth demanded. “Faith did it–it had to be her. Who else would do something like this?” She narrowed her eyes. “And if you say Sonny, so help me God…”

“Just let me handle this, okay?” Ric asked. “Let me take care of this.”

Elizabeth shook her head. “No. I’m through letting people take of things for me. Sonny is sitting in a jail cell for something we know he didn’t do–”

“You don’t know that!” Ric cut in. “Just because Faith was here before you called Sonny, that doesn’t mean anything!”

“We are not having this argument again,” Elizabeth replied irritated. “I’m doing the right thing and I’m telling Mac. And if Mac can’t get the charges dropped, I’ll tell Sonny’s lawyer so she can call Faith at trial. Either way, Sonny is going to–”

“When are people going to stop defending that man?” Ric shouted. “You all think he’s some sort of god, in capable of doing any wrong! He’s a murderer! A criminal, damn it!”

“And you’re any better?” Elizabeth shot back. “You wanted to work for Sonny! And what about that engagement with Courtney? What were you blackmailing her with? You like to think Sonny is this horrible person responsible for everything that’s wrong with your life but he’s not!”

Ric looked away from her abruptly and stalked away from her, ripping his fingers through his hair. “I can’t do this right now.”

She stared at him. “This is never going to end with you is it?” Elizabeth asked softly.

He whirled around. “Elizabeth, Sonny–”

“You chose to hate him. You chose to spend your life destroying him!” She crossed her arms and glared at him. “You will never let it go.”

“You don’t understand–”

“Are you the reason that Scott didn’t call me?” Elizabeth demanded. “Did you bribe him or do whatever else it is you do to stop him from calling me?”

“Yes.” Ric exhaled slowly. “Yes, I did. And I’m not sorry for it. He ruined our dream–don’t you understand that?”

“No one ruined our dream!” Elizabeth cried. “If it was anyone, it was Faith.”

“Elizabeth–”

“I need to go.” She headed for the door and turned back to look at him. “I love you, Ric. I really do. But until you’re ready to let this go and be the man you promised me you were, I can’t be here with you.”

“No, wait, please–”

The door clicked softly shut.

PCPD

Elizabeth sighed. “So, there’s nothing you can do?”

Mac shook his head. “No. Not right now. But we have a name and Faith has a known motive. We can work with it.”

“Okay. That’s good.” She sighed again and rubbed her forehead. “I just want this all to be over.”

Mac hesitated, thought twice about asking it but went ahead with it anyway. “How is Mr. Lansing handling this?”

Elizabeth shook her head. “He’s not. He’s determined to believe it was Sonny and I–” she broke off and sighed again. “I’m sorry. You don’t need to hear any of this.”

“As much as I hate Sonny Corinthos, I hope his lawyer does a good job and the right thing happens,” Mac told Elizabeth. He walked her to the door of his office. “I don’t want us to finally nail him for something he didn’t do.”

“Me neither,” Elizabeth agreed. “I’m testifying for the defense by the way–at the trial. I thought you should know that.”

“Yeah, that’s what I figured.”

Kelly’s

Elizabeth stepped inside the darkened diner, its only occupant Lucas Jones who was closing. “Hey…is Lucky Spencer in his room?”

“Yeah,” Lucas replied. “He told me if you came by again, that you could just go on up.”

“Okay, thanks.”

“Oh, my mother wanted to tell you congratulations,” Lucas told her as she passed him. “On your marriage.”

Elizabeth’s smile was tight. “She might want to hold that congratulations.”

“Oh?”

“Ric and I are separated,” Elizabeth reported. She shrugged. “Losing the baby and this thing with Sonny…” she waved her hand. “It’s been too much, I guess.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

She nodded. “I’m just gonna go upstairs now. Thanks, Lucas.”

“Yeah, sure.”

Lucky’s Room

“I left him,” were the first words out of Elizabeth’s mouth when Lucky opened the door.

He frowned. “What changed?”

“I don’t know,” Elizabeth sighed as she passed him and entered his room. “I didn’t go home–I went to park and ran into Emily. We talked and she pointed out that no matter how much I love him, it doesn’t matter if I don’t trust him.”

“And then?” Lucky prompted.

“And then I went home and found Ric bribed Scott not to call me,” Elizabeth reported. “He wants to blame Sonny even though I’m sure Faith Roscoe pushed me. And I can’t be with him unless he gives up this insane vendetta.”

“I’m glad you see it and that you’ve made this decision.”

Elizabeth sank onto his bed. “I don’t understand how I can keep making these mistakes over and over again. Why can’t I just pick the right person?”

“I don’t know,” Lucky replied. He sat next to her. “And I’m sorry it had to be like this.”

“He won’t change. I want him to. I want to be with him–but I can’t…I can’t trust him and that has to matter.”

“You’re right.”

“I have to start opening my eyes to the way Ric is. I know that he won’t change and since that I can’t live like this, our marriage is essentially over.”

“Do you think if the baby had lived–do you think it’d be different?”

Elizabeth sighed and looked away. “Maybe. Maybe he could have been happy with me and a family we’d build together. But his hate would have to go somewhere. And eventually…it would come back. And I can’t live like that.”

“You can stay here as long as you need to,” Lucky promised.

“As soon as this trial is over and I’ve filed the papers to divorce Ric…I’m gonna leave town for a while,” Elizabeth told him.

He frowned. “For how long?”

Elizabeth shrugged. “I don’t know. I just…I guess I feel like I need to get out of here for a while. Maybe I just need some time.”

“I got a suggestion,” Lucky reported. “Nikolas has that estate in Greece. Not the one Stefan lives at, but another one. I think it’s actually on the island Crete. I was there once, last summer. Nikolas, Gia and I stopped there after our trip last year. I’m sure he’d let you spend some time there. Maybe Emily, me and him could join you.”

“The Four Musketeers ride again?” Elizabeth quipped lamely.

“Yeah, sure.” Lucky smiled easily. “Why not?”

Port Charles Courthouse

Robyn smiled triumphantly as she exited the courtroom Monday morning, with an exuberant Carly and quiet Sonny in front of her. She’d been able to get him out on bail with little trouble and she was even more confident she’d win at trial.

“Georgie, what appointments do I have for this afternoon?” she asked her assistant who was trailing after her. When the young girl didn’t answer her, Robyn halted, letting Sonny and Carly exit the building. “Hey, what’s with you? You’ve been spaced out since I picked up this morning.”

Georgie sighed and shook her head. “I’m sorry. A million things are going through my mind. Uh, appointments. You’ve got Elizabeth Lansing at one-thirty, Max Giambetti at three. I think that’s about it for now.”

“Okay, thanks.” Robyn studied her. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong,” Georgie huffed. “Boys are idiots, nothing new there.”

Robyn smirked as she unlocked her door and hit the automatic lock to let Georgie in. “Boy trouble?”

“Boys making unnecessary trouble where none exists,” Georgie muttered as she got into the car buckled her seatbelt. “Honestly, why does a person have to take a perfectly good friendship and just twist it and confuse it?”

Robyn sighed. “Which boy is it this time? The one who got you the job? Or the one that works at Kelly’s?”

“Dillon Quartermaine,” Georgie muttered. “He told me he liked me last night.”

Robyn raised her eyebrows. “Well, that explains why he went to all that trouble of getting you this job.”

Georgie narrowed her eyes. “What?”

“Well, I wasn’t going to hire you, you’re rather young. But then I got a personal call from Edward Quartermaine insisting that I hire you. I couldn’t resist.”

“Dillon used his family?” Georgie squeaked. “That’s…that’s…”

“Someone trying to make a good impression,” Robyn pointed out. “So, you two an item now?”

Georgie rolled her eyes. “No.”

“No?”

“No. Dillon’s…he’s a friend. And going out would ruin that friendship. And…he’s not my type.”

“And you’re being stupid,” Robyn mused, maneuvering through traffic.

“Excuse me?”

“You’re only, what? Fifteen? Going out with a friend at your age won’t ruin a friendship, believe me.”

Robyn’s Office

Elizabeth entered the office in the middle of what seemed to be an argument. Georgie Jones was muttering something under breath flipping through a stack of papers while Dillon Quartermaine was lounging on the side of the desk.

“You know, you’re not being fair,” Dillon mused. Georgie glared at him.

“I’m not being fair?” she hissed. “Who came to whose job and refuses to leave?”

“Hey, you’re avoiding me!” Dillon complained. “How else am I supposed to pin you down?”

“You know what, let’s talk about this job for a minute!” Georgie declared. “I thought I got this job on my own merits but now I find out that you arranged it!”

“I just had my grandfather call her…one short conversation!” Dillon replied. He smiled sheepishly. “I thought you’d appreciate it.”

“Oooh…” Georgie seethed. She broke off when she finally noticed Elizabeth smirking at the whole conversation. “Oh, my God, Mrs. Lansing. I’m so sorry. I’ll just tell Ms. Nichols you’re here.” She stood and jabbed Dillon in the stomach with her elbow before disappearing into the office.

Dillon grinned at Elizabeth. “She’s a little…mad at me. She’s usually much more professional.”

“Ah, okay. So, you’re Emily’s cousin?” Elizabeth asked.

“Yeah. You know Em?”

“Yeah. We’ve been friends for years. How do you like living with the Quartermaines?”

Dillon smirked. “Always something happening there. One day, it’s a gay butler, the next a fire, not to mention the family meetings that happen like hourly. It’s a full time job being a member of that family.”

Elizabeth laughed. “But it’s always interesting.”

Georgie slipped out of the office. “Ms. Nichols will see you now.” She glared at Dillon. “You go home.”

“No. Look, yeah, I pulled a few strings to get in here, but I know how much you wanted to work here. I know how much you wanted a job that would matter.”

Elizabeth paused at the door to the office and glanced back at the arguing duo.

“You should have told me,” Georgie replied uncomfortably.

“Well, you shouldn’t have run out of the movie theater last night.”

“Well, you shouldn’t have kissed me!”

Elizabeth was still shaking her head as she entered the office. Robyn looked up and smirked. “You enjoy that episode of the Young and the Stubborn?”

Elizabeth laughed then, shutting the door behind her. “Are they always like this?”

“No, actually, Mr. Quartermaine out there is a new presence, but I have this feeling he’s not going away any time soon.”

“A tad persistent huh?”

“Sounds like it.” Robyn gestured towards the chair in front of her. “Well, sit down. We’ll discuss your testimony.”

“When do you expect the trial to start?”

“Next week sometime,” Robyn replied. “I’ve got the defense pretty much ready. I just want to get this over with as I’m sure you do.”

Elizabeth nodded. “More than anything.”