Thank you for your comments on the last chapter. I'm glad everyone enjoyed the little moments Jason had with Ric, Cody and Johnny. Lamentable that two of the three are now gone from our screens.
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Chapter 7
He really should go. He had things he needed to do today; meetings with Cody and Bernie and checking in with Diane to see if she’d heard when the M.E. would release Sonny’s body. They should have released it already; the autopsy had been rushed and the preliminary report confirmed what everyone had known or suspected. Sonny had died by a sniper’s bullet and died instantly. The cops had scoured the house and grounds and the surrounding area, but found nothing. There was no reason for them to hold the body, except to give a final insult to the man they hated.
Jason was trying to put Sonny’s funeral together with so many outside pressures. Mike and Carly each felt they should organize it, to make it easier for him, but neither wanted to work with Johnny to include Claudia’s service as Sonny’s wife. While Jason didn’t like her and he was sure she’d had some part in Michael’s shooting, Claudia was Sonny’s wife. Johnny asked that it be acknowledged since she had been treated callously by her father, and even by her husband, and Jason felt like it should be done. There were issues with the Families that needed to be dealt with and having Claudia’s funeral with Sonny helped ease those as well. All of which meant that he was left planning a funeral for the deceased couple with Diane and Bernie helping where they could.
In addition, he had to worry about the business and all the changes that he was instituting. Now that the territory and holdings were his and there was never the possibility of giving them back to Sonny, he was trying to more efficiently organize and streamline things. Sonny didn’t like change and was erratic, and oftentimes sloppy, which meant that things were deeply disarrayed and Jason was cleaning up like he’d tried to get the older man to do. Cody was applying his soldier’s past to the situation to bring order where it had waned, and while the men sometimes didn’t like the new enforcer, they respected Jason enough to accept his choice for his right hand man. And Cody didn’t particularly care if the men didn’t like him; he gave orders and demanded obedience, not to him but the orders Jason gave.
It wasn’t just for those reasons that Jason knew he should go; it was because the shift change at the hospital would occur soon and he should leave before Elizabeth came to Michael’s room. Carly had insisted that someone be with Michael at all times so that he wouldn’t be scared and would know that he was okay, and nobody could convince her otherwise. She and Jax were always with him, but Jax had asked Jason last night to spell him so that he could get Carly to relax in the morning and take care of herself and spend some time with Morgan.
Because of that, Jason couldn’t leave. He’d promised to stay with Michael, and he wouldn’t let Carly down. Even as he told himself that was the reason why he was staying, he felt the weight of those words. He wouldn’t see his son because of the danger, but he would sit all night with Michael. He wouldn’t let Carly down, but he saw plenty of disappointment in Elizabeth’s eye. While he tried to excuse the inconsistency in his words and actions by saying they’d been in the life and were already exposed to the danger because of Sonny whereas Elizabeth and her children weren’t, he knew they were only excuses.
And that was the real reason he was staying; because claiming a promise to Carly gave him an excuse to see Elizabeth. It wasn’t perfect, and it would probably be painful for both of them, but he couldn’t stay away. For months there had hardly been any contact between them because he felt that they couldn’t have contact with each other. It was safer if she and the boys weren’t in his life and he always loved to see them, but always felt he should leave quickly so nobody would discern how much he cared for them and target her and the boys again.
He missed Jake, but it was better his son never was put in jeopardy again. So Jason threw himself into work to have some purpose, but apparently that created problems as well. There were many people who thought he was getting back together with Sam; including Sam. Despite trying to put her off the last time she was here, she still called him. Offering to talk about Sonny, or anything else he might want to discuss; offering to help; doing anything she could to have contact with him.
The door opened and a shoe squeaked on the linoleum as Elizabeth let out a soft gasp. “Oh! I-I…normally Jax is in here. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“No,” Jason quickly assured, standing and facing her. “Jax asked if I would come in last night so he could spend some time with Carly and make sure she rests. She doesn’t want Michael to be alone so I…”
He trailed off when she couldn’t fully hide her frown and her eyes dimmed. Her voice was slightly chilled as she attempted to smile and act like nothing was wrong. “I’m sure they’re glad they could have your help. How-how is she doing? Dr. Lee has asked us to keep an eye on her and Jax has been worried about her. It’s clear on his face.”
“She’s…she’s trying to hang in there,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “She’s trying to help Morgan…who’s already unsettled because he knows Michael is having surgery. And now with Sonny…”
Elizabeth nodded, “It’s a lot to handle. I’m sure it’s good that she has you and Jax to help. Support is always important…and really makes a difference.”
Her words stung, even though he didn’t believe she’d meant them that way at all. She didn’t have support; hardly any from Lucky and certainly none from him. Her grandmother and Robin and Patrick helped when they could, but it certainly wasn’t as much as Carly had. He felt the injustice and how unfair it was, especially since he was part of the other woman’s support system, but he didn’t know what to say.
Elizabeth forged on and didn’t give him a chance to say…something. She cleared her throat somewhat nervously as she noted in Michael’s chart. Without looking at him she said, “I wanted to tell you I was sorry about Sonny. I know how much he meant to you and I…I’m very sorry.”
“Thank you,” he replied softly.
She was silent as she finished checking his nephew’s vitals. He stuffed his hands into the pockets of his jeans and wondered what he could say, but knowing he needed to talk to her. As she finished, she eyed him, and then the door and he knew she was getting ready to flee. He took a step slightly to the side to block her escape and her eyes flared.
“Do you have a minute?” he began.
She nodded just once and Jason continued. “I just wanted to let you know…Johnny Zacharra isn’t taking his father’s territories back; he’s leaving them connected to Sonny’s. To…to mine.”
“Okay,” she said, struggling to look unaffected, but probably wondering why he was telling her.
“Anthony isn’t happy; he wants his son to run things,” Jason continued. “We’re watching him in prison and everything we’ve seen indicates he doesn’t remember the Black and White Ball, but…but Johnny cautioned me. So I just wanted you to know that we’re keeping an eye on everyone. I-I know that guards would draw attention to you and the boys, but I’ll have them watch out for you guys. Drive by your house a little more often.”
Her eyes widened and she clutched the chart tightly in her hands. He let out a breath and tried to assure her. “I don’t think he remembers, and so while he’ll be angry with me, I’m pretty sure you and the boys will be safe. This…”
Jason let out a breath and licked his lips. “This is why it’s safer people believe Jake is Lucky’s and we aren’t together. But I’m looking out for everybody around me and so I just wanted you to know so you could be aware and not caught off-guard.”
She swallowed and nodded shakily. “Th-thank you for…for telling me. I…I’ll keep my eyes open. I-I hope you stay safe, Jason.”
“I will,” he nodded. “My men and I are being cautious. If-if you need anything-”
“I-” she cut in. “I’m sure we’ll be fine. Like you said, Anthony probably doesn’t even remember and everyone thinks Jake is Lucky’s so…so I’m sure we’ll be fine. You…”
She lifted her chin and said, “You just take care of the people around you. The people you’re seen with…that’s obviously who others will think you care about.”
Then Elizabeth said, “I need to get back to work. I know Patrick wants to take care of the surgery soon and wants to see how Michael is doing.”
Stepping around him, she left the room, and he felt her barb had been a little more pointed at the end. It hurt, but it was no more than he probably deserved.
How was Morgan still alive?
Ric was sure that Sonny had ordered a hit on Jason, independent of anyone in the organization that might feel more loyalty to the enforcer than their boss. When Claudia wasn’t trying to avoid him or cause conflict between the brothers, she’d smugly hinted at knowing something he didn’t. She tried to be coy, but there was enough to lead him to believe his brother had finally seen Jason for the traitor he was.
So how was it that Sonny was dead, and Jason was alive? Had Jason found out about the plan and somehow turned it to his advantage? Was the killer still coming after Morgan, or with Sonny’s death had he given up? If he wasn’t going to get paid, the killer would probably have no reason to follow through in spite of whatever down payment he might have received. Or the unexpected murder of Sonny and his wife may have scared him off.
Ric had no resources he could access to check and see if a contract actually was purchased, except for one person. Despite being in prison and watched by Morgan’s men, he could reach out to contacts. If there was a hit out on Morgan, then maybe Anthony could revive it; or put out his own. Then Johnny would have to step up and Ric would step in to help.
It just required working with the devil to get rid of Jason Morgan.
Elizabeth let out a weary breath as she closed the door to her room and then headed down stairs. Her damp hair rested against her shoulders and she ran her fingers through it, too tired to care about the waves she’d have to contend with tomorrow. The house was quiet and she didn’t want to have to spend the time needed to dry her hair. She wanted to sit, watch something on TV and just mindlessly relax. Work was tiring, but the added stress of working on Michael’s case was taxing on a good day. To have her unexpected conversation with Jason today had left her stretched tight and emotionally exhausted. Her shower had begun the process of relaxing her body, now she needed to find something to distract her mind.
She brewed a cup of chamomile tea and settled in to watch something on The History Channel. It was interesting enough to keep her attention and therefore settle her mind, but contained no medical dramas to make her analytical skills kick in. She had just taken a sip of her tea when a heavy knock jarred her door, and her nerves.
Standing, she cast a glance at the stairs and sent up a prayer that the boys would stay asleep. Taking a deep breath, she hoped for calm as she opened the front door to Lucky standing on her porch. She’d recognized his knock, and also that it sounded angry, and she didn’t expect this to be a pleasant experience. “Lucky,” she said flatly. “What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to talk to you,” he said, stepping forward and knowing it would force her back. “I didn’t want you to get mad at me for showing up and bothering you at work.”
“So you show up here without calling first, after the boys are asleep so you don’t have to see them and play nice with Mommy while they’re awake?” she said, lifting her brow. “Is this another lecture about being a nurse on Michael’s surgery and care?”
“I don’t want you working on it, Elizabeth,” he said, planting his hands on his hips. “It brings you into contact with people you promised me you were done with.”
I didn’t promise you anything,” she corrected, mirroring his stance while her brows drew together. “You do not get to direct my life; you are not my husband and you aren’t my boyfriend.”
He pointed at the stairs and hissed, “I am those boys’ father!”
“I’m their mother,” she pointed out, “and I told you I didn’t want Sam around them, but you didn’t care.”
“I was keeping your secret,” Lucky said arrogantly and dismissively. “You weren’t in any position to make demands.”
Letting out a scornful laugh she shook her head. “You weren’t doing me some great favor that I begged and pleaded for you to do. You came to me and said you understood why I’d said you were Jake’s father and you offered to stay quiet and continue to protect him. But if you were so concerned about the boys you wouldn’t have stayed with Sam after you learned she hired men with guns to hold up me and the boys.”
She curled her lip up and said, “You kept quiet so nobody would know you weren’t Jake’s father. It was bad enough everyone knew I’d cheated on my cop husband with a hitman, to have everyone – meaning the men in the department – know that Jake was Jason’s…well that was just too much for your ego, wasn’t it? Just like Luke can’t accept Nikolas because he’s not his son.”
“I was doing you a favor,” her ex-husband said. “I have some right to expect you to listen to me.”
“Like I had a right to expect you to be faithful to me while we were married?” she wondered pointedly. “You cheated on me with Maxie to score drugs and then you threw your infidelity with Sam in my face. So don’t at like you were lily-white innocent, Lucky. But you have tried to control me with those boys ever since.”
“I’m doing you a favor,” he insisted, like that made all the difference. And to Lucky, it probably did.
Elizabeth shook her head and said sadly, “No, Lucky, all you’re doing is hurting the boys. You don’t see them when you’re upset with me and because I said I don’t want to…that I think it’s better we just remain friends and parents. We’ve both made mistakes and I was glad we weren’t so hurtful and angry anymore. I was glad we were getting along, but now you’re petulant and angry because you’re not getting what you suddenly wanted, and once again you’re punishing the boys.”
“You’re still holding out hope for Jason, aren’t you?” he scoffed. “Despite him dumping you and hooking back up with Sam, you’re pathetic enough to hope Jason will declare he wants you. He’s the boss of the organization now because somebody shot Sonny. Should Jake get kidnapped again, Elizabeth? Should the boys grow up in a tower with bulletproof glass and surrounded by guards? You’re a fool to throw everything away on a hope of something that will never happen.”
Licking her lips she worked hard to keep her voice even and not shout as she said, “Get out of my house, Lucky. You have no say in how I live my life, and if you keep acting this way I may have to decide whether it’s in Cameron and Jake’s best interest for them to have much contact with you.”
His eyes narrowed and he said, “You won’t take my boys away from me.”
“You never try to see them,” she pointed out. “You only want to use them to control me or to get your way. How is that being a father, Lucky?”
“They’re my boys,” he hissed out, leaning down towards her but she stood her ground. “Jason doesn’t want them, and they don’t fit in his life. You’ll just end up alone and pathetic.”
“I’ll have my boys,” she said, firming her shoulders. “And that isn’t pathetic. Pathetic is refusing to act like an adult and a father simply because you’re mad at Mommy.”
She bit back the rest of her statement that compared him to Luke. She didn’t want to fight with Lucky; it was just too draining to be angry and petty. It was frustrating to once again be slapped with the shortcomings she’d tried to overlook in him and ignore because she knew nobody was perfect. But she just couldn’t let her boys come second to another man’s insecurity and undependability. She was going to remain firm this time and be a single mother to sons. She would give them physical and emotional stability the best she could, and not believe she had to provide a two-parent home when Lucky would probably just end up hurting them in the end again.
Jason told her she was strong, sometimes stronger than she knew, and it was time to prove that. She just had to find those resources inside her and get through life. Whatever happened to them; from the mundane or – hopefully not – the not-so-mundane.
Back Chapters at My Site

Chapter 7
He really should go. He had things he needed to do today; meetings with Cody and Bernie and checking in with Diane to see if she’d heard when the M.E. would release Sonny’s body. They should have released it already; the autopsy had been rushed and the preliminary report confirmed what everyone had known or suspected. Sonny had died by a sniper’s bullet and died instantly. The cops had scoured the house and grounds and the surrounding area, but found nothing. There was no reason for them to hold the body, except to give a final insult to the man they hated.
Jason was trying to put Sonny’s funeral together with so many outside pressures. Mike and Carly each felt they should organize it, to make it easier for him, but neither wanted to work with Johnny to include Claudia’s service as Sonny’s wife. While Jason didn’t like her and he was sure she’d had some part in Michael’s shooting, Claudia was Sonny’s wife. Johnny asked that it be acknowledged since she had been treated callously by her father, and even by her husband, and Jason felt like it should be done. There were issues with the Families that needed to be dealt with and having Claudia’s funeral with Sonny helped ease those as well. All of which meant that he was left planning a funeral for the deceased couple with Diane and Bernie helping where they could.
In addition, he had to worry about the business and all the changes that he was instituting. Now that the territory and holdings were his and there was never the possibility of giving them back to Sonny, he was trying to more efficiently organize and streamline things. Sonny didn’t like change and was erratic, and oftentimes sloppy, which meant that things were deeply disarrayed and Jason was cleaning up like he’d tried to get the older man to do. Cody was applying his soldier’s past to the situation to bring order where it had waned, and while the men sometimes didn’t like the new enforcer, they respected Jason enough to accept his choice for his right hand man. And Cody didn’t particularly care if the men didn’t like him; he gave orders and demanded obedience, not to him but the orders Jason gave.
It wasn’t just for those reasons that Jason knew he should go; it was because the shift change at the hospital would occur soon and he should leave before Elizabeth came to Michael’s room. Carly had insisted that someone be with Michael at all times so that he wouldn’t be scared and would know that he was okay, and nobody could convince her otherwise. She and Jax were always with him, but Jax had asked Jason last night to spell him so that he could get Carly to relax in the morning and take care of herself and spend some time with Morgan.
Because of that, Jason couldn’t leave. He’d promised to stay with Michael, and he wouldn’t let Carly down. Even as he told himself that was the reason why he was staying, he felt the weight of those words. He wouldn’t see his son because of the danger, but he would sit all night with Michael. He wouldn’t let Carly down, but he saw plenty of disappointment in Elizabeth’s eye. While he tried to excuse the inconsistency in his words and actions by saying they’d been in the life and were already exposed to the danger because of Sonny whereas Elizabeth and her children weren’t, he knew they were only excuses.
And that was the real reason he was staying; because claiming a promise to Carly gave him an excuse to see Elizabeth. It wasn’t perfect, and it would probably be painful for both of them, but he couldn’t stay away. For months there had hardly been any contact between them because he felt that they couldn’t have contact with each other. It was safer if she and the boys weren’t in his life and he always loved to see them, but always felt he should leave quickly so nobody would discern how much he cared for them and target her and the boys again.
He missed Jake, but it was better his son never was put in jeopardy again. So Jason threw himself into work to have some purpose, but apparently that created problems as well. There were many people who thought he was getting back together with Sam; including Sam. Despite trying to put her off the last time she was here, she still called him. Offering to talk about Sonny, or anything else he might want to discuss; offering to help; doing anything she could to have contact with him.
The door opened and a shoe squeaked on the linoleum as Elizabeth let out a soft gasp. “Oh! I-I…normally Jax is in here. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“No,” Jason quickly assured, standing and facing her. “Jax asked if I would come in last night so he could spend some time with Carly and make sure she rests. She doesn’t want Michael to be alone so I…”
He trailed off when she couldn’t fully hide her frown and her eyes dimmed. Her voice was slightly chilled as she attempted to smile and act like nothing was wrong. “I’m sure they’re glad they could have your help. How-how is she doing? Dr. Lee has asked us to keep an eye on her and Jax has been worried about her. It’s clear on his face.”
“She’s…she’s trying to hang in there,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “She’s trying to help Morgan…who’s already unsettled because he knows Michael is having surgery. And now with Sonny…”
Elizabeth nodded, “It’s a lot to handle. I’m sure it’s good that she has you and Jax to help. Support is always important…and really makes a difference.”
Her words stung, even though he didn’t believe she’d meant them that way at all. She didn’t have support; hardly any from Lucky and certainly none from him. Her grandmother and Robin and Patrick helped when they could, but it certainly wasn’t as much as Carly had. He felt the injustice and how unfair it was, especially since he was part of the other woman’s support system, but he didn’t know what to say.
Elizabeth forged on and didn’t give him a chance to say…something. She cleared her throat somewhat nervously as she noted in Michael’s chart. Without looking at him she said, “I wanted to tell you I was sorry about Sonny. I know how much he meant to you and I…I’m very sorry.”
“Thank you,” he replied softly.
She was silent as she finished checking his nephew’s vitals. He stuffed his hands into the pockets of his jeans and wondered what he could say, but knowing he needed to talk to her. As she finished, she eyed him, and then the door and he knew she was getting ready to flee. He took a step slightly to the side to block her escape and her eyes flared.
“Do you have a minute?” he began.
She nodded just once and Jason continued. “I just wanted to let you know…Johnny Zacharra isn’t taking his father’s territories back; he’s leaving them connected to Sonny’s. To…to mine.”
“Okay,” she said, struggling to look unaffected, but probably wondering why he was telling her.
“Anthony isn’t happy; he wants his son to run things,” Jason continued. “We’re watching him in prison and everything we’ve seen indicates he doesn’t remember the Black and White Ball, but…but Johnny cautioned me. So I just wanted you to know that we’re keeping an eye on everyone. I-I know that guards would draw attention to you and the boys, but I’ll have them watch out for you guys. Drive by your house a little more often.”
Her eyes widened and she clutched the chart tightly in her hands. He let out a breath and tried to assure her. “I don’t think he remembers, and so while he’ll be angry with me, I’m pretty sure you and the boys will be safe. This…”
Jason let out a breath and licked his lips. “This is why it’s safer people believe Jake is Lucky’s and we aren’t together. But I’m looking out for everybody around me and so I just wanted you to know so you could be aware and not caught off-guard.”
She swallowed and nodded shakily. “Th-thank you for…for telling me. I…I’ll keep my eyes open. I-I hope you stay safe, Jason.”
“I will,” he nodded. “My men and I are being cautious. If-if you need anything-”
“I-” she cut in. “I’m sure we’ll be fine. Like you said, Anthony probably doesn’t even remember and everyone thinks Jake is Lucky’s so…so I’m sure we’ll be fine. You…”
She lifted her chin and said, “You just take care of the people around you. The people you’re seen with…that’s obviously who others will think you care about.”
Then Elizabeth said, “I need to get back to work. I know Patrick wants to take care of the surgery soon and wants to see how Michael is doing.”
Stepping around him, she left the room, and he felt her barb had been a little more pointed at the end. It hurt, but it was no more than he probably deserved.
~*~*~*~
How was Morgan still alive?
Ric was sure that Sonny had ordered a hit on Jason, independent of anyone in the organization that might feel more loyalty to the enforcer than their boss. When Claudia wasn’t trying to avoid him or cause conflict between the brothers, she’d smugly hinted at knowing something he didn’t. She tried to be coy, but there was enough to lead him to believe his brother had finally seen Jason for the traitor he was.
So how was it that Sonny was dead, and Jason was alive? Had Jason found out about the plan and somehow turned it to his advantage? Was the killer still coming after Morgan, or with Sonny’s death had he given up? If he wasn’t going to get paid, the killer would probably have no reason to follow through in spite of whatever down payment he might have received. Or the unexpected murder of Sonny and his wife may have scared him off.
Ric had no resources he could access to check and see if a contract actually was purchased, except for one person. Despite being in prison and watched by Morgan’s men, he could reach out to contacts. If there was a hit out on Morgan, then maybe Anthony could revive it; or put out his own. Then Johnny would have to step up and Ric would step in to help.
It just required working with the devil to get rid of Jason Morgan.
~*~*~*~
Elizabeth let out a weary breath as she closed the door to her room and then headed down stairs. Her damp hair rested against her shoulders and she ran her fingers through it, too tired to care about the waves she’d have to contend with tomorrow. The house was quiet and she didn’t want to have to spend the time needed to dry her hair. She wanted to sit, watch something on TV and just mindlessly relax. Work was tiring, but the added stress of working on Michael’s case was taxing on a good day. To have her unexpected conversation with Jason today had left her stretched tight and emotionally exhausted. Her shower had begun the process of relaxing her body, now she needed to find something to distract her mind.
She brewed a cup of chamomile tea and settled in to watch something on The History Channel. It was interesting enough to keep her attention and therefore settle her mind, but contained no medical dramas to make her analytical skills kick in. She had just taken a sip of her tea when a heavy knock jarred her door, and her nerves.
Standing, she cast a glance at the stairs and sent up a prayer that the boys would stay asleep. Taking a deep breath, she hoped for calm as she opened the front door to Lucky standing on her porch. She’d recognized his knock, and also that it sounded angry, and she didn’t expect this to be a pleasant experience. “Lucky,” she said flatly. “What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to talk to you,” he said, stepping forward and knowing it would force her back. “I didn’t want you to get mad at me for showing up and bothering you at work.”
“So you show up here without calling first, after the boys are asleep so you don’t have to see them and play nice with Mommy while they’re awake?” she said, lifting her brow. “Is this another lecture about being a nurse on Michael’s surgery and care?”
“I don’t want you working on it, Elizabeth,” he said, planting his hands on his hips. “It brings you into contact with people you promised me you were done with.”
I didn’t promise you anything,” she corrected, mirroring his stance while her brows drew together. “You do not get to direct my life; you are not my husband and you aren’t my boyfriend.”
He pointed at the stairs and hissed, “I am those boys’ father!”
“I’m their mother,” she pointed out, “and I told you I didn’t want Sam around them, but you didn’t care.”
“I was keeping your secret,” Lucky said arrogantly and dismissively. “You weren’t in any position to make demands.”
Letting out a scornful laugh she shook her head. “You weren’t doing me some great favor that I begged and pleaded for you to do. You came to me and said you understood why I’d said you were Jake’s father and you offered to stay quiet and continue to protect him. But if you were so concerned about the boys you wouldn’t have stayed with Sam after you learned she hired men with guns to hold up me and the boys.”
She curled her lip up and said, “You kept quiet so nobody would know you weren’t Jake’s father. It was bad enough everyone knew I’d cheated on my cop husband with a hitman, to have everyone – meaning the men in the department – know that Jake was Jason’s…well that was just too much for your ego, wasn’t it? Just like Luke can’t accept Nikolas because he’s not his son.”
“I was doing you a favor,” her ex-husband said. “I have some right to expect you to listen to me.”
“Like I had a right to expect you to be faithful to me while we were married?” she wondered pointedly. “You cheated on me with Maxie to score drugs and then you threw your infidelity with Sam in my face. So don’t at like you were lily-white innocent, Lucky. But you have tried to control me with those boys ever since.”
“I’m doing you a favor,” he insisted, like that made all the difference. And to Lucky, it probably did.
Elizabeth shook her head and said sadly, “No, Lucky, all you’re doing is hurting the boys. You don’t see them when you’re upset with me and because I said I don’t want to…that I think it’s better we just remain friends and parents. We’ve both made mistakes and I was glad we weren’t so hurtful and angry anymore. I was glad we were getting along, but now you’re petulant and angry because you’re not getting what you suddenly wanted, and once again you’re punishing the boys.”
“You’re still holding out hope for Jason, aren’t you?” he scoffed. “Despite him dumping you and hooking back up with Sam, you’re pathetic enough to hope Jason will declare he wants you. He’s the boss of the organization now because somebody shot Sonny. Should Jake get kidnapped again, Elizabeth? Should the boys grow up in a tower with bulletproof glass and surrounded by guards? You’re a fool to throw everything away on a hope of something that will never happen.”
Licking her lips she worked hard to keep her voice even and not shout as she said, “Get out of my house, Lucky. You have no say in how I live my life, and if you keep acting this way I may have to decide whether it’s in Cameron and Jake’s best interest for them to have much contact with you.”
His eyes narrowed and he said, “You won’t take my boys away from me.”
“You never try to see them,” she pointed out. “You only want to use them to control me or to get your way. How is that being a father, Lucky?”
“They’re my boys,” he hissed out, leaning down towards her but she stood her ground. “Jason doesn’t want them, and they don’t fit in his life. You’ll just end up alone and pathetic.”
“I’ll have my boys,” she said, firming her shoulders. “And that isn’t pathetic. Pathetic is refusing to act like an adult and a father simply because you’re mad at Mommy.”
She bit back the rest of her statement that compared him to Luke. She didn’t want to fight with Lucky; it was just too draining to be angry and petty. It was frustrating to once again be slapped with the shortcomings she’d tried to overlook in him and ignore because she knew nobody was perfect. But she just couldn’t let her boys come second to another man’s insecurity and undependability. She was going to remain firm this time and be a single mother to sons. She would give them physical and emotional stability the best she could, and not believe she had to provide a two-parent home when Lucky would probably just end up hurting them in the end again.
Jason told her she was strong, sometimes stronger than she knew, and it was time to prove that. She just had to find those resources inside her and get through life. Whatever happened to them; from the mundane or – hopefully not – the not-so-mundane.


