Liz peeked down the stairs to make sure the coast was clear and that Jason was alone before walking into the living room and sitting across from Jason.
''Liz, listen I am so sorry about before, it's just that sometime I have to conduct meetings here and you can't be around for those.''
''Please, Jason don't apologize this is your house and I don't want you having to tip toe around here for my benefit. Actually, I have been thinking about this whole living arrangement and I have decided it's time I moved out.
I really appreciate your letting me live here, but I really need to get my own place, I just got off the phone with Bobby and she's agreed to rent me one of the rooms above Kelly's so I guess I will be moving out.''
''I hope I didn't make you uncomfortable Liz, because that was not my intention,'' said Jason relieved that she was ready to move on.''
''It's not you really it's me I have been thinking about this entire situation and I realize that I am really not comfortable with everyone thinking what they are about us.
At first I didn't care because I have been just so angry and I still am, but after careful consideration I think that letting everyone continue to think we are together that way is not right and it's not fair.
You haven't said anything, but I know you have been taking a lot of flack for this and I am so sorry. I promise as soon as I can I will clear up this whole matter starting with my grandmother and Emily.''
''I think that's a good idea Liz I don't like Emily being mad at me so I think your telling her the truth is the right thing to do. I am sure once you explain that you got upset with Nicholas and just blurted out the first thing that popped into your head she will understand and you guys will go back to being friends.''
''I hope so Jason I really made a mess of things, but hopefully I will be able to fix them tomorrow and hey thanks again for putting up with all my mood swings and my temper.''
''That was easy it was never pointed in my direction so I haven't had a reason to be offended,'' said Jason smiling in amusement at Liz. ''Please remind me not to get you mad at me, because when you are mad you are really mad, wow.''
Liz chuckled and went to gather her things that she had left at the top of the stairs. When Jason looked up and saw her coming down the stairs he was amazed she had already packed. ''You are leaving here tonight, why don't you just stay the night and leave tomorrow.''
''No, I think I should just go now the room is available and I am definitely ready to be on my own, besides I have intruded on your Bachelor lifestyle long enough,'' said Liz knowing that Jason was relieve to get his space back.
''I really didn't mind having you around Liz, really, but I do think it's better that you move out it will be good for you,'' said Jason sincerely.
After a warm hug Jason instructed Johnny to take Liz to kelly's and later asked Benny to keep guards on her for awhile.
Spencer's Residence
Laura pulled herself out of Luke's arm and raised tearstained eyes at him, ''he hates us both doesn't he and how can we blame him we've let him down so miserable Luke,'' said Laura sobbing again as Luke gathered her back into his arms.
After leaving Felicia in the park Luke had set out to see Laura, but ran into her on her way to see him at the club when he was halfway to the house. They had known immediately that the other had ran into Lucky and had both collapsed helplessly in each others arms, each understanding the others joy and sorrow.
Now three hours later sitting in the living room of the house they once shared they both wondered where Lucky could be and hoped that he was ok. ''We have to find him Luke it's cold out there what if he has nowhere to go, oh no what if he tries to disappear, Luke if he decides to disappear we'll never find him.''
Luke considered the possibility of that happening, but then shook his head, ''no darling the cowboy won't run off yet, not until he sees Elizabeth.'' ''Luke, no Elizabeth is with Jason how will he react when he finds out.''
''I don't know how he will react Laura, but I think he will stick around, at least for a while before he tries to take off.'' ''Do you think he knows about Elizabeth yet,'' ''if he doesn't he will soon, because I am willing to bet she's is next stop. Actually I wouldn't be surprise if he didn't try to find her first before coming to the club.''
Laura got up and paced the length of the living room nervously, ''I think we should call Audrey I think he will probably go there first.'' ''Yea, I think you are right, but be careful we don't want to give Audrey a heart attack so proceed with caution.''
Laura dialed Audrey's number and after three rings Audrey's voice mail came on signaling her absence. After hanging up Laura tried the hospital, but was told that Audrey was in surgery and wouldn't be out for sometime. On impulse Laura dialed Jason's number while trying to think of what she would say.
''This is Jason,'' ''hi Jason, it's Laura Spencer is Liz there,'' asked Laura not wanting to go into why she was calling with Jason, like Audrey she was displeased with Jason for what she considers him taking advantage of Elizabeth.
''No, she's not,'' said Jason deciding that Liz should be the one to tell others about her new living arrangements. ''Would you like me to give her a message?'' Asked Jason sensing the underlined resentment in her voice. Thinking the sooner Liz told everyone the truth the happier he will be.
''No, no message, but Jason can you tell me if Liz received any unusual visitors tonight,'' asked Laura trying to sound as normal as possible. ''No, not that I know of,'' ''thanks,'' said Laura hanging up before she revealed anything that would make Jason suspicious.
''I take it she's not at Jason, either that or she's screening her calls and we are on the list,'' ''why would you say that Luke, Elizabeth knows that we love her no matter what.'' ''Maybe, but still living with Jason is a little far out don't you think and she may think we are going to pile on with everyone else and judge her for it.''
''Umm, well I guess there's nothing we can do about warning her until tomorrow, that's if Lucky doesn't get to her first. You don't think he will pick a fight with Jason do you Luke?'' Laura asked anxiously. ''No, look, the cowboy can get hot under the collar, but my guess is if he finds out about Liz and Jason he will probably just slink away to lick his wound somewhere for awhile.''
Laura sat down and considered where Lucky could have gone, ''Bobby he may have gone to Bobby.'' ''Yea,'' said Luke getting up and dialing his sister's number. Unfortunately Bobby was also in surgery at GH with no word on what time she would be out.
Laura tried Nicholas at the cottage, but after getting his machine reluctantly dialed Stephan who informed her coldly that Nicholas was in New York for a social engagement and would not be back until the following afternoon. ''Well so much for that idea,'' said Laura reporting what she had just learned to Luke.
''Let's go,'' said Luke getting up and walking to the door, ''go where,'' asked Laura confused wondering what he was thinking about.
''Let's go down to the PCPD to let Taggart and Mac know what complete jokes they are for falling for this, yea I know I fell for it too, but I had help from the police. They were the ones who showed us that bogus file, convincing us that Lucky died in that fire, so they are even more responsible for this.''
The Quartermaine Mansion
''Lucky, Lucky, Lucky wake up you are dreaming it's ok wake up Lucky,'' yelled Emily shaking Lucky out of what appeared to be a horrible nightmare.
Slowly Lucky stopped trashing around and calmed down. ''Lucky, Lucky are you ok,'' asked Emily still shaking Lucky until he opened his eyes and looked up at her the horror from his nightmare still present in his eyes.
Emily reached down to hug Lucky, but he jerked away from her and curled into a tight ball at the other end of the bed. Emily was puzzled, but decided to try again, so she went around to the other side of the bed and gently took him into her arms. He tensed, but didn't pull away from her again so she chalked up his earlier reaction to leftover feelings from his nightmare.
Emily looked up a moment later and noticed that the entire Quartermaine household was standing just inside the door, so she quickly motion for them all to leave the room before Lucky became aware of their presence.
Lucky's nightmare had caused him to scream in terror as though someone was hurting him, but Emily figured it was just left over anxiety from his ordeal. After a few more minutes of holding him he relaxed and pulled away from her embrace, ''I am sorry Em, I guess that must have been quite a show I put on.''
''Lucky it's ok really I understand, I mean after everything you've been through I am not surprised that you are having nightmare,'' said Emily calmly reaching over and placing the back of her hand against his forehead when she noticed him shivering.
''I think you may have a temperature Lucky,'' said Emily pulling the covers up and around his chin before leaving to find a thermometer. A minute later she returned and stuck the thermometer into Lucky's mouth giving him a warning look when he was reluctant to comply with her orders.
''103, Lucky you have a fever O my goodness how do you feel,'' asked Emily becoming panicked. ''Like I have been ran over by an eighteen wheeler,'' replied Lucky sinking deeper into the covers grateful that Emily hadn't pressed him about his nightmare.
''I am getting Dad to come and take a look at you,'' said Emily rushing from the room before Lucky could protest. He knew it was useless though, because Emily was one of the stubbornness people he had ever met.
A few minutes later Emily returned followed by Allan who was carrying his medical bag. After examining Lucky he announced that Lucky had the flu and needed lots of rest and fluid. Emily stayed well after Allan left and held a cold compress to his head until he fell into a restless sleep.
''Emily is Lucky ok, I'm sorry I know he shouldn't be disturbed, but I just wanted to make sure he is ok,'' said Carly genuinely concerned for Lucky's wellbeing. ''He's got the flu, but dad said he just need some rest and a lot of fluid.''
''Hey if you like I can sit with him so you can take a break, you must be tired and drained what with everything that has happened.'' ''I am fine Carly, I think I will just crash on the sofa over there for tonight, so you can go, but thanks for offering,'' said Emily hoping the concern she heard in Carly's voice was sincere.
PCPD
''This had better be good Luke, because right now I could be home with my family if not for you, hi Laura,'' said Mac gentling his tone when he addressed Laura.
''Where is Taggart, he deserves credit for this too and you know me I love to share.'' ''For what Luke what are you going on about now,'' asked Mac as Taggart came striding into the room to join the them.
''Lucky is alive Mac, and all the while I thought he was dead thanks to your incompetent investigating. Not arson right Mac, let me see if I remember your exact words. The investigation is conclusive Luke the fire was an accident, started by some candles Lucky had on his nightstand. Wasn't that what you said Mac, wasn't that the official finding, no arson, but just a accident that in my heart I knew made no sense.''
By the time Luke was through with his tirade Mac was looking from him to Laura with the obvious question written all over his face. ''What do you mean Lucky is alive Luke,'' asked Taggart already forming his own conclusions.
''Oh, right Taggart you were the lead detective on the case, sorry, I mean lieutenant. I wouldn't want to leave you out since you deserve some of the praise for the stellar detective work on my son's case.'' ''Luke, will you just check the sarcasm at the door and tell us what's going on,'' said Mac beginning to get angry.
Laura who had been watching silently from sofa decided to put a stop to Luke's outburst. ''Luke let's just get this over with ok.'' Luke sighed and rubbed his head before filling Mac and Taggart in on Lucky's kidnapping and the fire.
''Helena Cassidine and Faisan? Partners? Is there no end to the surprises from those two? Is there nothing those two didn't do?'' Asked Mac, becoming just as irate as Luke over the discovery.
''I am sorry Luke, something always seemed fishy about that fire to me, but I have to admit I had no idea that Lucky could still be alive or that Helena Cassidine was the one behind it,'' said Taggart.
Luke went and sat next to Laura rubbing his throbbing temples. ''Where is Lucky now,'' asked Mac. ''I have no idea he took off almost as soon as he came and saw me,'' said Luke leaving out the bit about Felicia, remorseful again over what his son had witnessed.
''Laura, how about you,'' asked Mac, wondering why Lucky would be hiding from his parents. ''He ran off after he came and saw me too,'' said Laura with renewed guilt over the scene Lucky had witnessed on the docks.
''I don't understand, why would Lucky find you guys and then just run off like that,'' asked Taggart still bewildered over the events unfolding in Mac's office.
''Look Taggart Lucky blames us for not knowing he was alive ok, for not coming to get him and other family stuff ok, and really can you blame him, it's been nine months only god knows what those two evil bastards did to him.''
Taggart shook his head sympathizing with the kid, who must have felt so alone being held captive while everyone believed he was dead. ''Mac why don't we put out an APB on him and see if one of the officers can't locate him out there.'' ''Yea that's a good idea,'' said Mac going to make the call.
''Do you two know if he's got any money or of any place he would go,'' asked Taggart concerned about Lucky's whereabouts. ''We've already tried everywhere we think he would go, but so far no luck, however we are sure he's hold up somewhere out of the cold, he's very resourceful,'' said Laura.
Quartermaine Mansion
Emily stayed up with Lucky practically the entire night and at one point when his fever had shot up to 105 degrees she had awaken her parents in alarm.
Alan soothe her however by telling her that the antibiotic he had prescribed would bring his fever down so there wasn't any need to take him to the hospital.
''It's ok, you're ok,'' whispered Emily to Lucky the next morning when he came awake and immediately began looking around his surroundings wildly.
Slowly the events of the previous day returned to Lucky and he began hurting all over again when he remembered what all he had learned about the people he cared about.
Emily made Lucky drink some juice and after making sure his temperature was back to normal watched him fall back to sleep. She wondered as she sat there watching her old friend what would happen to him now and whether he would be ok.
''I won't let anyone hurt you Lucky, not anymore, that's the least I can do I promise,'' whispered Emily to Lucky's sleeping form.
Kelley's
Carly watched Elizabeth set-up from the outside of Kelly's, she rubbed her hands together in anticipation as she realized that Elizabeth was definitely in the dark about Lucky's return. She couldn't wait to lay the boom on her and see her reaction. More importantly she couldn't wait to do everything she could to make sure Liz didn't get within a 100 feet of Lucky.
Elizabeth looked up as the bell over the door jingled signaling her first customer. She groaned when she saw who it was and went back to setting the tables, trying to avoid Carly and the argument that was sure to come.
''It's really rude to ignore your customers you know, even the ones you don't care for.'' ''What do you want Carly,'' asked Elizabeth reluctantly thinking she might as well get it over with.
Today was shaping up to be a really bad day, because for some reason she had woken up this morning missing Lucky even more than usual, something she didn't think was possible.
''How about we start with a cup of coffee,'' said Carly, watching Elizabeth closely. Elizabeth had bags under her eyes and her hair that must have been put together hurriedly was now falling out of the twist giving her a dreary look.
''I hear the Quartermaines breakfast bar is very extensive why are you having breakfast here,'' asked Elizabeth. ''Well if you know that much then you must also know that breakfast at the Quartermaines is a like being in a war zone,'' answered Carly chuckling and taking a sip of her coffee.
''So how is Jason these days,'' asked Carly genuinely curious. She hadn't talked to Jason since Liz moved in with him another reason why she was going to enjoy watching Liz squirm. ''What's it to you,'' asked Liz deciding to forgo telling Carly that she was no longer living at Jason's Penthouse.
''Is it really necessary for you to be such a bitch to me, I mean really Liz what have I ever done to you anyway,'' asked Carly getting angry. ''Oh let me see how about that crack where you threw Lucky in my face,'' said Liz snidely.
''Oh please give it a rest Liz you were being a bitch to me before that, may I remind you of that uncalled for attack on the docks,'' said Carly staring Liz down.
''That wasn't an attack that was me telling you to stay away from Jason so he could recuperate, not to mention staying out of my studio,'' answered Liz snidely. ''Don't you mean your love nest,'' sneered Carly with renewed anger.
''You know what Carly I don't have time for this, unlike you I have a job and I have to work or I don't get paid.'' ''I am so wounded,'' said Carly clutching her chest in mock wounded.
''No Liz your treatment of me had nothing to do with my remark in your studio it was all about you clinging to Jason and trying to keep him to yourself.''
''Carly has anyone ever told you that you are truly delusional I didn't have to keep Jason away from you he was doing a fine job of that himself.''
''Liz how long have you known Jason, really, what like two months, three at the most,'' said Carly really curious. ''Your point would be,'' asked Liz sarcastically feeling especially bitchy since she was having such a bad day.
''My point is, I have known Jason for three years and yea I have made a lot of mistake but he's been the best friend I ever had. All of a sudden you come along and think you know everything about us when really you know absolutely nothing about how it works with us.''
''I know you hurt Jason very badly,'' said Liz defensively. ''That's right I did hurt Jason, but I didn't mean to and Jason knows it, because he knows me. You hardly know him, but you come along and you just assumes you know everything and have been acting like Ms. Superior ever since.''
''Listen Carly like I said I have work to do so if you don't mind,'' said Liz suddenly tired of Carly and their argument. ''One more question Liz, it's a hypothetical,'' said Carly becoming incensed at Elizabeth's attitude. ''Fine Carly go ahead, but make it quick,'' answered Liz already bracing herself for another attack.
''Ok Liz, what if you loved someone, say Lucky, he's fresh in memory I think,'' said Carly continuing as Elizabeth tensed and began glaring at her.
''What if you did something to hurt him without meaning to, something you can't take back no matter what. What if you did it blindly because maybe you didn't have all the facts, but as soon as you did it you regret it, but it's too late and now your only hope is that he will forgives you.
Unfortunately for you though there is this person who doesn't have all the facts either, this person who doesn't understand what Lucky means to you. This person doesn't realize that you would never knowingly hurt Lucky, that you would rather cut off your arm than hurt him. This person then places herself between you and Lucky making it impossible for you to make amends.
What if that happened to you Liz, what would you do, how would you handle that. Would you not do everything to make Lucky understands or would you be able to just walk away without a fight.''
By the time Carly was finished both her and Elizabeth were so mad that they could only glare at each other with their fist clenched at their sides.
''How dare you mention Lucky to me, you know nothing about him or me, how dare you even speak his name to me again,'' screamed Elizabeth tears rolling down her cheeks, shaking with more anger than she had ever felt in her life.
''You still love him don't you Elizabeth?'' Carly asked realization dawning on her for the first time at the extent of Elizabeth's feelings for Lucky.
When Elizabeth just continued to cry Carly realized that she couldn't be the one to tell Elizabeth about Lucky. It was not her place to do that and she couldn't find the heart to use Lucky to hurt Elizabeth she just knew somehow that there would be no redemption after that for her.
''The way you love Lucky, the way you feel about him, well that's how I love Jason and you took him away from me Elizabeth and I hope you never know how that feels,'' said Carly surprising herself with her sincerity.
She looked once more at Elizabeth who was now outwardly sobbing and then walked out of Kelly's running into Audrey on her way out the door.
''Elizabeth what's the matter,'' asked Audrey rushing to her granddaughter's side to comfort her. Elizabeth allowed Audrey to pull her into her arms for a minute and rocked her while she cried, but soon she forced herself to pull it together so she could get back to work.
''I am fine now gram and I have to finish getting Kelly's ready for breakfast,'' said Elizabeth hating that her grandmother had caught her in such a weak moment.
She had been trying desperately for months to be independent, but realized all she had managed to do was seem even more dependent than before starting with moving in with Jason.
Elizabeth now realized that she had made a terrible mistake moving in with him not to mention letting everyone believe her and Jason were a couple. She knew that her first order of business was to clear things up with her grandmother and apologize for her behavior over the last month.
Audrey studied Elizabeth carefully wondering if she knew about Lucky and deciding she must and that' s why she was crying and acting so disjointedly.
Carly must have told her thought Audrey who had received a call from Emily this morning filling her in on Lucky's whereabouts and what had happened the night before.
Emily had suggested that Audrey be the one to inform Elizabeth about Lucky's return. She had tried calling her at Jason's first but was told that she should be a kelly's. Now watching Elizabeth busy herself with opening Kelly's Audrey wondered how she would approach the subject.
She was surprise Elizabeth wasn't at the Quartermaine's demanding to see Lucky even though Emily had made it clear that Lucky wasn't ready to see neither Elizabeth nor his parents.
This was not like her granddaughter, thought Audrey who had been certain that despite what Emily said once Elizabeth learned about Lucky she would stop at nothing to be with him. In fact Audrey had intended to encourage Elizabeth to do just that, but watching Elizabeth now Audrey wondered if she was in some kind of denial and whether or not she should call Gail.
''Darling,'' said Audrey taking Elizabeth gentle by the hand, ''why don't you come over here and sit with me for a minute Kelly's will be fine besides I think I hear Tammy coming in the back,'' said Audrey softly.
''Gram I'm ok, Carly just said something to upset me and I lost it, but I am fine now promise,'' said Elizabeth smiling slightly deciding to wait until later to apologize to her grandmother and tell her about her new living arrangements.
''What exactly did Carly say to you dear,'' asked Audrey unable to belief that Elizabeth would be this calm if she knew about Lucky. ''It's nothing really her and I don't get along and today she just really pushed my buttons, but it's over now and I just really need to get back to work.''
''She didn't tell you did she,'' asked Audrey realization dawning on her that Elizabeth was still clueless about Lucky's return. ''Tell me what gram,'' asked Elizabeth beginning to suspect that there was something her grandmother wasn't telling her.
''What didn't Carly tell me gram, is there something going on that I should know about,'' asked Elizabeth a feeling of apprehension descending on her. ''You don't know, o my god darling I don't know how to tell you this, I don't know how one deliver such news.''
''Gram you are really scaring me, so please just say it whatever it is,'' said Elizabeth becoming panic wondering what could be so awful that would bring tears to her grandmother's eyes.
Before Elizabeth could say another word Audrey grabbed her hands and led her upstairs to one of the rooms above the diner. ''Gram please what is it,'' asked Elizabeth after they were alone in what turned out to be her room.
''Darling I think you should sit down,'' said Audrey obviously nervous. ''Ok I am sitting tell me what it is asked Elizabeth panic taking over her body wondering what this could all be about her mind drawing a complete blank as to what it could be.
Audrey took a deep breath before beginning. ''Elizabeth, the fire that destroyed Lucky's apartment wasn't an accident it was deliberately set,'' said Audrey pausing to see Elizabeth's reaction.
Elizabeth paled, ''are you saying that Taggart was right and this was really a mob hit to get back at Sonny and Jason,'' asked Elizabeth already feeling sick to her stomach about the implication of such an outcome.
Audrey was surprised at Elizabeth's conclusion, but then realized that Elizabeth was no where near connecting the dots and was instead thinking that Lucky was dead because of organized crime. ''Oh no, no dear this has nothing to do with the mob, oh dear,'' sighed Audrey.
''Elizabeth the fire was a set-up, the body in Lucky's apartment wasn't his it was someone else's body dear. Lucky was kidnapped and have been held captive by Helena Cassidine and a man named Faisan and with both of them dead Lucky was set free by the guards that were assigned to him. He's alive Elizabeth Lucky is alive.