Stolen Hearts
Chapter Five: Silent Night

It was the beginning of another glorious spring in Port Charles.  The sun was shining brightly and there wasn’t a cloud in the blue sky.  It was no longer jacket weather, birds were chirping and flowers were blooming.  Courtney decided to break out her summer clothes to celebrate. She decided on a pale pink summer dress that perfectly accentuated her curves.

Letting her blond tresses cascade down her shoulders she applied light make-up and replaced her wedding rings on her finger.  Satisfied with her appearance Courtney left the bedroom in search of her Husband.

“Morgan?” Courtney called out as she walked through the halls of their cozy Penthouse.

Courtney discovered her love at his desk, predictably talking on his cell phone.  She cautiously approached him, wanting to ensure that he was not talking ‘business.’  Further observation revealed that Jason was merely discussing coffee with the Warehouse Foreman.  Courtney inwardly smiled. 

“Breakfast?” Courtney whispered into Jason’s ear as she wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders, lightly kissing his neck. 

Jason smiled from in front of her, and covered the mouthpiece with his hand.

“On the table,” He gestured to the steaming plates of eggs benedict and fresh strawberries displayed on the kitchen table.

“You’re really earning your keep this morning, Morgan!” Courtney joked, kissing the back of Jason’s neck once again. “Are you going to join me?” Courtney hoped.  

Jason nodded.

“In a minute Baby…  I just need finish this call.”

Courtney sighed; the man was a truly a slave to his work.

“Fine then!” Courtney mockingly whined.  “I’m going to go wake up my other man.  He’ll eat with me.” Courtney teased.

Courtney joking turned on her heals and stomped up the stairs in search of her Son.  She was actually a little surprised that Chance was not awake already.  It was past nine o’clock in the morning; Chance usually woke up at six thirty. 

Upon entering the Nursery Courtney discovered that her son was indeed awake, and happily standing up in his crib – but he was rather entranced by a little birdie perched outside his window.  

“Wha dahhh?” Chance sort-of questioned his Mother by pointing a chubby little finger in the direction of the bird. 

“Morning Baby Love!” Courtney greeted her smiley tot.  “What are you looking at?”

Courtney’s blue eyes followed the direction that her curious son was pointing in. 

“Oh that’s a bird.  A Robin,” Courtney explained.

Courtney scooped Chance from his crib and brought him to the window to get a closer look.

“Looks like the Mommy bird is looking for food for her babies,” Courtney detailed for her son.

Not realizing the Nursery window was in his way Chance reached out in an attempt to touch the bird.  A loud thud echoed in the Nursery when Chance’s little fist smacked into the window. 

The commotion startled the Robin and it quickly flew away - Chance thought that was hysterical.  He wailed his arms excitedly in the air and bounced up and down in his Mother’s arms.  He reached out again to hit the window. 

“Just like your Father - always wanting to scare things!” Courtney chuckled at the Father-Son resemblance. 

~ ~ ~ ** ~ ~ ~

Courtney fastened Chance securely in his high chair before walking over the fridge to fetch some baby food.  Little Chance had been weaned off of breast milk a while ago and was now experimenting with new foods.  It was quite an interesting experience for Jason and Courtney too.

Courtney let her crystal blue eyes span her packed fridge.  It was filled to the brim with milk, pabulum and jars of baby food for Chance.  Looking in to the kitchen of the Morgan household, it was completely obvious as to who was in charge. 

“I think we will have pabulum and peaches this morning, Baby Love,” Courtney announced to her Son.

Chance didn’t react to his Mother.  He was more interested in checking out his fingers.  

Courtney foregoes her own breakfast and went about preparing Chance’s breakfast – working quickly and efficiently so not to make the ‘Boss’ upset.  She set the jar of peaches on the plastic tray of Chance’s high chair.   Opening the lid she spooned out some of the dark mush.

“Open up Baby Love,” Courtney requested as she stuck a spoonful of peaches in Chance’s busy mouth.

Needless to say more went on Chance’s cotton bib than in his mouth.

“Ooops,” Courtney giggled.  “We missed.  Let’s try that again.”

Courtney spooned some more peaches into Chance’s mouth; the spoon actually reached him this time.  Upon tasting the peaches, Chance immediately made a sour face.  He definitely did not like them.  Courtney attempted to feed her Son some more, but Chance would just duck his head out of the way, or wouldn’t open his mouth when he was offered more. 

“What’s for breakfast today Buddy?” Jason inquired, walking into the kitchen.   

Instead of answering Courtney spooned up some of the peaches and offered Jason a taste. 

“Yummy, peaches!” Jason concluded.  “Does he like them?”

Courtney attempted to feed Chance some more, and actually got the spoon in his mouth – but all Chance did was spit them out and make another face.

“I guess that is a negative.” Jason smiled at the disgusted expression on his Son’s face. 

“So how is business?” Courtney inquired, effectively changing the subject.

“Steady.  There was a minor problem with a shipment of Dark Roast beans this morning, but we got it taken care of.”

“I wasn’t referring to the Coffee Business, Morgan.”  Courtney corrected her Hubby. 

“Baby…  You don’t have to worry yourself over this.  Everything seems calm right now.” Jason responded.  “I don’t think we will hear from AJ any time soon.” Jason answered his Wife’s silent question. 

Jason went over to the counter and grabbed the pot of brewed coffee, pouring two cups - black for him and cream and sugar for her. He walked back over to the table and handed her the coffee, stealing a chaste kiss before sliding into the seat beside her.

“Carly and I were planning on taking the kids out today…” Courtney said.  “I know Michael and Belle want to go to see Bobby…  And…  I need to pick up so more summer clothes for Chance.” Courtney whispered the next part, anticipating Jason’s reaction. 

“More clothes!”  Jason spat.  “Baby the child has more clothes than you and I combined.”

“Most clothes he has don’t fit anymore.” Courtney tentatively explained. 

“You and Carly just want an excuse to go shopping!” Jason teased his Wife. 

“Very funny Morgan!” Courtney feigned hurt.

Their playful banter was interrupted when Chance knocked the entire jar of peaches off his high chair.  The jar didn't break but the peaches were splattered all over the floor.  Both Courtney and Jason laughed out loud.

“I guess you really didn’t like those peaches!” Jason joked to his Son.

Jason rose from his chair to get some paper towels to clean the kitchen floor; Courtney got a wet cloth and started to clean up the mess left on Chance’s face.

“I got this honey,” Courtney promised.  “I’m sure you have to get going…”

“Trying to get rid of me?” Jason gasped.

“Yeah…  My boyfriend is coming in like ten minutes so get moving!  I have to get ready!” Courtney giggled.

Jason strode over to Courtney and placed a loving kiss on her mouth.

“If you do go out… Take Tony with you please,” Jason instructed Courtney.  “And don’t spend all my money either!” Jason winked before leaving the kitchen. 

~ ~ ~ ** ~ ~ ~

The lunch rush at Kelly’s was in full swing when AJ Quartermaine entered the quaint diner.  The term ‘extremely busy’ was an understatement.  Line-ups were long and customers were becoming impatient at the lack-luster service, but Elizabeth didn’t care.  She was taking her sweet time.

AJ strode up to the counter and squeezed onto a stool, effectively pushing another customer out of the way.  He locked eyes with Elizabeth and signaled for her to meet him over by the washrooms where no one could hear them.

“You know it’s not good for us to be seen together!” Elizabeth scolded AJ.

“I need a favor.” AJ ordered. 

“What is it now AJ?” Elizabeth groaned. 

So far this in this partnership Elizabeth was doing all the giving and AJ was doing all the taking.  Following suit AJ reached inside his coat pocket and pulled out an envelope. 

“Give this to Tony,” AJ instructed his ally. 

“Here?” Elizabeth gasped.

“Keep your voice down!” AJ commanded.  “Tony called me earlier and said that he is escorting Carly, Courtney and the kids shopping and the park.  They are dropping by here for lunch.  Just slip him the envelope when no one is looking.”

“What is it?” Elizabeth asked. 

“Instructions on how to pick up a little something to help us in our plan!”

“Ohhh!” Elizabeth squealed. “What?” 

“Pills called Silent Night.  They are completely colorless, odorless, tasteless and rendered undetectable when submerged in liquid.  Relatively harmless… But they knock you out cold,” AJ smiled wickedly.

“How did you get your hands on them?” Elizabeth asked, a little shocked that AJ could obtain such drugs.

AJ rolled his eyes at Elizabeth’s relentless line of questioning. 

“Can you give Tony the envelope or not?” AJ asked, a little impatient.

“No problem.” Elizabeth smiled.

~ ~ ~ ** ~ ~ ~ 

“I hope Jason doesn’t kill me for buying all these clothes!” Courtney giggled as she, Carly and the kids walked up to Kelly’s for lunch.

“We will just go home a little early and put them away before Jason has an opportunity to see all of them!” Carly schemed.

“Please wait here while Tony inspects and secures the institution first,” Johnny explained, halting Courtney and Carly from entering the diner. 

Courtney and Carly just rolled their eyes, but waited patiently with Johnny and the children.

Nodding his exit to Johnny, Tony casually walked into Kelly’s, seemingly surveying the crowd for any unusual suspects or potentially dangerous situations.  In reality, he was searching for Elizabeth. He spotted her filing her nails at the counter.  

“Nice weather were having,” Tony chatted to Elizabeth, trying not to act suspicious.

“Summer is just around the corner!” Elizabeth responded as she quickly but cautiously lifted the envelope out of her apron and placed it on the counter, her hand covering most of it.

“Have a good day,” Tony nodded, quietly swiping the envelope into his jacket pocket before turning to venture back outside. 

The exchange was short and sweet – no one noticed a thing.  The plan was starting to take form.

~ ~ ~ ** ~ ~ ~

Courtney and Carly had quiet the hectic lunch.  The lunch rush was not completely over when they arrived at Kelly’s so it took time to receive service.  This meant the blondes had to distract their children so they wouldn’t become fussy and disturb other customers.

When the food finally arrived Michael spilled his soda all over the table, Isabella spit up on herself and Chance would not even touch the baby food squash that Courtney had packed for him.

Needless to say Courtney and Carly were glad to head to the Park for some fresh air. 

“Oh Mom look… A Carnival is set up!  Can I go on a ride?  Please? Please? Please?” Michael begged.

“Not today Michael.” Carly informed her anxious Son.  “It wouldn’t be fair to Chance and Isabella because they are too small for the rides!  You and I can come back and do it another time.”

“Pleasssssseeeeeee?” Michael begged again. 

”Oh, alright!” Carly relented.  “Just one ride though!”

“Yesssssssssss!” Michael squealed.

“Are you going to join us Courtney?” Carly asked her best friend.

“Actually I think you should go on with out me!” Courtney decided. “Chance and I are going to continue to walk.” 

“Are you sure, Aunt Courtney?  They have a Merry-Go-Round!  And a Haunted House!” Michael tried to sway his Aunt. 

“Next time Buddy!” Courtney promised.

“Will you be okay?” Carly posed.

“We’ll be fine, Carly…  Tony will stay with us, right?” Courtney looked over at Tony.

“Sure, Mrs. Morgan.” Tony replied.  

“Okay, then.  We will see you later!”

Carly barely had time to wave good-bye before Michael took off running in the direction of the Carnival.  Courtney stifled a laugh at her Nephew.

With the Corinthos clan gone Courtney and Chance were left alone with Tony.  No one else was around at the Park.  All Tony had to do was slip Courtney the ‘Silent Night’ pill into a drink and Courtney would be rendered unconscious – giving AJ and Liz the perfect opportunity to steal Chance.

“Tony…” Courtney called out, breaking Tony from his train of thought. “Would you mind going back to the stand and getting me a bottle of Iced Tea?  I am really thirsty!” Courtney smiled. 

“No problem, Mrs. Morgan.  I will be right back.” Tony smiled politely.  “This is too easy!” Tony smiled to himself.   

Stolen Hearts 

Chapter Six:  

“Your Iced Tea, Mrs. Morgan,” Tony informed his boss’s wife as he dutifully handed Courtney the requested beverage.  

“Thank-you Tony… But please, call me Courtney!” The blonde smiled genuinely, accepting her drink.  

“Courtney…” Tony corrected himself.  

Unbeknownst to Courtney the drink contained a dangerous dose of ‘Silent Night’ – a completely undetectable pill that if consumed, would render one unconscious for prolonged periods.  All Courtney had to do was take one miniscule sip and she would be put to sleep.  One ounce and her life and the life of her Son would change dramatically.  One drop and Chance would be taken from his Mother and sent to Elizabeth and AJ.  

Courtney and Chance Morgan were involved in a very intense and dangerous situation, but were completely oblivious to it.

~ ~ ~ ** ~ ~ ~

“It’s so amazingly beautiful out here… The clear blue sky, the warm sun and the gorgeous flowers…” The blonde happily commented, inhaling the fresh air.  

“Oh give it a rest Goldilocks!” Tony mused silently.    

He was becoming impatient with Courtney and her lack of cooperation in taking a sip of the Iced Tea.

“Send me to fetch a drink for nothing!” Tony quietly complained once again.    

Chance was ecstatic to be outside with his Mother too!  The Port Charles Park was similar to scenes from Disney animations.  The birds were chirping, frogs were jumping, and flowers were blooming.  Chance’s senses were on overdrive – so many different things to explore.  

“Oh!  Look Baby Love, there’s another Robin,” Courtney explained to Chance like he understood exactly what she was talking about.  “And look at the little Squirrel!” Courtney laughed.  “Too bad Rosie’s not here!” Courtney said.  “She loves to chase them, doesn’t she Baby Love!”

“Come on Bitch!” Tony mumbled.  “Just take a sip of the damn Iced Tea!”

“Did you say something, Tony?” Courtney questioned her constant shadow.  

“Ahhh… I said you might want to take a sip of your drink before it becomes too warm,” Tony covered, attempting to lure Courtney.  

Courtney smiled sheepishly.  

“I guess with all this spring excitement I completely forgot about the drink – you were so kind to go and get it for me.  Thank-you,” Courtney smiled genuinely at Tony’s sincerity, not realizing the actual intent of his actions.    

With a final smile Courtney lifted the looming liquid to her pink lips to take a long pull … when suddenly a sharp shriek startled her.  

“What’s wrong, Baby Love?” Courtney immediately asked her antsy Son, completely forgetting about her Iced Tea.  

In a soundless explanation the little toddler lifted his stout little finger in the air and directed it at … Jason.

“God Damn It!” Tony wordlessly cursed his rotten luck.  

“Morgan?” Courtney gasped.  “What are you doing here?”  

Courtney was definitely not expecting to see her Husband this afternoon – at the Park of all places.  She was shocked he was there, but certainly pleased.  

“You mentioned this morning that you and Carly and the kids were stopping by the Park.  I had some free time so I figured I would catch up with you…” Jason lingered.  “Why are you so surprised to see me?  Are you expecting someone?” Jason joked.

“I was supposed to rendezvous with my boy-toy, Sergio… but now since you’re here I guess I will have to reschedule,” Courtney replied with all seriousness.

“Very funny Baby!” Jason pouted as he pulled his Wife in for a loving snuggle.  

Witnessing the intimate interaction between Jason and Courtney made Tony extremely uncomfortable – he detested public displays of affection.  

“Tony…” Jason addressed his employee.  “Thanks for watching my Wife and Son.  I can take it from here,” Jason dismissed.  

“Are you sure Mr. Morgan?” Tony questioned almost desperately.  

His real boss, AJ Quartermaine, will be none too pleased when he discovers that Tony had spent the majority of the day with Courtney and Chance and failed to administer Courtney the secret drug.  

“Yeah… Just go check in with Benny,” Jason instructed.   

“Very well,” Tony nodded as he took his leave.  “This is going to be harder than I thought,” Tony grumbled.  

~ ~ ~ ** ~ ~ ~

Courtney placed the forgotten bottle of Iced Tea down in the stroller so she could wrap her arms further around her Husband.  The Newlywed couple huddled together as they walked along the Park, pushing Chance in his stroller.  The Morgan’s were a sweet and picturesque family.

“Are we completely bankrupt now Baby?” Jason smiled but shot his Wife a menacing glare.  

“Whatever are you talking about dear?” Courtney feigned her innocence.  “I merely purchased Chance the bare essentials he needed for summer,” Courtney delicately explained.

“Oh really?” Jason questioned.

“Really,” Courtney assured him.

“Is that why a Department Store dropped off over twenty-five parcels at the Penthouse this morning?” Jason continued with his line of questioning.  “They were the bare essentials?”

“Maybe a few extras!” Courtney giggled.  

Jason simply shook his head in disbelief.  It was hard to wrap his head around the idea that someone so small could require so much stuff.  

“He will be the most handsome guy in his play group!” Courtney boasted.  

“And he looks so excited about that…” Jason concluded, nodding in the direction of his sound asleep Son.  

Chance was initially thrilled to be outside however the flurry of activities he experienced throughout the day seemed too much for the little guy to handle.  

“I guess you wore him out!” Jason whispered, gently stroking his Son’s hair as he slept.   “I just hope that you and Carly didn’t scar him for life with all that shopping,” Jason warned his Wife.  

“My boy is just fine!” Courtney defended.  

“How about we continue this discussion at home?”  Jason suavely suggested, gently flirting with his Wife.  

“Sounds good to me!” Courtney replied with the same tenacity.  

Jason released his hand from Courtney’s and began to clear the items out of Chance’s stroller so it would be easier to load into the car. 

“Did you still want this Iced Tea?” Jason inquired, motioning to the forgotten beverage still sitting on top of Chance’s stroller.

“Ah…no.  You can just throw it out!” 

Without another thought Jason tossed the potential fatal drink in the trash, unknowingly saving his Wife from potential danger.  

~ ~ ~ ** ~ ~ ~

The sun was beginning set on Port Charles but two particular residents were not quite ready to retire for the day.  The cherished pair sat content and relaxed in front of a blazing fire, snuggled deep in a cotton blanket, sipping wine – well beer in Jason’s case.

“I can’t believe Chance went down that easily!” Courtney mused, moving closer to her Husband.  “He was really tired… He might even sleep through the night!” Courtney winked.  

“Which gives us plenty of time!” Jason whispered suggestively to his Wife, lightly kissing her neck.  

He gently took Courtney’s wine glass from her hand and set it on the floor out of the way.  Courtney, who had been sitting in between Jason legs, turned around to face him – desperately wanting more contact with her Husband.  

These private moments were the moments that Courtney loved the most.  It was just the two of them, totally alone and free to express their love.    

Courtney made herself comfortable while Jason resumed his delicious torture on her neck, eliciting soft moans.  He then ran his hands down her back and skimming them softly under her shirt.  He loved the feel of her supple skin against his rough hands.  Within seconds Jason had completely removed Courtney’s shirt.

“A little anxious, are we Morgan?”  Courtney whispered in his ear.  

“You are so beautiful!” Jason honestly replied, marveling at the sight of his Wife clad only in her black lace bra.

Wordlessly, Jason’s mouth sought Courtney’s in a breathtaking kiss.  She moved into the kiss while a naughty idea entered her mind.  Acting fast, Courtney quickly removed Jason’s shirt, carelessly tossing across the room.      

She shot Jason a menacing grin before pushing him back to lie flat on the floor.  Courtney straddled her gorgeous husband, forcing him to let out a throaty growl.  Courtney could feel Jason’s passion underneath her but wanted to torture him a little before she indulged him.  

Serge of confidence overcame the usually innocent blonde as she grabbed Jason’s hands and pinned them above his head.  The determined look on her face signaled to Jason that tonight Courtney was in control.  Jason was extremely turned on and made no effort to stop her.  

Releasing Jason, Courtney ran her delicate hands over Jason’s chiseled chest, grinding her hips against him.  His satisfactory moans indicated to Courtney that she was having her desired effect.  

Continuing her pleasure Courtney lightly bit and sucked a line down his perfect chest, moving dangerously close to Jason’s black silk boxers.  She halted her ministrations and devilishly ran her fingers over the elastic of the flimsy fabric.  Courtney provided Jason with an evil smile but didn’t move any further.  She wasn’t going to give in that easily.

Courtney was driving Jason wild.  He was all hot and bothered and couldn’t take the torture anymore.   

“You’re driving me crazy!” Jason growled.  “I need to touch you!” Jason admitted as he reached out to caress his Wife.  

It seems that Fate had another plan for the romantic couple; before Jason could move any further a loud knock echoed throughout the living room.  

“Jason?  Open up!” Sonny commanded from the other side of the door.  

Jason growled again, this time in frustration.  He took a minute to collect himself as he laid his head in the crook of Courtney’s sweet neck.  

“I’m so sorry baby!” Jason whispered, moving from the floor.  

“To be continued!”  Courtney promised.  

The knocking on the door intensified with Sonny’s impatience.

“Just a minute!” Jason yelled as he ran over to the door, putting his shirt back on.

“Somebody tried to break into the warehouse.  I need you to take Johnny and go check it out.”  Sonny ordered without even offering a greeting.  

“No problem,” Jason agreed as he entered his enforcer mode.  

Before he ran out the door Jason turned to Courtney and gave her a weak smile.  This was his silent method of letting his Wife know that he would much rather stay at home.  

“I know.  Just be careful.” Courtney responded.  

“Always.”  

~ ~ ~ ** ~ ~ ~

A few hours had passed and Jason was still not home.  It was late but Courtney decided to wait up.  She snuggled down on the couch with a cup of tea and switched on the television; the ‘Exorcist’ was playing.  She loved scary movies, but this movie was by far the scariest.  

As the movie progressed an uneasy feeling overcame Courtney.  As she cast her eyes around the dark, empty penthouse she regretted her decision to watch the movie alone.

The horrific face of the devil suddenly flashed on the screen, startling Courtney; she let out a violent shriek.  Before she knew what was happening, Tony came through the door.

“Is everything alright Mrs. Morgan?” 

Courtney’s face reddened with embarrassment.  She had gotten a little too wrapped up in the film.  

“I’m fine Tony… Something on the television startled me, that’s all,” Courtney smiled sheepishly.  “I think I scared Chance too…” Courtney admitted after hearing Chance through the monitor.  “Everything is alright now.  You can go now, thank –you!”  Courtney reassured as she went up the stairs to check on her Son.  

As Tony turned to resume his place in the hall he noticed Courtney’s cup of forgotten tea sitting vacant on the table.  This was his opportunity and he took it.  Silently Tony dropped a couple pills into the liquid then quickly took his leave.  

~ ~ ~ ** ~ ~ ~

Courtney returned to the living room after she changed Chance’s diaper and gave him a bottle; he returned to sleep fairly quickly.  

Courtney had assumed that Jason would have been home by now.  His lack of presence was beginning to worry her.  

“It’s silly to worry!” Courtney attempted to convince herself.  “Jason will be alright.”  

Courtney went back over to the couch and snuggled back into the blanket, reaching for her tea.  Unaware of the looming danger Courtney took a large gulp and then settled back into the couch.  

Like a tornado the drug swept in instantly with disastrous repercussions.  Her vision clouded over and the room began to spin.  Within moments Courtney was rendered unconscious.

Operation ‘Silent Night’ was in effect.