Author's Note: This General Hospital Fanfiction is written by Ashlyn and me, and is set back in the time before it was revealed that Lesley Webber was alive and the Spencers faked Laura's death. The Jerry Jacks had not entered the Port Charles scene, and is an entirely different kettle of fish than the one that has been seen on GH. CHAPTER 1: A MOTHER'S HEARTBREAK.... Helena Cassadine speaks angrily into the phone, "What do you mean he doesn't want to speak to me??" Stefan Cassadine sighs as he watches Nikolas stalk angrily up the stairs towards his room..."Just what I said Mother. Nikolas has made it clear he never wishes to speak to you again." Helena:" I demand that you put that boy on this phone immediately Stefan! I won't tolerate this blatant disrespect." Stefan:" I'm not forcing him to talk to you Mother. You have dominated enough members of this family with your evil controlling ways. I won't subject Nikolas to this any further. He has been hurt enough by your actions" Helena: "Who do you think you are?? You dare to speak to me in this manner?? Nikolas is mine. He will be on the next plane to Greece. Obviously allowing him to stay in Port Charles with you and that peasant of a mother of his has tarnished not only his thinking but your's as well. " Stefan: "I'm not sending him anywhere. I've raised Nikolas and I'm not about to turn him over to you. I wouldn't even do that to the Spencer brat. Face it Helena, Nikolas doesn't want to have anything to do with you and neither do I! You have controlled me far too long! I will continue spare Nikolas from your wrath and control as I have always done." Helena is now screaming with rage. "You always were weak Stefan. Once again your lust over that peasant has clouded your judgment. You stand there now casting your judgment on me with your air of superiority. Enjoy it while you can son, for I'm not dead yet and as long as I breathe the air of this wretched planet you will be mine as will Nikolas. You are a Cassadine and you have certain responsibilities with that name. You have tarnished the name of your father and now have the nerve to try and keep my heir from me. Rest easy while you can, Stefan, for I am not through with you yet." with a loud thud she slams down the phone. Stefan stands shaking in the Wyndemere living room. A cold chill moves down his spine. That woman is the coldest human he has ever come across and she still had a way of making him nervous. He heads up the stairs to Nikolas' room. .................... At the Cassadine Compound in Greece Helena is speaking to someone on the phone. "Keep me informed. As soon as an opportunity arises I want you to go forward with the plan. My son and grandson will learn a valuable lesson soon enough." As soon as she hangs up the phone, as servant enters the room with some tea. Helena picks up a letter on her nightstand, folds it and gives it to the servant. "Give this to Mr Theros, it should help him with the document I'm having him prepare." Once the servant leaves, Helena picks up a picture on her nightstand. She speaks to it softly.. "My dear Stavros..how I wish it had been your brother not you that went down those stairs. You must know that I will show Nikolas the error of his ways and teach him to be the type of leader you and your father were. It isn't too late yet.. your brother has made him weak but I can still change him and exact Timoria on those who wronged you and our family.. including your wretched brother. ..................... Stefan is sitting on a chair in Nikolas' room and trying to soothe his nephew's anger..the young man is sitting on his bed shaking as he tries to speak calmly. Nikolas:"I hate her, Uncle. I refuse to claim her as my grandmother..my God, she killed my grandmother, Lesley!" Stefan:"It's okay, Nikolas. I have told Helena that we are through with her. You never have to worry about her hurting you or manipulating you again.." Nikolas: "One down a few more to go." he mumbles to himself Stefan: " Excuse me?? What was that?" Nikolas: "Uncle, don't you think I notice when you are manipulating me? You are doing it even now." Stefan: "Nikolas anything I might do that you consider deceitful is really for your protection. I'm trying to look out for your best interests. You have always been my first and only concern. One day you'll understand that everything I've done was out of necessity." Nikolas sighs and responds wearily. Here we go again. "Uncle, I'm not a child. I know this is Timoria, but you keep me in the dark. I feel like a pawn in one of your chess games." Stefan grasps Nikolas's face between his hands and looks intently into Nikolas's tired face. "You are not a pawn. You are the king. Never forget that. You are tired. Get some rest we'll discuss this in the morning. Good night, Nikolas." Nikolas: "Good night Uncle." Chapter 2: An Uncle's Heartbreak Stefan is sitting at the living room table at Wyndemere with his laptop computer. He smiles at the screen and says "Finally!". He insert a CD Rom into the drive. "Let the games continue!" Just then Mrs Lansbury comes into the room. "Mr Cassadine, we have a security problem. Could you come at once? It should only take a moment." Stefan sighs, looks at the screen, trying to make a decision. He decides, gets up and follows Mrs Lansbury. Nikolas comes home early from the hospital. Seeing a kid die was harder on him than he ever expected. He comes into the living room looking for his uncle. He sees the room is empty, and notices his uncle's laptop open on the table. Curious he steps to the front of the computer screen and is shocked at what he see's. He sits down and looks at the words placed on the screen.."this is Lucky.. ready to play??" Nikolas stares at the screen in shock, but comes to when he hears his uncle enter the room... Stefan looks ashen. "Nikolas what are you doing?" Nikolas: "I think a more important question is what do you think you are doing?!" Stefan: "That's my private computer. You have no business ....." Nikolas voice begins to rise. "I have no business? I have no business? What kind of sick game are you playing with Lucky?" Stefan: "Nikolas, I'll discuss this with you, but only if you act in a mature fashion, understood? Now you know this is my private computer- I don't appreciate you snooping. You know better." Stefan walks up to the screen and closes it. He looks Nikolas is the eyes and Nikolas glares at him. Nikolas: "What are you doing?? You blast Spencer for setting me up, yet you're playing games with Laura's son??" Stefan:"This is Timoria, Nikolas. All's fair in war so they say..you'll understand this one day." Nikolas: "You think I will understand that you are playing mind games with someone younger than me?? IT TAKES A REAL POWERFUL MAN TO MANIPULATE A KID, UNCLE!!" he screams angrily. Stefan: "Nikolas! I will not tolerate this insolence. That Spencer Brat will pay for pushing you down those stairs. You think it was an accident? Well I know better. That Spencer brat will kill you the next chance he gets! Don't you understand that!" Nikolas: "That Spencer Brat is Laura's son and Lulu's brother. I know that his pushing me was an accident, I was there. Have you forgotten I broke into their house uninvited? You intend to kill him don't you? I never saw you as a killer. You are no better than Luke Spencer!" Stefan: "That is enough Nikolas! I will not have you speak to me this way. How dare you accuse me of planning to kill that brat. I will teach him and his bastard father a lesson." Nikolas: "You know, you aren't any better than Helena!" Stefan stands in shock and stairs intensely at Nikolas. He moves towards him and standing straight in front of him whispers.."What did you say??" Nikolas chooses to not back down takes a step forward, staring directly back at his uncle. He repeats it slowly and clearly. Nikolas: "You aren't any better then Helena. I guess you are your mother's son, she will be so proud. I won't be like you though! How could you betray me this way?? I told you i didn't want Lesley Lu hurt and here you are plotting against her brother!" Stefan: "How dare you! You stand in my house and have the nerve to insult me?? I'm the man that raised you Nikolas..I kept you away from Helena's poison. I'm the one who laid over your unconscious body and called for an ambulance while Spencer and his son stood there and did nothing! This is the gratitude I get from you? " Nikolas: "I don't doubt you love me, Uncle, but you have gone too far. Do you think the Spencers won't respond? When will it end? When Lucky and Luke or you and I die? How am I supposed to explain their death to Lesley Lu? Well I won't have any part of it! If you don't end this sick game with Lucky now, I will never forgive you! Do you understand? I will not be bullied or guilt-tripped or manipulated by you on this matter. Now before I say anything rash, I'm going out to clear my head. I never expected to be embarrassed by you, but I am. Goodbye, Uncle" Nikolas leaves quickly. Stefan yells after him. "Nikolas! I'm not finished with you yet!. Nikolas!" He hears the door slam loudly signaling Nikolas's exit. ****************** Stefan stands in the living room visibly shaking. He lets the angry words wash over him again and he realizes this is serious. He sits on the chair in front of the computer and makes the only decision that he can. He opens up the computer and types in the words: "Unlucky no longer able to play..good day" He closes the laptop and puts the disk away and walks to the liquor cabinet. He pours himself a drink and hears Nikolas upstairs. He contemplates following him but decides to wait till dinner to talk to him. He sits down with the drink and shortly hears Nikolas descend down the stairs quickly. "Nikolas? Nikolas..come back here dinner will be served soon." His words go unnoticed for the boy is already jogging down the dock. Nikolas runs fast and hard trying to clear his head. Angry tears streak his face as he thinks about his uncle's betrayal. He knows he needs to think and is shocked when he runs into Mrs. Lansbury at the end of the dock. Mrs Lansbury: "Master Nikolas--is everything all right?? Nikolas: "I'm fine just trying to clear my head." Mrs Lansbury: "How about a ride into town? Can I drive you??" Nikolas thinks about it for a second and hastily decides why not..as he gets into the boat leading to the car Mrs. Lansbury nods to Gibbons and then leaves with Nikolas. Gibbon's walks into Nikolas's room and puts a handwritten note on his nightstand and then exits the room... Nikolas and Mrs Lansbury get into the car. Nikolas: "Thank you Mrs Lansbury. I'm so glad you came to Wyndemere. I've really missed you" Mrs Lansbury: "Oh Master Nikolas, I have missed you as well. I have always been very fond of you." Mrs Lansbury reaches into her pocket and pulls out a syringe, When Nikolas looks out the side window, she quickly jabs his arm with the syringe and dispenses the drug. Nikolas: "What the Hell?" Mrs Lansbury: "Master Nikolas, this is really for your own good...." Nikolas, tries to unlock the car door but can't. He becomes frantic as his efforts become weaker and the drug takes effect. As his last effort, He grabs Mrs Lansbury and tries to shake her. Mrs Lansbury becomes alarmed, but he quickly passes out. Mrs Lansbury resettles Nikolas in the car seat and puts on his safety belt. She wipes the beads of sweat on her forehead. She makes a call from the car phone. Mrs Lansbury: "I'll meet you in one half hour at the rendezvous point." ************************* It starts to get late and Stefan becomes worried..he calls for Gibbons to come into the living room. Gibbons: "Yes, Mr Cassadine?" Stefan: "When you were out did you happen to see Nikolas on the grounds??" Nikolas: "No sir--but i heard the ferry leave." Stefan dismisses him and goes to Nikolas' room he notices a letter on the table addressed simply: " Uncle". He picks up the letter and reads: Uncle, Well, you've finally done it. I can no longer handle staying here with you anymore. I can do a better job on my own then with the kind of guidance my family is offering me. Don't try to find me because i don't need you anymore. I can make it on my own. Nikolas Stefan goes pale as he rereads the note. Not again He thinks to himself and grabs the letter. As he heads out the door to Laura's, he yells to Gibbons: Stefan: "Scour the grounds for any sign of Nikolas. Call in more staff to look for Nikolas in Port Charles. I don't want him to leave the city!": He pulls the beads out from his coat pocket and silently prays to find him. CHAPTER THREE: THE RUNAWAY.... Stefan makes his way to the Spencers home. For once in his life he is actually praying Nikolas will be there. He knocks on the door and Luke answers. Luke glares at him: Luke: "What are you doing here Cassadine? You know you aren't welcome." Stefan sighs impatiently. Luke is like talking to a small child sometimes. "I am looking for Nikolas. Is he here?" Luke: "What did you do? Did you lose him again? I thought you had goons to babysit the boy." Stefan realizes he will get nowhere with Luke. "Can I please speak to Laura? This is an urgent matter or I would not be here." Luke: "She isn't here. You don't really think I will pass on a message to her do you? You've got to be kidding!" Luke tries to shut the door but Stefan steps forward blocking the door with his body. At this point Lucky bounds down the stairs to see what the ruckus is. Stefan notices him immediately. Stefan speaks to both of them "Nikolas is missing. He has runaway. I need to speak to Laura immediately. Where can I find her? I called the hospital, they said she was gone for the day." Lucky looks surprised but says nothing. Luke smiles with satisfaction. Luke: "Well, Uncle Steffin." Luke pauses to gloat for a moment. " The kid has flown the coop, huh? Can't say I blame him. So what happened this time? Did you do flush his spider down the toilet? Or maybe you padlocked his coffin?" Stefan: "I don't need this from you. My nephew is missing and I need his mother's help." Luke: " I don't need you guilt tripping Laura into this little lost Nikky routine. Come on Steffin where is the kid?? This is clearly a set up for you to draw Laura in." Stefan: " You know I am growing tired of your constant paranoia, Spencer. Like it or not, the Cassadines don't bay at the the moon at night, we don't boil babies, and we don't sleep in coffins. This conversation is getting me nowhere. " He looks at Lucky intensely, who shifts uncomfortably under his gaze but doesn't look away. Stefan: "If you care about your mother at all you will tell her that I need to speak to her about Nikolas. I am afraid he might get hurt. " Stefan looks back at Luke with pure hatred. He backs out of the doorway and stalks away from the house. Luke slams the door loudly behind him. Lucky sighs and studies his father carefully. He decides to take a chance. "You know, he really does look worried. Maybe Nikolas did take off..." Luke continues to smile and takes out a cigar and lights it. "Good riddance then. Don't tell me you feel sorry for the Cassadines now?" Lucky:" No Dad..it's just he IS Mom's son. She's going to be really mad if she finds out we're keeping this from her. And if Nikolas does get hurt what will happen to Lulu if she needs another transplant?" Luke sighs and looks at Lucky. "You're starting to sound like your mother. I've got to go to the club. If your mom comes home and you feel the urge to confide this.. Well, do what you have to do. See you later, Cowboy." Lucky watches his father leave and shakes his head in amazement. ............. Mrs Lansbury arrives at the designated location. As she gets out of the car, her contact comes up from behind her. The contact is a woman and she looks to be in her late twenties. She is dressed is dark jeans and a black leather jacket. Woman: "Are you certain that no one followed you? Cassadine might have had the boy followed." Mrs Lansbury: "I was very careful. No one followed us here. Now where is everyone else?" Woman: "Don't concern yourself with the details. Your part in this is finished. All you need to do now is keep the boss informed of Cassadine's movements." The woman makes a signal and two large men come out of the shadows. Woman: "George, put Nikolas in the plane and make him comfortable. Make sure he is secure, I don't want any surprises when if he wakes up mid flight. Barry, you take Mrs Lansbury back to town and dispense with the car as planned." The men move quickly to complete her orders. ...................... Laura enter's her home and sees Lucky sitting at the table looking off in space. She walks to him.. "Lucky? are you okay??" Lucky looks at his mom and wrestles with his conscience. He decides he has to tell her if only for Lu's sake. "Mom, Stefan Cassadine came here earlier. He was looking for you." Laura interrupts angrily. "He what?? How dare he come here to start problems..." Lucky: "Mom, he said Nikolas ran away. He had some note with him. He said it was very important he talk with you." Laura stands in silence for a minute. "Did he say where he'd be??" Lucky: "No, I guess he thought you'd know." Laura paces for a minute and then looks at Lucky. "I'll be back soon. If Nikolas comes here. Try to be nice and keep him here. Something may be wrong." Lucky:"Look Mom, I only told you because Lu may need him again. I can't say I'll be nice to him." Laura:" Lucky, I don't have time to argue about this right now." She kisses him on the cheek before going and rushes out the door.Lucky wonders to himself if he made the right decision. Laura heads to the park hoping her instincts are right and that he'll be waiting for her. .................................. Stefan is sitting on a bench in the park. It is pitch black out except for a street lamp nearby. He fingers the beads absently as he replays the fight with Nikolas over and over again. Nothing in the argument gives Stefan any indication that Nikolas would run. Nikolas is still so impulsive. Where could he be? Stefan sees Laura emerge from the shadows. He looks at her as she sits down on the bench. The tears start to well in his eyes. Stefan whispers : "I can not believe this is happening again." Laura: "Tell me what happened." Stefan: "We argued. He was angry and left to clear his head. When I went to his room to find him. He was no where to be found, but he left this." He hands Laura the note. She opens the note gingerly and reads the words of her first born. After rereading it, she looks up at Stefan in amazement. Laura: "So, what did you do to make him leave?" Stefan: "I didn't do anything, Lasha. He was angry when he left, but he never gave any indication that he was leaving. I have to find him. If you hear from him....?" Laura: "I'll call, but something had happen to cause him to run away. What did you argue about?" Stefan looks uncomfortable: "I'd rather not get into it with you. I'm wasting time here. It's already dark and I can't take having him on the street at night alone again. I'm going to contact the police. I should be going." Stefan begins to get up from the park bench, but Laura stops him from leaving by grabbing his hand. He looks at her hand on his for a moment. When he looks up again, she sees pain and anger in his eyes. Laura: "Look, I know you're worried and I'm sorry if I'm a little short with you, but this is twice now he's left. I'm growing a little concerned." Stefan:" Well, let's not forget that the first time he ran away came after a deep dark family secret was thrown at him with no regard to the damage it would do." Laura's eyes flash at him. He immediately looks apologetic. "I'm sorry Lasha, I do not wish to fight with you tonight. I just don't have the energy. Please ignore what I just said. If Nikolas does contact you please try to get him to talk. I'm very baffled by his sudden disappearance. It makes no sense that he ran away. Good night, Lasha." He gets up from the bench and walks away briskly. As Laura watches him leave she thinks to herself. Where would Nikolas run?? and why would he take off again? ................. On a private airplane the young dark haired woman is speaking to someone on the phone. Woman: "We're on our way now. No, everything went right on schedule. He's still knocked out due to the drugs...What? No we'll be there shortly. Relax, everything is under control. Okay. See you soon." She puts down the phone and looks at Nikolas sleeping in the seat next to her. She brushes back his hair with her hand softly and whispers.. "We're almost there young prince. One day you'll realize this was for your own good." .......... Stefan Cassadine is growing impatient as Mac Scorpio continues to talk to someone on the phone. Finally he hangs up and turns address Stefan. "I have my best men working on it now. I know you've been through this before so I don't have to tell you that all you can really do is wait." Stefan looks frustrated: " The last time I waited I found my nephew lying at the bottom of a staircase unconscious. I want to avoid that this time." Mac: " You said you had an argument. Was it a serious one??" Stefan:" Yes, it was heated. But he said he was going out to clear his head. I cannot imagine him saying that and then running away. This makes no sense. My nephew is impulsive, but to run away again? I am very concerned." Mac: " Okay. Well, go home and wait to see if he calls. Maybe he left the note in haste and will decide to come home after he cools off. We all were teenagers before and sometimes what seems like a major fight one minute doesn't look so bad later. I'll keep you posted Mr. Cassadine." Stefan nods in agreement and then heads back to Wyndemere aimlessly stroking his beads and praying that the inept police commissioner was correct.. maybe Nikolas would be back at the island. .......... Barry drops Mrs. Lansbury off at the docks and then gives her one final warning. Barry:" Remember the story. You gave him a ride and when you went into the store for something, he took off with the car." Mrs Lansbury:" Don't worry. I know who I work for. Good luck with your part." Barry:(with a cruel smile) "Luck has nothing to do with it." They part company and Barry takes off driving in the car. He notices a young man standing in an alley and smiles as he thinks to himself: He's perfect, not too tall, black hair right shape. This is going to be too easy. Barry:" Hey kid..its a little cold out. You Want a ride?" The kid pauses for a moment. He shrugs and hops in the car. CHAPTER 4: THE ACCIDENT Stefan makes his way back to Wyndemere. He climbs the stairs to Nikolas' room. He hopes to find him sleeping but his hopes are crushed when all he finds is an empty room. He goes back downstairs to the living room and sits on the couch. He picks up his beads and begins to pray for Nikolas to return home safe and sound. As if in answer to his prayers the front door opens. He jumps up, but is surprised to see Mrs. Lansbury walk in, groceries in hand, with Detective Garcia behind her. Stefan: "Is their news on Nikolas??" Mrs. Lansbury: "Mr Cassadine, I don't know how to explain this but I found Master Nikolas on the dock and offered him a ride into town. He said he needed to clear his head and I thought a drive might help. I left the car for a moment to run into a store to pick up some sugar. When I came back out the car was gone. A witness said Nikolas drove off in my car." Stefan's face loses color:"You left the keys in the car?" Mrs. Lansbury: " It's a cold night i wanted to leave the heat on for him." Det Garcia: " Mr. Cassadine, I understand that Nikolas doesn't have a license. Does he know how to drive?" Stefan" I'm not really sure. Not that I know of. This isn't like Nikolas at all.." ................ Nikolas feels like he's swimming through cotton as he tries to awaken from his drug-induced sleep. As his eyes focus, he recognizes he is in private jet. He looks around the airplane cabin and notices a pretty woman in the seat across from him. She appears to be sleeping. When he tries to move, he can't, he's tied up tight. Damn, he thinks, what is going on here? Then Nikolas remembers his angry fight with his uncle and Mrs Lansbury drugging him. None of it makes sense. Why would she do that? And who is this woman? Is she his kidnapper? This has got to be some kind of joke. He could take her a minute. Just then she awakens and notices his questioning stare. Woman: "So the prince awakens." Nik: "What the hell is going on here? Do you have any idea who you are messing with? The woman laughs. "You really are naive, aren't you little boy? Well, this is your wake up call." Nik: "Look, I don't know you, but I can make it worth your while to release me. My family will top anything you are being paid if you return me." The woman gets up from her seat to kneel at Nikolas's feet. Woman: "So this is what you expect me to do? Isn't this what everyone has done since you were born? Well, the party is over. I call the shots now." Nik: "Who are you working for? And where are you taking me? I expect answers NOW. It is the least I deserve if I'm to be cooped up in the seat, trussed up like a turkey." The woman laughs. "Well, I was warned you had a mouth on you. Well we can end that." She removes a syringe needle from her coat pocket. Nikolas's eyes widen, but he refuses to plead. Nik: "You are going to be sorry you ever had anything to do with me lady..." The woman pushes the shirt up on his arm. Nikolas starts to struggle, but he can't move. She injects him quickly. Woman: "There. That wasn't so bad, was it? Besides, we will be landing soon, and I don't want you to be awake for the landing and transfer. That would be too messy." Nik words start to slur: "What is your name anyway? Can't you at least tell me that?" The last thing Nikolas remembers as he falls asleep is her telling him that her name was Miranda. ..................... Barry watches as the car went off the road and exploded with a bang, lighting up the lonely dark road. He couldn't believe his luck finding a kid that looked enough like Nikolas to pass. Well, kid, you won't be cold anymore he thought smugly. Sometimes he really liked his job. He picked up the cell phone and called 9-1-1. Operator:"Please state your emergency." Barry:"Some kid nearly ran me off the highway. He went off the side of the road. Please send help." He hangs up the phone before she can say anything, only staying long enough to give the location. He hops into the waiting vehicle and smiles at the man inside. " You'd better drop me off and get back to the hospital. I think you'll be supervising an autopsy tonight." The man in the car smiles and then heads out. Barry picks up the phone and calls his boss." Mission accomplished. I'm heading back home." The woman on the phone compliments him and he hangs up. Chapter 5: The Death Stefan welcomes Detective Garcia into the Wyndemere living room. "Please have a seat. I would be happy to answer any of your questions if it will lead to finding Nikolas. Mrs Lansbury, will you please bring us some tea? We might be here for awhile. Detective Garcia, what do you want to know?" Det Garcia: "Well a good place to start is to tell me what you know about his friends and acquaintances in the area. If we can talk to them, they might be able to help us locate your nephew." Stefan fingers his beads absently: "Well I told Commissioner Scorpio all I know about his friends in the area. There is Gina Cates,who works at Kelly's. There is Nurse Bobbie Jones, and there is some woman by the name of Katherine Bell who came by taking photos the other day. That's all I know." Just as Det Garcia began to speak, his cell phone began to ring. "I'm sorry, please excuse me." He gets up from his seat and begins to pace as he answers the phone. Det Garcia: "Yes, Garcia here. What? Ok, tell me the description of the car and the license plate." Det Garcia looks at his pad as he listens to the caller. Det Garcia: "Ok, right, it's the same. Ok, I'll be there as soon as I can. " He closes his cell phone and turns to face Stefan. His face is grim. Stefan's face turns pale. This is his worst nightmare. "What have you heard? You must tell me everything NOW." Det Garcia: "They've found Mrs Lansbury's car out on route 6. It isn't good. There has been an accident, and a fire. I'm going out to the site right now. I'll call you as soon as I have some news." Stefan's face and body turn rigid. "No, I'm coming with you. There is no way I'm going to sit here by the phone and wait for the incompetent PCPD to call me with news." Stefan goes to get both their coats. Det Garcia looks irritated, but tries to placate Stefan. "Look, I know you are upset, but the accident scene is no place for you. You will be upset by what you see and you'll get in the way of the rescue teams. Please. Just stay here. I promise I will call you with news as soon as I have any." "We are wasting precious time. I am going with you, there will be no further discussion. I will ride in your car." Stefan and Detective Garcia leave Wyndemere. ..................................... Garcia pulls his car up to the scene. Mac Scorpio meets them as they get out of the car. "Mr. Cassadine, I suggest you stay here." Mac gives Garcia a hard look and whispers."What were you thinking? This is no place for him." Garcia whispers back, " You try and tell him differently!" Stefan is quiet as he takes in the scene. There are police cars with their lights flashing, a tow truck working to bring the vehicle up as the firemen continue to douse the burnt vehicle. He sees the ambulance waiting and he looks at Garcia and Mac whispering to each other. He walks towards the scene with the officers following quickly. Mac: " Mr. Cassadine, please stay by Garcia's car. We'll keep you informed." Stefan looks up at him wearily. "Is there anyone in the car?" He whispers in a low controlled voice. Mac hesitates and finally speaks. "There was one person in the car. We're trying to remove the body now." Stefan takes a breath at the mention of the word body. He feels his heart grow heavy and looks at the car as it is lifted from the ditch. He watches the ambulance pull off and he turns and looks at the officers. "I want an autopsy. I refuse to accept that Nikolas was in that vehicle!" he says through angry denial. Mac looks at him sympathetically and nods. "Okay, Mr. Cassadine. Go to the hospital with Garcia. I'm going to see if we can find anything in the car," Stefan walks back to the car with Garcia. They drive in silence to General Hospital. He gets out of the car and follows Garcia into the Hospital and is greeted by Bobbie. "Oh Stefan, I'm so sorry." She reaches to give him a hug but he is stiff for a moment before pushing her away coldly. He mumbles something that she can't make out and then walks over to Dr.Dorman.. Stefan: " I want you in there. I know you will make sure it is really my nephew or not." Dorman: "Absolutely. Let's pray it's not." Dr. Dorman heads towards the room to supervise and Stefan stands alone in the hospital silently praying it is not his Nikolas on that table. .......... Bobbie takes one last look at Stefan staring blankly into space before going back to the ER counter. She picks up the phone and makes a call. "Hi Luke, Can you put Laura on the phone? It's important. Thanks.... Laura, can you get down to ER right now, it's Nikolas. Yes, Stefan is here. " Bobbie hangs up the phone and looks back over at Stefan. He looks horrible. She has never seen him look so dead and unresponsive. But his rebuff earlier made it clear that he didn't wish her comfort. She decides to make some more phone calls. ............... A short time later Laura arrives at the Emergency Room. She sees Bobbie first and heads over to speak to her. "Bobbie, where is he? Is he up to seeing me? What happened." Bobbie looks sadly at Laura. Laura's worried face registers Bobbie's look. "Tell me. What happened? He's going to be okay, right?" "Oh, Laura, I'm so sorry. From what I understand, Nikolas took Mrs. Lansbury's car. It crashed and caught fire, he died before he arrived at GH. Stefan isn't convinced it's him, so they are performing an autopsy. Dr Dorman is supervising at Stefan's insistence. " Laura's face crumbles as she begins to cry. " No, it can't be. I won't believe it. I haven't had enough time...." Laura's body begins to shake with sobs and Bobbie holds Laura as she sobs. Stefan looks over at Bobbie holding Laura. His face is devoid of all emotion. Dr Dorman enters the ER waiting room and walks up to Stefan. His face is very grim. "Have a seat, Stefan." Stefan looks at him in controlled despair. He knows what he's going to say, but he can't allow himself to believe. Not till he hears the words. He is joined by Bobbie and Laura who silently wait for Dorman to speak. Stefan: " I will stand. Well, what did the autopsy prove?" Dorman pulls out two objects from his pocket. He hands Stefan Nikolas's money clip with the Cassadine crest on it and then speaks. " I'm so sorry Stefan. It was Nikolas. There wasn't much to compare with, but the dental records proved it. And there was this." He reaches out and places a burned necklace in Stefan's hands. Stefan looks down at the necklace, the Cassadine family pendant, and starts to shake. His baby is gone. He looks over at Laura and Bobbie and then turns and leaves, heading towards the elevator. As the news sinks in, Bobbie and Laura hold onto each other crying together, grieving the loss of Nikolas. Stefan makes his way into room 666 and as soon as he enters the room he drops to his knees. His body is racked with sobs as he holds onto the pendant tightly. He is overcome by grief. He plays the argument through his head again and then Dorman's words echo to him. Stefan: " STAVROS!!!!" He cries out in pain. He can feel his brother's spirit in the room and he begins to speak to him through his tears of grief. Stefan: " I'm sorry brother...I never meant for Nikolas to be harmed. I raised him with all my heart and love. He was raised as my son. I loved him Stavros..more than life itself. Brother I have failed you..failed Nikolas...failed our family...he was our hope..and now our hope is gone!! Taken before he had a chance to fly. He would have accomplished so much.. he was destined for such great things. Stavros...what will I do without my Nikolas..." Stefan continues to wrack with sobs as he kneels on the floor hugging himself ..talking to his brother's spirit and begging for forgiveness and understanding... ............ Outside the door Dr Dorman smiles and then walks away picking up his cell phone and waiting for an answer. "It's done. He is exactly where you'd say he'd go. " Helena Cassadine smiles in satisfaction at the report. "Excellent. Let him feel the pain of loosing Nikolas. Let him feel the agony of losing his hope and dreams. Keep me posted on his activities." She hangs up the phone and clasps her necklace in her hands, smiling in satisfaction of a plan well executed. She contemplates the next phase. Chapter 6: Losing a Child While Laura goes to the restroom to collect herself, Bobbie calls Luke. "Hello, Luke. Listen, I think you need to get down here. Nikolas didn't make it and Laura is a mess. No, it was a car crash, and a gruesome one at that. Stefan isn't here right now, but I don't know if and when he might come back. I suggest you meet Laura at the entrance to the ER. Ok, I'll let her know you're coming. Bye." As Bobbie hangs up the phone, she sees Alexis standing in front of her. Alexis: "Where is Stefan? I've looked for him in the waiting area but he's nowhere to be found. Did he tell you where he went?" Bobbie: "No, he didn't speak to anyone, but I have an idea where he is. He is probably in the room that Stavros died in. Room 666." Alexis leaves so quickly she doesn't even thank Bobbie. ........... Alexis walks to room 666 and opens the door quietly. She sees Stefan still on his knees, his grief overtaking him. Silently she walks to him and drops to her knees wrapping her arms around him. He doesn't seem to notice her as he silently cries, his body wracked with sobs. She tries to soothe him. She strokes the back of his hair and tries to offer comfort. After a few minutes Stefan relaxes a bit and without looking at her whispers, Stefan:" He's gone." She pulls him closer to her and allows him to grieve. After a few minutes she whispers back to him. " Cousin, let me take you home..." He doesn't respond at first, but after a few moments, he rises and wipes the tears from his face. He looks down at the burned necklace in his hands and a single tear slips down his cheek. He turns to Alexis and nods. She takes his hand and leads him out of the room and out of GH. .............. Laura hugs Bobbie one last time before going out to meet her husband. "Thanks again for being here, Bobbie. I don't know what I would have done without you today." Bobbie notices how tired and fragile Laura looks. Bobbie: "Well, I hope my brother takes good care of you tonight. I know the next few days are going to be really hard. Call me if you need to. I'll stop by the house tomorrow." Laura wipes the last of her tears away: "Thanks, Bobbie. Good night." Laura walks outside to find Luke waiting for her in under the eaves of the hospital. It seems like poetic justice that it is raining now. As soon as Luke sees her he looks at her sadly. She rushes to his arms. Luke: "Oh darlin' " Luke holds her tightly in the rain as she sobs into his jacket. After a few minutes, her sobbing slows. Luke says gently, "Let me take you home baby." Laura nods and they walk off in the rain. ................... Alexis walks Stefan into the house. She notices how tired and lost he looks. His spirit seems to be broken. " Cousin, let me stay with you tonight." Stefan:" No, I want to be alone. I need a favor of you though." Alexis: " Anything." Stefan:" I need you to ...( he hesitates as if saying the words make it true) I need you to prepare to speak at the memorial. I can't......" Alexis: " Absolutely Stefan. I will take care of everything. Please try and get some sleep." She kisses him on both cheeks and her hand lingers on his cheeks for a moment. She leaves him alone in the mansion. He slowly climbs the stairs and as he tries to pass Nikolas' room he finds himself drawn into it. He stands in the doorway trying to muster the strength to enter. ................... Luke leads Laura up to their bedroom. He holds her again for a moment. Laura's tears have stopped for now, but her eyes look dead. Luke is worried. Luke: "Are you sure?" Laura whispers tiredly: "Yes, I want to be alone for a while to take this all in." Once Luke leaves her alone in the room, she goes to her dresser drawer and pulls out the old photo of Nikolas as a baby. She sits in a chair clasping the picture to her heart. The hot tears slide down her cheeks. She whispers to herself, "Oh, Nikky........" ........................... Stefan takes a deep breath and enters. He looks around the room. Everything reminds him of Nikolas. He notices a picture of the two of them on Nikolas's dresser. He picks it up and smiles. They look so handsome and proud in the picture. Stefan strokes Nikolas's face. It is so hard to believe he wouldn't be able to touch him or hold him again. Stefan puts the picture back. He notices Nikolas's old stuffed bear on one of the shelves. He smiles at the sight of it and picks it up. He could still remember clearly.... Lasha had begged him to get her off the Cassadine compound. She had been feeling suffocated by Helena's interference in her care of Nikolas. Stavros was gone a business trip. He offered to take her and Nikolas to the village to shop for Nikolas. Nikolas was a little over a month old. Laura had been so happy to get out, and she bought some baby clothes for Nikolas. Stefan enjoyed watching her and Nikolas, they were so beautiful. In the last shop he found a stuffed bear. When he showed it to Nikolas, Nikolas smiled his first smile. Laura beamed: "Oh Stefan! Look! He smiled! I think this the first time!" Stefan smiled at both of them: "Well, that's it then. He has to have it." Stefan puts the bear back. He then moves to the chair in Nikolas' room On the arm of it lays his running jacket. He picks it up and breathes in his nephews scent. He can smell Nikolas' cologne in it and he feels the tears start to slide down his face again. he sits on Nikolas' bed and clutches the jacket tightly as he is overcome with sobs.... ............. Laura is still clutching Nikolas's baby picture. She looks at it again and starts to think of him as a baby. She holds the picture to her heart and begins to sing the lullaby that she and Stefan would sing to him as a baby.. "Sleep, my child, and peace attend thee, All through the night; Guardian angels God will send thee, All through the night..." ............. Stefan is still crying as he holds onto Nikolas's jacket. He is whispering something softly as he gazes at the bear.. " Soft the drowsy hours are creeping, Hill and vale in slumber steeping, I my loving vigil keeping, All through the night......." Chapter 7: Nikolas awakens from his drug-induced sleep. He feels like he's been on a roller coaster and everything is fuzzy and strange. His eyes begin to focus and he realizes he's in a bedroom. It's nothing fancy but he know's he's never been here before. He hears someone coming to the door so he prepares to lunge at them. He is taken by surprise when Miranda comes in with a plate of food and a radio. Miranda: " Relax kiddo. I figured you might be hungry." Nikolas eyes her suspiciously. He's starving but he refuses to admit it. " I don't want your food." Miranda: "Listen little boy, your tantrums don't phase me. Now I need you healthy and strong. So you have a choice, either you act your age and eat this willingly or I tie you back up and force feed you like a child." He prepares to rebel but decides he really must eat. Reluctantly he picks up the plate from her and begins to eat the food. His hunger takes over and he starts to eat quickly. Miranda laughs:"Slow down tiger, there's more where that came from. I'm sorry you are so hungry. I promise I won't make you wait so long for food from now on, okay? I brought you a radio. thought you might want to listen to some music to pass the time." She smiles at him gently and he feels himself get angry at her again. He decides that the time has come to fight back at least with words. Nikolas: " Why did you take me? Does it make you feel powerful to keep me captive here?" Miranda: "It's a long story, Nikolas. You'll know everything when the time is right." Nikolas: "How do you know Mrs. Lansbury?" Miranda: " That's not important." Nikolas: "Are you going to kill me?" Miranda laughs at the question: "No, of course not. Look, this is a temporary situation. We'll get through it. All you have to do is relax and listen to what I say. Now let me get you some more food." Nikolas tosses the half empty plate aside and looks at her coldly. Nikolas:"Don't bother! I won't relax and listen to you! You're going to regret you took me. When my family gets through with you you'll regret you were ever even born." Miranda picks up the plate and shoves it back at him. Miranda: "You will finish this, little man! If you want to toss your food on the floor then you can eat it off the floor!" Again Nikolas tosses the plate but this time at her. Nikolas:" Tell me, Are you so desperate for a man that you had to kidnap me? My Uncle is going to find you. he is probably already on your trail!" Miranda is fuming. She leaves the room quickly slamming the door behind her. She returns a minute later with a newspaper. She flings it into his lap. Miranda: "You think so, Nikolas?? He thinks you're dead, little boy! No one is looking for you! They think you ran a car off the road and are now planning your elegant funeral. I'm sure it will be fit for a prince. Now listen up! If you think that giving me problems is going to make your life easier then you're mistaken! I'm the nice one in this operation. You'll realize that soon enough! Now, I'll leave you to your reading and your music. I'll be back later with food. Try throwing it again and I'll tie you up and force feed you!" She turns on her heel and leaves the room, slamming the door behind her. She waits at the door for a few minutes. Soon she hears Nikolas sobbing in the room as she walks away. .......... "No. It can't be." Nikolas whispers to himself. He looks at the headline through his tears: "CASSADINE HEIR DIES IN FIERY CAR CRASH!" He tosses the paper away. He breaks into uncontrollable sobs as the reality of the situation sets in. No one was looking for him. He's stuck here. As his body is wracked with sobs he silently prays his uncle and can hear his thoughts..I'm alive Uncle..I'm alive!!.. ................. Mac Scorpio is having his morning coffee when he hears a knock on the door. It is a messenger with a letter. Mac gives him a tip. He notices the handwriting is familiar: Miranda's. He pauses for a moment before opening it. His face falls as he reads it: Dear Mac, I want you to know that I forgive you for the accident, I know you would never do anything purposely to hurt me. But I can't stay in Port Charles. Every time I look at you and Jax, I am reminded of what I've lost. It is just too painful for me to stay here. I don't want to upset either of your lives. I have decided to travel abroad until I figure out what to do. I will try to keep in touch. Please know you will always be my friend. Love, Miranda Mac is stunned, "Damn, What am I going to do now?" Just then he hears a knock on the door. He hurries to the door, hoping it is Miranda. Mac looks surprised and disappointed to see Stefan Cassadine at his door. "Mr. Cassadine, I was going to call on you later today. Please come in." Stefan: "Commissioner Scorpio, I am here about Nikolas' accident. I hope you plan to continue the investigation." Mac: "Please, let me take your coat, and have a seat." Mac reaches to takes Stefan's coat, but Stefan raises his hand to stop him. Stefan: "No thank you, I will not be here long enough. I prefer to stand. Please tell me what you know so far about what killed my nephew." Mac: "Well, there isn't much yet, Mr Cassadine. I have investigators going over the car as we speak. The fire destroyed much of the evidence." Stefan: "Are you telling me you know nothing? Even with the PCPD's incompetence, I would have expected more than that." Mac is getting impatient but he tries to remain calm under the provocation. Stefan has just lost his child. Mac knows he's upset by it. Mac: "Mr. Cassadine. I don't want to tell you anything until it has been fully verified and confirmed." Stefan: "So you do know something. Tell me what you know. Or are you trying to cover something up?" Mac: "No, Mr. Cassadine. I just don't want to give you false information...." Stefan: "Don't play me for an idiot, Mr Scorpio. Just tell me what you know now. I can handle whatever you tell me. It is the only way I will find some peace. " Mac: "Ok, but first let me tell you it is preliminary." Mac takes a deep breath. "We found empty beer bottles in the car. At the accident scene, there were no tire marks on the pavement." Stefan face becomes hard as he bites out the words. "What are you implying? That Nikolas was drinking? That he didn't put on the brakes?!" Mac: "We don't know yet. We are still gathering evidence. " He pauses, carefully considering what he will say next. "Mr Cassadine, I have to wonder whether your nephew tried to kill himself." Stefan's face turns ugly with rage, "Mr Scorpio, I am only going to say this once. Nikolas did not kill himself. I KNOW my nephew. I am more convinced than ever that this accident was no accident at all. If you EVER say that Nikolas tried to kill himself again, to me or to ANYONE ELSE, I will not be responsible for my actions. Is that clear?" Mac: "Mr Cassadine, I meant no disrespect, but I have to consider all possible scenarios, including that one. But I want to assure you that there will be a complete investigation into Nikolas's accident. I will personally oversee all aspects of it. We are still waiting for the complete autopsy report, as well as the evidence found in the car." Stefan: "I expect no less. Please keep me informed as soon as the information comes in. I cannot sleep until I know what caused Nikolas's death." Stefan's body sags with fatigue and misery. Mac walks him to the door. Mac: "I promise you will be the first to know anything." Stefan shakes Mac's hand. "Thank you. Please understand how important this is to me. Nikolas was my life. Now...." Mac: "I do understand. I have a niece, and I would feel much the same way if I were in your shoes. Please believe me. You have my personal guarantee that this investigation will continue." Stefan nods to Mac as he leaves. Mac closes the door, and shakes his head in wonder. It always amazes him how unique everyone's grief is. ...................... Alexis puts down the phone and is clearly worried. She grabs her coat and heads to Kevin's lighthouse. When she arrives, she's glad to see Lucy's car isn't there. She walks up and knocks on the door and waits for Kevin to open it. Kevin: " Alexis, hello. Please come in. Can I get you some tea??" Alexis: " No I'm fine. I brought over some final papers for you to sign regarding your case." She opens her briefcase and gets out the file. She looks upset, but doesn't say anything. Kevin considers for a moment, then decides to ask her. Kevin: " I read about Nikolas. I'm so sorry. Is there anything I can do? We can certainly do this another time." Alexis: " I've been better, but I can handle this." Kevin looks over the paper for a moment, then signs them. Kevin: "You look like you could use someone to talk to. I know I don't practice anymore. But I've heard that I'm a pretty good listener." Kevin gives her one of his ironic smiles. Alexis smiles sadly back. "That's the first nice thing someone has said to me all day. Thank you. Do you mind? " Kevin: "Why don't you have a seat, while I get some tea." He leaves for a few minutes and returns with tea. They talk while sipping tea. Alexis: "I can't believe he's gone, Kevin. He was so alive and vital. I keep expecting to hear one of his sarcastic remarks about Stefan always being in control. He made me smile." Alexis tears for a moment, but composes herself. Kevin notices: "You don't have to do that you know. I'm not that fragile or they wouldn't have sent me home a couple weeks ago. I'd like to be a friend if I can." He takes her hand to comfort her. Alexis: "Thank you. You and Lucy have been very nice to me. Which is rare since I'm a Cassadine. But I will be all right. I'm more worried about Stefan. I just heard that he hasn't eaten at all since Nikolas died. He hasn't slept either. He doesn't want to talk to anyone about how he feels. He's always been secretive. But I know Nikolas was his whole life. I don't know what to do to comfort him." Kevin: "It is very normal for someone going through profound grief like this to refuse to eat or sleep, at least initially. The whole body is in shock. I wouldn't be too worried unless it continues. I'm more worried that he won't let anyone comfort him." Alexis: "Well, I wish I could talk to you more, but I have to make arrangements for the memorial service and the funeral." Alexis gets up to leave. Kevin: "Let me know if there is anything I can do for you or your cousin. " Alexis smiles slightly: "Well, you've made me feel a little bit better, which is a major feat today. Thank you for everything. I'll keep in touch" ................ Laura comes into the living room from upstairs. Luke greets her with a cup of coffee. He notices she looks tired and fragile. Luke: "Babe, you didn't get much sleep last night, did you? I noticed you left the bed in the middle of the night to go downstairs." Laura: "Well, I didn't want to keep you up too. No reason for both of us not to sleep." Laura picks up the morning paper. The headline shocked her, even though she expected it: "CASSADINE HEIR DIES IN FIERY CAR CRASH!" She starts to feel ill, but forces herself to keep control. She has a lot to do today. Luke: "Is there anything I can do?" Laura: "No, my son's dead. Nothing is ever going to change that fact." She pauses for a moment, preparing for a fight. "I'm going over to Stefan's today to discuss the memorial service." Luke: "I figured you would. Do you want me to go with you?" Laura: "I think you are the last person Stefan wants to see right now." Luke nods. He expected that. "Okay. But let me come to the memorial service with you. You'll need the moral support." Laura gives Luke an odd look. "Luke, I love you for offering, but I don't want you at the memorial service. You hated my son. It would dishonor his memory to have you there. This memorial service is for him, and the ones who loved him. I plan to go with Bobbie. She is all the moral support I need. Besides, Lucky and Lulu are going to be out of sorts for the next few days. Lucky seemed so numb last night when we told him. Even though they hated each other, he was affected. And Lulu, young as she is, can feel that things aren't right." Luke looks sadly at Laura. "Ok. Whatever you want, Baby." He reaches over to touch her shoulder, and she moves away. Laura: "I'm sorry, Luke. It is going to take me some time through this. Please understand. I need some time to myself." Luke nods. He watches her quietly for a moment. He can tell she is very fragile this morning, she could cry at any moment. There would be time to heal this later. Now, she needs him to leave. Lucky walks into the room and notices the tension. Luke finishes his coffee. Luke: "Well, I'm off to the club. I'll be back this afternoon." He kisses Laura and hugs Lucky tightly. Luke whispers to Lucky: "See you later, Cowboy. Take care of your Momma." Luke takes his coat and leaves the house. ..................... Lucky looks at his mom with concern. She looks so fragile to him. Lucky:" Mom, is there anything I can do?" Laura turns to him and a few tears slide down her cheeks. She shakes her head no and then sits down at the table. Lucky joins her. Lucky:" Mom, I know there is nothing I can say to make this easier on you. I wish there was. I'm here for you though." She smiles through her tears and then takes his hand in hers. Laura: " Thank you, Lucky. I will need you to watch Lu for me. I want to go see Stefan. Try and bear with me, okay? This is was a shock and a devastating one at that. I know you don't like hearing this, but I did love Nikolas" Lucky:" I know you did, Mom. And if it helps I'm sure he knew you did too. You're a great mother." Laura: " Yeah so great I left him..twice." she says through fresh tears. Lucky:" Mom, you had no choice. He knew you loved him. You have to believe that. I'll watch Lu. Go do what you have to do. I'm here if you need me." He reaches over and hugs her tightly. She rests in his arms for a few minutes before leaving the house and heading to Spoon island. ...................... Nikolas turns the radio up louder. He has been playing with the volume for awhile now and Miranda hasn't come in yet. He looks out the window and notices the last of the sun setting. "Dark enough for me to do this." He thinks to himself as he wraps his arm in his jacket and with one punch breaks open the window. He removes the rest of the glass and jumps out. He starts to run and as he gets close to the gate he feels someone grab him from behind. Nikolas is wheeled around and he is shocked and happy at who he sees. Nikolas:" Jerry! how did you find me??" Jerry Jax looks down at his cousin and smiles cruelly..he has no idea he thinks to himself. Jerry:" Where do you think you're going Nikolas? " Nikolas is puzzled and looks at Jerry in awe. Nikolas:" Jerry, I'm trying to get out of here. Mrs. Lansbury drugged me and now this Miranda chick is keeping me hostage here. We have to go now." Jerry:" You're not going anywhere, Nikolas. Now listen carefully we're going back inside and if you try this escape routine again you're going to pay for it. Is this understood? Now I expect you to be an obedient little prince and not give Miranda or me anymore problems." Nikolas looks at his cousin in disbelief. He was behind this? As the thought started to register he tried to free himself from Jerry's strong grip. Jerry, being 6'3" and weighing 195 lbs easily keeps his hold on him. Jerry:" I warned you about giving me problems. So now you will get a taste of what to expect should you try this again." Jerry raises his hand and backhands Nikolas. The blow is so strong, Nikolas falls to the ground with blood on his lip. Nikolas raises his hands to his face to protect himself from further blows. Once he is confident Jerry doesn't plan to hit him again he rises to his feet. Jerry smiles in triumph:" Now we are going inside. I have a room without windows ready for you. Make haste, young man." Nikolas reluctantly joins him as they walk towards the house. His eyes threaten to spill over with tears but he fights it. He refuses to let his cousin see him cry. They walk through the door and Miranda is a little taken back when she sees the blood on Nikolas's face. She waits in the living room as Jerry pushes Nikolas into the new bedroom and locks the door behind him. He joins Miranda in the living room. Miranda: " Honey, did you have to hit him? Helena will be furious." Jerry:" Baby, Helena is my mom's sister. I know what will upset her a little better than you do. the boy must be taught to obey! He is very undisciplined and Aunt Helena wants that curbed. Whatever it takes." Miranda nods in understanding and allows him to take her in his strong arms. ............. Stefan wanders around the house aimlessly. He picks up the paper, reads the headline and throws it into the fire. He decides to fix himself a drink. As he is walking over to the liquor cart, there is a knock at the door. He opens the door. It's Laura. Laura: "Stefan, we need to talk." Chapter 8: COMFORT Stefan looks at Laura for a moment, then waves her in. "Come in, Laura." They walk into the living room. Stefan makes his way over to the liquor cart. "Would you like something to drink before we talk?" Stefan pours himself a Bourbon. He downs it in one swallow. Laura shakes her head, "No, thank you." Stefan: "Well, what is that you want, Laura? The only time you ever come to me is when you want something. What is it?" Laura takes a deep breath: "I want to talk to you about the arrangements for Nikolas' burial. " Stefan: "You'll have to forgive me for not knowing the details. Alexis, my cousin, is handling all the arrangements for the memorial service and the burial." Laura: "I was hoping you would consider letting Nikolas be buried here in Port Charles, next to my mother's grave." Stefan: "That is out of the question, Laura. Nikolas will be buried next to his father, in the cemetery where all his Cassadine relatives are buried. It is tradition. Even if it weren't, I wouldn't allow it. I refuse to have Nikolas buried in a town where he was shunned like the plague. I'm sorry, I cannot grant this request." Laura: "I want to have a place I can go to talk to him, Stefan. You can understand that, can't you? I don't know if I can bear the pain of losing him if I don't have a place to go to be near him...." Stefan pours himself another Bourbon. "I would agree to a grave marker for Nikolas, commemorating his death, in a cemetery plot next to Lesley. Nikolas will still be buried in Greece, but I have no objection to a grave marker here in Port Charles." Laura body sags in relief. She hadn't realized that she had been holding her breath. The tears start to well in her eyes. "Thank you Stefan. That means so much to me." Stefan notices her tears, and downs his Bourbon. He can feel his grief like a vise around his heart. "I have something for you, Lasha." He goes to his desk and removes an envelope. He gives it to Laura. Laura's hands tremble as she opens the envelope. Inside is a picture. A picture of Nikolas taken very recently. He's smiling. Laura's tears flow quickly as she strokes the picture. She sways slightly. Stefan notices and leads her to the couch. They sit together quietly as he holds her hand. Laura tries to compose herself, but the tears won't stop flowing. Laura whispers: "Thank you, Stefan. You have no idea what this means to me...." Stefan: "I think I do." Laura hears the quiver in his voice and looks in his eyes. She sees his tears streaming down. Her pain is mirrored in his face. She breaks down , sobbing freely for the first time since she heard Nikolas was dead. They hold onto each other for dear life, sobbing together. Stefan: "Oh, Lasha, what are we going to do?" They cry together for a very long time. Eventually they cry themselves out, but they continue to hold each other closely. Laura's head rests on Stefan's shoulder as he strokes her hair gently. Neither wants to break the spell. It is the first time either has felt any real comfort since Nikolas's death. Stefan pulls away slowly. As he looks into her eyes, he strokes her cheek gently. Stefan: "He knew you loved him, Lasha. He loved you too, but he had a hard time showing it. His Cassadine pride got in the way." Laura's face clouds. "I just wish I had a chance to really love him. To get to know him. Now I'll never get the chance." Her eyes fill with fresh tears. Stefan wipes her tears away. "I would be happy to share my memories of his childhood with you. When you are ready that is. Remembering his childhood will be the only happiness I will know, now that he's gone." Stefan gets up and turns his back to her. She can see his body recover the rigidity and formality that she is used to. The kind and gentle Stefan is gone for now. Stefan: "I will inform Alexis our agreement regarding Nikolas's grave marker here." He goes to the desk and pulls out a business card. He turns to Laura and hands her the card. "Here is Alexis' phone number. She can give you the details regarding the Memorial Service at GH." Laura looks at Stefan intently, and tries to reach out to him again. "Stefan, thank you. You have given me so much today. I don't feel so alone now. No one else can truly understand how we feel. You have given me a special gift. The gift of comfort." As Stefan lets her words wash over him, his facade crumbles a bit. He reaches over and touches a strand of her hair. "It is ironic. The bond we share over Nikolas, remains even in his death." Laura hugs Stefan tightly for the last time before leaving. His body is rigid, refusing to accept her comfort. I don't deserve to be comforted, he thinks to himself. I failed Laura. I failed Stavros. I failed myself. I promised to keep him from harm, and now Nikolas is dead. Stefan uses words to push Laura away. Stefan: "Laura, I am sure your family is wondering where you are. They need you." Laura recoils as if he slapped her. "I forgot for a moment how cruel you are." Laura leaves quickly. Stefan follows her to the door, regretting the hurt he caused her, but not apologizing. Laura: "Good bye, Stefan." Stefan closes the door behind her. "Good bye Lasha", he whispers. He goes to the liquor cart and pours himself another Bourbon. CHAPTER 9 : AMAZING GRACE.... Miranda leaves Jerry in the living room and goes to check on Nikolas. She unlocks the the door and walks in. She sees Nikolas lying on the bed looking aimlessly at the ceiling. He doesn't even turn to look at her. Miranda: "I brought you some ice for your lip." she whispers. She kneels down by the bed and applies the ice to his swollen lip. He flinches at the sudden cold, but still stares at the ceiling. She decides to try and start a conversation with him again. Miranda: "I'm sure you're getting hungry again. I'm about to start cooking. Any requests?" She waits for a response but Nikolas continues to ignore her presence. Deciding it was a useless battle, she leaves him. She walks back into the living room and addresses Jerry. Miranda: " Honey, he is very withdrawn. He won't speak to me at all. He just keeps staring at the ceiling" Jerry looks up at her and sighs. Jerry:"Well, maybe I can get him to talk. Why don't you start dinner and I'll go have a chat with my little cousin." Miranda: "Don't be cruel, Jerry. He's going through a lot right now." Jerry grabs Miranda in his arms and kisses her. Then looks deep in her eyes and whispers, Jerry:" Don't tell me you're going soft. He has to be toughened up. Stefan has made him weak. He is Stavros' son and I intend to make him ready to live up to his father's legacy. Even if it means crushing his spirit! Now go fix a nice dinner and I'll go chat with the prince." Miranda notices the evil twinkle in Jerry's eye. She remembers it was that very twinkle that made her fall in love with him in the first place. But seeing it now as he heads off to talk to Nikolas makes her stomach turn. She decides to shake off the feeling and goes into the kitchen to start dinner. Jerry walks into Nikolas' room and notices him staring at the ceiling. he smiles a wicked smile as he thinks : ' so this is what she's worried about' Jerry pulls a chair from the corner of the room and straddles it. Jerry:" Sit up, Nikolas. We need to talk." Nikolas continues to stare at the ceiling and Jerry decides to try a different approach. Jerry:" I SAID SIT UP NIKOLAS! THIS INSTANT, AND DON'T MAKE THE MISTAKE OF IGNORING ME AGAIN!" Jerry smiles triumphantly as Nikolas immediately sits up and glares at him. Jerry:" Good. We have an understanding. Now I'm sure you have some questions that you would like answered, so fire away." Nikolas continues to glare at him and finally spits out the angry questions. Nikolas:" Why are you doing this? How long are you going to keep me here? Don't you realize my uncle will have your head for this?" Jerry:" Slow down, Nikolas. One question at a time. First of all I'm just following orders. This wasn't my idea. I'll be keeping you here until I'm instructed otherwise. And Stefan won't be angry at me. He is the one who ordered this!" Nikolas looks up at him shocked and in total disbelief. Nikolas:"YOU'RE LYING!! MY UNCLE WOULDN'T DO THIS TO ME!!" Jerry hides a smile and pulls something from his pocket and hands it to Nikolas. Jerry:"Read it, Nikolas." Nikolas takes the paper and is shaking as he reads the words. Jerry, The time has come to take the appropriate actions i discussed with you earlier. Nikolas has become a problem. He has come across information that could destroy Timoria. He has also shown growing loyalty to his mother and her children. With mother on her death bed and Stavros gone, Nikolas is the only thing that stands between me running the empire my way. Go forward with the plan at once. I'll play the grieving Uncle for awhile and then when the time is right we will move forward with Timoria. Keep him safe for now..he may be of use soon. I'll contact you with further instructions. Stefan Cassadine Nikolas rereads the words and lets them sink in. It is his Uncle's handwriting but how could this be? 'My uncle loves me", he thinks to himself. He looks up at Jerry with hurt and confusion in his eyes. Nikolas:"You expect me to believe this?" Jerry:" Believe what you want Nikolas. I'm trying to be straight with you. Something the rest of the family has never done." Nikolas:" He raised me. He loves me. Why would he do this?" Jerry:" I can't read his mind, Nikolas, but I will tell you this. With the world believing you are dead, he is now THE Cassadine. He has taken your place. You know the rules. He is in charge so I follow his instructions. Look, I don't want to hurt you, but don't try me. Now you are here for awhile so get used to it. Nothing you can do will change it. Do you have anymore questions?" Nikolas:" No not right now. wait..will he order you to kill me?" Jerry looks at him darkly. Jerry:" I don't know. Let's not worry about future instructions till the time comes." with that he leaves Nikolas in his room with his new found truth. After Jerry leaves Nikolas breaks down in sobs. He doesn't want to believe the words on the paper are true, but how else could he explain his Uncle's handwriting? He lies on the bed consumed with his grief. He is overwhelmed by the feelings of betrayal, confusion, and fear. He continues to sob, but calms down when he hears a faint sound coming from the wall next to his bed. He ceases his tears and listens...through the wall he hears a sweet voice..one of an older woman. He can hear her singing. He lays on the bed and cries softly as he listens to the song.. "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound. That saved a wretch like me..I once was lost..." He calls to the person through the wall.. Nikolas:" Who are you??" His only answer is the continuation of the song. And to his surprise, it soothes some of his fears. ......... Jerry joins Miranda in the kitchen. He gives her a kiss on the back of her neck. She smiles. Jerry:" Smells great. You always make the best chicken." Miranda: " How did your talk with Nikolas go?" Jerry:" Fabulous. he reacted just as Aunt Helena said he would. he's doubting old Uncle Stefan's loyalty and love for him now!" Miranda: " Well, I guess that's the only way to gain his compliance. I'm going to bring some food to Nikolas and our other guest. I wonder if she's still singing that song." Jerry:" Why would she stop now? From what I understand she's been singing that song for years now." Miranda: " Well, whatever keeps her sane." Jerry:" Baby, I wouldn't call her sane." Miranda: " She's not that bad Jerry. I kinda like her." Jerry:" That's your problem, Baby. You kinda like her, you kinda like Nikolas.. next you'll be saying you kinda like Helena." Miranda: " Don't bet on it! She's ruthless. You know why I'm doing this." Jerry:" Absolutely..family loyalty. I have it too." ............... After leaving the older woman's room, Miranda heads towards Nikolas'. She enters the room and sees him lying on the bed with silent tears streaming down his face. She feels herself soften a little towards him. She places the food on a dresser next to him and then kneels beside the bed. She gently wipes his tears from his face and pushes a stray lock of his hair from his eye. She is surprised he doesn't draw back or hurl angry words at her. Instead he accepts the comfort she offers him. She strokes his hair a few times then speaks to him gently. Miranda: " I brought you some dinner. After you eat, I'll show you where the shower is and you can take a nice long shower, It will help you sleep tonight." He rises up and begins to eat. He doesn't speak to her but he doesn't give her any problems either. She is surprised at how calm and obedient he is. Miranda: " A word of advice, Nikolas. Don't make Jerry angry with you, this will be over soon. He nods to her and as she takes his finished plate and leaves he smiles to himself: 'Now she'll go back and tell my cousin what a good little prince I am and how his story about my evil uncle has changed me. Jerry's an idiot if he thinks I fell for that stupid trick. Kidnapping is not Uncle's style. It's Grandmother's.' Looking up at the ceiling he whispers: Nikolas: "Don't worry Uncle. I know you have nothing to do with this. I know you love me." And as he lies back and waits for Miranda to return, he hears the lady sing her song again, and this time he joins her.."Amazing Grace how sweet the sound..." Chapter 10: Stefan looks at the phone as if it were a snake. ' I have to do this ,' he thinks to himself. He finally picks up the phone and dials. After a couple of rings the old familiar voice answers. Helena: " I was wondering when you'd call." Helena says coldly. Stefan is silent for a moment. He hadn't even said hello and she knew it was him. Stefan:" Mother, I take it you heard." Helena: " Alexis called me the night it happened. At least she had the decency to tell me that my grandson was killed. More than I can say for you." Stefan:" I was in shock. I called as soon as I could." Helena: " So, tell me Stefan, how does it feel to be THE Cassadine?" Stefan:" How could you ask me something like that? I am going through hell, and you have the nerve to ask me that?" Helena: " You mean to tell me you killed my grandson for some other reason? I figured it was because he was ahead of you in the family line!" Stefan:" Killed Nikolas? Helena, He died in a car accident." Helena: " HE DIED BECAUSE YOU WERE WEAK! BECAUSE LUKE SPENCER'S WHORE MEANT MORE TO YOU THAN YOUR FAMILY. MORE TO YOU THAN NIKOLAS!" She screams are filled with rage. Stefan stands shaking holding the phone. He lets her words wash over him. Stefan:" I loved him, Mother. He was my life. You know that." Helena laughs cruelly and replies, " I know nothing of that sort. You were jealous of him. Jealous that you came in second to him. Jealous that he was the product of Stavros and the Port Charles trash that you ached for. It was bad enough that you longed for your brother's wife, but to neglect your responsibilities to Nikolas just to pursue her is a disgrace. I have the good mind to exile you from the family, but I have decided to give you your dream. You are now THE Cassadine! Enjoy your power son it came at a hell of a price!" Stefan:" No! I never wanted this. I raised him with all my love. I tried to protect him. I did what I could!" He says as his voice begins to crack. Helena: " If you wanted to protect him you would have sent him back to Greece. Back to his home. Instead you used him as a pawn to get your queen! I never understood your love for chess, son, but the picture is becoming clear now. Tell me was his life worth getting what you wanted?" Stefan:" I didn't want this! I only wanted to make him a good leader. I knew my responsibilities. He wanted to know his mother and his sister." Helena: " You let him stay so he could know Luke Spencer's spawn and his tramp of a wife? That is supposed to make me feel better? He was the only thing left that I had of Stavros..of Mikkos. You yanked him from me. And now through your own wretched greed he is gone from both of us. Now we can suffer the loss together. Tell me Stefan, does it hurt to have that void in your heart? Does it pain you to know you'll never his hear his voice again, to see him smile? I felt that pain when you took him from me, and now we will both suffer that pain in his death! It's hell losing everyone you love, Stefan..Welcome to hell!" With those final words she slams down the phone. Stefan stands in the living room holding the phone. As he lets the meaning of her words reach him, he sinks into his chair. ............ Laura walks to her mother's grave site. It is almost dark, but Laura isn't ready to go home. She kneels next to the grave and puts a single white rose on the grave. She addresses her mother. "Mother, I have some terrible news. Nikky has died....." Laura begins to cry again. "I didn't have enough time with him. I wish you could have met him before you died, but maybe you've met him now. I have to believe he's with you, Mother." Laura gets up from the grave and walks around it, continuing to speak to her dead mother, "I wish you were here with me, you could help me through this pain. It's just so hard to bear..... and Luke can't help me get through this one. I can't help but be very angry with him, but I'm even angrier at myself. How am I supposed to forgive myself? If I had been the kind of mother Nikolas needed, this might not have happened....." Laura's feelings of guilt overwhelm her. She sinks to the ground in sadness but doesn't cry this time. She kneels there for a long time, praying and rocking. "I know, I'm being selfish. I have other children I need to take care of. Wallowing in guilt and self-pity doesn't do me or them any good." Laura stays there for awhile longer, gathering her strength for what lies ahead. She will go to her appointment with Alexis, and then home. ............................. Stefan walks up the steps to his room. Again he has to pass Nikolas's room. Once again he finds himself walking into the empty room. He picks up the picture of him and Nikolas. He smiles as he thinks of that day. Nikolas tried to get him to wear something lighter. Said the dark outfits made him seem cold. He had told him that the dark clothes made him look distinguished and ordered him upstairs to change out of his white outfit into something more appropriately Cassadine. He had reluctantly agreed. When Nikolas came downstairs he had a black jacket on. Not paying attention, they went to the room where the photographer was waiting. Right before the picture was taken, Nikolas slipped off the jacket and revealed the white silk shirt he had hidden. Stefan remembered trying to fake his disapproval, but finally giving into laughing at his cleverness. Now there would be no new photographs. He looks down at the picture and feels the tears well up again. He tries to fight them back as he begins to speak. Stefan:" Nikolas, it has been torturous here without you. I know now why you used to complain about this place. All I can hear is the wind and it's becoming unbearable. I miss you beyond words. I keep waiting to hear you come through the door and bound up those stairs. Or to come out groggily in the morning not quite wanting to practice Tai-chi yet, but knowing better than to argue. I had to speak to Helena today. Her words have pierced my heart, Nikolas. While I know that I loved you with all my heart and soul, she was right about my keeping you here. I did endanger you. I should have made you leave, but I saw how your face lit up at seeing your sister and I knew how you ached for your mother. I wanted to give you that. Give you what you had been denied. I have suffered many family burdens Nikolas, but I hope you know that raising you wasn't one. You were my world, my only true joy." "I have a confession to make to you. I cost you your mother. She came to me when she heard Spencer was alive and asked me for advice. I told her to go to him and that I would protect you. I knew that the only way for her to be truly ours was for her to come back to us after being set free. I do believe had Helena not interfered, Laura would have come for you, Nikolas. I promised her that no harm would come to you, yet tomorrow I bury you. I have managed to fail everyone my child...especially you." He clasps the picture to his chest and cries the tears of a man truly broken. For he is living in the exact hell his mother said he would live in. And as he sits in his nephew's room and cries his angry heartbroken tears, he wonders what does he really have to live for anymore?? ........... Sonny walks into Luke's office. Luke is sitting behind his desk, drinking whiskey out of his coffee cup. Sonny notices that Luke looks worried.. Sonny: "Hey, Luke. You don't look so hot. I would think you'd be celebrating. You've won." Luke smirks at Sonny. Luke: "Not that simple. Don't get me wrong, I couldn't be happier that the kid is dead. But my wife is taking it really hard. Not to mention I'm worried that Uncle Steffin may go completely off his rocker. I have no idea how he'll play this. He might leave Port Chuck, or he might decide to blow up the whole damn town. Or he might decide to kill my kids, since he lost his." Sonny: "You want some extra protection around your family? Just say the word, man. The offer still stands, It would be my pleasure to take this joker out." Luke nods. "I'd appreciate the extra protection, but make it inconspicuous if you can. My wife is not thinking clearly right now. There's no telling how she will react. I'd really like someone at the memorial service if you can swing it. Laura doesn't want me there." Sonny looks surprised. "So is she blaming you for his death?" Luke shakes his head. "No, but she blames me for keeping her away from him. I'm not too worried. She'll come around, she always does." But Luke doesn't sound convinced. Sonny: "Just make sure she gets everything she needs from you. You don't want her looking elsewhere for comfort." Luke: "The problem is, she won't let me near her. She's never shut me out like this before." Sonny: "Keep trying, man. Do whatever you need to do." Luke nods. "I plan to. I'm going home now, can you take care of everything here tonight?" Luke gets up and gets ready to leave. Sonny smiles : "No problem. " He pats Luke on the back. "Take care, buddy." Luke: "Thanks. I will." ...................... Nikolas steps into his room after the shower. He has to admit, he does feel better. He has been doing a lot of thinking and decides that he needs to go with his first instinct. He can read Miranda. She has a soft spot for him, and if he plays it right it may get him out of this. He hears the door unlock and puts on his puppy dog face. Miranda walks into the room and sees Nikolas looking sad. She feels that twinge in her heart again. 'no, you can't go soft,' she tells herself as she approaches him. Miranda: "Well, it looks like the night clothes fit okay. You'll find some regular clothes in your closet. I brought you some ice cream. Thought you might want a snack before bed." Nikolas takes the ice cream from her and flashes her a small smile. He decides to play this to his advantage. " My uncle used to bring me snacks before I'd go to bed, " he whispers as he allows himself to release some of the hurt he's been bottling up. He lets the tears slide down his cheeks and feels her hands rubbing his back. Miranda: " It's okay. Nikolas. I know his betrayal has hurt you. It will be all right though. Just don't let the pain overwhelm you. " Nikolas:" I thought he really loved me though. After my mother left and my father died, he swore his undying love and loyalty to me. He said I was his greatest joy. Now I find out I was just a pawn. An inconvenience. I wonder why he didn't just kill me as a baby!" He breaks into sobs and hopes to God he hasn't overdone the dramatics. He wants her to believe him .. His fears are subside when she wraps her arms around him. He smiles as he sees an added bonus, Jerry is standing in the doorway. 'this should be interesting,' he thinks to himself, as Miranda continues to hold him not knowing of Jerry's presence. .......... Laura enters her home. Luke and Lucky are sitting with Lulu, playing a game with her. For a moment, she says nothing, and watches the game. Her family is happy. She feels disconnected. Lucky looks up from the game. Lucky: "Hi Mom. Hey Lu, why don't we go upstairs and you can show me your stuffed animal collection again?" Lucky takes Lulu upstairs. Luke cleans up the mess that Lulu made, while watching Laura carefully. He decides to play it safe. Luke: "Hey, Baby, We have some leftover pizza in the kitchen. You want me to heat you up some?" Laura: "Thanks, but I'm not hungry. Tell me what's been happening since I left this morning." Luke: "I spoke to Sonny. I took the precaution of asking him for protection for the kids." Laura looks surprised. "You did what? Without even discussing it with me?" Luke defends himself. "Honey, you were not in any state this morning to discuss this. Their safety is too important to wait. God only knows what St