Chapter 27: Jerry's Revenge Jerry slowly stands up and shakes his head. Miranda, assured that Jerry is okay, excuses herself from the room. Jerry can't believe he wasn't prepared for them to try and knock him out. He looks at the boys with pure hatred. They shift uneasily in their seats as he walks towards them. He looks at Nikolas coldly and then speaks.. Jerry: "Nikolas.." Nikolas: "Sir?" Jerry:" What were you thinking??" Nikolas: "I was trying to get out of here.." Jerry cuts him off. Jerry:" You seem a little nervous..what's the matter?" Nikolas: "I'm awaiting my discipline Jerry." Jerry:"Discipline?? What do you think your discipline will be??" Nikolas: " You're going to beat me right??" Jerry:" Perhaps..but I'm thinking that since you have worked with this Spencer spawn to escape that a more fitting punishment would be for the Prince to beat him." Nikolas looks up at Jerry in horror. Nikolas: " You can't be serious??" Jerry:' I'm very serious. You are a Cassadine! Spencers are our enemies! Show your worth Brephos! Beat him senseless. I will tell you when he's had enough!" Nikolas shoots a look at Lucky and sees the fear on his face. 'I can't blame him, he probably thinks I'll jump at the chance to do this.' Nikolas: "NO! I won't beat him! It was my plan." Jerry:"You are taking up for a Spencer?? Your father is turning over in his grave! This was as much his plan as yours. If you won't beat him then I will. " Nikolas: "Jerry.." Jerry:" Silence! You will get yours too brephos don't you fret. But you will watch what your actions have cost Young Spencer here. Every time I strike him I strike him because of your betrayal to this family! " Jerry pulls Lucky to his feet and backhands him hard. Lucky stumbles but doesn't cry out. Nikolas jumps from the bed but is stopped by one of the burly guards. He holds Nikolas back as Jerry strikes Lucky again. This time the blow is so severe that Lucky falls as he cries out. Nikolas feels his stomach turn as he watches Jerry leer down at Lucky. He sees the blood start to trickle from Lucky's lip and he realizes Jerry is going to severely beat him.'I have to stop this.' " JERRY NO!! YOU SHOULD BE HITTING ME!" Nikolas screams. Lucky looks up at Nikolas in amazement. He can't believe he's standing up for him. Jerry:" Silence Nikolas! Your turn will come!" Nikolas takes a deep breath and screams to Jerry... Nikolas: "I SLEPT WITH MIRANDA!" Jerry turns from Lucky and looks at Nikolas. He then sees him shaking in the corner of the room. He walks over to him. Jerry:"Tell me you're lying!" Jerry grabs Nikolas by the collar of his shirt and slams him into a nearby wall. " What did you say??" Jerry growls at Nikolas. Nikolas looks him in the eyes and repeats his words. Nikolas: " I slept with Miranda. The night you gave me all my truths!" Jerry releases Nikolas and then backhands him hard. Nikolas slams back into the nearby wall at the impact. He feels his anger take control and he leaps onto Jerry. He lands a hard punch to his jaw and then another to his cheek. Jerry laughs at Nikolas and grabs him by the back of the hair as he lands another slap across his face. Lucky tries to help Nikolas but is held back by the guard. Jerry pins Nikolas to the wall and backhands him again. Nikolas twists away and tries to land another punch on Jerry who ducks. Jerry:" Enough of this nonsense. Anthony hold him.." Lucky panics and screams at Jerry:" NO! STOP IT !!" The other guard grabs a hold of Nikolas arms and holds him in front of Jerry. Jerry smiles wickedly and he lands another slap across Nikolas's face. Lucky watches helplessly as the blood trickles down Nikolas's lip where Jerry hit him. Jerry:" You will regret sleeping with my Randi, Brephos!" Nikolas lets out a groan as Jerry backhands him across the other side of his face. He is powerless from moving and Jerry takes great pleasure in torturing his cousin. Lucky feels his stomach turn as he watches the scene unfold. He tries to turn away, but the guard keeps him from turning his head. Again He tries to stop it! Lucky: " Jerry! Stop it !!! You're really hurting him!!! MIRANDA! HELP!!! GET IN HERE PLEASE!! Jerry looks to the guard and yells, "Silence him!" The guard puts his hand over Lucky's mouth but Lucky bites down. The guard remains firm, but curses outloud at the pain in his hand, and Lucky finally stops biting down. Jerry backhands Nikolas across his face again and then tells the guard to release him. As soon as the guard does Jerry slams Nikolas into another wall. Nikolas falls to the ground. As He falls he hits a nearby chair and it jabs him in the ribs. Jerry kicks him in his ribs, and Nikolas lets out a scream. Jerry:" Does it hurt?? My apologies!" Jerry kicks him again and Nikolas tries to move from his aim. He is unsuccessful. As he prepares to kick him again Miranda rushes in. She looks at Jerry and is horrified as she watches him kick a motionless Nikolas again. Miranda: " JERRY STOP!! YOU'LL KILL HIM!! ENOUGH ALREADY!!!" Jerry seems to snap out of his rage and looks down at Nikolas who is now curled on the ground in the fetal position. He realizes Miranda is right and he exits the room. Miranda looks at Lucky who is still being held by the guard. Miranda: "Try and take care of him. Careful how you move him. I will be back shortly with a first aid kit." Miranda leaves the room and the guards follow her. Lucky runs to Nikolas and tries to help him up. Lucky: "It's okay man..I'm here..." He leads him to the bed and Nikolas collapses on it in pain. Lucky goes into the bathroom and comes out with some wash clothes and warm water. He gently wipes the blood off of Nikolas face and tries to soothe him. Lucky: "I'm here Nikolas. He's not gonna hurt you know more. You shouldn't have intervened man. He could have killed you for that." Lucky feels his tears start to fall down his cheek as he looks at his brother. Nikolas smiles weakly at him and Lucky quickly wipes the tears from his face. Nikolas: " I'm okay. He would have killed you Lucky. Trust me I saw his eyes. He has to keep me alive." Nikolas groans in pain as he feels Lucky lift up his shirt to examine his mid section. Lucky: " That chair tore you up. Jerry's kicks didn't help. I need to clean up your cut but it's gonna hurt man. Squeeze my hand okay." Nikolas nods as he takes Lucky's free hand. Lucky gingerly applies the wet rag to Nikolas's wound and Nikolas bites his lip at the pain. Lucky: "I know man..it must hurt like hell..I'm almost done..just hold on to me okay." Lucky finishes cleaning him up just as the door opens. Miranda and Jerry enter. Lucky cringes as he notices Miranda's split lip and the bruise forming on her cheek. Lucky looks at Jerry with hatred and Miranda moves to Nikolas's side with a first aid kit. Lucky: "You really hurt him man!" Jerry:" I'm touched that you two have bonded but that's over now. You two can't be trusted together so you're moving out." Lucky: " I'm not leaving him man!" Jerry:" Miranda will take care of him! He seems to like her. You have no say in this, let's go." Lucky looks back at Nikolas who nods to him. Jerry grabs Lucky by the arm and leads him out the door and down the stairs. He pushes him into Nikolas's old room and then locks the door. Lucky angrily hits the wall and lets out a scream of frustration.. He is overcome with anger as he replays the scene in his mind. He feels nothing but hatred for Jerry. He angrily throws himself on his bed and tries to close his eyes. Chapter 28: Stefan's Neverending Bad Day Mac and the Port Charles Police Department are in the process of a complete and thorough search of Wyndemere when Mrs Lansbury returns. She notices at least a half dozen officers are participating in the search. The mansion is in a shambles. She smiles privately to herself while maintaining an outward appearance of horror. Com. Mac Scorpio introduces himself to her. Mac: "Mrs Lansbury, isn't it? I'm Commissioner Scorpio. I'm heading the search here at Wyndemere. Would you mind answering some questions?" Mrs Lansbury: "Is this regarding the horrible kidnapping of the Spencer children. You surely don't think Mr Cassadine did it, do you?" Mac: "Well, he is our main suspect at this time. What can you tell me about Mr Cassadine's movements in the last week or so? Has he said anything to you about the Spencers?" Mrs Lansbury: "Well, you know Mr Luke Spencer is an enemy of Mr Cassadine's. Mr Cassadine curses him all the time. But he has been more violent about it since Master Nikolas's death. I figured he didn't mean anything by it..." Mac: "Can you remember what he said exactly?" Mrs Lansbury: "I remember him saying that he'd make sure that Spencer would feel the same pain. Then about a week ago, he asked Mr Gibbons to deliver a envelope to the Spencers. A few days ago, he fired Mr. Gibbons. Accused him of betrayal. Mr Gibbons was fiercely loyal to Mr Cassadine, he would never do anything to hurt him. I haven't heard a word from Mr Gibbons since. I fear for him...." Mrs Lansbury watches as the Commissioner takes the information in. She is satisfied that he has taken the bait. Mrs Lansbury: "I just can't imagine Mr Cassadine doing anything to harm a child. But he hasn't been the same since Master Nikolas died. His heart died right along with that child." Mrs Lansbury looks very sad. Mac: "Thank you Mrs Lansbury, you have been most helpful. Here's my card if you think of anything else that might help us find those kids." Mrs Lansbury nods. "Of, course. My heart breaks for that poor family. How frantic they must be to find their children. Can I make one small request?" Mac: "Of course." Mrs Lansbury: "Will you please not tell Mr Cassadine what I said to you. I am afraid he will be very angry if he finds out...." Mac: "Of course. Whatever you tell me is confidential. If I need you to testify. I will make sure you are protected." Mrs Lansbury seems relieved. "Thank you, sir. You are most kind." As they finish their conversation, an officer comes up to Mac with an envelope. O: "Sir, I think we found something." Mac opens the envelope with his gloved hand and pulls out some negatives and raises them to the light. Mac nods in agreement. "Excellent. Keep looking. We might find more evidence." .................... Alexis and Stefan are in her car discussing the events at the station house Stefan has just filled Alexis in on the details of his interrogation by Sarah. Stefan: "So there you have it. The noose is getting tighter and tighter. I have to find a way to delay Ms Thompson's investigation. I'm not about to give Helena up to the WSB. I want the pleasure of disposing of her myself." Alexis: "You might not have the luxury of doing that, Stefan. Ms Thompson seems very sharp. You won't fool her easily. And with what you've told me. You don't have more than a day or two before you are arrested for this." Stefan: "Yes, I'm sure Helena has planted evidence at Wyndemere. Unfortunately, I inadvertently planted some of my own. Hopefully, Scorpio's reputation is exaggerated." As they drive up to the Wyndemere dock, Alexis gives her final warning. Alexis: "I want to make sure you understand that you are to make no statements to the police about this kidnapping without my being present. Even your nodding or shaking your while Ms Thompson is talking is out of the question. The WSB are famous for getting information that no one else can get. Understood?" Stefan sigh. "I do not need another lecture, cousin." Alexis's voice becomes stern: "This is MY area of expertise, Stefan. So don't dismiss me." Stefan and Alexis exit the car. Stefan: "Thank you for the ride. I will call you later." Alexis: "I'm planning on escorting you. I'm sure the Police Search is still going on." Stefan: "I can handle this, cousin." Alexis: "No you can't. I can tell when you have a short fuse. Losing your temper is the last thing you need to do." Stefan: "I said I can handle this." Stefan moves around the car to face his cousin. He kisses her cheek. "Good bye, cousin." Alexis gives up the fight. "Ok, but call me once they leave and give me a report." Stefan nods in agreement. He watches as Alexis drives off. ........ As Stefan enters Wyndemere, he finds his home in the same chaos that Mrs Lansbury did earlier. He finds his anger rising, but forces himself to remain calm. Alexis had warned him of what to expect. Stefan notices Mac Scorpio and walks over to him. Stefan: "So Mr Scorpio. Have you found everything you need?" Mac: "The investigation is still in process, but we should be done in a hour." Stefan: "Oh, I'm so pleased. And I hope you plan to have them stay and put things back in order." Mac: "No, Mr Cassadine. You are on your own on that one." Stefan: "What am I to expect with uninvited guests? Such rudeness is appalling. The invasion to my privacy is uncalled for. I am innocent. Mac: "We will have to see about that, won't we Mr Cassadine?" Stefan: "No wonder the kids are still missing. You are spending all your time tearing my house apart and harassing innocent people." Mac starts to lose his temper, and takes a deep breath to calm himself down. "Would you please excuse me. I know you'd like this to be over as soon as possible, so I'd like to get back to work." Stefan: "Perhaps you would do better spending your time looking for the real kidnapper, instead of trying to pin this on me. I do not kidnap children Mr Scorpio." Mac loses his patience this time. "You want to tell me who the REAL kidnapper is Mr Cassadine?" Stefan:"You are the professional, Mr Scorpio. I am merely an innocent bystander that is being harassed by the WSB and the Port Charles Police Department. I am not impressed with your ability to solve crimes. My nephew's murder still remains unsolved. Or are you planning on blaming me for that crime too?" Mac: "This is getting us nowhere, Mr Cassadine. Please excuse me." Mac rejoins his officers in searching Wyndemere. Stefan walks over to the liquor cart and pours himself a drink. ............................. That evening Stefan picks up the phone and calls Angelo. "Angelo. I have three assignments for you. First, I want you to do a complete background check on a WSB Agent Sarah Thompson. I want anything you can get on her, personal and professional. How long will that take? Excellent. The faster the better. " Stefan paces back and forth in the Wyndemere living room. "Okay. The other two assignments are very delicate. I want you to get into the PCPD evidence room and remove some evidence for me. Yes, I know that's risky, but I have every confidence in you. Then I want to arrange a little surprise for Ms Thompson. I don't want any Cassadine employees linked to this. You think you can do that? Good. Now this is what I want you to do......" ..................................... Mac and Sarah are in his office going over the evidence they have in the Spencer kidnapping. Sarah shakes her head. "You know, the evidence is just too clear cut. It all points to one person, Stefan Cassadine." Mac: "Well, maybe that is because he's guilty." Sarah: "Everything I know about this man tells me he didn't do this. He wouldn't be this messy about it. For years we have been watching him, waiting for an opportunity to catch him at something illegal, and we haven't even been able to get one shred of evidence. In this case, we have mountains of evidence pointing directly at him. It is all circumstantial of course, but it doesn't make sense that he would be this sloppy. This reeks of a set up." Mac: "Maybe his grief over his nephew has him so shook up, he isn't paying attention to details." Sarah shakes her head again. "Maybe if it were just one or two pieces of evidence. But consider this photo for instance. Stefan would send a very visible operative, Gibbons, to do this minor deed, and Gibbons would leave his fingerprints? I just don't think so. And then Gibbons just disappears, never to be heard or seen again." Mac: "Who would set him up? The only one I can think of is Luke, but Luke wouldn't kidnap his own kids. Laura wouldn't allow it for one." Sarah: "I'm thinking someone a little closer to Stefan. Someone who could infiltrate his staff and he wouldn't notice. Like the Matriarch herself, Helena." Mac: "But do we have any proof linking her to it?" Sarah: "No. But I think we have to investigate that angle. We should have some information from the WSB operative in Greece shortly. Hopefully he's found something." Mac: "You know, I am a little concerned that a friend of mine, Miranda Jax, might have something to do with all of this. She has connections to the Jax family, and probably the Cassadine family. She disappeared shortly after Nikolas died. I'll check the commercial flights to see where she went. If I don't find anything, I'll contact Jax personally and see if he knows anything about her whereabouts. I hate the idea that she might be caught up in this." Sarah: "Well, we should be getting Stefan's phone records from the telephone company shortly. Those should be quite telling." Mac: "Have you heard anything from your operatives on Jerry Jax?" Sarah shakes her head in frustration. "No, he seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth. If he is involved with this kidnapping, there is a real chance those kids won't come back alive." Mac: "So are we done for tonight? Shall we pick this up again in the morning?" Sarah nods as she starts to pack her briefcase. "Ok, I'll meet you here first thing in the morning. By then we should have the phone records and the report on those film negatives." Mac: "Good night, Sarah." Sarah: "Good night Mac. I'll see you in the morning." Chapter 29: REGRETS Miranda drops to her knees beside Nikolas. He looks at her hurt face and feels a twinge of guilt. He had managed to save Lucky from being to hurt, but had endangered Miranda. Nikolas: " I'm sorry." Miranda: " For what Nikolas?" Nikolas: " Your face. I had no choice.." Miranda cuts him off in mid sentence.. "Forget it." then continues in a whispers. " You did what you had to do. Nikolas, I'm so sorry. I never wanted you to get hurt like this. The bug was my fault. I shouldn't have left the room when I did. I knew he was going to be brutal, but I had no idea he was going to beat you so severely." She hangs her head down as she starts to cry. Nikolas watches her silently and finally reaches over and takes her chin in his hand. Lifting her head up to him he whispers. " I'm not mad at you. Obviously he has as much control over you as he does over The rest of us." Nikolas groans in mid-sentence as he feels the pain start to throb in his head. Miranda: "What?? Nikolas what is making you cry out? I have to doctor you up. Tell me where you want me to start." Nikolas: "My head. When he slammed me into the walls, it really took a beating." Miranda: "Oh Nikolas, there isn't much I can do for that. I can give you some Tylenol. I'm more concerned about your ribs. You took a real beating. I'm going to take a look, okay?" He nods to her and braces himself for the pain. She gasps as she sees the bruises already forming on his abdomen. She examines the gash the chair gave him and then applies some ointment. He muffles a scream as she gingerly applies the cream. Miranda: " I know Nikolas. Try and bear with me. I have to wrap your ribs. It's going to hurt but it's necessary." Nikolas tries to lift himself up so she can wrap him but the pain overwhelms him. Miranda helps him up gently and starts to wrap his ribs. Miranda: " I can't believe he went this far. He will have hell to pay." Nikolas: " From who?? My grandmother??" Miranda looks at him in shock, but doesn't answer. Nikolas whisper so Jerry can't hear, " Miranda, please...if you are really sorry about my condition tell me the truth." Miranda looks into Nikolas eyes and sighs. She realizes she has to tell him something. Leaning over she whispers to him.. " The room is still being bugged. I can't tell you too much. Give me time to work on a plausible excuse to get the bug out of here and we'll talk." Nikolas plays along and somewhat loudly speaks, " I knew you didn't really care." Miranda: " Oh Nikolas. Please just allow me to doctor you without an argument. Why don't we talk about something else. It will get your mind off the pain." Nikolas: ' What do you want to talk about??" Miranda: " I don't know, why don't you tell me about this new found relationship with Lucky." Nikolas: " I don't think that's a very good subject. Why don't you tell me how you ended up with Jerry. Weren't you married to Jasper?" Miranda: "You remember?" Nikolas: "Vaguely. I was pretty young. You seemed so familiar to me but I couldn't place you. Finally it came to me-you were Jasper's wife. I thought you died though." Miranda: " So did he. Long story Nikolas. Bottom line, I survived and Jerry helped me." They sit in silence for a few minutes as Miranda finishes his dressing. She applies some ice to his lip and then helps him lean back into the bed. Nikolas: "Why wasn't Jax around?? I mean, why Jerry not your husband?" Miranda: "Nikolas, I was horribly disfigured and barely clutching onto life. I didn't want to put Jax through the ordeal. Jerry knew I was alive and he stayed by my side. I fell in love with him. Jax never really knew me the way Jerry did. No matter what I did, Jerry always forgave me." Nikolas: ' Will he forgive you for sleeping with me?" Miranda: "In time. " Nikolas: "Shouldn't take him to long you only did it to gain my compliance." Miranda shakes her head at him and whispers into his ear. Miranda: "You are mistaken prince. I really wanted you. Wrong as it was..I enjoyed it." Speaking loudly for Jerry's benefit she says. "And you only slept with me to make me think I had you under control. You made that clear to me afterwards. So we're even. No love lost, no one gets hurt." Nikolas: " You call this situation no one getting hurt?? Maybe those marks on your face and my bruises don't hurt you, but it damn well serves as a reminder to me." Miranda: "That's what it's supposed to do Nikolas. Don't try anything foolish again, and you'll be okay." Nikolas: " I'm supposed to believe you?" Miranda: " You must rest Nikolas. You will be very sore for a few days." Nikolas: " Where's Lucky?? When do I get to see him??" Miranda: " Probably not anytime soon, if ever. The escape attempt was foolish. We can't trust you together anymore." Miranda leans back over and whispers to him.. Miranda: " I promise to keep an eye on Lucky. Jerry won't hurt him." Nikolas whispers back to her... Nikolas: " Help me get us out of here. " Miranda whispers back, " I can't Nikolas. Just trust me for right now. " Nikolas looks into her eyes and sees she is sincere. Miranda tucks him under his covers and kisses the top of his head gently.And whispers to him.. Miranda: " Sleep tight my prince. You'll need your rest." She then returns to her normal voice. Miranda: " I hope you've learned your lesson. i doubt you could take much more of a beating and trust me Jerry's patience is gone when it comes to you. He will keep you and Lucky on the honor system. if you mess up, Lucky will pay for it and if Lucky does anything foolish, you'll pay for it. No more futile escape attempts or surly attitudes. Let's get through this ordeal in one piece. Good night." Nikolas nods his head to her and watches her exit the room. He tries to fall asleep despite the pain he's in. ................. Downstairs Lucky isn't having any better luck sleeping. He keeps pacing the room. It's killing him to be confined and he's worried as hell over Nikolas. he can't get the image of the beating out of his head..or how bad Nikolas looked afterwards. He slams his fist into the wall again and is startled when he hears a voice respond. W:" Careful, you'll wake your sister with all that noise." Lucky: "Grandma??" Lesley:" Lucky??" Lucky sits by the wall and speaks to her.. Lucky: " Nikolas told me you were here. How's Lu?" Lesley:" She's fine. How are you and Nikolas?" Lucky: ' Oh grandmother it's horrible. We tried to escape and got caught. Jerry went off on me and Nikolas intervened. Jerry went ballistic on him. He's hurt really bad. Then Jerry pulls me out of the room and throws me in here." Lesley:" You sound worried about Nikolas. I'm surprised." Lucky: "Not as much as me. I really hated him Grandma. But he put his life on the line for me tonight. We worked together to try and get out of here. He really is my brother." Lesley:" Of course he is. Nikolas will be fine, Lucky. They can't hurt him too badly." Lucky: "You didn't see him. He's really hurt." Lesley:" Yes, well Nikolas did what he had to do, Lucky. He knew that Jerry would be much worse on you, he might have even killed you. Nikolas was only trying to protect you. As You were both trying to protect me and Lu. You'll see later down the line that even with all the hatred your families have for each other, you are brothers and that will overcome everything else." Lucky: "You sound like mom. She wanted Nikolas and I to get along so badly. Neither of us would listen to her. We both claimed her and Lu, but not each other." Lesley:" You followed your father, as Nikolas followed his Uncle. Years of bad blood and fighting don't disappear overnight, Lucky. You and Nikolas, through this tragedy, have formed a bond that no one, not our captors or Stefan or Luke can break. You are brothers and no one can take that away from you. Try and not worry about Nikolas too much. He is a strong young man and I'm sure he'll be okay. Miranda has probably taken care of him well and he's probably sleeping. You should do the same." Lucky: " I'm just so angry and confused. it's like I betrayed my father by working with Nikolas, but I know i did the right thing." Lesley:" Of course you did. I'm sure your father and Stefan will understand in time. The strangest of circumstances can form a family Lucky. Never forget that. You and Nikolas share your mother's spirit. You will use that to your advantage. Now go to sleep my child. Good night." Lucky: '"Good night grandmother." ............. Miranda sneaks into the bathroom and dials on her cell phone. After a couple of rings the familiar voice picks up. Miranda: " Mom. " MRS. Lansbury: " Miranda?? Why are you calling?? Is everything all right with Master Nikolas?" Miranda: " Mom, we have to talk. Everything has changed..." Chapter 30: Stefan Makes Progress It is evening and Laura is visiting Nikolas's and Lesley's graves at the cemetery. She is tearful as she talks with Nikolas. Laura: "I feel like I've lost everything, Nikolas. I didn't think I could feel any worse when I heard that you died, but before I could even catch my breath, Lucky and Lulu were gone. I just pray I don't have to bury them too...." Laura breaks down in silent sobs in front of Nikolas's marker. Stefan enters the cemetery to go to Nikolas's memorial site, and sees Laura there, sobbing silently. He is struck by her beauty. It never ceases to amaze him how she takes his breath away. But this time, he can't help but notice a difference in himself. The deep love he has always felt for her has changed. He is surprised to find that mostly what he feels for her now is admiration and compassion. 'How did that happen?' he wonders to himself. Stefan decides to break the silence. Stefan: "Laura." Laura immediately begins to pull herself together. Stefan: "I'm sorry to interrupt you. It looked like you might need something or someone. Would you like to use my phone to call your husband?" Laura shakes her head as she wipes away the last of her tears. Stefan: "Is there anything I can do? I want you to know I am using my contacts to help find your children. I know you probably don't believe that, but it's true..." Laura nods. "Well, I'm really not sure what to believe anymore. But if it's true, thank you." Stefan: "Well, I don't want to disturb you further. I'll come back and pay my respects to Nikolas some other time..." Stefan begins to leave. Laura: "No, it's okay. Please stay. Sharing Nikolas with you is never a bother. Besides, you helped me come back from the pit of self-pity I was in." Stefan sits down on a nearby bench. Laura gets up and joins him on the bench. Laura: "You are different today. I don't think I've ever seen you like this. You seem separate from me. And you aren't calling me Lasha." Stefan: "We both know that my 'Lasha' doesn't exist. It took me a very long time to realize that. But I do accept it now. I suppose I should thank you. For the first time I feel free." Laura looks at him in amazement. "You're sincere, aren't you?" Stefan nods slightly. "It is not in my Cassadine nature to admit defeat. In fact the Cassadine men are famous for their obsessions with blonde women." Stefan smiles a wry smile. "But I think you helped me find an antidote. " Laura takes in this new revelation. She finds her self feeling a mixture of regret and relief. A chapter in their life has ended. Laura: "What changed?" Stefan: "The last time we met. I saw you for who you are. Probably the first time I have ever seen you so clearly." Laura: "And what did you see?" Stefan: "A woman. Simply a woman. You are extraordinary, don't get me wrong. But I realized in a split second, that you could never love me. You see I always thought that it was just Luke that kept you from me. But that day, I saw that you lack what I need most in this world." Laura: "And what's that?" Stefan: "Someone who loves me more than anyone else in the world. Someone who would be mine, only mine. Your heart will always belong to Luke. Always." Laura takes his hand in hers. The connection is still there, but both recognize the difference. It is a connection of friendship and family, not romantic love. Laura: "Now that you've let me go. You will be able to find her." Stefan: "My true love? Perhaps. Although I don't foresee myself living very long under the current circumstances. In fact, if your husband were to show up at this very moment, He'd probably kill me on the spot. And I can't say I'd blame him." Stefan looks down at her hand. He gives it a squeeze before releasing it. Laura: "I think for the first time I truly believe you didn't take my children." Stefan: "How do they say it in this country? Thanks for the vote of confidence? Irregardless I will probably be arrested in the next 48 hours. Someone has done a very thorough job of setting me up." Laura: "I wish I could help..." Stefan: "You couldn't. Besides you need to focus on finding your children." Stefan gets up from the bench. "I should be going, I have an appointment." Laura: "Thank you, Stefan. Believe it or not, I feel much better than I did before you interrupted me." Stefan leans over and kisses her on the cheek. Stefan: "Know this. You and your children still have my loyalty. I consider you family." Laura eyes fill with tears. "Thank you, Stefan. That means a lot to me." She watches him leave the cemetery. .................... Sarah is getting out of her car after a long day at the Police Station. She wants nothing more than to get some groceries and go home and curl up with a good book. The day had been horrible. When she came in that morning, crucial pieces of evidence had disappeared from the evidence room overnight. There was no trace. But she could guess what happened. Stefan Cassadine had happened. Because she was so lost in thought, she didn't hear the man approach her. Before she knew it, he had a gun stuck in her ribs. Man: "Hand over your purse, lady. And maybe I won't hurt you." Sarah could tell the man was a pro from his demeanor. There was no edge in his voice. This mugging had been planned. In no time, He had her pinned against the car. When she tried to look around he grabbed her hair and yanked her head back so she was facing the car. She saw enough to know she wouldn't be able to identify him. He was wearing a ski mask. Sarah: "Take whatever you want. I won't fight you." The man found her gun in her coat and threw it away. Then he began to grope for her purse. Suddenly, she felt the man being forceful pulled away from her and she was free. As she turned around to retrieve her gun out of her coat she saw Stefan Cassadine fighting off her attacker. Both the attacker and Stefan landed a couple of punches before the attacker took off running. Pursuit seemed futile. Stefan turned to look at Sarah as he wiped the blood off his lip. Stefan: "Are you okay?" Sarah walked up to Stefan, rage filling her eyes. With deadly precision she knocks him to the ground. Stefan is shocked. "What did you do that for??!" He starts to get up, but she puts her sharp heel into his chest. She stands over him with the fury of an avenging angel: "Do you take me for an idiot?" Stefan:"Of course not..." Sarah interrupts him before he can continue. "I didn't become a WSB agent because of my looks you know. I became one because I have excellent instincts. And every instinct that I have is screaming at me that you set this up." Stefan becomes enraged. "I set you up? You are as paranoid as Luke Spencer! Why ...." Sarah cuts him off again. "Oh, don't play innocent with me! I KNOW you set this up. Of course I can't prove it. You made sure of that when you set this up. So is this your way of telling me to lay off the Cassadines? Well, I don't scare that easy buster! If you pull another stunt like this, I'll knock you into the next decade, is that understood?" Stefan shakes his head and growls, "I hear you loud and clear." Sarah removes her heel from his chest, and Stefan pulls himself up. In the mean time, Sarah retrieves her service revolver. Stefan continues his tirade. " You don't need to remind me never to help you again. I get knocked on the ground for pulling a thug off you. Your gratitude is overwhelming." Sarah walks up to Stefan and puts her face inches from his. She glares at him in challenge. "Are you so threatened by powerful women that you have to set them up to be mugged so you can save them? That's a rather sick come-on if you ask me." Stefan returns the challenge. "Careful who you challenge, sweet Sarah." When she tries to back away, he grabs her chin and forces her to return his gaze again. She is surprised to find passion in his eyes. "Look who's threatened now, " He whispers as he rubs his thumb along her lower lip. She fights her attraction to him by closing her eyes and stomping on his shin. Stefan curses and grabs her shoulders and gives her a hard shake. Stefan: "Do not tangle with me, Sarah. You cannot win." Sarah growls at Stefan. "Let me go, Stefan. Now." Stefan lets her go immediately. "Forgive me. You seem to have a strange effect on me. I have never lost my temper with a woman like this before." He turns away from her to regain his composure. Sarah: "Perhaps because you are used to women falling at your feet, begging for your attention and to do your bidding." Stefan looks at her in amusement. "Is that how you see my life? Fascinating. There is only one woman I have ever wanted attention from, and I never got it." Sarah: "Laura Spencer." Stefan: "Well, the WSB seems to know EVERYTHING about me." Sarah: "Is that why you took her kids, to get her for yourself?" Stefan laughs. "Well, you should ask Laura that. She could answer that for you. How many times do I have to tell you I didn't take those kids?" Sarah: "So why did you steal the evidence from the Police Station then?" Stefan: "So now I'm being accused of stealing? What other crimes are you going to try and pin on me?" Sarah: "You are a pro, I'll grant you that. I'm going to enjoy bringing you to your knees, Stefan Cassadine." Stefan walks up and faces Sarah. He takes her chin in his hand again as he gazes in her eyes. This time she doesn't pull away or protest. Stefan whispers as he lowers his mouth close to hers as if to kiss her. "And I'm going to enjoy watching you try, sweet Sarah." Before she can blink he's gone. Chapter 31: Switching Loyalties Miranda enters the living room gingerly. Jerry never came to bed the night before and she was unsure what kind of mood she'd find him in. She relaxes when she sees him silently look up at her with a look that almost resembles remorse cross his face. Miranda: "Good morning." Jerry:"Is it? How did you sleep?" Miranda: "Horrible Jerry. You know I have a hard time sleeping when you and I are fighting." Jerry: "How's your face?" Miranda: "How does it look? You crossed the line last night, Jerry. Do you even remember what you did?" Jerry:' I'm not ignorant Randi, of course I remember. What do you want from me? An apology?? Ok I'm sorry I hit you, but my god Randi! You slept with my cousin!" Miranda: "To gain his compliance." Jerry:" Tell me you didn't enjoy it?? Tell me he didn't. Do you take me for a fool? He's a child Miranda! You seduced a child. How can you live with yourself!' Miranda: " I may have seduced him, but you beat him like a dog! How will you explain to the great Helena that you tortured her prince? How can you live with yourself?" Jerry:' I'll deal with my Aunt. And Nikolas will heal." Miranda: " No thanks to you! You should go have a look at him. He's is bruised and hurting." Jerry:' I checked on him last night. He seemed okay. He was breathing. I also removed the listening device. Until we can get a new one I'm more concerned about what's happening with the Spencer brat. Nikolas is in no condition to try anything." Miranda: ' "Are you telling me we're down to one bug?? No Jerry I don't think you're a fool. Why would I believe that?" Jerry:"Save the sarcasm sweetheart. Two were damaged and the brats destroyed one." Miranda: "Okay. So you want me to plant this in Lucky's room?" Jerry: "You catch on quick. So, about Nikolas. How long before he can move around and stuff?" Miranda: " Planning on taking him somewhere?" Jerry:"Soon enough, but I'm trying to find out how long he'll need extra care." Miranda: " if you're worried that I'm going to seduce him again, don't. But if you'd like, I can let you can take care of him. You used to have a wonderful bedside manner." Jerry:' You have the medical expertise, and I think Nikolas and I need to keep our distance from one another at this point. So, how long?" Miranda: "Truthfully, he'll need quite a bit. Perhaps you'd consider me bringing Lu into visit him when he's a little better. It would lift his spirits." Jerry:" I'm concerned about his health not his spirits Randi. The brat got what he deserved!" Miranda: "That brat could tell his grandmother about his discipline session with you. Perhaps if you are a little nicer to him, he won't be so quick to jump at the chance to fry you." Jerry:" Don't bet on it. But I'll consider it. Any of his ribs broke??" Miranda: " Probably, but without an xray machine, I can't be sure. Relax, he'll be okay. I'll make sure of it. He'll want to see Lucky." Jerry: "Absolutely not! Those two are not to be together anymore.' Miranda: "You won't gain his compliance without giving him something he wants. He'll be worried on how you're treating Lucky, and I'm sure Lucky is worried about Nikolas." Jerry: "It kills me that Nikolas has bonded with that brat. No you can visit Lucky and keep him informed on Nikolas and vice versa.' Miranda: "As if they'd really believe me." Jerry:"You have a way of making people believe you Randi." Miranda: " Fine. We'll do it your way. I'll plant the bug in Lucky's room today." Jerry: "Very well. Randi, I forgive you." Miranda: ' Yeah Jerry I forgive you too. " Miranda turns and heads up the stairs to Nikolas room thinking to herself what a fool she was to ever fall for Jerry in the first place. ........... She enters the room and finds Nikolas sleeping. She kneels beside his bed and brushes back his hair. He opens his eyes and smiles at her. Miranda: "Good morning sweet prince." Nikolas: "Morning. How's Lu and Lucky?" Miranda: "I'm sure they're both fine. I came to check on you first. Let me check your bandages.' She lifts up his nightshirt and feels her self get nauseous looking at his black and blue mid-section. She bites down on her lip as she changes the bandage from his cut. Miranda: " All done Nikolas. I'll bring you some pills with your breakfast." Nikolas: "Thanks. the Tylenol has worn off." Miranda: "Jerry removed the bug we can talk freely now." Nikolas: "Will you help us escape??" Miranda: "I don't know what I can do Nikolas. There is much you don't know. My hands are tied ." Nikolas: "I'm not so worried about me, but Lucky and Lu. I know he's going to kill them. I can feel it. Miranda, promise me you won't let him." Miranda: "Nikolas, kill them? He won't don't that. Not without.." Nikolas interrupts her.. Nikolas: "The order from my Grandmother Helena. Miranda I know my Grandmother Lesley is here and I know my Grandmother Helena is behind this. How long before she decides to take me and kill the rest of them? I'm sure she's waiting for something to happen to my uncle before she does it!" Miranda looks at Nikolas in shock. She hadn't realized how much the boys had put together. Miranda: "I will keep them as safe as I can Nikolas." Nikolas: "I want to see Lucky." Miranda: " Out of the question. Jerry won't allow it. Though I'm trying to get you a visit with Lulu.' She smiles as she watches his face light up at the thought. Nikolas: " Will you give him a note from me then??" Miranda thinks for a minute and then nods her head. Nikolas picks up a note he's written and hands it to her. Nikolas: "Thank-you." Miranda: " Rest my prince. I'll be back soon." ............. Miranda enters Lucky's room and watches the angry young man glare at her. Miranda: "I brought you some breakfast." Lucky: "How's Nikolas?" Miranda: " Better than last night. He'll be okay." She mouths the words "there's a bug in the room" and Lucky nods his head to her. Lucky: "I want to see him. I don't believe you." Miranda: " Well, my word is as good as it gets kiddo. Eat up." She passes him the note and watches him as he reads.. Lucky, Trust Miranda, she's trying to help us. You probably know by now that Grandma is next door. Listen to her, she's pretty smart. I'm going to figure a way out of this but until then, lay low. No trying to start trouble or escape attempts. I won't lie to you, Jerry will kill you if you try him. I can't be there with you right now, but we can communicate this way. I'll have Miranda slip you some paper and a pen. Till then I'm okay. Just relax and go with the flow. We'll make it out of here. Trust me (never thought I'd say that to a Spencer!). Keep an eye on Grandma and Lesley Lu and keep me informed. Take care of yourself Lucky. Jerry can be lethal. Nikolas. Lucky gives her back the paper and nods again . He eats his breakfast quickly and she exits the room. Lucky lies back on his bed and prays.."Lord-get us out of this alive man." ....................... Stefan's cell phone rings. "Hello? Simms, I'm glad it's you. It is about time you called. What do you have for me about Helena's movements and Lesley Webber's whereabouts? Excellent. I want to hear everything." ................................ Mrs Lansbury straightens her dress nervously for the third time. Finally she gets up the nerve to knock on the living room door. She hears Stefan call for her to enter. Mrs. Lansbury: "Mr Cassadine? Do you have a moment?" .................... A little while later we see Stefan on the phone again. "Sarah. I'm glad I caught you....." Chapter 32: Tragedy Strikes Stefan enters Luke's Place with a purpose. He looks around. He sees Luke, Sonny and Mike, talking together. At one of the tables he notices Sarah sitting with someone he doesn't recognize. Luke, Mike, and Sonny scowl at him. Stefan pulls a 9mm pistol out of his coat and aims it straight at Luke. Stefan's face is full of rage and hatred. "Ok, Spencer this is it. This has been a long time coming. If I'm going down, you're going down with me!" Luke rises to the challenge. "Listen, Cassadine. I'd like nothing better than to see you dead. No Cassadine has come up against me and survived." Sonny tries to intervene, but Luke stops him. "I don't want any help, Sonny." He smiles, relishing the idea of killing Stefan. "I can handle this joker myself. So what got to you, Stefan? Did taking my kids end up being more than you can handle? Or have you finally lost your last marble?" Sarah gets up from the table. Mike starts to escort the patrons out of the club. Sarah watches with horror at the scene unfolding between Stefan and Luke. Luke and Stefan circle each other. Stefan: "Today you are going to pay for your sins against my family. I would have let you live, for Lasha's sake. But no more. I now have proof that you killed Nikolas! " He looks towards Sarah. "But when I went to the authorities with it, they weren't interested in pursuing justice. So now I will have my justice, my revenge. Prepare to die, Spencer!" Sarah tries to de-escalate the situation. "Stefan please! When I spoke to you earlier, I said I needed more evidence. If your allegations are true, then we will find the evidence. But I need time, Stefan. Please." Stefan: "No more waiting! I have been waiting for justice long enough! Tonight I will have it, or I will die trying!" Luke: "You are just as insane as the rest of the Cassadines! I had nothing to do with that little bastard's death. Come on Cassadine, come at me with your bare hands. Don't hide behind a gun. " Stefan sneers at him. "You call me a coward. You, who kidnaps his own kids and frames me for it? What a piece of work you are. Tell me, does Lasha know? Did you send her over to my home and have her try and seduce me? Honestly, I was really tempted, Spencer. But I decided that she was no longer worthy of my affection. She is tainted goods!" Luke screams in rage. "You lying bastard! I'll kill you!" Luke jumps at Stefan and grabs the gun. A violent struggle ensues. Luke smashes Stefan into a nearby table to knock him off balance. Stefan regains his balance and forces Luke against the bar. After a moment, Luke gets the upper hand and pushes Stefan off him and they tumble onto the floor, with Luke on top of him. A loud shot rings out. Luke rolls off Stefan, and checks his body for a gunshot wound, there isn't one. He looks over to Stefan and sees him lying in a pool of blood with a gunshot wound to the chest. Sarah screams in horror. "Stefan, No! Someone call an ambulance immediately!" She rushes to his side on the floor. She sees that he's barely conscious. She kneels, using her scarf to try and stop the bleeding. Tears start to well up in her eyes. "Oh God, no! This is my fault. I didn't believe you." Stefan whispers to her in a quivering voice. "So this is what it's like to die? I feel so strange. Sweet Sarah. It isn't your fault. Both Luke and I knew one of us would have to die eventually." He reaches his hand up to her face and brushes her hair away from her cheek. Sarah: "You just have to hold on for a little longer. The ambulance will be here any second now." Stefan shakes his head. "I won't make it, I know I'm dying. Good bye, sweet Sarah." He pulls her face down to his, and kisses her deeply. Then he collapses. Sarah looks stunned. She tries to shake him awake, but he doesn't respond. She checks for a pulse, there is none. "He's dead! You killed him, Luke!" Chapter 33: Surprise Luke reads the newspaper headline and smiles broadly. "STEFAN CASSADINE SHOT AT LUKE'S CLUB". He looks at Laura, Sarah and Mac and says, "Ever see a prettier headline??" Mac shakes his head," Luke, you're sick man." Sarah:" Mr. Spencer, really. Is this necessary?" Laura:" Luke, you're hopeless.." "Well, Spencer, you got your chance to kill me..and yet here I am." Stefan smiles at Luke tauntingly and Luke groans. He can't believe he is forced to work with a Cassadine in order to get his kids back. Luke: "Keep smiling Cassadine. I always said you were a vampire. Should have driven a stake in your heart." Stefan:" Really Spencer, I am growing weary of these vampire cracks. I do have a reflection you know. Enough of this nonsense. Let's get down to business." Mac: " Okay, I have officially posted an APB for Luke and Laura Spencer. It should get back to your Mother, Mr. Cassadine, that not only were you killed, but that Luke and Laura have split town. Now you have the location of the kids, right?" Stefan: "Vaguely. Mrs. Lansbury told me about her part in the kidnapping of Nikolas, that she turned him over to your friend Miranda. And that his death was faked to frame Spencer. The children are in Canada, but she didn't say what location. We were pressed for time. I am hoping I will get a call shortly with more specific information." Luke: "How many possible locations are there in Canada? How much of Canada does your family own?" Stefan: " You don't want to know. I have my loyal operative checking into that now." Laura:" The kids..Miranda said they were all okay??" Stefan: " Your mother and Lu are fine, Lucky has a couple of bruises. Nikolas was severely beaten a couple of days ago." Everyone is silent as they watch the fear and anger cross over Stefan's face. Laura looks stricken. Stefan: "Miranda assured her mother that Nikolas will be okay. She is our best hope. Now that she has decided to help us retrieve the children we have a good chance of getting them back." Luke: "We'll get them back..all of them. Okay Mac, now what are we going to do about explaining Stefan's body??" Mac: " Well, Mr. Cassadine has graciously pointed out how inept the Port Charles authorities are. They are going to "accidentally" cremate him." Sarah:" This will buy us enough time to get out of town and into Canada. Mac will continue the investigation here with Det Garcia. And as far as Helena Cassadine will know, I'm out following your trail Mr. Spencer." Laura: " Okay. Do the four of us leave together?" Luke:" No, babe. You and I are out of here tonight. Stefan and Sarah will join us in the morning. Hey Cassadine- where did you find a body that was available to "cremate"?' Stefan: " Mr. Spencer, a vampire never divulges his secrets." Mac: "I'm not hearing this conversation. I don't know anything about a body." Sarah: " I'm with you Mac." Stefan: " And they wonder why we call the police inept?" Sarah: " Your humor is not very appreciative Stefan." Stefan: " If you can't laugh at the police?' Luke:"Okay, Bubba. You'll keep our trail hot. How much time do you figure we got till Helena makes her move, Steffin?" Stefan: " Luke, if we're going to travel together i insist you call me by my name. It's Stefan..not Steffin. Good lord, is it really that difficult for you?" Luke:' You don't look like a Stefan..you look like a Steffin.." Laura: " Will you two knock it off. We're trying to get our kids back. You are both acting like teenage boys!" Sarah: " I agree with Laura. Enough already." Stefan: " Once Helena is done gloating over my death and over the Spencer's trouble with the law, she'll call for Nikolas. My bet is Jerry will accompany him and leave Miranda and a guard or two to kill Lesley, Lulu and Lucky." Laura and Luke pale at the thought but Stefan quickly moves along. Stefan: "Our plan is to get there BEFORE Jerry takes Nikolas to Greece. If not, Miranda will hopefully have us there to back her up before the kids get hurt. I don't know how much pull she has with the guards or Jerry at this point. Our only hope is Jerry is still entranced over her." Mac:" I still can't believe Jerry is involved with his brother's wife." Stefan: "It's like a sick family curse Mr. Scorpio. The men in my family long for their brother's wives. Of course Cassadine men prefer blondes. And it appears the other side of the family prefers brunettes. Perhaps Dr Collins can do a case study on this when we return." Sarah's phone rings and she answers it. "Hello? Yes, just a sec.... Stefan it is for you." She hands him her cell phone. Stefan: " Yes,..Simms good...excellent. You're positive of the location?? It would figure she'd pick the more secluded of the compounds. Any idea who is in the home?? Okay check into it..the more information the better. And Simms- you'll be rewarded for this.." Stefan returns the phone to Sarah and looks at the eager faces staring at him. Stefan: " Simms has found the location. It's going to be rough terrain. Perhaps Only Spencer and I should go. I could call in a few of my people..." Sarah: " Excuse me? I'm the one with professional expertise here. I am going on this investigation and retrieval effort. Got it? What kind of sexist chauvinistic remark was that?" Laura shakes her head in mock amusement:" Cassadine men and their little women theory. Some things never change. Stefan, my kids and my mother are out there. I will be going. I've been on the run long enough to know how to take care of myself. Probably better than you ever could. " Stefan looks at Luke in exasperation and Luke laughs heartily.. Luke:" You really put your foot in your mouth this time, Cassadine. I can tell you now, these two will be with us. And judging from your recent security problems with your staff, we're safer this way." Stefan: " Yes, you have a point, not to mention I don't really have access to my staff now that I am dead. Only Angelo, Mrs Lansbury, and Simms know that I am alive. Ladies, my apologies. Old habits die hard. I meant no harm." Laura: " My mother is alive. i still can't believe this is true." Stefan: " I was going to give her to you. As soon as Helena was taken care of. I truly thought the viper was on her death bed." Laura: " You kept her safe all these years though Stefan. You visited her and told her about her family. I am grateful." Luke:" I thought the old Bat was going to croak too. My God, how many lives does the woman have?' Stefan: " Apparently too many. To think she masterminded this whole plan." Sarah: " The ability to plan runs in the family--you really out did yourself with your death plan." Stefan: " After my talk with Mrs. Lansbury, I called Sarah and we developed the plan. She then called Luke and passed along the information. And well presto. I'm dead thanks to Luke Spencer." Luke:" I still can't believe I finally get the chance to kill you Steffin and I have to shoot blanks.." Stefan: " Life is full of irony Luke. Who would have thought you and I would ever agree to work together? But I would make a deal with the devil to get my Nikolas back." Luke: " I feel like I may already be dealing with the devil. Hell, anything to get my family back." Laura: " Have you ever noticed just how much the two of you think alike? It's rather amazing." Sarah smiles at Laura in amusement," Now that you mention it Laura, they are similar." Luke: " Woman, I don't find that funny. I have red hot American blood pumping through these veins, baby. Not that cold blue stuff he has." Stefan: " Luke, you know, you really do appear more intelligent with your mouth shut. Whenever you open it, I fell like I'm talking to a person off of..what is that American show? Hee Haw??" Luke: " Well, Steffin. Get used to it, 'cause we're gonna be breathing each other's air for the next few days." Luke lights up his cigar and toasts his glass to Stefan.. Luke: " Here's to your death. If only for a fleeting moment.." Luke blows smoke in Stefan's face. Stefan looks at him in disgust as he waves the smoke away." Speaking of breathing each other's air. I find those cigars absolutely repulsive." Sarah: "I agree Mr. Spencer. I must ask that in the car you refrain from smoking." Luke: " You're joking right?? What is this? High school?? Do I have to smoke in the boys room??" Stefan: " I'm amazed..you actually made it to High school.." Sarah looks at her watch. "Luke, Laura, it is time for you to make your move." Laura rolls her eyes at them." This is going to be a trip to remember. I guess we're all set. We'll meet you at the designated spot and ditch the Cadillac." Sarah: " We'll be there..And you two be careful. We only have one shot at this and we all need to make it out alive." Luke:" Don't worry about us baby. We've fought this family before. Now we even have one fighting with us. Steffin--we'll get all the kids back." Stefan: " I understand Luke, I have a feeling that this will be the fight of our lives. But the stakes are toe high for us to lose. We will meet you soon." They say their final good byes and leave the catacombs. Each destined to start their part of the plan. Chapter 34: In The Catacombs Mac, Stefan, and Sarah are sitting in the catacombs after Laura and Luke left. Stefan: "So what's next?" Mac: "Well, to make your death official, I need your Cassadine medallion and ring. Helena won't believe you are dead without it." Stefan gets up and takes the ring off his finger. "Well, I am not THE Cassadine Regent now." He reaches inside his shirt and removes his medallion. "There was a time when I was younger, when I hated this medallion. Now.... well, it doesn't matter. Getting Nikolas back is the only thing that matters now." Stefan hands them over to Mac. Sarah: "You will need to change clothes too. You will attract attention in those clothes." Stefan looks at Sarah mockingly. "What? You don't like my tastefully dark attire?" Sarah smiles at his joke."Next to me, you'll stand out like a sore thumb. This is a casual affair. We don't know what trouble we will encounter. Mac, will you bring him back some clothes to wear? Oh, and stop by my room and pick up the beige overnight bag next to the door. It has my traveling clothes in it." She hands Mac her keys. Mac:"Ok, I should be back in an hour or so with everything you'll need. Tomorrow morning the car, I will escort you to the car." Sarah studies Stefan, who looks like he's a million mile away."What are you thinking about?" Stefan: "I still can't believe he's alive, Sarah...." Sarah: "You haven't had any time to really take it in, have you?" Stefan shakes his head. "No, I haven't. Everything had to happen so fast. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly your perspective on life can change.... " Stefan begins to tell Sarah what happened when Mrs Lansbury told him about Nikolas..... Mrs Lansbury straightens her dress nervously for the third time. Finally she gets up the nerve to knock on the living room door. She hears Stefan call for her to enter. Mrs. Lansbury: "Mr Cassadine? Do you have a moment?" Stefan waves her in the room. "Yes, what is it?' Mrs Lansbury.:"Mr Cassadine, I don't really know how to tell you this. So many things have happened that I'm not sure really how to begin." Stefan eyes the older woman with curious suspicion. She's been a loyal servant for years and Nikolas had adored her, yet something in his gut was screaming that she knew something she was afraid to say. Stefan:" Mrs. Lansbury this has been a rough time for me and to be honest I haven't much patience. You obviously have something on your mind. Please don't take up any more of my time than absolutely necessary." Stefan waves her to a chair and she sits. He takes a seat on the opposite chair and waits for her to begin. MRS.Lansbury: " Mr Cassadine, you know I have worked for the Cassadine family for years. Your mother kept me on staff even after my affair with your uncle Victor. I was forever grateful to her for that." Stefan:"I understand this.." Mrs. Lansbury cuts him off.." Please let me continue.. I have always been loyal to your family but especially to your mother.." Mrs. Lansbury looks up at him with tear-filled eyes and Stefan starts to realize where she's going with this.. Stefan:"Did you have something to do with Nikolas being murdered??" he can barely believe he uttered the words to this kindly lady. She had been like a grandmother to Nikolas. Mrs Lansbury:" Sir...Master Nikolas is not dead. He is in Canada with my daughter Miranda and your cousin Jerry." Stefan rises from the chair and looks at her in shock. He lets the meaning of her words sink in. Careful to not be to hopeful he walks over to her chair and boxes her in as he grips the arms with his fists and angrily whispers to her: Stefan:" Do not play games with me. Explain yourself." Mrs. Lansbury starts to tremble as she gazes up at Stefan's angry face. His eyes dance angrily as he waits for an explanation. She feels a chill run down her spine. For a split second she sees Helena's eyes. MRS.Lansbury: "Your mother ordered me to help her. She said it was for the good of Nikolas. That I owed her as well as my daughter owed her. She told me that without my compliance she would have Miranda killed in an accident that she wouldn't survive and that My son Pierce, would be next. I had no choice. She ordered me to take Master Nikolas to the drop-off point. I drugged him and drove him to Miranda. She took him to Canada to be with Jerry. They have the Spencer children and Lesley Webber as well." Stefan feels his body go through an array of emotions- anger from the betrayal. confusion, and relief. He can't believe is baby is alive... Stefan:'WHY ARE YOU TELLING ME THIS NOW?? WHAT HAS HAPPENED??" Mrs. Lansbury takes a deep breath and continues." You're mother's plan was to drive you insane with guilt. And then frame you for the Spencer children's kidnapping and Luke for Nikolas's murder. She wanted the two of you to kill each other. I was supposed to return to Greece as soon as you were dead and then then Miranda would be free from the Cassadine's control. Miranda called me today and something horrible has happened. " Stefan looks at her with bewildered eyes and awaits her revelation. MRS.Lansbury: "Master Nikolas and Lucky Spencer tried to escape. Jerry and Miranda caught them and Jerry was furious. He started to beat Lucky and Nikolas distracted him by telling him a horrible truth that made Jerry snap." Stefan whispers numbly: "What truth?" Mrs. Lansbury looks down at her hands and sighs.."that he slept with Miranda." Stefan feels his stomach turn as he thinks of not only his nephew being seduced but of Jerry's reaction to this betrayal.:"What did he do to Nikolas?" he asks in a deadly whisper. Mrs. Lansbury: " He beat him severely. Miranda said he was like an out of control animal. Lucky screamed for her and by the time she got there Jerry had beaten Nikolas very severely and was still thrashing him. Miranda was able to stop Jerry. She and Lucky took care of him." Stefan closes his eyes as he thinks of his Nikolas beaten by their insane cousin. " How is he??" Mrs.Lansbury: "He'll be okay. Miranda has medical expertise and is treating his injuries. She called me and asked me to help her help the children..so I came to you." Stefan:"What you are saying had better be true..for I have the mind to have you disposed of immediately!" Mrs. Lansbury trembles in fear but remains silent. Stefan gives free rein to his rage:" I TRUSTED YOU! NIKOLAS TRUSTED YOU! YOU TURN ON US! MY CHILD HAD BETTER COME BACK ALIVE AND HEALTHY OR YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY FOR GENERATIONS TO COME WILL FEEL THE WRATH OF MY CURSE TO YOU!" Mrs. Lansbury nods. Never before had she seen him so full of rage. " Please sir..kill me if you must ...but my children..please not my children.." She breaks down and weeps and Stefan looks at her coldly. He can't help but understand why she did it..his mother would have killed her children without a second thought. Stefan:"You will go back to your duties as if nothing has happened. I will keep you informed as I see fit. If Miranda calls again get as much information as possible. As long As the children and Lesley are returned safely you will have nothing to fear. Cross me or have second thoughts on what you've done and you're family will live to regret it for ages. You are dismissed." Stefan walks out of the room hastily and descends up the stairs. He goes into Nikolas room and walks over to his picture. Taking it gently in his hand he collapses into the chair with sudden overwhelming emotion. He feels his body shake as the tears of relief come spilling from his eyes over his cheeks as he holds the picture to his heart. He whispers out loud as his voice cracks.. Stefan:" My Nikolas...you are alive. I will find you my child..please don't give up hope." Stefan rocks with emotion in the chair and tries to gain composure. It's as if God has reached down and returned his heart. He pulls out his cell phone as the final tears are wiped away. He dials a number and finally a voice answers "Sarah. I'm glad I caught you....." In the present..... Stefan: "And then I called you. I don't think I will really believe it until I see Nikolas with my own eyes." Sarah reaches out to take Stefan's hand with tears in her eyes. Sarah: "It is a miracle isn't it?" Stefan wipes the last of his tears. "Yes it is." Mac walks into the catacombs and sees Sarah holding Stefan's hand. Mac can sense that it is an emotional moment. So he just waits quietly for a couple minutes. When the time seems appropriate, Mac walks forward loudly. Mac: "Here's everything you'll need. I have to be getting back to the station, to handle the investigation and search for Luke and Laura." Mac gives Sarah a signal that he wants to talk to her. Sarah: "Thanks Mac. Stefan I'll be right back. I have to talk with Mac for a second." She walks out with Mac. Mac looks at her seriously and whispers. "Be careful with this guy, Sarah. Don't ever forget he's a Cassadine. He'll kill you in a second if it suits his purposes. And he's famous for his charming ways with women." Sarah looks at Mac with amusement. "Well, look who's the new expert on the Cassadines!" Mac looks sheepish. "Sorry, I've just seen so many people fooled by this guy. And I've gotten to know you well enough to see you have a soft heart. Stefan can see that too. And he'll use it to his advantage. " He sees Sarah shake with silent laughter at his attempt at protectiveness. "I know, I know. You're the expert. Sorry I said anything. See you in the morning." Sarah: "Thanks for your concern Mac. But you don't have to worry." Sarah returns to the catacombs. Stefan is sitting and waiting like an obedient little boy. Stefan: "Was he warning you about me?" Sarah: "Don't you already know the answer to that question?" Stefan: "Forget I asked." Sarah: "Well, it is time for you to change your image, Stefan Cassadine." Sarah opens the bag Mac brought for Stefan and pulls out a blue denim shirt and a pair of blue jeans. Sarah: "So, have you ever worn this stuff before?" Stefan rolls his eyes. "Please. Your attempt at humor is lost on me. I'll let you know if I need any help figuring out these strange contraptions." Stefan takes the clothes to go change. Stefan returns a short while later. Sarah is struck by the force of his male sexuality. God, why did he hide in those suits? Stefan smiles at her temporary loss of composure. "So you approve of the change?" Sarah quickly regains her composure. "Yeah, it'll do." Sarah walks up and strokes his cheek. This time, he is surprised. Sarah:"Well, to complete the look, you should probably shave." Stefan: "Absolutely not. This is as far as I go." He kisses the palm of her hand that had just stroked his cheek, she quickly removes it, and follows it with a slap. Stefan: "What was that for?" Sarah: "For the little improvisation at Luke's Club. I couldn't retaliate during your "death" scene! I don't appreciate you taking advantage of the situation like that. And I want you to know, it won't be tolerated again!" Stefan: "Oh, and the tears you had in your eyes weren't an improvisation? I was so moved by your performance that the kiss just happened." Sarah: "Oh please. With the blarney coming out of your mouth, I'd think you were Irish!" Stefan: "What? Has no one ever flirted with you before? Maybe my nephew was right. Maybe American men don't know how to flirt." Stefan's eyes caress hers. This time he strokes her cheek."When you were looking down at me at Luke's with tears in your eyes, do you want to know what I was thinking?" Sarah knows she should resist, but she can't . "What?" Stefan: "That if I had to die like that, I'd want it to end just like it did." Just as Stefan is about to kiss her, Sarah pulls away from him and turns her back. What was happening to her? She forces herself to think of the mission. Stefan smiles. She isn't as immune to me as she'd like to be. But he knows he has to be careful with her. She wasn't like any woman he'd ever met. Stefan: "Forgive me. My flirting went too far. It was only in fun. You are a beautiful woman. It comes naturally to me." Sarah: "Well, kindly control it from now on, okay?" Stefan: "Then we have truce?" Sarah: "Fine." Chapter 35: The Time Has Come For the Nephew To Grieve Jerry walks into Nikolas room happily. He smiles at Nikolas Who glares back at him. Jerry:" How are feeling today brephos??" Nikolas feels his stomach turn as he watches Jerry's face. Something has happened to put him in such a good mood. " Not that you care, but I feel a little better. Don't tell me another discipline session right? Well unless you're going to beat me over the wounds you've already inflicted you're running out of areas on my body to inflict pain." Jerry:" Tsk Tsk. Such a grumpy young man. No I think it's evident that you've been disciplined enough. And of course I care about your progress. I need you well soon. " Nikolas: "Why?? Anxious to beat me again??" Jerry:"You are trying to tempt me with that surly attitude, but it won't work, Nope, we're going on a little trip soon." Nikolas: "Wow, Jerry, are you finally taking me to Disney World?? My prayers have been answered!" Nikolas rolls his eyes and turns to looks at the wall. Jerry:" No, not Disney World. Something better. We're going to Greece." Nikolas flinches at the mention of Greece. he knows that something had happened if they're ready to leave. Nikolas: "Why?? Everyone packing up and leaving??" Jerry:' No, just you and me. Your grandmother wants to see you. Of course I'll have to explain your condition so lets hope you look a little better before we leave." Nikolas: ' I don't understand. Why just you and me? What about my Uncle??" Jerry smiles and pats Nikolas on the head condescendingly... Jerry: "I'm sorry little one. But your Uncle won't be able to join us. Actually, he will join us I suppose in some capacity..." Jerry flings a newspaper at Nikolas and Nikolas stares at the headline. "STEFAN CASSADINE SHOT AT LUKE'S CLUB" "At his funeral!" Jerry laughs a little as he watches Nikolas pale while reading the article. He sees Nikolas's tears threatening to spill over. Nikolas: "NO!! NO!!! HE CAN'T BE DEAD!!!" Jerry:"Now, I would think you'd be happy. Oh but wait you never really bought into him betraying you did you? Well no one can say you aren't a sharp one. Truth is brephos, some of the stuff I told you was true..some wasn't. I'll let you figure out what is and isn't true! but I can guarantee you that the headline is true! Your Uncle met his death the same way most Cassadine men do. At the hands of Luke Spencer!" Nikolas fights the urge to cry. He refuses to give Jerry the satisfaction. Jerry, now content that his job is done, turns to leave. Jerry:"Now, just think Lucky Spencer will do the same to you one day. If you don't kill him first." Nikolas watches the door close and he painfully lays back on the bed. He can no longer hold the tears back and succumbs to his grief. He thinks of all the times his Uncle took care of him and of the fight they had before he was taken.." I was never ashamed of you Uncle..I love you" he cries into his pillow and finally drifts off to sleep. ........................ Mrs Lansbury waits patiently for Helena to answer her call. Helena: "Hello?" Mrs. Lansbury sounds a bit distressed as she talks with Helena "Mistress, this is Mrs Lansbury...." Helena's voice has a sarcastic tone to it."Hello, Mrs Lansbury. I've heard the AWFUL news. To think my beloved son Stefan died at the hands of our nemesis, Luke Spencer. Well, you know how I feel. I'm surprised to hear that you are upset about this. You always knew this was the plan." Mrs Lansbury: "Yes, I know mistress. It's just that I knew him almost all his life. Even though my loyalty will always lie with you, I am sad that he is dead. And such a violent death at that." Helena: "Well, that's what he gets for crossing me. Good riddance. Now I can have my dear grandson at my side once more. I can hardly wait! It has been too long." Mrs. Lansbury: "You must be very excited Mistress. Have plans been made yet for his return? And when shall I join you?" Helena: "I will speak with Jerry soon about bringing Nikolas to Greece. But I plan to wait until we set the date for dear Stefan's funeral in Greece. He should attend, don't you think?" Mrs. Lansbury: "Of course Mistress." Helena: "I want you to call the PCPD about having Stefan's body returned to Greece as soon as possible. Call me when you have the information." Mrs. Lansbury: "Yes, mistress." Mrs Lansbury hangs up the phone. Angelo: "So the old lady bought it?" Mrs Lansbury sighs heavily. "Yes. She wants me to call the police department about Stefan's body. She plans to have Nikolas attend Stefan's funeral in Greece." Angelo: "We'll have Scorpio call her about the mistake of cremating Stefan's body. And I'll tell Mr Cassadine about the time line when we talk next. You've done your part here. You have a more important mission in Greece. " Mrs. Lansbury: "Was is really necessary for you to watch me with Helena? you don't honestly think I'd jeopardize the mission now, do you?" Angelo shrugs. "Probably not. But the stakes are too high for there to be any mistakes. Mr Cassadine has been very generous with you, allowing you any freedom at all. An operative will be supervising you in Greece as well, just in case you change your loyalties again." Mrs Lansbury sounds resigned to her fate. "Yes, I am well aware what I owe Mr Cassadine. I just hope he gets all of the kids out alive. What happens to me is irrelevant at this point. I won't be able to live with myself if something else happens to Nikolas." .............. Miranda walks into Nikolas room and falls to her knees by his bedside. She rubs his back gently as he starts to wake. She smiles at him softly as she looks at his tear-stained face. Nikolas: "Luke killed my Uncle.." Nikolas whispers as the emotions overcome him once again. Miranda: "No, Nikolas..he's alive. I called my mother She told him you were alive. He had to plan this to rescue you. Your uncle and the Spencers are coming for you." Nikolas: ' You knew this..why didn't you tell me??" Miranda: ' I had to let Jerry tell you and your reaction had to be real. No one can know about this Nikolas. Not Jerry, not the guards. Lots of lives depend on the success of this plan." Nikolas nods and pulls out his pen and paper. He quickly writes a note to Lucky and hands it to Miranda. Nikolas: "Lucky can know, right??" Miranda: ' Yes..I'll give him the note. I'm going to try and get Lulu in here for you today. I'll need you to go back to ignoring me and Jerry. You play that role pretty well." Nikolas smiles at her. "Time to be the inconsolable prince again??" Miranda: " Exactly. Jerry is desperate for you to start improving. If he thinks seeing your sister will help then he'll probably agree. Of course I have my own ways of convincing him." Nikolas: "You don't have to ...I can tell you hate him and that you don't want to sleep with him.." Miranda brushes Nikolas hair back and smiles. Miranda: "Actually I do need to do this. He has to think I love him and that I'm on his side.. One slip-up could result in a lot of deaths." Nikolas looks up at the ceiling and then back to her. Nikolas: ' So we just don't make any mistakes. What are you doing with the notes?" Miranda: " I flush them. Don't worry it will be okay. Now remember what I said you have to be very despondent or else I can't get you Lu. Truth is, I think you need to see her." Nikolas: "Okay..you promise that Lucky is okay??" Miranda: " He's fine..has cabin fever and is worried about you..but he'll be okay." Nikolas: "Okay. Give him my note. Good luck" Miranda: "Same to you.." Miranda walks out of the room and heads down the stairs to Lucky's. She finds him pacing in his room. Lucky: " How's Nikolas? I read the headlines. Oh man..." Miranda places her finger to her mouth and hands him the note. Miranda: "As well as to be expected. He is angry at your father and devastated by his uncle's death." Lucky: " Yeah ..well I'm sure Jerry had a good time torturing him. My dad had to do it in self-defense..." Lucky rambles on a little as he reads Nikolas note. Lucky, Well, you know by now about my uncle. He isn't dead. Our parents know we're okay and they faked Uncle's death to come and save us. Just hang on a little longer and trust Miranda. She is the one that got word to them. I'm okay and she tells me you are too. You're going to need to play angry and scared. Shouldn't be hard cause I know I am both of those so you probably are too. I'll keep in touch. Watch your back Spencer. ~N~ Lucky takes a pen from Miranda and write a short note back. Nikolas, I'm fine, glad you're okay. I knew Jerry would torture you. We're going to get out of this. If our parents are pooling resources then we're okay. Lulu and Grandma are fine. Grandma told me to tell you she loves you. Guess she doesn't know you too well. I'll play my part man and you take care of yourself. Play Jerry's game but don't let him mess with your head. ~Lucky Miranda takes the note. They continue their vague discussion for a more few minutes and then she leaves. Lucky goes to the wall and whispers to his grandmother. "It's going to be okay. I can feel it" ........... Later the same evening, Stefan is watching Sarah practice Tai Chi. He can't help but admire her beautiful slim body. Her movements are fluid and flawless. It looks like an elegant dance and she is able to concentrate completely, even though she knows he's watching her. He is impressed. Finally she is done. Sarah looks over at him. "So, any comments?" Stefan looks at her appreciatively. "You were flawless. A very beautiful performance." Sarah: "It wasn't a 'performance'!" Stefan: "Please forgive me, I did not mean to offend you. How long have you been practicing?" Sarah: "My father started teaching me when I was 10." Stefan: "He must have been a wonderful teacher." Sarah looks a little sad. "Yes, he was." Stefan notices her sadness. "You are sad. What is the story behind that?" Sarah guard goes up. "None of your business." Sarah begins to get out their sleeping bags. Stefan senses her need for distance, and he is frustrated. He decides to try a different tack. Stefan:"You know I am at a distinct disadvantage with you. I am not used to this." Sarah: "What do you mean?" Stefan: "You know so much about me. In fact, you may know more about me through the WSB information bank than even my mother does. I am used to being a man of mystery." Sarah: "Sorry to ruin your cover, Cassadine. I prefer to know my assignments." Stefan: "Is that what I am? An assignment? So you are the WSB agent assigned to me? The one who has been researching me?" Stefan's tone sounds somewhat threatening and angry. Sarah: "Don't act innocent Stefan. You knew you were being watched by the WSB." Stefan: "Yes, I knew. But I didn't know it was you..." Sarah: "Are you surprised that the agent is a woman?" Stefan: "A little." Sarah: "I should have figured. You are so damn arrogant and chauvinistic." Stefan: "I think you misunderstand me....." Sarah: " Would it surprise you to know that I was given the assignment because I was a woman?" Stefan looks even more surprised. "Why would the WSB do that?" Sarah: "Well, some trade secrets aren't given out. Sorry." Stefan shakes his head in exasperation. "I am a man who knows things, and yet I know nothing about you. Well, next to nothing." Sarah smiles at him enigmatically."But isn't the mystery fun?" Stefan: "To tell you the truth it's frightening, which would explain my uncharacteristic behavior towards you." Sarah: "Yes, you prefer to manipulate women into coming to you instead pursuing them. You make them think that it is what they want when all the time, they are dancing to your tune. You can't do that with me, because I know your game. So instead you resort to the usual male tricks." Stefan anger grows with her onslaught of insults. "Well, You obviously have a very low opinion of me. I am surprised you even agreed to my plan." Sarah: "You are an intelligent man, Stefan. Your plan made sense. It was the only way to get Helena to reveal herself and have a shot at getting the kids out safely. Your elaborate plans often work. There is no reason for me to question that this one won't work out." Stefan becomes sarcastic. "Thank you for the vote of confidence." Sarah and Stefan get into their respective sleeping bags. Stefan is shaking with anger. He isn't used to losing fights with women. Meanwhile, Sarah is smiling smugly to herself. She has just figured out how to keep Stefan at a distance. If she keeps this up, he'll leave her completely alone. .................... Miranda walks into her and Jerry's room and eases herself on the bed she pulls him close to her and kisses him passionately. He allows himself to be taken in and for a minute as they just kiss and explore each other's bodies with their hands. He breaks away and touches her hair softly... Jerry: "How are the boys??" Miranda: " Lucky is scared.. He's afraid Nikolas will lash out him. And angry at being held captive of course. He's pacing a lot. But I'm more worried about Nikolas." Jerry:' Why doesn't that surprise me??" Miranda: "Jerry, he is so devastated. Stefan raised him and was the only real parent he ever knew. Now to find out Luke Spencer killed him after everything else that has happened. I'm afraid of what he might do." Jerry looks at her with curiosity.. Jerry:"You think he's suicidal??" Miranda: " Perhaps...he probably feels everything he cares about is gone. He needs to be hopeful again. Otherwise it could compromise his healing." Jerry: "Do you have a suggestion?" Miranda: "Let me bring him his sister. He adores her and if anyone can get him out of his depression it will be her. Jerry, the only way he's going to heal is if he wants too." Jerry realizes that she has a point and nods." Fine. After dinner bring the little girl to him. Tell Nikolas that he may visit with her every night after dinner until we leave for Greece." Miranda: "He'll like that Jerry. And I'll make sure he knows you are the one who allowed it. Maybe he will return the favor by not telling Helena everything." Jerry:"Maybe.. So the Spencer brat is antsy? I don't want him trying anymore escape plans either. Start letting him see his sister after lunch. This way both of the boys can have something to look forward to and maybe they'll stop some of there whining." Miranda: ' That's a good idea. I'll start tomorrow with Lucky." Jerry moves on top of Miranda and kisses her gently."Now do I have something to look forward too??" Miranda pulls him to her and they make passionate love as she thinks to herself 'please let us get out of this alive..' ...................... Luke and Laura are in the Pink Cadillac, driving to the destination where they plan to ditch their beloved car. The excitement of pulling off a great con has started to wear off. Laura can see Luke is worried. Laura: "Luke, what's the matter? Are we lost?" Luke: "No, nothing like that, baby. It's this plan Sarah and Steffin have supposedly cooked up. My gut keeps telling me to never trust that vampire. What if this is one of his Godforsaken master plans?" Laura: "I don't think so. Agent Thompson seems really sharp. She knows the Cassadines pretty well." Luke snorts. "Come on, baby. Sarah hasn't ever gone head-to-head with a Cassadine. We have. There isn't a honest bone in their blood-sucking bodies. " Laura: "I didn't tell you this before, because I didn't have a chance. But before you "shot and killed" Stefan, I spoke with him." Luke: "What??! You didn't offer yourself to him again did you?" Laura: "No, it wasn't like that. I was at Nikolas's memorial. He came by." Luke: "So he said something to you that changed your mind." Laura: "It wasn't what he said exactly. It was just his attitude. He was just different. Detached from me. Like he didn't care that I didn't love him." Luke: "So he's changed tactics again. Baby, he's so good at manipulating you." Laura: "No, Luke. He wasn't manipulating me. See, that's what's different. Up until then, every conversation we had contained a level of emotional manipulation from him.. trying to get me to come to him. When I asked him about it. He acknowledged that he had changed. That he had let me go. At that moment, I knew he had not taken our kids. Trust me on this one, Luke. The feeling of certainty I have is so strong. I'm not wrong about this." Luke: "Ok, I believe you. For now. It's not like we have a choice anyway. This is our only lead to our kids." Luke looks at the exit sign. "Ok, we're almost there, Baby. Ready for some hiking and some sleep under the stars?" He gives her a suggestive smile. Laura smiles back: "I have my carpet bag. I'm ready for anything. Helena and Jerry better watch out!" . NEXT