Chapter 36: On the Road Jerry sighs as he dials the number. Hearing the familiar voice pick up, he greets her. "Aunt Helena. How are you today?" Helena: "You never returned my call last night.. Explain yourself." Jerry: "I was a little occupied last night. Everything is well here though." Helena: "How is my Grandson?" Jerry: "I had to discipline him rather severely. He and the Spencer brat tried to escape. And when I was disciplining Spencer, Nikolas intervened and took up for him." Helena: "HE DEFENDED THAT DEVIL SPAWN??" Jerry: "Yes, I was appalled as well. I'm afraid I had no choice but to give him a rather brutal lesson." Helena: "How brutal?? He'd better be okay, Jerry. Disciplining him is one thing, abusing him is another." Jerry hides his fear as he speaks. "I would never abuse him. But it was necessary to severely beat him. A hard lesson to learn, but after reading today's headlines, I'm sure he now understands why." Helena: "Well, I'll be seeing Nikolas soon enough and I'll look him over myself. How did he react to my son's unfortunate demise at the hands of Luke Spencer??" Jerry:"Why Aunt Helena, you seem almost giddy. He took it rather rough. He's very despondent and I'm starting to fear for his will to live. Perhaps moving him right now would be a mistake." Helena: "We can't delay it forever Jerry. I suppose a few more days won't hurt. I expect him to be present for his Uncle's funeral though. What are you doing to improve his mood??" Jerry: "I'm allowing visits with his sister, Lesleylu." Helena: "Yes, the child that shares my Grandson's blood. I am aware he's quite attached to her. I'm almost tempted to bring her to Greece for him, but it would interfere with his loyalty to the family. Keep me informed on his progress." Jerry: "Absolutely Aunt Helena. He's in very good hands." Helena: "He'd better be. Or it will be your hide.." Jerry: "Naturally Aunt Helena.." With that they hang up the phones and Jerry swallows the knot in his throat. He walks into the living room and nods to Miranda. She puts down the dinner dishes and goes to retrieve Lesleylu. Carrying the little girl up the stairs she whispers to her."We're going to see Nikolas.." Miranda opens the door and smiles as she watches Nikolas face light up when he sees his sister. She hands him the child and he carefully puts her next to him on the bed. Nikolas: "Hey little sister. How are you??" Lesleylu giggles and touches his face with her hand. He smiles and lets her explore him. Nikolas looks up at Miranda gratefully. "Thank-you" Miranda: "No problem. Jerry has okayed visits every night after dinner. Lucky will get to see her every day after lunch." Nikolas: "How did you pull that off?" Miranda: "With a little coaxing. He suggested the daily visits for both of you. I think he wants to keep you from confessing all to your Grandmother." Nikolas nods and goes back to playing with Lu. The child happily jabbers at him. He smiles as he tries to follow her chitter chatter. All of sudden she does something that amazes him.. Lulu:" Gicky.." Nikolas looks up at Miranda.. Nikolas: " Did she just try and say my name??" Miranda laughs and nods. Miranda: "I don't think she can pronounce the "N" yet. Lesleylu laughs at Nikolas and says it again.."GICKY" Nikolas smiles and hugs her tight.."Yes little sister, I'm Gicky.." Miranda watches them with a smile on her face and finally takes a yawning Lesleylu from Nikolas. Nikolas: "Good night little sister.." Lesleylu yawns again and whispers.."Gicky." Miranda and the child leave the room and Nikolas smiles to himself."Gicky, indeed!" ....................................... Mrs Lansbury calls Mac Scorpio with Angelo in attendance. Mac: "Scorpio here." Mrs Lansbury:"Commissioner Scorpio? This is Mrs Lansbury, Mr Cassadine's servant." Mac:"Yes, of course. Hello Mrs Lansbury. Have you spoken to Helena Cassadine yet?" Mrs. Lansbury: "That's why I'm calling, sir. I spoke to her last night. She requested that I contact you regarding Mr Cassadine's body being returned to Greece. Angelo said that you would know what to do..." Mac: "Yes, I know the plan. You have nothing to worry about. I call her later today. Is Angelo there right now?" Mrs Lansbury:"Yes he is. Just a moment..." She hands the phone to Angelo. Angelo:"Mr Scorpio, It's Angelo." Mac: "Ok, here's the plan. I'll call Helena later today... as late as I can afford to without looking suspicious. I'll inform her of the mix-up. She'll be furious of course. But I'll hand Stefan's personal items over one of her loyal operatives. My guess is she'll suggest Mrs Lansbury or Alexis. You trust that Mrs Lansbury can handle this without blowing the plan?" Alexis: "As sure as I can be. The big test will be when Helena meets Mrs Lansbury in person. But there will be an operative that will be keeping close tabs on her in Greece. If there are any problems we'll know about them immediately. It's a risk we have to take." Mac: "Well, I imagine I can hold off giving the personal effects to Mrs Lansbury for a day or two. But that's probably the limit. Let's hope that it buys Sarah, Stefan, and the Spencers enough time." Mac looks up from his desk to watch Sonny barge into his office. Mac: "Look I have to go. I have company. I'll contact you later." Mac ends the conversation. Sonny:"You don't really believe I'm going to sit by the sidelines on this one, do you Mac?" Mac: "That's exactly what I want you to do. If you start involving yourself, Helena is going to get suspicious. I need you to lay low." Sonny:"No way, man. My best friend is out there somewhere looking for his kids. And I don't trust the WSB to watch his back, and I certainly don't trust CASSADINE to do it. So you either include me on your plans, or I go it alone. Your choice." Mac shakes his head. "This is a delicate operation, Sonny. The fewer people involved the better. Luke wanted it this way. If you can't trust me, trust him." Sonny:"Listen. I can get to that retreat so fast and so quiet, Helena and Jerry won't know until It's all over. " Mac: "Ok, tell you what. Sarah is supposed to call me late tonight. I'll talk to her about it. If she doesn't have any objections, then I'll let you in. But you have to promise to lay low until then, Ok?" Sonny:"Deal. It'll take me at least that long to find out where Helena's got the kids stashed anyway." Mac rolls his eyes. "Sonny, please don't do that. Too many inquiries and you'll catch Helena's attention." Sonny: "Mac, trust me. I know how to be discreet. Besides, I'm doing this for Luke. Neither of us trust Stefan. We don't want to go on just his word. Now don't tell me Stefan has you fooled too?" Mac: "No, of course I don't trust him. Okay, do it, but be very discreet. I'll see you later at the club." Sonny:"See ya later, Commish." Sonny saunters out of Mac's office. .................................. Sarah is driving them to the rendezvous point to meet Luke and Laura. Stefan is looking at the maps. Stefan:"It will take days for us to get there! Would it not be faster to fly across country?" Sarah: "Flying is too risky. Luke and Laura would get spotted. And someone might recognize you from the papers. We don't want to blow our cover." Stefan: "Well, I'm worried that Helena will move Nikolas before we get there. Or that Jerry will hurt the Spencer kids." Sarah: "It is a risk we have to take. Blowing our cover puts them at more risk. And from what I know from studying your mother, she'll keep the kids alive as a bargaining chip, until the threat of Luke and Laura is dealt with." Stefan: "Yes. If she follows her usual pattern, she will put a hit out on Luke and Laura. How far do we have to go before we meet them?" Sarah: "Another hour. Why don't you sleep? You didn't sleep much last night." Stefan: "I won't be able to sleep until Nikolas is back safe with me. Don't worry about my sleeping patterns. I am used to operating on very little sleep." Sarah: "We need you on top of your game Stefan. If you are tired, you're bound to make mistakes. We can't afford that." Stefan changes the subject."So tell me. How long have you worked for the WSB? Or is that topic off limits?" Sarah:"Oh, I've worked for the WSB for 7 years. Before that, I worked as a policewoman." Stefan: "So have you been studying my family for all that time?" Sarah smiles. "That really bugs you doesn't it?" Stefan: "Wouldn't it bother you to know that someone had been watching you for years?" Sarah: "I suppose. But don't play innocent with me. I know you've done some checking on me. And yes, I've watched you and your family since I began with the WSB." Stefan digests the information."So you must really hate my family. If you know all that we've done." Sarah smiles. "I hate very few people, Stefan. Hate is a feeling I can't afford to have in my job. Hate can cloud your judgment. Look what it has done to you and Luke. You almost killed each other. Let's just say I don't trust you. " Stefan:"How are we going to be able execute this plan without trust? What can I say to you to convince you that you can trust me?" Sarah:"I trust you to do what's best for Nikolas. And what's best for Nikolas is for all the kids to come out safe and sound, and for your mother to be put out of business." Sarah's cell phone rings and she answers it. "Hello? Yes, Angelo. Here he is." She hands the phone to Stefan. Stefan:"Yes? Ok, that's to be expected. Make sure Simms has someone watch her when she returns to Greece. Thank you Angelo." He ends the conversation. Sarah looks at him questioningly. "Well?" Stefan: "Helena wants Mrs Lansbury to return to Greece. She plans to move Nikolas to Greece in time for my funeral. " Sarah:"Then everything is going as expected. Let's just pray we get there in time to get them all out." ............................... Mac has put it off as long as he could. He picks up his phone and calls Helena Cassadine. It takes her a few minutes to come to the phone. Helena: "Mr Scorpio. Thank you for calling. I hope you are calling me to make arrangements regarding the return of my son's body. I cannot be at peace until I see my son one last time...." Mac hears Helena's voice quake with emotion and rolls his eyes. She is a master. No doubt about it. Mac: "Mrs Cassadine, first I want to tell you how sorry I am about your son. I'm sure this is a difficult time for you." Helena blows her nose loudly. "Yes, I'm afraid it is. I've lost so much in the last few months. My family has been destroyed. First Nikolas, and now my dear Stefan... I'm not sure how I'll cope... Thank you for your concern. Please tell me when you can return my son to me." Mac takes a deep breath. "Well, Mrs Cassadine, I have some more awful news for you. There was a mix-up..." Helena: "A MIX_UP?! WHAT DO YOU MEAN, MIX-UP?!" Mac:"Well, there has been some confusion. It seems Stefan's body was confused with another man's by the name Steven Castle. He was cremated in his place. I don't know how it happened, Mrs Cassadine. You have my deepest apologies..." Helena is incredulous. "YOU CREMATED MY SON'S BODY? DO YOU REALIZE WHAT YOU HAVE DONE?! I can't believe it! You have desecrated his memory! Are you absolutely sure?" Mac:"Yes, I'm afraid so Mrs Cassadine. I checked several times just to be sure. Needless to say the people responsible have been fired. I don't know what else I can do. I know this must be very upsetting to you..." Helena is completely enraged."You can expect to hear from Alexis Davis. She will be my lawyer in this matter! This is an outrage!" Mac doesn't look surprised or concerned. "Again, I'm truly sorry for the mix-up, Mrs Cassadine. What would you like us to do with Stefan's ashes and personal effects? Shall I have them sent to you via courier?" Helena is still steamed."No, I think you've done enough. I will speak to Alexis. She will tell you what to do with them. I hope the PCPD has deep pockets Mr Scorpio. You will all pay for this outrage!" With that, she slams the phone down. Mac shrugs his shoulders. The conversation went just as expected. ............................... Sarah pulls up to the rendezvous point. "We're early. Luke and Laura won't make it for at least an hour. Let's camouflage the van and wait." Stefan and Sarah exit the van and begin to cover it with loose branches they find nearby. Once they're done, Sarah motions Stefan to follow her. They investigate the immediate area to ensure that they are alone. They return to the van to wait. Stefan:"So now we wait." Sarah: "Yes. Ever been on a road trip before?" Stefan: "No. Never a need for it." Sarah: "Well, expect to be uncomfortable. We will drive in shifts so that we can get there quickly. That means sleeping in the car. Given the hostility between you and Luke, you will be spending most of your time in close proximity to me. Think you can handle that?" Stefan smiles in amusement as he leans forward to look into her eyes. "I think the more appropriate question is, can you handle it?" She looks away. He gently lifts her chin with his finger, forcing her to look into his eyes. "I don't seem to be the one uncomfortable when we are together." She is startled by the passion in his eyes. She feels her resolve to keep her distance melting under his intense gaze. Stefan watches her respond to his silent communication. "I think we are in trouble, Sarah, " he whispers. Sarah opens her mouth to speak but can't. She is shocked by the effect he has on her. No man had ever made her speechless before. Stefan lowers his mouth to hers and gently kisses her. It is a kiss of exploration. But to Sarah, it's devastatingly tender and irresistible. He lifts his hand to her cheek and tenderly caresses it as he deepens the kiss. Sarah returns his kiss as she strokes his chest. Stefan forces himself to end the kiss, but he continues to caress her cheek as he gazes at her face. Stefan:"We are in deep trouble, Sarah. You have no idea how much I want to keep kissing you." Sarah closes her eyes and breathes deeply. "We can't do this, Stefan. It is all wrong." Stefan pulls away from her. "Yes it is, isn't it?" Stefan replies somewhat bitterly. Sarah looks at him sharply, surprised by his bitter tone. She sees the hurt look on his face before the mask of indifference falls into place. A lump forms in her throat. She hadn't meant to hurt him. "Stefan, I didn't...." Stefan cuts her off. "Forget it. Let's get back to the business at hand, shall we? Tell me more about this thing you call "road trip." " Sarah realizes there is not point in trying to penetrate his armor. It would be futile. And to what end? So Sarah shrugs off her discomfort and begins to tell him about the road trip. A short while later, Luke knocks on Sarah's window. Sarah and Stefan exit the van. Sarah: "Luke and Laura. Glad to see you got here in one piece. And you're sure no one followed you?" Luke winks at Laura: "We're old pros at this, tell her darlin." Laura: "No Sarah, no one saw us. We just acted like an old married couple on our anniversary. Trust us. We know how to blend." Sarah: "Good." Luke: "Nice van you got here. You mind if I start off driving? I'm kind of superstitious. For a road trip to be a success, I have to start off driving." Stefan rolls his eyes:"By all means, Spencer. We wouldn't want to jeopardize the "road trip." Luke puts Laura's carpet bag in the back of the van, while Stefan removes the branches covering the van. Luke and Laura sit up front. Stefan and Sarah sit it back. Luke. "Everyone ready? Good! Let's go then." ....................................... Later that night, Helena calls Jerry. Jerry: "Hello?" Helena: "I have an assignment for you. I know you have the right contacts. And I don't want this traced back to me." Jerry: "Okay, shoot." Helena: "I want Luke and Laura Spencer dead. As soon as possible." Jerry is surprised. "What?" Helena: "Make it look like an accident, but have them killed. The Spencers are loose cannons. As long as they are alive and on the run, we are vulnerable." Jerry:"Consider it done." Chapter 37: Nightmares Abound Dr Dorman is walking by the nursing station when Amy flags him down. Alexis: "Dr Dorman, there's a phone call for you." Dorman picks up the phone, "Hello?" "I need you to do something for me, Pierce." Helena demands imperiously. Dorman lowers his voice to a whisper. "What are you doing calling me here? Someone could find out." Helena snorts. "Who would find out? Stefan is dead. Alexis is terrified of me. I wouldn't be surprised at all if she pulls a disappearing act. Which is no matter, she has no power with Stefan being dead. Anyway, I need you to take a trip of utmost importance." Dorman: "A trip? Where? I can't just drop my patients. Someone will get suspicious." Helena: "You'll figure out an excuse. I need you to go to Canada and check on the boy. It seems that Jerry went a little overboard. I'm concerned. I want to be sure that he's okay, and that Jerry didn't go too far. I need you to leave as soon as possible. Dorman: "You sound really worried. What did he tell you?" Helena: "He just said that there was an escape attempt, and that he punished the boy. But I could tell he was hiding something. And he sounded scared. If he's done anything to that boy, he'll wish he was dead. Nikolas is the only thing that matters, I have everything riding on his return. He is my last link to Stavros. I can't lose him...." Helena's voice quakes. Dorman knew she was worried, her voice NEVER quaked. Dorman: "Ok, I'll leave right now. Arrange a jet to pick me up at the private airstrip." Helena: "Good. It has already been arranged, the jet is waiting for you now. I knew I could count on you. And Pierce, call me as soon as you see him. I won't rest until you do." Helena hangs up the phone and walks over to her bedside table to pick up the picture frame that contains the pictures of Stavros and Nikolas. "Stavros, I will NOT allow my plan to fail. Your son will rule by my side. It is what you would have wanted." .................... Mac enters Luke's place for his meeting with Sonny. The place is busy. He notices Lucy and Kevin having dinner. Mac watches as Sonny dismisses Jason. Jason and Gina head toward the back room. Mac greets them with a nod. Mike is hovering by the bar, curious as to what business Mac has with Sonny. Mac: "Hey Sonny, Mike." Sonny:"Hello, Mac. Glad you could make it." He shoots Mike a look. "Do you mind, Mike? This conversation is private." Mike shrugs his shoulders as he leaves them to talk in private. Sonny: "So what's the plan?" Mac: "I haven't called Sarah. I thought about it some more and I decided that you being involved will just jeopardize the mission." Sonny: "You leave me no choice then..." At that moment, Alexis Davis breezes through the door of Luke's. She spots Mac and makes her way to him. Alexis: "Commissioner Scorpio, may I have a word with you? It's regarding my cousin." Mac: "Alexis, have you met Mr. Sonny Corinthos?" Alexis: "Not formally, no. Mr Corinthos, I hope you'll excuse my abruptness. But I need to speak to Mac regarding some urgent business." Sonny: "Ms Davis, a pleasure. You two can use the back office if you like." Sonny escorts them to Luke's office and exits the room. Sonny leaves the door ajar so he can hear their conversation. Alexis: "I just heard from Helena that Stefan's body was supposedly cremated. Now I want the real story. I KNOW the PCPD is not THAT incompetent." Mac: "I'm truly sorry, Ms Davis. I'm afraid we accidentally cremated his body. I know what pain this must be causing..." Alexis cuts him off. "You don't really expect me to believe that do you? I know what's going on here." She lowers her voice. "I know Stefan is alive. His death made no sense to begin with. This smells of one of Stefan's master plans. So you better let me in on the plan, or I'll blow it right out of the water." Mac: "There is no plan, Ms Davis. Luke and Laura are on the run from the law, and Agent Thompson is on their trail. Again, I'm very sorry for what happened to your cousin..." Alexis: "I know my cousin. He wouldn't go off half-cocked and shoot Luke Spencer for Nikolas's death, when I know for a fact that Stefan was beginning to realize it wasn't Sonny and Luke that did it. And I know your record, Commissioner Scorpio. A set-up like this is just up your alley. So give it up. I know Stefan is alive and out there trying to rescue the kids, probably from Helena. If you won't tell me what's going on, I'll have to find out myself. Of course, that will draw a lot of attention...." Alexis turns to leave. Mac: "Wait, please. Ms Davis. Don't do that. Ok I'll tell you what's going on..." Sonny enters the room "Why don't you fill us both, Mac." He closes and locks the door. Alexis starts to object, but Mac raises his arm to explain. Mac: "Ms Davis, Sonny knows what is going on. He helped set up Stefan's death. You are right. Stefan is alive. We faked his death to flush Helena out. Now I have some news you haven't heard. Have a seat, Ms Davis." Alexis: "Call me Alexis. Go on." Mac: "Mrs Lansbury went to Stefan a few days ago and told him that Helena had kidnapped Nikolas and faked his death." Alexis's mouth opens in shock" What? Nikolas is ALIVE? How.. Where?" Mac: "Apparently Mrs Lansbury, Miranda, Dr Dorman were in cahoots with Helena. They drugged Nikolas and flew him to one of the Cassadine compounds in Northwest Canada. Lucky, Lulu and Lesley Webber are being held there as well." Alexis is silent as she processes the amazing news. Finally she speaks, "So all of the kids are okay? They're all alive?" Mac nods. "Yes. All of the kids are alive. Nikolas and Lucky tried to escape though. And Nikolas was brutally beaten. Apparently he's going to be okay. Sarah, Stefan, Luke, and Laura are on there way now. They should be there is 3-4 days." Alexis, shakes with happy tears."Nikolas is alive? Oh, Stefan must be ecstatic.. and worried." Mac: "The bottom line is, they need to get there as quickly as possible without attracting any attention. Helena plans on moving Nikolas to Greece before Stefan's funeral." Alexis: "So that's why Helena wouldn't allow me to come to the funeral." Mac: "I want you both to stay out of this. This operation is tenuous enough. You could put then in jeopardy." Alexis and Sonny respond in unison." No Way!" Sonny speaks first. "I have the manpower and the resources to make it so those kids get out of there safely. You either include me in your plan, or I work on my own. I should have the location of the compound in 1-2 days regardless. I already have it narrowed down, thanks to the information that it's in Northwest Canada." Alexis: "I know locations, Mr Corinthos. I'd be happy to work with you if you agree to make me a partner in your operation. I knowledge of weapons, and I can be a real asset. " Sonny sizes her up. He can tell she can handle herself. "Deal, Ms Davis. Or can I call you Alexis?" Alexis shakes his hand to seal the deal. "Please call me Alexis." Sonny: "Alexis, my partners call me Sonny." Mac looks at both of them and shakes his head unhappily. "Ok, Give me a little time. I'd rather have you involved than working on your own. But I need to discuss this with Agent Thompson first." Sonny grins in triumph as he hands over his cell phone. "Call her now. You aren't leaving without giving us an answer. Meanwhile, Alexis and I will get more acquainted." Sonny escorts Alexis out of Luke's office and shuts the door. Mac puts Sonny's cell phone down and pulls out his own to make the call. Sarah answers immediately. Sarah: "Hello?" Mac: "We have a problem and an opportunity." Sarah: "Hello, Mac. What's going on at your end?" Mac: "Alexis Davis figured out Stefan was alive and threatened to blow the plan. So I had to tell her everything. Meanwhile, Sonny Corinthos has been leaning on me. He insists that he be involved or he'll launch his own rescue mission. Then they teamed up. Seems we'll have them both involved one way or another." Sarah: "I'm not surprised Alexis figured it out. Fortunately she's loyal to Stefan and Helena underestimates her. Let me talk with Luke and Stefan about what would be the best use of Sonny and Alexis. I'll be back in touch with you shortly." ........................ Nikolas lays on his bed staring at the ceiling. He still has some lingering pain, but for the most part he knows he's getting better. He ponders the situation..."as soon as Jerry thinks I'm well enough he'll grab me and my family is dead. Oh Uncle, what should I do?" Nikolas rests in silence and then eyes the chair in the corner of the room. He closes his eyes and remembers Jerry's beating and when he landed on the chair. He remembers the intense pain that filled his body, the feeling on Jerry kicking him as he laid unmoving on the floor. "serves him right if Grandmother finds out I'm really hurt." Nikolas examines the chair again and then realizes he has an opportunity to extend his stay"A little walk will do me some good, and then a little fall over that chair should give me enough of a reason to fake my condition effectively." Nikolas slowly rises from his bed and grimaces as the pain washes over him. "damn, and here I thought I was almost better." He stands up and sways a little. Holding onto the bed for support he starts to walk towards the chair. As he gets closer he tries to prepare himself for the inevitable. "I can handle this. I have no choice, too many lives are at stake." He looks at the chair again and prays silently as he purposely trips, landing on the chair with a hard blow to his wound. He lets out a blood curdling scream as he feels his wound open up and the blood wet his shirt. For a moment he feels like the wind has been knocked out of him. He lays on the floor in agony. A moment later the door opens and Jerry and Miranda rush in. Miranda: "OH MY GOD!! NIKOLAS!" She drops to her knees beside him and gently turns him over to examine the wound. She looks up at Jerry who has a sick expression on his face. Jerry:"Is he okay?" Miranda: "Look at him! He reopened his wound , it's worse than last time. Jerry, I think we need a doctor." Jerry starts to pace the room like a caged animal. He looks back at Nikolas who is starting to cough. He hears Miranda gasp and looks to find blood dripping from Nikolas's mouth. Jerry:"What happened??" Miranda: "He's coughing up blood. Jerry, that is a sign of internal bleeding. I need a doctor. As if on cue, Jerry's cell phone rings.. Jerry:"Hello." DOR:"Jerry, it's Pierce. I need to speak to my sister." Jerry hands the phone to Miranda and he falls to his knees beside Nikolas. He raises his hand to brush back Nikolas hair and Nikolas flinches. Jerry gently touches his hair. Jerry:"Shhh, brephos I won't hurt you. Why were you out of bed?" Nikolas looks up at Jerry and sees the fear in his eyes. He thinks to himself, "I must look really bad if Jerry is going to soothe me." Nikolas: "I was trying to get well. I wanted to be ready to attend Uncle's funeral." Jerry sighs as he watches Miranda on the phone. Miranda: "Thank God Pierce. When will you arrive?? Fine, just hurry. This is serious. And don't tell Helena. Please, I'm begging you." DOR:"Relax, Randi, I'm here to help. Don't move Nikolas though. Keep him comfortable and I'll be there soon." Miranda puts down the phone and heads over to Nikolas and Jerry. Jerry is still stroking Nikolas's hair and Nikolas is resting quietly. Miranda: "Pierce is on his way. It seems Helena was worried about Nikolas's condition after the punishment you gave Nikolas." Jerry feels his heart start to race and he turns pale. He knows that if Pierce tells Helena what he finds then he's a dead man. Miranda eyes Jerry cautiously and notices the color drain from his face. She hates him, but she doesn't want him dead. She has to keep Pierce from telling Helena or else Jerry is a goner. She places a hand on his shoulder, "It's okay, Pierce will fix this and he won't tell. I'll convince him." Miranda turns to Nikolas when she sees him stir.'Nikolas, honey. you have to stay still. No moving okay. Help is on the way." Nikolas nods weakly and closes his eyes again. He thinks about the pain-control exercises his uncle taught him and tries to use them now. Slowly he starts to feel some control over the pain and is able to breathe a little easier. .................... Mac is having a drink with Kevin and Lucy when his phone rings. Mac: " Hello? Ok, just a second.... Kevin, Lucy I'm sorry. Please excuse me." He leaves their table to go to Luke's office. Kevin smiles at Lucy and quips "You know, my cell phone hardly ever rings anymore. I wonder why?" Lucy: "Doc.. You know I hate when you make jokes like that..." Mac comes out of Luke's office a short while later and walks over to Alexis and Sonny, who have obviously become fast friends in a very short time. Both of them are laughing when Mac joins them. They become serious as they wait for Mac's announcement. Sonny: "Well, Commish. What's the dish?" Mac: "Okay. You're both in. Let's go back to Luke's office and I'll fill you in on what Sarah wants you to do...." They head off to Luke's office for a private powwow. .......................... Luke is driving and Laura is singing softly to the radio. In the back of the van Stefan and Sarah are sleeping. Stefan is lost in his dreams and hears the familiar voice call to him.."UNCLE!" Stefan looks around desperately trying to locate Nikolas. Finally he hears the voice again. "Save me Uncle..I need you.." He races towards the voice, yet all he sees is darkness. Then he's walking through a maze and with each new turn he faces an obstacle. He sees Helena laughing at him sadistically "TIMORIA--REVENGE...you are a disgrace Stefan..Nikolas life is in your weak hands.." Stefan calls to her"NO!! Bring him back to me..." He follows the maze farther, and encounters his brother who is shaking his head in disappointment. "I trusted you with my son, brother. You are responsible for his death.." Stefan runs to Stavros frantically "No! Stavros, he's alive..he's alive.." Stavros looks intently into Stefan's eyes"Is HE?" Before Stefan can speak Stavros is gone. He continues on his journey and sees Luke Spencer gloating at him. "Hell of thing to lose a child. How are you ever going to explain this to Laura?? You killed her son. Once again Steffin- you're to blame.." Stefan glares at Luke's taunting but in a split second Luke is replaced with Laura who is holding Nikolas christening gown. "WHY??" She pleads. " You allowed you obsession for me and your longing for revenge to take precedence over your responsibility to Nikolas. He is dead thanks to your wretched TIMORIA!" Stefan reaches out to her, begging her. "LASHA!!! No, he's alive..we'll get him back. It wasn't revenge..it was atonement.." Stefan is once again alone in the dark maze. He hears Nikolas call to him again, "Hurry Uncle..." Stefan races to the end of the maze and finds himself outside of the Canadian compound where Nikolas is being held. Rushing inside he is shocked to find Jerry taunting a badly bruised Nikolas. Nikolas is pleading and Jerry is laughing at him as he waves the gun mercilessly in front of Nikolas. Stefan screams "ENOUGH!! RELEASE HIM!!" Nikolas looks up at his Uncle pleadingly as Jerry smiles evilly. Jerry: "Timoria..Stefan" Before Stefan can do anything Jerry shoots Nikolas in the chest twice. Stefan screams as he watches his nephew fall tot he ground. He falls to the floor beside him. He rushes over to Nikolas's side and takes his head in his lap, stroking his hair gently. "NIKOLAS!! Hang on..I'll get you help." Nikolas looks up at his Uncle again and whispers "I love you." as he slowly fades away Stefan watches the life slip from his nephew and looks up at Jerry who is smiling.."NOOO!!!" Stefan screams. Jerry disappears and Stefan is left in the middle of the floor holding his child.. "NIKOLAS!!!!! NO!!! COME BACK!!"" Stefan awakens from his sleep covered in sweat and shaking . He screams "NIKOLAS!!". The anguish of the dream overtakes him and he begins to sob. Luke pulls the van over. Stefan finds them all staring at him. Laura is the first to speak, "Stefan, it's okay. It was just a dream." Sarah rubs his back gently trying to soothe him and Luke just stares. Stefan wipes the tears from his eyes as he addresses Luke and Laura. "We have to hurry, he is in trouble. I can feel it." Luke:"They're all in trouble Stefan. We'll reach them though." Laura:"Luke's right. Stefan, it was a dream. Try and back to sleep." Luke starts the van again. Sarah: "Laura's right Stefan. Try and get some sleep. You need the rest." Stefan sits up. "Forget it. I will not be able to sleep now." He gets his beads out of his jeans pocket and silently he prays for his nephew. He whispers to himself, "Hold on Nikolas, we're coming." Chapter 38: It is midday the next day when Alexis walks into Luke's Place. Sonny is chatting at the bar with Mike and Jason. Sonny excuses himself from the conversation. He and Alexis go back to Luke's office. Sonny: "Do you have the layout of the compound?" Alexis pulls a packet out her briefcase "I recreated it from memory this morning. I was there a few years ago. Fortunately for us, I have a very good memory for this kind of thing. Helps in my legal practice too." Alexis unfolds the layout, which covers Luke's desk. Sonny studies the layout. "Very detailed. I'm impressed. Remind me to hire you if I need a good defense... or trail guide." Sonny points at a drawing on the layout." So this is the main building, right?" Alexis: "Yes. It will be heavily guarded. Depending on how cocky Helena and Jerry are, the perimeter will be guarded as well. Even if Nikolas and Lucky had gotten out of the main building, they wouldn't have gotten far. Cassadine compounds are heavily guarded as a rule, if for no other reason than to keep prying eyes out." Sonny points to another place on the map: " So this must be the main entrance." Alexis: "Right again." Alexis points out a place on the map herself, on the perimeter. "This would be the easiest place to enter the compound and not be detected. My guess is Sarah and Stefan have already discussed this." She traces a crooked line on the map, leading back to the main compound. "This is the safest route to go on foot. It is rough terrain, but there is plenty of cover to keep us from being detected." Sonny: "Sounds good. Rough terrain... do you mean steep and slippery? Alexis: "Exactly. There will be lots of snow. The good thing is that I've hiked it before in similar weather." Sonny smiles in admiration."I knew I'd be glad I made you my partner." Alexis: "Thank you." Sonny:" Now Mac said that the WSB is in the process of gathering the manpower to surround the place... at a discreet distance of course. The plan is for Luke's group to enter the compound alone... they'll probably be able to get through the defenses without detection. Jason, you and I will be entering the compound a short time after. With the information you have on the compound, we should be able to get in without detection as well. If not we can provide a distraction so that Luke can get to the kids." Alexis: "You trust Jason to be in on this operation?" Sonny nod. "With my life. Now my men will be augmenting the WSB forces outside the compound. They are on a flight right now to meet with the WSB and be briefed. The WSB is not too happy but they don't have a choice, they need the manpower. Tell me about Jerry Jax. I know his brother and I have to say I'm not impressed with him." Alexis: "Jerry is as ruthless as they come. His little brother is an angel compared to him. The best way to describe Jerry is that he's a killer. His specialty is physical and psychological torture. In fact, I'd say he relishes it. Most of his victims don't live to tell about it. I've been lucky, I only met him a few times." Sonny: "Well, I know how to deal with guys like that. You kill them." Alexis: "You have that right. So when do we leave?" Sonny: "We leave as soon as we get word from Mac. Sarah will call us once they've reached the Canadian Border. We'll rendezvous with them outside of Calgary." Alexis: "Okay then. I'll leave this copy of the layout with you. The key is down here in the right hand corner. It will tell you what all the buildings are for, etc. I have a copy on my computer at home. I don't have to tell you to guard it closely." Alexis extends her hand to be shaken. Sonny shakes her hand. "I'll talk to you soon." ....................... Miranda is kneeling on the floor holding Nikolas's head in her lap. He has drifted off to sleep, but his breathing is erratic. Jerry is holding a cool washcloth to his forehead and seems lost in his own thoughts. Miranda: "Jerry, he's going to be okay. Pierce will be here soon and will take care of him." Jerry:"I went too far with him. If he doesn't recover I'm a dead man." He is interrupted by Pierce's arrival in the room. Dorman: "The guards let me in." Jerry moves from Nikolas's side and lets Pierce take his place. Pierce pulls up Nikolas shirt and mutters, "This isn't good. How did he reopen this?" Miranda: "He was trying to walk and fell over the chair." Pierce removes the dressing from the wound and Nikolas wakes up with a yelling in pain. Dorman: "Relax Nikolas. I need to take a look at this." Nikolas silently nods and feels Miranda softly stroking his hair softly crooning soothing words in his ear. Pierce looks up at Jerry."I'm going to have to stitch him up. Do you have any wine??" Jerry nods and leaves the room. Nikolas tenses as he watches Pierce pull some medical equipment from his bag. Filling a syringe, he smiles at Nikolas. "I assure you this won't hurt. okay?" Pierce rubs some alcohol on his arm he then gives Nikolas a shot. Jerry enters the room with a glass of wine and hands it to Pierce. Dorman: "Nikolas, I want you to drink some of this okay. It will relax you." Miranda holds Nikolas head up gently as Pierce places the glass at his lips. Nikolas sips the wine obediently. When half the glass is finished Pierce hands it back to Jerry. Dorman: "Okay, Nikolas I'm going to stitch you up. The shot should be taking effect and the wine should relax you a little. Just lay back on Randi's lap and it will be over soon." Pierce starts to stitch Nikolas and Nikolas bites down on his lip at the pain. Pierce quickly and expertly finishes the job and dresses the wound again. "That wasn't to bad was it?" Nikolas: "No. Thank you." Pierce gives him another injection. He performs some routine checkups and then looks to Miranda. "I think it's safe to get him into bed now." They gently help Nikolas up and remove his blood-stained shirt. They walk him to his bed and gently put him back into it. Miranda: "Rest now Nikolas. I'll be right back." She tucks him in and he closes his eyes as they leave the room. As soon as he hears the door shut he opens his eyes and looks up at the ceiling: "It worked Uncle. You have time to get here now. Hurry Uncle." In the living room Pierce is pacing in front of Jerry and Miranda. "What in the hell were you thinking? That boy is lucky he isn't hurt worse than that!" Jerry:"He tried to escape I had to teach him a lesson." Dorman: "Save it Jerry. I know about you and your temper." He looks at Miranda and notices the fading bruise on her lip."Let me guess you ran into a wall?" Miranda: "Pierce, Nikolas is our main concern. You have to lie to Helena." Dorman: "She sent me here to examine him. Now I'm supposed to tell her that yes, he's fine but he can't travel yet? Helena is no fool and I'm not risking my life or yours, Randi, to save this psychotic's life." Miranda rises from the couch and takes her brother's hands in hers "Please. She'll kill him. I'm begging you." Pierce looks into his sisters pleading eyes and feels himself melt. She was the one person in the word who could wrap him around her finger. He sighs."What would you have me do Miranda?' Miranda: "You can convince Helena that Nikolas is okay. Please Pierce, do this for me." Jerry is pacing the room nervously as he watches Miranda plead with her brother. With a deep sigh Pierce picks up the phone and calls Helena."I just checked out Nikolas." H"Yes, and what did you find?" Dorman: "His injuries weren't as bad as you feared. There is a problem though." Helena looks out her window as she prepares herself. "Yes..the problem?" Dorman: "Well, Nikolas has always been accustomed to warm climates. It seems he's caught a vicious case of the flu. He has a pretty high temperature and is very weak. I must advise that you don't move him for at least a few days." Helena breathes a sigh of relief. "The flu? Why didn't they call me about this?" Dorman: "Seems, he came down with it rather suddenly. Miranda was treating him, but his temperature sky-rocketed this evening. Luckily, I called to tell her of my arrival just as she was about to call me for medical advice. Don't worry, he will be fine." Helena: "I want you to stay and take care of him." Dorman: "I have responsibilities at General Hospital. I can't just drop my patients." Helena angrily hisses into the phone. "my Grandson's well-being is your only responsibility. You will call the hospital and tell them you have a family emergency. Trust me Pierce. Unless you stay with my Grandson you WILL have a family emergency." Pierce's eyes flash angrily at the threat. "There is no need for threats. I will call the hospital as soon as I hang up with you." Helena: "Excellent. Now I'd like to speak to Nikolas." Dorman: "He's sleeping, I can wake him but I advise against it. He needs all the rest he can get." Helena: "No, don't wake him. Have him call me as soon as he wakes up. I want to hear his voice and to assure myself he is really is as you claim." Dorman: "You have reason to distrust me?" Helena: "I distrust everyone Pierce, that's how I've survived this long. Call the hospital, and keep me informed on his condition." Helena hangs up the phone and walks over to her bookcase. She picks up Nikolas's bronzed baby shoes and holds them to her chest. "My little one, soon you will take your rightful place here beside me. So many obstacles have occurred to keep us apart, but it won't belong now before you and I will rule as we entitled. Your wretched mother and disloyal uncle have tried to ruin your spirit and corrupt your mind with poisonous thoughts. You will be a more powerful ruler than your father, your grandfather or anyone before you. Unlike them, you have my guidance and your mother won't be alive to poison your mind and heart. Those wretched Spencers have killed every powerful member of our family. Luke put your grandfather and great uncles in the ground. Laura led your father and your Uncle to their deaths. I will protect you from their fate my Nikolas. Killing the Spencers and your Uncle is my greatest gift to you. One day you will thank me for this." She replaces the shoes and smiles as she remembers him as the fearless toddler determined to climb the marble staircase in the main hall. The hours he spent climbing each stair, never giving up until he reached the top. Her smile is replaced with sadness as she remembers Stefan grinning proudly as Nikolas reached the top, and the toddler embracing his Uncle as he giggled happily. Reaching to Stefan's bronzed shoes she touches them lightly "My son, you were so dedicated to him. If only had you cast away Lasha's hold over you and embraced your legacy you could be here for Nikolas's greatest accomplishment. You disappointed me so many times, yet I always had hope that your love for our Nikolas would make you realize your duty and that you would fulfill it. Alas, It never happened. Perhaps you will find peace in where you rest now. I will give you a gift my son, I will give you your precious Lasha. She will soon join you in death." Helena walks away from the bookcase and leaves the room. ............ It is nighttime and Stefan is driving, with Sarah in the passenger seat. Stefan has been almost mute since his nightmare. Every time Sarah looks at Stefan's face, she sees the same thing- the look of grim determination. It's as if he's willing them to get there faster. Sarah had offered to take over driving a few hours ago, but he had refused. Then Sarah had tried ordering him to rest, and he had bit her head off. So she had given up trying to change his mind. Sarah notices him rub his face. "Everything okay over there?" Stefan:"Yes, I'm fine." Sarah: "It looks like you might fall asleep at any moment. Anything I can do to help?" Stefan: "Yes, you can distract me. All I can think about is Nikolas dying in my arms. I know if I try to sleep again, I will have the same dream. So distract me. Tell me about yourself. I'm sure you've led a very fascinating life." Sarah: "Okay, I guess I can humor you this one time. Where do you want me to start?" Stefan: "At the beginning. Tell me about your childhood. Did you grow up in the United States?" Sarah: "Yes I did. My father was a police officer. I was very close to my father. As you remember, he taught me Tai Chi. When I was 14, my parents were killed in a plane crash. And since I didn't have any relatives to speak of, I lived in foster care until I was 18." Stefan: "A rough beginning. You still miss them." Sarah's voice becomes a bit melancholy."Yes. I do miss them. Anyway, I joined the local police department. After spending five years there, I was offered a position at the WSB. Needless to say, I jumped at the chance." Stefan: "Yes. I imagine researching "criminal minds" , as you would call them, would be fascinating. So have you ever been married? I would guess not. The WSB probably encompasses your whole life." Sarah: "No never married. The WSB does take most of my time. And most men don't appreciate the work I do. I have the same problems policewomen have." They share a companionable silence. Sarah is the first to break it. Sarah: "So tell me about Nikolas. The stuff I wouldn't know from my work with the WSB." Stefan smiles at her. "well, there are so many things I could tell you. Let's see, he loves horses and dogs. In fact he loves most animals. He was a inquisitive child. He kept me on my toes. We traveled a lot as he was growing up. I took him to Moscow and he wandered off." Sarah laughs gently."You lost him in Moscow?" Stefan smiles as he drives. "Laugh now, it wasn't funny at the time I was frantic. I finally found him at a market. He was sitting next to an older woman chatting about Russian politics and munching on one of her fresh apples." Sarah: "He was a friendly one I see." Stefan: "Mostly, he could be very secretive and shy though. Like his mother." Sarah:"I don't know, sounds like he was a lot like his Uncle." Stefan smiles."Anyway, I walked over to him to scold him for leaving me and he looks up at me with those big brown eyes and innocently asks 'why are you angry Uncle,I'm only studying my history?'" Sarah busts into a fit of giggles and Stefan joins her. Sarah: :"How did you respond?' Stefan: "The only way I could, I laughed. Later, Nikolas and I had a long talk about not wandering off, and the dangers of exploring by himself. He was very remorseful and promised it would never happen again. Of course it did though." Sarah: "How old was he?' Stefan: "Six. He took off again when he was eight while we were visiting a circus in Paris." Sarah: "Oh my. You had your hands full." Stefan flashes her a smile. "Very much so. I wouldn't trade it For anything though. He has been my greatest joy. So full of life and spirit." Sarah: "So, how did you find him at the circus?" Stefan: "That was easier, I just went to where the animals were. Of course I found him talking to the animal trainers. he was trying to buy a big cat." Sarah: "A Big cat? Stefan laughs heartily."A tiger! He wanted to bring home a tiger. Of course I told him we already had a vicious animal at the house." Sarah: "You did?" Stefan: "Why agent Thompson, you failed to do your homework. Helena is the most vicious animal around." Sarah laughs. "You really do have a sense of humor. I take it you never punished Nikolas for running away," Stefan: "Well, back then lecturing him sternly would dissolve him into tears. He was a very strong little boy, but a very sensitive one too. Actually, I withheld his riding privileges for a weekend when he took off at the circus. He hated that. Those horses were his life." Sarah: "He sounds like an amazing child." Stefan: "Oh he was, he still is. In fact, there was this one time..." They continue chatting about Nikolas and for a brief moment Stefan is able to forget his nightmare and share Nikolas with another person. ................................ Miranda is heading up to Nikolas room, leaving Jerry and Pierce in the living room together. Jerry:"Thank you." Pierce eyes him angrily and walks over to him landing a swift punch to his face. Jerry falls to the ground and looks up at Pierce in surprise. "What the hell?" Dorman: "Don't thank me you psycho son of a bitch. I covered your pathetic ass because my sister begged me. It had nothing to do with you. For some unknown reason she still cares about you. After seeing that bruise on her face you're lucky I don't kill you where you stand." Jerry stands angrily in front of Pierce, trying to control his rage."Don't forget who you are Pierce. You are still the maid's son and I am the son of royalty." Pierce laughs "Son of royalty? Your father was a poor man until he made it rich. And your mother was cast off from her family when she married him. Your brother is the crown prince of J&J Jax, and you are nothing but a servant boy for your Aunt Helena." Jerry raises his hand to strike him, but Pierce grins at him cockily. "Temper temper, your fate is in my hands Jerry. So I'd put that hand down if I were you. Besides I doubt you could handle yourself in a real fight with a man. Seems you're only man enough to beat women and children." Jerry:"Are you finished?" Dorman: "Almost, I'll be here for awhile so watch your step. If I even see you look at Nikolas or Miranda the wrong way I will turn you over to Helena." Jerry:"Why the concern for Nikolas? " Dorman: "My mother cares for that boy, and in respect for her, I will watch out for him. Besides you can't afford another scratch on him. Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to go check on the patient." Pierce leaves a fuming Jerry in the living room. Pierce heads upstairs and enters Nikolas's room. He smiles as he watches Miranda chat with him gently. Dorman: "Hope I'm not interrupting?" Miranda smiles at her brother. "Absolutely not. I think our prince is feeling the after-effects of the wine. He's a little silly right now." Nikolas laughs and then grimaces as the pain hits. Dorman: "Careful, Nikolas laughing is going to hurt for a little while." Nikolas: "Now you tell me. What was in those shots? I feel light-headed." Dorman: "Just a mild pain reliever and antibiotics. The feeling you're talking about is most likely from the wine. I take it you aren't used to consuming much?" Nikolas shakes his head as he smiles at him. "Uncle would let me sip some for special occasions and toasts and such, but never more than a couple of sips. Seems the men in my family have problems with alcohol consumption." Dorman: "Well, you took half of that glass down in a short time and I'm willing to bet it's been awhile since you last ate. So, perhaps food will be a good thing." Nikolas grins as Miranda rises to fix him something to eat. "Actually the feeling isn't bad." Pierce and Miranda laugh as they watch Nikolas sheepishly blush. Dorman: "I think you'd better stay with sips of wine young man. How are you feeling besides buzzed?' Nikolas: "It hurt's, but it's not unbearable." Miranda: "Nikolas, you can trust us. Did you purposely fall?" Nikolas looks uneasily at Pierce who smiles reassuringly. "I'm loyal to my family Nikolas. I know they are trying to help you." Nikolas: "I was getting better, I knew Jerry would move me to Greece and my family would be killed, so I did what I had to." Miranda smiles gently at Nikolas. "That was quite a sacrifice. Your Uncle would be proud." Nikolas smiles at the praise and then feels his eyes grow heavy. "I'm a little sleepy." Dorman: "Rest, Nikolas you'll need it." They watch Nikolas drift peacefully into sleep and Pierce turns to face Miranda. "Now I know why mother is so fond of him." Miranda nods"He's a very sweet boy. Stefan did well by him." Dorman: "At least he was raised by him and not Stavros or Helena. Alcoholism was the least of their problems." Miranda smiles and then notices his bruised knuckles "Pierce, tell me you didn't?" Pierce cocks a innocent look at her"Whatever do you mean?' Miranda punches him playfully in the arm. "You hit Jerry, didn't you?" Dorman: "That jerk had better never lay another hand on you, or else.' They turn to leave the room and Miranda casts another look at Nikolas. She smiles as she watches him sleep peacefully and turns off his light.."Night Young prince." Chapter 39: Stefan Has A Tantrum The van carrying Sarah, Stefan, Luke and Laura is stranded by the side of the road. Sarah is in the driver's seat swearing. Stefan, who has been fitfully sleeping in the seat next to her awakens to find the van has stopped moving. Stefan: "What happened? Why aren't we moving?" Sarah: "We just got a flat tire. Damn!" Luke and Laura move to the front of the van to join the discussion. Luke:"Did you just say we have a flat tire?" Sarah: "Yes. That's right." Luke: "Well, let's get out and fix it. I seem to remember there was a spare tire on the back of the van..." Everyone climbs out of the van. Luke locates the spare tire and tools then begins to remove it from the back door. Luke admires the spare. "Well, ain't she a beauty? She'll get us there, no problem." Luke lights up a cigar as he surveys the flat tire. Stefan begins to pace in agitation."I'm glad to see that you are enjoying yourself, Spencer.. but we don't have time to waste!" Sarah tries to intervene. "Stefan, Luke knows that we don't have a lot of time ..." Luke:"I will not be ordered around by you, Cassadine! You arrogant son of a ..... Laura:" Luke! Please....." Stefan stalks over to Luke and glares at him menacingly."I have had it with your swaggering self-important attitude! These last few days all you've done is strut around like some puffed up rooster who knows everything. This is my nephew's life at stake. I'll be damned if I let you screw it up because you are on some power trip!" Sarah tries to pull Stefan away from Luke."Stefan, I think we need to go for a walk..." Luke sneers at Stefan:"Back off Cassadine... or I'll let you change the tire! Although I don't imagine the high-priced tutors ever taught you that particular skill. Although I'm sure they taught you the fine art of blood-sucking!" Stefan lunges at Luke, swearing profusely in Russian. Several punches are thrown by both men. One of Luke's punches lands Stefan on the ground. His lip is bleeding. Laura pulls Luke away from Stefan. Laura: "Luke, Stop! Get a hold of yourself. We can't help the kids if we're fighting amongst ourselves!" Luke:"Then get that bastard out of here before I finish him off!" Laura:"Sarah, get Stefan out of here for a while. They both need to cool off." Sarah helps Stefan up. Stefan glowers at Luke before stalking off into the woods at the side of the road. Sarah runs after him. Laura shakes her head at Luke as she walks back over to the van. Luke:"What? What did I do? You're not blaming me for this are you?" Laura nods her head. "You've got to be kidding! That vampire had it coming!" Luke and Laura begin changing the tire. Laura:"Luke, he's distraught and frightened. He's not acting rationally. You know that." Luke:"We're scared too, baby! He doesn't have the market on being scared. So we're back to this, are we? You're back to defending him." Laura:"No Luke. I just understand where he's coming from. You and I.. We're used to this. We're used to fighting for our lives... and our children's lives. So we handle it better. Stefan isn't. He's used to controlling every little detail and knowing every little thing. Well, it's driving him nuts. And of course you are his target. He hates you, it's easy for him to lash out at you." Luke:"So I'm supposed to lie down and let him attack me? No way baby. If he pulls this kind of stunt again, he'll have more than just a split lip!" Laura:"Luke, don't forget what we're out here for. Our kids. Like it or not, Stefan is probably the only way we're going to be able to get our kids out alive." Luke:"Hand me that wrench over there, won't ya babe?" Laura retrieves the wrench that Luke asked for. Luke:"Cassadine isn't tightly wrapped to begin with baby. Now he becomes unglued at the slightest provocation. He's a loose cannon. He'll get us killed if he doesn't pull himself together. I've tolerated his imperious behavior, in fact I've been civil. But I'm pushed to my limit. He pulls one more stunt like today and...." Laura:"You don't have to say it.... I just hope Sarah is can pull him together..." ......................... Sarah has to run just to keep him in sight. She prays that he's exorcising whatever demons that have been hounding him. She knows if she can't get him on a even keel, she'll have to exclude him from the mission. At this point, he is a dangerous liability. Finally Stefan slows his pace. Sarah is relieved because she couldn't have kept up with him much longer. She sees him enter a clearing and stop. He leans over panting from the exertion. He looks in her direction when she enters the clearing and then turns his back to her. Stefan:"Didn't you get the message? I want to be alone." Sarah:"You don't get that option, Stefan. Not with the way you've been acting." Stefan swears in Russian as he paces in the clearing. Sarah:"You might as well speak in English, I can understand every word you're saying." Stefan:"Then you know I want to kill Spencer! He is the most egotistical Neanderthal that I have ever had the displeasure to meet." Sarah:"No more egotistical than you. What the hell is wrong with you? You deliberately picked a fight with him!" Stefan:"You are mistaken. I merely pointed out to Spencer that we didn't have any time to waste..and that arrogant self-important..." Sarah:"Stefan. We have spent the last 36 hours practically living in that van. Luke needed a break. Heck, we all needed the break. Look at you! You just ran two miles after having a major tantrum!" Stefan glares at her."I don't have tantrums! That man has pushed me to the limit..." Sarah:"Stop. This isn't about Luke. It's about you. Ever since you had that dream yesterday you've been impossible. If you can't get it together, you are out of this rescue mission. I can't have you jeopardizing those kids." Stefan:"I would never do anything to jeopardize those kids! I don't...." Sarah:"You have just alienated the entire rescue party. That jeopardizes the kids. You keep this up and I'm leaving you at the next town, in the custody of local law enforcement." Stefan opens his mouth to protest and shuts it. He knows she can do it. He paces for several minutes while he replays his actions since the nightmare. As the truth of her words sink in, he sits on a nearby rock. Stefan:"I've made a serious miscalculation." Sarah notices a faint quiver in his voice. Sarah sits next to him on the rock."Stefan, I know you're worried about the kids. You know more than anyone what they could be going through. But Luke and Laura are worried too. We are all on the same side here." Stefan:"I am aware of that. Can I tell you something?" Sarah:"Go ahead." Stefan:"When I took control of the family and won guardianship over Nikolas. I started having these nightmares. They always had the same ending. I would be rushing to save Nikolas from Helena and she'd kill him before my very eyes." Stefan is crying now. Sarah finishes for him."And you're afraid your nightmare is coming true." Stefan nods. His body begins to shake with sobs. Sarah rubs his back trying to comfort him. Sarah:"We're going to do everything within our power to make sure that your nightmare doesn't come true. I promise you." Stefan nods, somewhat comforted in her reassurances. "I was always afraid to tell anyone about this recurring nightmare before. I was sure that if I did, then it would come true. But actually I feel relieved." Sarah:"Do you think you can give me your word that we won't have a repeat of today's fiasco?" Stefan:"You have my word." Sarah:"Good. Now let's get back. I'm sure Luke and Laura have changed the tire by now." Stefan and Sarah head back to the road. . Chapter 40: Nikolas' Plan Pierce walks quietly into Nikolas' room and watches the boy sleeping peacefully. He approaches the bed and sets his medical bag on the nearby dresser. Nikolas begins to awaken slowly and Pierce smiles at him when Nikolas' gaze meets his. Dorman: "Good Morning young Prince." Nikolas yawns and stretches. "Morning." Dorman: "How are you feeling?" Nikolas: "Okay I guess. It hurt when I stretched." Dorman: 'How's the inside of your cheek?" Nikolas looks up at him curiously"My cheek?" Dorman: "Yes, I would assume it would be pretty sore. You must have bitten down pretty hard to bleed enough to convince Miranda and Jerry that you were coughing up blood." Pierce smiles smugly as a look of shock passes over Nikolas face. Nikolas: "How did you know?" Dorman: "When I examined you I noticed you were no longer coughing up blood. That was puzzling, considering my sister was very frantic just a while earlier. So when I examined you and took you temperature, I took a little look into your mouth and noticed that you tore quite a bit out of it. That made me realize you that you faked it." Nikolas: "Are you going to tell on me?" Pierce smiles teasingly. "What makes you think I haven't already?" Nikolas eyes him curiously. "I know my cousin. He would be in here lecturing me if you told him." Dorman: "Perhaps he's just playing his cards close to his chest." Nikolas: "Jerry is too hot-headed for that. So, are you going to tell on me?' Dorman: "My my. We are an arrogant young man aren't we? Of course you're the Cassadine heir. You're entitled to be arrogant. No, I won't blow your cover. I'm here as a service to my mother and sister. They have taking a liking to you. Well actually, mother always liked you." Nikolas: "You seem a little bitter. Did I do something to anger you?' Pierce laughs at him as he opens his medical bag. "She always talked about you, and of course we rarely saw her. You were her perfect little prince. She would regale us with stories about how early you spoke and how absolutely precocious you were. You had her wrapped around your finger." Nikolas nervously watches Pierce fill a syringe "Well, she liked me enough to help engineer my kidnapping." Pierce turns and smiles evilly. "Yes, she did didn't she? Foolish boy, she did as she was ordered to. For someone so damn precocious you really are rather ignorant at times. " Nikolas: 'Do all your patients get this wonderful bedside manner?" Pierce turns and faces him with the needle"Careful with that tone, your fate is in my hands." He smiles as he watches Nikolas eye the needle fearfully. "Relax, it's just an antibiotic. You are safe Nikolas, as I said I'm here as a service to my sister and my mother." He gives him the shot quickly and then takes his temperature."You seem to be healing right on schedule. You might not be able to prolong your trip as long as you'd like." Removing the thermometer Nikolas looks up at him. "I have a plan. I will need your help though." Pierce takes a seat on a nearby chair"A Plan?? This should be interesting." Nikolas resists the urge to roll his eyes. "If I have to leave before my Uncle arrives, then you will probably be sent away. I need you to make it back here and help Miranda with the guards. They will try and kill my family." Dorman: "If I come back, I could get killed. I don't think so." Nikolas places a hand on his knee. "It's a matter of life and death, Miranda said she would help. Are you willing to let her fight those guards by herself?" Dorman: "Go on with the plan." Nikolas: "Shortly after I leave, Miranda will feign ill. Before you have a chance to leave, Jerry will instruct you to stay and take care of her." Dorman: "You seem rather confident. Why wouldn't he just leave her?" Nikolas: "Because he's in love with her. You will be taking care of her and the guards will naturally want to kill off my family. The key will be to convince them to wait till Miranda is better, that way everyone can vacate at the same time. They will probably give you a day maybe two. Hopefully my Uncle and the rest of the rescue party will be here by then." Dorman: "If they aren't?" Nikolas looks him in the eyes. "You and Miranda will have to kill them." Dorman: "That's a mighty tall order." Nikolas: 'It has to work, my family's life is on the line." Dorman: "Very well, we'll see what can be done. Do you want me to pass on any requests to Jerry?" Nikolas: "I want to see Lucky." Dorman: "I will pass that along. Rest Nikolas, you really do need it." .................. Pierce joins Jerry and Miranda in the living room. Jerry:"How is he?" Dorman: "Not very good. No fever, so that's a plus. He shouldn't be moved for a few days." Jerry:'Helena called last night, flu or not he's on a plane in two days." Dorman: "Well, you'd better think of one hell of an excuse. That boy will still look like hell in two days." Jerry paces the room as Miranda tries to calm him. "Perhaps Nikolas will cover for you." Jerry shoots her a glare"He would love nothing more than for me to hang for this." Dorman: "Maybe not. You are still family. He has requested to see his brother. Maybe if you allow him this and are particularly kind, Miranda will be able to plead your case to him. He could easily say he hurt himself trying to escape again." Jerry's face lights up."That could work. Fine bring Lucky to him. Miranda, you and Pierce wait next to his room. If you suspect anything is up, break up the meeting." Dorman: "Jerry, he's not going to try anything. He can barely move." Jerry:"He may encourage his brother to try something." Miranda: "We'll keep an eye on them. I'm sure Nikolas will tell Lucky to keep his head." Jerry:"You'll ask him to cover for me?" Miranda: "Of course, I'm sure Nikolas will listen to reason." Jerry:"Helena wanted him to call her as soon as he woke up. As soon as his visit with Lucky is over, talk to him. See if he'll admit to trying another escape and falling in the process." Miranda: 'Relax, my love. Everything will work out. Pierce and I will go and get Lucky." They leave and Jerry prays to himself. 'Lord, please make him listen to reason." Upon entering Lucky's room, Lucky is shocked to see Pierce with Miranda. Lucky: "Dr. Dorman? What are you doing here?' Dorman: "I came to examine Nikolas." Lucky fears the worst and frantically looks at Miranda. "What happened to him? What did that bastard do to him?' Miranda takes Lucky by the shoulders and tries to soothe him. "Nikolas tried to walk and fell over a chair. He reopened his wound and needed medical attention. I had my brother come and work on him." Lucky: "Dorman's your brother? Okay, so is he okay?? I want to see him." Dorman: "He's going to be okay, and that's why we're here. We're going to escort you up to visit him. The best thing you can do for him is to keep him relaxed." Lucky: 'Fine, whatever. Let's go.' They exit the room and head up the stairs. Miranda unlocks Nikolas room and lets Lucky in. She turns to her brother. "Thank you for helping me." Dorman: "You know I can't say no to you." Miranda: "Those two hated each other when they first got here. Now they are as close as we are in a sense." Dorman: "Tragic situations can do that to siblings." Miranda: "And you say I never let go of the past. It's over now Pierce. We're going to be free of the Cassadine Family's hold over us soon." Dorman: "Let's hope so." ...................... Lucky walks quietly over to Nikolas' bedside. Nikolas opens his eyes and smiles at him. Nikolas: "So, Jerry let you come visit. How is everyone?" Lucky: "They're good. Jesus Nikolas." Nikolas: "I look that bad?" Lucky tries to smile"Well, you always looked like hell. Just a little worse now." Nikolas: "Well, coming from you I'll take it as a compliment. Don't look so worried. I'm fine." Lucky: "I have a hard time buying that you fell over a chair. What the hell did he do to you?" Nikolas: "Nothing. Jerry is so sick with fear he was actually trying to soothe me after my fall. I was getting better way too fast. Our parents needed time to get here." Lucky looks at Nikolas with understanding. "So you made yourself worse off? Damn it Nikolas, that's a hell of a price to pay." Nikolas: "Look, Lucky I'm not going to play games with you. Time is running out for us. My grandmother wants me back in Greece and she wants you, Lu and Grandma Lesley dead. My fall was to buy us some time. But you'd better start praying our parents get here soon." Lucky starts to pace the room silently and Nikolas watches him enviously. "Must be nice to walk. I'm sick of just lying here." Lucky: 'Sorry man. So what if they don't get here in time?" Nikolas: 'Well, obviously escaping is out. I've bought us some time. Pierce and Miranda will prolong your fate as long as possible. Hopefully our parents will arrive. If not, they will try to take out the guards and save you guys." Lucky: "What about you?' Nikolas: "I'll be in Greece." Lucky: "No way man! If you go to Greece, your psycho grandmother from hell won't let anyone near you." Nikolas: "She also won't kill me." Lucky: 'We all have to get out of this man." Nikolas smiles up at his brother.."Didn't your father tell you that all plans have phases?" Lucky nods. "Yeah." Nikolas: "Phase one is to get you, Lu and Grandmother out of this. Then we move to the next phase." Lucky: 'They will get out you man. My parents and your Uncle, they won't let you stay there." Nikolas: "I know Uncle will try." Lucky: 'My dad will too, Nikolas. Look, I will make him see things have changed." Nikolas: "Have they?" Lucky: 'Yeah, you're my brother. And I was taught to take care of family." Nikolas: "I was taught the same. I need you to do something for me though. If I leave for Greece I need you to tell my Uncle something." Lucky: "You can tell him yourself man." Nikolas: "Lucky, for once in your life shut up and listen to me. My Uncle and I had a fight. Tell him all is forgiven and I was never ashamed of him. Tell him that I love him." Lucky nods:"Sure thing, But you're going to have to repeat that to him." Nikolas: "Well, my Uncle is hardheaded, it will do him good to hear it twice." Lucky: "Hardheaded must run in the family." Nikolas laughs and then winces. "Right Spencer. You're one to talk." Lucky: "Well, as usual, your conversation skills leave something to be desired. Miranda gave me a deck of cards. You wanna play poker?" Nikolas: 'Well, I'm not really sure how to." Lucky grins "No problem. So how much money you willing to bet?' Nikolas: "Which bank account do you want to start with?" Lucky grins. "Man, this is going to be fun." ................. NEXT