"Q.E.D." Part 6
Luke was tired. He had already played a very mobile game of hide andseek, co-authored and produced several impromptu plays using nearlyevery doll in Lulu's toy box, and identified every object on theplanet... twice. He loved his daughter dearly, and treasured everymoment he got to spend with her, but sometimes she behaved like aperpetual motion machine. He sighed. Soon it would be nap time, butit was the wrong person who needed the sleep.
He watched helplessly as Lesley Lu went through her toys one by one,in search of new adventures. He saw her pause when she arrived at herFaberge egg.
"Now, Lulu, you'll probably never hear these words again, but I'dlike you to know that I wouldn't be too upset if you broke thatparticular object..."
She smiled and giggled in response, oblivious to her father's dislikeof her favorite 'toy'. She held the egg above her head, and watchedas the light reflected off of its crystalline surface.
Luke had to admit, the egg was a fine work of art, one which he wouldordinarily treasure had it not been a gift from a member of thataccursed family. In a rare moment of respite from his loathing of allthings Cassadine, he admired the craftsmanship of Nikolas' gift.
The egg itself was studded with jewels which Luke figured to be wortha small fortune. The base of the egg was embossed metal, andcontained three slots, which reminded Luke of keyholes. Luke shookthe egg, and could hear the muffled sound of something rattlingaround inside of the base. He decided that the base must be hollow,and could've been used as a small safe at one time... or perhaps itstill was.
Curious now as to its contents, Luke studied the base of the egg,trying to find the locked opening. He could see a faint outline inone of the sides, and he tried prying it open with his pocket knife.Having no success, he tried to picking the locks, and decided afterseveral futile attempts that he'd have to bring the egg to alocksmith.
He sighed and put the egg down. He glanced over at his daughter andwas relieved to see her yawning.
Thanking the parenting goddess for the reprieve, he put Lesley Ludown for her nap and returned to the living room to clean up afterher. Just then, the front door opened and Amy Vining walked in withLesley Webber on her arm.
The older woman stared at her still unfamiliar surroundings. Shesmiled politely at Luke, but her eyes showed no sign of recognition.The only word she had spoken since Luke and Laura found her at 13Keep Street had been her daughter's name.
"So, how did the walk go?" Luke asked.
"Fine," Amy replied. "I think she's getting stronger all of the time.Aren't you Lesley?"
Lesley regarded her with a puzzled look as Amy led her to the couchand motioned for her to sit. Lesley obeyed and Amy walked over to thefront door.
"I'll see you tomorrow Luke. I have to get over to GH before my shiftstarts."
Luke followed her to the door. "Thank you so much Amy. I... we reallyappreciate your help. Laura needed to have some time to herselftoday. She's been with her mother nearly every moment."
Amy patted Luke's arm. "I'm glad I can help out. I love Lesleytoo."
Luke smiled and gave Amy a hug. "Bless your little blonde head.You're a great sister to Laura."
Amy laughed. "Thanks. Family is important right now. You need toremember that."
Luke's smile vanished. "I've got all the family I need righthere..."
Amy sighed. "She's hurting, you know. I saw her crying at the nurse'sstation yesterday."
Luke shook his head. "She should have thought about that before shemarried a Cassadine."
Amy shrugged her shoulders. "Suit yourself. Just remember that it washer husband who led you to Lesley."
"Yeah, right! With some cockamamie computer game that nearly killedmy son!" He pointed a finger at her face. "You remember how Lesleygot this way in the first place..."
Amy held up her arms in a mock surrender. "Okay, okay! I'm justtrying to help!"
Luke's tone softened. "I know you are. You just don't know when tonip a conversation in the bud, darlin'. Now, let's say just goodbyebefore we start arguing again."
Amy smiled and turned to leave. Luke closed the door and turned towalk back into the living room. He stopped suddenly when he sawLesley sitting bolt upright on the couch, her right arm extended,pointing at an object in front of her.
Luke circled the couch and saw that she was pointing to the Fabergeegg. She reached up with her left hand and grasped the Cassadinemedallion that she still wore around her neck.
Luke sat down beside her and gently touched her shoulder. "What isit, Lesley?"
She looked at Luke and then back at the egg. Luke saw her lipsmoving, but he couldn't make out the words.
"Lesley, what are you trying to say?" he asked.
Her voice was soft and breathy, like a small child's. "I know astory...." she said.