The Warehouse parking lot. Cari has her arms around both Georgie and Jerry
who have just arrived.
Cari: Come up and see the place! All the furniture is in. Tante Laura and
Stefan just got here a little bit ago and brought tons of plants and
flowers. Lu and Tante are trying to find places for everything!
Georgie: (laughing) Slow down, I feel like I'm still on the jet; you're
going a million miles an hour!
Meanwhile upstairs in the work space created for Brooke and Lu, Stefan looks
out the window to the trio below.
Laura: Where did Cari go in such a hurry?
Stefan: (turning from the window) Jerry and Georgie just arrived. They
should be up in just a minute.
Lu: (walking thru the open door of the condo) Mom, I totally forgot the
plants. I'm glad you remembered.
Laura: I just thought if Lucas's magazine is going to be taking pictures
you might as well have the full effect.
Brooke: (coming in off the elevator) Okay, everything is set up on the
ground floor for the party. All we need are the food and the guests.
Lu: The crew was sent home an hour ago to get showered and changed. The
party will start as soon as they get back. We can get ready as soon as the
photographer is out of here. Where is Lucky?
Brooke: Lucky is down there critiquing my music collection.
Laura: (smiling) Let me guess-- Not enough blues?
Brooke: (Nodding) And Mike is there too, pointing out all the holes in the
jazz portions! I've got eclectic taste in music, but it doesn't mean I have
every "must have" for all genres!
Stefan: (with a perfectly straight face) Perhaps I should be overseeing
your collection of classical music?
Brooke: (Her mouth opening briefly before snapping shut) You're doing it
again . . . trying to cause trouble!
Stefan: (Shaking his head ruefully) But regrettably you don't rise to the
bait as you used to.
Brooke: Well, Georgie is back; maybe she can give you a good fight.
Stefan: Lasha, I should speak with Georgie and Jerry.
Laura: (tilting her head back for his brief kiss) I'm not going anywhere.
Although Cari will bring them up to their apartment soon enough. (Stefan
nods but still moves to the doorway brushing against Dylan Hornsby as he
enters. The tension between the two men is obvious; Laura and Brooke look
on curiously while Lu ignores both men. )
Dylan: Lu, I've got my suitcases and I'm ready to move in, just need my keys.
Lu: (a little dismayed) I thought you weren't moving in until tomorrow?
Dylan: I guess I could wait; I just didn't want to spend another night at
the Q's. With the party tonight, I thought it might be best to be settled in
here already.
Brooke: Planning on making an ass of yourself?
Dylan: (putting her in a headlock and rubbing a knuckle against her scalp
despite her protests) Thanks for your support!
Lu: There's no problem really. Lucas wanted pictures of everything for the
Home magazine he publishes. They're doing a 'start to finish' piece on the
property. I just hoped they would be gone before you moved in. Come on;
I'll let you in. (Lu escorts Dylan to his condo. Punching a code in the
pad by the door, the door pops open softly. She holds the door for him as
he enters with his suitcases. Shutting the door behind him, she asks.)
What do you think?
Dylan: (impressed) It looks great. I thought I had seen everything when we
set the furniture up.
Lu: (referring to the set table, the candles, as well as the plants and
flowers) This is for the pictures. But these are all your things now. I
included them in your bill.
Dylan: (suggestively) What else is included in the design service?
Lu: ( finally breaking the lengthening silence) Why don't I show you where
to put your suitcases for now. The photographer should be here any minute.
(Walking upstairs to the bedroom phone, she punches in a 6-digit code and a
space in the wall opens)
Dylan: (whistling) I didn't see that before.
Lu: You weren't supposed to. Each apartment has one. Since there are
phones in every room, it was easiest to have the code be accessed from the
phone. I've used your birthday for both doors. You'll have to change that
once you've moved in. (standing back she allows Dylan to look at the four by
six foot space) This is the common wall between the condos. Anyone
wondering about the discrepancy in square feet would assume it is their
neighbor's closet. It's reinforced like a safe. Any valuable papers or
objects could be stored here if you like.
Dylan: Lu, why is there a TV and phone in my "safe"?
Lu: (flipping on the video monitor the picture quickly cycles through view
of the apartment.) From here you can see any room in your home.
Dylan : Why do I feel Stefan's paranoia in this? Is he going to be
watching too? Isn't that a little sick, Lu?
Lu: Stop it! I won't listen to you bad mouth him.
Dylan: (insistently) He's watching; isn't he?
Lu: (defensively) No! He has access to all the external security cameras--
nothing in the living quarters. Dialing one on this phone will connect you
to Cassadine security. So you see, you can be hidden in the safe as well,
in case of trouble.
Dylan: It isn't something I've ever thought of before. (Dropping off the
bags, he leaves the safe.)
How do I close it?
Lu: Same way-- enter your birthday in the phone pad. (She watches as Dylan
does so, closing the door smoothly.)
Dylan: I like my privacy, Lu. The idea of Stefan Cassadine, voyeur,
dropping in any time he likes does not thrill me at all! I helped paint
these walls. There aren't any cameras!
Lu: Fiber optics. Dylan, I swear to you; Daddy does not have access to
this. Nor would he want it. The only access he has is to the security
cameras that are on the ground floor and the exterior of the building.
(There is a knock on Dylan's door)
Dylan: (sarcastically) My first guest. Lu, we're going to talk about this
some more. I want to see exactly what is going to your dear old dad! (He
opens the door with a forced smile to see Lucas and the photographer there)
Lucas: We've finished in mine. Aunt Laura told me that Lu was here?
Lu: (coming up behind Dylan) Here I am. Dylan was just getting a head
start on moving in. Lucas, after you and your photo hound are done; you're
welcome to stay for the party. The architect and the contractor will both be
here. It'll be an open house like nobody has ever seen before. In fact, I
should get downstairs and check on things.
Dylan: I'll go with you, Lu. Lucas, just lock up when you leave.
(Together they get into the elevator) I want to see the feed that is going
to Spoon island, Lu.
Lu: Fine! If I do will you get off my back? This is my party, damn it!
Dylan:(leaving the other half of his thought unsaid, he backs her up against
the elevator wall) I've never wanted to be on your back, Lu.
Lu: (slapping him just before the elevator doors open) This was a mistake!
But I'll live with it. Because our families are friends. Now let's get
this over with. (Walking over to the security room, she turns on a monitor
that flips through exterior angles of the warehouse.) This is what Daddy
sees. Now stay away from me. (She walks away)
Dylan: (Examining the back of the monitor, sees the split feed. Tracing it
with his finger, he sees the connection to the monitor and the other that
goes up the wall.) I'll stay away for now, Princess, but not forever.
Parking lot of the warehouse where Lucky and Carly are talking. Lu slams
out of the building. Seeing them, she walks over.
Lucky: When are you going to get in the party mood, Princess?
Lu: When I push Dylan Hornsby's head in the punch bowl until he learns some
manners! (She sniffs the air recognizing the smell of Lucky's cigar she
looks at his empty hands and then over at her cousin) You know if AR
catches you smoking one of those, he will throw a fit!
Carly: (taking a last puff before handing the cigar back to Lucky) It's all
Lucky's fault. I only smoke the blasted things around him!
Lucky: (reminding) And on Dad's birthday.
Carly: Okay then too. We really are lousy influences on each other, you
know, Lucky. I hadn't been so drunk in years as when we were tossing back
shots toasting your father and smoking cigars on his last birthday.
Lucky: Not even when you married AJ?
Carly: (a little bitterly) I wasn't drinking that weekend. AJ hadn't been
drinking that much either of course that isn't his story now!
Lucky: (Giving her a hug.) He's an idiot. I've known it for years. When
you get sick of him, let me know.
Lu: Is AJ going to be here tonight?
Carly: (Switching automatically into politicians' wife mode) He's supposed
to stop by after the council meeting. The warehouse renovation has been a
positive project for the area. He's hoping you don't stop here.
Lu: (ruefully) Daddy is hoping I don't stop either. I promised to do one
more and then I have to reevaluate. The next one won't be such a rush
though. I should be able to do it and still work at the club.
Lucky: Bet that is not Stefan's plan. He hasn't been in the club since you
took a vacation to finish this project. Some of the regulars have been
asking after him.
In the Jacks' Condo. Stefan, Georgie, Jerry and Cari stand in the kitchen
where Cari continues to make appetizers for the party while she listens to
the trio talk.
Stefan:(discreetly) Wouldn't it be better to talk about this privately?
Jerry: Not necessary, mate. Georgie was there and Cari knows all about me.
Georgie: Cari, is there anything I can do to help?
Jerry: She's good with a knife, Darlin'. You should take her up on it.
(Cari grins at her father and then pulls some washed veggies from the sink
for Georgie to slice into bite sized bits)
Georgie: (smoothly chopping the veggies, she looks over at Stefan) One thing
about your folks owning a restaurant. I may not like cooking but I can do
prep work. Stefan, What do you want to know?
Stefan: Where is the shipment?
Jerry: Now in WSB custody along with the crew. Our little friends will get
a surprise day after tomorrow when they don't get their toys.
Stefan: How about tracking down the players?
Georgie: (pointing the knife at Jerry) I missed that part. Jerry didn't
wake me when he took the discs to Cassidy. So I didn't get to meet her.
She has all the pieces that we had now.
Stefan: Good. Excellent. Cassandra has always been fascinated by puzzles.
Cari: (grimacing) And she won't sleep until she fills in the blanks. Mom
can be relentless when she's on a project. It's one of the reasons that
boarding school wasn't so bad. Even when she wasn't traveling, when she's
on the job-- her focus is incredible.
Jerry:(proudly) It's gotten her into trouble a few times. She's built a
reputation in the banking industry. When she shows up at a branch the
guilty either flee or fight. They knowing it's just a matter of time before
she catches them.
Georgie: (still disgruntled) I REALLY wanted to meet her.
Stefan: I think she will probably come to town once the pieces fall into
place. Georgie, where will you be staying once Brooke goes on tour tomorrow?
Georgie: ( confused) With Lu. Why?
Stefan: Until the potential hostilities are resolved, Lu has agreed to move
back to the island. You are more than welcome to join her. I would enjoy
having you on the island again.
Georgie: Come on! I'm not ten and you aren't talking about a weekend
sleepover. This could take forever. You and I might get on, but Nik
wouldn't last a week! Thanks but no thanks!
Cari: You could stay here.
Georgie: Thanks Cari. I'll stay at the apartment. (Jerry gives her a
significant look) Look, I'm not an idiot. If I need help, I'll ask for it,
Jerry.
Jerry: (lying through his teeth) Never thought differently, Darlin. ( Just
then there is a knock on the door. Jerry goes to answer it and sees two
unfamiliar faces one carrying a camera) Can I help you?
Lucas: I'm Lucas Jones; I am going to be your neighbor across the hall. Lu
gave the okay for us to showcase the warehouse for an article . . .
Georgie: (coming around the corner to see a familiar face, clearly thrilled)
Lucas? Is that you? I thought you were living in New York? Gosh it's so
good to see you! (She gives him a hug.)
Lucas: That's right we just missed each other; didn't we? I came to town
about the time you went on vacation. Great tan by the way, I'll send you an
article from one of my magazines on the joys of skin cancer.
Georgie: Don't even start with me! Let me look at you! Ah-- as handsome as
ever! Jerry, this is my cousin Lucas. I had the biggest crush on him when
I was growing up. He'd sweep in for holidays give me all his candy and then
disappear back to school. I'd never get to see enough of him.
Lucas: You were the one that was gone all my summer breaks.
Georgie: Divorced parents-- you know how it is.
Lucas: (grimacing) Too well.
Stefan: How are you, Lucas?
Lucas: (Slightly stiff) Fine, sir. If this is a bad time, we could come
back later?
Stefan: I should be getting back to Lasha. I'll see you at the party
tonight. (He leaves)
Jerry: Come on in. If Georgie vouches for you, good enough for me.
Besides I don't mind showing off what my little girl got done!
Cari: ( from the kitchen) Dad, PLEASE! Lucas, I'm afraid the kitchen in
here is not looking too pristine. (Lucas walks into the kitchen and sees
the party platters that lining the kitchen's island.)
Lucas: I think I am beginning to realize why my kitchen looks like a pro
could live there. (Laughing ruefully) You're going to have to teach me how
to use half of that stuff. (Looking around the kitchen) You know, I think
it would be good for the readers to see this. Lu has set things up so
perfectly in the rest of the living areas it might be handy to see it in
action. Would you mind being part of the pictures?
Cari: (Brushing back a tendril of hair that had escaped from her pony tail
self consciously) I look awful.
Georgie: You look perfect. Lucas, I think it is a great idea!
Cari: Then you'll be in them too?
Georgie ( laughing) NO WAY!
Lucas: (explaining) She hates having her picture taken. I think she's as
phobic about it as the Cassadine. At least they have a good reason. You
know Georgie, if you were only about 6 inches taller you could have been a
model.
Georgie: Nursing suits me fine-- thank you! Although Lucas, you will
notice that Cari is much taller than I. And her mother is a photographer by
hobby so she is used to a camera.
Jerry: (Coming up behind Georgie and winding his arms around her waist.
Softly he whispers in her ear) What in the hell do you think you are doing?
Georgie: (equally quiet) You asked me to find something for Cari to do.
I'm working on it. (In a louder voice) I have to get back to the
apartment, unpack, and change for this shindig tonight.
Jerry: Why don't I give you a lift? Cari, You okay with this? I'll be
back in about thirty.
Cari: Yeah. (Slapping Lucas' hand as he reaches for one of the appetizers
on the counter) I can handle these guys. (Just then there is another knock
on the door.) Don't touch anything! (Opening the door she sees a familiar
face) BILLY!! (She throws herself into his arms and hugs him)
Billy: (teasing) Do I know you?
Cari: I know you! Cards, pictures, letters-- everything you've ever
written! Mom and I keep scrap books on my big brother!
Georgie: ( in a hard low voice) Brother?
Cari: Yeah, Georgie, this is my half brother from Dad's first marriage.
William Onassis this is Georgie Jones, a friend of Dad's.
Georgie: We've met. Excuse me! (Georgie stalks out of the apartment)
Jerry: Whoops she's ticked! Good to see you son; I'll be right back. (He
races after Georgie taking the stairs when he sees the elevator has already
left).
