CHAPTERS 91 & 92

 

 

 

GH2017.91 Short and Bittersweet

Outside the Club: An angry Lucky is puffing on a cigar while talking to
a representative of the PCPD when Nik pulls up.
Lucky: How flipping hard can it be to find a cotton-candy, Cadillac
convertible! It's a collector's item. I've given you the plate number
and the description; why don't you just put it out on the wire?
Officer: (looking down at his notebook as he writes the pertinent
information) Mr. Spencer, do you know when it was taken?
Lucky: (as if to a two year old) Tell you what, you put the info in the
computer and then we'll chat about details. Every minute you waste means
that car is getting further away or worse being chopped for parts! (The
officer shrugs and heads for his car to call dispatch when he stopped by
Nik)
Nik: (Hurriedly) Uh-- one second, Officer, I think I might be able to
clear this up if I could talk to my brother for a second. Lucky, come
here. (Nik pulls Lucky aside) Look-- I don't know what scheme you have
cooked up with Mother but involving the police is going too far and will
draw attention to her.
Lucky: What in the hell are you talking about?
Nik: You don't know? Mother's gone. (Lucky pales)
Lucky: (calling out to the cop who stands by his car patiently) I'm
sorry, Officer My brother here just told me that a family member has
the car. I don't need it tracked down after all. (Holding out a
business card to the Officer) I was being a jerk earlier, and you were
being very professional. Here-- give this to Mike next time you're at
the club and he'll treat you right. (Both men go into the club, going
back to the office and closing the door behind them.)
Nik: Lu said that Mother was gone, and she didn't know where she was. I
figured you must have had something to do with it.
Lucky: (emphatically) No. With all the stuff that is going on, how do
you know she wasn't snatched?
Nik: There were things missing from her room . . . pictures, clothes
and her suitcase.
Lucky: (Sitting abruptly) Which suitcase?
Nik: That old brocade looking thing.
Lucky: (Swiftly dialing the island connects with Lu) Tell me what is
going on, Lu . . . How long has she been gone? ... Why in the hell
didn't you say anything? ... Damn it! Why didn't she come to me? ... I
want you off that island NOW! ... I don't care-- she's not here now; go
to the warehouse... If it is so bad that she left after all this time,
you aren't safe there either... Gees what set her off then? ... (Lucky
falls silent his face getting harder and harder. His free hand forms
into a fist. Very softly, he speaks) I'll talk to you later, babe. I
need to talk to Nikky now. (With that he stands up and sets the receiver
down gently before viciously punching Nik in the face. Before Nik can
pick himself up from the unexpected blow, Lucky strikes again. Taking a
chair, he places it on top of Nik and then sits on the chair pinning him
on the floor.)
Let's have a little chat about yours and Stefan's lapse in long term
memory. How did you really think Mom would react to you kidnaping and
holding Brooke hostage on an Island where Mom had been a prisoner?!
What did you think she'd say about an innocent bystander being used as a
broodmare to the Cassadine Prince?!
Nik:(shaking his head and protesting) It isn't like that.
Lucky: (sarcastically) Really . . . enlighten me. Although-- you know,
it doesn't really matter what you think now does it? It only matters
what Mom, Brooke and Staci think.
Nik: Staci?
Lucky: Guess you left before Lu could tell you that part. Mom took
Staci with her. Gave her a choice of going to Greece like you wanted or
going on the road with her. Staci chose the open road. Hopefully, Lu
will be out of that snake pit before you and I finish our conversation.
Nik: It isn't safe--the terrorists.
Lucky: Please-- safe is a four-letter word. And I guess safety is
relative. Today you became more scary to Mom than the terrorists. Now
she's on the run from both of you. WHAT IN THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING?
OR A BETTER QUESTION WHAT WERE YOU THINKING WITH? ( Rising from the
chair, Lucky picks it up and throws it against the wall shattering the
chair into kindling )
Nik: We have to find them.
Lucky: (dismissively) You've done quite enough for today. I need to
find out what is going on. Why don't you go back to that godforsaken
island. I'm sure you'll be getting a call from the Quartermaines or the
police soon enough . . . Maybe you should get your story straight. You
know man-- convince them that it wasn't REALLY a kidnaping. While
you're at it, maybe you could find out if Mom picked up any unwelcome
tails. (Nik leaves shutting the door behind him. As soon as Nikolas is
gone, Lucky goes out to his Cadillac graveyard where he keeps the hulks
that provide him with spare parts. Walking around, he quickly finds what
he is looking for. Two of his caddy corpses are missing their plates.)
Ah Mom, you haven't lost it. I bet the Caddy was the only car you could
remember how to hotwire and you know I keep it stocked. But you have a
couple sets of plates so you can switch off . . . Lu said you have a
(looking at his watch) six hour head start. You better take good care
of yourselves and my car.

Back at Wyndemere: Lu has returned to Stefan's bedroom where he still
sits on the bed his hand stroking his wife's nightgown. He seems dazed.
Lu: Daddy? Daddy? (She shakes him gently to get his attention)
Stefan: (Looking up as if seeing her for the first time) Yes, Angel?
Lu: (softly but insistently) I need you to stop Nik from going after Mom
and Staci.
Stefan: (bewildered) But she should be here. I need her.
Lu: Daddy, she needs to think, and she needs to know that you aren't
going to hunt her like an animal. Think Daddy; what would Mama think,
if you started tracking her down?
Stefan: (absently stroking the gown) Lasha would hate that.
Lu: And Nik is mad at everyone right now. He needs some space to think
too.
Stefan: Yes, I see. Why are you wearing a coat, Angel?
Lu: I have to go over to the warehouse to meet Lucky. I have to
convince him to not track Mama either.
Stefan: (grabbing her wrist in a painfully tight grip, fear in his
voice.) Are you coming back?
Lu: (soothingly) Yes, I'll be back in an hour-- two at the most. Do
you want to watch for me in the video security room? I am going to take
one of the guards as a driver. He'll take me right to the door, and
then after I talk to Lucky; the driver will bring me right back. (Slowly
he releases her wrist. Curling up on the bed next to him and leaning
against him, Lu speaks again.) Daddy, Mama didn't leave because she
doesn't love you; she loves you like crazy. She's hurt, angry-- afraid
and feeling betrayed. Nothing has happened yet that you can't fix.
(Kissing him quickly, she rises from his side) Now let me go straighten
Lucky out before he does something rash. Daddy, I know you can fix
this. You can fix anything. (She turns and leaves shutting the door
behind her)
Stefan: But Angel, Lasha was right; I should have known. She should
have yelled, screamed, hit me-- even killed me, but how could she
leave?

 

GH2017.92 Uneasy Alliances

The warehouse. Lu arrives with a driver who escorts her to the door of
the building where a security guard sits.
Lu: (quickly) Has Lucky Spencer arrived?
Guard: Yes, Ms Spencer, I let him through as your phone call directed.
Lu: There will be new standing orders for this building. Mr Spencer is
to be allowed access to the building. He will be checking on some
things in my loft since I'm unable to get here as frequently as needed.
Guard: I'll make a note of that for the other staff.
Lu: Thank you. (Swiftly, Lu almost runs to the elevator and the doors
open quickly. Still Lu taps her foot impatiently waiting for the doors
to open on the floor with the living quarters.) I should have taken the
stairs; it would have been faster. Course with my luck, I'd have broken
my neck running up them. (The elevator chimes softly and the door
opens.) It's about flipping time!
(Quickly Lu codes the door and with a gentle pop the door opens.)
Lucky, I'm here!
Lucky: (Bitterly, not making eye contact with Lu as he stares out the
window and smokes his ever present cigar.) Well isn't this special!
Guess what, Babe? Great News! Emily Bowen QUARTERMAINE has agreed to
marry me. It's been what almost-- TWENTY YEARS? that I've been waiting
for this. You know I'm sure that she'd like having her COUSIN Brooke
stand up for her, but she seems to be out of the flipping country right
now!
Lu: (winces before putting on a cheerful face) I'm really happy for you
and Emily, Lucky, you know I've thought of her as a sister for a long
time now. I guess I'll have to start working on a wedding present for
you. Are you going to stay in either of the ancestral abodes, or are
you and Em going to get something new?
Lucky: (turning to look at his sister for the first time) I don't know
how such a pollyanna optimist ever made it into either the Cassadine or
Spencer families... wait I take that back, it seems to follow the female
line-- both Aunt Bobbie and Carly have it.
Lu: I don't know if I'd call what they do pollyanna optimism... it's
more a *weebles wobble but they don't fall down* outlook on life.
Lucky: (with a small smirk as he takes a drag off his cigar) True. Well
the way I see it, I have three chances to get out of this without having
long term strife with my future in-laws: Mike, 'cause he can normally
talk reason with Jason then Bobbie and Carly because they're tight with
the Q's.
Lu: They have to know that you weren't involved in this! Mom leaving
proves it.
Lucky: Mom and Staci hotwired the Cadillac. I just wanted to make sure
you were safe away from the bat cave before I went after them.
Lu: NO!
Lucky: What do you mean-- no?!
Lu: Mom didn't want you to follow her. The last thing she wants is to
get the feud started again. Besides, she said that you were not to
follow her 'cause all that would do is put her and Staci in the
crosshairs.
Lucky: They can't be out there on their own! Nik knows what car they
are driving, for goodness sake. He may not know the license plate
because Mom took two other sets but how hard could it be to find? Two
women are not going to be able to handle the amount of heat that is
going to come down on them.
Lu: Not just two women, Kris Windsor too. Lucky, you aren't the only
one that knows how to A-Z plan okay? I was listening to what you
taught me. Mom has another driver to spell her so their only
limitations on distance from PC is the caddy. I gave Kris TWENTY safe
deposit keys; each box has at least $50,000 dollars in it. Some of them
have keys to storage units that have other cars-- anonymous beaters,
disguises, the works. I also gave Kris the false paperwork that you
made up for him. You and I are the only ones who know what names Kris
and Staci are traveling under.
Lucky:(through gritted teeth) Windsor works for Cassadine!
Lu: (explosively) Damn it! He took a bullet for Staci; he isn't going
to let anything happen to her! I may not be Jason Morgan but I believed
him when he swore to protect Staci from EVERYBODY-- including Stefan and
Nik, Okay Lucky?
Lucky: Damn it, Lulu! Even if Windsor has picked Staci's side; the guy
is recovering from a bullet wound and busted ribs! I don't care what the
little doc did to patch him up. He's going to be hurting-- definitely
not at 100%!
Lu: And the only people that would be able to track them down
immediately are you and NIK. I've already talked to Stefan; he is NOT
going to follow Mom, Okay?! If you can just leave it alone then they'll
have time to get to ground without the bad guys finding or following you
or Nik.
Lucky: So what am I suppose to do?! Sit around and twiddle my thumbs?
It's not my strong suit, Lu.
Lu: Duh-- I think I knew that before I came over here. Mom's taking
herself and Staci off the playing field. They'll be in contact randomly
to the warehouse and also on schedule to the New York Times personals.
Mom said she'd be gone for as long as the terrorists were a threat. If
you want Mom and Staci home then get those bastards behind bars. I've
cleared you to have access to the building. (Lu starts walking back to
the door)
Lucky: Where in the hell do you think you're going?!
Lu: Back to the island.
Lucky: (shaking his head vehemently) NO WAY. Bad idea.
Lu: (insistently) Lucky, I have to be there. I need to know what Stefan
and Nik are doing. I need to know if I'm wrong about Kris Windsor. The
only place I can do that is on the island. Besides, Daddy needs me; you
didn't see him-- the way he reacted to Mom leaving. He isn't going to
do anything to stop or delay her coming back but he's shaky right now...
shakier then I've ever seen him. HE NEEDS ME.
Lucky: Do you think I care a flying flip what Steffin needs?
Lu: (reaching out to touch Lucky's arm) Lucky, Nik did this-- okay? And
yeah, Daddy said exactly the wrong thing when Mom asked him about it but
Mom wants me to look out for them. And I want to... I need to.
Lucky: (giving in abruptly)You're to call me everyday... at a decent
hour. And the day that I'm refused access to the island is the day I
blow it out of the water. Deal?
Lu: (relieved)Deal.
Lucky: How soon are you going to be able to get Brooke back?
Lu: I need to talk to Nik about that one and I need to talk to Daddy I
think he might have the best chance of getting Nik to change his mind.
(Lu walks over to the phone and dialing a single number is connected
with the Cassadine security video room) Daddy?.... Yes, I spoke with
Lucky he's not going to go after Mom for now. Have you been able to
speak with Nikolas yet?... I think that Lucky is going to step up his
efforts to get these terrorists... no more Mr. nice guy. (Lucky
nods)... Yes Daddy, I think that is the quickest way to get Mom
back... that and bringing Brooke home. (She looks down at her watch) I
should be home in less than 20 minutes as long as the launch is waiting
on this side of the river. Yes, I'll see you soon.
Lucky: Already he tightens the leash. Are you the hostage so Mom could
get away?
Lu: Lucky, I love him. I love our father too but Stefan has always
been there for me. This is something that I willingly do to keep ALL
the people I love safe.

A small neighboring Greek island within sight of the island owned by the
Cassadine. A trim figure in clean but stained overalls with a few rips
and tears here and there crawls under the plane. Mark nears, his gait
furious as he strides to the plane.
Mark: (looking around) Serena?! Are you around here?
Serena: (Her voice muffled from beneath the plane but exasperation
clear) Yeah-- what do you want? I'm a little busy here.
Mark: Where are you?
Serena: Where in the hell do you think I am?! (Serena crawls out from
under the plane. There is a smear of grease on her cheek.) MY PLANE
HAS A BULLET HOLE IN IT! I'm ticked! I'm ready to kick some Cassadine
Ass. I just got this thing paid for! My father is going to freak. You
know I had a little time to check my insurance and I don't think this
qualifies as an ACT OF GOD!!
Mark: (his own bad humor dispelled momentarily) You know you are the
prettiest little grease monkey I've ever seen!
Serena: (Her eyes shine with sudden fury) THAT IS IT! YOU ARE WALKING
HOME!
Mark: (continuing to tease) Is that any way to talk to your attorney?
Serena: (through gritted teeth) At least I know you'll keep it
confidential. (taking a deep breath and then exhaling) Okay what did
you find out?
Mark: There is not a boat to be borrowed, rented or bought around
here. As soon as I mentioned where I want to go every person, EVERY
SINGLE PERSON, clammed up. I need to get back to that island.
Serena: And do what? Play commando; I don't think so! You plan on
going into hostile territory solo with one little handgun... and buddy,
it's already loaded with all the bullets I have, to rescue a damsel in
distress from an island you don't know the layout of, from a house you
don't know the layout of, facing lord know's how many guys with really
big guns and lots of really big bullets. Not too bright.
Mark: (with a raised eyebrow) But I thought you wanted to kick some
Cassadine Ass!
Serena: Yippy damn skippy but it won't be here-- it will be back in
Port Charles. The bullet didn't cut any vital systems: hydraulics, fuel
lines all the electronics seem to be uncompromised. I'm out of here.
Mark: You just want to get your story on the air.
Serena.(nodding) OH yeah. I do. That story is going on the air and I
hope that it is picked up by every affiliate and satellite too.
Mark: If speed is of the essence so much why don't you just wire it or
fax it from here?
Serena: You've said it yourself, I'm working at a Cassadine owned
station. NOTHING is going to get *lost*. And when I get fired for
telling the truth, you are going to sue their asses for me and take them
to the cleaners for probably the next 10 years worth of salary and tack
on the reckless endangering for some punitive...
Mark:(smoothly interrupting) Have you been taking something? A little
too much caffeine perhaps?
Serena: THERE IS A HOLE IN MY PLANE!
Mark: (soothing) Yeah, I know. I'll pay to have your plane fixed;
considered it part of our deal as far as bringing me over here. I pay
for fuel and wear and tear.
Serena: (muttering under her breath) Wear and tear, RIGHT!
Mark: I want a copy of those pictures you took-- Brooke on the island,
the guys shooting at us.
Serena: (eyes narrowing suspiciously) Why?
Mark: I think that Jason will want to see them probably Brooke's folks
as well.
Serena: Were you able to get hold of Morgan?
Mark: (frustrated) No. There's some sort of sunspot activity that's
interfering with the satellite communication. You probably couldn't
have faxed your stuff anyway. The Morgans are in Bensonhurst by now and
he must know there's a problem.
Serena: You aren't going to give the pictures to anyone else?
Mark: No, you'll get your exclusive but those pictures you took will be
invaluable for planning the next stage.
Serena: Consider it my little part of the collective effort to kick
some Cassadine... ( she turns away and starts stroking the fuselage of
the plane) My poor baby. Just get me home and then I'll make you all
better.
Mark: You really need to switch to decaf.
Serena: And you are one to talk. Are you ready to go?
Mark: 5 minutes ago.
Serena: (Taking a rag from her pocket and wiping her hands and then the
grease spot from her face) Then let's get fueled up and go. Do you
think you could get me an interview with Jason Morgan? I'd love to see
the look on his face when he realizes what happened.
Mark: NO. And you wouldn't like to see the look on his face. I don't
want to see the look on his face.