Chapter 23: Through The Eyes of An Angel

Lulu awakens the following morning, and rubs her eyes. At first she is
confused, not remembering her surroundings. Then Lulu remembers that
she's at aunt Ruby's apartment. She bounces out of bed and goes in
search of her great aunt.

Lulu leaves Ruby's apartment. She trots into Kelly's kitchen and is
surprised to find it deserted. She calls out. "Aunt Ruby? I'm hungry.
Can you make me some breakfast?" There is no answer. After finding no
sign of anyone in Kelly's, she returns to the apartment. She knocks on
Aunt Ruby's bedroom door.

Lulu:"Aunt Ruby? Can I come in?" There is no answer. Lulu opens the
door hesitantly. She peers around the corner and is relieved to see aunt
Ruby, apparently sleeping. Lulu goes to wake her.

Lulu(trying to shake her great aunt awake):"Aunt Ruby? Wake up! AUNT
RUBY!!" There is no response. Scared and confused, Lulu backs away.
She turns and runs into the living room and picks up the phone. She
calls home. After a minute Lucky answers.

Lucky:"Hello, Spencers."
Lulu(now crying):"Lucky? I'm scared....."
Lucky:"Lulu? What's wrong, sis?"
Lulu: "Aunt Ruby won't wake up.. I think she's sick."
Lucky:"Well, go wake her up."
Lulu(crying harder, her voice becoming shrill):"I tried! Lucky, I'm
scared. I want Mommy and Daddy."
Lucky:"It's okay, I'll be right there. You just stay where you are,
Okay? Don't let anyone in until I get there. You understand?"
Lulu(slightly calmer):"Okay. I'll wait right here."
Lucky hangs up the phone. Nik walks up behind him. "What's going on?
Was that Lesley Lu?"
Lucky(looking worried as he runs to get his coat):"Yeah. Lulu said that
Aunt Ruby won't wake up."
Nikolas:"The limo's outside. We'll go together. Nikolas grabs his coat
as he follows Lucky out to waiting Limo.

Ten minutes later, Lucky is standing over Ruby as Nikolas and Lulu watch
anxiously. As he checks her over he addresses Nikolas.

Lucky(grimly):"Get her out of here, Nikolas. This is no place for Lulu."
Nikolas pulls Lulu out of the room. "Hey, let's go raid Ruby's fridge."
Once they're gone, Lucky picks up the phone at her bedside. He calls
911.
Lucky(voice shaking):"Yeah, I'd like to report a death.."

............................

Stefan is pacing angrily in the living room.
Stefan:"What do you mean she left?! Where the hell did she go?" He
pauses to listen, then yells into the receiver. "That is unacceptable! I
pay you enough so mistakes like this won't happen! If she is harmed
because of your incompetence, I'll have your head!" He pauses again.
"Morgan took her? Fine. I will take it up with him, the plane is about
to land. " He ends the call abruptly. "Damn it, Laura, where did you
go?"

............................

It is chaos at Kelly's Diner. Emergency vehicles are parked outside and
a small crowd of neighbors stand around whispering to each other. Jason
enters Kelly's as they are taking Ruby's body out to the ambulance.
Lucky stands apart from Gina, who is being comforted by Nikolas as she
weeps. They watch as Ruby is wheeled away. Lulu is huddled behind the
counter, listening to the conversation.

Lucky(still numb):"Aunt Bobbie should be here soon. She said she'd take
Lulu back to the Brownstone."
Jason(slightly out of breath):"What happened?"
Gina(crying):"She died in her sleep." Nikolas pulls her close, burying
her face in his shoulder as he strokes her hair.
Jason:"Man, it doesn't stop, does it? Anything I can do?"
Lucky(voice dead):"No."
Nikolas: "We plan to tell Lulu once Bobbie arrives. Lulu's in the
kitchen eating breakfast. What's taking Bobbie so long?"
Lucky:"She was going to make some phone calls first, to make
arrangements."
Nikolas:"Actually, Jason, there is something. My uncle wants you to meet
him at Wyndemere as soon as possible."
Jason(snorting):"I just bet he does."
Lucky:"Actually, he wants you to dispose of something I left there last
night."
Jason:"What?"
Nikolas:"There was an altercation last night."
Jason(putting the pieces together):"You went after him?"
Lucky:"Yeah."
Jason:"Then I better go to Wyndemere next. I'll see if I can fix
things."
Two EMT's enter Kelly's.
EMT1:"Who is the closest relative to the deceased?"
Lucky:"I am."
EMT2:"We'd like you to ask you a few questions before we leave..."

In the hubbub that ensues, Lulu slips out of Kelly's Diner unseen and
heads towards the docks.

.....................

Alexis is sorting through her mail at the Penthouse. She sees a letter
addressed to her from B.B. Jacks. She mutters to the letter. "What? Were
you offended that I didn't thank you for those ridiculous flowers? Stay
out my life for God's sake." She tosses it in the garbage unopened.
Cassidy comes out of the kitchen carrying two steaming plates of food.

Cassidy:"Breakfast is served!"
Alexis(sniffing the air, tempted by the aroma):"You shouldn't have done
that. I told you I wasn't hungry."
Cassidy:"Well you've never been able to resist my cooking before. And I
know you like my omelets. I made your favorite."
Alexis(getting the silverware and napkins):"You're going to make me gain
weight again. It took me a year to lose the weight the last time you
cooked for me."
Cassidy:"Good. You and the baby could use some fattening up. I want my
nephew to be big and fat when he makes his arrival."
Alexis:"You know the baby could be a girl." She takes a bite of the
omelet, closing her eyes as she savors it. "Oh, Cassidy. It's perfect.
This is the first time I have tasted anything I've eaten since Sonny's
death."
Cassidy:"If you're still hungry after you're done with that, I have some
sweet rolls cooking in the oven."
Alexis:"You didn't?"
Cassidy smiles. "I did. "
Alexis(mock groan):"I think I'm going to love having you around. But
you're going to be very bad for me and my wardrobe."
Cassidy laughs. "Me and your baby."
........................

Jason steps onto the launch to Wyndemere. The launch operator greets
him.
Man(with a Greek accent):"Good Morning. You have business with Mr
Cassadine?"

Lulu slips onto the launch, unseen by the men. She hides behind a pile
of boxes.

Jason:"Yeah" He points to the boxes. "Delivering Supplies?"
Man:"Yes. Mondays are delivery days. Food and such."

They cross in silence. Once the launch is anchored on Spoon Island,
Jason disembarks.
Jason:"See ya."
Man:"Good day to you."

As the man unloads the boxes, Lulu sneaks off the launch. Following the
path to the main house, she silently enters through the unlocked front
door. Lulu hears Stefan and Jason talking as she creeps into the living
room. She slips into one of the secret passages and listens to the two
men as they match wits and wills.

Jason:"Laura's whereabouts are none of your concern. She made it clear
she wanted to be left alone."
Stefan(angry):"It is my concern. Lucky almost killed me last night!
Laura is needed here. At the very least, I need to speak with her. Her
son is out of control."
Jason:"The incident is over. I'll talk with Lucky and make him
understand that you had no part in Luke's death. "
Stefan(picks up the lock box):"Please dispose of this. It contains the
gun and bullets. Emily has the key to the box."
Jason takes the box."I'll take care of it. Don't worry about Lucky. He
won't come after you again."
Stefan(somewhat relieved):"Fine. I have no desire to see him in jail.
While I made need your intervention with Lucky, the subject of Laura's
whereabouts is not closed. I cannot protect her if I don't know where
she is. And her children need her."
Jason:"She's not interested in your protection. I'm not telling you, so
you might as well forget it. The kids are fine. Bobbie's taking care
Lulu."
Stefan:"Bobbie? My understanding is Ruby was caring for LesleyLu."
Jason:"Ruby died this morning, in her sleep."
Stefan:"What?! And you don't think this warrants Laura being called?"
Jason:"She'll be called later. By me. Gotta get going, I'll let myself
out."
Stefan glares thunderously at Jason but says nothing. Once Jason is
gone, Stefan mutters to himself. "Fine. I will find her myself."

Lulu opens the secret door tentatively. She sees Stefan pick up his
phone to make a call. He is interrupted by the knock at the door. Lulu
returns to her hiding place.

Stefan opens the front door to find Cassidy.
Stefan smiles in greeting. "Cassandra, come in. You're early. I trust
you came with a resume?"
Cassidy:"Of course. it's not entirely truthful of course." Cassidy
paces back and forth anxiously. She tugs at her trademark French braid.
Stefan:"Yes, I am sure you left a few minor details out. You are a
bundle of nerves. You would think you were actually applying for a job."
Cassidy:"Stop teasing me! You know how important this meeting is."

.........................

When it is discovered that Lulu isn't in the kitchen at Kelly's, Lucky
and Nikolas make a frantic search of the entire building. Gina and
Bobbie search the diner. They all reconvene in the dining area.

Lucky(out of breath):"She's gone."
Nikolas:"Damn it, where could she go, Lucky?"
Lucky(voice rising in his panic):"I don't know! You were supposed to be
watching her! Why the hell didn't you keep a closer eye on her?"
Bobbie intervenes."Lucky, it's no one's fault. We have to focus our
energy on finding her. Gina why don't you stay here while I go back to
the Brownstone. Maybe Lulu walked over there. Lucky, why don't you take
Nikolas with you and see if she went home. Check the park on the way.
Don't worry, we'll find her."

Nikolas, Lucky, and Bobbie begin their search.

....................................

Cassidy's and Stefan's conversation is ended by a knock at the door.
Stefan answers it.

Stefan:"Kevin. Please come in. Cassandra Corbin is already here."
Kevin:"Cassandra Corbin? A relation to Mike Corbin?"
Stefan:"Yes, his daughter." He escorts Kevin into the living room where
Cassidy is standing by the fireplace. They assess each other silently
for a moment while Stefan looks on with curiosity.

Kevin sees a classically dressed, beautiful woman much younger than he
expected. She looks to be in her early 20's, slender with brown hair. He
detects something familiar about her but can't place his finger on it.

Kevin extends his hand."Kevin Collins."
Cassidy shakes his hand. "Cassidy Corbin." She shoots a look at Stefan.
"Everyone calls me Cassidy."
Kevin:"Cassidy, it's a pleasure to meet you."
Everyone has a seat. Stefan arranges it so that Kevin and Cassidy are
sitting on the couch, and he is sitting in a nearby chair, observing.
Stefan:"Cassidy, if you are hired, you will be working closely with Dr
Collins. That is why I asked him to be here for this interview. I find
him to be a excellent judge of character. Since you will be handling
very sensitive material, I want his assessment of you."
Cassidy(smoothly):"Of course. Fire away."
Kevin(looking over his resume):"I have to say, your resume is very
impressive, especially for someone your age."
Cassidy:"I was very fortunate. I attended one of the best boarding
schools in Europe. As you can see I went to Oxford University when I was
16."
Kevin studies her carefully for any hint of deception and finds none.
"An amazing feat indeed. I went there myself. And you finished in four
years with a mathematics degree."
Cassidy:"The mathematics department provided better preparation for
working with computers than the MIS department. As you can see, I did a
fair amount of course work in electrical engineering. I wanted to learn
to make a computer from the circuit boards up rather than jury-rig them
as I had before."
Kevin:"You were working for a company called ITS until a few months ago.
Tell me what you did for them."
Cassidy:"I was a Jack of all trades. I designed the software for their
security system. If I understood Mr Cassadine correctly, that is the
position he is considering me for."
Stefan jumps in. "Yes, that is correct. In recent months we have had
some difficulty with our security. Cassadine Enterprises is planning to
overhaul it's systems."
Cassidy gets a gleam in her eye at the thought of overhauling the
Cassadine security system. Kevin notices it.
Kevin:"The challenge of redesigning the security system seems to excite
you."
Cassidy(now totally unguarded):"Oh, yes! Mr Cassadine gave me a brief
overview of the company and it's holdings, they're quite impressive. I
love a challenge!"
Kevin:"Ah, youthful enthusiasm. I wish I still had it. Stefan, I don't
have any further questions."
Stefan:"Cassandra, I'll walk you to the door."
Kevin shakes her hand warmly. "I hope to see you again soon, Cassidy.
It's been a pleasure."
Cassidy smiles at him warmly. "Thank you, Dr Collins. I'll let myself
out. Nice meeting you again, Mr Cassadine." Cassidy shakes his hand
before leaving.

Stefan(once the front door closes, signaling Cassidy's exit):"What do
you think, Kevin?"
Kevin:"I think this whole meeting was a ruse."
Stefan smiles in amusement. "You guessed?"
Kevin:"Of course. Nothing is ever what it seems with you. But for the
life of me I can't figure this one out. I suppose you're not going to
tell me."
Stefan:"And spoil the surprise? Humor me. Tell me what you think." He
gets up to fix them both drinks.
Kevin:"She's extraordinary. It's spooky though. She reminds me of
someone, but I can't put my finger on whom." He pauses to accept the
drink. "I don't think she'll pose any sort of security risk although she
won't limit herself to her job parameters if she finds something out of
synch. I assume you did a thorough background check?"
Stefan:"Of course."
Kevin: "So will I be working with her?"
Stefan:"Yes. Very closely."
Kevin: "Lucy will have a fit, you know. Cassidy is her worst nightmare.
She's young, smart, beautiful, and she works for you."
Stefan bursts out laughing.
Kevin:"You have no pity, do you know that? Not for me or for Cassidy."
Stefan:"I am certain you will find a way to convince Lucy that you adore
her and only her."
Kevin:"You're right, of course. Well I better be going."
Stefan rises to walk Kevin out. "Give Lucy my regards."
Kevin:"Goodbye Stefan."

Stefan returns to the living room. When he picks up the phone to make a
call, he feels a small tug on his pant legs. He gasps when he looks down
to see Lulu staring up at him.
Stefan: "Lulu! What are you doing here?"
Lulu eyes fill with tears. "Aren't you glad to see me?"
Stefan quickly picks her up at the sight of her tears. She wraps her
small arms around his neck. "Of course I am, angel. You just surprised
me that's all."
He walks over to the couch and sits. As Lulu rests in his lap, he dries
her tears. "Shssh, angel. Everything's going to be alright."
Lulu(crying brokenly):"I want my Mommy."
Stefan:"Don't worry, I'll find your mommy."
.........................