Chapter 33: From The Horse's Mouth

Stefan is on the phone in his living room. "Yes, this is Stefan, please connect me to Cassidy Corbin." A few moments later she picks up

Cassidy smiles into the phone. "Hi! I got your present." She fingers the autographed hardback book in front of her. "Thank you."

Stefan: "I thought you would like it. It's quite fascinating. One of the best books we've published in the last few years. It gave me a little insight into Helena."

Cassidy: "I look forward to reading it. I think I should warn you that things are moving faster than anticipated."

Stefan(concerned): "Did you tell him?"

Cassidy: "Not directly. He asked a lot questions about my mother and I answered them. It's hard to read him."

Stefan smiles knowingly. "He's very intuitive; if he hasn't figured it out already, he will soon. You will have to stay on your toes. Keep me informed of any developments. On another note, I understand you're acting as Alexis' cook. I appreciate you looking after her."

Cassidy(matter of factly): "I love to cook, so it's no hardship. And she's an enthusiastic audience for my culinary experiments. Nothing like having my masterpieces devoured!"

Stefan: "Alexis has raved about your cooking over the years. Is there any chance I could be your audience some night?"

Cassidy: "You bet! I can't believe you've gotten away this long without me cooking for you. I'll speak to Alexis and set something up. Oops, they're beeping me..."

Stefan: "Good luck, Cassandra, and tread lightly."

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Jax and Brenda arrive at the cemetery where John is to be buried. Jax notices Jerry and Jane. "Brenda, why don't you go on ahead and join Jerry and Mum? I have a quick phone call to make."

Brenda gives her husband a lingering kiss before departing. "Okay, but you promise not to be too long?"

"It'll only be a moment." Jax waits until she's out of the car before pulling out his cell phone. He quickly dials the number. The person on the other end answers after the first ring.

"Hi, it's me....I know you've been waiting but a family emergency came up and I couldn't get away until now. So did you consider my proposal?" Jax watches as Brenda reaches Jane and Jerry. "Good. You'll have to move back to Port Charles; it's the only way to get inside ..... I have to go. Call me when you get there." Jax ends the conversation to go join his family for the funeral service.

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Stefan knocks on Emma Goldstein's office door at General Hospital, entering only when he hears her hail.

Stefan: "Am I interrupting?"

Emma smiles in greeting as she removes her reading glasses. "Hello, Mr Cassadine. Come on in. "

Stefan: "I hope you will still call me Stefan. I'd hate to think I offended you so much the other day that we have to go back to civil strangers."

Emma gets up from behind her desk and walks around to the front of it. "No, it just slipped my mind. It's hard to get used to calling you by your first name. Is there something I can do for you?" She studies with curiosity. No doubt, he was smooth; very smooth.

Stefan looks back at her tentatively as he tries to discern the best approach. "I am hoping you will forgive me for my behavior the other day. I have a tendency to become heavy handed when the welfare of a loved one is in question. It is a habit I am trying to break, but I have not been too successful I'm afraid."

Emma(relaxing slightly): "There's nothing to forgive. It's obvious that you were concerned about your cousin. I only wish all my patients had family members who cared that much."

Stefan: "Would you allow me the opportunity to make it up to you?"

Emma: "Honestly, Stefan, there is nothing to make up for."

Stefan: "Nevertheless, I would like to take you to dinner." He walks toward her until he is standing next to her, staring into her eyes like she is the most important person in the world, his voice gentle and cajoling. "Please say you'll let me, Emma."

Emma wouldn't have been able to refuse if she tried. "Yes, I'd like that."

Stefan smiles with genuine pleasure. "Excellent. What are your plans Sunday night? You aren't oncall I hope?"

Emma feels like a school girl, flushed by the attention he's paying her. "No I'm not, and I don't have plans."

Stefan: I'll make reservations at the Port Charles Grill and pick you up at seven."

Emma gives him a card with her address and phone number. "I'll see you then. Thanks for stopping by, Stefan. I'm looking forward to getting to know you better."

Stefan allows his hand to linger on hers as he takes the card from her. "And I you. Until then, Emma."

Emma watches Stefan leave, still entranced by him. After he's gone, she gives herself a little shake. Get ahold yourself, girl. It's just a date.


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Nikolas is in the living room studying for one of his courses when Stefan arrives home.

Stefan: "This is a surprise. I would have expected you to have a date with Gina tonight."

Nikolas(absently): "She has to work. Friday nights are big at Luke's Place. I'm going over there later during her break."

Stefan: "Is there any chance you'll join me for a late dinner?"

Nikolas: "I ate earlier, but I'll eat something if you want the company. You seem to be in an unusually cheerful mood. What happened?"

Stefan(amused): "Can't I just be in a good mood?"

Nikolas(intrigued): "No. You're evading my question."

Stefan: "Something did happen. I have a date Sunday with Dr Emma Goldstein. Have you met her? She's quite pretty."

Nikolas: "Yes I have, and she's not your type. So what's the deal?"

Stefan forces down a smile. "My, my, aren't we suspicious today. Am I relegated to just one type?"

Nikolas: "You don't date without an ulterior motive. I hope you haven't proposed to her."

Stefan bursts out laughing. "Lord no! It's just a dinner. But you are correct, I do have another reason. Two actually."

Nikolas: "And they are?"

Stefan: "She is Alexis' doctor. Since Alexis has seen fit to keep me in the dark about her condition, I had to improvise. "

Nikolas: "And the second?"

Stefan: "In a word, your mother."

Nikolas: "My mother? I don't get it."

"She's feeling smothered and I want to give her some space. Being involved with Emma can provide some needed distance." Stefan takes sip of his brandy, allowing the amber liquid to glide over his tongue leisurely. He considers Emma's role in his life. "I'm certain that Emma and I will get along quite well. "

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After the funeral and reception, Jerry, Jax, Brenda, and Jane are sitting in the living room of the Alaskan Jacks homestead. Jerry has just poured drinks for everyone before sitting down on the couch with his mother. Brenda and Jax are sitting across from each other in overstuffed wing-back chairs.

Jane speaks first. "The reception was very well attended. Brenda, you did an incredible job making all the arrangements for it. Everyone felt very comfortable."

Brenda smiles one of her sad smiles. "Thanks Jane. I was glad to do it; for you and for John. You've both been like parents to me." Brenda gets up and fixes herself another drink before settling into her husband's lap.

Jerry rubs his exhausted mother's shoulders. "Mum, would you like me to stay on for a few weeks? I can easily arrange my schedule. There is nothing pressing on my plate at the moment."

Jax pipes up. "Why don't you come stay with us in Malibu, Mum. It's beautiful this time of year. That way you could spend more time with little Sonia."

"Such wonderful lads. Jerry, that's a sweet offer but I know you, you are not the type to lay back and do nothing." Jane smiles lovingly at both of her sons. "I've already decided to go visit my friend Gladys in the south of France. I spoke to her last night, she and I would have the villa to ourselves. (to Jax) I'd love to visit Malibu on my way back. I can't get enough of my darling granddaughter."

"Speaking of Sonia, I should go check on her." Brenda kisses Jax before climbing off his lap and leaving the room. Jerry notices a slight unsteadiness in Brenda's gait.

Jane: "Jax, did you speak with Miranda?"

"Yes, I did. She sends her condolences." Jax gives Jerry a pointed look.

Jerry's eye cocks in mild surprise. "Where did you find her, mate? I've been looking all over for her."

"Well she's not real interested in seeing you, she's remarried. To my buddy, Thaao." Jax watches Jerry's anger rise with mild amusement.

Jerry:"Thaao? as is Thaao Onassis? The man she dubbed the most irresponsible man on the earth? What possessed her? She's subjecting William to that scoundrel?"

Jax smiles at his brother's irritation. "I saw them. They're living on Kronos now; I made it our wedding present to them. They appear quite happy to me. Billy is quite taken with Thaao actually."

Jerry fights to keep his anger in check. "I could throttle Miranda! She made it all but impossible for me to be a father to Billy. It's my fault for not pushing harder to see Billy. I thought if she had some time..."

Jane tries to soothe him. "Jerry, you did what you thought was best at the time. She's hurt both of you lads. I'm glad you're both free of her. I just wish it didn't come at the price of my grandson."

Brenda staggers in, speaking deliberately in an attempt to keep the slur out of her words. "What's going on? Are you guys arguing?" She holds onto the furniture to keep herself from falling as she makes her way to her husband.

"No, luv." Jerry quickly extends his arm to steady her when she stumbles. " Careful there... don't want you to fall."

Brenda smiles sheepishly. "Thanks." Finally she arrives safely in Jax's lap.

Jane looks at Brenda with a look of worry but says nothing. Instead she gets up to excuse herself. "I'm worn out. Good night, luvs." She kisses Jerry and Jax on the cheek and gives Brenda's hand a squeeze before leaving the room.

Jax : "Jerry, I need you to do a job for J & J. We're having a labor dispute..."

Jerry interrupts before Jax can go any further. "Sorry mate, I'm not doing that kind of work any more."

Jax: "You haven't even heard what the job is."

Jerry shrugs. "I don't need to hear the specifics, I can guess what you want me to do."

Brenda interrupts hotly, her words now noticeably slurred. "How can you turn your back on your family's company right after your father died?! How can you turn your back on your brother? Don't you have any family loyalty?"

Jerry looks at her condescendingly. "Darlin', you don't know what you're talking about. I've spilled my blood for the family business. I've done my time."

Jax:"Come on, Jer. This job needs your--- finesse. "

Jerry sighs heavily. "The answer is no, Jax. I'm sorry, you'll have to find someone else. I'll even recommend someone if you like."

Jax shakes his head in disbelief at the idea that his brother is abandoning him. "So that's it? Not only do I lose Dad, I lose you too?"

"I'm not saying I won't help. I'll continue to forward information to you. But I've got enough dirt under my fingernails from this company to last a lifetime."