Chapter 34: A Father's Work Is Never Done

Stefan escorts Mike into the Wyndemere living room. "I have to say I am a bit surprised to see you Michael. Until now you've never visited here. I presume this is about Cassandra?"

"Yes, she's part of the reason I'm here." Mike takes a seat on the sofa. "She told me she took a position at Cassadine Inc. She'd kill me if she knew I was discussing this with you, but I am concerned at the risk she's taking."

Stefan takes a seat in one of the chairs. "As I am sure you know, Cassandra can be quite persuasive. She will be quite an asset for me at Cassadine Inc. Nothing compares to having loyal family working for you. I agree it's risky, but I think the reward outweighs the risks."

Mrs Lansbury arrives with coffee, tea, and scones. The men help themselves as Stefan continues. "That wasn't true before Helena became incapacitated. I trust Cassandra to handle the situation at Cassadine Inc. with delicacy. She has grown up into a remarkably wise young woman. I would hate to have her as an adversary. You must be quite proud of her, Michael. "

"Believe me, I am. I still have trouble remembering she's no longer the little girl who looked up to me to solve all the problems of the world." Mike puts his cup of coffee down as he broaches a new topic. "We haven't discussed my role now that Luke is dead."

"How is Lucky doing these days. Has he accepted the fact that I didn't kill his father?" Stefan takes a sip of his tea.

"He seems to have accepted it. Lucky won't say, but I believe he's embarrassed about attacking you." Mike wipes his hands before continuing. "I hate spying on the Spencers. Especially Lucky."

Stefan studies Mike carefully. "You want out."

"I see little reason to continue; Luke is dead." Mike looks at Stefan beseechingly. "I will never be able to repay you for protecting Cassidy and I, but..."

Stefan interrupts, smiling. "There is no debt, Michael. We are family because we share Cassandra. I only ask you to do what you've been doing all along. Be a friend to Lucky and the rest of his family."

"Thank you." The look of relief is clearly written on Mike's face. "Fulfilling that request will be my pleasure."


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The weather is beautiful on Kronos when Jerry arrives by private plane on Sunday afternoon. He takes no notice of the breathtaking view as he makes his way to Miranda's new home with Thaao. Jerry pauses in his car so he can gather his thoughts for the confrontation that lies ahead. His face takes on determined edge as he purposefully exits the car and strides to the front door.

The door opens in response to his knock to reveal Miranda, looking radiant and suntanned. The look of welcome quickly changes to apprehension when she sees Jerry. "Jerry, what are you doing here?"

"I think you know why I'm here, Miranda." A mild threat can be detected in his tone as he walks into the foyer without invitation. "Jax told me where to find you. I have to say I'm weary of this hide and seek game you play."

"Then don't come looking for me!" Miranda retorts defensively.

"You know I didn't come here for you. I came for my son! Where is Billy?" Jerry starts to leave the foyer in search of him, but Miranda quickly moves to block him.

"No, Jerry. You can't go barging into our lives and destroying what little happiness Billy has." Miranda drags him back into the foyer. "If you are truly concerned for your son, then you will listen to what I have to say before rushing in and declaring yourself his father."

Jerry looks at Miranda with disgust. "You expect me to believe a word you say after all the secrets, lying, and running you've done? I have half a mind to sue for custody!"

Miranda gulps nervously at his threat, quickly changing tactics. "Okay. I deserved that. Please, if you love Billy, let me explain a few things. Then you can see him and make your own choice as to what's best for him."

"Fine. I'll listen, for Billy's sake. " Jerry puts a lid on his temper.

Miranda smiles weakly. "I'll be right back. I need to tell Thaao what's going on so he doesn't wonder where I am. Stay right here." Miranda leaves Jerry alone in the foyer for a few minutes.

Jerry notices Miranda has changed into walking shoes when she returns from her errand. "Don't want Billy to overhear the truth, luv?" He snipes sarcastically.

"I don't want us to be interrupted. Besides, I think better when I'm walking." Miranda escorts him on a walk around the grounds. "I still can't believe Jax gave this to Thaao and me as a wedding present. I'm even more surprised Brenda agreed."

"And I'm stunned you married Thaao. You made it clear on numerous occasions that you had no use for him, that he was beneath you." Jerry studies Miranda, hoping that he still had the ability to see through her deceptions.

Miranda guides Jerry on the path that leads to the beach. "I guess it was a number of things. Thaao grew up and Billy adores him. We've been married six months, happily."

Jerry sees no hint of deception from her as he digests the information. "So explain to me why my presence in Billy's life would be destructive? I'd think having another parent loving him would be a bonus."

"He's only five years old. Except for the brief time we were married when he was three, he hasn't known you as his father. Miranda pauses before she drops the bomb. "He calls Thaao Daddy now."

Jerry explodes. "What?! You deprive me of my son repeatedly over the last five years and now your new husband is his daddy?! How could you be so cruel, Miranda? You really are a bitch!"

"I didn't do this to hurt you, Jer." Miranda fights back tears.

"You could have fooled me! First you hide your pregnancy from me. Then, years later when I find you with Billy, I forgive you and offer you marriage and protection. After a few months when it's clear our marriage is a disaster, you ask for a divorce and some space to 'heal'. You take advantage of my generosity again and go into hiding. Next thing I know you're married to Thaao and Billy's calling him Daddy! Do you really hate me, Miranda? You must think I'm a monster." Jerry grabs a tearful Miranda by the shoulders and shakes her angrily.

"It isn't about you, Jerry! It's about Billy. I've made a lot of mistakes. I admit that. I shouldn't have hid him from you in the first place." Miranda sobs pitifully as Jerry thrusts her away from him. She lands on the sand.

"Or the second time! I will never forgive you for this. You have robbed me of my son and Billy of his true father. You know what? Thaao is just your style. Both of you lie to get what you want. I hope you'll be happy together. But I'll be damned if I let Billy grow up with liars as parents." Jerry stalks off down the beach.

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Stefan and Emma are seated at a secluded table at the PC Grill. As Emma begins to look over the menu, Stefan leans across the table to take her hand. Once he has her attention, he makes his plea. "Let me do the ordering, Emma. The cook is prepared to make us an exquisite meal. Something that isn't on the menu. Something I'm sure you'll love."

Emma smiles back, finding him irresistible. "Already asking me to trust you. Okay. I find it impossible to say no to you anyway."

"Excellent." Stefan continues to hold her hand as he signals for the waiter. He whispers a brief command and the waiter nods, leaving to do Stefan's bidding.

Emma nervously waits for him to release her hand, but he doesn't. "A girl could get used to this kind of treatment, Stefan. You'll spoil me for anyone else."

"Is that a bad thing?" Stefan's thumb rubs the back of her fingers absently, sending shivers down her spine. " A beautiful lady deserves to be spoiled. American men could learn a lot from the Europeans on how to treat their ladies."

The spell is broken temporarily when the waiter brings the wine. As the wine is poured, Stefan asks Emma a question. "So tell me what makes Emma Goldstein tick? What gives her the passion to pursue medicine with a specialty in obstetrics?"

Emma relaxes at the familiar question. "My father was a doctor. He was an amazing man and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. As for obstetrics, that's easy. I find being part of a new life being born an incredible experience. I suppose I should be more eloquent, but it's indescribable."

Stefan smiles at her reassuringly. "Then you were meant to be a Obstetrician. You don't have any children of your own, do you?"

"No. I hope to some day, though." Emma looks at Stefan curiously.
And you? Do you have any children? Besides your nephew Nikolas?"

"Just Nikolas. Raising him has been the joy of my life." Their conversation is interrupted by the arrival of steaming plates of food.

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Miranda sits on a driftwood log, watching Jerry walk toward her. She can tell by the way he's carrying his body that he's much calmer. Perhaps there was still hope of a peaceful resolution.

Jerry comes to a stop in front of her. "Is there anything ELSE you've kept from me?"

Miranda shakes her head. "No. Before you decide anything, will you spend some time watching Billy with Thaao and I? You must know the harm a custody battle would do."

"It can't compare to the damage you've done to the boy already, darlin'." Jerry retorts bitterly. "Lead on. I'm not leaving before I see Billy."

Miranda begins to beg as she escorts Jerry back to the main house. "You won't upset him by telling him you're his father, will you? Please, Jer. Don't hurt him because you're mad at me."

Jerry snaps at her. "I owe you nothing. I will do as I see fit."

Up ahead Jerry spies Thaao and a young boy trotting out to meet them. The boy's hair is almost blonde, having been bleached by the sun. He speeds up as he closes in on his mother. "Mommy, Mommy! Daddy said we had a visitor." Jerry is overcome with emotion as he gazes at his five year old son for the first time in almost two years.

Miranda crouches to give her son a hug. "Yes, Billy, this is Jerry Jacks. He's a friend. Can you go say hi?"

Billy walks up to Jerry, who mimics Miranda's crouch. Billy extends his hand politely for a shake. "Hi, I'm Billy."

Jerry shakes his hand solemnly. "Nice to meet ya, mate. I'm Jerry."

"Do you know my dad?" Billy proudly points to Thaao.

Jerry nods, swallowing the lump of despair. "Sure do. Hello Thaao."

"Hey, Jer." Thaao advances warily, catching the look of warning on Miranda's face. "My condolences on your dad. He was the best." They shake hands.

Billy interrupts before Jerry has a chance to respond. "Daddy, can we go beach combing?"

"Maybe later, Billy. Right now I'm sure Jerry and your mommy would like refreshments."

The foursome follow the path back to the house.

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