Chapters 79 & 80
Chapter 79: Drawing The Line
Monica and Alan greet Emily at the door when she comes home. Alan is livid. "I can't believe you directly disobeyed us! What has happened to you that you so quickly disregard the ground rules we set?"
Monica crosses her arms disapprovingly. "This is not how you convince us to trust you, Emily."
Emily rolls her eyes impatiently as she tosses her purse onto a nearby chair. "Not that it's any business of yours, but I went to an NA meeting. Afterwards I went to Kelly's with a friend. It turned out that Carly was shorthanded at the diner so I helped her out. I am allowed to go to meetings, aren't I?"
Monica quickly backpedals. "Of course you are, honey. But you could have told us that before you left rather than leaving us to wonder where you were."
"I would have, but you two were arguing so loudly I just had to get out of here," Emily replies with exaggerated patience. "You know how the arguing gets to me, especially when it's about me. If I have to get permission every time I want to go to a meeting, you might as well send me to treatment right now."
Alan and Monica exchange guilty looks. Alan steps forward and put his hands gently on Emily's shoulders. "We're sorry you had to hear us fight. We've been trying to do better, but we got caught up in the moment. We know how the meetings help, of course you don't need our permission to go."
"We just worry about you, sweetheart. You scared us half to death when you were out all night last night," Monica adds. "How about we go sit in the living room and talk this all out?"
"Are you going to change your mind about me seeing Lucky?" Emily asks.
Monica and Alan look at each other again, then Monica answers. "No, honey. For the time being you can't see Lucky."
Emily retrieves her purse from the chair. "Then we have nothing to talk about." With her back straight with dignity, she quietly walks up the stairs to her room leaving Monica and Alan to gape after her.
Cassidy opens the door to Alexis' penthouse to find Kevin. "Hi, come on in."
"I called over to the Jerry's penthouse to find you. He seemed pretty annoyed to hear from me and had no idea where you were. I became worried so I came looking for you." Kevin takes a seat. "Are you okay?"
Cassidy shakes her head sadly. "I will be eventually." She offers him something to drink which he declines. "I guess I need to explain why I didn't tell you about the Cassadines."
"No, you don't. Whatever explanations I need I'll get from Stefan." He studies her carefully before continuing. "You're being upset is about Jerry, I presume?"
"I told him about being related to the Cassadine and he's very angry." She forcefully gulps back the tears. "I don't think he'll ever forgive me."
"You really loved him," Kevin says, sounding more like a statement than a question. "Anything I can do to help?"
"No, I don't think so. Not unless you know of a way to help Jerry get over feeling betrayed by me." Cassidy slumps into the couch in defeat. "I think I've lost him for good."
"Hmmm, that's a tall order," Kevin replies thoughtfully. "Can you tell me about it?"
"I probably shouldn't, but since my secret career is all but over, I might as well." Cassidy bites her lip nervously, still unsure about telling.
"I won't tell a living soul," He promises.
"I've been working for the WSB and my job has been to observe the Cassadines." Cassidy looks at the floor, the shame to great for her to face Kevin's eyes.
Kevin opens his mouth in shock then anger."I see... Stefan arranged this, I presume?"
"Don't be angry with Stefan. He couldn't have made me do anything I wasn't willing to do."
"He took advantage of your sense of obligation," Kevin says harshly. "Damn him."
"He needed information on Victor and Helena's plans and the best way to do it was through a inside source at the WSB," Cassidy tries to explain. "I don't blame him and neither should you."
"He's the reason you could lose Jerry. Why shouldn't you blame him?"
"I wouldn't have ever met Jerry if it weren't for Stefan." Cassidy's eyes fill with tears. "Even with the possibility of losing Jerry, it's better than never knowing him at all." Filled with misery and longing, she lies her head sadly on the back ledge of the couch.
"I know that look," Kevin says after a moment. "I got that look the moment I realized I didn't want to live without Lucy. God help you."
"I know..." Cassidy's face crumples into tears as she lets loose all the sadness and fear she feels. She cries in earnest, deep gut wrenching sobs. Kevin joins her on the couch and wraps his arms around her.
"Oh sweetheart, I'm sorry... so sorry." Kevin murmurs comfortingly over and over.
Laura comes downstairs after putting Lulu to bed. She sighs in exhaustion as she sits down next to Lucky onto the couch. "This is a rare treat, having you here to chat with after Lulu goes to bed."
Lucky looks a little sheepish. "I've been gone a lot, haven't I? Sorry."
Laura smiles gently. "Don't be. You're 18, it's a requirement of the age. So what's this big talk you wanted to have with me?"
"I found out a couple days ago that Mike isn't the friend we thought he was," Lucky says. "He's been working for Stefan Cassadine all this time. Turns out his daughter Cassidy is related to the Cassadines."
Before he can go further, Laura stops him. "I know all about Mike and the Cassadines. I was at Wyndemere last night helping with the cleanup when Kevin stopped by to talk to Stefan. Once Stefan realized the secret was out, he told us everything."
Lucky looks at her in surprise. "Don't tell me you believed Cassadine and Mike did this for noble purposes? 'Cause that'd be a load of crap! Mike's a Cassadine spy, plain and simple."
"Their reasons weren't entirely noble," Laura says quietly. "But it's more complicated than you think. Mike had good reasons to do what he did. And there's no doubt in my mind that he loved Luke and loves you. I think you should at least let him explain..."
Lucky cuts her off angrily. "There's nothing to explain! No explanation excuses the fact that he betrayed Dad to his worst enemy."
Laura disagrees. "Mike's been there for all of us countless times in the last few years. His dedication to his family is something I can understand. I saw how hard he worked to forge some sort of relationship with Sonny. And how can I hate him for what he did when he did it to protect his daughter, Cassidy? Your dad would have done the same for you and Lulu, as would I."
"Fine, respect Mike all you want. But I've had enough of Cassadines spies. He's not welcome at the club anymore. And I don't want you or Lulu having anything to do with him. He has no business being in this house from now on."
"Lucky?!" Laura exclaims incredulously. "You can't order us around."
"Dad expected me to take care of you if he couldn't be around," Lucky replies with a firmly set jaw. "And that's just what I plan to do."
Laura eyes flash angrily as she rises from the couch. "You'll have to excuse me if I don't bow to your wisdom. I'm not your wife and I don't obey anyone, least of all my teenage son. Now I'm going to bed, I'm completely exhausted. Good night." Without further words, she climbs the stairs to her room.
Across town at his penthouse suite, a bitter Jerry packs a suitcase, shoving things into it with more force than care. The phone rings, interrupting his progress. He answers it with harsh growl. "What do you want?!" His tones become milder when he hears the person on the other end. "Yes, just send the bill to my Alaskan address. I'll be checking out first thing in the morning. No... I don't think I'll be needing the room anytime soon. Bye."
Once he hangs up, he tosses the cordless phone carelessly onto the couch cushion and crosses the room to pour himself a drink. He downs it in one swallow and pours himself another, this time making a toast. "To my love and my betrayer, Cassidy Corbin. May you get what you deserve, luv." He downs it quickly and pours another.
Pictures of Cassidy flash through his mind.. the first time they made love on the pool table, her hair fanned out around her face like an angel; her sweet understanding when he told her about Billy; and the countless times they made love over the last few months. How could he reconcile that angel with the strange woman of this morning? The stranger who told him she was a Cassadine? He throws the glass against the wall. "Damn you, Cassidy!"
Chapter 80: Variety Is The Spice Of Life
It's a busy Monday morning at Kelly's. Emily is waiting tables when Jason arrives with Benny for his meeting with Carly. She smiles in greeting. "Hi Jason! This a nice surprise! Go ahead and seat yourselves. Do you both want coffee?"
Jason looks mildly surprised to see Emily waiting tables, but doesn't comment. "Sure. Two coffees, black. If Carly's in back, let her know we're here." Jason and Benny take a table in the far corner, positioned away from the windows but with a view of all exits.
"Sure thing! Be right back with your coffee." Emily strides confidently into the kitchen.
Carly emerges a few moments later."Hi Jase!" She walks over to the table and extends her hand to Benny. "You must be Benny. Jason only told me a little bit about you."
Benny nods solemnly as he takes her hand. She wasn't what he expected. Younger and prettier... and he could tell she was a scrapper. "Always a pleasure to meet a friend of Morgan's... Carly Roberts, isn't it?"
Carly gives him a wide smile as she withdraws her hand. "Yep, that's me." She gives Jason a puzzled look. How is this unassuming guy going to protect her and AR?
Jason leans over the table to speak quietly. "Benny may look like a lightweight, but he'll protect you when it counts... trust me okay?"
"You know I trust you, Jason." Carly replies.
Emily interrupts their conversation by bringing coffee cups and pouring them each a cup. "Would any of you like something from the menu?"
"Yes, please eat!" Carly adds. "Breakfast is on the house. Emily, this is Benny. He'll be living across the hall from you after you move in."
Jason gives Emily and Carly a questioning look. Emily flushes pink and Carly covers her mouth in embarrassment. "Oh Emily! I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to give away a secret."
"It's okay." Emily says, stammering slightly. "I was planning on telling Jason anyway."
Jason stares pointedly at Benny and Carly. "I'd like some time alone with my sister." Carly and Benny leave the table and Emily sits down. "So what's this about you moving out of the mansion?"
Emily shrugs slightly. "You know how it is there. They want to control everything I do. If I stay much longer, I'll lose myself completely and become either a drone or a druggie. So I'm moving out."
"That's why you're working as a waitress. Do Monica and Alan know?" Jason asks. Emily shakes her head. "This is a good place for you to live. The rent is reasonable and you'll be safe. If you have any trouble call me or talk to Benny. How much money do you have set aside?"
"I have a couple thousand in an account Monica and Alan opened for me."
"Move it to another bank." Jason says matter of factly. "Otherwise they'll try to take it or freeze the account. They tried that on me when I cut loose. Have the lease put in my name as well as yours, that way Carly can still rent to you. With you being underage, Carly could get in trouble."
Emily's eyes get big as she processes the information. "Thanks for helping me. I guess if anyone understands, it'd be you or AJ."
At the counter, Benny and Carly converse. "Would you like to take a look at your room now?" Carly asks.
Benny nods and then follows her up the stairs. "That'd be good idea since it will need some adapting. I have an extensive computer system that has special power needs."
Carly leads him down the short hallway. "Jason mentioned that to me...here we are." She unlocks the door to reveal a small but completely furnished room. "It's not much but it covers the basics."
Unlike most prospective tenants, Benny disregards the furnishings and goes straight to inspecting the outlets, noting the number and their condition. "Two more outlets. I also want to see your electrical box... I'll probably be able to put the outlets in myself." He gives the room a quick glance. "The room will do. Take out everything but the bed and the mini-fridge. I'll move in Wednesday."
He leaves without another word, leaving Carly to close up and look after him oddly. "What a strange guy..."
It's noon hour at the Outback. Laura, Lesley and Lulu sit at a table munching hamburgers. Lulu entertains her captive audience. "When I get married, I want to look like a fairy princess just like Gina did." She slurps her shake loudly, rhythmically kicking her legs back and forth under her chair.
Lesley laughs. "Well honey, you have a long time to go before you get married. But I don't doubt you'll have the perfect wedding."
Unnoticed by the threesome, Alexis and Stefan enter the Outback. Stefan notices Laura immediately and becomes temporarily dazed at the sight of her smiling down at her daughter. Unprepared for the strong emotional reaction, his heart beats faster and he gulps for air. He forces himself to look at the floor to compose himself. What is wrong with him? He hadn't felt this out of control since that fateful day she kissed him and died.
Fortunately for Stefan, Alexis is too busy hailing a busboy to notice his attack of nerves. By the time she looks his way his composed facade is firmly in place. The busboy leads them to their table.
Meanwhile at Laura's table, Lulu spots Stefan walking across the room. Lulu bounces excitedly. "Mama, Stefan's here! Can I go say hi to him?"
Laura, who's been sipping her ice tea, chokes on it when she catches sight of Stefan. Lesley pats her on the back in concern. "You alright, dear?"
After several gasping coughs, Laura nods. "Yeah... I'll be okay in a sec."
"Please Mommy? Can I go see Stefan?" Lulu demands again, getting off her chair.
Laura nods, not trusting her voice. Lesley notices Laura has also gone pale, for no apparent reason. "You sure you're okay, honey?" Lesley asks again.
"Yes, I'm fine. I just lost my breath for a second." Laura smiles weakly.
Meanwhile across the restaurant, Lulu gives Stefan a warm hug. "I still have my headdress from the wedding. I wanted to wear it to the restaurant but Mommy said no, it would get ruined."
"That's very wise of your mother, Angel. I'm glad you came over to say hi." Stefan lifts Lulu into his lap while Alexis fights a grin. She is struck by how adorable Stefan looks with this little girl.
"Why don't you come over to our table and we could have lunch together?" Lulu asks.
"I don't think that would be a very good idea," Stefan says. "It appears to me that you are almost done with lunch anyway. How about we go over to say hello?"
"Okay!" Lulu jumps off his lap and starts pulling him to her table.
Alexis stifles a giggle. "I'll stay here. Give them my regards."
When Laura sees them approaching, she tries to steel herself. It's too soon to be confronted with Stefan. Much too soon. She needs to find a quick exit.
"Good afternoon, ladies," Stefan says pleasantly, having to work to keep from staring at Laura.
"Hello, Stefan," Lesley says with a smile. "It's nice to see you again, as always."
Laura cuts in as she gets up from her chair in a hurry to leave. "Please excuse me... I'm not feeling well."
Lesley and Stefan watch Laura's quickly retreating back. Stefan turns to Lesley. "I hope she is alright."
"I'm sure she is, Stefan," Lesley assures him, having the look of a woman who's just figured something out. "It's nothing for you to be worried about."
"Well, I won't interrupt your lunch further," Stefan says, bowing slightly. "Goodbye, Lulu." He kisses the top of Lulu's head and returns to his table.
It's afternoon at the WSB branch in New York. Jerry paces back and forth in a posh office while his immediate superior takes a phone call. Just when he was ready to spill everything about Cassidy, his boss got an urgent call. He is fast losing his nerve, even to the point of sweating. And he NEVER sweats.
He listens to the phone conversation with half an ear, but it perks up when he hears the word international terrorism. A new case? Just what he needed. Dangerous? Even better. Anything to put distance between Cassidy and himself
The phone call ends and his boss turns to him. "Okay Jerry, why don't you start from the beginning. What seems to be the problem?"
Jerry takes a seat in one of the soft leather chairs, his demeanor completely different from a few moments ago. He's calm and purposeful, not a bead of sweat. "I'm bored with trailing the Cassadines. They're old news and not very interesting. I want a new assignment, something with a bit more spice."
His boss smiles, clearly pleased to hear it. "Great! I've been telling you for months that your talents are wasted on the likes of the Cassadines. A case just came up that's perfectly suited to your talents. The call I just took was about a new terrorist group running arms through Tehran. It would be a solo mission.. not usually your style. And I'll warn you, Tehran is a hotbed. You'll be at substantial risk with no back up."
Jerry's smile broadens. "Perfect, I'm not interested in having a partner. So what are my orders?"
"I'll give you a full briefing tomorrow right before you board a plane to Tehran. At this point, you'll be just observing. Take pictures and get out. Can you handle that?"
Jerry grins. "You know I can, mate."
