Breaking Away Chapters 13 - 14   Chapter 13   "So. . . . which one of you wants to explain this whole thing?" Lucy asked adjusting a pillow behind Renee's head. Luke driven them home, at Lucy's request, and now she wanted answers. "I will." Luke propped his feet up on the coffee table. "Nope. I will." Renee propped her feet up too. "She's my cousin." "Fine. Age before beauty." Luke responded. Every sense of gratitude had faded as soon as the woman opened her mouth. "Not true." Renee smiled sweetly. "I believe the proper phrase is "pearls before swine." She looked to Lucy. "I was on the docks. When this man," She waved a hand at Luke, "and two men that are known criminals, Mr. Morgan and Mr. Corinthos had a very secretive meeting with a crimeboss named Moreno. I decided that with all the unsavory element skulking about that I was safer to remain where I was until they either killed one another, or left." She looked at her cousin and beamed innocently. "So there I was, minding my own business when this strange man in leather grabbed me." Not liking the woman's version of things Luke interjected. "As opposed to familiar men in leather who grab you?" "Luke! You'll get your turn." Lucy reprimanded. She was listening to Renee, and had to be on her toes. She knew her cousin well enough to know that A. Renee never minded her own business; and B. was never as innocent as she appeared. That didn't mean she was lying, just that she was withholding information. Like the reason a reporter from San Fransisco was lurking about he dock in Port Charles New York. "Then the bullets started flying, I pushed him into the water, and got shot for my trouble." "Hmm. Luke? You wanna chime in now?" "Oh, you mean I can talk?" Luke blinked. "Well darlin', it's true, Sonny, Jason and I were having a friendly bull session down on the docks, when Moreno appeared. The four of us had a friendly little discussion the other guys left, and I lingered to count the stars and take in the crisp night air." Luke smiled oh so charmingly. "I am after all a creature of the moon." "Like a werewolf." Renee muttered. He was the reason she was shot, and here he was spinning some glorious tale of guy talk and moonlight. "Anyway, I hear a sound coming from behind the crates, and thinking that it might be a bird caught in the net, you know maybe a duck like Sigmund, I had to investigate. Instead of a sweet warm blooded birdie, I found a snake in the grass. And she was taking notes on things, private, personal issues I had discussed with Sonny. You know, like how to get out whites whiter, and our brights brighter. And like any true gentleman, I was concerned for her welfare, it's not safe behind a stack of crates, I brought her out into the light. And then some bad guy took shots at me, and she came to my rescue, and was consequently wounded." He silently congratulated himself on a job well done. "Let's see if I have this straight." Lucy cocked her head to the side. "Cause, ya know, I've never been too bright. I'll just muddle along." Oh no. Renee carefully gauged the likelihood of being struck by lightening. When Lucy started talking about how dumb she was, that was the first sure sign that you were about to get blasted out of the water. She could see it on Spencer's face as well. "Renee here was playing Brenda Starr. Spying on the mob, cause you know that's always a smart thing to do. And you Luke, being a Rhodes Scholar yourself are IN the mob. You, Sonny, and Jason, also known as Larry, Curly and Moe, were plotting on the docks. Moreno, who I hear is a warm fuzzy nice guy who happened to have Mac shot, came along, and I can guess that he's not happy with Corinthos-Morgan shipping? Anyway, he comes along and you all have your pissing contest. Everyone leaves, except for the village idiots. The two of you. And now you're both STUNNED that Moreno came back with guns blazing." She rolled her eyes and rose to her feet. "I am going out now. Because if I stay here with the two of you, I will probably say things. . ." She grabbed her purse. "Renee make yourself at home. And if you do something like call a cab I will sic Charlene on you!" "Where are you going darlin'?" Luke asked concerned. This was not supposed to happen. Lucy was supposed to remain calm during her pregnancy. "For a very nice long drive." Lucy replied leaving Luke and Renee to glare at one another. ~*~*~*~*~ Carly pushed Michael on the swings. It was a beautiful day. Alexis and Scott's party was organized and coordinated down to the last little detail. All she had to do now was sit back, attened the party. She wasn't even sure that part was all that necessary, but Scott and Alexis had insisted that she attend as a guest. She heard a noise, and looked up to see Johnny with his hand against A.J's chest. "I don't think so." "It's okay Johnny." Carly waved. "Really." "I'm not following you or anything, Carly. I just heard Michael laugh and thought I would come over." He wriggled his fingers at his son. "You wanna push him?" Carly offered through clenched teeth. She hated this "nice" thing. But if it made Michael a happier person she could suck it up and take it. "Sure. I've just got a few minutes. Then I'm due back at E.L.Q." A.J kissed Michael's forehead, and began to rock him back and forth on the swing. He was sure Carly would blow him off. He couldn't figure her out. He'd always thought that she was dangerous when she was off the handle, and shrieking at the top of her lungs. But now, now there was a stillness about her that truly sent a shudder running through his veins. Before she'd been easy to predict, but now her dark brown eyes were absolutely solid, and there were no chinks in her armor. Which meant only one thing. He had to look harder. "I heard Ned mention that you were working for Baldwin and Davis?" "Temporary." Carly answered. "I just organized a party for potential clients as a thank you to Alexis." "For what, decimating me in court?" A.J bristled. "She didn't have to, A.J." Carly answered. You're the one that lost it in the courtroom. All Alexis did was shake the foundation and you came tumbling down. But that's in the past isn't it? We all have a place in Michael's life and there's no point raking it all over the coals again." "Right. It's easy to be magnanimous when you've won." Carly plucked Michael up from the swing, and placed him in the stroller. "Michael doesn't need to hear us fight A.J. So when you feel like paying attention to your son in the here and now, instead of dwelling on the past, you can let me know. Right now we've got places to go." "Carly. . . " A.J extended his arm. "Don't go. I'm sorry." "Whatever. But like I said, we've got places to go today, so we're leaving now. You could come by the Brownstone tomorrow afternoon." She began to push Michael away. "Laeticia knows that it's alright for you to see him. And I'll explain it to whoever else is on." A.J stood in the park silently fuming. She would let him see his son. Fighting the rising bile in his throat, he picked up his briefcase, adjusted his tie and left the park as a brisk pace. ~*~*~*~*~ "So, Ms. Carson." Luke smiled. "Wanna shake hands and play nice for Lucy's sake?" "Mr. Spencer. I don't want to play with you at all. You're an outright danger to Lucy's life. I mean hell, with friends like you she doesn't need enemies!" "Fine." Luke snapped. "But let me tell you something lady. You sell a story with my name in it anywhere, there's a good chance that you'd be risking Lucy's pretty little neck as well." Renee rose to her feet, her brown eyes shooting daggers at Luke. "Listen Bub, if that was a threat, I'll take this sling," She indicated her wounded arm. "And wrap it around your neck!" "That wasn't a threat kid. That was a warning. Luce and I are like this." He twined his fingers together. "Everyone in town knows that. Including the big, bad, Moreno. So if he starts getting nervous . . . " "Then you'll have gotten her shot too!" Renee shook her head. "You're a pretty brave man hiding behind a woman." Luke ground his teeth. "It's pretty easy to tell who got all the CHARM in the family!" He snapped before striding to the door and slamming it shut. Renee called after him, "Babe! You have nooooo idea how CHARMING I am! And it's YOUR LOSS!" ~*~*~*~*~ The Lighthouse. "Damn, damn, double damn." Lucy cursed stomping up the steps. She'd been in the middle of a nice, serene, pretty drive in the country when she hit a pothole and blew out a tire. And none of it would have happened if Luke wasn't such a moron. She touched her stomach gently. Well. . . he did have his good points, and nice qualities she amended. But brains just wasn't one of them. She knocked on the front door. "Lucy!" Victor beamed embracing her. "How are you?" "Pretty good Victor." She replied happily at his warm greeting. Ever since they met, Lucy felt a special closeness to Victor. He was adventureous, wild, and unpredictable and at the same time as cuddly as a teddy bear. "I got a flat tire just down the road, and I thought I could call the road service people." "Mi casa es su casa." Victor pronounced. "I was expecting the candidate for the live-in nanny position." He declared. "Perhaps you could help me interview her?" "Live-in nanny?" Lucy dialed the road service number. Victor lifted a wakeful Abby in his arms and spoke to her in fluent Spanish. Once Lucy was off the phone, Victor returned to their conversation. "Yes. Monk got a job doing a talk radio show on WPCNY." "You're kidding me?" Lucy smiled. "Nope. Monk has got his own show." Victor frowned. "And because of my consulting jobs with the university, Abby is in need of someone to take care of her. Monk thought it best if that person were to live here." Victor indicated his notes. "Feel free to add anything you think appropriate." "Well for one thing Victor you're not offering someone enough money." Lucy noted the suggested salary. "I mean you and Kevin are looking for someone that you can trust to watch Abby, someone to live in your home. That's a big responsibility. Big responsibility deserves a big reward. And a little hint, the right candidate is the one that doesn't ask about the money right up front." The doorbell rang. Victor handed Abby to Lucy. "Hello, you must be Mrs. Wright?" The pretty woman in the doorway grinned. "Ms. Wright, Zoe. There is no Mr. Wright." Lucy sighed. "Darn tootin'!" Victor smiled back and offered her his hand. "I'm Dr. Victor Collins. Won't you please come in?" "Thank you." She sat on the edge of the love seat and surveyed the house. "This is a beautiful home you have here." She checked out the woman on the couch with the baby on her lap. Talk about your May/December relationship. Dr. Collins had to be at LEAST 60. The woman was in her mid to late 30's. Seeing the speculative look in the woman's eyes, Victor laughed. "Oh no. Actually, this is my son's home. He was called to the radio station and there wasn't time to contact you before our interview. Abbigail is his child." "I see." Before Zoe could say another word there was a knock at the door. "I'm sorry about this Ms. Wright." Victor said rising to his feet. "Today's been like Grand Central Station. He opened the door to Chris. "Hello Dr. Ramsey. Please come in." Victor made the introductions. "Dr. Ramsey, I'd like you to meet Ms. Wright." Chris appreciatively sized up the young woman and grinned. "I'll say." Where had that come from? "Victor I just stopped by to see my God-daughter. I brought her some pictures of her mother." He plucked Abby from Lucy's arms. "I'll make it quick, I'm on my way to do rounds." After he and Abby vanished upstairs, Lucy and Victor continued the interview with Zoe. "You appear to be very qualified Zoe. I'm sure my son would agree. How soon can you start?" "Tomorrow?" Zoe suggested. Once she'd been given the low down on the job, it was easy to make her decision. Big house, big salary, and the off chance that the cute Dr. Ramsey might make himself available for more housecalls. The baby was absolutely adorable, and working for the Collins' and their various friends would be anything but dull. As she strode to her car after making arrangements for early the next morning she puzzled over Lucy Coe. She wasn't the baby's mother, or Dr. Collins' girlfriend, or a god-mother to the baby. So what was she? And why did she feel as though Lucy Coe would be watching over her shoulder when it came to dealings with the Collins family? ~*~*~*~*~ "I think you made a wise choice in hiring her Victor." Lucy smiled. "She seems nice." "Yes, and very bright." Their conversation was interrupted by a sudden burst of Abby crying on the baby monitor. "I wondered how long it would take her. It's almost time for her nap." Victor explained. "Let's go rescue Dr. Ramsey." But before Lucy and Victor entered the room, they heard another sound. This time totally unexpected. Chris Ramsey was leaned over the cradle rocking Abby slowly as he sang. "Wow. He has a wonderful voice." Lucy smiled. "Scott mentioned that he and Chris are Abby's god-fathers." "Yes. Chris and Eve were very close. I can't imagine what she was thinking regarding Scott." Victor made a horrible face. "It's a wonder that Serena's developed so extraordinairely well." Lucy jabbed him in the ribs. "Play nice." Victor looked again into the nursery as Abby cooed. "Lucy, does Chris remind you of anyone? This has been bugging me for some time." She frowned, and concentrated. Now that Victor had pointed it out, there was a vague similarity, but nothing that she could pin point. "Maybe Victor. I'm not sure. Why?" "Just a feeling." He replied thoughtfully. ~*~*~*~*~ Jason's Penthouse. Carly and Michael were sprawled on the floor with picture books and travel books scattered everywhere. Michael was surrounded by a small army of stuffed animals; and Carly was taking turns making noises like each one. When Jason and Sonny came through the front door of the penthouse, Carly's noises and Michael's laughter were the first thing Sonny noticed. Then the aroma of chili, and a feeling of home. "Hey Carly. Michael!" Jason swooped down and scooped up his son, pressing his freckled cheek against his own. "What's up?" "Michael and I were running errands all day, and since you have him tonight anyway, I thought I'd snatch a batch of Ruby's chili from the freezer, pick up some bread, and invite myself to dinner. Unless you've got other plans?" She started to scoop up Michael's toys. "Michael and I were just talking about all the animals in the travel books." "Jase, I'll call you later." Sonny backed to the door. "Sonny, if you and Carly can agree to not fight, you're welcome to stay." Jason offered, then asked Carly. "Is there enough?" Seeing the desire to bolt for the door in Sonny's eyes, Carly decided to toy with him. "Of course there is. There's enough to feed an army Sonny." She grinned. "Why don't ya' stay and have dinner. Then I'll be on my way and you boys can do whatever business you've got to do." She smiled falsely. "Take off your coat, stay a while. I'll just go check on the chilli to feed my hungry boys." She cooed in a Donna Reed voice. Johnny looked askance at Jason and Sonny. "Boss, I'm scared. Does Carly even know where the kitchen is?" "No." Jason went to pass Michael to Sonny. "Jase, you barely know where the kitchen is." Sonny sighed. He couldn't resist the urge. He had to go. Something was calling him. It was Jason's kitchen. The butcherblock counters, the glass ceiling, the herbs in the window. Jason's kitchen was better than his. He unbuttoned his cuffs and prepared to do battle with Ruby's chili. May she rest in piece, but her chili was like dog food. He gasped when he saw Carly on a step stool, peering into a huge lobster pot of bubbling chili. She had a handful of Scotch Bonnet peppers in one hand and a bottle of tabasco in the other. "What are you doing?" Carly gasped and dropped the bottle of tabasco into the chili. "Damn it! I invited you to dinner! Can't you leave me alone?" Carly sighed and fished the bottle of tabasco out of the chili with a ladle. "This stuff needs flavor." She answered him, counting the number of Scotch Bonnets in her hand. She could only find ten. That should be enough. Sonny grabbed her hand. "You trying to kill us Caroline?" Carly jerked away from him, spilled the peppers and nearly fell off the stool. Sonny caught her. "Let me go! You can't just go around grabbing people Corinthos." Carly fumed, righting herself. She stepped down and went to the refridgerator. "I think I saw some habaneros in here." "Get out." Sonny cringed as he stirred the chili. The idea of Carly desecrating the holiest of all places, the kitchen was too much. "Go away and let me cook." "Aren't you supposed to smile and say "Would you like fries with that?" " Carly asked. Sonny didn't want her here? Fine, well now he knew how she felt. She closed the refridgerator door and leaned against it. Sonny slammed down the spoon, and glared at her. "Go away." "Kiss my grits." She got back as she turned to saunter out of the kitchen. She'd had her fill of him, now he was begininng to annoy her. "I come and go as I please Sonny." Before she knew it, Sonny whirled her around, caught the back of her head in his hand and covered her lips with his own. Carly gasped as she felt his lips crush hers, and his lithe, lean body press hers up against the cool stainless steel of the refridgerator door. She made a sound unrecognizable to her own ears as the kiss went on and on. There was a noise at the door, and Sonny pulled back as if scalded. "Hey, Jase says he's starving." Johnny said as he backed into the kitchen. "It is hot enough?"         Chapter 14     "More lemonade?" Laura asked. "Oh, I can't." Felicia patted her stomach. "I've never eaten so much in my life." She grinned. "I'm sorry I haven't been around lately. But this whole writing thing has kept me hopping." "I can imagine. How's it going?" Laura refreshed her own glass of lemonade, and took a sip. Felicia made a face. "It's not at the moment. But I didn't come here to talk about my writing. I came to see how you're doing." "With the divorce you mean?" Laura nodded. "I'm actually doing better than I imagined. After the past year, the actual divorce was anti-climatic. There are times when I forget and I half expect that Luke will walk through the door." She smiled. "I can imagine it's very hard on both of you." Felicia studied her old friend closely. "When Frisco and I divorced, even though I knew he wasn't coming back, the lonliness surprised me." "That's how I've been feeling." Then Laura waved her hand to indicate the house. "Even though Lucky and LuLu are here, it's not the same." "Congratulations on Lucky moving back home. That must take a huge weight off your mind." "It does. And so far it's working out pretty well. It's difficult for me not to treat him like a child though. I'm learning all sorts of new things about both my sons. " "I heard about Nikolas and Katherine." Felicia mentioned, slowly steering the conversation to what she really wanted to talk about. "I knew that little secret wouldn't stay a secret for long." Laura sighed. "Nikolas made a mistake, and now because she's feeling petty everyone has to hear about it." "It'll blow over." Felicia responded. "How is Stefan taking all this?" Laura couldn't help but laugh. On a good day, Felicia was as tactful, and subtle as a freigh train. "Better than I am. Or Emily Quartermaine for that matter." Laura recounted to Felicia how Emily had pushed Katherine off the docks. "I always liked Emily." Felicia remarked. "But you avoided my question." Laura rose and moved to the couch, waiting for Felicia to join her. "And you question wanted to know what about me and Stefan?" "Was he the reason you and Luke divorced?" Felicia asked thoughtfully. "I know that his presence in Port Charles put a lot of strain on you and Luke." "Stefan may have been the catalyst Felicia, but nothing ended my marriage to Luke except for me and Luke. Everything that worked for us before just wasn't. He couldn't forgive me. And I couldn't forgive myself, or him for not understanding." "But now you've forgiven yourself, or at least you're trying to." She could read it in Laura's eyes. There wasn't any lingering sadness in them anymore. The uncertainty of the past two years had all but vanished, leaving behind what Felicia could only describe as a new woman. "I'm starting to. And you know what?" Laura lowered her voice to a conspiritorial whisper. "It feels GOOD to stand up for myself. " "So new job, new life, where does Stefan fit in?" Felicia folded one leg under herself and waited as Laura thought for a moment. "I'm not entirely sure. I've told him that I don't really want a serious relationship. That I'm enjoying my independance and he says he respects that." "But?" "But he can't help himself. Telling Stefan Cassadine that you need room, is like waving a red flag in front of a bull. So far I've gotten a rose, a book of sonnets, tickets to the ballet for me and Lu, a CD collection of my favorite classical music." Felicia's eyes widened. "You think if I tell Mac I need space he'd buy me a new computer?" Laura laughed. "You won't know till you try it. Stefan and I have had a few casual lunches together. Either in the sunroom at the hospital, or in my office." "Who don't you trust?" Felicia grinned. "What do you mean?" "You aren't ever alone with him in private." Felicia observes. "Either you don't trust him to not to come on strong, or you don't trust yourself to say no." ~*~*~*~*~ "So what are we gonna do about this Carson woman?" Sonny asked. "The fact she overheard us with Moreno isn't good." Jason nodded. "We've got to do something. Pay her to vanish?" He suggested. After all this time he still didn't relish the idea of having to kill someone just because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Luke shook his head. "There's another part to this story." He took another sip of coffee. Damn, Corinthos sure knew his espresso. Feeling the hot jolt of caffiene working it's way through his bloodstream, Luke continued. "She's got family in town." "Close family? And if we had to make a move what sort of insurance would they be?" "Lucy, I'll let you boys decide on what sort of problem Lucy might be if anything happened to her cousin." Luke remarked. "Cause I signed onto this little arrangement with the notion that my only risks would come from ticked off mob bosses, the occassional Fed, but you NEVER once mentioned dealing with Lucy!" "Damn." Sonny cursed. "Then we lean on the woman directly." Luke frowned. "Look, I'll keep an eye on her. But nothing happens to her. " At Sonny's look Luke shrugged. "I won't have Lucy upset, or even more ticked off at me. It's not good for her right now." "What's wrong with Lucy?" Jason asked. He didn't really know her that well, but Luke and Sonny both seemed to consider her a friend. "She's pregnant, she can't have any stress." Luke replied before finishing his coffee. "Is it yours?" Sonny asks angrily. "Is that why you and Laura split up?" "Corinthos me and Laura split up because she spent more time on that launch to Wyndemere than she did telling me the truth." Luke answered. "I've never touched Lucy." He sighed and ran his hand over his head. "But yeah, the kid is mine." He cocked a grin. "Miracles of modern science boys. Lucy wanted a baby, and she asked." At Jason's questioning look, Luke shook his head. "Don't make me draw you a picture of a turkey baster Jase. Let's just say it was an immacculate conception and leave it at that." Sonny grinned. "I wondered why the trip to Switzerland." He held out his hand. "Congrats Daddy!" "So you see my problem? We can't touch a hair on Renee Carson's block head. All we can do is try and keep her mouth shut. I've already told her that by making this whoel thing public she might be endangering Lucy. That shut her up for ten seconds." "Finders keepers." Sonny smiled. "You found her? She's your problem. Just spread on some of that Spencer charm. And while your at it, Lilah Quartermaine's roses could use some of that charm. Make sure you spread it thick." ~*~*~*~*~ "Grandfather, I really don't think that this is the best idea." A.J hissed as he rang the doorbell of the Brownstone. "A.J, there's nothing wrong with us wanting to see Michael. " Monica argued. "Carly's kept him from us for long enough." Laeticia opened the front door to the Brownstone and frowned. "Mr. Quartermaine, I knew that you were coming to spend time with Michael, but I did not think that the rest of your family was invited." She lifted her cell phone, "I'll just call Carly and make sure it's okay." Edward snatched the phone from her hand. "You'll do no such thing young lady." Alan grabbed Laeticia by the arm and shoved her out of the Brownstone locking the door behind her. "Let's see Michael." Outside, Laeticia pounded on the door, cursing fluently in Spanish. "Open up you miserable old GOAT!" She whirled when she felt a hand on her shoulder. "WHAT?" "I couldn't help but overhear you screaming at the top of your lungs. " Reggie answered. "There's a phone in the limo if you'd like to call someone. . . .say maybe Jason and Johnny?" He gallantly offered her his arm. "Why do you work for that nasty old man?" Laeticia asked curiously. During their few meetings, the handsome Quartermaine butler seemed to have a sense of humor. "Actually, I work for Lilah, and Miss Emily and Mr. Ashton." Reginald opened the limo door, and helped Laeticia in. She picked up the phone and dialed Jason's cell phone. "Jason? There's a problem." ~*~*~*~*~ The warehouse. Jason lifted his cell phone from his pocket. "Morgan here." "Jason? There's a problem." Jason stiffened at the angered sound of Laeticia's voice. "What is it?" "A.J came for his visit with Michael, but he brought along his father, mother and Mr. Quartermaine Senior. Carly stepped out to get some groceries, and he wasn't due till later this afternoon. They locked me out of the brownstone." "Where are you calling from?" Jason asked, ignoring the questioning looks from Sonny and Luke. "Mr. Reginald is letting me call from the limo." "I'll be there in five minutes." Jason slammed the phone shut. "A.J brought the rest of the family to his visit with Michael, they locked Laeticia out of the Brownstone." Sonny grabbed his jacket, and Luke did the same. "Please, let me to the one to hit Edward." Luke begged. "Please?" ~*~*~*~*~ Carly rounded the corner, her arms full of groceries, to find Laeticia sitting on the stoop. "What's going on?" As Laeticia explained the situation, and the fact that Jason was on his way. Carly began to fume. How DARE A.J bring those people into her house? Jason stormed up the steps brushing past Carly and Laeticia. "Do you have your key?" "I left it inside." Carly answered as Jason took a step back as if to break open the door. "Think Cycle boy." Luke dangled a key in front of Jason. "It's a ghost key, it fits every lock in this joint." At the look on Carly's face Luke smiled. "Bobbie gave it to me for safe keeping." Once the door was opened, Carly pushed past Jason, and stormed into her apartment. Seeing Alan, Monica, Edward and A.J hovering over her crying son; Carly took a deep breath. She elbowed Monica hard in the ribs and picked up her son. "Hey baby." She smiled radiantly and forced herself to be calm so as not to frighten him. "How's Mr. Man?" She felt Jason lean over and kiss Michael's red head. Simultaneously they croon. "Mommy and Daddy love you Michael. Up to the sky, and around the world." Once Michael's sobs subside into soft sniffles, Carly hands him to Laeticia. "Could you take him over to Bobbie's? I'd hate for all the blood to get on his new outfit." Laeticia nodded, all the while snarling at Edward. "Bully." Once Michael is gone, Jason and Carly confront A.J. "How dare you?" Carly spat. "I was stupid enough to think that letting you see Michael was a good idea. That you being in his life would show Michael that no matter what Jase and I did, we would always put his needs first. And this is how you repay me? How you repay Michael? If this is what you think is right, then you're too stupid to be a father." Carly spat. Edward glowered at Jason, Sonny and Luke. "Look, if it isn't the Dillon Gang?" "Old man you are so out of line." Jason returned. "Compared to what your family does on a daily basis, we're Boy Scouts." He turned to A.J. "You blew it A.J. You and only you blew this whole thing. I never wanted you to come near Michael because I know how weak you are, how spineless you are, and that you'll always be Edward's lap dog. But Carly convinced me. She convinced me that you had a place in Michael's life and that we'd always regret not letting you be there for him." Jason turned to Carly. "Still feel that way?" "A.J, you violated our agreement. Now we'll go back to the one where you never see Michael. And after Laeticia presses charges, and files a complaint, and *I* file charges for home invasion, I'll probably get a restraining order to keep any of you from being within 50' of my child. Get the hell out of my house, and go crawl back under whatever rock the four of you slithered out from under."   "He's my grandson! You can't do that!" Monica hissed. "You're nothing but but trash, a lying whore. And you ruined both my sons' lives!" "Monica. Shove a cork in it." Luke responded. "This is Caroline's home. you don't get to talk to her that way. In fact I think you all ought to leave before Carly pulls a true Spencer, kills you all and buries you in the basement." As the Quartermaines file past, Carly grabs the old man's arm. "This is a special warning to you Edward. Michael is NOT yours. He doesn't belong to you, and no matter how much you and A.J try to use him as a bargaining chip, you'll never take my son. I will slip into your house, and cut your damn throat in your sleep before I ever have my son raised by you. Look what you've done to your own children, and grandchildren. I wouldn't let you raise dogs. Now GET OUT!" Once they are gone, Carly turns to Jason. "I was wrong Jase. I'm sorry." She hugs him. "Not really Carly. You were thinking about Michael first." Jason hugged her back. "Just cause it didn't work out doesn't mean you're wrong. As long as we put Michael first, it will all work out." Carly turned to Luke. "Not bad Luke. Not bad. I never would have thought about burying them in the basement." She paused a beat. "I would have in the attic, that way the odor would rise." "Hmm. . . interesting proposition Caroline." Luke responded. "But I'm more of a traditionalist." ~*~*~*~*~ Renee sat still on the wooden bench on the docks. She'd gone to the hospital for more X-rays and promised to meet Lucy for lunch. But then she'd discovered that if she just sat quiet as a mouse on this bench that she could overhear everything the dock workers were saying. There was a lot of talk about Morgan, Corinthos and Spencer. But what really interested her was the talk about Moreno being on his way out and that once backed into a corner, Moreno would come out swinging. How if something didn't happen to put him down for the count it would all turn into a bloodbath and a free for all grab for territory. She sat quietly, her walkman on with the volume off, and a pair of sunglasses covering her eyes. On the outside the picture of calm and tranquility. But on the inside her mind was whirling and her stomach churned. Now was her chance and she wouldn't blow it. Not this time.