Laura is crying- Please don't let him be dead!
Bobbie steals herself and goes to him. She checks for his pulse andis
relieved to find one.
Bobbie- He's alive.
Laura- Thank God!!
Bobby picks up the phone and pages Alan. She also calls Mac.
Miranda looks pale- How sick can one woman get? Why is she doingthis?
Laura- She's doing it to torment us.
Bobbie checks on Dorman, just to make sure.
Bobbie- He's dead. Was he the third man?
Miranda- He must be, she said the third man would die soon.
Laura- Then the son!
Laura becomes hysterical- Oh no! She is coming after him now! Shesaid then
the son! Stefan, what are we going to do? We can't let her havehim!
Bobbie- Stefan?
Stefan is frozen in place. His eyes never leave Nikolas. He is verypale.
Miranda gently touches his sleeve.
Miranda- Stefan?
Stefan finally speaks in a low calm voice- She will not have him.
He walks to Nikolas and kisses his forehead. - I will not let herhave you,
Nikolas. It is not conceivable that she will take you from me.
Stefan takes the note from Nikolas' hand and reads it aloud.
Is this how you protect him? While in your care he was
attacked and almost killed. This fool almost killed him againtonight, but
grandmother took care of it. If not for me, he would be dead. Heis
mine now. You have failed him. You have forfeited him to me. And whenI am
ready, I will take him. Timoria continues. The son is next.
Helena
Stefan takes the white rose from Nikolas and crushes it.
Miranda- What are we going to do?
Stefan- It is time to change our tactics.
Alan finally arrives- My God! What happened?
Bobbie- She got to him again. I think she used a stronger drug thistime.
Dorman is dead.
Alan quickly examines Nikolas and orders lab test. He looks at Dormanto
verify that he is dead.
Alan- I can't say I'm sorry he's dead. I only wish I had the pleasureof
doing it myself.
But why did Helena kill him? Is he one of Nikolas' attackers?
Stefan- Apparently. Had I known that, I would have killed him myself.How is
Nikolas?
Alan- Bobbie is right, she used a stronger drug this time. We willknow
more when we get the lab test back. But I suspect some kind ofstrong
sedative. He appears to be fine though. Actually, he probably neededthe
rest. I understand, he hasn't been sleeping soundly.
Lucky walks into Nikolas' room.
Lucky- Mom? What's going on? Did something happen to Nikolas?
Lucky sees Dorman- Oh man! It was Dorman? He was the third man?
Laura hugs Lucky - Yes, apparently it was Dorman. But the bastard'sdead.
It's Nikolas who's in trouble now.
Lucky- But how is she getting in here?
Stefan- That is an excellent question.
A lab technician comes in and takes a blood sample.
Alan- This has top priority, put a rush on it.
The technician leaves and Mac comes in.
Miranda- It didn't take you long to get here.
Mac- I was already on my way here. How is Nikolas?
Alan- I think he will be fine. I won't know for sure until the labresults
get back.
Mac looks at Dorman- I need to get a forensics team in here. And I'mgoing
have to ask everyone, except Alan to leave the room, it's a crimescene.
You can keep an eye on him from the open door. Have any of youtouched
Dorman?
Mac takes out his cell phone and calls forensics.
Stefan- Bobbie and Alan checked for a pulse. But otherwise he hasbeen left untouched. I found this note in Nikolas' hand. As well asthe rose.
Stefan hands the note to Mac. Mac notices the crushed rose inStefan's
other hand.
Mac- What kind of sick game is she playing?
Stefan- Timoria. She wants to shake us.
Laura- Well she has. We can't let this continue. She can't havehim.
Stefan- Needless to say, our security measures have been ineffective.It is
time to alter our actions.
Mac- What do you have in mind?
**********************************************************
Justus is lead to the cell holding Tony and Luke.
The guard opens the door and tells Tony he can leave.
Justus- Your bail has been set and paid.
Tony- Thank God. So I can leave?
Justus- Yes, but we will need to go over your case.
Luck- What about me? You've got to get me out. My family is introuble.
Justus- I tried, believe me. But calling the judge a stuffed shirtwith
too much starch in his shorts, didn't help. He won't reduce thecontempt
charges. He said it's still thirty days. I think he is looking fora
reason to make it longer.
Luke- I understand, I'll be on my best behavior.
Justus- You might want to be better than that. Think about it. Tony,you
ready to go?
Tony- You bet I am. Luke, you got anything you want me to tellLaura?
Luke- Just let her know I'm here man.
Justus- Laura still hasn't come to see you? You want me to talk toher?
Luke- No, she will come around. She's probably got that kid on hermind.
But if you don't mind, have Sonny keep an eye on them.
Justus- I'll pass that on.
Luke- Thanks man.
**********************************************************
Stefan watches through the door as the forensics team go overNikolas'
room. Nikolas is oblivious to them. The police photographer takes
pictures of everything including Nikolas. And when they arefinished,
Dorman's body is finally removed.
Alan studies the lab report.
Alan- I was right, he was given a strong sedative. But he should befine.
Stefan- That is good to hear. When will he wake?
Alan- It will probably be several hours before he wakes up. And Ihave to
tell you, He could really use the rest.
Laura- We just have to make sure, his rest isn't permanent.
Stefan- You are right, it is time to put our plan into motion.
Laura- Thank you for trusting me with this. I won't forget it.
Stefan- Nikolas' safety transcends everything. And obviously Helenahas
infiltrated my people.
Bobbie- He is still going to need a nurse.
Laura- I'll ask Amy.
Stefan- Amy is not known for her discretion. Wait until the lastminute to
ask her and make sure she does not have the opportunity to conversewith
others.
Laura- She's not that bad. Well, not about important thingsanyway.
Stefan- Are you willing to risk your son's life on her ability tokeep a
secret?
Laura- No, your right. I'll do it your way.
Stefan- Thank you.
Alan- I don't like this, he needs to be an a hospital. But I don'tsee a
way around it, so I'll send some antibiotics and prescriptions alongwith
his medical records. Laura are you sure you can get this doctor tomake a
house call?
Laura- I'm sure, and he can be trusted. He's protected our identitymany
times before.
Mac- Everything is set. I've got four of my best men set to go.
Stefan- They had better be trustworthy.
Mac- They are. Is everything ready on your end?
Stefan- Yes, the room has been prepared. What about the decoy?
Mac- I've got that covered.
Mac gestures to one of the guards. A man steps forward, he haslong
scraggly hair which turns out to be a wig, and has a dark complexion.He
is close to Nikolas' size.
Mac- This is officer Ettore, he has agreed to be the stand in.
Stefan studies the man- He will suit our purposes. Are you aware ofthe
dangers?
Ettore- Yes, I am aware of the situation. But I have everyconfidence
commissioner Scorpio and the Port Charles Police Department.
Stefan- I hope your trust is not misplaced.
Ettore- I'm not worried.
Ettore is given a hospital gown to wear and goes to change.
Stefan watches Bobbie with Nikolas from the door. She is holding hishand
and talking to him. Alexis approaches him.
Alexis- Stefan, how is Nikolas?
Stefan- Alexis, I didn't see you come in. Nikolas will recover.
Alexis whispers so that no one else will hear- Are you sure you wantto go
through with this plan ? Given Nikolas' feelings about Laura, I'm notsure
it's a good idea.
Stefan- I see no other choice, The only way Helena could be gettingto him,
is to have someone on the inside. My guards are suspect and well asthe
hospital personnel. We have to remove him from their access.
Alexis- I understand your reasoning, I just hope Nikolas does. BeforeI
forget, I got the paternity test results back this morning. LukeSpencer is
definitely not Nikolas' father.
Stefan closes his eyes and a single tear falls from his eyes.
Stefan- All these years...
Stefan watches Nikolas for a few minutes in silence.
Stefan- Laura, it is time for you to talk to your sister. We cannotput
this off any longer.
Stefan goes into the room with Bobbie and Nikolas.
Bobbie- I'll let you have a few moments alone with him.
Stefan- I would appreciate that, Barbara.
Bobbie leaves and Stefan sits by Nikolas's bed. Stefan studiesthe
sleeping boy he raised. He brushes back his hair. He is unaware ofLaura watching them. She quietly closes the door.
Laura- He loves Nikolas so much, even when he thought he was Luke'schild.
Alexis- Stefan has always loved Nikolas. He considers paternity amoot
point, because he has always been Nikolas' father figure. No fathercould
love their child more.
Miranda joins them.- Everything is ready, Lucky is waiting in thetruck.
Laura- I better talk to Amy.
Alexis- Page her, talk to her here. If she agrees to help, we willset the
plan into motion now.
Laura picks up the phone and has Amy paged to Nikolas' room
Bobbie- I wish I could do it.
Alexis- So do I, but your presence would be missed.
Miranda- Do you have the papers ready?
Alexis- I got them right here. They were even signed by Judge Roarke,in
case anyone doubts our story. I'll serve them to you somewherepublic, Laura.
Laura smiles- Oh goody, I can't wait.
Amy walks up to the group in the hall. She notices that part of thehall
has been closed off by guards.
Amy- Can't wait for what? And why did you page me?
Laura- Amy, we.... I need a big favor from you, it's important.
Amy- I should have known. The only time you talk to me is when youwant
something.
Laura- Amy please.
Amy- Well all right, what is this big favor?
Laura-I need for you to come with us and take care of Nikolas.
Amy- What are you talking about? I already take care of Nikolas.Where are you going?
Laura- It's not safe for him at the hospital. We're taking him toBeecher's
Corner. He needs a full time nurse.
Amy- What about Bobbie?
Bobbie- I can't go. I have to be seen entering Nikolas' room so thatwe can
convince everyone he is still here.
Amy- I have to think about this. When are you leaving?
Laura- I'm sorry, but you don't have time to think about it. We needan
answer now.
Amy please. We need you!
Mac- Come on Amy, where's your sense of adventure?
Amy- Okay, I'll do it. But I have to clear my schedule.
Miranda- Stefan will do all that. He will even have someone wateryour
plants. But you have to leave with us now and you can't tellanyone.
Amy- Now? But I at least have to break my date with Jake. I can'tjust
stand him up.
Miranda, Alexis and Laura all look helplessly at one another.
Laura- I'm sorry Amy.
Alexis- I'm afraid that won't be possible. But I promise, we willthink of
some excuse for you not being here. We just can't risk Nikolas' lifein the
process.
Laura- Will you still do it?
Amy thinks a few minutes.- I said I would didn't I? But you will oweme big for
this.
Laura hugs Amy warmly- I know I will, and I will never forget iteither. I
love you for this.
Amy- Good, because I won't let you forget it.
Stefan kisses Nikolas one last time and opens the door and indicatesthe
women and Mac should enter. Officer Ettore returns, he has taken offthe
wig and is wearing the hospital gown. His resemblance to Nikolasis
remarkable.
Stefan- Are we prepared to proceed?
Laura- Yes, and Amy has agreed to help.
Stefan- Thank you Amy, you will not regret you decision.
Mac- I'll have the rest of the hall cleared now. Laura, now would bea good
time for you to get ready for your performance.
Laura- I'll see you in front of the nurses station Alexis.
Alexis- I'll be there in a few minutes.
Mac clears the hall and Alan brings in a gurney. Nikolas istransferred to
the gurney and Officer Ettore takes his place. Amy and Miranda gowith Nikolas
as two of Mac's men roll him out. Alexis and Bobby kiss him one lasttime as he
passed them. After Nikolas is safely out of sight, Alan calls twoorderlies to move
"Nikolas" to another room.
Laura heads to the nurses station. She is relieved to see that thenurses station is
busy, and people are wondering what is going on with all thesecurity. Laura
reaches the nurses station a few minutes before "Nikolas" and hisguards pass by.
The bed is surrounded by guards and it is impossible to get more thana glance at
the person in it. Bobbie, Stefan and Alexis walk along with theguards. Laura
tries to push past the guards to get to "Nikolas"
Laura- Nikolas! I love you.
Mac- Holds her back.
Stefan looks at her coldly- You were warned to stay away fromhim.
Alexis- I'll take care of this Stefan. You and Bobbie go withNikolas, he
needs his parents now.
Laura- He's my son! They are not his parents and I have a right tosee him!
Alexis hands Laura a document- I'm afraid you are wrong. This isa
restraining order, forbidding you and your family to get within ahundred feet of
Nikolas.
Laura- You can't do that! I'm his mother!
Alexis- It's already been accomplished. If you go near him you willbe
arrested.
Alexis follows Nikolas' bed to his new room. Laura starts to cry.Audrey
comes and puts her arms around her.
Audrey- I'm sorry Laura, I know it must be difficult for you not tobe able
to see him.
Laura- You have no idea how hard it is. I'm sorry Audrey, but I needsome
time alone. Thanks for taking the time to comfort me.
Audrey- I admit I was angry with you, but our families have beenfriends
for ages. I wouldn't let anything come between that.
Laura - Thank you Audrey, that means so much to me. If you willexcuse me, I
need to talk to Justus about this restraining order.
Audrey- I'm sure he will find a way around it.
Laura leaves the nurses station and goes to the parking lot. Shewalks to
her car. She notices a laundry truck pull out of the parking lot. Sheturns in the
opposite direction and goes a few blocks before pulling into the mallparking lot.
She gets out and walks through the mall and exits the other side. Thetruck is
waiting outside for her, the laundry signs have been removed. Lauraquickly
looks around and gets into the back of the
truck. Lucky, Miranda, Amy and two of the guards are waiting forher.
Nikolas is asleep on the gurney. The other two guards are in thefront. The truck
leaves the mall parking area.
Lucky- How did it go Mom?
Laura- Smoothly. Everything is on track. How is he?
Amy- See for yourself, He's fine.
Laura sits next to Nikolas and touches his cheek.
Laura- He looks so peaceful.
Lucky- I don't think he's going to be peaceful when he wakes up. Ithink
he's going to be mad as hell.
Laura- Lucky!
**********************************************************
Stefan talks to Mac outside of "Nikolas" room. They discusssecurity
measures, but it is mostly for show. Since the last visit by Helena,Bobbie has
become Nikolas' sole nurse and Alan his doctor. Stefan and Alexis areconstantly
walking in and out of his room. Mrs. Lansbury brings his mealsspecially prepared
by her at Wyndemere.
Mrs. Lansbury leaves the room carrying a basket.
Stefan- Mrs. Lansbury, thank you for bringing Nikolas' meals tohim.
Several of the other patients wondering in the hall, look longinglyat the
basket.
Mrs. Lansbury- You know I would do anything for Master Nikolas.
Stefan- Yes, I am aware of your devotion to him. I will not forgetit.
Mrs. Lansbury- Will you and Mrs. Cassadine be home for dinner?
Stefan- I will call you and let you know.
Mrs. Lansbury- Very well, sir. Commissioner Scorpio, goodafternoon.
Mac- Good afternoon Mrs. Lansbury.
Mrs. Lansbury leaves the hospital and returns to Wyndemere.
Mac- She seems like a nice lady.
Stefan- She is. And Nikolas adores her.
Mac and Stefan enter Nikolas' room. Officer Ettore is laying in bedwith
his arms folded behind his head and he is watching television.
Ettore- Commissioner, this is the life!
Mac- Don't get too used to it. We're on a case, remember?
Ettore- Hey, don't I know it. I'm the decoy, remember? But I'm goingto
enjoy the benefits of this assignment as long as I can. Besides, thatwoman is the
best cook in the world.
Stefan- Mrs. Lansbury's culinary skills are world renown. She willbe
bringing you all of Nikolas' favorites.
Ettore- So far, I like the kid's taste.
Mac- Back to business. Anyone looking suspicious to you?
Ettore- No, no one has come in. Maybe security is too good.
Stefan- I disagree, Helena would be expecting us to upgrade security.She
would be suspicious if we did not. They will come eventually. Motherdoes not
give up easily.
Ettore (sarcastically)- I can't wait to meet her.
**********************************************************
Bobbie walks with Virginia Benson out of the elevator.
Bobbie- I'm sorry I couldn't meet you at the airport. My husband andI are
in the middle of a family crisis right now.
Virginia- Because of Caroline?
Bobbie- No, My stepson is being threatened by his grandmother.
Virginia- Oh, I'm sorry.
Bobbie- So am I, He's a sweet kid. Carly's room is just down thehall. She
still doesn't know that you are coming to visit her.
Virginia- Good, she would probably have me banned from her room, ifshe
knew.
Bobbie- Would you like for me to go in with you? Or would you rathergo in
alone.
Virginia- I think I had better go in alone. We have a lot to talkabout.
Bobbie- I understand, believe me. I'm still having a hard timebelieving
Tony deliberately pushed her.
Virginia- I don't know what to say to that.
Bobbie- I'm sorry, I didn't mean to put you on the spot. Here's herroom.
If you need me, have someone at the nurses station page me.
Virginia- Thank you, I will. And Bobbie....I hope everything worksout for
your step-son.
Bobbie- Me too. I better get back to him. Good luck in there.
Virginia smiles weakly and lightly knocks on the door before openingit.
Bobbie can't help but feeling sorry for the woman. She takes a deepbreath
and goes to spend some time with her "step-son". She hopes Ettorelikes to play
cards.
Virginia slowly opens the door and walks in.
Virginia- Hello Caroline.
Carly- Mom! What are you doing here?
Virginia- Bobbie called me. She told me what happened. Now I need foryou
to tell me the truth.
**********************************************************
The drive to Beecher's Corners takes longer than usual. The driveris
careful of his cargo. An hour and a half after leaving GeneralHospital, the truck
arrives at the Whitaker farm house. Whit and Agnes rush out to greettheir guest.
Whit starts to open the back door to the truck but is stopped by oneof the guards
sent by Sonny with Lesley and Lulu.
Hank- You better let me do that.
Hank opens the door a crack and peeps in. Satisfied he opens it allthe way
and helps Laura out.
Whit- Laura! Lucky! How are you?
Laura smiles as Whit helps her down and gives her a big bear hug.
Laura- To tell you the truth, I've been better. Hi Agnes.
Agnes- It's good to see you dear. I wish your visits weren't sofar
between. And look at Lucky! You've must have grown a full bushelsince I saw
you last.
Lucky- Hi aunt Agnes, it's good to be back here. I know Foster willlove
it here. At the sound of his name Foster jumps from the truck.
Lucky- Where's Grandma and Lulu?
Whit- They are in the house, resting.
Miranda- I hate to interrupt your reunion, but we need to get Nikolasin
the house.
Laura- Agnes, Whit, she's right. We have to get Nikolas inside asquickly
as possible.
Whit- Sure thing. I'll help get him in.
Laura- I think the guards can handle it. No need for you to hurtyourself.
Whit- Hey, I'm as sprightly as a spring chicken!
Agnes- Oh pooh, Whit, you know you get down in your back. Let theyoung'
uns do it.
Agnes takes Laura by the arm- I tell you, that man gets moreornery
everyday.
Two guards help the two who rode in the back lift the gurney down tothe
ground. Miranda jumps down. While Amy waits to be helped down fromthe
truck. One of the guards helps her.
Agnes- Hello dear, I don't believe I know you name.
Laura- I'm sorry, Agnes, Whit, this is Nikolas' aunt Isabella....Imean
Miranda. I'm sorry.
Miranda- It's okay. Call me Miranda.
Whit- Nice to meet you, young lady.
Agnes- Welcome Miranda.
Laura- And of course you remember my sister, Amy.
Whit- Of course we do, we met her at your wedding. Who couldforget
someone as charming as you.
Agnes- Amy, it's nice to see you again.
Amy- Thank you.
The guards take Nikolas into the house. And carry him upstairs to theroom, Agnes
said to put him in. They lift him from the gurney and put him in thebig four poster
bed. Laura covers him with the homemade quilts. During the entiretrip he has not
stirred once.
Laura- Shouldn't he be awake by now?
Amy- No, Alan said he would probably sleep through the night. Hewas
already exhausted and Helena used a very strong sedative. But Ithought
there was going to be a doctor here to check on him.
Laura- There was. I better call him and let him know we arrived.
Laura takes out her cell phone and calls DR. Campbell. He tells her,he
will be there in ten minutes.
Amy- He's going to be asleep for a while, why don't we go downstairsand
wait for the doctor. Besides, I'm starving.
Laura- You go ahead, I want to sit with him for a while. When Dr.Campbell
arrives will you show him up here.
Amy- Sure. You want me to bring you something up?
Laura- No, I'll be down after Dr. Campbell leaves.
Amy leaves and goes down stairs.
Laura adjust the covers on Nikolas and watches him sleep. Someoneopens
the door and comes to sit with her.
Lesley- I'm told he will be all right.
Laura- I know, But I'll feel better after he's been checked outagain. It
was a long trip.
Lesley- I don't think he was aware of the trip. He'll be fine.
Laura- I hope so. You should have seen him. Lying there with thatstupid
rose and Dorman's dead body in the room with him. I was so afraidhe
was........ I thought he was dead. I thought I had lost my lastchance to make it
up to him.
Lesley- But Laura, he's not dead. You still have a chance withhim.
Laura- Do I? I don't know. I don't think he will ever forgive me.
Lesley- He will, you'll see.
Laura- I hope you are right.
It isn't long before Amy knocks on the door with Dr. Campbell.
Dr. Campbell- Hello Laura, it's good to see you again.
Laura- Dr. Campbell, Thank you for coming. This is my sonNikolas.
Dr. Campbell - Well, I sort of had that one figured out. HelloLesley, how
are you today?
Lesley- I fine, but Laura is worried about Nikolas.
Dr. Campbell - Let's see what we can do then.
Dr. Campbell examines Nikolas and reads his medical records.
Dr. Campbell- I don't think you have anything to worry about. Thesedative
will wear off and we will keep a close watch on his other injuries.From what I
gather from his records he was starting to mend nicely. Had he walkedaround yet?
Laura- No, not yet. At least I don't think so.
Amy- She's right, he wasn't walking yet. But we were going to let himwalk around
some this afternoon, But all hell broke loose.
Dr. Campbell- I think I would hold off on that for a couple of days.Give
him a chance to adjust to his new surroundings and recover from thedrugs. But like
I said, I don't think you have to worry, between all of us, he willbe well taken
care of.
Laura is relieved- Thank you! Thank you for seeing him!
Dr. Campbell- Anytime you need me, you know you can call on me.
Laura- I know, Luke and I have been so grateful for your help overthe
years.
Dr. Campbell- Speaking of Luke, where is he?
Laura looks down- Um...I'm afraid Luke is in jail right now, it'snothing
big, he just insulted a judge.
Dr. Campbell laughs- Sounds like our Luke all right. I hate to leaveyou,
but I got an appointment in half an hour, I'll just have time to makeit if I leave
now. Just one more thing though, I think I would let that boy ofyours sleep as
long as possible. I understand from his records that he hasn't beenresting well.
Laura- That's right, he's been having nightmares.
Dr. Campbell- That's understandable. I'll have a talk with him later.Now
I really must be going.
Laura- I'll walk you out.
**********************************************************
Carly- What do you mean tell you the truth?
Virginia- Caroline, I'm talking about Tony Jones. Did he deliberatelypush
you?
Carly looks away- Why don't you ever believe me?
Virginia- Caroline, I love you, you're my daughter. But we aretalking
about a man's life
here. You have to tell the truth.
Carly- He was going to leave me.
Virginia- Leave you? why?
Carly- Because he found out, that I was Bobbie's daughter. He thoughtI
was just using him. But I really loved him.
Virginia- Did he push you?.........Answer me Caroline! If you lovehim you
have to tell the truth.
Carly- No he didn't! Okay? Are you happy now?
Carly starts to cry
Virginia- No, I'm not happy Caroline. I hate to see you in so muchpain.
But you have to tell the police the truth.
Carly- I don't have to do anything!
**********************************************************
As awareness slowly awakens in Nikolas, the first thing he realizesis that he is
thirsty. He opens his eyes looking for the water usually sitting onhis tray. It
takes him a few minutes for his senses to return. He finally realizeshe is not in
the hospital anymore. And he is not in Wyndemere either. He thinksthat Helena
has finally succeeded in kidnapping him. He slowly forces himself outof bed. He
is amazed at how stiff his muscles are. As he gets to his feet, hefights a wave of
dizziness. After a few minutes he is able to walk to the door. Hetries to open it
and is surprised that it is unlocked.
He opens the door a couple of inches and looks out into the hall.When he
doesn't see anyone he opens it further and steps out of the room. Hemakes his
way to the stairs and hides against the wall. He carefully looksdownstairs and
sees a couple of guards. He leans back against the wall and tries tothink of a way
around them. To his relief an old man comes to talk the them and theyfollow him
into another room. He slowly sneaks down the stairs. He is only tenfeet from the
front door. He wonders how many guards are on the other side, butdecides to risk
it anyway. He hears laughter coming from the next room, but can't seewho it is.
The smell of food makes him faint with hunger. But he has to escapeand the way
is clear so he makes his move. He runs to the door and opens it justenough to see
out. He does not see anyone. He takes a step outside, the porch feelscold to his
bare feet. But he does not have time to look for shoes. He takes aquick assessment
of his surrounding and notices the barn. He quickly makes his way toit. He barely
gets the door closed when he hears men talking outside. He leansagainst a beam in
the barn and tries to catch his breath. His side hurts and he feelsweak. He hopes
the men outside do not hear him gasping for air. He tries to steadyhimself before
trying to make his way to the stalls. He is relieved to see a heavyovercoat hanging
from a peg in a beam. Since he only has on a pair of pajamas theovercoat feels
good as he slips it on. But the weight of it is nearly too much forhim. Despite his
fatigue he tries to make it to the horse in the stall. He is almostthere when he
passes out.
Laura is in the kitchen helping the other women prepare lunch.
Lucky comes in- When is lunch going to be ready? I'm starving.
Agnes- It won't be long, the stew is almost ready.
Lucky- It sure smells good.
Laura- I better go check on Nikolas, just in case he wakes up.
Amy- I just checked in on him fifteen minutes ago. He was stillsleeping.
Laura- I know, but still, I don't want him to be alone when he wakesup in
a strange place.
Lucky- I'll go.
Laura- You don't mind?
Lucky- Nah, I don't mind. Besides, maybe I can get him to take iteasy on
you.
Laura- Thank you.
Lucky goes upstairs to check on Nikolas. He is surprised to find hisbed
empty. He checks the bathroom in the hall and no one is in there. Hestarts to
panic and quickly checks all the upstairs room. He runsdownstairs.
Lucky- Mom! He's gone! Nikolas is gone!
Laura drops the plate she is holding - No! He can't be.
Miranda- We better check the whole house. Maybe he just took a wrongturn.
Lucky- I better tell the guards he's missing.
Miranda- I'll check upstairs again.
Laura checks the downstairs study and has just entered the livingroom
again when the front door opens. Two of the guards are supportingNikolas. She
notices Nikolas is pale and has the guards help him into a chair.They leave so
that Laura can talk to Nikolas.
Laura- Nikolas! Thank God. Are you all right?
Nikolas stares at Laura in disbelief- It was you? You're the onewho
kidnapped me?
Laura realizes what Nikolas was thinking and tries to calm him.
Laura- No! Of course not. Let me explain.
Nikolas- I'm not listening to anymore of your lies. I'm getting outof
here.
Nikolas tries to get up out of the chair.
Laura- Nikolas, listen to me. Helena came to visit you again. Wewere
afraid for you, so Stefan sent you with me. For your own safety.
Nikolas - I don't believe you! Your lying.
Nikolas tries to stand.
Laura- Nikolas please, your going to hurt yourself.
Nikolas - My uncle would never send me away, especially not withyou.
Miranda- She's telling the truth.
Nikolas- Isabella? I.....I.... don't understand.
**********************************************************
Nikolas- What happened? What would make Uncle send me away withthem
and why would he trust Luke Spencer to protect me? Where is he by theway?
Laura- Luke's not here. He doesn't know about this.
Nikolas- And I'm suppose to believe that? I don't think so.
Laura- Nikolas please, just listen and let us explain whathappened.
Nikolas looks at Laura coldly- I'm listening.
Miranda- Nikolas, drop the attitude, it's not helping. And where thehell
are your shoes?
Nikolas was thrown by the question. It is the last thing he expectedher to
say. He looks down at his bare foot feet and smiles sheepishly.
Nikolas- I couldn't find them.
Miranda- That's because we didn't expect you to try to leave.
Nikolas- I didn't know where I was when I woke up. I......Ithought
Grandmother took me.
Laura- I'm sorry, we should have made sure someone was with you whenyou
woke up.
Nikolas-What happened, why am I here?
Laura looks at Miranda before continuing.
Laura- You were drugged again. She used a stronger sedative thistime. We
thought you were dead.
Nikolas notices the look that passes between Laura and Miranda.
Nikolas- There's more isn't there.
Before Laura can answer Lucky runs into the room.
Lucky- Nikolas are you all right? Hank said he found you passed outin the
barn.
Nikolas- I'm fine. I'm sorry I got everyone so worried.
Laura- You passed out? Nikolas, why didn't you say anything? Webetter get you
back to bed.
Nikolas- I said I was fine. Isabella, tell me what happened.
Miranda hesitates.
Lucky- He has a right to know. Tell him.
Miranda- Dr. Dorman was found dead in your room. He was murdered.
Miranda and Laura wait for Nikolas to react. He doesn't sayanything.
Lucky puts his hand on Nikolas' shoulder.
Lucky- You all right man?
Nikolas closes his eyes and thinks back to the time he wasattacked.
Laura- Nikolas?
Amy comes in from the kitchen.
Amy- You found him! Where was he? You could have told us, youknow.
Laura- Amy please, not now. We just told Nikolas about Dorman.
Amy- Oh.
Miranda- Nikolas talk to us.
Nikolas- I should have known, I should have known it was him. He wasthe
third man, wasn't he?
Miranda- We think so, obviously Helena thought so too.
Nikolas- That's why she drugged me. She said she would make him payand she
did.
Lucky- At least it's over. At least they can't hurt you anymore.You
should be glad she got rid of them.
Nikolas- She said she was going to make all of you pay too. She saidshe
would get her revenge. Her timoria.
Miranda- She has been playing games with us. Trying to keep usspinning in
place. That's why we changed out tactics and brought you here. Stefanhas
a decoy at the hospital. She thinks you are still there.
Nikolas- You can't fool grandmother for long. And you can't stop herwhen
she wants something.
Laura- We're safe for the moment. Helena has never had to contendwith our two
families working together. I think we can outwit her.
Miranda- Nikolas, what is the last thing you remember at thehospital.
Nikolas thinks back.
Amy- Are you sure you should be doing this right now? He'sobviously
exhausted.
Nikolas- I want to do this.
Amy-I'm only looking out for your health. That's why I'm here. It'stime
for your medication and I bet you're starving too. When was the lasttime
you ate?
Laura- Amy's right, you should eat and rest first. We can do thislater.
Nikolas- I am hungry. But I can still ..............Iremember......
Nikolas suddenly becomes quiet.
Miranda- Nikolas? What is it?
Nikolas- I remember the nurse, Miss Chase. She knew, she knew whatshe was
doing. I saw it in her eyes after she gave me the shot. She's theone
helping Helena!
Laura- Rebecca Chase! But she lied for Dorman! Why would she kill himfor
Helena? Unless.... unless, Helena was behind Dorman's law suit.
Miranda- Maybe not behind it, but somehow involved. If Helena andDorman
were working together, he would never have attacked her grandson. Butwhat if
she were helping him behind the scenes without his knowledge?
Amy- That doesn't make sense, why would she do that?
Laura- Because it helped her get revenge against the hospital.Dorman's
lawsuit brought a lot of bad press to General Hospital. Bad PR meansless support.
Stefan said the contributions declined sharply after Dorman'sallegations hit the
press.
Miranda- So she made sure Dorman won. Just to undercut the integrityof the
hospital.
Laura- Only she didn't know he would turn around and try to killNikolas.
Miranda- And when she found out, she had him killed.
Laura- We have to tell Stefan.
Amy (angrily)- First we have to get Nikolas back to bed and get somefood
into him.
Laura- You're right, of course. Nikolas, you look tired, let us helpyou
back upstairs.
Nikolas- I can go by myself.
Nikolas stands up slowly and makes his way to the stairs.
Laura looks worried, but doesn't push- I'll bring you something toeat
then.
Nikolas- I know you have more important things to do, maybe someoneelse
can do it.
Laura- Nothing's more important than my children.
Nikolas only looks at her sadly and continues to make his wayupstairs.
Lucky-Nikolas wait up, I'll go with you. I want to check on Lulu.
Nikolas suddenly brightens- Lulu is here?
Lucky- Yeah, she's taking a nap. You want to look in on her?
Nikolas- Yes, I do, thanks.
Nikolas walks up the stairs slowly, but on his own. Lucky walksbehind him ready
to react without being too obvious about it.
Tears well up in Laura's eyes- He's not going to make it easy for meis
he?
Miranda- He's a Cassadine, we don't do easy. But hang in there, hewill
come around.
Laura- Oh believe me, I'm not giving up on him. And I will find a wayto
make him trust me again.
Upstairs Nikolas leans against the wall breathing hard. Lucky istrying
his best not to look worried.
Lucky- Maybe you should rest, before you see Lulu.
Nikolas- No, I want to see my sister. Which room is she in?
Lucky- She's in the room next to yours. Mom's been using that roomtoo. So
she can hear if anything happens to you. I don't think she has beendoing
much sleeping though, she's been so worried about you.
Nikolas- Don't. I don't want to hear anymore lies.
Lucky- Man, would you think for a change. Mom said Dad doesn't knowabout
this and she wasn't lying. He doesn't know, he's still in jail. Shehasn't even gone
to see him yet.
Nikolas- Of course he knows, Sonny's men are here.
Lucky- Okay, Sonny has probably told him by now. But She didn't tellhim.
Instead of being with him, she's here with you. And it's because sheloves
you. Please, just give her a chance.
Nikolas- That's easy for you to say Lucky, She hasn't kept abandoningyou!
Lucky- I know. I know alright? And that's partly my fault. I didn'thandle
learning about you very well, plus what my Dad said about allCassadines. And
I'm sorry okay? I'm sorry I acted like a jerk, and I'm sorry I madeit hard for you
to get to know Mom. I'm sorry for the way my Dad treated you too. Butif I can
admit me and my Dad were wrong, can't you admit that you might bewrong about
Mom?
Nikolas looks away for a minute. He takes a deep breath beforeanswering.
Nikolas- I'm not ready to forgive her yet. But I will admit that,my
behavior hasn't always been acceptable. Maybe you and I can startover.
Lucky- It's a deal. At least it's a start.
Nikolas and Lucky walk into Lulu's room. She is sleeping in acrib.
Lucky- You know, it's up to us, as her big brothers to look out forher.
Nikolas- I know. We can't let anyone hurt her the way we have beenhurt.
Lucky- We gotta end the feud, man. We gotta find a way to make youruncle and
my Dad stop fighting.
Nikolas- Agreed, but it won't be easy.
Nikolas suddenly feels weak and Lucky supports him.
Lucky- You better get back in bed.
Nikolas allows Lucky to help him back to his room and into bed.
**********************************************************
Tom Hardy starts to enter Nikolas' room. He is stopped by one ofthe
guards.
Guard- I'm sorry sir, you are not an authorized visitor. You can't goin.
Tom- I'm head of psychiatry. As Gail Baldwin's superior, it is myduty to
evaluate her job performance. Nikolas is her patient and he isn'tmaking any
progress. I need to know why.
Tom tries to enter anyway.
The guards still refuse to allow him in.
Guard- DR Hardy, if you persist in this, we will be forced to takeaction
against you.
Tom- Hey, fine with me. Let the kid continue to be traumatized. It'snot my
problem.
Guard- Then I would suggest you continue on your way.
Tom shrugs and leaves. He didn't really think he would be able to getin.
He still didn't understand what was going on. Laura has not been seensince being
served with the restraining papers. Neither has Lucky. But he figuredthey could
have gone to be with Leslie. He wanted to call Beecher's Corners butdidn't want
to tip off Helena in case she was watching him. He also noticed theabsence of his
so-called sister Miranda. Not that he believed her, just anotherCassadine plot to
besmirch the
reputation of his father. He didn't trust that woman at all. Butwhere was
she? Did her absence have anything to do with Laura's disappearance?He decided
to go to the police station and talk to Luke about his concerns. Whenhe reached
the elevators, Stefan and Bobbie was about to get on one. Tom decidedthis would
be a good time to fish for information. Tom entered the elevator justbehind Stefan
and Bobbie.
The door was about to close when a student nurse asked that theelevator be held for
her. Tom pushed the open door button so the woman could get on theelevator.
Stefan's cell phone rings and he answers it. While he is talking ofthe
phone, he notices Rebecca Chase watching them, she reaches into herpocket and
takes out a transmitter. Tom releases the open door button and isabout to push the
basement level. Stefan reacts quickly.
Stefan-Get out of the elevator! It's a trap.
He pushes Bobbie out as he jumps through the doors. The student nursedoes not
have time to react when Tom pushes on the button. The control panelexplodes and
the elevator drops and crashes.
Stefan helps Bobbie up.
Stefan- Are you all right Barbara?
Bobbie- I'm fine, but what about Tom and Kelly? How did you know?
Stefan- The phone call was from Laura, Nikolas rememberedsomething
helpful.
Stefan notices Rebecca Chase trying to slip off. He runs and grabsher.
Stefan- Not so fast Mrs. Chase.
Rebecca- Let me go, you are hurting me.
Stefan- I haven't begun to hurt you.
Mac and Taggert arrive in a few minutes.
Mac- What happened?
Stefan- The elevator was booby trapped. Nurse Chase triggered it.Tom
Hardy and a student nurse, Kelly Stewart was inside.
Mac- Tom? Tom's down there?
Stefan- I'm sorry, I understand he is a friend of yours.
Mac- No, not mine, but Felicia was close to him. Detective Taggertplace
Rebecca Chase under arrest and keep a close eye on her. We don'twant
Helena bumping her off before we get a chance to interrogate her.
Rebecca goes pale at the mention of Helena.
Rebecca- You have to protect me. I 'll tell you anything you want toknow.
Just keep Helena away from me.
Stefan- What are Helena's plans for my family and the Spencer's?
Rebecca- I don't know. She only gives me orders on a need to knowbases.
Please you have to believe me.
Rebecca starts to cry and is terrified.
Stefan- Who has been helping you?
Rebecca- She will kill me if I tell you!
Stefan (furiously)- I will kill you if you do not!
Mac- If you want protection, you are going to have to cooperate.
Rebecca- Okay, I'll tell you.
Suddenly Rebecca stiffens. A look of total surprise crosses her faceand
she and falls into Stefan's arms. She has been shot. Mac and Taggertlook for the
assailant but can see no one. Mac orders the hospital searched whileAlan takes care
of Rebecca. She is rushed to emergency surgery.
Stefan walks over to the open elevator shaft and looks down to thebottom. He
notices Bobbie crying and goes to put his arms around her.
Stefan-Barbara, are you all right?
Bobbie- I can't believe Tom's dead. He used to be a good friend ofmine.
Stefan- I'm sorry.
Bobbie- What about Audrey? How are we going to tell Audrey her sonis
dead?
Stefan- I think, she should hear the news from her closestfriends.
Bobbie- You're right, I'll see if Monica will go with me and we willtell
her together.
Stefan- I think I should go as well.
Bobbie- Please don't take this the wrong way, but I don't think thatis a
good idea. Let's face it, Tom didn't like you very much and youdidn't like him.
It was no secret. I think it would only hurt Audrey more if you werethere. And
besides, Helena would expect you to stay close to Nikolas aftersomething like this.
Stefan- Of course, you are right as usual.
**********************************************************
Audrey is at home when Monica and Bobbie arrive. She is surprised bytheir
presence at her door, but warmly invites them in. Her smile fadeswhen she notices
that Bobbie and Monica have been crying.
Audrey- What's wrong? Something terrible happened , hasn't it?
Bobbie- Audrey, I don't know how to tell you.
Audrey- No, I don't want to hear.
Monica- I am so sorry Audrey, but there has been an incident atthe
hospital.
Audrey- No!
Monica- It's Tom, he was killed.
Audrey- NO! He can't be dead.
Audrey starts to cry uncontrollably. - He can't be dead.
**********************************************************
Helena calmly takes another sip of tea as she listens to Monica andthat
Spencer slut tell Audrey the news of her sons death. She is pleasedat the quality
of the bugging device placed at the Hardy home. She smiles as Audreycries out,
He can't be dead. Despite Rebecca Chase's failure, she was notdispleased by the
results. The more Audrey expressed her heartbreak, the louder Helenalaughed.
**********************************************************