Tony is standing at the nurses station. He is reading the leadstory in the newspaper. The headline reads, VIOLENCE AND MURDER ROCKSGENERAL HOSPITAL. It goes into great detail about the recent murdersof Tom Hardy, Pierce Dorman. The shooting of Rebecca Chase. Theattempted murder of Nikolas Cassadine. It also mentions Carly'saccident and Tony's arrest. Tony wonders how the hospital willrecover from all the negative publicity. He is lost in thought whenhe hears his name called. He has no idea how long the lady has beentalking to him.
Virginia Benson- Dr. Jones?
Tony- I'm sorry, I was distracted about something. But if you are areporter, I have no comment. Excuse me.
Tony folds the paper and starts to leave.
Virginia- I'm not a reporter, I'm Caroline's, I mean Carly'smother.
Tony stops and face the woman.
Tony- You have to know, that it was an accident. I would neverdeliberately hurt anyone.
Virginia- I know it was a accident. Caroline told me.
Tony- She admitted it to you? Is she going to tell the police thetruth?
Virginia- I'm working on that. But I know my daughter. She lashes outwhen she feels slighted. That's why I made this.
Virginia reaches into her purse and takes out a cassette tape. Shehands it to Tony.
Virginia- Please don't tell her I gave it to you. I mean, I know sheisn't stupid and she will know it was me, but....
Tony- Is this what I think it is?
Virginia- I got her to admit it was an accident. I had a taperecorder in my purse. Like I said, I know my daughter. I can't standby and let her ruin your career. But in the process, I think I haveruined my last chance with her.
Tony- Not necessarily. Maybe we can work out some kind of story.Maybe suggest
someone else hid the recorder in there.
Virginia- I would appreciate that. Carly is being released soon. Ibetter go help her get dressed.
Tony- Mrs. Benson, I don't know how to thank you.
Virginia- Please call me Virginia. And no thanks are necessary. Ionly did what was right.
Tony- Virginia, you just saved my career. I know it was difficult foryou. Thank you.
Virginia smiled warmly- I can see why my daughter was attracted toyou.
Virginia was suddenly embarrassed- I better get back to her.
Tony watched as Virginia went back to Carly's room. He thought shewas a remarkable woman. He looked down at the tape in his hand andsaid a quiet prayer. He calls Justus and tells him about the tape andthat he is coming over. After hanging up the phone, he leavesimmediately for Justus Ward's law office with the tape.
******************************************************************
Nikolas wakes up feeling better than he has in a long time. He getsup and searches the closet in his room. To his relief a few of hisclothes had been brought . After he changes, he puts on his shoes andgoes downstairs. Agnes and Whit are in the living
room and they have a couple of suitcases sitting next to the door.They look up when Nikolas comes down the stairs.
Agnes- Good morning Nikolas! It's nice to see you up and about. Howare you feeling?
Nikolas- I'm fine, thank you Mrs.....?
Agnes- Oh I'm sorry, I'm Agnes Whitaker and this boob is my husbandWhit.
Whit- Good morning son.
Nikolas-Good morning, It's nice to meet you. Is this your house?
Whit- It sure is. This old farm has been in my family forgenerations.
Nikolas-It's nice, I like it. It's very homey.
Agnes- Laura said you were sweet, she was right.
Nikolas- Laura doesn't know anything about me.
Whit- She told us about you and what happened. She loves you verymuch you know. She regrets some of the choices she made.
Agnes- Whit, I think we shouldn't interfere. We don't want to upsetthe boy.
Nikolas - I would appreciate that Mrs. Whitaker.
Agnes- Now you are going to hurt my feelings if you don't call meAgnes.
Nikolas notices the suitcases.
Nikolas smiles- Agnes, are you going somewhere?
Whit- Since we got all these people here to watch the farm, thoughtwe would visit our son, Bill.
Agnes- We don't get to see the grandchildren that often. So wheneverLuke and Laura drop by, we usually head down to see them.
Leslie comes out of the kitchen.
Leslie- I thought I heard you in here. How are you feeling?
Nikolas- I'm fine, just a little hungry.
Agnes- Good Lord! where are my manners? I'll get you something, comewith me.
Agnes starts to take him by the arm.
Leslie- I'll do it. It will give us a chance to get to know oneanother.
Leslie leads Nikolas into the kitchen.
Leslie- Agnes already made the pancake batter. I think I can rememberhow to cook it.
Nikolas takes Leslie's hand- I'm sorry for what they did to you. Youmust really hate us.
Leslie- No, I don't hate you. Well, maybe your other grandmother, butnot you. You are my grandson and I could never hate you. I love youso much.
Nikolas- But it is because of me, that grandmother ordered yourdeath.
Leslie- That wasn't your fault! I don't want you to ever thinkthat.
Leslie hugs Nikolas close to her.
Laura wakes and checks on Lulu, who is still asleep. She gets dressedand goes to check on Nikolas. She quietly opens the door and peeksin. She panics when she finds that he isn't there. She opens the doorto Lucky's room.
Lucky- Mom? What's wrong.
Laura- Probably nothing. I was looking for Nikolas, he's not in hisroom.
Lucky- He's probably downstairs. But I'll help you look for him.
Laura- No, you're right. He's probably downstairs.
Lucky can tell that Laura is still worried and hurries to get dressedafter she closes the door.
Laura runs downstairs calling for Nikolas. She doesn't see him in theliving room and goes to the kitchen. She is relieved to find Nikolasand Leslie trying to flip pancakes. They are laughing and enjoyingeach others company. They stop and stare at her when she enters.Laura tries to hide her relief.
Leslie- Laura, what's wrong?
Laura- Nothing. Everything is fine.
At this minute Laura wants nothing more than to throw her arms aroundNikolas and tell him how much she loves him. But his demeanor stopsher. When she came in he stopped laughing and moved away from her. Helooks at her with distrust.
Laura- Nikolas, how are you this morning?
Nikolas- I'm fine.
Leslie- Nikolas and I were making pancakes. He's pretty good atit.
Leslie smiles and squeezes his arm. Leslie indicates that Laurashould sit down. She puts a plate down in front of Laura and anotheropposite her for Nikolas.
Leslie- Here try it. Nikolas, sit down and eat your breakfast. Youhave to get your strength back up. We don't want you to get sick onus.
Nikolas hesitates. But Leslie firmly pushes him to the chair.
Leslie- I'm your grandmother. You are suppose to humor me. Eat.
Nikolas reluctantly sits down and begins to eat his pancakes.
Leslie- That's better.
Laura and Nikolas eat in awkward silence.
Lucky comes into the kitchen to the relief of everyone. Lucky actslike he doesn't notice the tension.
Lucky- Great pancakes, I'm starved!
Leslie- Nikolas cooked them.
Lucky playfully jabs at Nikolas- I don't know if I'm that hungry.
Nikolas- Relax. Mrs. Whitaker, I mean Agnes made the batter.Grandmother and I just cooked it.
Lucky- A Cassadine cooking? Has the world stopped spinning on it'saxis?
Nikolas smiles and some of the tension is lessened.
Miranda and Amy join them. Miranda goes to Nikolas and kisses him onthe cheek. Amy sits and helps herself to breakfast.
Nikolas- Good morning Aunt.
Miranda - Don't start that, nephew. I'm glad to see you up. How areyou feeling?
Amy- I'm not so sure it's a good idea. Nikolas shouldn't be tiringhimself.
Nikolas- I feel fine. Besides, I'm tired of laying in bed all thetime.
Laura- I think it's a good idea for Nikolas to move around, as longas he doesn't overdo it.
Nikolas looks at Laura like he just remembered she was there andsuddenly feels uncomfortable again. Laura senses this and regretssaying anything. After breakfast Miranda volunteers to do the dishes.Nikolas offers to help, but is declined. Everyone else goes into theliving room. Agnes and Whit are there.
Agnes- Laura, if you don't mind we are going to be heading out now.Everything is in the car and ready to go.
Laura hugs them both- I don't know how to thank you, for letting usstay here. Especially since it could be dangerous.
Agnes- Are you kidding? Whit and I would do anything for you.Besides, we get to see our grandkids, now that you are here to watchthe farm. We should be thanking you.
Agnes and Whit say goodbye to everyone and leave.
Leslie- They are nice people.
Laura- Yes they are.
Lucky brings Lulu downstairs. He and Nikolas feed her breakfast.Laura watches as Lucky and Nikolas get closer. She is grateful forthe progress but longs for the day, he will be comfortable with her.The phone rings and she answers it.
Laura- Hello?
Stefan- Laura, How is Nikolas?
Laura- Yesterday was difficult for him, but he is doing much bettertoday. He's out of
bed and walking around some.
Stefan- Thank God for that. Has there been any trouble?
Laura- No. Well, he thought he had been kidnapped when he first cameto and tried to escape yesterday. But we got it straightened out.Why?
Stefan- Something's happened at the hospital. Tom Hardy had beenkilled.
Laura- Tom! Oh no! How?
Laura starts to cry- It was Helena wasn't it?
Stefan- Yes. By way of Rebecca Chase. If not for your call yesterday,Barbara and I would have been killed as well. We were on the elevatorwith Tom when you called.
Had you not told me about Nurse Chase, I would not have noticed hertrigger the transmitter.
Laura- Thank God you and Bobbie got out in time. But what does thismean? Who was her target? You or Tom? She said the son was next,maybe instead of Nikolas, she was talking about Steve Hardy's son. Orhers....you.
Stefan- The possibility has crossed my mind. I will take thenecessary precautions. May I speak to Isabella?
Laura- Of course, I'll get her.
Laura goes to the kitchen to get Miranda.
Laura- Miranda, Stefan is on the phone, he wants to talk to you.
Miranda-What's wrong? What happened?
Laura- I'll let Stefan tell you.
Miranda goes to the living room to talk to Stefan.
Nikolas- What happened?
Laura can no longer contain her tears.- It's Tom Hardy, he beenkilled.
Lucky- Not Tom! Mom, what happened to him?
Nikolas becomes upset and starts to pace- It was my grandmotherwasn't it? She killed him! She killed him and it's my fault. Shewants me back, I should have gone to her.
Laura- No! Don't say that! There is nothing you could have done tostop Helena. Even if she has you with her, she would still want herrevenge. I know her. I know the kind of evil she is.
Nikolas stops pacing and has his back to Laura.
Nikolas- I understand now, and I don't blame you for not wanting me.You see them when you look at me don't you? I remind you ofHelena......and my father. You think I'm evil too.
Laura- No, that's not true. I love you, and I want you in my life. Iknow that you are a
good person. You are nothing like Helena or Stavros. Nikolas, youhave to believe me. Please give me another chance to prove that toyou.
Laura slowly reaches out and touches Nikolas' shoulder. When he doesnot reject her touch. She puts her arms around him. Again he does notreject her, but he does not turn to embrace her either. Laura senseshis inner turmoil and prays he will give her a chance to love him. Hestarts to cry and just when Laura thinks he is about to give in, hepulls away from her.
Nikolas- I need to talk to my uncle. Excuse me.
Lucky watches silently as Nikolas walks out of the kitchen. He goesto Laura and embraces her.
Lucky- Give him time, he will come around.
Laura - I know. He was so close to it. I could feel it.
Amy enters the kitchen.
Amy- What's wrong with Nikolas? I just saw him with Miranda, he seemspretty upset.
For the first time Amy notices that Laura has been crying.
Amy- What's wrong? Did you and Nikolas have a fight? Do I have toremind you that he doesn't need anymore stress right now?
Lucky- Leave her alone, it's wasn't her fault.
Laura- It's Tom Hardy, he was killed last night.
Amy- Tom? Tom Hardy was killed? I don't understand, it was suppose tobe.......
Lucky-Supposed to be who?
Amy- No one, it's just , I thought she was killing the men whoattacked Nikolas. So why would she kill Tom? And besides I thoughtNikolas was her next target. I would have thought the cop would benext.
Laura- We don't know that he won't be. And if there is one thing Ihave learned about Helena is you can't second guess her. There is notelling what revenge she got by killing Tom.
Amy- I guess. Anyway, it's time for Nikolas' medication.
Amy reaches into the cabinet for his prescriptions and takes out therequired dosage
for each. She fills a glass with water and takes them to him in theliving room.
******************************************************************
Stefan hangs up his cell phone and enters Nikolas' room. Mac isalready in the room talking with officer Ettore.
Mac- Just keep alert. There's already been another murder.
Ettore- Believe me, I will.
Stefan- Good morning gentlemen. It's time to step up our plans.
Mac- Agreed. It's time to lure out Helena's henchmen. Is everythingin place?
Stefan- Yes. Everything is prepared.
******************************************************************
Helena is sitting in her chair like a queen sitting on herthrone. A servant pours her tea. As she listens to Audrey and Monicadiscuss the funeral arrangements for Tom, she smiles.
Helena- My love, I have sent your son to you. However unintentional,I am pleased with the results. And it will only be a matter of timebefore the remnants of your beloved hospital join you. After today,with yet another murder and soon the kidnapping of a teenage boy,your precious hospital will not withstand the tide of outrage andfear.
Helena sits back in her chair to enjoy the heartbreak at the Hardyhome.
******************************************************************
Jake pretends to be adjusting something on the portable x-ray machineas he studies the comings and goings of the police outside ofNikolas' room. He is furious. He needs someone to prepare the kid,but Rebecca Chase has proved to be a liability. He wasn't worriedabout getting into the room. Helena had several of the guardsprotecting Nikolas on her payroll. Stefan would be surprised at howlong she had been plotting her revenge. But that had to wait anyway.Helena wasn't ready to grab the kid just yet. And Cassadine politicshad little interest for Jake, he was more interested in the pay-off.He looked at his watch and wondered again where Amy had disappearedto. Not that he particularly missed her, the respite from herconstant talking had been a relief. But she had the inside track andhe needed her for his plans. For ten million dollars, he was willingto do anything. And right now, he had something very important to do.He had to protect himself from discovery. He casually walked pastNikolas' room and went to the Intensive Care Units. Rebecca Chase wasin Unit 5. She had undergone several hours of surgery and to hisdismay survived. Word had leaked out that she had regained consciousand was close to giving the police a full statement. There were acouple of police guards outside the room. Jake pushed the x-raymachine past the guards, they stopped him and checked his ID and theorder for the patient's x-ray then let him pass. The curtain to theobservation room was closed but Jake could clearly see Rebecca on themonitors. She moved her head and then her arm. She appeared to beasleep, but on the verge of waking. Jake had to stop her before shecould expose him. He opened the door to her room and pushed to x-raymachine in. Then he opened a small panel and took out a syringe. Hewas about to inject it into her IV when Mac and Stefan stepped outfrom behind a partition.
Mac- That's not a good idea, mate.
Jake spun around at the sound of Mac's voice. He tried to inject Macwith the syringe
but Stefan grabbed his arm and twisted it behind his back. Mac tookthe syringe and called Taggert on his cell phone. In a matter ofseconds Taggert and the police entered the unit. Stefan reluctantlyreleased his hold on Jake so that Taggert could handcuff him.
Mac placed the syringe in a plastic bag and marked it for evidence.After the initial shock wore off, Jake realized it was all a set-up.He looked closely at Rebecca, she was nowhere near becomingconscious. He looked at her monitors and realized they were givingfalse readings.
Jake- I don't understand, she was moving.
Mac- Only on the monitors. Mr. Cassadine can be fairly creative withcomputers when he needs to be. But a few computer tricks are theleast of your worries.
Taggert- You see, Mrs. Chase has been brain dead ever since hersurgery. You will be charged with her murder by the way.
Jake- You don't have any evidence, the most you got me on isattempted murder and you can't kill someone who is already dead.
Taggert- Don't worry, I'm sure we can come up with the necessaryevidence. Face it, you are going to prison for a long long time. Thatis unless Mrs. Cassadine gets to you first. I've noticed she doesn'ttake to her employees getting caught. I must say her
disciplinary actions are very affective.
Stefan looked at Jake with all the fury built up over the last twoweeks.
Stefan- My mother's disciplinary actions will seem like a gentlecaress compared to mine, Mr. Parrish. You now have me to deal withand I can assure you, that I am a formidable enemy. You haveendangered the one person I hold most dear, and I guarantee you willregret your actions.
Jake stared at Stefan and tried to hide his fear. The intense hatredin his eyes reminded him of Helena and he wondered if she hadunderestimated her son. Either way, Jake knew that he was dead. IfStefan did not kill him, then Helena would.
******************************************************************
Helena is still listening to the device planted in the Hardy home. Ithas yet to be discovered. She has her eyes closed and is relishingher final victory of Audrey.
Audrey sits on her couch and holds a picture of Tom and Steve. Takenat the annual fourth of July picnic in the park.
Audrey- I don't understand. Why would Helena want them dead? Whathappened between her and Steve was over a long time ago. Before wewere married. It just doesn't make sense. Why after all theseyears?
Helena laughs- My dear, remember the adage, revenge is a dish, bestserved cold. It is a cliché, I know. But in this case it isaccurate.
Monica- That's a good question. Why would she help Dorman ruin mycareer and then kill him?
Bobbie- That's easy, she is trying to bring down the hospital. Sheused Dorman to help
tarnish it's reputation. But then Nikolas wondered in on his drugdeal.
Helena's smile vanishes at the mention of Dorman's attack of Nikolas.Her eyes fill with quiet rage.
Helena- But then, some revenge cannot wait until it cools. Sometimesthe rules of timoria require a swift and final action.
Audrey- How is Nikolas? I haven't seen him since he was transferredout of ICU. He must be terrified.
Bobbie looks down- Nikolas is holding up pretty well under thecircumstances.
Monica- Alan has been pretty closed mouthed about him. I get thefeeling something is up.
After hearing Monica's last statement Helena leans forward in herchair. The women
have her undivided attention. A tinge of concern crosses herface.
Bobby- Not at all, we are just trying to keep him safe and isolatedfrom the tension in the hospital. No one knows when Helena will makeher next move, and after all the other times she got to him. We hadto restrict access to him even more. Alan understands the need forsecurity, that's all. Personally, I'll be glad when he can leave thehospital and come home to Wyndemere where he can be betterprotected.
Helena breaths a sigh of relief and sits back in her chair. Confidentthat she still has the upper hand. Everything was falling into place.Soon she would have the boy back with her. She looked forward it. Ofcourse, he would be angry with her at first, she knew this. But giventime, he will come to see her reasons. Helena's thoughts wereinterrupted by a servant, who had brought her the telephone. Helenaanswered the phone expecting Jake to inform her of Rebecca Chase'sdemise.
Helena- This is Helena Cassadine, what do you have to report?
Helena stood in outrage- Why was I not informed of the earlier?
Helena's mind worked at lightening speed. She quickly reformulatedher plans.
Helena- No, we will continue with the plans for the hospitaltonight...... The men involved are expendable............. Whatbetter diversion than to use their own decoy againstthem........Expect us tonight.....And be prepared.
Helena hung up the telephone and sat back down.
Helena- So, my son. You think to outwit me? We shall see.
******************************************************************
Amy has just replaced the telephone receiver when Laura enters theroom.
Laura- Who were you talking too?
Amy- I called for the weather report. I thought Nikolas might enjoysome fresh air for a few minutes today.
Laura- That's a good idea. Will it get warm enough?
Amy- I guess so. We just need to make sure he doesn't get cold. Maybewe could let him sit out on the porch with a blanket around him.
Laura- I know he will enjoy being outdoors. He's been cooped up for awhile now.
Laura looks outside- Maybe after lunch. It will be the warmestthen.
Amy- It's time for his medication, I better take it to him.
Laura- Let me do it, okay? I want to spend some time with him.
Amy- It's about time.
Laura- Amy, please don't try to lay a guilt trip on me. I'm alreadyfeeling guilty about the way I treated him. I know I was wrong and Iwant to make it up to him. Please don't make it worse.
Amy- Far be for me to make things harder on you. I'll just go measureout his dosages.
Laura- Thank you.
Laura follows Amy into the kitchen and watches her count out thedifferent pills for Nikolas to take. She fills a glass with water andtakes the pills from Amy.
Laura- What are all these for anyway?
Amy- Mostly antibiotics. That one is a blood thinner to keep him fromgetting blood clots in his lungs, and then there is a decongestant.And a mild painkiller, nothing addictive though.
Laura- It just seems like a lot.
Amy snaps back- Hey, I don't prescribe them, I just follow doctorsorders. You want him to get well don't you?
Laura- I'm sorry, I wasn't questioning whether he needs them or not,just commenting
on how many he has to take. I didn't mean to offend you.
Amy- Of course you didn't. Nikolas needs to take these now.
Laura- Okay, I'm on my way. But I think we need to sit down anddiscuss why you are so angry with me.
Amy- Good Grief Laura! You let me think you were dead. I almost had anervous breakdown! Did you know that! No! Because you couldn't careless. If it wasn't for Jake, I don't know what I would have done.
Laura sets the glass of water and pills on a tray and reaches out toAmy
Laura - Amy, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you.
Amy pulls away - That's just it, you never mean to hurt anyone. Youare just really good at it. But after the way you treated your ownson, why should I be surprised at how you treat me?
Laura - Amy..
Amy- Oh, I don't want to hear it right now. Excuse me, I need to takea walk to cool off.
Amy storms out of the back door and goes outside.
Laura wipes away the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes.She wonders how she will ever make it up to the people she has hurt.She picks up the tray and goes upstairs to Nikolas' room. The door isslightly ajar. Nikolas is restless in his sleep. And Laura's heartskips a beat. It pains her to see him suffer. She puts the traydown
one the night stand and sits on the bed next to him. Laura gentlyshakes him and calls his name.
Laura - Nikolas, wake up.
At her touch, Nikolas sits up afraid and confused.
Nikolas- No!
Laura- It's alright, you're safe. I won't let anyone hurt you.
Before she realizes it, she is holding him close to her. He graduallyresponds. He closes his eyes and lays his head on her shoulder. Laurastarts to cry. And so does Nikolas.
Laura is afraid to speak. She is afraid to break the fragileconnection with him.
Laura- I wish I could take this pain from you.
Nikolas doesn't answer, he just holds her a little tighter.
Amy knocks on the door and comes in.
Amy- What happened? Nikolas are you alright?
Nikolas lets go of Laura and looks embarrassed. He wipes the tearsfrom his eyes with the back of his hand.
Nikolas- I'm fine. Nothing is wrong. It was just a dream.
He refuses to look Laura in the eye. She can feel him emotionallypulling away from her again.
Laura gives Amy a furious look.
Amy- What? what did I do?
Laura- Nothing, never mind.
Amy- Did you give Nikolas his pills yet?
Laura- Not yet, I was about to.
Laura takes the pills and water from the tray and hands them toNikolas. He takes them without looking at her.
Laura is desperate to reconnect with him.
Laura- Amy will you excuse us please, I need to talk to Nikolasalone.
Amy- No problem, don't mind me.
Amy leaves and pretends to close the door behind her. She leaves itopen just enough to hear inside.
Nikolas- We don't have anything to talk about. I was confused, that'sall. Don't read more into it than that.
Laura- Okay, if that's how you want it. I won't push. But pleasedon't be afraid to show me your feelings. I love you and deep down Iknow you love me too. Can you deny that?
Nikolas looks away and does not answer.
Laura- I didn't think you could.
Laura kisses him on the cheek and leaves.
Amy hurriedly steps into Lulu's room so that Laura won't see her.After she hears Laura go downstairs, she waits a few minutes andenters Nikolas' room. He is sitting on the edge of the bed. Amy sitsnext to him.
Amy- I'm sorry if Laura upset you. I love my sister, but she playswith people's feeling like they were toys.
Nikolas- It wasn't like that. I had a dream and was confused, that'sall.
Amy- That's all on your part. But Laura knows how to manipulatepeople into forgiving her. She has done that all her life. She can doanything and no one holds her accountable. No matter how much shehurts them.
Nikolas- She hurt you too, didn't she?
Amy- Yes she did. When I heard she died, I almost lost my mind. I hadto take a leave
of absence from the hospital. I didn't tell anyone, but I checkedmyself into rest home for awhile. I just couldn't cope with the painof losing her. But then I met Jake and he helped me though it.
Nikolas- I know what you mean. It was hard, thinking that she wasdead and maybe my uncle was responsible. But at least I had Bobbie. Idon't know what I would have done without her.
Amy takes Nikolas' hand- It was hard, but we came through it. Only tofind out it was all a great big joke.
Nikolas shakes his head- I didn't think anything could hurt that bad,until she told me it was her choice too. That she went along with theplan of her own free will.
Amy- That kind of pain is hard to forget.
Nikolas-But if you haven't forgiven her, then why are you here?
Amy- I'm here, because you are here. That's why.
******************************************************************
Laura has just come downstairs and into the kitchen whenMiranda and Lucky come through the backdoor carrying a couple bags ofgroceries.
Laura- Here let me help you with that.
She takes one of the bags from Miranda and sets it on the table.
Miranda- Thanks.
The two women begin putting the groceries away.
Lucky- Where's Nikolas?
Laura- He's upstairs in his room. I was just up there, so I know heis awake.
Lucky- I think I'll go keep him company.
Laura smiles - That's a wonderful idea. He just had another dream,I'm sure he could use the company.
Laura hugs Lucky and kisses him- Thank you for being so nice tohim.
Lucky - Don't make a big deal out of it.
Lucky grabs a couple of apples and heads to Nikolas' room.
Laura- It's finally happening! I thought is was too much to hopefor.
Miranda- I have to admit, I've noticed a thaw between the two ofthem. Maybe something good has come from all this mess.
Laura shakes her head- Maybe, at least now I have hope I can have allmy children with me. You know we connected for a few minutes today.He had another dream and he let me comfort him. It felt so good justto hold him.
Miranda- I'm glad, for both of you. Nikolas needs you. I'm glad he isfinally starting to put things behind him.
Laura- It's a start. He's not there yet though. Amy came in and hepulled away from me
again. But at this point I will take any thing I can get.
Miranda- At least you are making progress, just keep trying.
Lucky comes back into the kitchen. He looks worried.
Lucky- Mom, Nikolas isn't in his room. He's not anywhere in thehouse, I checked.
Laura- I didn't hear him go out!
Miranda-Did you tell the guards he was missing?
Lucky- Not yet, I wanted to let you know first.
Laura- Maybe, he's visiting with Mom?
Lucky- She hasn't seen him. I asked.
Miranda- Let's not panic yet. He probably just went for a walk.
The three of them walk outside to look for Nikolas and find himpracticing Tai Chi on the porch.
Laura- Nikolas! Thank God! We thought something happened to you! Whatare you doing out here?
Nikolas continues moving from one position to another, like a slowdance.
He makes no attempt to answer her.
Laura starts to go to him and Miranda stops her.
Miranda- Maybe you shouldn't. Tai Chi can be very therapeutic and ifhe wasn't up to it, he wouldn't be doing it.
Laura- Something's wrong, I can feel it. Why isn't he answering?
Laura goes to him and puts her arms around him.
Nikolas- Let go of me!
He twists out of her reach.
Nikolas- How dare you!
Laura- No, Nikolas, it's me, Laura. No one is going to hurt you.
Nikolas laughs bitterly- Of course YOU would never hurt me! Wherewould I get such an idea! Don't you realize you have already hurtme?
Laura- I....I know I hurt you! And I'm sorry. If I had it to do over,I would do things completely different.
Nikolas- No you wouldn't. You would make the same choice you alwaysdo. And you will make the same choice again, the next time LukeSpencer forces you to choose. It's too easy for you.
Lucky- You're not being fair!
Nikolas glares at Lucky.
Laura- Stay out of it Lucky, this is between me and Nikolas.
Nikolas- We don't have anything more to say.
Nikolas angrily brushes past her and walks out into the yard.
Laura starts to cry - Nikolas! Please come back and let's talk aboutit.
Nikolas ignores her and continues to walk across the yard. He stopsand leans against
the big oak tree. Laura starts to go after him.
Miranda- I don't think that is a good idea. I know Nikolas, he needstime alone when he's this upset.
Laura- I don't understand what happened. We were making progress! Hewas so close to forgiving me.
Amy watches the scene from the door. She smiles to herself as shesteps back into the house, walks into the kitchen and sneaks out theback door. She smiles at the guard and walks out into the backyard.She admires the flowers for a few minutes and when the guard isn'tlooking she goes down a trail leading into the woods. There is astream a few hundred yards from the house. Next to the stream is anold stump where a tree had fallen. Amy looks around before reachinginto the stump. There is a small plastic bag inside and she takes itout. Inside the bag is a small bottle, a small envelope and a note.Amy tucks the bottle and envelope into her pocket and reads the note.It was short and to the point.
Tonight. 2am. Be prepared. Do not Fail.
H.
Amy tore the note into pieces and tossed them into the stream. Shecasually strolled back to the house. When she entered the back door,Leslie was in the kitchen pouring juice into a bottle for Lulu.
Leslie- I didn't want to bother Laura. The baby is hungry.
Amy- No we wouldn't want to bother Laura, would we?
Leslie- Is something wrong? I know Laura is worried. She worries toomuch.
Amy- Yeah, Laura worries, what else is new?
Leslie- Something is wrong.
Amy- No, don't mind me. I'm just hungry myself. What I wouldn't givefor a pizza right now.
Leslie smiles- I don't think they deliver this far.
Amy- I don't either. I guess we will have to make do with sandwiches.I don't feel like cooking a big meal right now.
Leslie- I'll help you. It will be good to spend some time with you. Imissed you so much.
Amy can feel the tears start to well up and fights it.
Amy- I missed you too. And when this is over we will have lots oftime together.
She gives Leslie's a quick hug and begins making the sandwiches.
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Laura, Miranda and Lucky sit on the porch and watch Nikolas gothrough his tai chi exercises. He is focused and seems to be unawareof them.
Laura- He's going to hurt himself.
Lucky- I don't think so.
Miranda-I think he needs the meditation. He will quit when he needsto. I just wish I knew why he got so hostile.
As Nikolas moves from one position to another he lets the memorieswash over him. Lucky telling him his mother was dead. Seeing her onthe dock. Having her tell him that she willingly let him believe shewas dead. Overhearing that he is Luke Spencer's son. The mind numbingshock, the cave, the lantern, the attack, the fear. At first hestruggles to maintain his concentration, his breathing becomes rapid.But manages to regain control and slows his breathing withoutinterrupting the flow of movement. He remembers waking in thehospital surrounded by everyone wanting his forgiveness. Learningthat Laura had left him again and went to Switzerland. Lucky tellinghim about the two dead men and the letter left by his grandmother.Luke bellowing that he had proof he was not his father. Amy bringinghim breakfast that turned out to be drugged. Another note found, athreat made. Rebecca Chase injecting a sedative into his IV. Wakingup in the house thinking he had been kidnapped and trying to escape.Dorman's death. Laura's embrace and his talk with Amy. His anger atLaura. And then he begins again. Maintaining the slow graceful flowfrom one movement to the other.
Laura- I need to go check on Lulu. Please don't let him get tootired.
Miranda- Don't worry, I'm keeping my eye on him. But I think this isa good sign. At least he is exercising. I think this will only helphim recover faster. Mind as well as body.
Lucky- I don't know about all that, but it looks pretty cool.
Lucky gets up and walks over to Nikolas.
Laura waits to see what happens. He studies Nikolas for a few minutesand begins to copy his movements. He does this for ten minutes beforeNikolas acknowledges his presence.
Nikolas- You're doing it wrong.
Lucky- Well why don't you show me the right way.
Nikolas- Are you serious about wanting to learn?
Lucky- Nah, I just like to make a fool out myself for nothing. Ofcourse, I want to learn.
Nikolas studies him for a few minutes and then begins to show himthe
movements.
Laura- At least Nikolas' renewed hostility doesn't extend toLucky.
She watches her sons, grateful for their growing friendship.
******************************************************************
Jake Parrish is sitting in the interrogation room. Detective Taggertis questioning him and has been for the past hour. Mac and Stefanwatch through the two way mirror.
Taggert- Mr. Parrish, why don't you save yourself and cooperate withus? We can offer you protection.
Jake- You can offer anything, but you can't deliver. No one canprotect me now.
Taggert- We can, if you would help us stop Mrs. Cassadine. Tell uswhat her plans are.
Jake- I don't know her plans. She doesn't inform us ahead oftime.
Taggert- How does she contact you?
Jake- She contacts Rebecca Chase, we got our instructions fromher.
Taggert- I don't think you got your last instructions from Ms.Chase.
Jake doesn't answer.
Taggert- Come on now Mr. Parrish. You were doing so well. Don't holdback us. How did she contact you.
Jake- She called me at the hospital. It was the first and only time Italked to the lady.
Taggert- What are her plans for Nikolas Cassadine?
Jake- I don't know.
Taggert- You don't expect us to believe that do you?
Jake- I don't know what her plans are. She didn't tell us yet.
Taggert- You keep saying us, who's working with you?
Jake- I meant Rebecca and me.
Mac- You think he's telling the truth?
Stefan- Helena would not reveal her complete strategy to an employee.However I
believe Mr. Parrish knows more than he is revealing. If I could havea few moments
with him.
Mac- It's worth a try. Anything we learn won't hold up in courtthough.
Stefan- I am unconcerned with Mr. Parrish's punishment. I am quitesure mother will
take care of that matter for both of us.
Mac- You have five minutes. Let's go.
Taggert- Mr. Parrish, let's go over your story again.
Stefan and Mac entered before he could finish.
Stefan calls on his years of experience in intimidation. He seems togather the energy
around him. His eyes are cold and hard and filled with a quiet rage.He looks straight at Jake, who pales.
Stefan- I have grown weary of your denials Mr. Parrish. So let memake myself clear.
If anything happens to my nephew,
Stefan leans over the table to get close to the man's face.
Stefan-You will pray for Helena's reprimand. Trust me, it wouldbehoove you to inform us of everything you know.
Jake- You can't let him threaten me this way.
Mac- Threaten? I didn't hear a threat against you! Detective Taggert,did you hear a threat against Mr. Parrish?
Taggert- I don't know what you are talking about. I haven't heard anythreats against
anyone in this room. Hell, I don't even see Mr. Cassadine, so howcould he be threatening anyone?
Stefan- Mr. Parrish, my patience are wearing thin.
Jake- Okay! But I want protection, against both of them.
Stefan- Tell what you know, and you will not need protection againstme.
Mac- We will do everything we can to protect you.
Stefan- What are her plans for my nephew?
Jake- She's going to grab the kid tonight. But she's going to killyou first.
Stefan- The son, she meant me. And the elevator?
Jake- It was meant for you. Rebecca triggered it when youentered.
Stefan- I would have thought she would want me to suffer through theloss of Nikolas.
Jake- I don't know about that.
Stefan- Tell us what you know of her plans. And I warn you, do notleave out a single detail. Because if anything happens to me, I havefamily who will carry out my instructions even in the event of mydeath. And believe it or not, some of them are far
more dangerous than I.
******************************************************************
Nikolas is sitting on the couch with Lulu telling her the story ofIvan and the firebird. He is very tired but doesn't want to leave herside. He smiles when she hands him her teddy bear and continues thestory. When he is finished Leslie sits down next to him.
Leslie- You're very good with her.
Nikolas- I think she is amazing. She is so pure and sweet. I don'tever want to see her hurt.
Leslie-The way you were hurt?
Nikolas- It doesn't matter anymore. It's done and can't be changed.I'm really tired. I'm going to bed.
Nikolas kisses Lulu and starts to go upstairs.
Amy- Nikolas, I'll be up in a few minutes with your medication.
Nikolas rolls his eyes- Great, I look forward to it.
Nikolas goes to his room and gets ready for bed. He sits on the bedwaiting for Amy. When someone knocks on the door, he assumes it's Amyand tells her to come in.
The door opens and Laura comes in.
Nikolas- What do you want?
Laura- I was worried about you. You're going to bed pretty early. Areyou feeling alright?
Nikolas- I'm just tired, that's all.
Laura- Nikolas, we need to talk about what's bothering you.
Nikolas- Nothings bothering me. I'm really tired, can't we talk aboutthis in the morning?
Laura - Okay, you need your rest, I know that. But we will discussthis
further tomorrow.
Amy comes in with the pills as Laura is leaving. She waits untilLaura is gone before she hands Nikolas the pills.
Amy- She didn't upset you again did she?
Nikolas - No. I'm not upset, just tired. Nikolas takes the pills twoat a time. He notices a different one which he saves for last. Hepicks it up.
Nikolas- I don't remember this one, what's it for?
Amy- It's a allergy pill.
Nikolas- I don't have allergies.
Amy- We can't risk it, you were outside for a couple of hours today.We can't have you getting any kind of chest congestion at all. It'stoo dangerous. So go ahead and take it.
Nikolas looked at the pill and hesitated. When he realized that Amywasn't going to leave until he took the pill he put it in his mouthand finished off the glass of water.
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