Stefan and Bobbie are finally allowed to seeNikolas. Bobbie bends over and kisses his cheek.
Bobbie- Nikolas? (Her eyes are filled with tears).Nikolas, I want you to remember that you have a lot of people wholove you. And we all want you to get well.
Stefan holds Nikolas' hand and kisses the back ofit. He is furious when he sees the cuts and bruises on Nikolas' faceand arms. He is also crying.
Stefan- Nikolas, I know you are angry with me rightnow. But you must believe that no one has or ever could love you morethan I. You are my life. I can not imagine my life without you in it.It is insignificant whose blood runs through you veins, because I amyour Father in every way that matters. I do not know what I will doif you do not forgive me. But for now, you must concentrate ongetting well. And I promise you this, my child, I will find who didthis to you. And they will learn the true meaning of Timoria. Ipromise you this. (He kisses Nikolas' forehead).
Stefan and Bobbie leave so that Laura can come inand see him. They pass her at the door as she enters. She stands nextto him and caresses his face. Her face is also wet with tears.
Laura- Oh God, who would do this to my baby? Inever wanted to leave you. I have loved you every single day of yourlife. I wish you could believe that. I know, I have made so manymistakes with you. If I could change things, I would, but I can't. Iknow it must have been a shock to hear that Luke was your father. Wethought we were doing what was best for you. I was afraid for you.(Laura breaks down). Oh God, what have I done to my baby! PleaseNikolas, please forgive me, I love you so much. ( In a few minutesshe collects herself), I'm sorry Nikky. I love you. We all love you.( She kisses him and leaves. She comes out of the ICU unit and lookspleadingly at Luke, who ignores her and slowly walks in to seeNikolas. He takes a deep breath before stepping through the door.
Luke walks slowly over to Nikolas' bed. He isn'tsure what to do or say. He puts his hands on the rail of the bedwithout touching Nikolas. He studies his son. He memorizes every cutand bruise, I'll find who did this, he thinks, and they're gonna besorry they ever touched you.
Luke- I've done worse to you, haven't I? Thequestion is, what do we do now? I ain't gonna lie to ya kid, you maynot have been born a Cassadine, but you were raised one. And I have areal problem with that. I never met a Cassadine yet that could betrusted. So if it's true and you're my son, how can I ever trust you?Hell, how can you ever trust me? I tried my best to make you hate meand to push you away from my family. Kind of ironic ain't it? All thethings I did was to protect my family.
Luke remembers the look on Nikolas' face when theguards are dragging him through the hospital, accusing him ofstealing drugs. He remembers the look on his face when he is toldLaura is dead. Without realizing it, Luke strokes Nikolas' hair.
Luke- So you tell me kid, what do we do now?
Nikolas feels someone tentatively brush back hishair. He struggles to open his eyes but is too weak. Hewhispers.....Uncle...., then falls back to sleep. Luke Spencer jerkshis hand back, as if burned. His face becomes hard as he walks fromthe room.
Luke- He's calling for you.
Stefan- He is awake then?
Luke- If he was awake he wouldn't be calling foryou, now would he?
Bobbie- Don't you two start up again, not here inthe hospital.
Stefan- Excuse me Barbara, I am going to check onNikolas.
Luke- We need to talk, little sister.
Bobbie- We have absolutely nothing to say to eachother.
Luke- Don't do this Barbara Jean.
Bobbie- You want to talk to someone Luke, go talkto your wife.
Bobbie leaves to join Stefan in Nikolas' room.Sonny comes up to Luke.
Sonny- If you don't need me, I'm going to take off.I want to check on Brenda.
Luke-Sure, go ahead man. She still gettin thosemystery gifts?
Sonny - Yeah, she's in danger. I feel it.Somebody's after her and I don't trust Jaxxyboy to protect her.
Luke- Let me know if there is anything I can do.
Sonny- Seems to me, you got your hands full. You'regoing to find out who did this to the kid, right?
Luke- You know it, man. You better get going, we'lltalk about it later.
Sonny leaves. Luke watches as Laura talks to Amy.Stefan and Bobbie come out of Nikolas' room.
Bobbie- Did you get hold of Alexis yet?
Stefan- Yes, she is taking the next flight back toPort Charles.
Bobbie- I hope she got a chance to take care of herbusiness in New York. She seemed awfully anxious to get there.
Stefan- I'm sure she did. Shall we go get somecoffee?
Bobbie- That would be nice.
Stefan informs the nurse on duty to page them, ifthere is any change in Nikolas' condition. Luke walks over to Amy andLaura.
Luke- Excuse us Amy, Laura and I need to talk.
Amy- Laura?
Laura- It's alright Amy, He's right, we need totalk. Will you page us, if anything happens?
Amy- Of course I will.
Luke and Laura try to find somewhere private totalk and settle on the medical library.
Luke- Okay, I need for you to tell me the truthnow. What really happened? This is what he was using to blackmail youinto going to Switzerland wasn't it? So tell me the truth and heloses that power over you. Laura nods, yes.
Laura - I had suspected that I was pregnant beforeI was kidnapped. I had made a doctor's appointment, did you knowthat? I was going to get a pregnancy test, to be sure, before I toldyou.
Luke- Go on.
Laura- When Helena had me kidnapped, I wastransferred to the family jet in Greece. Stavros was on board, thatwas my first encounter with him. I could tell that he was attractedto me. He told me how they had arranged it to look like I had drownedand that you would think I was dead. That was when he told me thatthey would never let me go. I would remain with them for the rest ofmy life, cut off from my family forever. I realized that there was noway you could fine me. I was desperate, I.... I.....
Luke- Say it Laura.
Laura- I seduced him. Luke, I'm sorry. I thought ifI could win him over, He would let me go.
Luke- (sarcastically) Well, it didn't work didit?
Laura- No... Her became obsessed with me. Irealized he would never let me go and I refused to sleep with himagain. But I knew if he found out that I was pregnant with yourchild, he would do something terrible, possible even kill mybaby.
Luke- So you told him you were pregnant with hischild.
Laura- Yes. Her insisted that we get married and Irefused. I was in my forth month when they showed me the paperssaying you had been killed. By then I didn't care about myself, Ionly wanted to protect my unborn child, so I agreed to marry him.That's when he started allowing me to leave the compound and I raninto Stefan at the cove.
Luke- Did you sleep with him too?
Laura- No, but we did become friends. He wasdifferent then. He felt sorry for me. I needed someone to change thepaternity test results. Helena had already told me, they were goingto have the test done. I knew he would never betray me, so Iconfessed my secret and he agreed to help me.
Luke- Why?
Laura- Because he was in love with me.
Luke- And you never slept with him?
Laura- I already told you, No.
Luke- And I'm suppose to believe you?
Laura- It's the truth. I didn't tell you beforebecause I was afraid of losing you.
Luke- How do you expect me to forgive you?
Laura- The same way I forgave you!
Luke- (Suddenly pales) Oh God...........Have youforgiven me?
They are interrupted by the page.
Nurse- Stefan Cassadine, Laura Spencer please cometo ICU unit three.
Laura- That's Nikolas' room!
Luke- Let's go.
Luke and Laura arrive at the same time as Stefanand Bobbie. Alarms are going off and people are running into Nikolas'room. Luke starts to enter, but a nurse refused to allow it. Stefanstands in the doorway looking on. Nikolas is fighting and has tornhis IV out. The pads for the heart monitor have also come lose. He isscreaming in Greek.
Nikolas- Let me go!! Uncle help me!
He tries to push Tony and the nurses away from him.He is obviously terrified.
Tony- Stefan, see if you can calm him.
Stefan rushes to Nikolas, answering him inGreek.
Stefan- It is alright Nikolas, you are safe. I amhere, you are safe!
After a few moments Nikolas seems to hear him.Slowly he becomes aware of his surrounding. He switches to Englishand so does Stefan.
Nikolas- Uncle?
Stefan- Yes. You are in the hospital and you aresafe.
Nikolas looks around uncertain and confused.
Stefan- Do you remember what happened to you? Tellme what you remember.
Nikolas- I..I was putting flowers on my Mother'sgrave.
Stefan- On your Mother's grave??
Nikolas- I know you didn't like her (angrily), butshe was my Mother and I have a right to place flowers on her grave! Ididn't miss the dedication did I?
Stefan looks at Tony with concern. Tony motions forLaura to keep out of Nikolas' sight
Stefan- Dedication?
Nikolas- The renovations dedication in memory ofLaura and Lesley. They are today aren't they? I didn't miss it didI?
Tony- I think everyone should leave so I canexamine Nikolas better. I'll talk to you in a few minutes Stefan.
Stefan- Yes of course. Nikolas, Barbara and I willbe right outside.
Everyone waits for Tony to finish his examination.He finally comes out, he looks worried.
Stefan- What's wrong with him?
Tony- I'm afraid he doesn't remember the last fourweeks. He thinks Laura is still dead.
Stefan- I will ask again, what is wrong withhim?
Tony- I can find no physical reason for his memorylose. I suspect it is probably psychological. He finds out his motherplayed a trick on him and is alive, he is really Luke Spencer's son,then someone tries to kill him. I think it was too much too soon. Hecan't deal with it. so he suppresses it. I would recommend you getGail Baldwin to see him.
Luke- What about Tom Hardy?
Tony- No I don't think so, Tom has made clear hisfeelings about the Cassadines. I don't think Nikolas would trusthim.
Laura-In the meantime what do we do?
Tony-For now? You are going to have to stay awayfrom him. If He sees you now, it would only further traumatizehim.
Stefan- As his legal guardian, I am restricting hisvisitors to Myself, Barbara and our cousin, Alexis.
Tony- As much as I hate it, I would have to agreewith you. It is imperative that he not be upset right now. Do youunderstand that Luke?
Luke- Loud and clear.
Tony- I had to give him a sedative to calm him. Hewill probably sleep for several hours. I suggest you all do the same.You can't help him, if you make yourselves sick.
Nikolas feels the effect of the sedative. A slightsmile crosses his lips. Nikolas Mikhail StavrosovichCassadine.....Spencer,......prince of pawns........no more.
*********************************************************
Nikolas feels the effect of the sedative. A slightsmile crosses his lips. Nikolas Mikhail StavrosovichCassadine.....Spencer,.....prince of pawns.....no more. I will not betheir pawn, he thinks, they will not use me. I will be the master ofmy fate. He stops fighting the sedative and is soon asleep. He beginsto dream.
**********************************************************
A man is standing outside Nikolas' room takingpictures of him through the window. He tries to finish before he isnoticed but Luke catches him. Luke pushes the man and grabs hiscamera. Luke opens the camera and exposes the film the shoves thecamera back at the man.
Man- You don't have a right to do that!
Luke-And you don't have a right to sneak a shot ofthe kid. What rag are you working for anyway?
Man- Do you realize how much a shot of theCassadine heir in the ICU is worth? Let me reload, get some picturesand I'll split it with you.
Luke- It ain't worth your life is it? Now, I'mgoing to give you to three to get lost, and if you are still here,I'm gonna take action.
Man- Why do you care anyway? I thought you Spencershated all things Cassadine.
Luke- one
Man- Okay, okay. I'm leaving. But You know everyphotographer is town is going to try to get a shot of the kid. It'salready all over the news.
Luke-Two.
The man leaves and Alan arrives.
Alan- He's right you know. There are reporterseverywhere. The switchboard has been swamped. Stefan is arranging forextra security now.
Luke-Well he ain't doing too good a job. I thinkI'll place some security around here myself.
Alan-Sonny's friends?
Luke-Don't worry Doc. They'll be discrete. Youwon't even know they are here.
Alan-I don't like it Luke, but at least make surethey are inconspicuous.
Luke-What you don't want them roaming the hallsflashing their tommy guns.
Alan- I'm serious, I can't let you upset thepatients.
Luke-Anything you say Alan.
Laura sees Luke talking to Alan and comes over.
Laura-Has something happened to Nikolas?
Alan- I just checked on him, he's fine. Luke caughta photographer taking pictures. Looks like we are going to be overrunwith paparazzi.
Laura- Why would they want pictures of him?
Alan- Are you kidding? Don't you know how curiouspeople are about that boy? He is after all, one of the richestteenagers in the world.
Luke-For all that's worth.
Laura- Luke, we need to talk to Lucky. We have tofind a way to explain all this to him.
Luke- You're right, but it ain't gonna be easy.
Luke and Laura leave.
Stefan and Bobbie are standing at the nursesstation and Stefan is using the telephone.
Stefan- I want the men in place immediately.Nikolas must be protected. Yes, that is good, do it. What have youfound out about his attack? Yes, I realize you do not have much towork with, but I want answers. Do everything you can.
Bobbie is talking to Amy when a woman walks up toher.
Woman- Excuse me, are you Barbara SpencerCassadine?
Bobbie- Yes, I am. What can I do for you?
Woman-This is for you. Have a nice day.
The woman hands Bobbie a sealed envelope. Bobbieopens the envelope and reads the document.
*********************************************************
Tony walks into the apartment he shares withCarly.
Tony- Carly?
He walks through the apartment to make sure sheisn't there. She has already left to work with Katherine Bell. Tonypicks up the phone and calls Justus.
Tony- Justus, thank God I got hold of you. We haveto talk. But first you have to postpone the custody suit.
Justus- I can't, the petition has already beenfiled, Bobbie should be getting served today.
Tony-uh-oh.
Justus- You better tell me what has happened.
**********************************************************
Bobbie- What?? What is Tony thinking?
Stefan- Is there a problem Barbara?
Bobbie- Tony is suing for full custody of Lucas!!That coward, he never said a word. Stefan, what am I going to do?
Stefan- The question is, what are WE going to do?The first thing we are going to do is talk to Alexis. She should bearriving shortly. We will leave a message for her to come toWyndemere right away. After last nights revelations, I think it wouldbe prudent for Tony to drop the suit.
Bobbie- I hope you're right. What would I dowithout You?
Stefan- Let us hope you never have to find out.
Stefan and Bobbie leave for Wyndemere.
*********************************************************
Luke and Laura are driving home from the hospital.Neither have spoken, each lost in their own thoughts. Each trying toignore the tension between them.
Luke- He's faking you know.
Laura- I know, but can you blame him?
Luke-No I can't ,cause I sure as hell wish I couldforget it.
They are silent for a few moments and Luke smilesslightly perhaps even proudly.
Luke-The kid was thinking on his feet though. Hemight have pulled it off, if he wasn't so confused when he wokeup.
Laura- Luke, what are we going to do?
Luke-In private? Confront him with the truth assoon as possible. We need to find out what he actually remembers ofthe attack, if we're goin to catch them. But in public, we need tostick to the story, play it out. Maybe that will keep his attackerfrom coming after him again.
Laura- I was talking about us.
Luke- I know, but I just don't have an answer forthat one. For now let's just concentrate on making sure everyone issafe.
Laura- Who could have done this to Nikolas? What ifHelena found out about him?
Luke- Let's don't get ahead of ourselves. We haveto look at all the angles. I'm going to go see Mac today and see whatthe police have come up with. As soon as Nikolas is out of ICU, Ithink you should take your Mother and the kids and go on toSwitzerland.
Laura- But I can't leave him now!
Luke- We got two other kids, remember? And don'tforget your mother. If Helena is behind this, they could all be indanger. We got to do what's best for them.
Laura-What about you? Are you going with us? Don'tyou think it's best for us to all stay together?
Luke- We've been in situations before, where we hadto separate to throw off the trail. This ain't nothing new. BarbaraJean is still my sister and I gotta get her away from the bat. AndI'm gonna find out who did this to the kid. Besides, I think the bestthing for us right now is to spend some time apart.
*********************************************************
Nikolas is dreaming. He is lost in a maze oftunnels, it is dark and he cannot find his way. There are shadowyfigures all around him. He fears for his life and tries to outrunthem. They chase him through the darkness. He turns a corner and LukeSpencer is there, smoking a foul smelling cigar. He is grinningsadistically.
Luke-Well you little bastard, why don't you spreadyour little bat-wings and take a shortcut to hell? You don't expectme to play Daddy, do you? You'll have to find another family to suckthe blood out of. Know how you get rid of vampires? You use a woodstake.
Luke shows him a long sharp piece of wood,- Thiswill do the trick.
Luke starts to laugh and blows smoke in Nikolas'face. Nikolas coughs and runs away from Luke. He hears Laura callingto him and turns toward the sound of her voice. She is standing in adoorway with her arms outstretched to him. He runs to her. Tears arepouring down her face.
Laura-I am so sorry Nikolas. Please forgive me! Ilove you!
Nikolas embraces his mother and she starts tolaugh.
Laura-You stupid little bastard! You fell for it!It's almost too easy to fool you!
She laughs louder-Did you REALLY think I lovedyou?
She is laughing hysterically- I'm so sorry Nikolas,please forgive me!
Nikolas runs from her and Lucky appears in front ofhim.
Lucky is acting smug-She loves me the best youknow. She has always loved me. She has loved me every single day ofmy life! But not you...she doesn't love you at all. Face it, you'rejust some little embarrassment she picked up along the way. That'sall you'll ever be. Besides (Lucky turns serious) Your uncle killedmy Mom! (Lucky is laughing)
You should have seen the look on your stupidface.
Nikolas runs further down the tunnel. He stumblesand falls, when he gets up his uncle is standing there laughing.
Stefan-Did the little prince fall down? Aww, toobad. Bye the way, I am not really your uncle. As a matter of fact, weare not even related. You are merely a pawn on the chess board,nothing more. You mean nothing to me. You didn't really believe youwere the joy of my life did you?
Alexis walks up beside Stefan, she too is laughing.She speaks to Stefan.
Alexis-The peasant looks puzzled! How stupid can hebe anyway? How many people have to leave him before he gets it?
Bobbie- I'll never leave you Nikolas. I'm yourmother now and I love you.
Bobbie starts to laugh too.- You believe me don'tyou?
Lucas- yeah, he believes you, Nikolas will believeanything.
Nikolas runs from them. And the shadowy figures getcloser. They are calling his name....Nikolas....Nikolas. The shadowsare carrying knives and they are about to catch him. A man whose faceis obscured by the darkness stands before him holding a knife.another comes behind him. He hears a woman's voice.
Woman- I told you did I not? I told you they didnot love you, but being a young fool, you did not believe me.
She steps out of the shadows to reveal Helena. Howdare you pass yourself off as my grandson and family heir! You willnot get away with it. I will have my Timoria, against you and yourpathetic family. But wait, even they do no want you do they? you aremerely a tool, to be used and discarded.
Helena starts to laugh a slow evil laugh.
Helena- But don't worry, I want you Nikolas. I amcoming for you.
Helena's face begins to change into a hideousmonster.
Nikolas screams and runs from her. The two mencatch him and start to weld their knives. Nikolas screams again andsits up in bed, fighting them off. The monitor alarms sound and hepulls free of the tubes and wires.
*********************************************************
When Luke and Laura get home, Lucky is playing withLesleylu.
Lucky- So how is Nikolas?
Laura- Tony thinks he will be okay.
Luke- Where's Lesley?
Lucky- She just went upstairs to take a nap, youwant me to go get her?
Laura- No...uh....We have to talk to you,Lucky.
Luke- Maybe you better sit down, Cowboy.
Lucky- On no, this is bad isn't it?
Laura- I'm going to put the baby down for a nap,I'll be right back.
Laura takes Lulu upstairs.
Lucky- So Dad, you gonna tell me what's goingon?
Luke- We better wait for your mother for thisone.
Lucky-It's that bad?
Luke-You'll have to decide that for yourself. But Iwant you to remember one thing, Cowboy, This family can get throughanything, and we'll get through this too.
Laura comes back downstairs. She looks nervous.
Lucky- What gives Mom?
Laura- I don't know how else to say this, so I'mjust going to say it. (She takes a deep breath), Nikolas'father..
Lucky-We already had this conversation remember.Nikolas' father forced you to marry him, I know that.
Luke- Let her finish.
Laura starts to cry.
Laura- Nikolas' father is really Luke. He's yourfull brother.
Lucky- He ain't my brother at all!! Dad, is thistrue? Mom, how can Dad be Nikolas' father. I don't understand.
Luke- Whoa, one question at a time.
Laura- I'm sorry I lied to you earlier. I thought Iwas protecting Nikolas.
Lucky- You LIED to me to protect Nikolas?
Laura- Yes, just like we lied to him to protect mymother. Sometimes there are reasons behind what we do. I was alreadypregnant when I was kidnapped, Stefan changed the paternity test forme and we passed him off as the Cassadine heir. Helena and Stavroswould have killed him if they found out he was Luke's
Lucky- But Mom you left him with them.
Laura- I had to. They would never have let him go.It was the only way to keep him safe. The reasons I gave you beforeare the same. You accepted that I left MY son behind. Nothing haschanged.
Lucky- Except before I thought you left him withhis father. Now I know you left him with strangers, there's thedifference. But you know what? He wasn't my brother before and hestill ain't my brother. Your right, nothing's changed. He is still aCassadine, right Dad?
Luke- I don't know anymore Cowboy.
Lucky-Dad! How can you say that? You said it didn'tmatter that he was Mom's son, she didn't raise him, the Cassadine'sdid.
Luke- I don't have an answer for you. I'm sorry.All I know is, as long as we remember we are a family we will getthrough this.
Lucky-Yeah, right!
Lucky gets up and runs upstairs.
Laura- Lucky!
Luke-Let him go. He needs to absorb all this. Wehad better get some rest.
I think I ll take a nap on the couch.
*********************************************************
Justus and Tony meet at the Outback for an earlylunch.
Justus-Why don't you tell me what happened.
Tony-Carly Roberts is Bobbie's daughter.
Justus-What? I'm sorry, I think I misunderstoodyou.
Tony-Unfortunately, you heard it right. Carlyis...was my step-daughter. Tell me where this leaves me.
Justus-Legally, you've done nothing wrong. Carly isof age, your not really related. Plus you didn't know she was yourwife's daughter. But I have to be honest with you. Public opinion isgoing to be against you.
Tony-I don't care about public opinion. I only careabout Lucas.
Justus-Don't discount public opinion so easilyTony, does the name Woody Allen mean anything to you?
Tony-Our circumstances are completelydifferent.
Justus-One thing I've learned over the years isTHAT seldom means anything. If this gets out, the press will be allover you. Where does this leave your relationship with Carly?
Tony-I don't know. I still can't believe it. I wasat the hospital all night with Nikolas Cassadine and when I finallygot home this morning, Carly had already left for work.
Justus- Nikolas Cassadine?
Tony-Yeah, somebody tried to kill him yesterday.It's all over the news, where have you been?
Justus- On a business trip for ELQ. I just got in afew minutes before you called. How is he?
Tony-As well as can be expected. But don't you see?That family draws violence. I've got to find away to get my son awayfrom them, before he is the one in the ICU unit or worse.
Justus-It was going to be difficult before, but nowyour chances are greatly compromised.
Tony-Tell me what do I need to do?
Justus- Up-front, you are going to have to saygood-bye to Carly. If she is in your life, you can forget it. Thejudge might buy the I didn't know who she was routine, and Iemphasize might. But if you continue to have her in your life afterthe truth is known, then it can only make you look bad. And remember,you have to appear above reproach in order for you to win. Buttruthfully? I really don't see you winning. I think you are justgoing to be putting Lucas through hell for nothing.
Tony-You think it would be better to drop the suit,don't you?
Justus-I do, but I will leave that decision up toyou. Let me know what you decide.
Tony-Thanks Justus. I got a lot of things to thinkabout. Plus I have to talk to Carly and hear what she has to say.I'll get back to you.
Felicia comes over and tosses a newspaper on Tonyand Justus' table.
Felicia-I didn't know you were suing Bobbie forcustody of Lucas.
Tony-Bobbie told you already? She must have alreadybeen served with the court papers.
Felicia-I haven't heard from Bobbie. Maybe youshould read the paper. If you want to talk later, let me know.
Felicia puts a hand on Tony's shoulder beforereturning to the bar.
Tony and Justus look at the paper. The article theywere looking for was right under the headline article, ATTEMPTEDMURDER OF CASSADINE HEIR. Next to the pictures of Nikolas in hishospital bed were pictures of Carly, Tony, Bobbie and Stefan, andLucas. The article read. FAMOUS NEUROSURGEON IN LOVE NEST WITH STEPDAUGHTER, SUES WIFE FOR CUSTODY OF SON/BROTHER.
Tony- Oh God, what is Lucas going to think?
Justus- I guess the Cassadines upped thestakes.
Tony-No Bobbie would never have leaked this. Shewouldn't do this to Lucas.
Justus-Maybe Stefan did it without herknowledge.
Tony-Maybe, but I don't think so. He is too wrappedup in Nikolas right now. Besides, I don't think he would court badpublicity. Besides there was no need. He knew the whole Carlysituation would force me to drop the suit.
Justus-So you've decided?
Tony-No, I'll call you.
*********************************************************
Stefan and Bobbie come downstairs. Mrs. Lansburyhas prepared lunch.
Stefan holds Bobbie's chair as she sits at thetable.
Bobbie-Did you get any sleep?
Stefan-Some, Did you?
Bobbie-Not much, I couldn't stop thinking aboutNikolas and the custody suit. I can't believe Tony is doing this.
Stefan- I fail to understand his reasoning myself.But you are avoiding the real reason for you inability to sleep.
Bobbie-What would that be?
Stefan-Nikolas and the suit are part of it. But youjust found out that your daughter is alive and in fact is yourex-husband's mistress. Added to that fact your brothers betrayal. Itis no wonder you are having trouble sleeping.
Bobbie-Oh that. Your right. I guess I'm still inshock. It just won't sink in.
But you know? It sort of makes sense to me now.Carly must really hate me for giving her up for adoption. At leastnow I know why she stole my life. If I wasn't so angry with Tonyright now, I would feel sorry for him. She only used him to get backat me.
Stefan-Barbara, your generosity astounds me.
Bobbie-I think the hardest thing for me to take, ishow Luke betrayed me.
Stefan-I am afraid it is the hazard of being mywife.
Bobbie-No, He lied to me about that before Imarried you. There was no reason for it. I'll never forgive him forletting me grieve for another child like that. But I shouldn't besurprised, it's what they do best.
Stefan-What about Carly? Or should I say Caroline?What are your feelings for her? Now that you know your child is alivewhat are you going to do?
Bobbie-I haven't figured that out yet. Obviously Iam going to have to talk to her about it. Even after all she hasdone, she is my daughter. I'm glad she is alive, but for the moment,I have another child to worry about. Nikolas needs us right now.
Stefan- I hope that is true Barbara. If I lose him,my life will be meaningless. I cannot express the love I feel forthat boy.
Bobbie- I know how much you love him. That is thefirst thing that attracted me to you. The love you feel for yourchild. He loves you too, you know. When he gets over the shock ofbeing adopted, he'll realize you did what you thought was best forhim at the time.
Stefan- Your optimism is refreshing Barbara.
Alexis enters the dining room. She hands thenewspaper to Stefan.
Alexis-Have you seen this?
She sits at the table and Mrs. Lansbury brings outanother plate.
Stefan-How dare they print a photograph of Nikolas.That is an outright invasion of his privacy. And who informed thepress about Miss. Roberts?
Bobbie- Let me see.
Stefan hands the paper to Bobbie.
Bobbie-What are we going to tell Lucas? He is goingto be so confused!
Stefan-It is a delicate situation. I'm sure youwill handle it with your usual sensitivity. Alexis, we could use youradvice about the custody suit. You will of course represent us?
Alexis-Don't I always? I really don't think youhave too much to worry about. In fact I would be surprised if Tonydoesn't drop the suit all together. The press is going to cut him toshreds as it is.
Mrs. Lansbury comes into the room.
Mrs. Lansbury-Mr. Cassadine, you have a phone call,it is the hospital.
Stefan-Thank you Mrs. Lansbury.
Stefan goes and answers the telephone, he returnsin a few minutes.
Bobbie- How's Nikolas?
Stefan-Alan feels it would be best if we returnedto the hospital. Nikolas is troubled.
*********************************************************
Luke wakes before Laura comes downstairs. Hequietly picks up the phone and calls Tom Hardy.
Luke- Listen Tom, you heard? Surprised ain't theword for it. I need a favor pal. I want you to run a paternity teston the kid. Great. Let's keep it under wraps though. Thanks.
Luke hangs up the phone and goes to wake Laura.
**********************************************************
A woman sits reading the Port Charles Herald. Shereads the front page articles thoroughly. Then reads them again.
Woman- So.... the end game begins. Everything isintertwined,.... secrets within secrets.