Chapter 71

Monday morning

The ringing of the phone has Carly emerging from a numbing sleep and the afghan she's been hiding under for the last twenty four hours. By the fourth ring she's wondering why hadn't she taken it off the hook.

Reaching out a blind hand for the phone, Carly has lucky aim and picks up the phone. "Hello?"

"It's Jason."

"Jason, hi... you're calling...." Carly winces at the wavering in her voice and clamps her mouth shut. Get a grip. You gotta get a grip. She swallows hard and starts again. This time her voice is a bit stronger. "You must be calling about dropping Michael off." Damn, had that much time already passed?

Jason's 'Carly Antenna' immediately goes on high alert. "What's wrong, Carly."

Carly closes her eyes and curses silently. She hadn't meant to tip off Jason. He'd always been way too perceptive, and until she betrayed him, she'd always found it comforting to have someone who knew her so well.

But now, it's just unnerving. She can't trust him, she isn't ready for questions anyway. "Nothing serious... why... why don't you drop Michael off around eleven?"

"Carly."

"No.. I'm not ready to talk about it, okay?" Carly's voice becomes shrill. "I just can't.. If I do, I won't be able to hold it together for Michael, and I need to be there for him. Please, just.. just stop asking."

Jason shakes his head. This is not good, not good at all. A part of him has the instinctive urge to go to her, to step in and fix it for her. Old habits die hard. "Then I'll keep Michael for a few more hours."

"NO!" she yells. "Damn it, Jason, just.. just..." Feeling a fit of hysterics coming, Carly takes a few deep breaths. "Okay... okay you're right. It'd help if you kept Michael for a while longer... he doesn't need to see me like this."

"Did Stefan do something?" Jason asks.

After a long silence, she answers quietly. "It's over." There, she said it. Feeling the bile rise in her throat, Carly tries to stuff it back down. "I can't talk about it. I just... just take care of Michael for a little while. Would you?"

"Sure," says Jason. "No problem."

"Thanks... Wait... this isn't going to confuse or upset Michael, is it?"

"He's fine, Carly. I promise he'll stay that way. It'll confuse him more to see you upset." Jason looks over at Michael who is playing with some trucks on the carpet of his penthouse. "Take the time you need to pull yourself together, and call if you need more time."



Stefan sits in the conservatory failing at the task of reading a book. He's reread the same paragraph over and over and he still can't remember what it's about.

Giving up on the book, he puts it down on the end table. He's done everything right. He ended the relationship with Carly with such callousness, that he assured himself that it was unlikely she'd come near him again.

It was precisely how he wanted it, how he planned it. Except... Except for that last incident in his study. The violence he felt had shaken his most basic beliefs about himself . He always believed he was better than his brother, that he would never lose control with a woman, never be so far gone that he wasn't attuned to her wishes and needs. But the truth was that when he was pushed too far, he was no better than his brother. It didn't matter that Carly didn't blame him. He knew from her stricken face that what he'd done was abominable.

He'd done the right thing, the only thing he could do by pushing her away. It was over. Time to move on. It was for the best.

So why is her face the only thing he sees when he closes his eyes to sleep? Why is his stomach in a constant tight knot? And why is he having to fight the urge to go to her, begging for her forgiveness?

When the phone rings, he welcomes the interruption. Pulling off his glasses, he reaches over to answer it. "Stefan Cassadine."

"Oh, Mr Cassadine!" Vincent chirps in his usually bright voice. "Glad to catch you! I was calling to get ahold of Carly, is she there with you? I wanted her to know the fabrics we ordered came in...."

Stefan closes his eyes as another wave of sorrow , stronger than before, hits him. "I'm sorry, Mr Brummelman. I will not be able help you locate Ms Benson, and I regret to inform you that I will no longer be needing your services. I will have a check cut for you by the end of the week."

Vincent gasps, immediately catching on to what Stefan isn't saying. "Oh poor Carly! She must be just devastated! I must speak to her."

Stefan schools his voice to remain flat, businesslike, and completely emotionless. "Any further arrangements to see Ms Benson should be made through her at her home. Good day, Mr Brummelman." Not waiting for an answer, he hangs up. After a moment, his shoulders sag with exhaustion and he covers his face with one of his hands.

This was going to be lot harder than he ever imagined it would be. Reminders of her were everywhere. And even if there weren't, his mind wasn't obeying his command to put her out of his mind.

"You broke it off with Carly." Nikolas stands at the doorway, having listened to the entire phone conversation and watched his father's reaction.

Stefan's head snaps up and he squares his shoulders, but he doesn't look at Nikolas. "Yes, I did. The end of our liaison has been long overdue...." Turning finally, Stefan glances behind Nikolas and sees that Nikolas is alone. "Tell me, where is your new bride?"

"Emily and I decided to wait to marry," Nikolas explains, surprised at how calm he feels in facing his father. He hadn't expected to see Stefan looking so... worn. "She's at her home with her family. I'll explain it later... But tell me what happened with Carly? How did she betray you?" Nikolas asks as he comes into the room. He can't help but be worried. It's obvious by just looking at Stefan that this wasn't a case of his father getting bored. Even putting aside the fact that until now Stefan and Carly had been inseparable, Stefan looks tired... and sad. His father was obviously trying to hide it, but years of living with the man made him sensitive to the subtleties. Something huge precipitated the breakup.

Stefan heaves a heavy sigh, ignoring the urge to defend Carly. No purpose would be served by going down that road. "The hows and whys are not up for discussion, but suffice it to say, things have worked out for the best." He stands. "If you'll excuse me, I want some time alone before dinner. You'll be staying to dine, I hope? You can tell me all about your decision to postpone your marriage."

Nikolas makes the decision in a split second. "Yes, I have an errand to run, but I should be back for supper."



Vincent arrives at Carly's cottage to find her door slightly ajar. Frowning, he taps on the door softly and peeks inside. He notices the phone off the hook on the desk and Carly huddled upon the sofa with an afghan over her head. "Carly?"

Carly stirs from under the afghan and pokes her head out. "Vincent." Keeping the blanket around her, she sits up and drags her hand through her tousled hair to get it out of her face. "I'm not really good company right now... maybe I can give you a call later?"

Vincent lets himself in and takes a seat next to her on the couch. "Nonsense, I don't care about that! As soon as I heard I came right over...." He wraps a comforting arm around Carly. "Tell me what happened, Honey?"

"I guess he didn't waste anytime telling people." Carly's laugh is short and bitter, and she has a painful lump in her throat. "Stefan decided he didn't have anymore use for me, that's all. Just like that."

Vincent gives her shoulder a squeeze. "I don't believe that for one minute. Gosh, he's completely besotted with you! Did you two have a bad fight or something? I'm sure after you both calm down, things will straighten themselves out..."

Carly shakes her head, and for the first time since it happened, she feels tears threaten. "No, it was awful, Vincent. The fight was horrible, I pushed him too hard... he told me to back off and I wouldn't... So he said we were through...." The tears flood her eyes and stream down her face with no hope of stemming them now. She sticks a hand in her mouth to keep from openly sobbing. "I did something so stupid, I threw myself at him... You didn't see the way he looked at me. So cold, like I was something he found on the bottom of his shoe... it's worse than him hating me. I'm nothing to him now."

Vincent pulls her against his chest and rubs her back soothingly. "I'm so sorry, Sweetie! I know how much you love him. It must just break your heart."

"What am I going to do, Vincent?" Carly sobs plaintively, burying her face in his shoulder. "I love him so much, how am I going get through this?"

"You will, Honey, I'm sure of it," Vincent assures her. "And your friends and family will help you."

Vincent's words make Carly cry even harder. "Like I have any I can count on?! God! He's been everything to me, Vincent. For months, he's been the only one I could count on. What am I going to do?"

"You have me as a friend now. And you'd have to kick me to the curb to get me to go," Laying his head on top of Carly's, Vincent smiles ruefully. "And even then you probably couldn't get rid of me. I'm kind of like a golden retriever that way."



A little later.

Nikolas arrives at the cottage to find the front door open. Peering through the doorway, he sees Carly curled up on the couch in the arms of an elegantly dressed man. "Well, this explains a lot."

At the sound of Nikolas' sarcastic voice, Carly bolts upright with surprise. "Nikolas! What are you doing here?" She uses the tips of her fingers to swipe the remaining tears off her face.

Vincent looks over at the handsome young man glowering at him. "Well, hello! I don't think we've had the pleasure of meeting. I'm Vincent Brummelman."

"You're the man my father hired for Carly." Taking the steps from the entryway into the living room, Nikolas quickly puts two and two together. "And now you're here 'comforting' Carly, that's a very convenient cover story, isn't it? Both lamenting the loss of your meal ticket?"

Carly merely glares at Nikolas, but Vincent starts chuckling and can't stop. "Oh dear.. you think... you think Carly and I are...." He's briefly overcome with the hilarity of it. "I'm sorry, I just haven't had this good a laugh in AGES. Course, it's true, she is a beautiful woman. If she were my type, I'd snatch her right up." Still laughing, Vincent stands up and gathers his overcoat. "Carly, I'll call you later tonight, Hon. If Yon Cassius gives you trouble, you give me a jingle?" As he passes Nikolas, he pauses a moment to pat the younger man on the cheek affectionately. "Such a sweet young man to be looking out for your father, you're just a tad misguided that's all. Thank you for the good laugh though. Try and keep an open mind, will you? And be kind to Carly, she's had a horrible day. She could use a friend or two about now."

After Vincent is gone, Nikolas looks at the floor and coughs. "Forgive me, I seem to have a habit of underestimating you."

Carly pulls the afghan into her lap and hugs it. "Why are you here, Nikolas? Did you come here to gloat? To remind me that you warned me this would happen? Because if you did, you need to come back another time. I don't have the energy today."

Nikolas cocks his head to the side to study her. While he doesn't know her well, he can tell that her usual thick shell of bravado, her ever-present attitude that challenges all comers to take their best shot, is gone. She looked worse off than his father. "I didn't come here to gloat. I came here because I was concerned. The break up was so sudden, your relationship with my father seemed solid just a few days ago." He crosses the living room until he's standing next to her. "Do you mind if I sit down?"

"Would you listen if I told you I minded?" Carly snaps back. Hating how bitter she sounds, she bites her bottom lip. Her emotions are still raw from the outpouring on Vincent's shoulder. "I really don't care what you do, Nikolas. If you want to sit, sit."

Nikolas sits on the edge of the sofa. "We got off to a really rocky start when I first came home for a visit. I made some assumptions about you that were wrong. In fact, I'm still doing that. I'm sorry. Is there any way I can be of help? "

"You're being so sweet," Carly replies as she eyes him suspiciously. "Is this where you offer yourself as a substitute now that your Daddy has dumped me? I'm afraid I'll have to decline the offer, the whole idea makes me sick."

Nikolas posture immediately stiffens at the nasty insult and he stands up. No matter how angry, he would not stoop to insult her back. "I made a mistake coming here."

"You're just now figuring this out?" Carly waves her hand towards the door. "Just get out, and close the door behind you."



Carly is still curled up on the couch when there's yet another knock at her door. Carly groans and looks at the clock. Nope, Jason wouldn't be here for another couple hours. And everyone who would care about her break up with Stefan have already come and gone, so who could it be? Stefan?

Carly is up in a flash and answering her door. She swings it open without looking through the peephole. "Stefan?"

Bobbie gives her a sympathetic look. "No, I'm afraid not."

Carly turns away and walks back into her living room to keep Bobbie from seeing how crushed she is. She REALLY doesn't want Bobbie asking questions. "If you're here to see Michael, I asked Jason to keep him until tonight. I'll give you a call when it's a good time for you to come by."

Bobbie lets herself in, closing the door behind her. "I didn't come here to see Michael, I came to see how you were doing."

Carly looks at the ceiling in bewilderment. "God! What did Stefan do? Take out an ad? Is there anyone who doesn't know?"

Bobbie winces. "By now? Probably not. I'm afraid Amy Vining knows. When he threw out the phone messages you left him, she figured it out."

"And I wondered if things could get worse. " Carly plops down on the couch and covers her face with her hands. "I didn't leave him any messages, Bobbie. I do have a shred of pride left."

Bobbie swears to herself. What is Stefan up to? Why humiliate Carly so publicly? Realizing that nothing he does makes any sense except to him, she puts the question aside to deal with the more pressing issue of Carly. "I came to see how you were doing, to see if I could help."

Carly brushes her disheveled hair away from her face and looks at the floor. "Well, you've seen everything you came to see, now you can go."

"Carly!" Bobbie protests. "Sweetheart, I know this has to be killing you..."

The lump in Carly's throat is so large she can barely speak. "Don't.. don't try to be nice about this, okay?! I know you hated the fact that I was with him, so don't pretend you're sorry!"

"But I am!" Bobbie asserts. "Carly, Honey, I care about what happens to you, okay? I care if you're hurting, it doesn't matter whether I approved of your relationship with him or not. I know you loved him, and... "

"LOVED?" Carly is shaking her head vehemently. "It's not past tense, Mama, I LOVE him.... " Suddenly the tears fill her eyes again. "God, I'll probably always love him. I never knew I could hurt this much. I feel like I'm dying inside."

Bobbie doesn't wait for an invitation, she just wraps her arms around her crying daughter, and says the only soothing words she knows. "I'm so sorry, Sweetheart. I'm so sorry."


Chapter 72

"Dr Evans speaking."

"Ahh, Dr Evans, I'm so pleased I could reach you. I have some unexpected good news for you."

"Is it about Carly?" Dr Evans asks, leaning forward in his office chair.

"It seems my son has seen the error of his ways," Helena purrs into the phone. "I have credible reports that Stefan has dumped his little blonde bimbo. I can't tell you how relieved I am that he has rid himself of her."

"Indeed, this is excellent news." Dr Evans restrains the urge to dance around his desk. If all continued as planned, he could have Carly under his thumb by the end of the week. "Tell me, when did it happen?"

"Apparently this weekend," Helena explains. "Shortly after I sent my gift to Stefan. I must thank you, Dr Evans. It obviously worked it's magic, and more quickly than I anticipated."

"Do you have any information on Carly's reaction to the break up? Has she had a breakdown, made a public scene?"

"I have no information regarding her reaction to the devastating turn of events. She seems to have dropped from sight."

"Perhaps she is isolating herself," Dr Evans conjectures. "She has had reclusive episodes in her past. If she is, it's an indication of how unstable she is. She also has a history of violent episodes when she perceives she's been abandoned. If only...." Oh how he longed to have her under his control again. Such a vulnerable and seriously ill woman, she would provide endless entertainment.

"I am well aware of how violent she can become when threatened. I was one of her victims, as you know. " Helena shifts her position in the opulent Victorian chair, impatient to complete the conversation. "In any event, I will leave you to take good care of her, Dr Evans. If I can be of further assistance, you will contact me? My assistant, Andreas, will bring my affidavit to your office tomorrow morning."

"Thank you again, Mrs Cassadine. It has been a pleasure working with you."

After Helena hangs up, she clasps her hands together and chuckles. "Oh, My dear son, do you think me such a fool that I would believe such a sudden turnaround in your affections? No matter. Dr Evans's maneuver against the little Spencer tramp should prove once and for all whether you have washed your hands of her. You've never been able to ignore a blonde damsel in distress."

Carly enters the kitchen in a fresh pair of faded jeans, a flannel shirt, and a towel wrapped around her head. She glances at the place setting on the table and sniffs the air. Bobbie, at the stove, ladles up a bowl of soup and puts it on the table before returning to the stove to turn off the heat. Carly plops into the chair. "God, I'd forgotten how pushy you could be."

Bobbie bites her lip to keep from saying the first retort that comes to mind. She wouldn't build any trust by trading barbs and informing her daughter that it wasn't helping to hide under an afghan. "You want to be ready when Michael arrives, right? A shower and something to eat will help."

Carly tugs the towel off her head and shakes out her damp blonde hair. After slinging the towel over the back of the chair. she gazes sullenly at the soup. "I'm not hungry."

Bobbie takes the seat across from her. "Eat a few bites at least," She urges her gently. "It might make you feel steadier, and at worst it won't hurt. Campbell's soup isn't homemade, but it'll do in a pinch."

Carly picks up the spoon and dips it into the soup. Allowing a small amount of the broth to pool in her spoon, she lifts it to her pale lips to sip. "This is surreal... you fixing me a bowl of chicken noodle soup when a week ago I wasn't even talking to you. I never dreamed of sitting here with you. It just proves how pathetic my life is now."

Bobbie studies the bowed head of her daughter, at a loss of what to say. Carly's caustic and insulting remarks don't even register in light of everything else. Anything she can think of to say would sound cliche or pushy, and Lord, she didn't want to blow this opportunity by saying something stupid. "There's.. nothing I could say to make this better, Carly. Nothing I can say to make the hurt go away."

"Damn straight." Carly looks up at her mother after taking another small sip. "I gotta give you credit, Mama," She says in a cruel tone. "You've restrained yourself. Not one "I told you so" or 'you're better off without him' so far. And not one question about what happened. You must be dying of curiosity."

Bobbie's eyes raise to meet Carly's. "I know what you're doing. You're trying to pick a fight with me to distract yourself from how you're feeling. Anything's better than feeling that empty hole inside you, isn't it?"

Infuriated, Carly stands up abruptly, causing the chair to scrape across the floor. "Give the amateur psychoanalysis a rest, Bobbie, you don't have a clue how I think or how I feel!"

Bobbie rises too, looking over the table at her daughter. "I call a spade a spade. I've been around the block of few times and I know all about this. You're mad all right, but you're not mad at me, not about this anyway. You're mad at Stefan." Her voice gets softer as she sees the words strike home. "And maybe a little mad at yourself."

"Don't you DARE presume to know anything about me." Carly states, her voice shaking with rage. "You don't know squat about my relationship with Stefan. You know nothing about ME. GET THE HELL OUT OF MY HOUSE!"

"No, Carly."

"DAMN YOU!" Carly picks up the bowl of soup and flings it as hard as she can, shattering the bowl and splattering the soup against the wall. "DAMN YOU! DAMN STEFAN! I hate you both!" Wrapping her arms around her stomach, Carly sobs deep heart-breaking sobs that shake her whole body.

Bobbie rounds the table and pulls her daughter into a fierce hug. "Oh, Baby. I'm so sorry. I'm sorry for what I've done, I'm sorry for everything."

Collapsing against her mother, Carly cries from the depth of her soul. "Why!?! Why did he do this? I love him so much. What's wrong with me, Mama? Why does everyone I love leave me?"

Bobbie's eyes fill with tears as she holds onto her daughter for dear life. "Nothing's wrong with you, Sweetheart. Nothing at all. I don't know why it happened. But I promise I'm not going anywhere. I promise. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry for everything."





"Nikolas!" Emily can't contain her relief at hearing his familiar and reassuring voice over the phone. "If I had to wait another hour to hear from you, I was going to go nuts. Did they hassle you crossing the border?"

"No, but I encountered some trouble when I hit Wyndemere a few hours ago. It sent me on a fact finding mission. Sorry for making you worry." His cell phone to his ear, Nikolas drives his jag into the secured parking lot he stores it in and gets out of the car. With a small bleep, his car alarm is activated.

"What kind of problem at Wyndemere?" Emily asks, biting her lip. "Did Stefan give you a hard time?"

"No, he was too distracted by his own problems to give mine any notice. Which is significant in and of itself. I found out he and Carly broke up."

"You're kidding me. How, why? They were inseparable I thought!"

"Neither of them is talking, but they both look like they've been through a war. Father is hiding it better, but I can't remember ever seeing him look so... lost. And Carly was a wreck, but wouldn't give me the time of day." Nikolas strolls to the docks where he meets the launch. "A guy named Brummelmans was there, some interior designer that's working with Carly."

"Oh yeah, I met him once. He's kind of a character, but it goes with the territory."

"Honestly.... I wasn't sure if he was interested in Carly, or in me."

Emily chuckles "Definitely you! You're a dish, by anyone's standards! And Vincent's interests definitely lean toward the male variety. But I wouldn't worry, he's got a steady boyfriend."

"You are having way too much fun teasing me." Nikolas sighs heavily. "Why is it that I'm always sticking my foot in it with Carly? I just can't win with her. I was really hoping she'd clue me into what was going on with my father, but I don't know anything more than I did when I left my father."

"Carly holds a serious grudge. You might as well forget getting any help from her. But I might have some luck. I'll keep my ears peeled when I visit with Michael."

"Thanks. Listen. I know we were going to meet tonight, but I really need to get back to Wyndemere. I promised Stefan I'd spend dinner with him..."

"I don't want to, but I can wait another day to see you. How about an early breakfast at Kelly's?"



After sweeping up the broken crockery pieces and mopping the floor, the walls are the last thing to clean. A bucket full of soapy water in one hand and a sponge in the other, Carly attacks the kitchen walls with relish. Having a goal and something innocuous to direct her thoughts on is exactly what she needs, Carly realizes. She already feels better than she did even an hour ago. Carly scrubs hard at a particularly stubborn spot. "What is it about this stuff? It sticks like glue."

Bobbie lifts the soup pot out of the sink, rinses it, and places it in the drainer before answering. "It's the grease, I think. Either that or something we really really don't want to know about." She flashes a grin. "I think once you're done with that, all evidence will be gone. Are you ready for Michael?"

"Yeah, I think I am." Carly straightens from her crouching position and plops the sponge into the bucket. "I miss him. And you know what? The fact that he counts on me is going to keep me from doing something stupid. I won't lose him again. Not even for Stefan."

"Glad to hear it. Nothing is more important than your child," Bobbie agrees, noting the grim determination in Carly's eyes. "Nothing."

A moment later the doorbell rings and Carly practically jogs to the front door. By the time she opens the front door, a large bright smile is on her face. Michael is the first and only thing she sees. "Hey there, Mr Man!" Pulling him out of Jason's arms, Carly gives him a big hug. "Boy have I missed you, Buddy! Did you have a good time with Dada? Huh? Did he show you a good time?"

Michael proudly shows her his toy truck. "Wruck!"

Jason smiles at mother and son. "He was great the whole time. But when we drove up the drive, he started laughing and wouldn't stop. You're glad to be home, aren't you Michael?" Jason sees Bobbie hanging back from the reunion. He gives her a short nod in greeting. "Bobbie."

"Hi Jason. Thanks for giving us more time."

Carly walks Michael down the steps into the living room. "So do you want to give Dada a hug before he leaves? You'll see him on Wednesday, just like always."

Jason tousles Michael's head and kisses him on the cheek before turning his intense gaze at Carly. "You sure this is going to work?"

"Yeah, it'll be fine, Jason. You know I wouldn't have asked you to bring him home if I wasn't sure I could handle it." The looks she gives him is determined. "I can take care of myself. No doubts." She turns her attention back to Michael. "You ready for a bath, Mr Man? We got the bubbles ready to roll and enough water to float your boats."

Jason lets out the breath he was holding. "Good. Then I'll see you Wednesday?"

Carly heads for the steps that lead to the second story and calls over her shoulders. "The usual time. Thanks for everything, Jason. Let's go, my big boy."

Bobbie walks Jason outside on the porch. Just as Jason reaches the steps, he turns to face her. "You think she's going to be okay?"

Bobbie rubs her upper arms to ward off the cold. "It'll be rough for a few days, but if she can get through them, I think she'll be fine. She's got her priorities straight, and that's the best anyone can expect for now. I just hope that nothing else knocks her down, because if it does, I don't know how she's going to take it."


.


In the foyer, Edward picks up the phone receiver that is lying off the hook. "This is Edward Quartermaine. Who's this?"

"Mr. Quartermaine, this is Dr Evans from Ferncliffe Psychiatric Hospital," Dr Evans announces in his smooth professional voice. "I was given your name as a contact regarding Caroline Benson? I recently came into some disturbing information which necessitates my contacting you. It seems I have to reopen the investigation, to possibly have her recommitted."

"Oh, really?" Edward's eyes light up. If it gets him closer to seeing Michael, he would do just about anything. Besides, Carly doesn't have her watchdog anymore. If only the call had come before the custody battle. "That's.. that's just terrible news. What can I do to help you, Doctor? I'll do anything necessary to protect my great grandson from his mother. I worry about her harming him, with her erratic mood swings. I haven't slept a wink since he left this house."

"Is it possible for me to meet with you tomorrow morning?" Dr Evans suggests a time and place, which Edward readily agrees to. "And if you know of any other family members or close friends who have information about Ms Benson's erratic and dangerous behavior, I would appreciate if they could attend as well. I look forward to meeting you, Mr Quartermaine, and thank you for taking my call."



Chapter 73

"Mr Cassadine, I have some information on Dr Evans for you."

Stefan holds the phone tightly as he pulls a pad and pencil from his desk and starts scribbling. "Go on."

"Dr Evans placed a call to the Quartermaines last evening and made arrangements to meet them this morning. I waited to call you because I wanted to see what transpired at the meeting."

"I don't pay you to decide what and when I need to know the information." Stefan upbraids, his stomach tightening into a knot. "I want the information the moment it comes in. Now tell me what happened in the meeting."

"It seems Dr Evans is gathering affidavits, Sir. Ostensibly to have Carly Benson recommitted. Edward and Monica Quartermaine were only too happy to oblige." The detective's disgust is apparent. "He also had a visitor who brought him a manila envelope. I believe he's the servant of Helena Cassadine... a man by the name of Andreas Andropolous?"

The pencil in Stefan's hand snaps in two. "Do what you have to do to discover the contents of the envelope. Is there any other information to impart?"

"I followed Dr Evans to the courthouse after his meeting with the Quartermaines. He set a date to see the judge, to petition for an initial 3 day commitment of Caroline Benson. From what I could learn from the court clerk, if he's successful with the initial commitment, he could easily maneuver for a six month commitment."

Stefan's face turns white. "When is the court date?"

"Friday morning at 10 am. It isn't much time, Sir. Do you want me to continue my surveillance on Dr Evans?"

"Absolutely. I want his movements monitored around the clock. I will compensate accordingly. I want every phone call, every visitor, every sneeze recorded, and I want regular reports, hourly if it relates to Helena, the Quartermaines, or Caroline Benson. Also, I want you to put men on Edward and Monica Quartermaine. It is imperative that you keep yourself from being detected."



Later

Stefan approaches the nurses station to hand a folder to the ward clerk. "Please make copies and distribute the agenda for the staff meeting to all nurses and doctors."

"Stefan, just the man I wanted to see." Stefan cringes at the sound of Bobbie's angry voice behind him. While the meeting is inevitable, even advantageous, it would surely be unpleasant.

He turns around to address her. Before his eyes can focus on her, her fist slams into his cheek, the force of which has his head snapping back. Momentarily stunned by the sharp pain and amazed at the wallop her small frame packs, Stefan puts a hand to his cheek.

"That's for my daughter, you sadistic prick! I can't think of anyone I've hated as much as I hate you at this moment." Bobbie clenches and unclenches her fists at her sides, itching to hit him again. "You deliberately set out to be vicious and cruel to her. But then it's just like you to twist the knife for extra pleasure!"

Out of the corner of his eye, Stefan notices the crowd forming, avidly watching the show. "It's so like you, Barbara, to create a spectacle without thinking of the consequences. I can't think of a single person who needs or deserves your defense less than Caroline Benson." He injects Carly's name with as much loathing as possible. "You of all people know what she's capable of."

Bobbie raises her hand to strike him again. "You want a spectacle, I'll give you a spectacle, you Bast--"

Stefan grabs her hand in a bruising grip."Strike me again, Barbara, and I will assist Dr Evans in his attempt to rehospitalize Caroline, and request your name be added to the commitment docket."

"Don't you ever insult..." Bobbie's rant and struggling stop abruptly when Stefan's words penetrate her fury. Dr Evans.... hospitalize... Carly?! Her rage quickly disintegrates into a cold paralyzing panic. No.. no no. NO. "What ... what did you just say?"

"You heard me. I'm certain Dr Evans would give you Spencers a family rate at Ferncliffe to deal with your violent tendencies." Stefan pulls her in so her nose is less than an inch from his. His voice is silky and threatening and for her ears only. "Attack me like that again, and it won't matter how good a nurse you are, you will be finished at this hospital." He shoves Bobbie away and stalks off.

Bobbie stands stunned and bereft for a moment, before stumbling towards the nurses station and for the nearest phone. She pushes the buttons frantically and prays for an answer. She's in luck and her words are expelled in a breathless rush. "Luke, thank God you're there! You have to help me. It's about Carly and it's huge. If what I just learned is true, this blow just might do her in...."



Once he reaches his office, Stefan picks up his phone. A slight tremor in his hand is evident as he dials.

"Cassadine Residence."

"Mrs Lansbury." Stefan gets right down to business. "It is time for you to make the call I spoke to you about this morning."

"Yes, Sir. I will call right away," Mrs Lansbury holds a slip of paper firmly in her hand. "What time can I expect you home for dinner? Nikolas just confirmed that he will be bringing Miss Quartermaine."

"Excellent. The usual time will be acceptable. I will see you tonight, Mrs Lansbury. If you encounter any difficulties with the assignment, contact me through my cell phone."

Mrs Lansbury waits until Stefan disconnects and, glancing once at the paper, dials the number. A voice on the other end answers. "Yes, may I please speak to Margo Renfield?"

"I'm sorry, but she's in court until late afternoon," The receptionist explains politely. "May I take a message?"

"Yes, will you please tell her that Bobbie Spencer is calling about her daughter, Carly Benson. It's an urgent matter and I need to speak to her today if possible. My number is..." Mrs Lansbury reads the second number off the scrap of paper.

"I'll make sure she gets it the moment she comes back from court."

..............................

The docks.

Bobbie paces the docks, waiting for impatiently for her brother. Thoughts race through her head. Who sicced Dr Evans on Carly? Stefan? He's more than capable of it. It's right up his family's alley... but if Stefan wanted Carly committed, he would just do it. He wouldn't tell me about it.

Who would benefit most from having Carly in the hospital? Bobbie pauses in her pacing when the obvious answer comes to mind. The Quartermaines. Of course. It would give them a perfect opening to take Michael back. With enough money to grease the wheels and Carly in the hospital, a judge could easily give that family custody of Michael again. They could even argue that their home would be familiar and comforting to him. And then Carly would never see Michael again.

As she resumes her pacing, her thoughts turn back to Stefan and her violent confrontation with him. How does he fit into the puzzle? He made a point to tell me. He wanted me to know. And while he's certainly sadistic enough to get satisfaction out of tormenting my daughter, his MO is usually pulled strings from a distance. He likes to keep his hands clean and sit back and smile. No, this is too obvious for my snake of an exhusband. He wanted me to know so I would... Bobbie stops dead, and tipping her head to the gray sky, closes her eyes. So I would stop it. So I would protect Carly. Damn it, the man still cares, it's the only thing that makes any sense. But why isn't he protecting Carly himself and why did he break things off with her? What kind of deep game is he playing?

"Hey, Baby Sister." Luke puts a hand briefly on her upper arm to get her attention. "What disaster is about to strike Caroline that you couldn't tell me on the phone?"

Bobbie turns to face Luke, surprised to find sudden tears burning in the back of her eyes. "Thanks for meeting me."

Luke winces at the sight of his desperate sister. "Damn, this must be bad."

Bobbie swipes quickly at her damp cheeks. "Oh Luke, it's the absolute worst. You know how I told you Stefan broke up with Carly?"

Luke walks over to a lamp post and slouches against it. "Yeah, best thing Count Vlad ever did for her. Is this what you're worried about? I thought we both agreed her being free of him was for the best?"

"Well I confronted him today at the hospital, and in the midst of the argument, he told me something. In fact I'd say he made SURE I knew."

"Well spit it out." Luke pulls out a stogie, bites off the end and spits it out, then lights it. "What did the vampire do now?"

"He told me Dr Evans is going to court to have Carly committed to the hospital."

Luke pauses mid puff. "Wait.. Dr Evans? As in the evil doc from Ferncliffe? Well you can bet he ain't working alone."

"I need you to look into it, Luke," Bobbie pleads. "I need you to go down to the courthouse and find out everything you can."

Luke nods. "I'll head over there now. You talk to your baby girl yet? You know she's gonna flip when she hears this."

"I haven't yet." Bobbie wrings her hands at the thought of dropping the bomb. "I... I want to give her some hope when I tell her. You didn't see her last night, Luke. Losing Stefan may be the best thing for her in the long run, but she's a mess. She's holding it together, but only because she has Michael to think about. I think." She struggles to swallow the huge lump in her throat. "I think if Dr Evans has his way, it will break Carly...." Bobbie's eyes fill with tears. "Oh Luke, I just got her back! I can't lose her, I can't!"

Luke pulls his sister in for a bear hug, absorbing her tears into his jacket. "We're Spencers, Honey. We fight. Don't you forget it. Carly isn't going back to that damn hellhole, even if it means I have to burn it down with Vlad, the Quartermaines and Doc Evans inside. Nothing's gonna take her away from us again. Nothing."



Later

Bobbie paces the docks with her cell phone to her ear. The voice on the other end answers.

"Law offices of Renfield and Madison. How may I direct your call?"

"Yes, may I please speak to Margo Renfield? This is Bobbie Spencer, I'm calling in regards to my daughter, Carly Benson."

"Yes, Ms Spencer! She just walked in from court and she's expecting your call."

What? Bobbie on hold for only a few moments before Margo takes the call.

"Mrs Spencer, this is Margo Renfield. I was just about to return your call."

"Return my call?!"

"Yes, I understand you wanted to speak to me about an urgent matter regarding your daughter?" Margo sits at her desk, Carly's file open and a fresh legal pad in front of her to take notes on.

Stefan. Bobbie gives herself a mental shake. Later. "Yes, Carly and I need your help. It seems that Dr Evans, the doctor at Ferncliffe who oversaw her care there, is attempting to get Carly recommitted..." Forcing herself to remain calm, Bobbie gives Margo a brief rundown of what she knows and what she sent Luke to do. "I'm frightened, Ms Renfield. If Dr Evans is successful..."

Margo writes notes furiously. "You know, this is not my area of expertise..."

"But I know Carly must trust you. You know the situation. You know who stands to benefit if she's committed! You have to help her. PLEASE." Bobbie's voice is desperate.

"I was going to say, that even though this isn't my area of expertise, I will handle the case. That is, if Carly wants me to. Tell her to meet me at my office tomorrow at..." Margo checks her schedule. "Darn, I'm full up.... Tell you what. I'll fit her in at lunch time, but she has to bring lunch."

Bobbie lets out the breath she was holding. "Thank you, Ms Renfield. Thank you. I know Carly will rest a lot easier knowing she can count on you."

"Call me Margo," She automatically corrects. "In the meantime, have Carly gather a list of people who can attest to her stability. Business associates, friends, etc. I'll check on the documents filed through the courts, there should be accompanying affidavits. If it hasn't happened already, Carly will be served court papers tonight or tomorrow, since by law they need to give her the opportunity to appear in court on her own behalf." Margo writes a few more notes. "I have to admit, I'm a bit surprised to hear from you and not Mr Cassadine. He has always taken a personal interest in Carly's affairs. Has he been apprised of the situation? He would certainly be a powerful resource to tap..."

"Oh, you can be sure Mr Cassadine is aware of what's going on, but he's made it clear he won't involve himself."

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