Chapter 80

Monica touches Edward's sleeve anxiously. "What... what are they doing here?!"

Edward puffs out his chest righteously. "No reason to stand here waiting and wondering, let's go find out."

Emily spies the imminent parent invasion and turns to AJ and Jason. "Incoming. Mom and Grandfather are making a beeline for us."

"Then I'm out of here," Jason says as he turns away. "They give me a headache. I'll go talk to Luke."

"Chicken," Emily quips, making a squawking sound. AJ chuckles into his hand. Only their sister could get away with that.

Jason fights a smile in spite himself. "If I have to listen Edward's blustering, I'm likely to put his head through the wall. I won't be far, in case you need backup."

Emily waves Jason off. "Go, go. We'll hold the front line." After Jason leaves, she gives AJ a sidelong glance. "You aren't going to run out on me too, are you?"

"Not a chance," AJ says, straightening his spine as the elder Quartermaines descend upon them. "I've done all the running I'm going to do."

"So what brings you two here," Edward asks, putting on a jovial front, intent on brazening it out. "I had no idea you knew this was going on. We thought we'd attend because anything that affects Carly, affects Michael and our family."

"Oh put a sock in it, Grandfather," Emily says caustically. "You set this up with Dr Evans! We know you are trying to put Carly away."

"That girl is unstable and a menace to Michael," Monica pipes in, seeing no reason to hide their involvement now. "You've seen it yourself. And once upon a time, you even agreed!"

"And not two days ago, I asked you what was going on, and you LIED!" Emily shot back. "I asked you straight out and you LIED. How could you do this to Michael's mother? Do you have any idea how this will hurt him?"

"Listen here, Missy, we are doing this for Michael!" Edward waves dismissively in the direction of Carly. "That mother of his is an emotional disaster and will ruin that poor boy!"

"If Carly is an emotional disaster, what does that make us?" Emily retorts, then starts ticking things off. "You are a kidnapper, Mom's a sex addict who tried to kill her lover, Dad is a drug addict with violent tendencies who has murdered before, and I'm a former heroin addict who almost killed herself trying to fly off a roof."

"No sane person is going to say 'Hey! This family did such a good job raising the first three kids lets give them MORE!'-- Ain't going to happen." AJ predicts. "What's worse, you didn't consult me, HIS FATHER, about what's best for him. If you had, I would have told you to let him stay exactly where he is. Michael is walking and talking. Michael is happy and THRIVING where he is."

"Well he'll just have to do his thriving at the mansion from now on," Edward proclaims, crossing his arms over his chest. "Because once his mother is committed, he will come home where he belongs. The judge will see that Michael is best cared for by us."

"Not if I have anything to say about it," Emily hisses. "Do you want all our dirty laundry laid out in the open court room? Because I can promise you that if you fight to get custody of Michael again, I'll make sure it all comes out."

"Emily, you don't mean that!" Monica's eyes fill with tears. This has to be a nightmare. It can't be happening!

"I do mean it. And I'm already involved." Emily stands up straight. "I'm a witness for Carly."

"WHAT?!" Edward and Monica exclaim in unison. "You can't--"

"She can, and so can I. Jason is here to testify for Carly too, as a matter of fact." The smile AJ gives his mother and grandfather is smug. "I guess we should thank you. It'd take something this big to get Jason and me on the same side. And for Carly no less."

"Do you want to hear what I'm going to say?" Emily asks, her eyes brilliant with indignation. "I can't wait to tell the truth about how my demented family is so bent on getting Michael back they are willing to lie to have his mother committed."

"And I'll back her up on the stand," AJ adds. "I'll admit how I was in cahoots with you when I took Michael away the first time. Both Jason and I plan to testify on how stable Carly is."

"What do you think the jury is going to think when they see your own children testifying against you?" Emily asks, her arms crossed in front of her. "ALL three of them."

Brushing away her tears furiously, Monica fumbles around in her purse and pulls out her cell phone. "I may not be able to do anything about AJ and Jason, but I'm not about to stand by and let you involve yourself in this circus, Emily. I'm calling your father, and I'll have him take you home."

"No, I'm not going anywhere with any of you." Emily snatches the phone out of Monica's hand. "As we speak, Reggie is loading my packed suitcases into the car and taking them over to my new home. I've moved out."

"You can't mean that?!" Monica cries, trying to grab the phone back.

"By the time court's over, it'll be a done deal. Your lie was the last straw. You are the ones that shouldn't be around children." Emily turns her back and walks away.

AJ's eyes follow her thoughtfully, struck by how strong and grown up she is all of a sudden. If only he'd shown the same spine when he was her age, he might not be faced with accepting the crumbs Carly offered by way of visitation. He turns his attention back to Monica and Edward. Monica takes a hesitating step to follow Emily, but AJ's words halt her. "I wouldn't go after her if I were you. She isn't going to change her mind. If anything, it'll just alienate her further. The best thing she can do for herself is move out."

"We are doing the right thing, AJ," Edward maintains, though his voice is weaker, less convincing than it was a few minutes ago. "You'll see that once Carly is committed and Michael is back home with us."

AJ shakes his head incredulously. "Don't you two get it? Even if you're successful today in getting Carly committed, Michael will never come home to the mansion. I will NEVER allow Michael to be raised in that environment." He throws his hands up in the air and says before turning away, "You should really pat yourselves on the back this time. Not only will you lose the bid to get Michael back, you've alienated everyone. You'll be lucky if you see Michael before he graduates from college."



Vincent sees Carly's psychiatrist sitting alone on one of the benches. A pretty woman with graying blonde hair, she is dressed in a classic and elegant cream color skirt with a blazer. Tired of passing time alone, Vincent decides to join her on the bench seat. "Hello, I'm Vincent Brummelman," he says by way of introduction, holding out his hand to shake. His smile is infectious. "Pleased to meet you. Carly told me you were the psychologist that helped her get her son back."

After a moment of hesitation, the woman takes his outstretched hand. "Dr Diane Reardon. Nice to meet you. And how do you know Carly?"

"She's been assisting me with my interior design business," Vincent explains. "She's a natural, you know. She doesn't have much prior experience, but her understanding of the use of color and texture is instinctive." At the sound of raised voices in the Quartermaine corner, Vincent glances their way. "Oh my. The old man is turning red. You don't think he's having a heart attack, do you?"

Diane cranes her neck to see. She bites her lip thoughtfully. Classic dysfunctional family. Toxic. Her advice for the kids would be: Run run as fast as you can. "I hope not."

"I have to admit to a guilty pleasure," Vincent says in a conspiratorial whisper. "I find watching their antics to be wildly entertaining. Better than Nick at Night!"

Diane unsuccessfully smothers a snicker. "Perhaps you should consider a career as a family counselor."



Jason approaches Luke who is lounging up against the back wall of the courtroom. "Luke." Jason glances at the object of Luke's focus of attention. "Getting ready to move in for the kill?"

Luke breaks out of his contemplation of Helena to grin at Jason. "Hey there, Morgan. It's mighty big of you to forget my niece's crazy stunt and be here for her. She needs all the people she can have at her back.... who are not looking where to stick the knife."

"It seemed like the right thing to do, for all concerned," Jason says with a casual shrug. "Especially Michael."

"Yep. Go figure. Opie seems to thrive under my crazy niece' care." Luke nods towards the Quartermaine brawl. "You ducking that?"

"They yell too much." Jason glances over at Carly and Bobbie who are sitting at the defense table. "So why the sudden interest in Carly? You've never been a fan of hers. In fact, you and Carly are as likely to kill each other as anything else."

"What can I say? She grew on me... kinda like a nasty foot fungus." Luke jokes. "Seriously? She's a Spencer through in through, and it was time I accepted her. All her stunts are classic Spencer, I figure she'll do less damage if I'm supervising than if I'm not."

"And it rankled that she was with Cassadine," Jason added perceptively.

"Yeah, that too," Luke admits grudgingly. "Bugged me to no end that Cassadine proved she was a Spencer when the facts were plain as day. Did you hear that she pushed Granny Grim into the mud?" His chest puffs out in pride. "I'd have paid big bucks for a picture of that."

Jason cracks a true smile. "Sounds like Carly. Always acting first, thinking second." He glances over at her and sees her rise from her seat and head towards the prosecutor's table. "Speaking of which, I better check on Carly."



Defense Table

Carly sits beside Bobbie, staring at the ceiling and hoping that counting the tiles will keep her from losing it. Bobbie puts her hand on Carly's arm reassuringly. "I'm sure it's nothing serious, Carly. Margo will be back before you know it."

Carly, unable to sit another moment, leaps up from her seat. She catches sight of Dr Evans, who is leaning back in his chair at the prosecution table, gazing at her intently. When their gazes lock, Dr Evan's face breaks into a malevolent smile. He runs a finger along his lip, his eyes break away from hers to trail down from her head to her toes. Damn, she knew looking at him was a bad idea. All the fear, all the rage of the last few days, bubbles up inside of her. There is nothing she'd like better than to tear this man apart.

She takes a step towards him and he rises to stand, eager for the confrontation. She raises her chin defiantly. "You aren't going to win, you disgusting pig. It won't happen."

"Caroline, you are looking as desperate as ever," Evans answers jovially. He looks behind her for her back up. "What? No man to protect you in your time of need? Did your new beaux tire of you already?"

"You're just loving this, aren't you?!" Carly hisses, her hands clenched at her sides. "I know you're in cahoots with Mama Cass, but all the power and money in the world isn't going to change the facts. And the fact is, I'm never going back to that hellhole. You're the one who belongs in a padded room!"

"Such bravado!" Evans tsks. Her skin crawls at the affectionate look he gives her. "Your denial is the worst case I've seen in years. But I have your old room all ready for you. We have much to accomplish when you return to me."

Carly hears her mother come up beside her. Bobbie is practically seething, her eyes spitting fire. "You get any closer to my daughter and I'm going to serve your balls on a platter. She isn't going anywhere with you today or ever, that I can promise."

Dr Evans gives Bobbie a disparaging look. "I see where you get your flair for the dramatic, Caroline. It's obvious that she's as unbalanced as you. Perhaps I can provide some family therapy..."

Carly sees red, and as she poises to attack, she feels Jason's hand on her arm, holding her back. His voice whispers low into her ear. "He's trying to bait you, Carly. You lash out now, he wins." Carly rocks back on her heels and after shooting Evans a murderous look, turns away and walks back to the defense table.

With a jerk of his head, Jason sends Bobbie towards Carly, then turns his attention back to Evans. He walks right up into Evans's face and forces him to step back and sit hard in his chair. He leans over, his hands on the armrests of the chair, pinning Evans. "You so much as look at her again and there won't be enough of you to scrape into a pine box."

"You brain-damaged sociopath, you're nothing better than a common street thug," Evans blusters, but the fear is written all over his face. "You won't touch me or you'll go to jail."

"This brain-damaged common thug is your worst nightmare, Evans. Your days of scaring young women into submission are over. I made a mistake not dealing with you the last time. I've learned." His ice blue eyes show no fear, no hesitation, no emotion but determination. Evans shivers in spite of himself. Jason stands up straight, looking at the doctor like he's something disgusting he found on the bottom of his boot. "One way or another, alive or dead, you're going down."

Turning away, Jason strides over to the defense table where Bobbie is rubbing Carly's back soothingly. Carly dabs at her eyes with a tissue. "I can't believe I let him get to me! I know better. Damn it, I know better."

"No harm was done, Honey. It'll be okay."

"Hey," Jason puts a comforting hand on Carly's shoulder.

Carly puts her hand over his and squeezes it. "Thanks for saving me back there. I was just about to do something incredibly stupid."

"Which is exactly what he wanted you to do."

"I'm glad you had my back, Jason." Carly laughs a little and shakes her head. "God, it feels like old times, doesn't it? You pulling me out of the fire at the last minute. I used to count on you like air. Now I wish I didn't have to."

Jason gives her a crooked smile. "Used to be you wouldn't have made it into the courtroom without clocking him. You're doing fine. Just get through the hearing and you're home free."



Judge's Chambers

"Have a seat." Judge Hancock waves the attorneys into the chairs facing his desk as he grumpily plops into his. "Before we commence with the hearing, I wanted to advise you both of some crucial evidence that has bearing on whether this case should even be heard." The Judge hands the prosecutor and the defense attorney a small packet of papers. He continues to speak as the attorneys leaf through it. "As you can see, the evidence is rock solid. I apologize for the late bombshell, but it took until this morning to trace the evidence to it's source. The bribe was paid in cash, as you see, through an anonymous source, but I was able to track it back to Dr Evans, the psychiatrist who initiated the petition."

Margo's mouth hangs open for several seconds before she clamps it shut. "I move for an immediate dismissal of the petition against my client. Ms Benson has been harassed repeatedly by this psychiatrist, and this proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that his agenda has nothing to do with the welfare of my client, and everything to do with some hidden agenda to harm her."

The prosecutor swears. "I can't believe that sanctimonious prick wasted my time with this crap!"

Judge Hancock leans back in his chair and studies the two lawyers. "If you wish to exercise your prerogative in prosecuting Dr Evans, you will have my full cooperation, which in addition to the documentation I just provided, should provide for a speedy trial. As for Ms Renfield's motion to dismiss, I am inclined to honor her motion. Do you have any objections?"

"No objection. Let's get this farce over with. I can't believe that twit tried to use my office to railroad Ms Benson." The prosecutor turns to Ms Renfield. "Will you please convey to Ms Benson my most sincere apologies?"

"I think it would mean more if it came straight from you." Margo stands, her briefcase in hand. "I don't wish to leave my client in any more suspense. Quite honestly, she has been put through enough the last few days."

"We all owe her an apology," Judge Hancock concurs. "Very well, let's get this circus over with."

"With your and Ms Renfield's agreement, I'd like a few moments to speak with the district attorney about this matter and decide how to proceed."

Ms Renfield smiles in grim satisfaction, catching the bloodthirsty glint in the prosecutor's eye. "I think Ms Benson would agree to the delay if it meant justice would be served. Go for it."



Helena sits in the back of the courtroom, watching the courtroom antics with amusement. The Quartermaine fracas is morbidly entertaining, but her interest really lies in watching Carly sweat under pressure. It's a shame that Jason Morgan stepped in before Carly could throttle Evans; that thug is a nuisance really. The Spencer girl is such a peasant, and it would be so delicious seeing her hauled away in restraints. It would be great fun to visit the girl at the psych ward. Oh, Stefan will surely be distraught at the idea that his little wildcat is locked up in a cage. She shrugs mentally; and if not, then messing with a Spencer would be it's own reward.

She feels warm breath on her neck and turns her head to find Luke grinning at her in his usual devilish way. The man was forever annoying, while at the same time sexy as hell. And never, EVER boring. It is one of the reasons she's allowed him to live. "Luke, have you come to watch your niece be committed? I didn't think you cared one way or another about her."

"It's true I've neglected her in the past, heck, I've even threatened her life. But..." Luke shrugs casually. "Family relations, they don't ever really die, do they? But you know that more than most, don't you?"

Helena's brow furrows momentarily at his odd statement, then smiles at him beatifically. She pats the seat beside her. "Come sit with me, Luke. It's been a long time since we've chatted."

Luke's grin is delighted. "Sure, Darlin'. We have a lot to catch up on. In fact, I came across this story last night, that I'm sure you know about. Maybe you can help me."

Helena's eyes narrow slightly. "Really? How may I help?"

"Well I'm trying to find how who the author is..." Luke rubs his bristled jaw thoughtfully. "It's called 'The Evil Prince and The Seven Trolls'... you must have heard of it."

Helena's smile becomes strained. He can't know anything, he's just playing mind games. "No, I'm afraid I've never heard of it...."

"Oh come on now, Helena. You must know it, it's right up your alley. You probably told it to your baby vampires as a bedtime story. It's about this prince, he was very very evil you see. He was loony and tried to rape a fair princess. He had a great fall and broke his crown and everyone thought he was dead. But instead he's been kept in a glass coffin in a frozen sleep by his demented and devoted mother, the Queen of the Damned." Luke gets up and circles her bench so he's behind her, whispering in her ear. "The Queen was hoping that her kiss would revive her monster of a son.... but.. this is the good part.. you listening?"

Helena's already pale complexion has turned white. "What are you babbling about, Luke? Just get to the point."

"Well, the court jester, just by chance you see.... found the demented queen's hideaway for her precious son.... and all the queen's trolls and all the queen's horses couldn't wake the evil prince again."

Helena rises to her feet, her eyes glittering with panic and outrage. "What have you DONE!?!"

"Me? Nothing." Luke says with a huge grin. "But the court jester thawed the evil prince and no one's going to be bringing him back. Isn't it a great story? I know I plan to tell the story to my little LesleyLu. It's heartwarming, don't you think?"

"If you've done anything to my son, so help me...." Helena's voice comes out in a menacing growl between her teeth.

"Count Vlad? Nah, last I heard he was alive and as boring as.... well, you know. It's Stavros who's dead... you know.. six feet under?" Luke makes a digging motion with his hand. "Or maybe it's deeper? Helena, Darlin', your your sonsicle melted when you weren't looking. Guess who got the last licks... again.."

Just as the bailiff begins to call the courtroom to order, Helena launches herself at Luke, screaming and scratching and clawing at him. "YOU KILLED MY SON!!! YOU KILLED HIM!!! HOW DID YOU FIND HIM, HOW!?! I'LL KILL YOU WITH MY BARE HANDS! HE WAS MY PRIDE AND JOY! MY SWEET BOY!! I'LL DESTROY YOU AND EVERYONE YOU LOVE!!"

Luke, unprepared for strength of her attack, stumbles backward. The courtroom security officers, present to take Evans into custody, don't even wait for the judge's order, but rush forward to haul Helena off him. Helena falls backward, collapsing against the officers' who have been trying to restrain her. They stumble back under her unexpected shift of balance. "SEIZE THAT MAN!! SEIZE HIM! LUKE SPENCER KILLED MY SON! MURDERER! MURDERER! NO NO NO! NOT AGAIN! NOT AGAIN! OH My Stavros, my precious son!" Helena weeps uncontrollably flailing against the officers who are simultaneously restraining her and holding her up. The entire courtroom is stricken mute by the spectacle.

Luke, shaken by violence, grabs the back of a bench for support. Feeling the trickle of blood going down his cheek, he grabs for the handkerchief in his pocket and wipes it away. "Damn! That woman is insane! She tried to kill me! Everyone knows her son Stavros has been dead for nearly twenty years. She's crackers! Fruitier than fruit loops! Nuttier than Trail Mix!"

Judge Hancock slams his gavel down. "Order! Order in the court!"

"He killed my son! He's a murderer!" Helena screams.

The judge slams the gavel down again. "Order! I said order!" Damn he's too old for this. Stavros Cassadine? Though it was years ago, he remembers the huge splash his death made in the papers. Obviously Helena Cassadine is having a delayed reaction. "Guards. I want you to take custody of Mrs Cassadine and transport her to General Hospital for a psychiatric evaluation."

"Your Honor?" Dr Diane Reardon pipes up. "Please excuse the intrusion, but I am a psychiatrist, and if it pleases the court, I would be willing to accompany Mrs Cassadine to the Hospital and give the hospital a full report of what happened here. I know I am needed to testify here...."

"On the behalf of Ms Benson, Your Honor," Margo Renfield adds. " We agree to allow Dr Reardon to attend to Mrs Cassadine, since her absence won't adversely affect the outcome of the hearing."

Judge Hancock bows his head in assent. "I believe it is an excellent idea. Please proceed, Dr Reardon." As the guards drag Helena out of the courtroom with Dr Reardon trailing behind, he bangs the gavel down again. "Order! Everyone please be seated. Any more shenanigans and I'll have any troublemakers held in contempt of court."


Chapter 81

Judge Hancock slams the gavel down one last time. With the impatience of a man who has something distasteful to get over with, he abruptly plunks down into his seat. His voice is somber, almost ominous as he begins. "The civil commitment laws are designed to help the most vulnerable of our society. Those citizens who are deemed mentally ill and unable or unwilling to get treatment for themselves. Their condition must be severe enough for them to be a danger to themselves or others. My job in this case, was to determine whether the defendant, Ms Benson, is a danger to herself and in need of inpatient psychiatric care to provide her care and safety."

Carly's eyes widen. What?! She looks at Margo, who covers her hand and squeezes.

"It is a dark day when someone attempts to corrupt the system of justice I have devoted my entire adult life to. To see the intent to which this humane law has been twisted and corrupted in this case infuriates me beyond expression," Judge Hancock pronounces. "I find this hearing has been tampered with to a degree of being an abuse of the very citizens the law is supposed to protect. I must dismiss the petition to commit Ms Caroline Benson, as a result of the misconduct on the part of a witness."

Collective gasps are heard through the courtroom. Carly's head swims. Dismissed?!

"Furthermore, I recuse myself from all further court proceedings that involve Ms Benson, based on an attempted bribe." He looks directly at Caroline. "Ms Benson, I wish to express my deepest regret for any emotional harm done to you by this spurious hearing. It was a gross miscarriage of justice that you were ever brought before this court. You are free to go. Hearing adjourned!" With a final slam of the gavel, the judge rises and returns to his chambers without a single look back.

At the prosecution table, Dr Evans sputters. "What?! I don't understand?! This is an outrage!" Out of his line of vision, the bailiff and another officer sidle from behind. The prosecutor stands and slams his briefcase shut. He addresses the doctor with a snarl of disgust. "Dr Evans, you are under arrest for attempted bribery of an elected official." The Bailiff pulls back one of Dr Evans's arms, slaps his wrist into a cuff, followed quickly by the other wrist. All done before Evans can even launch a protest.

"Wait! I never--- You can't.... You can't do this?!" His face turns red as he struggles against the cuffs. "This is preposterous! I demand that you let me out of these!"

The bailiff reads him his Miranda rights. " You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used...."

Meanwhile, at the defense table, Carly rises unsteadily to her feet and practically falls into her lawyer's arms. The relief, briefly delayed by the initial shock, floods her and tears fill her eyes. "Oh God! Oh God, how .. how .. how did this happen!?! I always guessed the judge was on the take.. but.. but...."

"The judge gave us the evidence of the bribery when he pulled us into his private chambers," Margo answers. " I know the waiting was hell, but we wanted to be sure to get Evans..."

Carly looks over at the Prosecution table to find Evans in cuffs being jostled by the officers as he is alternately shoved and dragged down the aisle and out of the courtroom. Joy, true joy for the first time since Stefan walked out of her life, springs to life inside her heart. She feels like bursting. A laugh bubbles out of her. "Oh! Oh... Margo, Thank you thank you. You don't know how much it meant to have you by my side. And to see Evans hauled away, I couldn't have asked for a better ending."

Margo squeezes Carly hard, touched deeply by the genuine happiness and gratitude spilling out of Carly. It's infectious. "I didn't do anything, really. I just motioned for a dismissal and that was a forgone conclusion given Evans's attempt at bribing the judge."

Soon it seems like everyone is crowding around the defense table. Carly pulls away from Margo, her face damp, to look at the precious faces that are smiling back at her, people who are happy that she is free. She sees Bobbie first and fresh tears pour out of her eyes. She reaches for her mother. "Oh Mama! Can you believe it?!"

Bobbie finds herself shedding sympathetic tears. "Justice was done today, Sweetheart. Evans is going to jail and Helena is being hospitalized." She holds her daughter tightly in her arms. "I couldn't be happier for you, I really couldn't."

"Carly?" Margo presses gently. "The prosecutor would like a few words with you."

Carly swipes at her smearing mascara as she reluctantly pulls away from her mother. She looks anxiously at Margo. "He's not---"

Margo answers reassuringly. "No. Go ahead Harry."

The prosecutor smiles apologetically. "I just want to extend my sincere apologies for my part in causing you pain this last week. While I had no idea that Dr Evans had a secret agenda, I feel horrible that you were dragged here in the first place. I just want to promise you that I will prosecute Dr Evans to the full extent of the law. I'll do everything in my power to make sure he never has a chance to hurt someone like this again."

Carly fights the urge to embrace this stranger, but she takes his hand and shakes it instead. "Thank you! Oh God, you have no idea how much I want that. Anything I can do. ANYTHING, to help nail that bastard to the wall, I'll do it."

"As a matter of fact, we may need you as a witness," The prosecutor admits. He puts his card in the palm of her hand. "You have a whole crowd of well wishers who seem to want to celebrate, so in a couple days, when everything calms down, give me a call. Again, I'm very sorry, Ms Benson."

"I'll call you Monday morning, first thing," She promises. As the prosecutor backs out, Carly spies Emily. She opens her arms to welcome her, and after a moment's hesitation, Emily walks into Carly's embrace.

Closing her eyes, Emily hugs Carly tightly. "I'm so sorry for what my family tried to do to you."

"Stop it, okay?" Carly tightens her arms around the taller girl's waist, this brave not-quite-adult-girl who defied her parents to defend her. "You have nothing to apologize for. You're the strongest one in that family, you know that? You risked a lot to be here for me. I'm not going to forget that. EVER."

"Yeah--- well, I don't feel very brave," Emily confides as she lets go of Carly. Her eyes are shining. "But it was the right thing to do." She glances briefly behind her, where Monica is sitting alone, on one of the benches. "I couldn't have lived with myself if I let this happen to either you or Michael. I take being his godmother very seriously. I know you're what's good for him." Her smile is strained. "I'm going to be at Jason's from now on. So if you need anything... you know, someone to watch Michael or something... anything. Let me know."

Carly squeezes Emily's hand. Honestly, it felt odd yet somehow right to be suddenly on such good terms with Emily. Being on the outside looking in for so long, it felt right to have.... family around her. Yes... Family. "I know what you must have lost standing by me against Monica. But I want you to know, you're part of my family now, if you want to be. You're Michael's aunt and godmother, the ties don't get any closer."

Emily bites her bottom lip to keep from crying. "Thanks."

Bobbie slides up next to Emily and links an arm through hers. She couldn't approve more of her daughter's offer. "Emily, consider yourself an honorary Spencer."

As Emily moves away with Bobbie, Vincent steps into the gap, his arms open and his grin wide. "So do you have a hug for your new best friend, hmmm?"

Carly laughs and falls into his hug, wrapping her arms around his neck and squeezing tightly. "You know, you really are my very best friend. Thank you, Vincent. I can't say how much it means to me that you'd be here."

"Honey, Anytime you need me to fight off the wolves, I'm there!" He lifts and twirls her around, causing her to laugh harder. "And really, you'd have made a fortune if you had advertised it as a triple feature. Who wouldn't pay to see the Quartermaines bickering, Old Lady Cassadine frothing at the mouth as she's being hauled away in a straight jacket, and Dr Evans, the evil doctor, being arrested for his evil doings?! I'm only miffed that I didn't get my chance to defend your honor! How am I to be your knight in shining armor now?"

"Oh Vincent!" Carly laughs, letting go of him. "You already are my knight in shining armor. You don't need to prove yourself."

Luke dips in between Carly and Vincent and gives Carly a bear hug. "Darlin', we need to celebrate this fine occasion. How often do we vanquish this many enemies in one morning? It isn't even noon yet! How about my club tonight? Drinks will be on the house..." He waggles his eyebrows invitingly.

Carly pulls back so they are hip to hip. Luke slides his arm over her shoulder while she slips her arm around his waist. "Much as I love the idea, I want to hold my baby tonight. Tight."

"How about we have the party at my house then?" Bobbie suggests. "Luke, you can provide the drinks and I'll spring for pizza?"

"And tunes, we need tunes," Luke says with a snap. He puts his thumb and forefinger in his mouth and blows a whistle. "In honor of my prodigal niece Caroline and her son Opie," He announces, his arm still firmly around Carly's shoulders. "My baby sister and I are hosting a party at Bobbie's Brownstone tonight. Bring yourselves and be prepared to celebrate!" He gives Carly a quick peck on the cheek and starts dancing out of the courtroom, whistling Celebration** as he goes.

Carly takes her mother's hand and squeezes it. The happiness is overflowing, making her giddy. "Does he know how ridiculous he looks chacha-ing to that song?"

Bobbie grins and whispers in her daughter's ear, "No, and we aren't going to tell him. I have to get my amusement where I can." Mother and daughter break out in giggles.

"Carly." AJ says quietly from behind, causing her to turn. "Congratulations."

Carly's expansive mood is only slightly dimmed by the sight of AJ. While the wound is still fresh, her buoyant mood moderates her hostile feelings. "AJ, Luke said you'd come through for me. And you did."

AJ looks at his shoes, then back up at her, his discomfort plain. "It was the right thing to do. As it turned out, you didn't need me after all."

"Still you came, which means something," She admits, but can't help but get in one more dig. "I guess you backed the right horse this time, huh?"

AJ crooks a smile. "Yeah, I guess you could say that. I just wanted to congratulate you and say I'm sorry for what my mother and grandfather tried to do today. I'm glad for your sake it got dismissed before it got started."

"Thanks. I'm glad too." Carly looks away from AJ to study her mother who is now chatting with Vincent a few feet away. "Are you coming to the Brownstone tonight?"

AJ shakes his head doubtfully. "I didn't think it'd be a good idea. Your mom was pretty ticked at me the last time we spoke. It's your party, I don't want to put a damper on it."

"Look, if you don't want to come, that's fine. But don't think you can't come because you're going to ruin it for my mom or me. " Carly impatiently tucks a lock of hair behind her ear. "You were ready to stand up in court for me in spite everything that's happened. That earns you the right to be there."

AJ's eyes widen at her grudging peace offering. A chance to see Michael and mend fences, he shouldn't pass it up. "Then I'll be there. I'll see you tonight."

As AJ turns to walk away, Carly feels a hand on her shoulder. She turns to find Jason and automatically she pulls him into a hug.

"Congratulations on dodging the hearing," He says into her ear.

She melts a little at the warmth and familiarity of his embrace, it always feels good to hug this man. "I can't believe it's over! I really can't. Even now, I'm still in shock. Things never EVER go this well for me. It's some law or something."

Jason's runs his hand over the softness of her hair, his hand resting at the back of her neck. "So maybe you're breaking new ground. The New Carly."

"The New Carly." She snorts, pulls back, and grins up at him. "So did you have anything to do with Evans getting dragged away in cuffs?"

"Nope, though I would have liked to." Unconsciously, Jason brushes a lock of Carly's hair off her shoulder before pulling away completely. "I'd lay odds it was Luke."

"Yep, it has his fingerprints all over it," Carly agrees. "He's just a little too pleased with himself. Are you coming to the Brownstone tonight?"

Jason shrugs. "You know me, I don't usually do groups. And AJ..." Jason screws up his face. "I don't have the urge to beat his face in right now, but the less time I spend around him, the better."

Bobbie pokes her head into the conversation. "It'll be fun, Jason. Emily's going to be there and there's a brand new pool table in the apartment above the garage. Lucas talked me into splurging on it."

"Come on... it'll be fun." Carly wheedles, itching to play against him. He was her favorite opponent. He creamed her fairly often but he never gloated, so she didn't mind.

Jason is surprised at how much he's looking forward to playing a game of pool with Carly. "Okay, I'll come."

"You ready to go Jason?" Emily asks as she joins them. "Can I talk you into giving Monica her cell phone back? I kinda 'appropriated' it when we were arguing. I took issue with her threatening to call Dad. I REALLY don't want to talk to her again."

Jason accepts the phone from Emily. "Yeah, I'll deal with her. Come on, we gotta get you settled. We'll see you tonight, Carly."

Carly gives him another hug, this time a quick one. "Thanks again, Jase. See you tonight, Em."

As people slowly meander out of the courtroom, Carly turns to Bobbie. "I have some errands to run before I pick up Michael, then I'll be at the house to help you set up for tonight."

Bobbie grabs her purse from under her seat and slips it over her shoulder. "Don't worry about helping me with the set up. Lucas can help. Just spend as much time as you can with your baby, because I plan on hogging him tonight."

"I just might let you do that."

Outside of the courtroom, Monica sits on one of the benches lining the hallway. Waiting, watching. She leaps to her feet at the sight of her children exiting. "Emily, Jason---"

Emily walks briskly past without saying anything. Monica tries to follow, to waylay her, but Jason takes her arm to stop her. His voice is gentle but firm. "Leave her alone, Monica."

"Jason, you can't expect me to do that! She's my daughter! I have to make her understand...." Monica's near tears, almost beside herself.

"I think she understands more than you give her credit," Jason retorts quietly. He places Monica's cell phone in her hand. "Emily is staying at the penthouse, but I don't suggest you try to visit without an invitation from her. Johnny and Reynaldo will escort you off the property if you do."

As Jason tries to walk past, Monica grabs his sleeve. "Jason!" Her voice cracks. "You can't really believe that Carly is good for Michael? After she almost destroyed you?!"

Jason takes a slow breath to keep from losing his temper. He doesn't look at her because he knows if he does, he'll lose what little patience he has. "Carly's grown up since she set me up. How she handled herself today proved it. And even if Carly was a still a royal screw up, she'd still be better than the mansion and the Old Man. It's time you accepted that Michael is where he belongs. And you better pray Carly hasn't been taking too many lessons from Cassadine." He pulls his arm out of her grasp and walks out.

"Praying isn't going to help you this time," Carly taunts Monica, walking up from behind.

Monica whirls to face Carly. "I have nothing to say to you, Carly."

"No, of course you don't. Not now." Carly crosses her arms in front of her chest, her head crooked to the side. "Isn't it ironic, Monica? Not only did I keep Michael today, but you lost all your kids. Course, Jason's been lost to you for a while. And AJ moved out right after Michael left the mansion for good. And now sweet little Emily..." Carly's smile is smug. "Seems like divine justice to me. And the beauty is, I didn't lift a finger."

Monica takes a step towards her, fighting tears. "Shut up. Just shut up.. or..."

"Or what?" Carly laughs caustically. "You'll have me committed? Well, that won't work this time, will it? Hit me? My perfect day will end more perfectly with you behind bars for assault."

Monica clenches her fists and feels the cell phone bite into her hand. Her rage is made more acute but the fact that Carly is right, she can't do a damn thing to this girl now. She jams the cell phone into her purse violently. "I'm not going to stand around and listen to your garbage anymore...." Monica turns her back and prepares to stalk off.

"Today, Emily joined my family," Carly calls after her, causing Monica to stop. "She practically burst into tears with gratitude. She's still a sweet kid, in spite of how you all tried to stomp that out of her. I'm going to do my best to preserve that in her, and make sure she never has anything to do with you again."


It felt different this time, stepping off the launch and climbing the steps up to the house. The first time she came up these long steep wood planked steps, she was terrified of being ridiculed and turned away. The only thing that kept her putting one foot after another was being more terrified of what she was running from. The certain death she faced in Port Charles.

After the initial rejection, escaping to Wyndemere had turned out better than she could have imagined. The mansion became her home very quickly. A safe place, where she felt... if not immediately accepted, at least understood and protected. A place where she learned so much about herself, most of all about her reservoir of strength. And with that, acceptance of herself. He'd given her that, a place to grow. He'd demanded the best of her. It was a gift she could never repay.

Now, standing in front of the depressing gothic mansion, she again feels the knot in her stomach. Not of fear this time, but grief. She'd lost so much that last morning when he cut her out of his life for good. Now looking at Wyndemere, it seems to be wrapped up in gloom, in profound sadness and loss.

She needs to face him one more time. To try one last time to get the real answer to why he dumped her so suddenly. Not that she ever expected to put him behind her, to get over loving him, but she needed to find away to move on, to live without him.

She has to find a way, somehow, for Michael's sake and her own.

A moment after she lifts the knocker, Mrs Lansbury opens the door. Carly smiles tightly at the shocked housekeeper. "Hi, Mrs Lansbury."

Mrs Lansbury opens the door wide, quickly hiding her surprise behind her mask of professional courtesy. "Ms Benson, this is unexpected. Come in. It is pleasure to see you."

Carly feels the knot tighten into a rock in the pit of her stomach. "I need to speak with Stefan, if he's available."

Mrs Lansbury nods, "Of course. I'll let him know you're here."

Making a sudden decision, Carly ignores the housekeeper's instructions and follows her. He wasn't going to turn her away if she had anything to say about it.

Mrs Lansbury knocks on the door to Stefan's study and waits for his response before opening. Putting a hand on her restless stomach, Carly stands to the side so Stefan can't see her. "Mr Cassadine, Ms Benson is here to see you."

Sitting at the desk in front of his laptop. Stefan is stock still for a moment, overcome with the longing to see her, to hold her.... it is excruciatingly intense and completely unexpected. He brutally shuts off the feeling and shakes his head. "Tell her.... I'm in urgent meetings all day with the estate managers. It is impossible for me to see her...."

Infuriated, Carly pushes her way past Mrs Lansbury. She stands before him, her shoulders squared, her eyes flashing, ready for battle. "You can and you will see me. NOW."

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