The Spirit Moves You

Chapter 23

(08 Apr 1997)

It's late night at the Inn. Daniel and Jacob are sound asleep.The nanny closes the door behind her as she goes into theirroom.

Luke looks up from his book. "All's well?" he asks.

"Yup. Ilsa is tired and went to bed." Lucy picks up the phone."Want anything from room service?"

"Order me anything. I'm starved." Luke goes back to his bookas Lucy places their order.

"The food will be here in a little while. Apparently they'rekinda backed up. I'm going to take a bath in the mean time." She goesto the bathroom and Luke can hear the water running.

"Whoa. Down boy!" Luke mutters, trying and failing to get thepicture of Lucy covered in bubbles out of his mind.

In the bathroom, Lucy steps gingerly into the hot, bubblywater of the claw foot tub. She sighs loudly as the hot water easessome of her aches.

Sitting outside the bathroom Luke hears her sigh and wishes hewas a washcloth.

"Luke?"

"What Darlin'?" He asks his voice a throaty growl.

"I need your help."

Luke joins Lucy in the bathroom to find her covered in bubblesfrom neck to toes. "What's the problem?"

"I can't reach that jug of water over there." She complains."I need to get this shampoo out of my hair."

Luke reaches for the pitcher on the floor. "Leanforward."

Lucy leans forward and tips her head back, eyes closed. Lukebegins to pour a steady stream of water over her hair, massaging herscalp. "Oooh. Luke that feels wonderful." Lucy purrs.

Once all the shampoo is rinsed out Luke reaches for thewashcloth. "Luke?" Lucy asks softly.

"Relax Darlin'." He croons. "Trust me." He begins to rub thecloth up and down her back, carefully avoiding the bruises andscrapes. Lucy holds up her wet hair as he runs it over her shouldersand neck. Once he is finished Luke asks, "Ready?"

In a sort of fog Lucy asks, "For what?"

"To get out. Our food should be coming." Luke reaches for thelarge bath towel and holds it in front of him.

Lucy's eyes never leave his as she steps into his arms and thetowel. "Thank you."

He tucks the ends of the towel in and smiles. "Why don't youslip into something a little less comfortable and I'll wait for ourdinner." He lets out a shaky breath as she walks away. There's aknock on the door and Luke answers it to find the bell boy pushing alarge cart. On one tray is a couple of hamburgers, and fries. On theother is lobster, salad, warm bread, and chocolate mousse. "Who's theother tray for?"

The bell boy looks at his pad. "Lobster goes to room120."

Struck with inspiration Luke slips the bell boy a $100 billand sets the tray of Lobster on the table near the window.

Lucy comes out of her bedroom dressed in green silk pajamas.Noticing the lobster, she asks. "Where did this come from?"

Luke pulls out a chair for her and replies, "From heaven." Hetakes his own seat next to her.

"I love lobster." Lucy enthuses as she cuts a small piece ofthe tail and begins to dip it into the golden drawn butter.

"Allow me." Luke takes the lobster between his fingers andlifts it to her lips.

"Luke." Lucy begins before he pops it in her mouth.

"Just enjoy Darlin'." Luke whispers softly.

"But we agreed."

Luke tears off a piece of bread and puts it in her mouth andwaits till she chews.

"I get the feeling if I keep protesting, you'll just keepfeeding me." Lucy notes wryly.

"Now you're catching on." Luke answers. Then a hot lookreplaces his amusement. "I'm very hungry." He looks at herintently.

Lucy puts her hand over his and brings his fingers to herlips. "Me too."

"Another bit of lobster?" He suggests huskily. Trying tofocus.

"No." She wraps a hand around his neck and presses her lips tohis.

Luke pulls her onto his lap and continues to kiss herpassionately. "Let's take this elsewhere." His voice caresses hercheek.

"Yes." All of a sudden Lucy is lifted in his strong arms as hecarries her to her bed. Luke lays against the mound of pillows andbrings her against his chest carefully, so as not to hurt herribs.

"Darlin', if you want to stop, tell me now. I don't think I'llbe able to stop later." Luke's breath is labored.

"Don't ever stop." Lucy moans as he unbuttons the pajama top.Then she holds his busy hands. "Wait. Luke. PLEASE, PLEASE, tell meyou have protection."

Luke's smile is blinding. "I would never put you at risk foranything Darlin', ever."

Lucy brings his hands back to her buttons. "Don't wait." Thetwo sink down into the bed and make love till dawn.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~******~*~*~*~*~*~*~******~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~******~*~*~*~*~*~**

At dawn Luke wakes to find Lucy curled in his arms. Hetenderly brushes the hair from her face. He slips out of the bedroomand moves to the living room. Sitting on the sofa he thinks of thenight before. Suddenly he hears a voice. "Damn you Luke Spencer, ifyou break her heart."

Luke turns to find Kevin standing by the window glowering athim.

Chapter 24

Date: 08 Apr 1997 10:04:27 PST

Luke's face turns a pale gray. From the window he heard avoice, right where the shimmering white light filtered in. It wasgrowing brighter by the second and the voice spoke again. "I mean itLuke. Just because you needed to get laid, doesn't mean you have touse Lucy."

Now Luke can make out the shape of a man. He's wearing asimple white suit with his brown hair pulled back. The man approachesLuke who is too stunned to move. "Kevin?!"

Kevin sinks into one of the chair. "Give the man acigar."

"You're dead."

"Wow Luke! I see you haven't lost your keen grasp on theobvious." Kevin remarks.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

"I just wondered what the hell you think you're doing withLucy?" Kevin shoots back. "There a lot of women in the world Luke,why use Lucy to hurt your wife?"

Luke sits up angrily. "Listen pal. What happened between meand Lucy is none of your damned business." He snarls at Kevin. "It'snone of your business and it had nothing to do with myex-wife."

"I don't believe you Luke. I think you're going to breakLucy's heart after you use what just happened to make Laurajealous."

Luke is furious now. "Listen you miserable bastard, the onlyperson who's broken her heart is YOU!! She built her whole lifearound you and then you go work for Stefan despite her warnings andher fears. Then you die, leaving her knocked up and alone, now youwant to tell me I can't break her heart? You're a hypocrite. Youknow, I don't think you'd be here if it were anyone else. "

"What do you mean?" Kevin asks.

"You never liked me, and you never liked the friendship Lucyand I share."

"You're right, I don't like you. I don't trust you to takecare of Lucy or my sons." Kevin smiles wickedly, "If Lucy didn't needme, I wouldn't be here. If it hadn't been for me, what happened inthe alley would have been worse."

"It was your voice I heard." Luke states. "But it didn't doyou much good did it? Lucy needed someone flesh and blood that night,the way she did last night." Luke presses ruthlessly. "Your kids needa man who can be a father to them" Realization dawns. "You'rejealous. You're mad because I can be with them and youcan't."

"I'm warning you Luke. If you ever break her heart I'll hauntyou till your dying breath and beyond." In a flash of red-hot lighthe's gone.

Luke walks back into the bedroom and climbs into bed withLucy. His arms clutching her tightly as he drifts back into a fitfulsleep.

Chapter 25

Date: 09 Apr 1997 4:32:45 PST

Feeling something warm and heavy draped across her stomachLucy wakes up and sees Luke's arm wrapped around her waist.Remembering the previous night Lucy smiles a cat's got the creamsmile and turns to watch Luke sleep. His face peaceful for once, andhe was taking up most of the bed.

Knowing Lucy is watching him Luke moans. "Oh Katherine." Hefeels a pillow thwack him upside the head.

"Not funny pal!" Lucy chides him. "Just for that I'm takingthe shower first." She leaps out of bed and runs to the bathroomdoor.

"Well Darlin' being the nineties kinda guy I am, I believe inconservation." He hops out of bed and joins her at the door, wrappinghis arms around her, "Let's take one together."

"I love the way you think, Darlin'." Lucy mimics.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Lucy, Daniel, Jacob and Luke are having breakfast when Rafejoins them. "Hey guys!" He says cheerfully. "How'd yousleep?"

Lucy, thinking of the night before chokes on her blueberrymuffin.

"Are you ok?" Rafe asks once she stops coughing.

"Oh, yeah. Luce is fine, something just went down the wrongway." Luke observes wickedly.

"I talked to your pal, Scorpio." Rafe informs them. "He saysthe word on the street is that someone's looking for you."

"Luce? Do you owe Sonny money?" Luke asksunconcernedly.

"This isn't funny Luke. What if they find me?"

Luke puts one hand over hers and squeezes. "You're safe hereLucy. I promise. But I need to go back to Port Charles for a coupleof days."

"No!"

"Luce, I have to see my kids, and there's business to attendto."

"I don't like it, Pal." Rafe says, knowing the look on Luke'sface.

"Neither do I but it has to be done." Luke says grimly. "Ineed a car that can't be traced."

"Done." Rafe says resignedly.

"Luke?"

"Don't worry, hopefully I'll be back before you know it." Lukekisses her swiftly and heads up to the room to pack.

"What a jerk!" Lucy huffs.

"That's our Luke." Rafe smiles indulgently.

Chapter 26

(09 Apr 1997)

Back in Port Charles.

Luke opens the front door of the house and someone flingsherself at him. "DADDY!!"

Luke catches his daughter in his arms. "Hi there, baby!!" Hekisses Lu's cheek loudly. "I missed you."

"Mommy! Daddy's home!" Lu calls over her shoulder.

"Hello, Luke," Laura comes out of the kitchen and greets himcoldly.

"Laura," Luke returns. He set Lu down and asks her, "Honey,can you go and find your big brother?"

"Lucky is in the backyard with Emily and Sly," Lu runs out toget him.

"I'm not back for long. I have some unfinished business then Iam taking Lu and Lucky back with me," Luke informs Laura.

"You can't!" Laura whines.

Luke just looks at her. "I want my children safe. I can'ttrust you Darlin'. I know about your plans to kidnap ourchildren."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~!*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A phone conversation.

"I want the job finished."

"As do I. I realize going outside the organization last timewas a mistake. One I won't make again," the second voice is at onceapologetic and threatening.

"Good. See that you don't. People who fail me more than oncenever live to regret it."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"What are you talking about Luke?" Laura asks feigninginnocence.

"I know you made plane reservations for three to Aruba, thenfrom there you change names and head to Pakistan." Luke clenches hisfists and tries to contain his hatred for the mother of his children."What did you think? That I wouldn't notice till it was too late?That Lucky couldn't take his sister and give you the slip withoutgetting out of breath?"

Knowing her lies are exposed tears run down Laura's face."Lucky wasn't coming with me. It was going to be me, Lu and Nikolas.Lucky is too much your son."

"Dad!! You're home!" Lucky gives his Dad a hug. "What'sup?"

"Cowboy, you, me and little Lu and going on a trip. Why don'tyou help Lu pack?"

"Where are we going?" Lucky asks.

"I can't tell you, son. Not yet." Luke puts his hand onLucky's shoulder, "Can you trust me?"

"Always, Dad," Lucky takes his sister's hand and they go topack.

Luke whirls on Laura. "You worthless. . . "

He stops, unable to express how much he hated her. "All betsare off. You will never see my children again."

"You can't do that!!"

"I will never allow you to desert Lucky and Lu the way you didNikolas."

"I deserted him for YOU!!" Laura screams.

"The hell you did. If you gave a damn for him, had a spine,you would have

put your children, all of them, first."

"Luke, I was desperate. I want my children." Laura collapseson the couch in tears.

Some of Luke's anger fades. "Laura, I know. I understand. ButJesus, Baby, do you realize how much you would have killed Lucky ifyou ran away with his brother and his sister, but not him?"

Seeing that she was still sobbing, Luke put an arm around her."I am still taking the kids with me. But you can stay here, when weget back," he lets out a frustrated huff of air. "I'll see what wecan do about getting Lucky to give you another chance. You can seeyour kids, Laura. I'm too tired to fight you." He stands to leave. "Acouple of Sonny's guys are outside. If you try and take my childrenout of this house before I get home, they'll stop you. However theyhave to."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

At the hospital Luke moves quietly through the corridors. Heopens the door to a room and finds one of Lucy's attackers watchingTV. "Hey pal! Howdy doin'?" he asks as he rips the nurse's callbutton out of the wall.

The man doesn't recognize the man who shot him. He mutterssomething through his oxygen mask.

Luke sits next to him and pulls out his gun. "Now do youremember me? You know the only reason I didn't kill you like your palwas because I had other things on my mind."

He puts the gun right between the man's eyes.

"But I bet, at this range, even a lousy shot like me couldn'tmiss." He peels the oxygen mask off him.

"Tell me who sent you."

"Rich man."

"Tall, dark, goatee?"

"No."

"What did he look like?" Luke asks as the other man gasps forbreath. "Short, skinny, talked funny."

"Accent?"

"No, just talked weird."

"You lying to me?"

"Hell, no."

Luke puts the mask back on him you better not be. "I find outyou lied to me I'm gone pay more attention to you this time." Lukewalks out as the nurse walks in. "Hey! You can't be inthere!"

"He seems to have a hard time breathing."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Luke picks up his children and heads back for Cold Water.Lucky and Lu are asleep in the back and he drives on automatic. Hismind replays his conversation with Laura and the events of the nightbefore.

Hours later, pulling up to the Inn Luke gets out of the carwith Lucky and Lu. Lucy races out to meet them. "Lucky! Lu! Whydidn't your dad tell me you were coming?" Lucy looks atLuke.

"Long story, Darlin'." Luke wraps an arm around her and pullsher close to his side. Luke realized he'd never felt more athome.

Chapter 27

(10 Apr 1997)

Lucky is at the stables feeding an apple to one of the horses,when Lucy joins him. "Hey Lucky."

"Oh, hi." Lucky turns back to the horse in front ofhim.

"Galahad is such a great horse. I bet Rafe would let you ridehim."

"Are you in love with my Dad?" Lucky asks pointblank.

"Excuse me?"

"I mean, it's just like the way he acts with you andeverything," Lucky hedges.

"Lucky, I know you've always been treated like an adult, andI'm not saying that's bad or anything, but I refuse to discuss mylove life with a sixteen year old. " Lucy tries to soften her words."I know you're worried about your dad. But I'm telling you, Luke cantake care of himself. You don't have to take all the responsibilityon your shoulders, Lucky."

Lucky looks at the ground before speaking. "For a while I did.After Mom left, Dad drank all the time. I had to take care of LuLuand Dad and myself. But lately, he's been way better. He's takingcare of us again."

He looks at Lucy. "What I really meant to say is if it'sbecause of you, I'm glad."

"I think it's because he's moving on with his life, Lucky.Your dad and mom love you very much, but they aren't together anymoreand your dad needs a chance to be without Laura."

Lucky looks down again. "She doesn't, you know."

"Who doesn't what?"

"My mom doesn't love me. She was going to take Nikolas and Luaway and leave me here." His shoulders tremble.

"Your dad told you that?"

"He told mom he knew about it and I overheard them. She said Iwas too much like him."

Lucy wraps her arms tightly around the struggling boy. Heresists for a second and all his anguish comes out. "I am so sorry. Idon't know what to say, except she's a damn fool. You are thebrightest, most loyal, wonderful young man I know. You have Luke, Lu,Ruby, Bobbie, and Nikolas."

"How do you know about Nik?"

"I saw you guys a week or so ago."

"We just started talking and it's like having a real brother."Lucky looks at the ground.

"I didn't think Dad would approve."

"Lucky your dad loves you. Nothing you could do would make himstop, not even being close to your brother."

Lucky smiles. "You love him, don't you?"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"That is the $64,000 question isn't it?" Stone asks.

"Yup." Ryan replies. "I got twenty bucks on Lucy still beinghung up on Kevin.

"I've got fifty on Luke," Stone returns. "Anyone else want apiece of this?"

"Fifty for Luke," Lily calls out with a smile.

"Forty on Kevin," Mary Mae returns.

"Give me twenty on Kevin," Dominique can't resist.

"Fifty for Kevin." Steve adds in. The hum of the harps istemporarily drowned out by the hum of placing bets.

Chapter 28

(10 Apr 1997)

Just as Lucy is about to answer Lucky's question, Rafe comesstriding into the barn. "Hey guys! Anyone up for a ride?"

Lucy breathes a sigh of relief at her reprieve. "Sure." Sheanswers quickly enough to make Lucky smile. "Wanna come?"

"Nah, Dad's making me keep up with my trig while I'mhere."

"Luke Spencer? Homework enforcer?" Rafe laughs "I bet he can'ttell the difference between a logarithm and alog-without-rhythm."

"Oh boy, no wonder you guys are friends." Lucky walks awayfrom the barn. "Ready?" Rafe asks Lucy.

"Can I take Galahad?"

"Sure, he's a good horse, but you ought to know he's a cuttinghorse. Any pressure on the reins and he'll stop on a dime." Rafesaddles his own horse. Seeing Lucy wince swinging into the saddleRafe asks, "You alright?"

"Fine. I used to train cutting horses on my Aunt Charlene'sranch." She gently steers him out of the barn and past thecorral.

Lucy and Rafe ride in for a moment then Rafe breaks thesilence. "Looked like you and Lucky were having a pretty seriousconversation."

"We were. One I'd rather not have been having. He's a smartkid."

"Hardly a kid anymore," Rafe muses. "Heck, he hasn't been akid since he was born."

"How long have you known Luke?" Lucy asks curiously.

"Since he and Bobbie were living in Florida. My sister was inthe same line of work, the four of us got out together." Rafe'sexpression is unreadable.

"It must have been hard on all of you," Lucy sayssympathetically.

"Hardest on Luke I suspect. He never forgave himself for whatwe were doing to our sisters."

Lucy is quiet for a minute. "He is so strong, sometimes toostrong."

"Tell me about it. When Laura left him, he started spendingmore time here with Polly and me. He and his kids are like myfamily."

Lucy laughs nervously. "Are you going to ask me what myintentions are?"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"What are your intentions toward Lucy Coe?" Polly Santiriniasks Luke in her kitchen.

Luke spits coffee all over the counter. "WHAT!?"

"You heard me Luke Spencer. I've gotten to know Lucy and herkids. I like them a lot and don't want to see them hurt. So if youwant Laura back you had better just leave that woman be," Pollyspeaks in her soft plain honest way. "Do you love her?"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Twenty on him still loving Laura."

"Fifty on Lucy!"

"Hundred on Laura."

"Ten on Lucy!"

"I want a piece of this! Sixty on Lucy."

"Are you nuts? I want fifty on Laura!" And once againcelestial peace is momentarily interrupted.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Daddy?" LuLu comes into the kitchen and crawls on Luke's lap."I got an owie." She shows him a small cut on her finger.

"Princess, what did Daddy tell you about sticking your fingerin a crocodile's mouth?" Luke kisses it. "Let's go get you a bandaid."

"Saved by the bell, Luke Spencer, but this conversation isn'tover yet," Polly calls to his rapidly retreating back.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Later that night, Lucky is out with some new friends at thepizza parlor, with the promise of returning by 11:00. Lu, Danny, andJake were all sound asleep. Luke grabs Lucy from behind. "I want toshow you something."

"But Luke, I've already seen THAT."

"Very amusing. "Get a towel."

"Where are we going?"

"To a secret little place only Rafe and I know about." Helooks at his watch. "We've got three hours before Lucky gets back.Hurry up!" The two stroll hand in hand out the front door. They walkup the street and take a sharp left. Walking to the side of the roadthey follow an old overgrown dark path. Luke guides Lucy with alantern. After walking for ten minutes they reach a place where twowillow trees grow together. Luke separates the falling vines andtakes Lucy's hand. "Welcome to Eden."

Chapter 29

(10 Apr 1997)

Lucy's delighted gasp echoes through the woods. They hadentered a cave and milky white stalactites and stalagmites drippedfrom the ceiling and sprung from the floor. In front of them was awhirling, pool of the clearest blue water. But the most amazing thingwas the flowers. "What kind are these?" Lucy asks touching the softpetals of one of the fragrant orchid like blooms.

"I have no idea. Neither does Rafe. Night bloomers, but theirname? I have no idea." Luke sets down his lantern. "Care to joinme?"

"I didn't bring my suit." Lucy protests. Then realizing howlame that sounded after what had happened between them she ducks herhead.

Luke tips her face to meet his. "It's all right Darlin'.There's nothing to be embarrassed about. How about if I get in first,then turn around."

He grins that lady-killer smile. "I won't peek if youwon't."

Lucy turns and Luke undresses and slips into the pleasantlywarm water. When he turns his back Lucy slips out of her clothes andinto the water. "Can I turn around?" Luke asks.

"Yep." Lucy leans against the hard rim of the pool trying toget comfortable, when Luke pulls her close to his side and pillowsher head on his chest.

"Better?" Luke asks.

"Much," Lucy sighs in contentment. "I know I'm being silly,but I don't know."

"It's ok, Luce. A lot of things happened really fast. I nevergot the chance to romance you properly."

"I don't need hearts and flowers Luke," she whispers.

"Darn. I was just starting to think I might have a few left inme." Luke kisses her hair. "Polly gave me the third degree aboutyou." He mentions.

"Well, I got the double whammy from Lucky *and* Rafe," Lucycounters.

"She wants to know how I feel about you," Lukepresses.

"What did you say?" Lucy holds her breath.

"I care for you Darlin'. I do. I don't think I've ever wantedanyone like this, and we're great friends. But my kids need theirmom. Laura needs them and I can't just bail."

Feeling Lucy stiffen at his side Luke turns to watch her.Dozens of emotions race across her face. Anger, confusion, sadness,hurt, betrayal. She settles for outrage. "You decided to bring mehere for one more quick screw and then kiss me off?"

"I didn't want to make it any harder than it is . . . " Lukebegins.

"To hell with you Luke Spencer you jerk!" Lucy yells reachingfor her clothes. "I'm out of here!"

"Lucy you can't go!" Luke protests. "You're indanger."

"I can take care of myself thank you. And my boys. I alwayshave and I always will. My only mistake was thinking I could trustyou to do it for me. HAH! Never again! Do you hear me Lucas LorenzoSpencer? When Laura dumps you again and you're all alone, pick up thephone and swallow it before you call me!" She takes his clothes andstorms out of the cave.

"LUCY!! BRING BACK MY PANTS!" He yells.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Hot damn! I don't think any of us won," Ryan laughs.

"Nope. We'll just have to wait and see," Dominique answerswith a smile. Softly to herself she says. "Atta girl Luce! Don'taccept second best!"

Everyone is quiet when Kevin shows up. "What happened?" heasks.

"All hell broke loose?" Ryan offers.

"What do you mean?"

"Luke ended it with Lucy," Ryan explains. "Lucy's madder thana wet hen and stalked off leaving Luke in the lurch."

"I turn my back for minute to speak to the big guy and this iswhat happens??? You were supposed to be watching!" Kevinyells.

"Isn't this what you wanted?" Ryan asks quietly. "Luke awayfrom Lucy?"

"Yes." Kevin pauses for a minute. "No." He turns to walk away."Oh leave me alone."

Chapter 30

(10 Apr 1997)

Luke backs into the bushes by the Inn and sneaks up the backstairs to the suite. "Nice butt, Spencer," Rafe drawls.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Luke demandsangrily.

"Just hanging out," Rafe responds. "Actually, I am waiting tohear what the hell you did to Lucy to send her out of here?"

"Lucy's gone?" Luke pulls on a pair of jeans.

"Yes. She came to our door and asked Polly to help her packand drive her back to Port Charles."

"DAMN!" Luke drops into a chair. "She's tooimpulsive."

"What happened?"

"None of your business." Luke tosses back. "I need to get intoPort Chuck. Can you bring LuLu and Lucky to P.C in themorning?"

"Sure. You can borrow my motorcycle." Rafe pulls the keys outof his pocket and tosses them to Luke. "If there's an accident, you'dbetter pray you don't survive."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~*~*~*~*~**~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

In Polly's car.

"Now are you going to tell me what Luke did?" Lucy who hasbeen silent the whole trip just gazes out into the night.

"Nothing. Luke helped me when I needed it, but now I can takecare of myself and my boys. Luke is no longer necessary."

"Try selling that along with the Brooklyn Bridge." Pollyscoffs. "Something happened. I understand you don't want to talkabout it. But please, remember you can trust me." Polly turns andstops the car in front of Mac's house. "Are you sure you want to stayhere?"

"Just for tonight. I know Mac won't mind." Lucy goes to thefront door and knocks. About five minutes later a tousled bleary-eyedMac opens the door. "Lucy? What are you doing here?"

"Mac, the boys and I need a place to spend the night." Seeinghis confused look, Lucy presses on. "I'll explain in themorning."

"Come in Lucy." Mac opens the door.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

At the lighthouse Luke pulls up and sees nothing. No lights,no car, no Lucy. "Where could she be?" he asks himself. Then hedecides to go home. Opening the door of his house he finds Laurawaiting for him with a

baseball bat.

"Luke!! What are you doing home? Where are the kids?"

"They're coming home in the morning. And I'm home because it'swhere I'm supposed to be," he says simply. "Laura, I want to give usanother chance.

We owe it to our kids." He kisses her. "Right now I'm tiredand I need sleep. We can work everything out later." He walks up thestairs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Morning

Mac wakes to find Lucy awake with the boys and breakfast made.Seeing the kids are playing, Mac asks Lucy. "What happened?"

"I decided it was better for me and the boys to be in PortCharles."

"What does Luke think?"

"The hell with Luke," Lucy responds flatly. "Don't worry, theboys and I will go back to the lighthouse this afternoon."

"Why this afternoon?"

"I'm having a security system put in."

There's a knock on the door. "Luke! Come on in." Mac ushershim in. Feeling the tension he picks up the twins and moves to theliving room, out of the line of fire.

"Lucy . . . " Luke reaches out a hand to her.

In three steps Lucy's covered the distance between them. Andin a split second has slapped him so hard Luke's head rocks back onhis shoulders. "How dare you? Why? Did you always want to know whatkind of lay I was? Or was it more because I was the poor lonelywidow? I don't appreciate being anyone's merry F---. . . . "

Luke stops her before she can finish her sentence. "Don't sayit! Don't you ever say it! You and I both know that neither word hasanything to do with what happened between us!"

"Nothing happened between us," Lucy replies coldly, "I'm noconsolation prize. Get out."

"Lucy I---."

"GET OUT! Out of my face, out of my way and out of my life!"Lucy wheels around on her heel and exits just before the tears startto stream down her face.

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