'The Spirit Moves You' Chapters 39-45

Chapter 39 Date: 18 Apr 1997 7:00:57 PST

Riffling through Stefan's desk Lucy finds nothing. She sighsin exasperation and looks around the fire lit room. ''If I were a badguy, where would I keep all my records?'' She snaps her fingers. ''Asafe!'' She methodically checks behind each painting and almost everysingle book, carefully replacing them as she goes.

''Ooompf!'' She backs into a large globe on a stand. ''Hmmm… this is awfully heavy.'' She muses aloud. She checks allaround it and finds an old spring, with a soft snick the globeseparates at the equator. ''Damn, I'm good.'' She mumbles trying toopen the ancient lock. She slips a bobby pin from her hair and slipsit into the lock.

''Can I help you Lucy?'' Kevin asks from the doorway.

''Stefan! Uh-no. Thank you.'' Lucy scrambles to her feet.''See, I was looking for a book to read and tripped over the globe.Then one of my hair pins fell out and I was looking forit.''

Kevin takes three strides and crosses the room. He pulls thepin out of the lock. ''Look at this. It landed right in the lock ofthis old safe!'' He hands her the pin and leans nonchalantly againstthe desk.

''Thank you.'' Lucy says uneasily.

Kevin crosses his arms in front of his chest and fights theurge to laugh, at the same time furious at her distrust.

''I'm going back to bed.'' Lucy informs him. She tries brushpast him, but Kevin catches her hand in his.

''Not so fast Lucy.'' He whispers huskily, right beforebrushing her lips with a slow, gentle, savoring kiss.

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''You mean you'll help me?'' Raven asks.

''I did care for your mother,'' Luke responds. ''very much.And if I had a chance to know you I know I would have been a goodfather.'' He stands up and opens his arms. ''I'd like the chancenow.''

Raven rises from the couch and steps into her father's strongembrace. Then something on his desk attracted her attention. ''Whoare they?'' She asks pointing to a picture of Lucky andLuLu.

Luke turns to see. ''They're your brother and sister. Luckyand LeselyLu.''

''Wow! I have a brother and sister!!'' Raven smiles at herfather. ''Can I meet them?''

''I think I should tell Lucky about you first.'' Luke saysgently. ''Seeing you was a big enough surprise for me, it might behard on Lucky. He's had some harsh surprises lately.'' He explains.''Why don't you go upstairs, there's an empty apartment. Shower, takea nap and generally relax and I'll bring Lucky and LuLu back here inan hour?''

Raven nods and yawns at the same time. ''It seems like I'vebeen traveling for years.''

Luke escorts her to Sonny's old apartment and gets her settledin. then he goes home. ''Lucky!'' He calls from the livingroom.

''Yeah dad?''

''Son, come here. There's something pretty important I've gotto tell you.''

''What is it?'' Lucky asks.

''A young woman showed up at the club today. She's mydaughter.''

''WHAT!?!?!?! First Mom, now you? How can you guys keep lyingto me? After everything Nikolas and I went through because of Mom,now you keep a secret like this from me!'' Lucky shoves his dad.''You are such a jerk!''

Luke grabs his son and holds him tightly. ''Listen to me, Son.I didn't know she was alive. Remember how I told you when I thoughtyour mother was dead I met and fell in love with someoneelse?''

Lucky calms down slowly. ''Yeah, Holly.''

''Yeah, Holly. Well I also told you Holly had amiscarriage.

That's what I thought. That's what I believed until today.Turns out Holly and Raven, that's your sister by the way, were indanger. They couldn't let anyone know where they were.''

''Another sister?'' Lucky asks dazedly.

''Yup, and she is dying to meet you and Lu. Feel up toit?''

''Sure. A guy can't have too many siblings.'' Lucky repliescheekily. ''Ya know Dad. Maybe you and I should have a little talk onsafe sex.'' He puts an arm around Luke shoulders. ''See Dad, sex is anatural, healthy part of life. But you've got to be careful about it.Just because you are ready, willing and able to have sex doesn't meanyou are ready to be a parent. Also Dad, if a girl says the sex isjust a way to prove you love her, she's not the girl for you. . . .''The two head out the door to pick up Lu.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kevin brings her hand under his robe, to rest right over hisheart. He continues to kiss her till Lucy feels dizzy.

''K-Stefan. Stop.'' She steps away from him and practicallyraces for the door.

Kevin takes a few deep breaths. ''Nice going, scare her away.You should have known better.''

''That's right. You should have.'' Comes Stefan's voice nearthe fire. He is sipping a glass of Napoleon brandy. ''Ahh. Care tojoin me?''

''Stefan? What are you doing here?'' Kevin asks.

''Slumming?''

''Why are you spying on me?'' Kevin asks with as muchrighteous indignation he can muster.

''Well, somebody has to keep you in line. And who better thanthe former occupant of your current body?'' He smiles boyishly.''Just F.Y.I she never got woozy when I kissed her. Queasy yes, butnever woozy. But you should have laid off. Kevin she thinks you're meand that I'm responsible for your death.''

''Were you?''

''Kevin, don't be an ass. Whoever killed me is probably thesame person who cold-cocked you and left you to burn.''

''But Stefan whoever killed you did it close up. Didn't yousee anything?''

''No. It was too damn dark in that warehouse. I saw maybe ashadow

and that's it.''

''Then it could be anyone. Damn. I'm afraid if Lucy finds outshe'll go after them and try to have them arrested.''

''Kevin, I have news for you. Lucy has no such plans. When shefinds the person responsible for your death, she plans on killingthem.''

Chapter 40 (18 Apr 1997)

In a lab at an undisclosed location.

"You promised us delivery by noon yesterday."

The little man shifts nervously in front of his boss. "Irealize that, but there have been difficulties here. The machine ismalfunctioning."

"What do you mean malfunctioning?"

"The quality of the heroin is deteriorating rapidly." Heexplains. "We knew that the usefulness of the formula would belimited."

"Not this limited. We have customers, who will be trulyunhappy if their needs are not met."

"What can we do?"

"Nothing. Except increase production by 50 percent each daybefore the quality deteriorates further."

"That's right." Comes another voice. "We must meet our currentdemand. After this shipment the machine is of no use to us."

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

"I haven't used that safe in years," Stefan observes.

"Well let's take a look anyway," Kevin replies opening the oldlock. "I'll be damned!"

"What is it?" Stefan peers over his shoulder. "Copies of yourfather's formula?"

Kevin pulls out the sheets of paper and a small notebook. "Yesand a book with names and numbers and quantities written in it.2Kilos, 50 kilos."

Kevin pauses for a minute. "What does my father's formula haveto do with selling drugs?"

Stefan looks closely at the formula. "Look at this. Someonefound a cheap way to make heroin from water. It uses your father'sformula as well as the formula for The Ice Princess to turn waterinto drugs."

"That would explain why I was killed. I had started to work onthe theory that the formula was the key to something."

"I was killed because I found drugs in one of the Cassadinewarehouses." Stefan muses. "But the real question is, who?"

Chapter 41 (19 Apr 1997)

Morning at Luke's

Raven sits at the bar sipping a cup of coffee.

"Hey kid! You shouldn't be drinking coffee!" Mike calls."It'll stunt your growth!"

"So will your cooking!" Raven returns good-naturedly. Then shenotices her father. "What's the plan?"

Luke pours himself a cup of coffee and takes a long drink."I've been talking to some old friends and I think I have a way toget your mom out of Ja'Ba Dar." He looks at Raven seriously. "But Iwant you to think about it hard. There'll be no going back. This willplace you in a great deal of danger." He touches her face lightly."I'd hate for you to get hurt."

Raven's eyes harden to steel. "My mother sacrificed everythingfor me, her home, her family, her friends, just to raise me in peace.She is the bravest most amazing person in the world and I would diefor her. There's no way you are keeping me out of this."

Luke kisses her forehead. "Like mother, like daughter. Whatwe're going to do is send you back there." Seeing the surprise on herface Luke swiftly continues. "I will be your Body guard. They'll wantto get rid of me once we land. That's fine. I want you to find outwhere Holly is being held and let me know. Once I have Holly, we areall going to haul ass out of the country in a helicopter belonging toa friend."

"Sounds like a plan," Raven agrees. "But what are you going tobe doing while we're separated?"

Luke grins, a replica of her own grin. "What I do best Darlin'raisin' a little hell!"

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At the lighthouse, Lucy sits in front of Kevin's laptop onceagain. "Passwords. Hmmm," Lucy talks to herself. Suddenly a lightbulb appears over her head. "B-U-B-B-L-E-B-A-T-H" She enters thewords slowly. "Access approved." Flashes on the screen. "YES!!!" Shebegins to peruse files.

Some of them old patient files. "Ice! Bobbie did that? Gross!"Not finding anything of interest there, she moves onto miscellaneous.Then she finds Kevin's journal. "Oh Doc." She sighs, debating whetheror not to read it. "I have to know what is going on and maybe youknow who killed you." She opens his journal and her attention iscaught by the first entry:

Sometimes I have to write my feelings down and here is as good a place as any. This morning I looked at Lucy as she lay sleeping. My god, what an amazing woman. I'm not talking solely of her physical beauty, but instead of the enormous aura of strength she emanates. Don't tell Lucy I said aura. But it's true. I have never known a more remarkable woman in my life. I now know why I have never loved. Because I have never known Lucy.

"Doc." Lucy's eyes well up with tears. "Oh Doc, I love you,too."

I know I am difficult, and parts of me are too tightly wound, but I know that Lucy understands me, forgives me, and loves me. She is what makes me strong. I know everyone including Lucy thinks that I reformed her, or that my love reformed her. But I alone know the truth. Had it not been for Lucy, my soul would have shriveled up and blown away like so much dust.

Tears spill onto her desk. "I miss you Doc. But you're wrong.A soul as beautiful as your could never shrivel up." Then she flipsthrough other journal entries, laughing, cursing and crying over eachone. Until she reaches the last entry the day he died.

I don't know what exactly is going on at Cassadine Inc. I'mafraid Lucy is right. Something is wrong there. I have heard peoplecoming and going when no one is supposed to be there. It's nottangible, just a gut feeling. Another strange thing happened, Alexisaccosted me in the hallway for a good ten minutes, talking aboutnothing at all. When I got into my office I couldn't find my notes onmy father's formula. I am going back there tonight to get the copy inthe safe and leave my letter of resignation. I'll take theprofessorship at PCU and not only make myself happy, but Lucy aswell.

"Alexis?" Lucy asks aloud.

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

Kevin sits alone in the dark study. Even though it isdaylight, the shades are drawn and the lights off. The study is insilence. Then the door opens slowly. A figure walks across the roomto the globe and fumbles with the lock. "Damn!" comes a familiarvoice. Then Kevin can hear the safe open.

Kevin turns on the desk lamp. "Hello there! Looking forsomething?" He holds the formula and the notebook in hishand.

Chapter 42 (19 Apr 1997)

Stepping off the plane onto the hot tarmac, Raven adjusts hersunglasses. A tall, handsome man approaches her followed by a team ofsecurity agents.

"Raven! My wayward daughter!" he calls out in fake joviality.He embraces her. Squeezing so hard she can feel her ribscreak.

"Father," she squeaks, barely able to get a breath.

"Your mother will be so relieved to know you are home," Rashidsays with a grin. "You know your mother, always losing her head." Hefaces a disguised Luke. "And who are you?"

"Father this is Sam L. Cash. He has been acting as mybodyguard."

Rashid takes in Luke's appearance, jeans with holes in them,black cowboy boots. A cowboy hat, and black leather jacket, withchains. "I don't think you will be needing his service anymore."Rashid says. He pulls from his wallet a wad of hundred dollar billsand tosses them to Luke. "Take this. Stay here or go elsewhere." Thentaking his daughter forcefully by the arm he drags her to the waitinglimousine.

"Oh, I think I'll stick around." Luke mutters watching the manroughly handle his child.

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At the royal palace.

"Mother!!" Raven flies down the stone steps to the small cellwhere her mother lays, thin and tired.

"Raven?" Holly whispers, "baby?" She turns her head away. "Youcame back. Oh my darling, you should have stayed gone."

Raven kisses her mother's bruised face. "I could never leaveyou Mother. Ever." She leans in and whispers. "We have a plan. We'regoing to get you out of here and take you home."

Holly clutches her daughter to her heart. "Oh my little girl.You're so brave. Be careful, Rashid grows more and more unstableeveryday."

Raven stands at the sound of approaching feet. "Who did thisto my mother?" she demands of the guard.

"His highness wanted her to be taught a lesson in defiance,"he replies in

the native language.

"If you ever touch my mother again I will kill you and all ofyour family," Raven replies with rage in her voice. "Remember to whomyou speak and ALWAYS remember your place."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In a small seedy bar on the main strip Luke sits and nurses abeer, watching the people come and go quietly from the back room. Hedecides to try. A large man at the door stops him. "What do youwant?" He asks.

Luke is thankful for the briefing Raven insisted on giving himon the local

language. "I am looking for Amahad," he says slowly.

"This way." The man shows him into a dark corner of the backroom.

There a young man with a scarred face sits in a batteredchair. "What do you want, American?"

"Ah! The question is what do you want, my friend?" Luke askswith a huge smile.

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In her private chambers, Raven sits at her vanity table, whenRashid walks in. "You have now returned to your family where youbelong. You will be forgiven your transgressions. But to be forgivenyou must fulfill your duties as my child, and as a child of ourcountry. On your 18th birthday you will become the princess andmarry." He turns on his heel and walks away. "If you will not, thenyour mother will die."

Chapter 43 (20 Apr 1997)

"Uncle!" Nikolas exclaims in shock.

"Nikolas. What have you done?"

"Uncle, I can explain," he stutters. "I didn't want you to gethurt."

"So you lured me into the warehouse, and shot me?" Kevin asksdazedly.

"NO! I swear on my life, Uncle, I would never harm you!"Nikolas cries.

"I tried to keep you out of this." Nikolas sinks into a chairand puts his hands over his face. "I had no choice."

"Tell me about it, Nikolas," Kevin prods gently.

"I was told if I didn't cooperate you would be murdered. Thatthis was what being a Cassadine was all about, and you had forgottenyour family."

"Told by who, Nikolas?"

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

Raven is walking through the gardens of the palace, when shefeels an arm wrap around her waist and a hand cover her mouth. "Shh,Honey, I'm sorry to scare you like this, but I had to see you," Lukewhispers in her ear.

"Let's go into the maze," Raven suggests, "no one can find usin there."

The two walk hurriedly into the center of the maze and sit onthe marble bench.

"Pretty cool digs," Luke notes. "Sure you want to leave thisplace for Port Charles?"

Raven puts her hand on top of Luke's. "Don't you think we'vebeen apart too long?"

Luke squeezes her hand. "Yes. Now tell me about your mother.Where is she? How is she?"

"She's in a small cell in the basement. There are two guards,one at the end of the hallway and the other right outside her door.She's hanging on, but she's weak from mal-nourishment. I have beensneaking her food and she is getting stronger."

"Strong enough to make a run for it when the timecomes?"

"My mother is stronger than you know," Raven repliesstiffly.

"Don't go getting all prickly on me," Luke tells her. "I leftyour mother behind once, I'll never do it again," he sighs. "Now,tell me the best way to get into the palace without gettingcaught."

Raven's blue eyes light up. "Right here." She nudges Luke offthe bench and gets off it herself. Then she pushes the bench and asmall hatch appears.

"You've got to be kidding me! A secret passage?" Lukeexclaims. "How many people know about it?"

"No one. The person that told me was one of the old gardeners.He told me so that even when Rashid would ground me for a month, Icould sneak outside and see the sunlight," Raven's smilefades.

"He died five years ago, and I have never told anyone about itsince."

"I'm sorry for all your pain, Darlin', all I can tell you isthat you and you mother aren't alone anymore. I'll always protectyou. Even when you don't want me to." He smiles, "So where does thiscome out?"

"Right around the corner from my mother's cell. You'll bebypassing the first guard, but still have to get through thesecond."

"Ok. Listen, I want you to meet us on the roof, there's ahelipad there, right?" At Raven's nod, Luke continues. "I'm gonna goand get your mother and then the three of us are going to ease ondown the road."

"Won't they notice we're missing?" Raven asks.

"Yes, but I have a few surprises for them," Luke answers. Hekisses her. "Be careful." And he disappears.

Once in the corridor Luke stops and takes a deep breath. Heslowly eases into the hallway and towards Holly's cell. He can hearthe sound of someone hitting her.

"You've turned my daughter against me!"

"No, Rashid! You've done it yourself!"

Luke creeps up behind the guard and puts him into a quickheadlock and snaps his neck silently.

Holly's eyes open wide when she sees who has come for her.Luke puts his finger to his lips to silence her and he taps Rashid onthe shoulder and as the King turns around, Luke pops him as hard ashe can in the jaw.

"Come on, English! Time to haul ass!" He grabs Holly's handand they run

out the door.

"Where is Raven?" Holly asks.

"Waiting for us. Ya know Hol, I got a bone to pick with you,"Luke warns.

"Can't it wait till later?" Holly asks. When suddenly thepalace is rocked by an explosion. "What the hell was that?"

"A little diversion, courtesy of your local militia." Lukestarts to turn right.

"No, we need to go left."

"Not if we're going to the helipad," Luke replies.

"What sort of pilot lands on the roof of a burning building?"Holly asks.

"A complete moron," is all Luke says.

They hear footsteps and angry voices behind them as they beginthe long climb up the stairs. Luke turns to Holly and hands her agun. "Remember how to use one of these things?"

"Yes." Shots begin to ring out. Holly and Luke return fire andthe guards keep coming. A bullet speeds past Luke and lodges inHolly's arm.

She grunts in pain. "DAMN!"

"Can you make it?" Luke asks.

"Let's just get the bloody hell out of here!" she yells overthe sound of more explosions. The two make it to the roof and findRaven waiting for them and no helicopter. "Looks like your friendpicked a fine time to be late," Holly mutters.

"MOTHER! You've been shot!" Raven rushes to her mother'sside.

"It's alright, Darling," Holly says as she and Luke start topush things in front of the door.

There is a great whirling and the dust flies as a sleek,black, high tech, helicopter lands on the roof. "Perfect timing asalways." Luke calls to the pilot who has a helmet on.

Raven and Holly climb into the helicopter. Luke is about tofollow when he gets hit on the head from behind.

Holly turns to find Rashid standing over Luke's body with agun to his head. "I want my child!" He screams. "Leave her with meand you can have this trash!"

Luke opens his eyes, "No. Holly! Take our child and get thehell out of here!"

Holly moves her wounded arm and begins to ease out of thehelicopter.

"Stay here and don't move." She whispers to her frighteneddaughter. To the pilot she says. "If anything happens, take off, andtake my daughter to Boston. Sean and Tiffany Donnelly." She easesslowly out of the plane.

"You betrayed me!" Rashid screams, not in touch with realityanymore. He presses his gun into the back of Luke's head, but neverhas time to finish pulling the trigger. Shots from a rifle ring outand hit Rashid in the head. There is blood everywhere.

Holly grabs Luke with her good arm and the two move to thehelicopter. As the guards come through the door. There is one finalexplosion that rocks the palace and the helicopter takesoff.

"Nice timing," Luke grumbles to the pilot. "What'd you do?Stop for a dozen doughnuts on the way?"

The pilot hits a few switches and turns around removing hishelmet in frustration. "Now listen to me, you jerk! You try stealinga $100,000,000 government prototype!" Sean Donnelly's face iscontorted in foul humor.

"Tiffany's gonna have my head for this!"

"SEAN?" Holly cries.

"You were expecting maybe Jimmy Hoffa?" Comes another familiarvoice from the co-pilot's seat. "You owe me big, Spencer," Friscosays with a grin.

He unbuckles himself and moves into the back cabin to Holly."Let me look at your arm." He carefully examines the wound.

"It just grazed me that all," Holly tells him. She reaches outwith her good arm and embraces her daughter. "Luke, I can't thank youenough for saving my life and most importantly the life of mydaughter."

"Our daughter and you know, English, you never have to thankme." Luke smiles, and turns to Sean. "Home Jeeves!" The helicopterturns and dips, and disappears into the sky.

Chapter 44 (21 Apr 1997)

Lucy is inside the Cassadine warehouse that Stefan was shotin.

She's been led there by more than simple intuition. Knowingthat all the answers lie here. ''Where to start?'' She thinks toherself.

''Oh Alexis, if you did this I swear I'll kill you!'' Hearingvoices coming around the corner Lucy slips into the shadows.

''I want that last shipment.'' A heavily accented voice saysforcefully.

''I know that. I know that our buyers are less thanthrilled,'' Replies a chillingly familiar voice. ''But what can wedo? We've

made our millions, now we get out and get on with ourlives.''

''I only wish my son had shown more backbone.'' The firstwoman

says. ''He refuses anything to do with my ''Timoria'' he evenprotects Lasha and her mother, though they both betrayed him. Now heprotects that simpering twit Coe woman. He is not a Cassadine. Nostrength, no honor, no pride.''

''Leave him alone.'' The second woman says. ''It was hardenough to shoot him. But to listen to you trash him?''

''I know him far better than you, dearie.''

Lucy takes a step back and bumps against a precariously placedcrate, which topples to the floor.

''What was that?'' Helena asks sharply. ''Guard! Go see whatthat was!''

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

The Spencer house. Luke, Holly, Frisco, Sean and Raven enterthe quiet house.

''Can I use your phone?'' Frisco asks. ''If Felicia finds outI was here and didn't get in touch with her or the girls she'd havemy head!''

''For God's sakes man! You sound like you're still married!''Holly teases.

''Not one word out of you, English!'' Frisco shoots back.''You're hardly an authority on true and everlasting love.''

''Maybe I haven't met the right man yet.'' Holly answers,dropping into an overstuffed chair.

''Mom? Are you alright?'' Raven asks worriedly.

''Fine, Honey.'' Holly yawns, ''Just a little sleepy.'' Shemutters as she falls asleep.

''Don't worry, Raven.'' Sean reassures her. ''Your mom istough as nails. She just needs some rest.'' He traces her cheek.''And so do you. Make your father find you a nice comfy bed and getinto it for about three days.''

Raven smiles at the man she already felt like she knew andloved. ''I will.'' She promises.

''Sean, if you want a ride to the hotel, I'm on my way pastthere.'' Frisco announces.

''Let's go. See you in the morning.'' Sean says just beforethe door closes behind them.

Luke walks behind Raven up the stairs to one of the guestrooms. ''It's kind of small, but the bed's comfortable.'' He says,pulling back the sheets.

Raven sits on the edge of the bed and pulls off her shoes. ''Iam so tired.'' She says slipping into bed.

''I know, baby. You sleep well. Don't let any bedbugs bite.''Luke kisses her forehead.

''Bedbugs?'' Raven repeats tiredly.

''Go to sleep.'' Luke orders. ''Your brother and sister willbe back in the morning.'' Downstairs Luke settles heavily onto thesofa. He looks at Holly, as she lays sleeping. ''Oh English. What afine mess you've gotten us into.'' He sits and watches her evenbreathing for a moment, then he gets up and pulls a soft blanket overher, and turns out the light.

Chapter 45 ( 22 Apr 1997)

Lucy freezes. A big burly man in all black grabs her and haulsher from her hiding place. "I've found our visitor," he calls. Thenhe drops to the floor.

"Stefan!" Lucy exclaims in shock. "What are you doinghere?"

"Rescuing you. Damn it, Lucy! Don't you have the sense Godgave a turnip?" Kevin hisses angrily. He grabs the front of her shirtand pulls her after him.

"Gus?" Helena inquires. "Where are you? What happened?" Sheprods the woman next to her, "Go look."

"Fine. Whatever."

Kevin pulls Lucy out of the warehouse and throws her in theback of a waiting limousine. He raps on the glass and tells thedriver. "The airport. Don't waste any time."

"I can't go to the airport. I have to go home. What about myboys?" Lucy asks indignantly.

"They are waiting for us on the plane," Kevin replies easily."Too bad you didn't think of them before you nearly got yourselfkilled tonight."

Stunned by his words and offended at his high handed tacticsLucy lashes out. "What the hell were you doing in the warehouse?Wasn't getting shot once enough for you?" she snarls. "If not, allowme."

"Right now the questionable Port Charles Police Department areclearing up the mess." Kevin explains. "Helena and her accomplicewill be arrested and convicted by the time you return."

"Her accomplice is . . . " Lucy begins.

"Not for long." Kevin replies. "Now sit back, shut up and giveme time to control the urge to turn you over my knee."

"What has gotten into you tonight, Stefan?" Lucyasks.

"I'll answer that once we get where we're going," Kevin says."Once we're there I'll tell you everything." The limousine stops atthe airport and he and Lucy step onto the plane. The twins aresleeping on one sofa, their tousled heads together. Lucy kneels bythem and places a soft kiss on their warm cheeks.

"I love them more than my own life," she whispers. "I neverwould intentionally put them in danger," she says more toherself.

Kevin puts an arm around her waist. "I know that, Lucy." Heguides her over to the other sofa. You may as well rest now, I doubtwe'll get any when they wake up."

"You never told me how you knew."

"A long story, Lucy. One I don't have the energy or theinclination to repeat."

He kicks off his shoes, takes off his suit jacket, and pullsLucy to rest against his solid chest.

"I'm not sleepy," Lucy protests.

"Well, I am. Be quiet and let me sleep," Kevin softens hiswords with a quick hug. "I promise to explain everything."

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

Stone sits at a table. "Man can you believe it? None of thisis working out like we thought."

Ryan stares at his cup of coffee. "I'll tell you kid, thingsrarely do." He looks at his watch. "Gotta run, the boys need somesweet dreams." He grins, "Who'da thunk it? Me? Fairy God-Father to mynephews?" he laughs. "Oh well, given the other choice," he looksdown, "this is pretty good." He disappears.

"So Stone, how's things going with Luke?" Dominique askscuriously.

"Not bad. I think this new kid has him thrown for a loop.Raven's an awful lot like her mom."

"Hmmm . . We might have to open a new pool, things changing sorapidly and all," Dom muses.

Chapter 39

Date: 18 Apr 1997 7:00:57 PST

''Can I help you Lucy?'' Kevin asks from the doorway.

''Stefan! Uh-no. Thank you.'' Lucy scrambles to her feet.''See, I was looking for a book to read and tripped over the globe.Then one of my hair pins fell out and I was looking forit.''

Kevin takes three strides and crosses the room. He pulls thepin out of the lock. ''Look at this. It landed right in the lock ofthis old safe!'' He hands her the pin and leans nonchalantly againstthe desk.

''Thank you.'' Lucy says uneasily.

Kevin crosses his arms in front of his chest and fights theurge to laugh, at the same time furious at her distrust.

''I'm going back to bed.'' Lucy informs him. She tries brushpast him, but Kevin catches her hand in his.

''Not so fast Lucy.'' He whispers huskily, right beforebrushing her lips with a slow, gentle, savoring kiss.

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

''You mean you'll help me?'' Raven asks.

''I did care for your mother,'' Luke responds. ''very much.And if I had a chance to know you I know I would have been a goodfather.'' He stands up and opens his arms. ''I'd like the chancenow.''

Raven rises from the couch and steps into her father's strongembrace. Then something on his desk attracted her attention. ''Whoare they?'' She asks pointing to a picture of Lucky andLuLu.

Luke turns to see. ''They're your brother and sister. Luckyand LeselyLu.''

''Wow! I have a brother and sister!!'' Raven smiles at herfather. ''Can I meet them?''

Raven nods and yawns at the same time. ''It seems like I'vebeen traveling for years.''

Luke escorts her to Sonny's old apartment and gets her settledin. then he goes home. ''Lucky!'' He calls from the livingroom.

''Yeah dad?''

''Son, come here. There's something pretty important I've gotto tell you.''

''What is it?'' Lucky asks.

''A young woman showed up at the club today. She's mydaughter.''

''WHAT!?!?!?! First Mom, now you? How can you guys keep lyingto me? After everything Nikolas and I went through because of Mom,now you keep a secret like this from me!'' Lucky shoves his dad.''You are such a jerk!''

Luke grabs his son and holds him tightly. ''Listen to me, Son.I didn't know she was alive. Remember how I told you when I thoughtyour mother was dead I met and fell in love with someoneelse?''

Lucky calms down slowly. ''Yeah, Holly.''

''Yeah, Holly. Well I also told you Holly had amiscarriage.

That's what I thought. That's what I believed until today.Turns out Holly and Raven, that's your sister by the way, were indanger. They couldn't let anyone know where they were.''

''Another sister?'' Lucky asks dazedly.

''Yup, and she is dying to meet you and Lu. Feel up toit?''

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

Kevin brings her hand under his robe, to rest right over hisheart. He continues to kiss her till Lucy feels dizzy.

''K-Stefan. Stop.'' She steps away from him and practicallyraces for the door.

Kevin takes a few deep breaths. ''Nice going, scare her away.You should have known better.''

''That's right. You should have.'' Comes Stefan's voice nearthe fire. He is sipping a glass of Napoleon brandy. ''Ahh. Care tojoin me?''

''Stefan? What are you doing here?'' Kevin asks.

''Slumming?''

''Why are you spying on me?'' Kevin asks with as muchrighteous indignation he can muster.

''Were you?''

''Kevin, don't be an ass. Whoever killed me is probably thesame person who cold-cocked you and left you to burn.''

''But Stefan whoever killed you did it close up. Didn't yousee anything?''

''No. It was too damn dark in that warehouse. I saw maybe ashadow

and that's it.''

''Then it could be anyone. Damn. I'm afraid if Lucy finds outshe'll go after them and try to have them arrested.''

''Kevin, I have news for you. Lucy has no such plans. When shefinds the person responsible for your death, she plans on killingthem.''

Chapter 40

(18 Apr 1997)

In a lab at an undisclosed location.

"You promised us delivery by noon yesterday."

The little man shifts nervously in front of his boss. "Irealize that, but there have been difficulties here. The machine ismalfunctioning."

"What do you mean malfunctioning?"

"The quality of the heroin is deteriorating rapidly." Heexplains. "We knew that the usefulness of the formula would belimited."

"Not this limited. We have customers, who will be trulyunhappy if their needs are not met."

"What can we do?"

"Nothing. Except increase production by 50 percent each daybefore the quality deteriorates further."

"That's right." Comes another voice. "We must meet our currentdemand. After this shipment the machine is of no use to us."

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

"I haven't used that safe in years," Stefan observes.

"Well let's take a look anyway," Kevin replies opening the oldlock. "I'll be damned!"

"What is it?" Stefan peers over his shoulder. "Copies of yourfather's formula?"

Kevin pulls out the sheets of paper and a small notebook. "Yesand a book with names and numbers and quantities written in it.2Kilos, 50 kilos."

Kevin pauses for a minute. "What does my father's formula haveto do with selling drugs?"

Stefan looks closely at the formula. "Look at this. Someonefound a cheap way to make heroin from water. It uses your father'sformula as well as the formula for The Ice Princess to turn waterinto drugs."

"That would explain why I was killed. I had started to work onthe theory that the formula was the key to something."

"I was killed because I found drugs in one of the Cassadinewarehouses." Stefan muses. "But the real question is, who?"

Chapter 41

(19 Apr 1997)

Morning at Luke's

Raven sits at the bar sipping a cup of coffee.

"Hey kid! You shouldn't be drinking coffee!" Mike calls."It'll stunt your growth!"

"So will your cooking!" Raven returns good-naturedly. Then shenotices her father. "What's the plan?"

Raven's eyes harden to steel. "My mother sacrificed everythingfor me, her home, her family, her friends, just to raise me in peace.She is the bravest most amazing person in the world and I would diefor her. There's no way you are keeping me out of this."

"Sounds like a plan," Raven agrees. "But what are you going tobe doing while we're separated?"

Luke grins, a replica of her own grin. "What I do best Darlin'raisin' a little hell!"

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

At the lighthouse, Lucy sits in front of Kevin's laptop onceagain. "Passwords. Hmmm," Lucy talks to herself. Suddenly a lightbulb appears over her head. "B-U-B-B-L-E-B-A-T-H" She enters thewords slowly. "Access approved." Flashes on the screen. "YES!!!" Shebegins to peruse files.

"Doc." Lucy's eyes well up with tears. "Oh Doc, I love you,too."

Tears spill onto her desk. "I miss you Doc. But you're wrong.A soul as beautiful as your could never shrivel up." Then she flipsthrough other journal entries, laughing, cursing and crying over eachone. Until she reaches the last entry the day he died.

"Alexis?" Lucy asks aloud.

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

Kevin sits alone in the dark study. Even though it isdaylight, the shades are drawn and the lights off. The study is insilence. Then the door opens slowly. A figure walks across the roomto the globe and fumbles with the lock. "Damn!" comes a familiarvoice. Then Kevin can hear the safe open.

Kevin turns on the desk lamp. "Hello there! Looking forsomething?" He holds the formula and the notebook in hishand.

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