CHAPTERS 83 & 84
GH2017.83 Face To Face
At Brooke's hotel room, there's a knock on the door. Marks sighs. He's
been expecting this since he got the email from Jason this morning.
Mark: (glumly) Brooke, the Fed is here.
Brooke: I can't believe that Jason is allowing this. I mean I have no
problem with it but he has this thing about cops.
Mark: (wincing) He's not the only one. I can't believe I'm doing
this. If I wanted to spend this much time with cops I'd have gone to
the academy.
Brooke: Now there's a picture. You in a cute little buzz hair cut with
that really stupid looking hat and those thick black boots that make you
look like you should be shoveling out a barn.
Mark: You know pregnancy will only give you so much leeway. And when
was the last time you were in a barn?
Brooke: I've played a few state fairs; my parents are suckers for
rollercoasters. Answer the door. He's not going to go away. (Mark
growls but opens the door and waves the FBI agent in.)
Evan: Hello, I see you were expecting me; I'm...
Brooke: EVAN SCORPIO? My God I haven't seen you in a million years!
Evan: (smiling) I was wondering if you'd remember me. How you doing,
Brooke?
Brooke: (teasing) I don't know, but I think you've shrunk.
Evan: I think you've grown. You were just a baby the last time I saw
you in person. Robin keeps pictures of all the girls in her wallet
though, so I knew you turned out okay.
Brooke: Oh I don't think I was a baby. I had the biggest crush on
you. Do you still have a motorcycle?
Evan: Nah-- traded it in on the down payment for an airplane.
Mark:(derisively) Must have been some airplane...or some bike.
Evan: (somewhat snidely) It's a nice plane. RICO you know, we get some
hot deals at auction. (Marks mouth snaps shut as he glares at Evan)
Brooke: (protesting as she mockingly holds up both hands for a cease
fire)Boys! boys! Evan Scorpio, this is Mark Drake. Mark saved my butt
when the bus blew up and Evan is Robin's cousin, and like all Scorpio
men he was an adventurer before he eventually settled for a civil
servant's job. So now can you two play nice?
Mark: Robin's good people.
Evan: The best.
Brooke: Okay now that we have that settled...
Evan: We have to talk about the bus. I know that you already went over
it with Garrison but I have some pictures I brought with me from Port
Charles. In addition to going over it again one more time, I'd like for
you to take a look at them. See if you recognize anyone from both
places.
Mark: That's part of the problem. The bus would have had to be
unattended for the bomb to be hooked up. Brooke and I were both in the
Arena.
Evan: I'd bet that these guys might have been following you for awhile.
There is still a chance you noticed something. And Garrison and I will
be questioning the lot security at the arena to see if anything turns
up. I wanted to talk to Brooke ASAP. Robin told me that you are going
to be a tough lady to get a hold of.
Brooke: I'll be in Bensonhurst, Evan... at least for awhile. Same old
address if you remember visiting with Emily.
Mark:(disapproving) Brooke...
Brooke: This is different from Garrison okay? This guy already knows
where I live.
Wyndemere: Nikolas is on the phone having not slept at all last night
and through the day. Stefan enters the study bearing a cup of coffee
and croissant as Nikolas had missed the family breakfast. Stefan is
quiet as he sets the snack down waiting for Nikolas to be able to take a
break from the call. Nik looks up
Nik: I'm on hold.
Stefan: (concerned) Are you still trying to get hold of Brooke?
Nik: I've left a dozen messages. Now I'm trying to arrange a face to
face meeting. (Stefan raises a single brow ) I'm on the phone to our
stock broker. He is going to inform me as soon as he has secured a
controlling interest in the hotel chain that Brooke is staying in.
Stefan: (winces) Nikolas she is going to be back home by tomorrow don't
you think that is a little... excessive?
Nikolas: Please! This from the man that bought Microsoft because of a
few phone calls.
Stefan: (blushing slightly and defensive) It might have been excessive
but also profitable since then. Don't you find your
behavior...predictable?
Nik: (frowning) What are you talking about?
Stefan: Lu moves out you buy her building... Brooke refuses your calls
and you buy her Hotel?
Nik: (slamming down the phone.) Fine! what would you suggest?
Stefan: How about I call Jason and see if we can offer our services as
far as transporting Brooke to Bensonhurst? You would have time to talk
to her on the plane.
Nik: Right. You call Jason. I'm on my way to see Brooke. One way or
another she will see me. By the time I get there the purchase of the
hotel will have gone through or you will have made arrangements for me
to transport Brooke. I WILL talk to her today!
Across the street from Brooke's hotel a reporter and camera crew
discreetly waits. The reporter does tongue twisters while watching the
front doors of the hotel. Her ear piece is connected not only to the
station but also to another crew member that is staking out the garage
in the basement of the hotel. Serena Baldwin swiftly checks her makeup
and hair as she eyes the front door. Her glance in the mirror while
encompassing is brief, She'd tired of playing dress up years ago. Now
her toffee colored hair with its red and gold glints and porcelain skin
are merely tools of the trade that allow her to report on the stories
that are cutting edge.
Serena (talking to the crew member that is checking out the parking
garage) What do you see?
Crewman: Jeez, if that Ashton chick isn't here we could do a story on
organized crime. This place is crawling with wiseguys. Are you getting
picture on this? (Serena checks the video in the van)
Serena: It's beautiful. Clear as a bell. The station is picking it up
too. They are probably already scrambling to identify those guys.
(Serena shivers) They look nasty. Definitely not people I'd want to
cross. You keeping your distance?
Crewman: Yeah, all of this is on zoom. You notice that there's one
elevator that isn't opening. That seems to be the one they're
monitoring.
Serena: It's probably locked off. What are you scanning now?
Crewman: The guys watching the wiseguys. Man, they look pissed. Cops
I'd bet. Those cars are a give away.
Serena: Has Garrison shown up yet?
Crewman: No sign of him. Are you sure that we aren't on some wild goose
chase? What makes you think that the singer is in there?
Serena: That guy that was leaving Garrison's office when we were at the
police station. I've seen him in Port Charles--- FBI; I'm sure I
recognized the suit. He was there on the bombing, no doubt. If this
one is connected...
Crewman: Then we have a very big story and not just locally...
Serena: (smugly) You got it. I really appreciate you helping me out on
this. Since I couldn't bring my crew from Port Charles.
Crewman: No problem. That's what affiliates are for. I'm sure that our
talking heads will get some cooperation when they have a story in your
neck of the woods.
Serena: You bet. I'll even show them the town. Wait I see him. Talk
to you in a bit.
crewman: I'll be monitoring.
Serena: (turning to the cameraman next to her) Are you going to be able
to shoot from here?
cameraman: Yeah, not a problem, zoom is a wonderful thing.... you
mike'd?
Serena: Testing one two three... loud and clear. Keep it in focus and
wish me luck.
Cameraman: Luck. (through the camera's eye he follows her movements as
she runs across the street. Her gaze down she runs into Evan Scorpio
and allows his motion to knock her to the ground.)
Evan: (concerned) Are you okay? Did I hurt you?
Serena: Damn, this is a new suit! It's all my fault-- I'm so sorry; I
wasn't watching where I was going... I should ask you if you're okay?
I'm sure you don't get hit on every day.
Evan: (laughing) Hit on? Normally it doesn't involve a tackle. Here
let me help you up. (he extends a hand and pulls Serena smoothly to her
feet.)
Serena: You're really going to think that I'm hitting on you. But you
look really familiar? But that is impossible... I'm just here for the
day from Port Charles.-- that's where I'm from.
Evan: Port Charles? really? I have family up there. In fact, I was
just up there visiting. Sort of a busman's holiday.
Serena: Really? What business are you in?
Evan: I'm with the FBI.
Serena: ( her eyes going wide) Oh my gosh... That apartment building.
I saw on the news that they were going to call in the FBI... but why are
you here?
Evan: Just following a possible lead. I'm Evan Scorpio.
Serena: (reaching out a hand that is smoothly shaken by Evan) I'm
Serena Baldwin... Scorpio...my stepfather, well I think of him as my
stepfather but that is another story, is really close to someone named
Scorpio...Mac Scorpio? I can't imagine there are too many Scorpio's in
Port Charles.
Evan: Yeah, Mac is my father. Seems we have people in common already.
Think it's fate?
Serena: Fate? I don't know about that. Are you staying at this hotel?
Evan: No, I was just meeting somebody, but it seems I've met more than I
planned. What are you doing in town?
Serena: (her eyes focus on Evans reading every nuance of his nonverbal
signals) I'm here on a story. I work at WVPC in Port Charles. I've
heard that Brooke Ashton is staying here. Can you confirm that?
Evan: (his eyes going flat) I have no comment. (swiftly he looks
around and sees the camera across the street.) Well, Well, if that
isn't a sweet little set up.
Serena: Agent Scorpio, is there a connection between the bombing in
Port Charles and the explosion that rocked Ms Ashton's tour bus, killing
her driver?
Evan : No comment.
Serena: What does that bring the death toll up to, Agent Scorpio?
Evan: No comment.
Serena: There seems to be a large contingent of alleged gangsters
guarding this hotel. Agent Scorpio, is there any evidence that Ms
Ashton or L&E Records has ties to the mob? Are you investigating Mob
involvement in either of these bombings.
Evan: No comment. Now get out of my way, Lady.
Serena: Agent Scorpio, the people have a right to know! Was this a
terrorist act or some kind of Mob turf war? Has Ms Ashton been the
target all along? (Evan brushes by Serena, climbing into his rental car
without saying another word. After the car pulls away Serena walks back
across the street.)
Cameraman: The people have a right to know? Could you be more cliche?
Serena: I just love having officials give me the no comment. They
always look like they are hiding something. Did you get a good shot of
him?
Cameraman: Baby, you both are incredibly photogenic... you fall at guys
feet often?
Serena: Hey anything that works... so now we know he's Evan Scorpio FBI
and he thinks the bombings are connected... And Brooke Ashton is
somewhere in that hotel. Any ideas how to get me in there?
Rico= the process by which the government seizes the assets of criminal
activity and sells them at auction... you've seem them the ads in the
paper about the gov't auctions selling stuff they confiscated from the
drug dealers?!
GH2017.84: Revelation
Serena Baldwin waits across the street from the hotel. So far her
efforts have been thwarted to get into the hotel and interview Brooke
Ashton. Evan Scorpio's presence earlier had been a confirmation that
the singer was there. Dusk is beginning to fall upon the city and the
street lights have come on...
Serena: Damn. I'm not going to be able to justify staying much
longer... I need to get back to PC and nail down the details on this
story.
Cameraman: We've been shut out at the front door and the back. I
really think that going in through the garage would result in some
cement shoes. And I don't know about you-- but Italian leather is more
my style.
Serena: (drawing up straight as a limo pulls up to the front entrance of
the hotel. She recognizes the man that steps out. ) There IS a God!
Cameraman: You have some sort of revelation?
Serena: That's Nikolas Cassadine! I'm loving this. Man o Man... a
rising singing sensation from a powerful family with mob ties and a
reclusive kazillionaire all showing up the in the same town. This is
too much!
Cameraman: Exactly how many zeros are there in a kazillion?
Serena: Never mind that-- give me a phone... oh this is too sweet... any
bets that he's her ticket out of here? Both of them from Port Charles
and the Quartermaine plane would have been too obvious... yes, yes,
yes-- I am loving this! Information?... Yes, I'd like the number for
the airport please.... the private hangers. I tell you, if his plane is
there, we are out of here... the best shots will be of them getting on
the plane... and I've got fifty bucks that says that the security won't
be as tight at the airport. All those lovely men with guns won't be
able to get by security.
Cameraman: No bet. But how are you going to get the people to talk at
the airport?
Serena: I've been in and around airplanes since before I could walk.
I've been flying them since I could write my own name. And people that
fly love to talk... especially about flying. They'll talk and we'll get
it all.
Brooke's hotel room. Mark has let Nik in. Brooke is in her room
packing up the few items of clothing and toiletries that the female
bodyguard had bought her the day before. Somehow it seems like longer
than just yesterday.
Mark: You're making a mistake, man.
Nik: (bristling at the comment) It's really none of your business. I
appreciate that you were there for her but this is between Brooke and
me.
Mark: You got in the door because Jason called and said that you were
giving us a lift. Not because she wants to see you. If you give her
attitude she's going to rip into you like you've never seen.
Nik: (glaring) What is this, some kind of male solidarity?
Mark: I don't want Brooke upset. She's already been through not only
the explosion but also the nightmares and the cops-- both local and
federal. Brooke sucks when it comes to flying. I think that she's had
about enough for today.
Nik: (Through gritted teeth.) Do not presume to tell me about Brooke.
Mark: (raising an eyebrow) Right. And you do so well on your own.
Just suck it up, buddy. I don't work for you and really-- I don't work
for Brooke. I work for Jason Morgan and I'm assigned to protect
Brooke. That means I do what I think is best-- always. If I think that
cleaning your clock and then stuffing you down a laundry shute will make
Brooke a happy and secure woman then buddy you are in for the ride of
your life.
Brooke:(her face pale, there are scratches from the parking lot along
one cheek. Her voice is low and sarcastic.) Mark, that won't be
necessary. I appreciate Mr. Cassadine giving us a lift back to
Brooklyn. And we really shouldn't be rude when he is doing us such a
BIG favor.
Nik: Brooke, I'd like to talk to you before we leave for the
airport.... alone. (Mark looks at Brooke who nods. Shrugging his
shoulders, Mark goes to his attached suite of rooms)
Mark: Holler if you need me. (Mark enters his rooms and shuts the door
behind him)
Nik: (a little green monster nibbling at his entrails)He's very
protective of you.
Brooke: That's what Bodyguards are supposed to be. Is that what you
wanted to talk to me about? If so... then let's get going.
Nik: Brooke, Come back to Port Charles. You'll be safer there. You
and my baby.
Brooke: (sitting abruptly on the couch, she looks at him with a narrowed
gaze.) Well this is a turnaround. It's your baby now... (She nods her
head) Great, great and this revelation came to you-- when?
Nik: I know now it wasn't a trap. Brooke, It was the Matchmaker...
pregnancy is evidently one of the side effects.
Brooke: And your point is? Nik, this changes absolutely nothing. Do
you think that I want to be with someone who thinks that I'd be sleeping
with someone else? Do you think that I would be with someone who
doesn't trust or understand me? Just because Stefan gave me his seal of
approval now it's okay? I don't think so.
Nik: Brooke, How can I make this up to you. Tell me-- I'll do
anything, get anything for you.
Brooke: (overly calm) I want to go home and then I never want to see you
again.
Nik:(Swallowing hard) Anything but that. Brooke, This is OUR child you
are carrying. I've put you in danger; this is all my fault. You have to
be safe. I have to know that you are safe. Come back to Port Charles
with me. The island is the safest place for you; Staci and Lu are
there.
Brooke: And so are you. Thanks, but no thanks. I'll be just fine in
Bensonhurst. Jason has already set up security there.
Nik: Brooke, You don't understand...
Brooke: No, you don't seem to understand. I've had plenty of time to
think and I can do this solo. I'm not some hapless female who needs
some guy to protect and make decisions for her. I have my own money and
my own plans for this child. And they don't include hooking up with a
guy that has no regard for the mother of his child. Now are you still
willing to give Mark and me a lift to Bensonhurst or do I have to make
other arrangements? Flying isn't my first choice anyway.
Nik: (grimly resolved.) That won't be necessary. We can leave anytime
you want.
Brooke: That would have been about ten minutes ago.
General Hospital at the eighth floor nurses station, Georgie charts med
orders from the middle of her shift. As she charts she chats with
another nurse who is working on her files as well. The other nurse looks
up at the opening elevator door and gasps.
Nurse: OH My! Wake me when this is over! I think a little slice of
heaven just strutted into my dreams... Heaven maybe the wrong place
though....mmm good! He makes me think of hotter, sweatier places.
Georgie: (keeping her focus on the charts) Okay who has your hormones
out of whack today? I swear you fall in lust at the drop of a ....
(just then a hand covers the page she is working on and Georgie looks
up.)
Dimitri: Hello.
Georgie: Oh you're talking to me again? All finished with your
business meetings, ready to head off to Jersey? (She slams the chart
shut.)
Dimitri: I was thinking of staying in town for an... extended period of
time.
Georgie: Really, won't that make things difficult on you with all your
business being out of town?
Dimitri: I feel like I've made some good friends here... we're still
friends, aren't we, Georgie?
Georgie: (with a slow smile) Yeah, I like to think so.
Dimitri: And can one friend take another to dinner? Have you eaten?
Georgie: I'm kind of working here if you haven't noticed?
Dimitri: Oh I noticed... I never realized how sexy surgical scrubs
could be... you got a stethoscope somewhere in that outfit?
Georgie: (starting to laugh) Pervert!
Dimitri: ( holding a hand to his chest in mock wounding) And I thought
you appreciated my finer qualities.
Georgie: Oh I do, believe me I do. I have a dinner break coming up;
what did you have in mind? I only have an hour though.
Dimitri: (smiling secretively) I think that would be a... start.
Georgie: (turning to the other nurse) I'm going on my dinner break
would you sign me out?
Nurse: Oh yeah... no problem... have a good time... (and then under
her breath) and take notes I want ALL the details.
Georgie: Deal. (Georgie comes out from behind the counter and Dimitri
place a hand at the small of her back)
Dimitri: (whispering close to her ear) And you are no lady if you kiss
and tell.
Georgie: Then I'm no lady. (As the elevator door closes, she pulls his
head down for a deep kiss that has the other nurses panting as Georgie
and Dimitri disappear from view.)
Nurse: Thank goodness I'm not hooked up to monitors; alarms would be
going off all over the place (She fans herself with a stack of papers
from the counter.) How does she do it? First flying off on vacation
with that Australian hunk and now "dinner" with that dark angel.
Wyndemere: In the game room Kris and Staci play chess; Staci is beating
him unmercifully.
Kris: (ruefully)You know, I thought I'd have a better chance at chess.
Seeing as you were such a cardsharp. But now I'm not so sure.
Staci: (looking at the board then up at her opponent) That was the first
night I ever played cards. I've been playing chess with Grandfather for
years. He beats me all the time. But the games are getting closer.
I'll be able to take him one of these days.
Kris: I suppose that photographic memory comes in handy at times.
Staci: Not so much at chess, there are more moves and combinations than
with a deck of 52 cards. Your move.
Kris: (studies the board) Well I hope I've at least been a challenge
for you.
Staci: Oh yes! This is much better than the computer chess that
Grandmother gave me. It's much more unpredictable. Better preparation
for Grandfather. (Stefan comes up behind Kris and studies the board)
Kris: Any suggestions sir?
Stefan: (leaning over moves one of Kris's pieces to take Staci's queen
off the board.) That should slow her down for a while.
Staci: (protesting) THAT ISN'T FAIR!
Stefan: You should always anticipate the unexpected; sweetheart, you
never know where the threat is going to come from.
Staci: (chewing on her bottom lip) That's it-- no mercy. You both are
going down!
Stefan: (laughs briefly then gives Staci a kiss on the top of the head)
That's my girl-- never down for long... reminds me of your aunt and
grandmother...
Staci: And that's why you love us-- 'cause we're Webber women.
Stefan: And irresistible.
Laura: Do I have some competition? (She comes up behind Stefan running
her hand along his back and a small smile erupts as she feels the shiver
up her husband's back at her touch. He straightens and turns to look at
her, his eyes dark with desire)
Stefan: Lasha. (Lovingly he kisses her) I was wondering where you had
gone to.
Laura: I was up in Lu's workroom. The new tapestry she's working on is
beautiful. She's pleased with the progress that Mr. Gregory has been
making on the new warehouse. The tapestry will complement the watch
face that the artisan in Italy is designing from stained glass.
Stefan: ( his eyes surprised) That is fast.
Laura: ( her eyes growing concerned.) I don't think she is sleeping,
Stefan. This latest thing with Brooke has thrown her and she does
everything possible to keep her mind occupied. I heard her up last
night.... but she wasn't the only one. You and Nik were up late too.
Stefan: (leading her away from the chess table and to the large picture
window that look out over the garden where in the dark fire flies have
started their dance. Their tiny glows can be seen from within the
house.) I didn't mean to keep you up last night, Lasha. I'm concerned
about Brooke.
Laura: We all are. Is that where Nik is tonight?
Stefan: (nods) He was finally able to convince Jason to allow him the
use of the Cassadine plane. This was too close. It brought home how
much he cares for her. For some reason, it takes an explosion to rock
Cassadine men out of their ruts.
Laura: ( her eyes darkening and tears beginning to form) Oh Stefan, I'm
so sorry.... this has been horrible for you and it's my fault.
Stefan: Lasha, No! No more regrets. (He frames her face with his hands
tilting her head back) Everything that happened before makes today that
much more precious. Everything we have gone through to be together has
all been worth it. I know my actions and motives back then were less
than pure. I think I've finally figured out after all these years that
when you are backed into corner that something is going to happen.
That's why I quit doing it. Now no tears! Tell me about my angel How
is her project progressing?
Laura: (kissing him briefly and then drawing him into an embrace resting
her head against his chest.) You should talk to her yourself. You know
she considers these joint projects with you something that you can do
together...
Stefan: Yes, I will. Want to go with me? ( He holds out a hand as he
steps back Laura takes the hand easily)
Laura: Anytime and anywhere.
