Chapters 6 & 7
GH 2025.06 Don't I Know You From Somewhere? With an uneasy feeling, Dominique follows Mac's gaze around the room, finally coming to rest on the young man in the doorway. "No, whatever you're thinking Mac, the answer is no." She says with a calm she doesn't feel.
"Listen Dom, don't be unreasonable. You need protection, this way Felicia and I can work on finding out the who and why, and Ian can take care of you physically."
Ian Scorpio strides confidently into the office. "Why Grandpa! If you wanted Ms. Collins "taken care" of, all you had to do was ask." His voice is laced with sarcasm.
Mac looks at his grandson for a long moment, then decides the best tactic is to ignore his rude outburst. "Someone has broken into Dominique's home, rewired her home security system, and made several threats against her life. I've agreed to help her out, but it will take time. In the mean time, I want you to move into the Firehouse and make sure nothing happens."
"Even if I wanted to, which I don't, I can't do it now. I'm hot on the Martin case." Ian drops his leather bomber jacket on the back of a chair.
"Not any longer." Mac informs him. "Young Mr. Martin has been found in the Bahammas by the local police with the money he embezzeled and a sweet young thing to help him spend it. Case closed."
"No." Ian replies. "There's got to be another case."
"Forget it Uncle Mac." Dom huffs impatiently. "I can only deal with one jerk at a time."
"What's the problem Princess? Did someone not want the Gemini Game consolation prize, namely you?"
Dominique clenches her jaw in an effort to control her temper. "The only consolation prize in that game was you." She clenches her fists and speaks softly to Mac. "Uncle Mac, this isn't going to work. I know he's you're flesh and blood, but I don't think that Gallahad here is up to the job." Dominique stands to leave.
Ian blocks her path. "Listen, I don't know what you did to piss off someone into wanting you to suffer, but when they catch him, I might offer to pay his legal fees."
Mac's eyes follow their conversation like he's watching a tennis match, until he finally decides to put an end to it. "Enough! Listen, this is as good as done. Ian, you should move into the Firehouse tonight while Dom spends the night at the Lighthouse. That will give you a chance to take a look at her system."
"No!"
"Hell no!" Ian's voice is strident.
Finally losing his patience, Mac folds his arms and glares at them. "Okay boys and girls, this is the way it is. Ian, you can either accept the job, or you can kiss goodbye any hopes of joining Scorpio Investigations as a partner." He turns to Dominique. "And if you want to keep this case away from the police, out of the newspapers, and a secret
from your parents, I suggest that you grin and bear it."
"Give me ten minutes." Ian snarls before leaving to gather his things..
Dominique bites her lip, glaring at Mac.
"Go ahead." Mac urges. "With Lucy and Kevin as parents, you're never going to be any good at keeping your feelings inside. May as well let it out before your head explodes."
"I don't want him on this case. I don't want him in my computer system. I don't want him in my home, or in my life. In fact, I don't want him at all!" Dominique lets loose. "He's an arrogant, brooding stubborn jerk! I can't believe that your genes are floating around inside of him!"
Mac tries unsucessfully to fight his laughter. "Listen, no matter what kind of man you think my grandson is, he is a good investigator. He can keep you safe until we find out who's behind this." He hugs her briefly. "Besides, it will make ME feel better knowing that you and Destiny won't be alone."
Dom sighs, her temper fading. "Okay. But the first time he gets in my way, I get to shoot him."
Mac scratches his head, considering it. "Hmm. . . I don't think I can agree to that one. Evan seems kind of fond of him with the number of holes he's got."
"Including the one in his head?"
"Listen babe, I won't mention your holes if you don't mention mine." Ian quips sarcastically, as he picks up his jacket. "Come on, let's get moving."
"Don't tell me what to do!" Dom huffs.
"I can tell you anything I damn well please. I work for my grandfather, not YOU!"
Mac gently shoves the bickering pair through the door and locks it after them. "Bye now!" He calls through the door, then whistles as he picks up his briefcase.
Lucy Collins stands in front of the mirror in the bedroom she shares with her husband of twenty years. "You don't think this dress is too much do you?" She asks consideringly, smoothing the clingy red material over her slim hips.
Kevin approaches her from behind. "Of course it's too much." He murmurs appreciatively. "You like it that way, and I adore you in this dress." He eyes the way the fire engine red material clings to every curve, fitting her like a glove from the high collared neck, to the long hem and slit up the side revealing enough leg to make every man, young and old alike drool. He frowns in concentration. "But it is missing something." He leans past her and picks up a velvet jewler's box from the night table. "This might help." He lifts a stunning diamond choker from the box and fastens it around her neck.
"Doc! This is amazing!" She whirls in his arms. "I love it! How did you know?"
Kevin places a loving kiss on her painted lips. "I went to the jewler and told him to give me the most ostentatious, enormous expensive piece of jewelry he had."
Lucy kisses him. "Well, as beautiful as the necklace is, my real gift, what I thank God for every time I wake up, and cherish every night, is you and your love." Her eyes mist. "I know I tell you every day, but it's not any less true, I love you."
"And I love you Lucy." Kevin responds. "Are you ready for this evenings activities?"
"The party? We're all set."
"And the after party at the club?" Kevin shakes his head. "Remind me why we always go to the club for another party AFTER the party?"
"Because, it gives you something to grouse about, and we always have a great time!" The doorbell rings and they hear Destiny shout. "I've got it!"
"DOM!"
"DES!" Their voices of their daughters can be heard all through the house. Kevin and Lucy smile in fond tolerance.
"Ready darling?"
"With you by my side? Always." Lucy responds. The two walk downstairs to be greeted by the sight of their daughters talking a mile a minute. Dominique is wearing a pale pink silk sheath and strappy sandals. Her hair is pulled into a low bun at the nape of her neck and crowned with baby's breath. She looks delicate and ethereal.
Destiny wears a white pantsuit with a cropped top under a long jacket, and gold chainlink belt. Her hair is plaited and hangs down her back, tied at the bottom with a gold bow. The outfit is chic and classical at the same time.
"Wow! I've got the three most stunning women in the world all to, myself!" Kevin exclaims, kissing his daughters' foreheads.
"Is that a subtle allusion to the fact that both your daughters are without dates?" Destiny teases. But before Kevin can answer the doorbell rings.
"Saved by the bell." Kevin sighs. "Stefan! Laura! Please come in!" Kevin invites. "Laura, you look stunning as always. Let me take your coat."
"Happy birthday Lucy." Laura smiles.
"Laura? Stefan?" Lucy asks worriedly, noticing the difference in them.. "What is it? Something's wrong, I can tell."
Dominique and Destiny, sensing the need for privacy take their guests discarded coats and move to the spare bedroom.
Laura smiles brightly. "Nothing's wrong Lucy. Really." Laura hugs Lucy. "In fact, Something is right. We've found Richard."
Kevin looks to Stefan for confirmation.
"It's true, turns out he's been raised on an island in the Agean. Georgie found him." Stefan smiles widely, "Our son is alive."
"That's wonderful news!" Lucy exclaims, "But what are you doing here?"
"He was shocked when he learned about his real family. He left. We don't know where he is now." Laura's smile is tremulous. "But, I know he will come home soon."
Lucy looks at Kevin. "Of course he will honey." Lucy squeezes her friend's hand tightly. "But that doesn't answer my question, why are you here?"
Stefan leans over and kisses Lucy's cheek, cutting off her probing questions. "Because it isn't everyday that such a dear friend turns 65."
Lucy's throaty laughter fills the house. "Nice try honey, better luck next year." She teases.
"I meant to say 61." Stefan hedges, setting a package on the table.
"No luck Stefan. You know the rules, you only get one guess per year."
Stefan shoots her a glance. "I think that I got it right last year and now you are just toying with me."
"You'd best not be toying with me!" The young man bellows from inside the convenience store. "I want a car gassed up and ready to go."
"No." A calm cultured voice replies. "I can't do that Carl. You know that I can't get you out of here, only you can." A young man with dark hair stands in the cold night air holding a megaphone to his lips. "You can end this whole thing right here and now." There are a dozen police cars outside the small store, including several members of S.W.A.T.
"How?" The man yells back, the tension and nervousness coming through.
"Put down the gun, let every one of your hostages go and you can walk out of there alive. You'll still go to prison, but if someone gets hurt in this you'll go to the chair."
"I don't wanna die, man!" The young man screams.
"Then come out!"
"They'll kill me! You KNOW it! They'll kill me even if I drop the gun!"
"Let me come and get you! I don't have a gun, I'll come in there and we'll walk out together." He sets the megaphone on the ground.
A man in a S.W.A.T uniform grabs him by the shoulder. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"
"Keeping anyone from getting killed just because you've seen one too many John Wayne movies!" Simon puts his hands where they are visible. "Okay, come on Carl. Let's get out of this." He slowly approaches the store, he reaches the door. "Ready to go Carl?" He asks, his eyes never leaving the strung out, thin youth in front of him.
"They won't shoot me?"
"Not if you drop that in here and come with me." Simon reassures him. He doesn't flinch even when he hears the gun clatter to the floor. "Come on, Carl. Let's go."
The two men walk side by side out of the building. "You're doing the right thing here, Carl." Simon tells him. The police advances on them, and puts the young man in handcuffs.
Simon looks at his watch and curses softly. "DAMN, I'm going to be late."
GH 2025.07 Life Of The Party "So Stefan," Kevin begins casually as the two men stand on the back deck of the lighthouse. "Do you still occasionally invest in small business'."
"Yes, sometimes Nikolas even takes my suggestions. Not often, but occasionally." Stefan sips a glass of champagne and considers his cousin carefully. "Why do I have the impression this is not a casual question?"
"Because it isn't." Kevin replies bluntly. "Dominique refuses to allow either Lucy or me to invest in Rubber Ducky, but I thought you and Nikolas might consider it a worthwhile investment. Discreetly of course."
"But of course." Stefan considers the proposal for a moment. "I have seen some of Dominique's work, the games are riveting, and the security software brilliant."
"You've played Dom's games?" Kevin asks incredulously.
Stefan flinches slightly at the amusement in Kevin's voice. "I consider it research." He says stiffly.
"You would." Kevin's mouth quirks.
Just inside the doorway, Lucy and Laura observe the two men. "I wonder what they've got their heads together about." Laura wonders aloud.
"Something Machiavellian to be sure." Lucy answers. "Kevin's got his computer geek look on, so I'd guess it's about Dom's business."
"She still won't let you invest?"
"No. She's stubborn; gets it from her father you know." Lucy winks. "But this company means the world to her. From the time she could walk, all Destiny wanted was Jax Cosmetics. But Dominique always wanted something of her own, something she built from the ground up. It's one of the things I admire about her."
Laura laughs. "Oh, please! Lucy, If you admired your children any more you'd dip them in gold and put them on the mantelpiece!"
"I can't help it." Lucy shrugs. "They are my joy, and you Laura Cassadine, are a fine one to talk!" Her smiles grows broader. "And here's a joy I didn't think would make it!"
"Mom!" Serena Baldwin strides purposefully across the room and gives Lucy a hug and kiss.
"Serena! Honey, I thought you were in Paraguay!"
"I know, I caught the last flight out, flew into New York City, and drove the rest of the way. Happy Birthday Mom!"
"Serena, you look wonderful." Laura says with a fond smile.
"I'll second that." Comes a deep voice from behind the women. "Baldwin."
Serena turns and hugs the man next to her. "Hello handsome!"
Evan Scorpio pulls her close. "Nice to see you got the story and got the hell out instead of lingering." He kisses her quickly.
"I never linger." Serena tosses her honey colored hair. "'Cept when it counts."
Lucy and Laura exchange glances. "More than a mother needs to hear." Lucy rolls her eyes at the two of them. "Kids! Where do they get it from?"
"You and Doc!" Serena teases. "So Mom, is this the year you cave in and tell everyone how old you are?"
"Oh look! There's Alan! I must talk to him. If you will excuse me?" Lucy sidesteps the question and her daughter's speculative gaze.
"How's my favorite ex-husband?" Lucy asks joining Alan, Tony, and Monica.
"Fine." Both Tony and Alan reply in unison, then look at one another.
Meanwhile in the corner, Lucky and Emily talk with Destiny. "So midget, how was the trip home?" Lucky asks Destiny, his arm wrapped tightly around Emily's waste.
Destiny arches an eyebrow. "Midget?" She shakes her head. "It was interesting. I got bumped off the flight, and just when I thought I wouldn't make it back in time, this guy who had just rented a plane and offered me a ride." She says nonchalantly, causing Lucky to choke on his champagne.
"What?!" He sputters.
"Really?" Emily asks, laughing. "A tall handsome stranger riding to the rescue of a fair maid?"
Lucky rolls his eyes. "Honey, he could have been a psycho!" He turns his keen eyes on Destiny. "So what was Prince Charming's name?"
"Rick James. He's a nice guy, he's been living in Greece and he'll be staying at the Port Charles Hotel . He is tall, dark and handsome." Destiny recites in a bored tone. "Are we done yet? Or perhaps Uncle Mac has a rubber hose you can borrow?"
"I guess we're done." Lucky says consideringly. "But I'll keep the offer for the rubber hose in mind for the next guy you pick up in an airport."
Brooke Cassadine, Robin Morgan and Jason Morgan stand off to the side when Dominique approaches them. "Is Brie going to make it?"
Brooke smiles. "She wanted to be, but we haven't seen Brandy in a few days, and Brie likes to touch base."
"Someone needs to tell Brie that she doesn't have to be her sister's keeper." Nikolas adds dryly.
"Why not? It's done wonders for Lucky!" Brooke shoots back.
"Mac, where's your wife?" Kevin asks, as he and Stefan join the rest of the guests inside.
Hearing the front door slam, Mac replies, "I'd say she just walked in."
"Excuse me everyone! Can I please have your attention?" Felicia Scorpio holds up her hand to quiet everyone. "I have here, in my hot little hands a sealed copy of Lucy Coe Collins' official birth certificate!" She announces triumphantly. She waits for them all to calm down. "Now Lucy, you could have avoided this by simply spilling the truth to me, your bestest pal in the whole world. But now it's too late." She rips open the top of a large manila envelope. "It says right here that Lucy is. . . . " Her voice trails off.
"Well? Come on! Don't keep us in suspense!" Lucky shouts.
"How many candles do I have to put on Mom's cake?" Dominique asks.
"Well Felicia?" Stefan prompts.
"It says that Lucy is four hundred and ten years old." Felicia answers, her voice downcast..
"Let me see that!" Mac takes the piece of paper. "And the doctor that signed it was a Bugs Bunny M.D." The room erupts into peals of delighted laughter.
"Well Lucy. I must say, you look extremely well preserved for your age." Alexis whispers audibly.
Buffing her nails lightly on her dress, Lucy whispers smugly. "Thank you, I try."
Brie Ashton steps gingerly out of her Porsche. She glances briefly around the deserted alley. "You'd better be here." She walks briskly down the alley, the stacatto click of her heels the only sound. Reaching a dingy hole-in-the-wall bar, she opens the door.
The bar has five or six fake wood tables, and some scarred chairs. Sitting at the battered bar are two women and a group of men. They are doing shots of tequila.
"Brandy?" Brie calls, her cultured voice ringing through the bar.
"Brie! What's a nice girl like you doing in a dump like this?" The young woman with the bright purple hair, and nose ring leading to her left earring, calls back.
"If you can tear yourself away from your charming companions for a moment, I would like a word with you." Brie's voice is laced with impatience.
"Not yet honey! We ain't through with these gals yet." One burly drunk calls out.
"And we ain't through with them!" A tiny blonde woman in tight, blue jeans, and a skin tight blue cropped sweater, yells loudly.
"Come on Brandy, let's go home. You're drunk and I'm ticked off." At that moment a thick arm wraps around Brie's waist and she is pulled tightly against a fat belly.
"Come on pretty lady. Let's dance!"
"Let go of me!" Brie says calmly through gritted teeth.
"Uh-uh! Not yet." The man calls to his friends. "Turn the "Closed" sign and we'll party!"
Surveying the situation, the blonde becomes stone sober. A man advances on her, she brings her beer bottle crashing down on the edge of the bar, creating a jagged edge and a deadly weapon. "Now boys, let's play nice."
Following her friend's lead and silently sending up a prayer, Brandy does the same. The two women face off with the men.
"Hey there, Mary Rhonda."
The women glance towards the door. An Adonis in blue jeans and work boots leans against the jam. At that moment, Mary Rhonda Scanlon had never been so happy to see her older brother. "Hey Scotty!" She calls back, feigning a calm she doesn't feel.
"Time to go." Scotty Scanlon watches as his sister slowly backs towards him. Once she reaches him, he puts his hand on her shoulder and steers her to the door. At the door, he pauses, then looks back to where Brie and Brandy are frozen. "You ladies want a ride anywhere?"
"Sure!" Brandy's gravelly voice replies.
"A ride would be nice." Brie agrees.
"But not yet, pal." The big guy holding Brie shoves her aside and takes a swing at Scotty.
Ducking under the punch, Scotty lands three of his own in quick succession, and the big guy hits the floor. He winces and shakes out his hand. "Shall we ladies?" Out in the alley he takes Mary Rhonda by the shoulders. "Next time Runt, pick someplace where you aren't out numbered three to one."
"Glad to see you too, Scotty."
Brie says nothing to her sister. "Thank you for your assistance. . . . ?" She offers to Scotty.
"Scotty, Scotty Scanlon." Scotty offers her his hand. "And it was my pleasure. . . . ?"
"Brie Ashton."
"Though it would have been nice not to meet under these particular circumstances." Scotty says shooting daggers at his errant sister. "You know Mary Rhonda I am getting too old and tired to fish your bony butt out of these dives. One of these days someone is going to hurt you, and I'll have to kill them." He takes her by the shoulders. "Do you understand me?" At her meek nod, which doesn't fool him for a moment, Scotty throws open the door to the truck, and lightly tosses Mary Rhonda in.
Brie indicates her car to Brandy, too furious to even speak to her sister.
Scotty looks up before getting in the driver's side. "Follow this road right to fifth street, then take another right. You don't want to linger in this neighborhood any longer than necessary, at least not in that car."
A car door slams outside the lighthouse. The sound of thudding feet echo through the night. Simon bursts through the door, still tugging on his tie. At everyone's amusement, he flushes. "Sorry I'm late, but a funny thing happened on the way to the lighthouse." He quips. He extends a bouquet of
delicate snapdragons to Lucy. "I'm super sorry, Mom." His lips brush her cheek. "I got held up."
"I know, I heard on the police scanner." Lucy whispers back and kisses him. "I'm glad you're safe."
"SIMON!"
Simon has only a few seconds to brace himself before Destiny flings herself into his welcoming arms. "Hey baby girl! When did you get home?" He drops a shower of kisses all over his sister's head and face.
"Just a little while ago." Destiny answers. "So, were you out saving the world?"
"No." Simon replies seriously. "Just our little corner of it."
"Hey little brother." Serena says happily joining them. She straightens his tie for him.
"Is this a private party or can anyone get kisses?" Dominique asks from behind him.
Lucy beams towards her husband. "Now?"
"I think it's the perfect time." Kevin replies. He clinks his champagne flute to get everyone's attention. "I could give a speech." He begins, and everyone groans. "But I will just give the floor to my beautiful wife on her birthday."
"Thank you." Lucy kisses his cheek. "I am a blessed woman." She says simply. "I have my wonderful husband, my darling children, and my dear friends. And for the past thirty years, I've had my business. I think you all know how much my work has always meant to me." She waits for them all to quit groaning. "Until now. When a woman reaches a certain age, she starts to see there are more enjoyable ways to spend her time."
"And what age is that?" Mac yells from the back of the room.
"Ahem! As I was saying," Lucy continues. "So I have decided to turn over Jax Cosmetics to the only person I know will love it as much as I have." She raises her glass. "I am announcing my retirement, and the new C.E.O of Jax Cosmetics, my daughter Destiny."
Whistles and cheers fill the room.
"Congratulations sis!" Dominique, Simon and Serena all give her kisses and hugs.
"Now Mom can dedicate her life to meddling in everyone else's business." Serena teases.
