The Unwilling Accomplice

By

Rebel


 

This story was told in a series of twelve one-hour fanfiction challenges.

Part I

In the early hours of the morning, Lydia frantically paced the Wyndemere study. Every other lap she glanced at her watch again and then paced some more.

Finally, the secret panel opened and her visitor appeared.

Lydia practically leapt at the sight. "I've been waiting for hours, where have you been?!

"You have forgotten your place. You do not summon me, I summon you. Where is Nikolas?"

"He is asleep. I made sure we wouldn't be disturbed." She pretended it didn't bother her how easy it was to drug her husband. But she had more important things to talk about. "Why isn't she dead!?!" Lydia demanded. "You promised she would be dead by morning! She recovered. She's going to be fine."

"I don't recall promising any such thing, Darling. Only that she would be removed from your path. She is married to Zander now, which takes care of the problem. I saw no reason to incite an autopsy that would be required at her death." Lydia's visitor frowned. "But you failed in completing your orders."

"You told me to send Stefan to jail and I did," Lydia smiled smugly. "Nikolas even did the honor of turning him in."

"I"ll admit that was a nice twist, but I doubt you had anything to do with it." Lydia's visitor gave her an assessing look. "No, I know Nikolas well enough to know he did it as a matter of honor. And I imagine he is beginning to regret it, to question it. That will not do. Stefan is not to leave jail."

"He won't!" Lydia retorted confidently. "He'll rot there for the rest of his life. I got him to admit his plan to kill Emily on tape."

"You think I don't have my own sources?" Her visitor scoffed. "I know the little mouse is working hard to free him. I also know that precious tape of yours is inadmissible."

"I did what you asked, Helena," Lydia argued. "If he doesn't stay in jail, that's not my fault."

"Ah, but you are wrong. It is your problem. My son may be tiresome, but he is relentless," Helena smiled coldly, placing her handbag on the desk. "If he is released from jail, he will come after you. You'll be lucky if he doesn't bury you alive."

"He won't touch me. Nikolas can't get the inheritance if I die."

"There are many ways to make you pay, Darling. And he is patient. He won't stop until he finds out all your secrets..." Helena's eyes hardened. "And that I cannot afford. So you will make sure he never leaves jail alive."

"I'm not a killer," Lydia protested.

Helena smiled in amusement as she circled the foolish young woman. She really was no match for Helena. Totally inappropriate to lead at Nikolas's side. She would need to be removed eventually. "So now you have a weak stomach? After you paid Darius to push the wrong woman?"

"That was on your orders!" Lydia burst out. "I didn't know what you wanted of me."

"That's right. I am the one making the decisions, you are the one who carries them out." Helena steepled her fingers as she strolled the length of the room. "I knew Stefan didn't have the stomach to follow through on his plan to kill Emily. I knew he would change the order at the last minute."

"I won't kill Stefan," Lydia said, shaking her head vehemently.

"If I tell you to arrange Stefan's murder you will," Helena turned on a dime and stared Lydia down. "Unless of course you want to be the next Cassadine corpse?"

Instinctively, Lydia put a hand to her throat. "You need me alive. You can't get your hands on my grandfather's inheritance without it!"

"Well, that's true." Helena said, putting a considering finger on her chin. "Until you give birth."

"That won't be for a long time," Lydia retorted defiantly. "Nikolas isn't sleeping with me, remember? I may never get pregnant."

Helena's reply was a laugh rich and deep. "Oh Darling. You don't think you can fool me? You've been pregnant for weeks. The question is... why haven't you told anyone?"

Lydia backed away from the older woman, spooked. She had told no one, She hadn't even taken a test. "How did you know?!"

Helena smiled smugly. "I am a woman, I know the signs,. Whose child is it, Nikolas's... or Lucky's??"

"Nikolas's!" Lydia blurted.

"You would lie to save you own neck." Helena gave a small shrug before continuing to prowl the living room. "But it is no matter. We will know the paternity when it is born, Dear."

Lydia shuddered. "Don't call me Dear. You are hardly a human, much less a woman."

Helena's hand snaked out and slapped Lydia so hard her head whipped around. "Listen carefully, Insolent girl. You will either do as I order, or I will destroy you."

Lydia put a hand to her reddening cheek. "You need this heir!"

"Wyndemere isn't the only place you can live out your pregnancy." At the deadly insinuation Lydia turned white. Helena nodded her confirmation, her eyes glittering cruelly. "I can find a more 'quiet' and 'secluded' place for you to reside until the next Cassadine prince is born."

Frightened, Lydia took an involuntary step back and croaked out, "What do you want me to do?"

"I have already told you what I expect. Arrange for Stefan to 'expire' in prison." Helena strolled across the room to pick up her purse from the desk. Undoing the clasp, she pulled out a small vial of liquid. "Needless to say my appearance at the Port Charles Jail would bring unnecessary attention that I am not prepared to handle at this time. But an Officer Sturman will know what to do with the vial when you give it to him."

She crossed the room to stand in front of Lydia. When Lydia didn't offer her hand, Helena took it anyway and pressed the vial into her palm. "Do it today. Your freedom and long standing health depend on you doing exactly as I ask." Helena tightened her hand over Lydia's fist. "You breathe a word to Lucky or Nikolas and you will die giving birth to your child."

Lydia swallowed hard and nodded.

Helena patted Lydia's pale cheek. "Don't worry dear, he won't suffer... Too much."

 

Part II

 

Face of Death



The doors to the Emergency room burst open as the paramedics pushed the stretcher through and down the hall. One paramedic held a respirator bag connected to the patient's mouth while the other steered the stretcher. Bobbie Spencer stepped out from the nurses station and directed them to a room. "Take triage one." She followed behind. "What's the status of the patient?"

The paramedic holding the bag answered her. "Heart rate 50, blood pressure 90/50 and dropping, respirations 6. We almost lost him on the way,"

Alan Quartermaine entered the ER room immediately after Bobbie. "Is this the poisoning victim from PCPD?"

"Yeah. Good thing he vomited most of the poison and was able to alert the officers before he collapsed." The paramedic stepped aside to give Bobbie the respirator bag. "I doubt he would have survived the trip here otherwise."

Bobbie took over the respirator bag and looked down at the patient's face. She almost dropped the bag. "STEFAN?!"

Alan swore under his breath, this was bad all around. Using a pen light he looked under Stefan's eyelids and noted the general pallor. A second nurse entered the room and he turned to her. "Get the lab down here stat to do bloodwork. I want a chem screen, tox screen and metabolic panel." As soon as she left, he glanced at a pale Bobbie. "He'll need an IV and arterial line and we'll need to get him on a ventilator with pure oxygen. Are you going to be okay to work on him?"

Bobbie swallowed hard and nodded. It was time to knuckle down. "Yes. But Nikolas needs to be called..."

"The police department already called the nephew," The second paramedic chimed in.

"If we can get him through the next couple hours, we should be able to stabilize him," Alan stated.

Outside the room, Nikolas jogged up with Alexis close on his heels. He pressed his face up to the glass to watch the medical team at work. Bobbie and Alan and two nurses worked quickly around his uncle, attaching him to machines.

It all seemed unreal. They'd fought the last time they spoke. His uncle had tried to warn him to be careful, that there was someone out to hurt him. Why didn't he realize it was his uncle who was in danger? "Who would do this to him?"

Alexis pressed her lips together tightly to keep from crying. The last several months she'd treated Stefan horribly, first ignoring him when he returned, then condemning him for his methods while at the same time demanding he help her get her daughter back. It didn't matter to her now whether he was guilty of Summer's murder or if he ruined Ned's life. How could they be important when her brother might die? Nothing mattered but that he get through this so she could make it up to him.

She couldn't look any longer. "I'll go check with one of the nurses. Maybe they have some news."



Two hours later.

An exhausted Bobbie came out of the exam room to meet with Stefan's family who were huddled in a small silent group in the waiting area with their heads down. Nikolas looked up and saw her first. He rose quickly to meet her, his eyes pleading, hopeful. "How is he? Is he going to be all right?"

Bobbie put a comforting hand on Nikolas's arm. "The next few hours will be crucial. He's made it this far and that's good. But he's not breathing on his own and his blood pressure is dangerously low. It's the effect of the poison he ingested."

"Is he awake?" Alexis asked urgently as she and Lydia came up behind Nikolas.

Bobbie shook her head. "It's not uncommon, so I wouldn't worry about it at this point."

"Do we know what the poison was?" Lydia asked.

"No, the labs weren't able to tell us," Bobbie explained to the group. "But we've treated him with activated charcoal in hopes of preventing further absorption of the poison. Now all we can do is wait until the poison works it's way out of his system. Alan is concerned that the poison might have a delayed action, so he's not out of the woods yet."

"Can I see him? Please?"

Bobbie fought the urge to cry at the frightened young look in Nikolas's eyes. "One at a time. But only for a few minutes."

Nikolas broke from the group to go to his uncle's room. Alexis turned to Lydia. "You should go."

"I need to be here for Nikolas," Lydia insisted.

"You are the reason that man is in that room fighting for his life, and I don't want you anywhere near him."

"What are you talking about? I didn't have anything to do with what happened to Stefan."

Alexis took a menacing step towards Lydia. "He was in that jail and vulnerable to attack because of you. If you and Lucky Spencer hadn't been playing detective he wouldn't be here fighting for his life! If I lose him because of your games and manipulations, you will pay for the rest of your miserable life."

Lydia stepped back, alarmed at the quiet violence in Alexis's tone. "I... I'll go."

In the room, Nikolas sat gingerly on one of the stools at Stefan's beside. The machines beeped rhythmically as the respirator slowly rose and collapsed. There were tubes and wires attached all over his uncle's body, more than he ever remembered seeing on Emily.

He never thought he'd be facing this again so soon.

Thankfully one of Stefan's hands was left unencumbered. Nikolas took it in his own and pressed it to his cheek. An elegant but strong hand. Always gentle with him, always striving to guide. Nikolas felt the tears rise in him suddenly. What if this hand never rose on it's own again? "You have to live, Uncle. You have to. I need.. I need to tell you I love you and that it none of the rest matters. We'll find a way to fix this, okay? I don't want you to give up because you think you've lost me. You couldn't. I get angry sometimes because you do things that I don't understand. But I still need you, okay? I'll always need you. Please. I can't lose you."

Nikolas laid his head on his uncle bed and wept.



"He's going to be all right, Alexis. He woke up a few minutes ago and they're taking him off the respirator now. He made it."

Lydia watched as Nikolas and Alexis wept tears of joy in each other's arms. Placing a hand over her flat abdomen, she forced herself to take a deep breath to calm herself. Helena would be angry, but it wasn't her fault the plan failed.



Bobbie Spencer stood next to the hospital bed and looked down at her sleeping ex-husband. Something unexpected had happened to her while in the Emergency room trying ot save his life. This connection she felt - she didn't have a better word - had never happened before. Not in all her years of nursing, on all the people she cared for. But it was inside her now, haunting her.

She reached out a finger and brushed his cheek tenderly. He was going to be okay now, she could let go. Be happy that he was alive and they could return to their separate lives.

That's what she wanted, wasn't it?

Stefan's eyes blinked open and gazed up at her. "Barbara." His voice was a just a rasp from the effects of the tube down his throat.

Bobbie's heart started beat rapidly. "I didn't mean to wake you. I was just..."

"I am glad you're here." He winced in pain as he tried to swallow. "I wouldn't want to wake up alone."

"You haven't been alone. Alexis and Nikolas are outside pacing the halls, anxious for morning to come so they can sit with you. You almost died you know."

"Would you have cared?"

Bobbie busied herself with straightening his sheets, anything to not look at his all too perceptive eyes. "Of course I would! I don't like to lose patients, it's bad for my reputation."

"No, I imagine not," He didn't have the energy to keep the disappointment out of his voice. "It was foolish of me..."

"No, I mean... " Bobbie struggled with her conflicting feelings. "I do care, I do."

"But as a nurse only." Stefan closed his eyes. "I understand. I am grateful it was you caring for me."

Bobbie bit her lip. "It's more than just as a nurse. I don't understand it, it doesn't make any sense."

"On the contrary, it makes perfect sense," Stefan answered quietly without opening his eyes. "When faced with death..." His voice trailed off.

"I should go so you can sleep." She couldn't seem to get herself to step away.

"You have other patients."

"Not now. I'm off shift." Why had she told him that?

Stefan opened his eyes again and reached for her hand. "If I asked, would you stay?"

Bobbie sat down in the chair by his bed gave him her hand. "I'd like that."

 

 

 

 

 

Part III


Don't Deny




A shadow fell across Stefan's hospital bed as he slept. His only encumbrance was an IV attached to one arm.

"If only..." The shadow whispered.

Stefan's eyes opened to gaze up at his visitor. He blinked once. Twice. Then glanced around the room to find they were alone. "Have you come to finish the job you bungled earlier?" His voice was still a harsh rasp from the effects of the respirator, but his skin color was better.

Lydia stepped back a step. "I don't know what you're talking about. I just came to see how you were."

"After visiting hours?" Stefan scoffed. "I think not. No, the only reason you would be here is to fix the mistake you made earlier today."

"You're delusional!" Lydia denied hotly, her face flushing. "I had nothing to do with the attempt on your life!"

"Please, Lydia, let's not waste our time on pretenses. You came to visit me shortly before I was poisoned. Did you really believe I wouldn't put the pieces together? You knew my release was imminent and you knew I would come after you for framing me. You are the only one with a motive."

"Unlike you, I'm not a murderer!" Lydia answered, thrusting her chin up. "As for me being the only one with a motive, there are plenty of people out there who hate you enough to kill you. The people you owe money to, for one."

"I do find myself curious about the method you chose, Lydia.." Stefan mused, ignoring her denials. "Poison. Such a subtle archaic method for a modern woman like you. Why, I know of only one person..." He paused to watch the effect of his words. He smiled when Lydia flinched. "Or should I say, woman, who uses poison as her method. My mother."

Lydia paled. It wasn't hard to act frightened at the idea. She was terrified. Not just of Helena, but Stefan as well. He'd kill her if Helena didn't. "Helena?! She's free?! I thought she was serving a prison sentence."

"I've suspected for some time that she was free. My latest trouble coupled with yesterday's attempt on my life confirms it. It's best to admit your involvement, Lydia. I am your only chance for survival. She will not let you live once you serve your purpose."

"I think the poison has addled your brain," Lydia answered, trying her best to calm down. He was spooking her at how much of the truth he'd guessed. "Maybe I should call a nurse."

"If you call a nurse, you won't be able to kill me," Stefan answered calmly. "Your best chance is to do it now, while I am too weak. By morning I will have regained my strength...." He watched as Lydia backed away. "What? You can't be squeamish if you're in league with my mother. You have to be at least as deadly as her if you hope to stay alive."

"Stop it!" Lydia hissed. All pretense fell in the moment and her eyes filled with tears. "I didn't want to do it. She... she made me. You have no idea...."

"I have a fuller comprehension of my mother's evil than anyone alive," Stefan retorted. "Nikolas will not be able to adequately protect you from her. I am your only chance at survival, Lydia. You will tell me all of it. Exactly what you know of her plans and how she is forcing you. If you don't, you will die. Either by my hand or hers."

Lydia opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by the door opening.

"Good morning, Stefan," Bobbie said briskly, fresh from a night's sleep and newly on shift. "Did you sleep...?" Her voice died at finding Lydia in his room. "What are you doing in here?"

"I... " Lydia looked at Stefan and then back at Bobbie. "I just wanted to see for myself that he was okay."

"It's not waiting hours yet and he needs his rest," Bobbie responded coolly. "You will have to return later. Immediate family only at first, so you will have to wait."

Lydia glanced pleadingly at Stefan who just stared back at her intently, giving her no answer. She lowered her head and left the room.

Once the door was shut, Bobbie crossed the rest of the way to Stefan's bed and busied herself with rearranging his pillows. "Whatever was going on between you two looked intense."

Stefan grabbed Bobbie's hand. "It was. She is the one who poisoned me, Barbara."

Bobbie's mouth opened and closed several times. "You mean...?! She didn't try to hurt you again, did she? We need to call the police." When she tried to leave his side to do just that, he tightened his grip on her hand, alarming her. "Stefan?!"

"There is no proof but my suspicion and she is not working alone. I believe she came here to finish what she started. If you had not come in when you did..." He let the suggestion trail off, and saw it had it's desired effect of scaring Bobbie further.

"We have to do something! What if she tries again..."

"She will. I cannot return to jail, Barbara. If I do, I will be a the mercy of the people who want me to kill me."

"Who is she working with?" Bobbie asked urgently.

"I can't be certain....." He paused a moment, considering whether to tell her of his suspicions. "Helena. She found a way to avoid incarceration."

"She's in jail, she has to be! If she's out, then we are all in danger!" She'd almost lost her son, nephew and brother to the madwoman. She couldn't be free. "Tell me what I can do."

"Help me escape."

Bobbie's mouth hung open. "I can't do that!"

Stefan loosened his death grip on her hand, but didn't release it completely. "Can't or won't?"

"Stefan, you're asking me to commit a crime," Bobbie argued. "Aiding in the escape of a murder suspect and all I have is your word for all of this."

"I am not guilty of killing Summer. Lydia framed me with Lucky's help. Helena must have been the one to order Emily's death and her plan went awry."

"We'll talk to Mac, tell him of your suspicions," Bobbie urged. "He'll do what he can to keep you safe. I can't help you escape the law, Stefan. "

"Then I will die." Stefan sunk into his pillow, looking suddenly exhausted.

"No," Bobbie retorted, her voice tight with anguish. His quiet resignation frightened her more than anything else he told her. "No, You'll be fine. You have to be."

Stefan responded to the desperate emotion in her voice by reaching out and stroking her chin. He couldn't be angry at her. His lies over the years had destroyed any trust she ever had in him. "I will always be grateful that you stayed with me last night. Under different circumstances..."

A lump rose in Bobbie's throat. "Stop it, Stefan."

His eyes softened as he brushed a errant red lock behind her. "I would like to remember what it was like."

"What?"

"This..." Stefan drew her down so that their lips brushed softly. Bobbie drew back a fraction in surprise. "I have missed this most of all," He whispered.

Bobbie's heart started racing. "Stefan..."

"Would you deny me one last taste?" His lips planted themselves more firmly on hers and when her mouth opened to him, he deepened the kiss.


 

Part IV

 

Protection




"I'm sorry I don't have more information for you, Mac," Bobbie said as she escorted him from her living room to the door of the Brownstone. "He didn't tell me anything. All I know is that he was afraid there would be another attempt on his life."

"I knew it was a long shot coming here, Bobbie. But I thought he might have said something that would give us a lead." Mac tucked his notebook into his breast pocket. "If you remember anything, you'll call me?"

"Absolutely," Bobbie assured. "Stefan and I aren't on the best of terms, so I don't think he'll contact me. But if he does, I'll call you right away."

"Be careful around him, Bobbie. He's desperate, desperate men are dangerous." He gave her arm an affectionate squeeze.

"I will." Bobbie held open the door for him. "If you have any leads, will you call me? Just in case I need to be worried for my family."

"I'll share what I can. It's a police investigation, so I won't be able to share much."

"I understand. Good luck finding him." As Mac crossed the threshold, she asked. "Do you think he's gone far? He was still so sick when he disappeared...." Her brow creased in worry.

"He could be anywhere," Mac admitted with an air of resignation. "He's a Cassadine, he's probably out of the state, even out of the country by now."

"I assume you have Nikolas and Alexis on surveillance?"

"Yeah, I don't think they know anything. They seemed legitimately surprised and worried when he disappeared. Nikolas is convinced that someone may have kidnapped him so they could finish the job of killing him." Mac shrugged. "I'm not ruling out anything at this point."

Bobbie gave him a sympathetic smile. "Well keep me posted." She watched from the door as Mac entered his car. She waved when his car pulled away from her curb, then closed the door firmly behind her and locked it. She sagged against the doorway.

"You handled him well." Stefan stood at the entrance to the foyer, dressed in a soft brown sweater and jeans. "He doesn't suspect a thing."

Bobbie glared at Stefan. "I hate lying to him. He's a good friend."

Stefan approached her slowly, grimacing with discomfort just as he reached her. "I know what this has cost you." He put a palm against her cheek. "If there was anyone else..."

Bobbie's expression softened immediately as she leaned into his hand. "You're weak. You shouldn't even be out of bed." She took his hand off her cheek and lead him to the sofa. "You need to rest to regain your strength."

Stefan lowered himself gingerly into the cushions of the sofa. "The poison still lingers in my system. Every joint hurts." He tugged her hand to get her to sit beside him. "But there is nothing I could receive in the hospital that you can't provide me here."

"And you're much safer here," Bobbie agreed, turning her body so she is facing him. Even ill, he was a beautiful man. In fact he seemed more attractive now that he was vulnerable. "I'm sorry for being upset back there. I know we did the right thing, this way you'll be safe. I couldn't stand the idea of you being out there somewhere sick and unable to defend yourself."

Stefan reached his free hand along the back of the couch until his fingers tangled her hair. "As soon as I am well enough, I will make other arrangements. I will not impose any longer than necessary and put you at unnecessary risk." His eyes were soft and wistful. "Though I wish I could remain here indefinitely."

Bobbie bit her lip and looked down into her lap. "I've..." She stopped herself. She'd forced away her feelings for him for so long that she'd been surprised at how strong and clear they were. Where was her ambivalence? Her hard-won skepticism where this man was concerned? She looked up and gave him a pained smile. "How about I get you something to eat and then you can get some more rest?"

"If you will eat with me," Stefan answered. His fingers played in her hair. "When do you return to work?"

"I decided to take a few days of vacation." Bobbie couldn't meet his eyes, afraid of what he would see there. Her nursing mask had abandoned her completely. Would he be amused to know he still had power over her?

But Stefan wouldn't let her hide. He took his face in her hands and forced her to look at him. She didn't see amusement in his gaze, she saw gratitude, even tenderness. Her heart quickened in response. "Barbara, I will never forget that sacrifices you have made for me. When I have no one to turn to, you are here, beside me."

Bobbie opened her mouth to answer but her words were cut off when Stefan's mouth descended on hers. The kiss was at first tentative, thankful, but it quickly deepened into a thorough exploration that had her leaning into the kiss. Her hand came up to his cheek, she felt so warm in his embrace, she didn't want to stop.



"What do you mean, he escaped?! He was at death's door last night!"

Lydia stood in the Wyndemere Conservatory and watched helplessly as Helena seethed in front of her. She looked murderous, ready to kill and Lydia was afraid she might turn on her. She was Helena's only target at the moment. She licked her dry lips and tried to keep herself from showing her panic. "I... I went to the hospital to see how Nikolas was doing and the whole hospital was in an uproar. There were cops everywhere, questioning everyone."

"Where is he?!" Helena demanded, her voice low and vibrating.

"I... I don't know. No one knows." At least that was the truth. Lydia had no idea where he was and what he would do now that he knew. But right now she was more worried about the murderous Cassadine in front of her.

Helena stopped her pacing to fix a cold piercing glare at her coconspirator. "You warned him, didn't you? You are the reason he is still alive." She advanced a step towards the younger woman.

"I didn't!" Lydia protested. "They wouldn't even let me in to see him. I did what you said... I went there before visiting hours, just as he came out of ICU. But before I could get into the room his nurse caught me! There's no way he knows it's me." She held her breath, praying that Helena believed her.

Helena resumed her pacing, one hand holding her other fist in front of her. "Somehow he knows it was me.... Of course, it was the poison... he would know it was me because of it." She let out a slow breath. "Well, now I will need to find him."

"What do you want me to do?" Lydia asked, not quite ready to breathe a sigh of relief. She was still very much in danger.

"Nothing for now. My son is no fool. He will draw the correct conclusion and know you were a part of the attempt on his life." Helena fixed her stare on a point on the far wall as she put her mind to the problem. "You will keep your ears and eyes open and report any news of his whereabouts to me. I will begin a hunt of my own."

A distant door slammed, alerting Helena and Lydia to a new presence in the house. Helena shot a warning look at Lydia before slipping into the hidden passageway. Lydia slid the wall into place, remembering Stefan's chilling words as she waited to face her husband.

[i]Nikolas will not be able to adequately protect you from her [/ii]


A moment later,Nikolas entered the room to find Lydia pouring herself a glass of water. "Nikolas! You're home. Did they find Stefan? Is he all right?"

Nikolas shook his head morosely as he crossed the room to the desk. "No word. He's out there somewhere. Sick and alone and I can't do anything to protect him." He began opening and closing drawers one after another and rummaging through them. Looking for what, she had no idea.

"You don't think the people who were trying to kill him...." She asked carefully, her glass of water forgotten on the table.

"I don't know!" Nikolas exploded. All of a sudden his breathing came fast and shallow. "He could be dead somewhere for all I know. And it's my fault. MINE."

"I'm so sorry, Nikolas...." Lydia reached out to her anguished husband only to have him flinch out from under her touch.

Nikolas forced himself to take a steadying breath before glancing apologetically at his wife. He had to stop doing that. It wasn't her fault she wasn't Emily. He had no right to take it out on her just because he was upset. "I'm sorry. It's not fair for me to take this out on you."

This time when she put her hand on his shoulder Nikolas didn't pull away. "We have to believe he's out there somewhere alive and well, Nikolas. You've said it yourself. He's a survivor."

Nikolas turned toward his wife and accepted her comfort. "I just hope you're right. I don't know what I'll do if he doesn't make it out of this alive."


 

 

 

 

Part V

 

Family Loyalty





"I've been thinking..." Bobbie began. She sat on the couch, her back against Stefan's chest, his arms in a loose embrace around her.

Stefan pressed a kiss into her hair. In this quiet moment, he felt happier than he had in years. "What is on your mind?"

"You need to talk to Alexis." Bobbie felt Stefan stiffen and pressed on. "No, hear me out before you say no. She's your lawyer, she needs to know you're okay. How is she supposed to defend you at trial or secure your release if she doesn't know where you are?"

"Alexis must not know where I am," Stefan answered emphatically. "She has betrayed me and would again if given the chance, except this time you would be caught in the net as well. No... I will prove my innocence without her."

"But... how?" Bobbie pulled out of his embrace so she could face him.

"By proving Helena and Lydia are behind Summer's murder," Stefan answered. He threaded his fingers through hers. "When I have regained my strength I will lure Helena into the open. Once that is accomplished, proving her hand in the murder should be easy."

"If she doesn't kill you first!" She put a hand on Stefan's bearded cheek. "I'm willing to take the risk with Alexis if it means keeping you safe. Once she knows that Helena is behind this, it will make all the difference! She's your best chance. She'll want to help you, I know she will. She was devastated at the hospital when we thought you might not make it."

"No, I won't allow it." Stefan remained firm. "Alexis is unstable and her loyalties change with the wind. She is not to be trusted."

"You need more than my help, Stefan," Bobbie reasoned. "And time is short. It won't be long before Tony starts to wonder why I am pushing for Lucas to stay with him."

"When is Lucas due to return?"

"It's open ended at this point... a few days?" She could sense where he was going with this and her heart sank. She was going to lose him again.

"I will be strong enough to travel by then." He brought Bobbie's knuckles to his lips. "And If my name is not cleared by then, I will have myself smuggled out of the country. Regardless of what happens to me, you will be safe. You have my word."



"I'm home!" Bobbie motioned for her visitor to be quiet. A moment later, Stefan emerged from the bedroom to greet Bobbie.

His face turned to stone at the sight of Bobbie's companion. "We discussed this, I told you I did not want her involved! Why did you go against my wishes?"

"Stefan," Alexis began. It was a miracle, seeing him safe and almost healthy. Even if he was furious at her. "I'm glad she told me. I want..."

"I imagine you are thrilled to see me." He waved her toward the phone. "Go on, you are anxious to report me as a fugitive. Even if I wanted to run, I'm too ill. Please, do your civic duty. Then you can rest easy tonight."

"I wouldn't!" Alexis denied.

"You would!" Stefan thundered. He advanced toward her but stopped short, a pain slicing through his side. He grabbed the wall for support.

Bobbie rushed forward and in a second was at his side "Stefan!"

Stefan panted through the pain. "Remove her from my sight." He didn't push her away when she threaded an arm around his waist.

"She's here to help you," Bobbie pleaded, helping him to the couch. "Please listen to her, for me."

"You ask to much," Stefan answered harshly. "My sister is not interested in anything that might sully her name and ruin her chances at regaining custody of her daughter. You see, she came to me and begged for help her fight Ned Ashton for custody. As soon as I did as she asked, she condemned me. She would believe anyone- even strangers and enemies - before she would believe her own brother."

"I was wrong," Alexis pleaded, tears filling her eyes. "I was upset, I said things I didn't mean. I want to believe in you, Stefan. I do. But the evidence...."

"Ah yes, the evidence," Stefan cut off, wincing again as he settled himself on the couch. "It was all very damning. A confession tape fabricated by Lydia and Lucky. A 'letter' written by Darius on the night of Summer's death stating I was the one who ordered Emily's death. They all prove I am guilty. I don't need jury trial, just send me to prison for life."

Alexis dropped into a chair across from him. "What was I supposed to think?!"

"You were supposed to have faith in me, Sister." Stefan practically spit on the last word. "I have never been, nor ever will be a murderer. The girl I helped raise and protect knew that. What happened... did you forget who I was when you killed Luis Alcazar?"

"I panicked. Please Stefan. Let me help you. I want to believe in you again."

"It is too late for us," Stefan answered coldly. "I don't have the luxury of extending trust to someone who would betray me as you have. No, your brand of loyalty is no loyalty at all." He reached out a hand for Bobbie, who took his readily. "There is no place for you at my side any longer, Alexis."

Alexis bowed her head. Her brother may not have died, but for her, he might as well have.

Stefan rose to his feet. "If you care at all for Barbara, you will not tell the police of her involvement in my escape. She does not deserve to pay for our sins."


 

 

 

 

Part VI


Just Business



<i>I'm filing for an annulment, Lydia. Neither of us deserves to suffer a loveless marriage. </i>

Furious, Lydia slammed the cut crystal glass on the liquor cart and poured herself a glass of water. She hated her husband. She hated the whole damn psychotic family. As if Stefan and Helena threatening her wasn't enough of an insult, now Nikolas was planning on dissolving the marriage and leaving her penniless.

Lydia sneered into her glass as she took a sip. Of all the threats, her husband's was the most galling and ridiculous. She wasn't even sure why she didn't burst his bubble and tell him the truth about her pregnancy. Maybe it was to savor her moment of power. To see the look on his face as he was on the verge of getting what he wanted, only to find it snatched from him at the last minute. That just might ruin his day and make hers.

Or maybe it was knowing she had the power this time, instead of being a pawn in whatever sick game Helena and Stefan were playing. At least this Cassadine she could bend to her will. <i>Mess with me and you'll never see your child, Nikolas.</i>

She snorted at her own delusion. As if she could stop him from taking the child for himself and leaving her broken and alone. Cassadines were notorious for taking the kids and discarding unwanted spouses, right?

She'd be dead if Helena or Stefan had their way.

Mrs. Lansbury appearance at the doorway interrupted her sulk. "There's a Mr. Alcazar to see you, Mrs. Cassadine."

Lorenzo Alcazar appeared behind Mrs. Lansbury. He smiled politely. "Hello, Mrs. Cassadine. I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"Thank you, Mrs. Lansbury," Lydia replied, dismissing the servant. She waited to address him until the housekeeper was gone. "If you're here to see Nikolas he isn't here. I don't know when he'll be back."

Lorenzo stepped into the room. "I am not here to see your husband, Mrs. Cassadine. I am here to see you."

Lydia gave him an appraising look. She only knew this man by reputation. A drug lord. Filthy rich, powerful and ruthless. What could he want with her? "I can't think of anything we'd have to discuss."

Lorenzo motioned her towards the sofa. "Why don't we sit down and I'll explain?"

Lydia stifled her annoyance at being invited to sit in her own home and remained standing. "What can I do for you, Mr. Alcazar?"

"We have share a problem, Mrs. Cassadine," He said smoothly, reclining on the sofa as if he were at home. It didn't diminish his power to sit while she stood. "I thought perhaps if we put our heads together, we could come to a mutually beneficial solution."

"What problem could we possibly have in common?" Lydia demanded.

"It has come to my attention that your husband plans to file for an annulment."

"HOW...?! What..." Lydia sputtered. "I don't know who your source of information is, but they were wrong. Furthermore, my marriage is none of your business."

Lorenzo studied her, unruffled by her show of fury. "Your marriage is very much my business. Your husband has neglected to tell you that he is in debt to me for billions of dollars. I stand to lose my investment if your marriage is dissolved without an heir."

Lydia stared for a moment, dumbstruck. He... he was the one? She swayed.

Lorenzo quickly rose to steady her by holding her elbow. "Are you ill, Mrs. Cassadine?"

Lydia grabbed onto the sleeve of his arm for further support. "I'll... I'll be fine in a moment. You...?"

His voice was gentle. "Yes, you can see how it is very much my business whether your marriage is healthy or not."

Lydia pulled her hand back and stood on her own. She had to think, to figure out what exactly to tell this man. He was dangerous, lethal. He would kill Nikolas... or anyone who stood in the way of his investment. What was the best way to play this... "You... you have nothing to worry about, your investment is safe. No matter what my husband says, this marriage won't be annulled. There will be an heir to secure my inheritance."

"You sound very certain of that," Lorenzo mused. "Even after your husband has declared that he intends to annul the marriage. Why is that?"

Lydia's eyes darted away from Lorenzo. "I just know. I can be very persuasive when I want something."

Lorenzo crossed his arms. "I'm afraid I need more of a guarantee than your word, Mrs. Cassadine."

Lydia turned towards him. "I can guarantee it." A shadow crossed her face. "If nothing happens to me."

Lorenzo stilled. "Are you in danger from your husband?"

Lydia swallowed nervously. "You've heard the stories, haven't you, Mr. Alcazar? While Nikolas is fairly sane, the family is full of psychopaths. They wouldn't blink an eye killing me."

"Who is threatening you?" The question was to the point.

Lydia laughed shrilly. "Well, they'll probably wait until..." Her voice trailed off.

Comprehension suddenly dawned. "Are you already pregnant, Mrs. Cassadine?"

Lydia darted a glance at him. He, at least, seemed sane. If Nikolas couldn't protect her, maybe he would. "If I were, would... would you be in a position to protect your investment?"

Lorenzo grinned. "What kind of business man would I be if I couldn't?"

Lydia turned to face him, her chin high, eyes clear and defiant. "I'm pregnant."

"Is it your husband's?"

"If you get your money, do you care?" Lydia snapped. She puffed out an impatient breath. "Yes, it's his. Who would have thought we'd hit the jackpot with only one attempt?"

Lorenzo paced in front of her, thinking. "I have a solution our problem. Would you like to hear it?"

For the first time in days, the tightness in Lydia's chest eased. "I'm all ears."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part VII

 

Love and Marriage




"You're not ready, Stefan. You're still too weak." Bobbie placed a hand on the middle of his back as he stuffed a few items of clothing into a duffle bag.

"Weak or not, I do not dare to stay any longer," Stefan answered. "The risk is too great."

"But what if you have a relapse?" Bobbie argued, her anxiety evident in your voice. "I won't be there to help you. Please, you're safe here. If Alexis was going to report you to the police, she already would have."

Stefan zipped the duffle and turned to face Bobbie. He took her hands and brought them to his lips one by one. "I will not trust your future to Alexis's brand of loyalty. Alexis notwithstanding, you said yourself Lucas is getting suspicious. It is time."

"No." Bobbie shook her head, getting more upset. "No."

"Yes." Stefan stilled Bobbie with a hand to her cheek and a firm but tender tone. "I will be careful, Barbara."

She hated that she has no way to stop him. After letting him into her heart again after all these years, it was killing her to let him go so soon. But she wouldn't cry. Not until after he left. "Where will you go?"

Stefan kissed her forehead. "It is best if you don't know."

Bobbie leaned in and grabbed a fistful of his sweater, suddenly furious. "Don't you dare the kiss on the top of my head like I'm some fluffy headed bimbo you can dismiss. You aren't leaving until you tell me where you're going."

Stefan gazed down into his ex-wife fiercely stubborn face and sighed. It was nearly impossible to manage her when she was this angry. "You are much too intelligent and independent to ever be mistaken for one, Barbara."

"Flattery isn't going to get you out of this," Bobbie retorted.

"I am speaking the truth," Stefan answered, his eyes warming. He would miss their arguments nearly as much as their tender moments. Perhaps because they lead to their more passionate encounters.

Bobbie pushed off his chest, breaking the spell. "Oh no you don't! I'm not going to let you distract me from this, it's too important. You're not to going to leave here.... leave me frantic about whether Helena's succeeded in killing you or if you're lying in some ditch somewhere in pain..."

"I haven't had any discomfort since my visit with Alexis," Stefan lied. "I will remain close by. I cannot prove my innocence from out of the country."

"Where?" She demanded.

Stefan stifled his impatience. "I cannot tell you. If the police come to you, I want you to be able to tell the truth."

"Is it that you don't trust me?"

"That is a ridiculous accusation. I trust you with my life. More than I trust anyone." And that was the sad truth. His loss of Nikolas and Alexis as allies were a source of great pain. One he would carry for the rest of his life.

"Then tell me where you are going," Bobbie argued. "What if Nikolas needs you? Someone needs to be able to reach you. Let me be that person. Trust me."

Stefan held out his hand to her and she took it, let herself be drawn back into his embrace. His voice was tired when he spoke. "I want to protect you. It is the only thing i have left to give you for your loyalty."

Bobbie put a hand on his bearded cheek and drew him down for a long slow kiss. "Let me be your partner in this." Kissing the length his jaw, her hands trailed the expanse of his shoulders. "In all things..." She nipped at his throat and inhaled, letting his unique spicy scent fill her nostrils. "Let me prove that you're right to trust me...." She would make him hers again. Then he couldn't deny that he belonged to her. "You won't stand a chance if you go against Helena and Lydia alone." Warm soft hands slid under his sweater and around his waist. "Please...."

"Yes." The word came out broken as he sank his fingers in her hair and tugged her head back. He captured her mouth in desperate kiss full of passion and longing. It was selfish and foolhardy but he would take what she offered, fall under her spell until all he thought of was her. And as he burned for her, she would burn for him.



"Lydia?" Nikolas walked from room to room in Wyndemere, calling for his wife. In his hand he clutched a manilla envelope that contained the papers to end their life together. Now that he'd made the decision, he was anxious to get it over with. "Lydia?!"

Silence. Wyndemere hadn't felt this empty in months. He took the steps two at a time up to her bedroom.

"Lydia!?!" His voice echoed in the hall. He didn't knock when he got to her door, he just opened it.

It looked the same. Except... He crossed the room to look at her vanity table. Makeup, perfume bottles, brushes, etc., still littered the top of it. He'd never taken much time to look at it before, was there anything missing?

He hesitated a moment before opening her drawers. Her clothes were still there... There was no note....

"Lydia, where are you?"


 

 

 

Part VIII

 

Foul Play




"Where is she, Lucky," Nikolas demanded. He had found his brother inside Kelly's, sitting at counter sipping a cup of coffee with a textbook in front of him.

Lucky looked up from his academy textbook at Nikolas's annoyed face. "Well, first I'd have to know you're referring to."

"Lydia. Where is she," Nikolas repeated.

"She's your wife," Lucky cracked. "Shouldn't you know where she is?"

Nikolas drew in an impatient breath and counted to ten. When Lucky was in one of his obnoxious moods, he found it best to keep his hands in his pockets. Otherwise he might find them around his brother's neck. "Just stop playing games with me and tell me where she is. I need to see her."

"So you're going to do it, Huh?" Lucky shook his head. Nikolas lack of concern for Lydia never ceased to amaze him. Even if she was a manipulative liar, she deserved better from her husband. What's more, Nikolas was a better man than this. "Just sign a paper saying your marriage never happened and dump her on the streets, penniless?"

"I'm doing what's best for everyone. Lydia doesn't need to be tied to a man that'll never love her. She always lands on her feet. Besides," Nikolas paused, letting a sly smile cross his face. "Once the annulment goes through, you'll have an open field. That's what you've always wanted, isn't it?"

"Not at the expense of her feelings," Lucky retorted crossly.

"I. Need. To. See. Her." Nikolas over-enunciated each word so that even a chimp could understand him. "Now you either know where she is or you don't. Which one is it?"

"If I knew where she was, I wouldn't tell you. I'm not going to be a party to you hurting her."

"So you don't know where she is." Nikolas plunked himself down next to Lucky. "I'm starting to get worried. The last time Mrs. Lansbury saw her was this morning. She didn't have any visitors nor did she tell anyone where she was going. She's not answering her cell phone... and she's not at any of her usual haunts. I'm starting to wonder if her disappearance has something to do with my uncle."

Nikolas glanced up at Bobbie, who had just walked up to the counter, with a pot of coffee. "Hi Bobbie."

Bobbie gave him a strained smile as she put a cup in front of him and poured. "Hi, Nikolas. Any word on where Stefan is?"

"None. The police haven't had a single lead." He thanked her for the cup of coffee. "And now Lydia."

Bobbie stilled, the hand holding the pot of coffee stopped in mid air. "What's happened to Lydia?"

"She disappeared this morning. No one's seen her. Have you?"

"No, I'm afraid not," Bobbie answered. She returned the coffee pot to it's warmer. "Are you going to be here for a few minutes, Nikolas?"

"I suppose I can, why?"

"I want to check something out." Without further explanation, Bobbie pulled off her apron and left the counter.

Nikolas watched with growing puzzlement s Bobbie exited through the front doors of Kelly's. "What do you think is going on?"

Lucky shrugged and gathered his books. "Maybe she's going to call the hospitals, though I don't know why. Lydia's probably just pouting somewhere. If I see your wife, I'll let her know you're looking for her. Tell my aunt Bobbie goodnight for me."



After a grueling and unsuccessful day in family court trying to convince Judge Farmer to give her temporary custody of Kristina, Alexis was exhausted down to her bones. Putting her briefcase down at her feet, she fumbled through her keys until she found the one to her apartment.

She wanted nothing more than to draw herself a steaming hot bath and soak in it until the skin on her fingers shriveled and the water turned cold. Then after she'd put on her comfiest pajamas, she'd order some food to be delivered.

She let herself into her darkened apartment and flicked the switch for the overhead lights.

Nothing.

"Damn it," Alexis muttered, too tired to be annoyed. A fitting end to a perfectly awful day. She picked up her briefcase and set it inside the door. Leaving the door open so she could use the light in the hall to navigate, she headed for her desk. Before she'd walked ten feet the door closed behind her, sending the room into complete darkness.

A shiver of fear ran through Alexis. There was an intruder, the door didn't close on it's own. Before she could react, an arm circled her neck and yanked her down so that her back was bent as far back as it would go. Off balance, Alexis grabbed at the arm to free herself, but stopped the moment she felt the sharp point of a blade at the base of her ear. Alexis let out a soft whimper

"Tell me where he is," Helena hissed, pressing the knife point into Alexis's skin.

"Who... ?"

Helena pushed the blade deeper into her skin, still not drawing blood. "Do not play games with me, Natasha. I have no qualms killing you right now. Tell me where my worthless son is."

Alexis winced at the sharp prick of the blade against her skin. Her hands held the crook of Helena's arm for balance. Distantly she marveled at Helena's superior strength. "I... I don't know. He... doesn't trust me."

"You'll need to come up with a better answer than that if you want to live, Mouse," Helena threatened by Alexis's ear, tightening her hold. "Now you will me where he took Lydia. He couldn't have kidnapped her without help."

"Why would he do that?! If he's still alive, he's on the run and has nothing for him to gain in taking her."

"You do not fool me," Helena retorted. "I've known she was pregnant for quite some time. Tell me where he's hiding her or I'll make your precious daughter an orphan." She paused to slide the blade from Alexis's ear to right beneath her chin, breaking skin as she purred. "It wouldn't be the first time I've raised a Cassadine bastard."

"I.... I don't know... B... but... he m..m.. might..." She swallowed convulsively, praying that Helena would stop. She had to live, had to, for Kristina. She'd sell her own soul to protect Kristina.

"Where does she have her," Helena demanded again, sensing Alexis's imminent capitulation. The mouse will tell her everything.

"He... he might take her to the island where he kept Chloe," Alexis blurted. Please let it be enough. Please.

In one smooth move, Helena removed the knife from Alexis throat and shoved the younger woman forward onto her knees. "You better pray you are right, Natasha, or your precious little girl will pay the price."

A moment later Alexis heard the sound of her door closing behind Helena. She let out a low sob of relief as her forehead touched the ground. "Oh God. He was right. He was right."

 

 

 

 

.

Part IX

A Matter of Trust.


When Bobbie walked into Kelly's a few minutes after her exit, Nikolas came to his feet. "Did you find out something?"

Instead of answering him, Bobbie called out to Penny. "I'm sorry to have to do this to you, but I have to go out for a while. Call Liz and see if she wants some more hours."

Nikolas watched with growing bewilderment as Bobbie grabbed her purse from behind the counter. "What's going on, Bobbie?"

"I have someone who can help. Will you come with me?" She reached out her hand to him. "Please?"

Nikolas hesitated. Why was she being so mysterious? What could she know about Lydia? Up until this point he didn't think Bobbie even knew what his wife looked like. "I guess."

The trip in the car was short and silent, mainly because Bobbie wouldn't answer any questions except to say that everything would be explained when they got to their destination. All of her attention was focused on driving. She kept checking her review mirror and changing course every few blocks. But it was her face, tense and guarded that worried him most of all.

Finally Bobbie parked her car. "Let's go."

Nikolas followed Bobbie until he recognized where she was taking him. He stopped dead in his tracks. "Why are you taking me into the catacombs?"

Bobbie was at the entrance now and beckoned him forward. "I don't know how much time we have. I don't want anyone to see us!"

"Why?" He hadn't been back since Luke pulled the gun on him and had no interest in revisiting that memory.

"You'll see. Please," Bobbie pleaded in an urgent whisper. "You trust me, don't you?"

Nikolas sighed and followed her inside.



"I trust you will be comfortable here, Mrs. Cassadine?"

Lydia glanced around the relatively spacious state room before turning back to her companion. "It'll do."

"I have some business to conduct back in Port Charles so I won't be able to stay," Lorenzo explained. "My appearance there will help dispel any rumors that I might be involved in your disappearance."

"It's a brilliant plan," Lydia agreed. "Stefan will think Helena has me and Helena will think the same of Stefan. Let them kill each other." She plopped down on the bed. "What's more, Nikolas won't be able to get the annulment without me."

"It will certainly be more difficult," Lorenzo replied. "Though your husband will have to be informed of your pregnancy at some point. Otherwise he may find a way to force the annulment through without your agreement."

"I don't have a problem telling him...." Lydia leaned back onto her elbows, grinning with triumph. "AFTER he's stewed for a while. He deserves it after the way he's treated me."

"Is there anything you need before I leave?"

Lydia gave the question some consideration. "Just bring back news of Port Charles when you return. I'll be safe here, while you're gone?"

"Very safe," Lorenzo assured. "Eventually you will have to be moved to a more secure location, but in the mean time, I thought you would enjoy the view of the water more than my compound. The staff has been instructed to cater to your wishes so long as your safety isn't compromised."

"Thank you, Mr. Alcazar."

.

Bobbie, with flashlight in hand, led Nikolas through the intricate maze until the walls gave way to a clearing. Nikolas stopped a few feet into the room. "I'm not going another foot until you tell me who we're here to meet."

In response Nikolas's demand, a match flared to life some distance from them and a kerosene lamp was lit. The bearer of the lamp raised it high to reveal his face. "Nikolas."

"Uncle?!" Astonished and relieved, Nikolas took a few steps forward. "You're ... "

"I apologize for frightening you." Stefan approached until he was face to face with the young man he loved like no other. "Had there been any other way..." He reached out a hand towards Nikolas but hesitated, unsure of his welcome. Their relationship had been fraught with arguments and distrust for months.

Nikolas whimpered and pulled his uncle into a tight embrace. It was a miracle, beyond anything he could have hoped for. Tears streaked down his face. "You're here! I ... I was so afraid someone had killed you. I thought I'd never get a chance to say.... In the hospital, I was afraid you were going to die and nothing else mattered. Then when I found out you were going to be okay, I thought I'd have a chance to tell you... but next thing I knew you were gone..."

"Shssshhhh," Stefan wrapped his free arm around Nikolas's shoulders, moved to tears himself. The breach of trust with Nikolas had been a source of great pain. It was a gift to hold his child again, to know that the bond was still there, strong as always, even in the face of everything. "I'm here. You can see for yourself that I am safe and healthy. We have Barbara to thank for that."

Bobbie dabbed at the dampness at the corners of her eyes.

Nikolas broke from the embrace and struggled to compose himself. "Thank... thank you, Bobbie."

Stefan ran his hand down Nikolas's head. "We don't have much time. Bobbie informed me that Lydia has disappeared."

"This morning," Nikolas confirmed.

"We must assume Lydia is with Helena. Either by abduction or by choice."

"Helena?!" Nikolas stared at STefan and Bobbie in astonishment.

"Lydia is working with Helena," Bobbie filled in. "She's the one who tried to kill Stefan in the jail, on Helena's orders. I found her in his room after hours. She was there to finish the job."

Nikolas shook his head and began to pace. "No, this doesn't make sense. Helena is in prison! You said so yourself, Uncle. She's not behind this. Lydia's a lot of things, but not a murderer."

Stefan bit back an angry retort. There wasn't time for it. "It is the only explanation that makes sense," Stefan reasoned. "I was poisoned in PCPD jail. Only my quick thinking and intolerance for poisons saved my life this time. Lydia visited me within hours of my poisoning. Who do we know who uses poison as a murder weapon?"

Nikolas paled. "Helena."

"Her hand has been behind all of our difficulties. The financial crisis, the innocent girl's death... and other instances."

"You confessed. i heard the tape myself!"

"A tape created by Lydia," Stefan pointed out.

Nikolas shook his head in disbelief. "I don't know what to think."

Bobbie's cell phone rang. "Excuse me...." She walked a short distance away so the men could talk uninterrupted. "Hello..."

"I didn't order Emily's death, I promise you," Stefan implored in a low tone.

Nikolas didn't answer.

"Stefan?" Bobbie approached the men, cell phone in hand. "It's Alexis. She's hysterical. Apparently Helena threatened her at knife point tonight -- She's looking for you."


 

 

Part X

Set Up


In the dimly lit catacombs, Bobbie held out her cell phone to Stefan.

"Helena's looking for you?" Nikolas repeated, nonplussed.

Stefan took the cell phone from Bobbie. "Alexis, tell me exactly what happened with Helena."

"I... I got home and the lights didn't come on. That.. " Alexis closed her eyes and drew in a breath in hopes of quelling the panic. The cut on her neck throbbed. She ran her finger over it and it came back bloody. "That should have been my first clue. I was just so exhausted... I didn't think. Next thing I knew she had a knife to my throat."

"What did she want?"

"She's convinced you are holding Lydia somewhere," Alexis explained. She found a handkerchief in her blazer pocket and wiped the blood off her hand. It was then that the sick realization sunk in. She almost died like her mother. "She demanded that I tell her where you had her. I couldn't understand why she thought you had Lydia until she said Lydia was pregnant... Is that true? Is she pregnant?"

Stefan answered her question with a question. "What did you tell her?"

"I.. I panicked. She threatened to kill me and..." Alexis choked back a sob. "She said she'd raise Kristina herself! She meant it, Stefan. We have to stop her!"

"What did you tell her," Stefan demanded more forcefully. "Did you mention Barbara."

"NO! I wouldn't do that. I made up something." Alexis pressed the handkerchief against her throat. "I told her you had Lydia on the island where you held Chloe. I figured if I sent her off on a wild good chase it would buy us some time. Time for me to get Kristina away, and time for you to hide Lydia."

"I have no idea where Lydia is," Stefan retorted angrily. "As you well know, I have been rather preoccupied with the task of staying alive and out of jail. I have had no time to plan nefarious schemes like kidnapping Lydia."

"But if you don't have her and Helena doesn't have her..." Alexis pulled the cloth away from her neck and found that while it was bleeding, it wasn't as serious as it could have been. She might not even need stitches... "So where is Lydia?"

"No doubt Lydia panicked and ran off on her own... " Stefan guessed. "And she may very well have sealed her fate. If Helena gets to Lydia before we do, Helena will make sure she dies giving birth to the heir."

Nikolas stared between Stefan and Bobbie in growing horror. Lydia... pregnant and missing?

"I can't talk anymore," Alexis said suddenly. She rose from the sofa and wobbled on her unsteady feet for a moment. "I know you have no reason to trust me, Stefan, but I do love you. I couldn't leave you at the mercy of Helena without at least warning you. Now that you know everything, I have to do what I can to protect Kristina. She has no one else..."

"No, Alexis," Stefan cut his sister's words off. "You act on your own and we may all die. If you want to save yourself and your child, you will do exactly what I say."






"The trap is set," Bobbie announced as she entered catacombs where Stefan was sitting on a boulder, using the light from the kerosene lantern to pour over a map "Now all we have to do is wait for Helena to make her move."

Stefan glanced up and began folding the map along it's well worn creases. "It shouldn't be long now. Nikolas called a few minutes ago to inform me that a woman matching Helena's description was spotted boarding a plane from Miami to New York." He read the anxiety in her eyes and reached out a hand to her. "Come."

Bobbie took his hand readily and let herself be drawn into an embrace. "There's so much that can go wrong. I'm afraid of what might happen to you."

"I will be careful." Stefan tucked her head under his chin with the intent of savoring the quiet moment. In a few short hours he would be in a battle that could cost him his life. If he died, he wanted this moment to be the last he remembered. He pressed a kiss on the top of her head. "I have no intention of dying now that I know you will be waiting for me."

"Let me fight her with you," Bobbie tried one more time. "You know I'm not afraid of her."

"I believe you." Stefan tightened his hold, his hand trailing up her back "But we have discussed this. With the exception of Nikolas, you are the most powerful weapon she could use against me. For this reason, you and Nikolas must be out of harm's way so I can do what must be done."

Bobbie swallowed the hard lump in her throat, shivering cold with fear. "But who will protect you? I know you believe you're dispensable, but not to me! You have to come out of this alive. You just have to."

With a finger beneath her chin, Stefan tipped her head up to draw her into a kiss. Bobbie's mouth opened readily to draw him in deeper, kissing him desperately knowing it might be the last time. Her tongue stroked his in a silent beckoning and promise. Warm me. Hold me. Love me.

Nothing barred, nothing held back. All of her kissed him in that moment, returned his love tenfold.

Stefan groaned as his hands released her to frame her face and answer her call with his own.

 

 

 

 

Part XI

Endgame


She came at night, cloaked by a darkness so deep that the only relief came from the lights within the cabin. All roads had led her here. The island but a dead end. She'd miscalculated to think that Natasha knew anything about Stefan's plans. In a last minute stroke of wisdom, he must have banished the little faithless bastard from his confidence.


It didn't matter in the end. Just a short detour.

Now it was down to her and her hateful son. He had wriggled free because of Lydia's bungling, but she had him now in her sights. A glance through the open window revealed Stefan with his back to her. Oblivious to the danger he was in. The fool. Perhaps the poison administered in the jail had dulled his senses.

Just as well for her. Lifting her weapon she aimed it at the center point between his shoulder blades. Precision was important. Too high and she would render him useless. Too low and he would have mobility. Once sure of her aim, a dart shot out from her weapon and buried itself in his back. With a startled cry, Stefan whirled around saw her, her eyes outlined in the black mask concealing her face. But it was too late for any defense. The shot was true. Stefan crumpled onto the ground, helpless.


Helena slid open the window completely,climbed in over the sill and shut it behind her. She pulled the mask off her head. "My darling son, it has been much too long since we have had a visit. Mummy has missed you."

"What have you done to me?!" Stefan demanded. Pain radiated from the middle of his back towards his rapidly stiffening limbs. He lay face down just as he had fallen. But try as he might, he couldn't turn over.

"We needed to chat, Darling, and I knew this was the only way to make you sit still for it." She kneeled at his head and stroked his hair tenderly with a gloved hand. "It is tragic really, that our relationship has deteriorated to this."

"What have you shot me with," Stefan demanded again through gritted teeth. He couldn't feel his limbs now, only a fire raging down the length of his spine. It was agony.

Helena tugged the dart out and rolled him onto back. "A designer neuro poison. Not to worry though, My Love. You won't die from it. In a few hours it will wear off - In time for you to spend the rest of your life in prison. But not before you give me what I want."

"It was you, wasn't it?" Stefan spit out angrily. "You are the one that poisoned me in jail. Through Lydia."

"My mistake was in trusting that worthless piece of Eurotrash." Helena rose to her feet and pulled off her gloves. "She told you everything, did she?"

"She didn't need to, Mother. You use of poison is legendary."

"I have become predictable, haven't I?" Helena shrugged casually and strolled around Stefan's body. "Tell me where she is, Stefan."

"I don't who you are referring to." He grunted with the attempt to move but it was useless. She might as well have put him in a straight jacket for all the movement he had.

"Oh come now, Stefan. Even I know you aren't that much of a fool. It was a smart move, I admit. Taking Lydia. But the game is up now. Tell me where she is. I know she's not here, I have searched the cabin thoroughly."

"I have no idea where Lydia is," Stefan answered scornfully. "I have no use for the harpy."

"You are lying." In a swift move, Helena unsheathed the knife in her boot and kneeled at Stefan's head. She pressed the knife against his cheek. "The thing about the neuro poison is that while it renders your muscles useless, the nerve endings are more sensitive than ever. I've been told every cut will be torture. Shall we find out?"

Stefan eyed the blade warily. "Torture me as you wish, but you will find that I speak the truth. I have no more idea where Lydia is than you do. With any luck she went and got herself killed."

"You pretense of ignorance is transparent!" She hissed in his ear. "You know she carries the next Cassadine heir, admit it!"

"She carries the heir?!"

Helena sneered down at Stefan. "Your act of surprise is not anymore convincing than your show of ignorance. But it matters not. Her spawn will be mine to raise. He will rule the family when he comes of age. A rule as brilliant as Stavros should have had!"

"Nikolas is the prince."

"Once the child is born, Nikolas is expendable." Helena rose to her feet and strolled around Stefan's prone body. "You ruined him with a sentimental upbringing. He has been nothing but a disappointment to me. He would rather do anything but lead this family, even play hero to a common girl who is dying of cancer and allowing the debt destroy our empire. More useless than you. At least you were capable enough to safe keep the empire."

"You will NOT harm Nikolas," Stefan bellowed. But it was all he was able to do. He was dead weight below the neck. "I won't allow it!"

Helena laughed a rich full laugh. "You won't be in any position to stop me, Darling. You will either be dead or rotting in prison for the blond whore's death."

"I will prove my innocence. I did not order her death."

Helena chuckled at that. "Face it, Stefan. Your life is over. With Lydia's help I framed you. No one who hears that tape will believe otherwise. And if by chance you wriggle free of the charges, I will finish you myself. In fact," She came to a stop, standing at his head. She knelt again, her head looming over his smiling a grotesque smile. "I've decided not to wait."

Stefan's eyes widened in alarm. "What do you mean?!"

"Since you will be of no use in locating Lydia, I might as well dispense with you now." She grabbed his chin and lifted it up to bare his neck, with the other hand poised with knife in hand. "Your death will destroy Nikolas. I won't even have to life a finger against him. He will do the work himself, he is already wracked with guilt. He will believe himself responsible for your death." The knife touched his neck. "And he would be right."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part XII

Trapped!

There was a loud crash as Mac Scorpio broke through the front door, gun pointed straight at Helena's heart. Two police officers followed close behind and flanked him. "Hold it right there!"

Helena didn't move, her eyes fierce with murderous intent. She pressed her knife against Stefan's throat. "Take one step closer, Commissioner, and he will die before you can pull the trigger."

Mac's aim didn't waiver as he held his ground. "There's a sniper with his rifle aimed at your head, Mrs Cassadine. If you want to keep it on your shoulders, I would suggest you step away from Stefan right now."

"Go ahead and kill me, Mother," Stefan taunted. "Slit my throat in front of a room full of witnesses. I will die with the pleasure of knowing you will surely follow me."

"I should slit your throat for this," Helena hissed. "You miserable excuse for a human being. I should have smothered you at birth!"

"Commissioner," Stefan called. "You will find a tape recorder fastened under the table. It contains her confession to my attack and Summer's murder, as well as her intention to commit further crimes."

With a nod of his head Mac indicated for one of his officers to look under the table. The officer knelt underneath and retrieved the recorder and brandished it toward the commissioner. Mac smiled at Helena, he had her now. If what Stefan said was true, they had enough ammunition to put her away for several lifetimes. "Thank you, Stefan. You've made my job much easier. Mrs Cassadine, I know you are smart enough to realize you're outmaneuvered and outnumbered. I want you to take step back from Stefan and drop the knife."

After an agonizing moment, Helena pulled the knife away from Stefan's throat and tossed it aside. She raised a haughty chin. "No one has been able to cage me for long. This time will be no different, Commissioner."

Mac and an officer stepped forward to pull Helena's arms behind her back and cuff her. "Helena Cassadine, I am charging you with the attempted murder of Stefan Cassadine. You have the right to remain silent...." Mac continued the Miranda rights as he padded her down with swift efficiency. "Johnson, call in the medics for Stefan."

"Stefan... Stefan!" Alexis shoved her way passed the uniformed officers to find her brother on the floor. "Oh God, No!"

Helena's lips puckered into a sour look. "Cease your dramatics, Natasha, he isn't dead. YET."

Alexis fell to her knees at Stefan's side. "Where.. where did she hurt you?"

"Enjoy your daughter while you can, Mouse," Helena spat before being hauled away by Mac.

"I will be fine," Stefan murmured. "The plan was a success and Helena is caught."

When Alexis tried to hold his hand he gasped in pain. "Can you move at all?" She asked anxiously.

"Just.. just my head. She shot me with a dart of neuro toxin. My entire body is on fire..." He closed his eyes. "It is less painful when I don't try to move."

Alexis's eyes filled with tears. "When I saw you fall, I thought she'd killed you! I should have done more. Fought her myself."

"You brought the authorities here in time to catch her, just as we rehearsed. Anything else could have put the whole plan in jeopardy. I accepted the risk going into this venture. The neuro toxin aside, things could not have gone more smoothly."

The paramedics approached the pair on the floor. The lead addressed Alexis. "Ma'am. We need you to step back so we can treat Mr. Cassadine."

"NO," Stefan demanded. Even though it was excruciating and fruitless, he tried to move his hand. To reach out to her, to feel connected to her, to anything. But he was trapped inside his body. More helpless than a newborn babe. The effort brought tears to his eyes. "My sister will remain at my side and you will find a way to work around her."

Alexis swallowed the rising lump in her throat and placed a reassuring hand on his forehead. The fear in his voice scared her just as much as watching Helena try to kill him. "I'm not going anywhere, Stefan, I promise."


The End