The next morning, 8:30 a.m.

A- I'm gonna be late for work.

N- No.

A- What do you mean "no"? N- You're not going to work today.

A- But...

N- Alexis, please. Are you even up to working?

A- No, I guess not. Last night, did we...?

N- No. Do you remember what happened?

A- Um...Helena was here and, oh, god, I'm going to die!

N- No, you're not.

A- You don't have to go to work, do you? I'm sorry to burden you with all of this.

N- You aren't burdening me with anything. I don't have to go to work, but I do have to go out for a few hours.

A- Ned, she could kill you! What if she does? I couln't live with myself!

He cups her face in his hands.

N- Hey, look at me. Alexis, Helena isn't going to kill either of us.

A- But you don't know her!

N- Trust me, OK?

She nods.

N- I really hate to leave you, but the sooner I do this the better.

A- Go. I'll probably be sleeping.

Ned kisses her lightly before he leaves.

Ned knocks on the door. What was he doing here? Well, he reasoned, this man does know the Cassadines as good as you can without being one. Luke poked his head out the door.

L- Why are ya in a suit at this time of day?

N- May I come in?

L- Sure.

N- I'd like to talk to you about the Cassadines.

L- Well, ya sure know how to ruin someone's day. Ya woke me up to talk about the Cassadines. But what would a Quatermaine want with a Cassadine. Oh, that's right. I've seen ya on the town with that pretty one. I tell ya, if I wasn't married... So, how is Ms. Davis?

N- Alexis is... in trouble.

L- With Count Vlad?

N- No, with Stefan's mother.

L- Ahh, mommy dearest is in town.

N- Yes, and it appears she wants to kill Alexis.

L- So what do ya want?

N- To kill her before she kills Alexis.

L- Good idea. They're vampires ya know. They don't die easily. But, you've come to the right person. You should really know about Alexis's history. I'm not at liberty to say.

N- (under his breath) That's never stopped you before.

L- Until I can think of a plan to rid the world of Auntie Helena, all I can offer ya is protection.

N- From who?

L- Jason Morgan.

N- Luke, I don't know.

L- If ya wanna see your princess alive, you'll accept.

N- Fine, but make them inconspicuous.

L- Certainly.

Ned stands and reaches for his wallet.

N- How much do I owe you?

L- Nothing.

N- Are you sure? If you need any money, just tell me.

L- Thanks.

N- No, thank you.

L- Any time.

Ned leaves and goes to the mansion.

Lila- Good morning, dear.

N- G'morning, Grandmother. Grandfather.

E- Where on God's earth have you been? I couldn't get a hold of you all night!

L- Did you go out, dear?

E- Oh, he went out all right! And with that Cassadine woman, no less.

L- Edward, please. Alexis is a wonderful young woman. Did you have a good time?

N- Yes, I did, Grandmother. Thank you for asking. Grandfather, I came by to tell you that I won't be working today.

E- What? Will I be able to reach you? You know, some of us actually have to work for a living.

N- No one in this room does.

L- I think it is a lovely idea, Ned. Have fun.

N- I will, Grandmother.

He kisses her on the cheek.

N- Bye, Grandfather.

As he walks out, Edward is saying how Ned is going on some kind of rendezvous with Alexis and how he won't stand for it. Ned just tunes him out and goes to see Alexis.