{At Wyndemere}

Stefan:  {Making a call}  “Laura, it's imperative that we speak about Nikolas as soon as possible. He's all right, but I need to hear from you as soon as you get this message.”

Stefan:  {On the phone again, his tone harsh}  “Alexis, this is the third time I am speaking to this damn machine. There are things you need to be aware of -- legal issues that may arise concerning Nikolas -- and you need to be prepared. I hope that impresses upon you the urgency of getting back to me. Please do so at once.”
 

(Due to a glitch in the reception, pictures are grainy)

Laura:   {Rushing into Stefans' study} “I came as soon as I got your message. It sounded urgent, so I -- Nikolas knows, doesn't he?”

Stefan:  “Yes.”

Laura:  “Where is he? Is he here?”

Stefan:  “He's gone.”

Stefan:  “Nikolas confronted me. I didn't deny it, and he left. I have two men posted outside Jason Morgan’s garage where Lucky is living. Apparently, Nikolas is staying there as well. Which concerns me, given the rumors that Scorpio’s shooting was intended to be some sort of message to Morgan.”

Laura:  “How did he find out? Was it Luke?”

Stefan:  “He wouldn't say.”

Laura:  “Well, he must've said something.”

Stefan:  “Very little. It was the moment I had both feared and wanted his entire life. And yet, I was unprepared. He came in, was direct. And when I responded circuitously, he protested. And then I simply said, 'yes, I am your father.' "

Laura:  "Was he angry?”

Stefan:  “I have to think that he was.”

Laura:  “What do you mean?”

Stefan:  “Well, he -- he was restrained. I told him that I would answer all of his questions, but he didn't ask.”

Laura:  “He must have asked you something.”

Stefan:  “Well, he -- he seemed disturbed that I would rate fortune and power over his knowing –“

Laura:  “He thinks that you kept the secret over money?”

Stefan:  “Laura, I don't know what he thinks. He left. I was so ready for him to be furious that it never occurred to me that he would leave without venting that fury.”

Laura:  “Then how was it left?”

Stefan:  “He went upstairs, packed a small valise, said that he was going into town. You were right. We should've told him on Christmas Eve. I insisted that we wait. I was afraid. I wanted 24 more hours because I feared the look of betrayal that was in his eyes when he came to me. We should've been the ones to tell him. I should've listened to you.”

Stefan:  “Until now, I have made every decision concerning Nikolas' life. Now I need your help. My instincts are to go after him, bring all my force to bear, make him come back here. But I’m -- I’m emotional. I'm feeling off balance. Perhaps that's not the best course of action. What are your thoughts?”

Laura:  “Well, Luke and I chose to let Lucky go. And because of that, I know there's a part of Lucky that we'll never get back. I wouldn't do it that way again. And this is an entirely different situation. It's an entirely different secret. I really believe that Nikolas needs to hear our side of this. The sooner, the better.”

Stefan:  “All right. I'll check with the men watching him for his current location. {He picks up the phone and it buzzes} Yes? Thank you.” {He hangs up}

Laura:  “What?”

Stefan:  “Nikolas just caught the launch. He'll be here momentarily.”
 
 
 
 

Stefan:  {On the phone} “Thank you. {Turning to Laura} Nikolas is -- he's on his way up.”

Laura:  “It's ok.”

Stefan:  “I told him that all of his questions had answers and I would give them freely. Suddenly, I have nothing. We cannot lose him.”

Laura:  “We won't. We're not going to lose him. It'll be all right.” {She hugs him, trying to comfort him}

Nikolas:  {Walking in and seeing them together} “Should've known you'd be here.”