Asylum Of The Heart

Asylum Of The Heart
by Christy

Part One

“You don’t understand Alexis,” Sonny yelled. “I can’t give up on us.” Alexis Davis froze where she was, her face shocked by Sonny’s words.   Sonny walked over to her. She was standing by his desk, her briefcase open with some legal documents sticking out. He put the lid down on the briefcase, then pulled her into his arms.

“I love you,” He said simply. Alexis felt dizzy with confusion.

“Sonny,” She started. Sonny put his fingers on her lips.

“Shhh. I don’t want to hear any objections.”

“But…we can’t,” Alexis objected. “I can’t.” Sonny’s hands cupped Alexis face, then pulled her into a passionate kiss. She felt herself melting against this man, this man who was supposed to be a crook, a mobster, a man who courted death. How could she deny the emotions that threatened to explode within her.

“Alexis, we could do so much together,” Sonny breathed.

“But I can’t,” Alexis continued to insist.

“For now, just think about it,” Sonny begged. “Think about being with me. I want you to be a part of my life. I trust you, Alexis. When I see you…we feel right.”

“This is grief talking,” Alexis reminded Sonny. “You’re mourning Luke Spencer.”

“The hell I am!” Sonny expostulated.

“I still wonder if he’s dead,” Alexis said out loud. She clamped shut her briefcase. It had been two weeks since Lucky Spencer confessed to killing his father and disposing of the body. Alexis had been retained as his attorney.

“Well, if he’s not dead,” Sonny returned. “Where is he? He wouldn’t let Lucky take the rap for killing him. You know he wouldn’t.”

“Unless he had no choice,” Alexis finished. Sonny was quiet for a moment. Alexis had a point. Sonny was perplexed.

“Alexis, if he’s not dead, don’t you think Lucky would know?”

“He’s not talking. He went to the police station, filled out a murder complaint and then confessed to the crime. Since then, not a word.”

“What if I talk to him?” Sonny offered. “Man to man kind of thing?” Alexis smiled. Trust Sonny to think he knew it all. But then that was one of his positive attributes.

“Sonny,” Alexis hedged. “I think I can handle my own client.”

“Oh sure you can. I’m not arguing that. But aren’t the both of us working together a better idea than just one?”

“Smart Aleck,” Alexis smiled. “Okay, you win. When do you want to come down to the station.” Alexis was amused as Sonny grimaced. Obviously he didn’t want to go down to the station at all.

“Next year?” Sonny joked. “Naw, can I come this afternoon?”

“I’ll arrange it,” Alexis replied. She picked up her briefcase. Sonny took her hand. She looked down at his strong hand holding her more than capable one. Leaning over, she kissed Sonny, full on the lips.

“Later,” She told him. He squeezed her hand.

“I’ll hold you to that,” Sonny replied. He waited while Alexis exited the apartment. Sitting down on the sofa, he couldn’t get her out of his thoughts. She was so much a part of his heart. He couldn’t remember when that happened. But it had.   He didn’t
know what he would do without her. He only knew he wanted Alexis Davis, the lawyer, the woman by his side for always.

*****

Outside the Harborview Towers, Alexis braced herself for the heat of the summer morning. It was already in the 80’s and the humidity was high, distinctly uncomfortable. Her limousine drew up. Alexis was looking forward to the air conditioned vehicle. The limousine driver pulled up. He quickly came over and opened the door for Alexis. A rush of cool air greeted her. She leaned in and got inside. The door slammed behind her.

“Good Morning, Alexis,” Purred Helena Cassidine.

“What the? Helena, how did you get into this car,” Alexis demanded. She was about to pick up the phone to tell the driver to come and pull Helena out of the car. Then she’d fire him for letting her into the limo in the first place.

“I wouldn’t, my dear,” Helena warned the woman. “Unless you want your child to be in more danger than he already is. I’ve already told the driver in no uncertain terms where to drive. We’ll have all the time we need for a little chat.”

“I really could care less about chatting with you, Helena.” Alexis picked up the phone.

“I don’t think you heard me, Alexis. We are talking about your child.”

“Well, Helena, that’s where you are wrong,” Alexis stated as firmly as she could. “I don’t have a child.”

“Oh? Well, I’m certain Lucas will be surprised to hear that. He is your child isn’t he?” Alexis almost blanched. Was he? Helena, seeing she had the upper hand to situation, relaxed.

“Yes, Lucas is your child. Laura’s child was stillborn. I made certain of that. You were both due about the same time, though Luke would never admit his infidelity. He picked you up at a bar in Texas, and impregnated you like the whore you are.” Alexis closed her eyes. She had been so young then, young and foolish.

“Don’t you think I had your every step monitored? I couldn’t let you disgrace the Cassidine name, could I? And when the baby was born and Laura’s died, it seemed only too fitting to exchange the infants. It was easily done, no one the wiser.”

“You B*tch!” Alexis swore. Helena leaned forward.

“Mind your tongue. Keep your baser instincts under control!” Helena warned. “You were fortunate my dear. Tell me, when the child you thought you bore died, didn’t you believe I had killed it?” Alexis sighed. At the time, she didn’t know, but she was fairly certain. She always told herself, the baby was better off. Helena was pure evil and Alexis couldn’t even protect it once it was out of her womb. But the pain, the torture of wondering, of dreaming of her son all these years…and now Helena was telling her that Lucky was that child.

“What do you want from me, Helena,” Alexis asked wearily.

“I want you to let nature take its course. Let Lucky find another lawyer. He killed his father. He deserves to go to prison.” Now Alexis leaned forward. Her heartbeat escalated. She scanned Alexis’ face. Luke wasn’t dead. She knew it.

“Where is he, Helena? Where is Luke Spencer?” Helena gasped.

“Why, Alexis, he’s dead. Lucas confessed to the crime, didn’t he?” Helena’s voice was smug, but underneath, she was surprised at how quickly Alexis had realized the truth.

“He was traumatized. He didn’t know what he was saying. Oh, what am I having this conversation with you for? I won’t desert Lucky. I wouldn’t have before, and if anything you have just given me all the reason I need to protect him. I won’t let my child go to prison for a crime he didn’t commit.” The limousine came to a halt.

“I’m warning you, Alexis. You are playing with fire. Drop the case or suffer the consequences.”

“Is that a threat?” Alexis growled in anger. Helena smiled as the door to the limousine opened. She patted Alexis’ hand in superiority.

“That, my dear is a promise.” Helena got out of the car. Alexis jumped out after her, only to see that the woman had vanished into her own limousine. She looked around, staring in disbelief. Helena had brought her to the Port Charles Cemetery. Her meaning was clear. Alexis stared daggers at her driver.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Davis,” The driver stammered. “She threatened my family.” Alexis was speechless.

“Take me to the PCPD,” She told the driver. She got into the limousine. The vehicle was driving again through the streets of Port Charles, but Alexis didn’t notice. She was crying, and wishing Sonny was with her. She couldn’t handle this alone. She knew she couldn’t.

*****

Sonny walked into the police station as proudly as he could. He was used to being stared at by the cops, but it always made him feel uncomfortable and defensive, almost dirty. He found Alexis pacing back and forth waiting for him. She was visibly upset.

“Alexis?” Sonny asked. She turned to him, her eyes red from crying, her vulnerability evident. She hugged him, then stepped back.

“You ready?” She asked as though nothing were wrong.

“What is it? You look terrible.”

“Thank you so much!” Alexis snapped. Then she gave a wan smile. “I’ll tell you about it later. It has nothing to do with Lucky, not really. Come on, he’s ready to be brought into the interrogation room.” The lawyer and the mobster stepped into a cold room that held only a table and four chairs. Alexis pulled two chairs to one side of the table. A second door to the room opened. Lucky Spencer, dressed in orange prison garb was escorted into the room. He put his handcuffed hands on the table, and sat down across from Sonny and Alexis. The guard stepped to the side of the room.

Alexis stared at Lucky as if she were seeing him for the first time. He looked so much like Luke, it was hard to see anything of herself in the boy. But he was her son, her son. It was an incredible idea.

“Lucky, how are you?” Alexis started. Lucky, his mind on alert only returned Alexis’ gaze. Alexis swallowed hard.

“Lucky, Sonny wanted to talk to you. We both want to help you, you know.” Lucky looked a little askance, but was still silent.

“Lucky, listen to me. Your old man is one my best friends,” Sonny encouraged. “We really do care.”

“So?” came the defensive reply. Sonny was trying to read Lucky. There was something in the boy that was off. Lucky was always up front with his thoughts and feelings. He kept so little in, at least in front of Sonny, that the older man usually always felt comfortable around Luke’s son. Today, he felt as though he were definitely intruding. And yet, Lucky’s blue eyes seemed to scream for help.

“Lucky, I can tell everything isn’t as it seems,” Sonny admitted.

“There’s an understatement,” came the reply. Lucky’s tone was just shy of sarcastic.

“What happened between you and your father, Lucky?” Alexis prodded. Sonny squeezed her hand as if to tell her to let him handle this, but Alexis couldn’t wait. Lucky looked away from Alexis and Sonny. He repeated verbatim what was in the police report, as though he had memorized it.

“I met him down on the docks. We talked. Then we argued. I shot him, and he fell into the river.” Lucky let his gaze return to Sonny and Alexis. There was no doubt in their minds that Lucky was lying. And for the boy to lie, there had to be a good reason.

“Son, you know your father wouldn’t want you to go down for something you didn’t do,” Sonny told Lucky softly. A sorrowful look came over Lucky’s face.

“You’re right. He wouldn’t. But that’s what happened.”

“Since when do you carry a gun, Lucky?” Sonny asked. “I’ve never seen you carry one.”

“I had reason,” Lucky cried emotionally. “I got it just a few weeks ago. It’s registered. When you find his body, you’ll see that the bullet was from my gun. The police have it now.”

“Except they won’t find the body, will they, Lucky?” Alexis sighed. “Because there isn’t one to find.” Lucky trembled.

“There is one. He’s dead. Don’t you understand? He has to be dead!” Lucky’s cry of anguish tore at Alexis and Sonny. Beneath the table, Sonny squeezed Alexis’ hand again, this time for courage. Hang in there, he was saying. Lucky put his head down in to his handcuffed hands. Sonny leaned forward.

“Lucky, tell me. Why does your father have to be dead?” Sonny asked.

“Because he is. Because it’s a fact. Sonny, it doesn’t matter what you say or Alexis does, I’m not changing my story. I won’t make things worse than they already are.”

“Lucky, we can’t help you or Luke if…’

“My dad doesn’t need your help!” Lucky cried angrily. “Leave it alone.” He got up. Sonny tried to touch Lucky’s hand, but Lucky pulled away. Alexis stood up as well.

“Lucky, we’re not finished. Sit down!” Her voice was firm. Lucky sat. The guard who had started to walk over to them retreated to his corner.

“We need a defense here, Lucky. How you got arrested in the first place is beyond me when they don’t even have a body. Would you care to enlighten me?” Alexis asked severely. Lucky shook his head.

“I gave them the gun and I told them what happened,” Lucky shrugged.

“So if I get your confession squashed,” Alexis pondered. “Without a body, they haven’t got a case.”

“It doesn’t matter, Alexis,” Lucky said. “There’s other things to be considered.”

“Such as?” Sonny wondered out loud.

“My mother, my sister, Nikolas, Elizabeth. There are lives on the line.”

“Who is threatening you, Son,” Sonny demanded. Lucky shook his head again.

“You guys are so out of your league,” He informed them. Alexis was thinking of her conversation with Helena this morning. She touched Lucky’s hand, her son, Lucky. His blue eyes, filled with pain and fear locked into hers.

“Is it Helena, Lucky?” She asked him.

“More than that,” Lucky admitted. “Look if I say anymore, they’ll find out. More people could be hurt. Just let it go. If they get me, maybe they’ll leave my family alone.”

“What about Luke? Where is your father, Lucky?” Alexis and Sonny saw a brief smile pass across Lucky’s face. Then he looked down.

“I dunno,” He denied. But he did. He knew where Luke was, knew if he was safe or in danger or what. “But I’ll tell you this, when the time is right, this nightmare will end. If you interfere, you’ll just make it worse.” Lucky stood up. He looked at both Alexis and Sonny.

“There is no defense. I don’t want a lawyer. I’ll plead guilty before I give up those I love most.”

“Son, give us time,” Sonny said. “Let us help you. Don’t say another word. If time is going to save you, then silence is your friend, not a plea of guilty.” Alexis hid her smile. Who was the attorney here? After a minute, Lucky nodded.

“Got me there. I’ll shut up. You think you can help be my guest, but if someone I love gets killed you’ll pay.”

“Lucky, they won’t. We won’t let them,” Alexis promised. “We care too much about you to let anything else happen.” Lucky laughed. After he was finished, he started towards the door. He turned back to Alexis and Sonny.

“Helena isn’t alone. Watch out for her,” He told them. Sonny and Alexis waited until Lucky had gone. Then they turned to each other.

“Now what?” Sonny asked.

“Why are you asking me?” Alexis stammered. “You’re the mobster.”

“Well, then, let’s get to work,” Sonny sighed. He led Alexis out of the interrogation room, back to the real world, and to the mystery that surrounded them. They had to salvage what was left of Luke and Lucky Spencer. The problem was how?

*****

They were lying in bed, in Sonny’s King Size bed. Sonny sat up on pillows while Alexis lay, her head on his chest. He brushed her hair, his soft touch eliciting emotions she thought she had buried long ago, emotions even Ned didn’t arise in her.

“Ummmm,” She whispered. “I could stay like this forever.” Sonny’s kiss on the top of her head told her he felt the same way. Slowly, she turned, so she was leaning on her elbow looking up at him. She wore only a light white negligee. Sonny had on a pair of boxer shorts, and a bare chest. He was more handsome in bed than out of bed, Alexis reflected.

“Sonny, we have to help Lucky and Luke,” Alexis started.

“And you?” Sonny asked. Alexis wore a shocked expression for a minute.

“What do you mean?” She asked a little defensively.

“You were hurting when we went into see Lucky. When we left, you were still hurting, but you were more calm. What’s the story?”

“I was angry. He’s just a boy,” Alexis explained lamely.

“Seems to me he was just a boy this morning,” Sonny reminded her, “But you weren’t that emotional then. What happened from the time you left the penthouse to when we met with Lucky?”

“Nothing,” Alexis denied. Sonny put his finger on her lips.

“You make a terrible liar, Alexis.” Sonny reminded her. Alexis put her head back on Sonny’s chest again. He felt so strong, so warm. His chest rose and fell beneath her head, a quiet even breathing that was reassuring. In a way how she felt now reminded her of the nights she spent with Luke so long ago. She took a deep breath.

“Lucky isn’t just Luke’s son,” she managed to confess. “He’s my son as well.” Sonny’s gasp didn’t get past Alexis. She sat up fully. She examined his face as he searched hers for an explanation.

“I didn’t know until this morning when I had a run in with the diabolical Helena. She told me she switched my baby with Laura’s. Luke was my baby’s father. I thought my baby died. More appropriately, I assumed Helena killed it, but I could never prove it.” Sonny put his hand over his forehead, stunned.

“You never told me you knew Luke before,” He finally managed to say, his voice low and even.

“He was married to Laura. I knew who he was, that he had killed Stavros. I don’t know. Maybe being with him made me feel a victory over the brother I despised so much. When I got pregnant, I dropped out of sight. Luke never knew.”

“Phew,” Sonny sighed. “That’s huge, Alexis.” Alexis started to get out of bed. Sonny pulled her back.

“Where you going?” He asked, puzzled.

“I thought you were mad.”

“No, of course not. What you did before us, well, that’s over. But do you figure that Helena is using Lucky to hurt you or Luke or…?” Alexis smiled happily. She relaxed into Sonny’s arms again.

“How can you be so forgiving?” She wondered out loud.

“Cause if I passed judgement on you,” Sonny drawled, “I’d have to pass judgement on myself. Ouch.” Alexis laughed. She snuggled closer.

“Well I’m glad you are fallible then. And yes, I do think Helena is at the bottom of this, but what did Lucky mean when he said Helena wasn’t working alone?” Sonny pulled Alexis closer. Her scent was driving him crazy. He wanted to make passionate love to her, not talk about Lucky or Luke or Helena right now. But the woman’s mind prevailed. He had to be patient. From somewhere, they heard a cell-phone ringing. Alexis started to get out of bed.

“Nah, leave it,” Sonny told her, his hand touching her hip. Alexis slapped his hand.

“Patience, Sonny,” She teased. Quickly, she grabbed her cell-phone out of her purse, only feet away from the bed on a chair.

“Hello?” She asked, sitting back on the side of the bed, trying not to giggle as Sonny’s hands explored her body.

“Surprise, Alexis. It’s time to talk. I’ll meet you tomorrow morning at 8:00 on Helena’s yacht. If you come alone, I promise you won’t be hurt…this time, and Alexis, you don’t want to be late.” The line clicked dead. Alexis dropped the phone to the floor as if it were a hot potato. Her moan was audible, but barely. Sonny moved across the bed and pulled her into his arms.

“What?” He cried anxiously. “What is it? Who was it?” Alexis’ eyes grew dizzy with recognition. She knew that voice. It was impossible. Sonny felt her fear, her pain. He felt the terror.

“Alexis?” Alexis turned and hugged Sonny.

“Hold me,” She begged. “Oh, Please, Sonny. Please hold me.”    Sonny’s arms held Alexis tight, but she was still cold. She was so very cold.

Part Two

Alexis Davis followed her brother down the docks towards Helena’s Yacht. The ostentious boat was an anathma to both Alexis and Stefan. Stefan stopped Alexis before they stepped on to the pier.

“You know you don’t have to do this,” He reminded her. “I can handle Helena…and any of her unpleasant surprises, Alexis.” Stefan’s voice sounded confident, but Alexis knew her brother was as anxious as she was. He was just better at hiding his emotions. She was trembling, with good reason.

“What and miss out on all the fun,” She joked. “Never.”

“Alexis, this is no laughing matter,” Stefan warned her.

“I know that, Stefan,” Alexis snapped back. “But I can’t let Helena intimidate me. Nor can I let her threaten me.”

“Her very presence is a threat,” Stefan observed. Alexis gave him a look that said how dumb do you think I am? Stefan took a deep breath.

“You win,” He sighed. They walked down the pier together. They were still on the pier when they found themselves surrounded by Helena’s men.

“Welcome to my world,” Alexis mumbled as they were escorted into the main salon. There they were left with just two guards in the empty room. The other men left.

“Mother, this is ridiculous. Would you join us!” Stefan demanded. A cackling laugh that was always Helena responded. But it wasn’t Helena who came into the room. It was a man with dark hair, and a beard, neatly clipped. He was dressed in black. Stefan’s hand found Alexis’. The two stood in stunned silence while Helena joined them.

“Well, well. What a lovely family reunion,’ The man said. “I’ve waited a long time for this, Stefan. Alexis.”

“I don’t believe it,” Stefan said before he could stop himself. Helena, her face radiant with delight, laughed again.

“It’s true. My delicious Stavros is back among the living. It’s a miracle.”

“The devil’s miracle perhaps,” Stefan commented. Stavros’ eyes narrowed. He stood face to face with Stefan.

“Your humor, Brother, is not appreciated,” came the waspish reply.

“Nor is your presence!” Stefan retorted. He turned to Helena, pushing Stavros out of his way. Before he could speak, Stavros started towards his brother. Alexis stepped in between the men, much to Helena’s amusement.

“Stavros, back off,” Alexis demanded, wondering where her courage was coming from. “We didn’t come here to fight. You ordered me here. What do you want.” Stavros stepped back, surprised at the fierce look on Alexis’ face.

“My, my,” He grinned. “How the meek have risen. I’ve never seen you stick up for yourself, Alexis, much less, Stefan. You’ve changed.”

“Stavros, the fact I’m standing here talking to you makes me know I’ve changed. I’ve lost my mind! What do you want?”
“I don’t recall asking you to bring him,” Stavros replied looking past Alexis to Stefan. Alexis laughed.

“I heard your voice. I’m not gullible, nor foolish. You could be a figment of our imagination, a ghost. You could be a stranger who has had plastic surgery, or just a fiend who enjoys torturing people at Helena’s behest.” Stavros laughed, his voice carrying straight outside the yacht.

“I must admit you have spunk, Little One.”

“Go to hell, Stavros, or back to hell,” Alexis dared. She was rewarded by Stavros taking her hand and twisting it. Stefan pulled Alexis away and pushed her away from Stavros and Helena.

“Still enjoy hurting women, hmmm, Stavros,” He taunted. “Some things never change. Alexis is correct. You could be anyone, Mother’s new amour.” Stavros smiled a demonic smile reminding Alexis of how truly sadistic this man was. She continued to hold her own, to keep herself from trembling.

“It’s not hard to prove, Stefan,” Stavros said. “How many times did we do things only the three of us knew about? We didn’t tell Mother or Father all of our escapades, did we?”

“Escapades?” Stefan wondered. “You never did anything with Alexis or me, unless it was to make us miserable.” Stefan hated this conversation. He hated this nightmare. He wanted nothing more than to wrap his hands around his brother’s neck and finish what Luke didn’t. Stavros advanced towards Alexis. Stefan pulled her behind him.

“Go ahead, Brother. Protect her, but in the end, nothing will save either of you. Remember your fourteenth birthday, Alexis?” Stavros asked quietly. Helena leaned forward to better hear the dialogue. She saw Alexis’ face pale.

“Is that your proof,” She returned. “You want to be remembered for that?”

“You were suddenly so grown up in that white dress. When I came into your bedroom, you were dancing in front of the mirror. You looked like a little angel, I had to admit. Having my way with you was like frosting on the cake.” Stefan blanched. He had never heard of this from Alexis. Quickly he turned to her. One look at her, and he knew Stavros spoke the truth. He turned back.   With one full swoop, he knocked Stavros to the floor. Before Stavros could get up, Stefan dragged him to his feet. He hit his brother again and Stavros fell to the floor. The two guards rushed forward and pulled Stefan between them back towards Alexis. Stavros approached Stefan.

“Enough!” Helena cried. “I can see that nothing has changed. Stefan is still a boar, and Stavros, you are too much the devil. We invited Alexis here for a reason. That Stefan is here is so much the better. Now is the moment to finish it all, Stavros.” Stavros put his fist to his side. His cruel eyes never left his brother.

“As you wish, Mother,” Came the demonic reply.

“What do you plan to finish, Mother?” Stefan asked wearily. He wondered why he and Alexis had put themselves in danger like this. His answer came when the door to the salon opened. Two more of Helena’s men came into the room. They dragged a body with them. Throwing it onto the floor, they departed. Stefan stared in horror. Alexis ran forward and knelt over the still body. She touched his face. He was cold to the touch. She pulled him into her arms, her tears flowing in seconds.

“Luke?” She cried. “Oh my God. Luke, answer me.” There was no answer, only a blank gaze from the man who had fathered her child. Alexis looked up at Helena and Stavros. Stavros was smiling while Helena appeared smugly satisfied.

“You’ve killed him,’ She told them incredulously. “You’ve actually killed him.”

******

Lucky Spencer sat in his cell, wondering what else could go wrong. He knew his father had sacrificed himself for Helena and Stavros. No one would believe that Stavros was alive, that the devil incarnate had arisen from the grave. Laura would freak and God knows what that monster planned for Lulu and Nikolas . Lucky felt he could do no less than his father. He had to stay silent. His mind went back to those moments when Helena was urging him to inject Luke with a lethal liquid. Lucky stared at Luke, his heart racing in pain, his blue eyes angry and filled with horror.

“I love you, Dad,” His voice assured Luke. Father and Son never let their gaze waver. Lucky plunged the needle downward, his hand barely able to move. Luke’s almost instantaneous reaction ripped Lucky’s heart out. The following moments seemed to move in slow motion as Luke seized on the floor. Lucky, horrified and terrified, sat down, and gathered his father into his arms. This couldn’t be happening. Helena’s glee, and Stavros’ triumph were lost in those seconds when the father and son were one for the last time.

“I’m so sorry,” Lucky apologized. “It’s all my fault.”

“No, Lucky,” Luke gasped. “Never!” He died in Lucky’s arms, taking his last breath as Lucky sank into a dark fathomless world. It didn’t matter what the truth was. What mattered was the evil that prevailed at that moment, the evil that had just destroyed Luke and Lucky Spencer once and for all.

Lucky buried his head in his knees as he tried to forget the emotions that still tore at him. Luke’s face haunted him 24 hours a day. Where his father was left him tortured.

“Lucky!” came a voice, Lucky hadn’t expected to hear. It was Nikolas. He looked up to see his brother standing outside his cell.

“What? Nikolas, what are you doing here?”

“I posted bail.”

“You posted $500,000 in bail?” Lucky asked. “Are you nuts?”

“You planning to run?” Nikolas returned sharply.

“Hell no, but…” The police officer opened the door to the jail cell. Lucky didn’t hesitate. He hugged his brother close. Nikolas returned the hug.

“We have to get out of here,’ Nikolas said. “Something is going down at Helena’s yacht. Stefan and Alexis are there.”

“So?” Lucky questioned.

“Alexis said she heard a voice that sounded…look we can’t talk here. You coming with me or not. Whatever you decide, you’re free to go.”

“Lead the way, Bro,” Lucky replied. The two brothers went through the usual release measures that Lucky had to adhere to, to get out of jail. When they finally free to go, they stepped outside to find Sonny Corinthos waiting for them.

“Lucky. Good to see you,” Sonny greeted, hugging the young man. Lucky returned the hug.

“I didn’t think I’d ever get out of that hell hole,” Lucky responded.

“You ready to tell us what really happened to Luke?” Sonny demanded. “We don’t have much time. Alexis is in danger.”

“So is Stefan,” Nikolas added. Lucky looked from Sonny to Nikolas. He nodded. The three of them got into Sonny’s limousine that was waiting for them. On the way to the harbor, Lucky told them the whole sordid story.

******

“Why, Alexis,” Stavros taunted. “Didn’t Lucky tell you he killed his father?”

“Lucky wouldn’t hurt a hair on Luke’s head,” Alexis cried angrily. She brushed her hand through Luke’s hair again, staring into his unblinking eyes.

“You can’t even offer him a proper burial,” Stefan demanded. “That’s barbaric, even for you, Mother.”

“Luke sleeps the sleep of the dead,” Helena intoned. “His time is limited. You are right. Lucky couldn’t hurt Luke, but he thinks he did.”

“You are making no sense, Mother,” Stefan complained. Alexis tried frantically to find a pulse on Luke. She couldn’t. He was ice cold, dead. Or was he? Stavros bent down. He pushed his hand firmly into Luke’s chest. Luke moaned. Alexis gasped. Stefan felt an unusual feeling of relief flow over him.

“Lucky didn’t touch, Luke. It was Stavros who injected the medication into him as Lucky faked his injection. I knew Lucky wouldn’t do it. But I could make him believe he did.”

“You are both unbelievable,” Alexis said. Gently, she put Luke’s head down on the floor. She stood up. “You won’t get away with this. Where is the antidote?”

“Antidote? There is none. The medication will wear off eventually. But Luke is definitely running out of time. When he is found, he will be declared dead and buried alive. The beauty of the medication is, it will wear off, but by then, Luke will be six feet under. He will suffocate to death.”

“We won’t let you do this,” Stefan told his brother. “Luke may not be my friend, but no one deserves to die such a cruel death.” Stavros wore his devil face. He was nonplussed by Stefan’s objection.

“It is already done,” he told Stefan. “There is nothing you can do to stop it.” Stavros nodded to the two guards. One grabbed Stefan by his arms, and pulled him backward. The other pulled Alexis about the waist, and put his hand over her mouth so she couldn’t scream.

“You will both be far too busy going to Greece. I am the Prince. Soon I will make myself known. I will tell people that Stefan has gone into retirement and Alexis is taking care of him. No one will miss you. Nikolas is on our side now. The plan is foolproof.” Alexis and Stefan struggled to free themselves. At that moment, the doors to the salon opened. Men came from every direction pouring into the room. Stavros drew his gun, and pointed it at Luke’s head. He pulled back the trigger just as Nikolas lunged at him. The gun fired, making everyone stand still.

“Nikolas!” Stefan and Alexis cried. Both Nikolas and Stavros stood, father and son, staring at each other. Blood seeped from Nikolas’ shoulder. The gun had fallen to the floor. Sonny had a gun on the two guards who had no choice but to let Alexis and Stefan go. Nikolas kicked the gun out of the way. Stefan picked the gun up and kept it on his brother. Stavros froze. . Helena tried to escape, but Lucky pulled his own gun and held it on her.

“Going somewhere, Madame Cassidine?” He asked smugly. “Try it!” Lucky saw his father lying on the floor. He didn’t know how Luke had gotten there, but he couldn’t think about that now. Maybe, just maybe Luke was still alive.

“Well, Father?” Nikolas demanded. “What were you planning? Murder? Would you really murder Luke Spencer or any man. Are you a cold blooded murderer?” On the ground, Luke moaned, but didn’t move. Lucky heard the moan, and wanted to rush to Luke, but he couldn’t. Helena looked like a caged animal. Sonny nodded to his men. They took the two guards away. The other men left, leaving Sonny, Nikolas, Lucky, Alexis and Stefan with Stavros and Helena. Stavros was still staring at Nikolas.

“Well?” Nikolas tried again. “Aren’t you going to say anything, Father?” The last word was said very sarcastically. Stavros hand whipped out and struck Nikolas across the face. Nikolas maintained his composure. He looked at Stefan.

“He’s just as evil as you said he was,” Nikolas said. “Lucky told me what he and Grandmother did. We can’t let them go free, not now.”

“You think you will stop us, Nikolas?” Stavros laughed. Stavros gave a look of contempt to the group that held guns on him. “I am infallible. Nothing can kill me.” Stefan stepped forward.

“You are wrong, Brother. You can die in an instant, just like the rest of us. The fact you are human may be lost on the human race, but it is true.” Stavros felt the cold steel of a letter opener in his hand, provided by Helena who stood slightly behind him. Where she got it from, he didn’t ask. His sudden slash at Stefan made Stefan drop his gun. A stream of red poured out of a wound on Stefan’s arm.

“Come on, Brother, be a man,” Stavros goaded. Stefan was unarmed. Yet he attempted to fight the man who was his brother and a ghost at the same time. Stavros lunged at Stefan and Stefan kicked at Stavros’ arm, hitting his ribs instead. Stavros ignored the pain of the kick. Stefan whirled around, and then kicked Stavros in the chest. Stavros, surprised, fell backward, dropping the letter opener.   Stefan quickly picked the letter opener up. He was holding it outward as Stavros jumped towards Stefan again. Before Stefan knew it, he had plunged the knife into his brother’s chest. Stavros’ eyes widened as he felt the sharp burning that sunk into his chest, hitting his heart on target. The letter opener should have bounced off a rib, but somehow went between the ribs and hit his heart. Stefan left the letter opener then as Stavros clutched his chest. His eyes met his brother’s.

“Stefan!” He gasped. Pulling the letter opener out himself, Stavros gasped in pain. He fell to his knees. Stefan watched him unemotionally.

“I was human,” Stavros said at the last. Helena’s cry was too late as she caught Stavros in her arms. He looked up at his mother. His hand touched her face, then fell to the ground as his eyes closed, and he gasped his last breath. The ghost was gone, and this time there would be no bringing him back. Helena, in disbelief, grabbed the letter opened and jumped up towards Stefan. He easily disarmed her, throwing her to the floor while the others watched. Lucky raced to Luke. It was over. It was all over.

“You’ve lost, Helena,” Alexis told the old bat. “You’ve lost.” Helena, her mind boiling in anger stood up.

“I never lose,” She intoned. “You’ve killed my son yet again, but you will all pay for your treachery.”

“No, Grandmother, you will pay,” Nikolas replied, holding his shoulder.   “You will spend the rest of your life in prison. I will see that you never leave Greece again.” Helena smiled.

“Foolish Boy. You can’t hold me. I will be free,” She told him firmly. “When has anyone ever held me?” From his pocket, Lucky took the syringe that he hadn’t used that day on Luke. Without hesitation, he plunged the syringe into Helena’s arm. He injected the full amount. He had kept the medication in his jacket pocket, the jacket that waited in Nikolas’ jag, even though Nikolas didn’t know it.

“Go to hell, Helena,’ Lucky said as a look of horrific pain shot across the old lady’s face. Suddenly Helena appeared every bit as old as she was. Just as Luke’s body had, she fell to the ground, seizures tossing her back and forth. No one bent to touch her. Her mind tried to fight. She couldn’t die, couldn’t give in. She knew she would be a living corpse until Nikolas got her to Greece. She would fight. She would avenge Stavros, her Stavros…The pain coursed through her body. She wanted to scream in terror, in a rage, in rebellion. Instead, the tremors slowly receded. Helena’s hands lay at her side. She felt her body relax, then the blackness took over. Helena stared into nothing. Life as she knew it was over forever. For a second everyone was frozen, all of them shocked by both Stavros’ death and Helena’s lifeless body. Stefan and Nikolas watched as Lucky went back to Luke. Sonny pulled Alexis in to his arms. She was trying not to cry.

“Shhh,” He told her. “Shhh.” Alexis didn’t object to his embrace or comfort. Stefan ripped part of a tablecloth and wrapped it around his bleeding arm. Nikolas also needed medical attention.

“Stefan, You tell me what to do. My men and I will take care of this mess,” Sonny offered. “You and Nikolas need to get to a hospital. So does Luke. You don’t have time to waste.” Stefan was a little surprised by Sonny’s offer. He went over to Alexis.

“You okay?” He asked his sister.

“Yes, I’m a Cassidine, aren’t I?” Alexis replied, trying to laugh, but not succeeding. “We’re all survivors.” Alexis stepped away from Sonny. Slowly she made her way over to Luke and Lucky. Lucky was holding Luke in his arms again. His pained eyes spoke volumes to Alexis. She touched Luke’s chest with her hand, then Lucky’s face.

“He’ll be all right, Lucky. You know he will. He’s Luke Spencer. It will take more than a Cassidine to bring him down.”

“He’s my father, Alexis. I love him,” Lucky said simply. Alexis smiled. Luke, still unconscious was heavy in Lucky’s arms, but Lucky didn’t care. He held on to his father for dear life. Alexis smiled at her son and the man she had loved once so long ago. Lucky didn’t know it, but he was born of a love that would never really die. Alexis stood up, giving silent thanks to God for saving Luke Spencer. She would always be grateful he hadn’t paid with his life for Helena’s treachery. She turned back to Sonny.

She looked at Stefan and Nikolas who were hugging each other in their mutual relief and caring for each other.

“Boy am I glad we’re the good guys,” She smiled. Sonny burst out laughing and pulled her into his arms. His wild Greek love. Only she would rise through the ashes of disaster and make a joke. Only his Alexis. God how he loved her. At that moment, Sonny vowed to make Alexis his, always and forever. He would never let her get away from him again. Never.

*****

Night had come to Port Charles. The worst day of Alexis’ Davis’ life was over. Luke had been taken to GH with Nikolas and Stefan. Nikolas and Stefan had been treated and released. Luke had awakened, and told Mac exactly what happened. The charges against Lucky were dropped. Luke was still in the hospital with Lucky and Laura at his side. Stefan and Sonny had disposed of Stavros’ body. As for Helena, she was on her way to Greece. Stefan vowed, she would never waken again, and she would never be a threat to him or Nikolas again. He could only pray that this time, Helena would be neutralized. He could only pray.

Lying in bed with Sonny, Alexis wasn’t really thinking of what had transpired on the yacht. Instead, she was remembering her fourteenth birthday, how ashamed she had been. The pain of that day had been buried, but Stavros had opened some of those wounds. She had been so young, so vulnerable. Stavros had hurt her, and he had no remorse.

“Alexis,” Sonny breathed as he held her close. “I was worried about you. You and Stefan took quite a chance.” Alexis laid against Sonny, fiddling with her hair.

“We didn’t have a choice. If Stavros knew you were helping us, he would have killed Stefan and me immediately.”

“I’ve never met anyone like him,” Sonny admitted. “Unless it’s Sorel.”

“You’re not kidding,” Alexis shivered. “When I heard his voice on the phone last night, I thought I had heard the devil himself.”

“I think you did,” Sonny agreed. “But now it’s over. Stavros and Helena can never hurt you again.”

“You think not?” Alexis asked. She shivered again. “Helena has nine lives. Apparently, so does Stavros.”

“Trust me, Stavros was well and truly dead. As for Helena…well I think Stefan will take care of her.”

“I don’t want to talk about it,” Alexis replied, suddenly petulent.

“We don’t have to,” Sonny smiled. His hands touched her waist through her her diaphonous gown. Alexis trembled, pushing thoughts of Stavros away from her mind, remembering the gentleness that was Sonny Corinthos. This was Sonny.

“Sonny,” She gasped turning over to look at him. Her lips found his, and consumed him in a fiery passion. Sonny couldn’t help but respond. They were enthralled with each other, their bodies flying together as one while they consummated their love. Alexis felt as though she were giving her soul to Sonny’s care. Sonny felt as though an angel had been given to him as they collapsed in bed next to each other. They had never felt anything so beautiful, so satisfying, so miraculous. Their love was real. It was tangible. It was a part of their worlds that they could each savor with each other.

In those moments, Sonny and Alexis found their hearts were protected by each other. No matter what happened to them, their love would be an asylum. Their hearts would never be broken. They had each other, and they would never let go.

Lying in bed, gazing at each other, Sonny stroked Alexis’ cheek.

“Will you marry me, Alexis?” He asked softly. Alexis didn’t protest this time. She tasted Sonny’s strength as she kissed him. Then she drew back. She winked at him.

“I thought you’d never ask,” She grinned. In response, Sonny Whooped in delight, then proceeded to make love to his fiance again. Sonny Corinthos and Alexis Davis had found each other. And by the grace of God, the asylum of their hearts would bind them in love…until the end of time.