| Chapter 5 Harborview Towers Alexis collapsed in her living room, the room they had left hours before to look for Lucky and Emily. Stefan Cassidine sat across from his sister. He looked around realizing that Luke had disappeared. “Where’s Spencer,” he demanded cautiously. “Did he go call the police?” “Luke?” Alexis asked in surprise. “Clearly you don’t know the man well, Brother. Luke would as soon call the police on this as break his right arm. No, he’s probably gone over to Sonny’s. I can’t do this, Stefan. I can’t go through this.” “Alexis, I’m not sure why you are getting so upset in the first place. I know you have been going out with Luke for a while, but I didn’t think you were that close to Lucky. Surely…” “Stefan, would you shut up a minute,” Alexis pleaded wearily. She picked up the white sweater that Luke had brought with them back into the penthouse. She could smell Emily’s perfume. Holding the sweater to her, she curled up on the couch, exhausted. Stefan came to sit next to her. Gently he brushed her brown hair. “What, Alexis. Tell me. What is it?” His voice was gentle. Only Stefan knew when Alexis was truly vulnerable. This was one of those times. Not only could he see it, he could feel it. Alexis was close to the edge. “This sweater,” Alexis whispered. She held the white fabric as close to her heart as she could, as if she could hear the owner’s heartbeat within her own. “Yes, Alexis?” Stefan asked. “What about the sweater.” “It’s Emily’s,” Alexis breathed. “Yes?” Stefan queried. “Alexis, you aren’t making any sense.” Nor would she. Alexis had fallen asleep on the couch, her breathing soft and regular. Stefan sighed, sitting next to his sister. She was exhausted. That was understandable. Why was she so upset? It didn’t make sense. Perplexed, Stefan got up walking to the other side of the room. He could see out on the city of Port Charles below, a different view than Wyndemere’s, but no less beautiful. He pulled out his cell-phone. He had a call to make. The phone answered on the fifth ring. Stefan was a little impatient wondering why Celine didn't answer. “Celine? Where are you?” He demanded shortly. “Stef? Is that any way to greet your wife,” Celine purred into the phone. “I missed you.” “I missed you too.” “Did you find Nikolas?” Celine asked, her voice a perfect mixture of concern and love for Stefan, when in reality, she was trying to steer him away from discussing her whereabouts. “Yes, I found him. He’s fine. He’s with Gia. They’re still looking for Lucky and Emily.” “Stef, this isn’t your concern,” Celine pouted on the other end. “We’re on our honeymoon. As long as Nikolas is fine, can’t you come home. I have delicious plans on how to spend the rest of the day so you can catch up on your sleep.” “Alexis is upset. I need to stay with her until Luke comes back.” “Luke?” came the puzzled reply. “Luke. Lucky’s father. You know Luke Spencer.” “Luke Spencer?” Celine’s eyes met Helena’s who smiled knowingly. Celine turned her attention back to the phone. “I had no idea you were fond of the man!” She snapped. “Celine, that’s ridiculous,” Stefan said patiently. “Alexis just needs someone to stay with her right now. I should be home soon.” “I suppose that will do,” Celine said coolly. Stefan groaned inwardly recognizing Celine’s moodiness. “Celine!” He said with exasperation. “Good night, Stef. I love you,” Celine’s seductive voice whispered, knowing she had gotten to the man. She hung up the phone while Stefan slammed his in his pocket. That woman could be so infuriating. But when he thought of her delicious body, and mysterious personality, he found himself quite helpless. He turned back to Alexis. Sitting next to her, he still couldn’t help being intrigued. He had seldom seen his sister so distraught. Stefan sighed. Of all the bad timing. He had been so looking forward to spending time alone with Celine. God knew he had enough hell from his mother in his life. Now having Alexis’s world turned upside down seemed to be too much. But Stefan knew he would be there for his sister. He only hoped his relationship with Celine would not be effected by this latest catastrophe. * * * * * Celine put her cell-phone back in her red alligator skin purse, lying it on the glass table in Helena’s sitting room. Helena, dressed in a white diaphonous gown with a light silk robe, and white silk slippers was still reeling from Celine’s daring threat. “You still have not answered my question, Celine,” Helena hissed as Celine turned to face her. The two women were circling each other like wary cats guarding their territory. They stood, one on each side of the glass table, trying to glare each other down. “I have no intention of answering your question, Helena. It’s foolish to expect any action yet. There hasn’t been enough time.” “You have been under my employ for over six months!” Helena reminded Celine coldly. “Plenty of time to bring my son to his knees.” “Oh, Helena, I thought I knew you better than that,” Celine laughed, a short, frosty laugh that Helena rather admired. “Excuse me?’ Helena replied just as icily. “I thought you wanted Stefan to suffer, slowly, painfully. If you expect me to move quickly, then I might as well take a knife and cut Stef’s heart out right now. I can do that. No problem.” Helena looked closer at Celine’s face. The look of disdain and contempt in the younger woman’s eyes was clear. Murder wouldn’t bother her in the least. Helena smiled. “You came highly recommended,” She conceded, smiling just the least bit. Celine stood her ground, refusing to give an inch. “I see you will more than meet my expectations my dear. Very well, I will be patient.” Helena’s face changed in an instant, her eyes burning into Celine’s with venom as poisonous as death. When she spoke, Celine knew the Greek madwoman meant every word. “Know this, my Dear!,” Helena told her daughter-in-law menacingly. “It doesn’t matter how good you think you are. If you fail, your life will be forfeit. Nothing will save you.” “Threatening people again, Grandmother?” Nikolas exclaimed coming into the room. “My uncle’s new wife? You don’t waste anytime do you?” Celine and Helena turned to see an infuriated Nikolas, still accompanied by Gia. He stood, his fists clenched at his side, Gia standing protectively next to him. In silence the two women exchanged glances. Nothing like being caught in the act. * * * * * He watched Emily, her tears enticing, alluring, her eyes bright as she looked fearfully around the room. Hidden in the shadows, he waited knowing the boy would not be out long. He could barely contain his excitement, knowing what was coming. The plan had been so carefully executed, so meticulously laid out. The next part was so simple, yet if something went wrong, everything could unravel. He pulled a rope that hung behind the thick purple curtain. Then he slipped behind the curtain, being careful not to be seen. In anticipation, he rubbed his hands together and waited. Through the foggy haze of his mind, Lucky heard Emily’s voice, soft, pleading. He wanted to answer her, he did. Instead, only a slow moan escaped his lips. This only fanned Emily’s hopes. “Lucky, please. Please wake up. I need you. I don’t know where we are. Please.” Emily’s scream pierced Lucky’s ear as the door to the ornate room was thrown open. Two guards came into the room. They were dressed in uniforms of blue, much like policemen, their hair cropped close, their faces clean shaven. Emily threw herself over Lucky, clinging to him. In seconds the men were across the room. One guard pulled Emily off the bed. He pinned her arms around her, while his partner tore off the silk nightgown she had been wearing. With that tear, the gown fell to the floor, leaving Emily completely naked. She stood, almost in shock as a foreign hand touched her. ''My, My, what do we have here,'' the man laughed in gruesome delight. ''Just what the doctor ordered for me.'' He had a thick accent Emily couldn't place, nor was she concentrating on it. She was too frightened. The man came closer, his hand touching her face, feeling the smoothness of her beauty. Then his lips kissed hers, his hands caressing her hips. Emily tried to fight, but was held securely against the second guard. She shivered uncontrollably, though whether it was from fear or cold, even she didn’t know. ''Please...Please,'' She begged, her voice quivering. ''Don't!'' Her heart beat wildly as she struggled, wondering if this was how Elizabeth felt when she was raped in the park. Emily turned her head to see Lucky moving on the bed, rolling over, his blue eyes still closed. “Lucky help me!” Emily screamed. She knew he couldn’t but she couldn’t help her cry. Lucky continued to move slowly as Emily tried to draw further back from her attacker. With no where to go, all she could do was close her eyes, willing his hands to go away, to stop touching her where she didn’t want him to. ''So young, so beautiful,'' came the cruel words. Emily spit at him. He retaliated quickly, slapping her across the face. Then he grabbed her face, forcing his lips on her again. Emily was so repulsed by his foul breath and touch, she wanted to vomit. In complete helplessness, she was certain he would have his way with her, then kill her and Lucky. Hyperventilating in terror, Emily fainted. Her legs buckled. “Stupid *****,” the guard swore in frustration. The other guard grinned as he relaxed his hold, and picked Emily up. Her soft skin was alluring. He stood, holding her, her weight nothing in his arms. Now he would have his way with her first. “You should have took her when you had the chance,” He teased. “I still have the chance. You think I’m finished?” his partner asked. “You are finished, Hans,” a voice ordered from the doorway. Lucky looked up from where he was trying to sit on the edge of the bed. He saw the young man in the doorway. He was maybe Nikolas’ age a few years older maybe. He walked over to the guard. He was tall, wearing casual clothes, his hair brown, his eyes a weak blue color. Lucky wondered who he was, and what he wanted now. He had to get to Emily, but he was so slow. His muscles just wouldn’t do what he wanted. And he couldn’t remember why. “Master Anders,” the guard stammered. “I didn’t mean any harm.” “The hell you didn’t,” Master Anders retorted. “You were expressly ordered to guard Lucky and Emily, not hurt them. You know what the punishment is for disregarding the rules.” “Master Cesar said we should teach them a lesson.” The guard explained. Lucky found his way to his feet. He held on to the post on the board, but he was standing. “Emily? My God,” He cried. Emily was still held in her captor’s arms. Finding strength somewhere, Lucky pulled the coverlet off the top of the bed and flung it over his friend. “Put her down,” He ordered. “You heard him,” Master Anders said. “Put the girl down and get your sorry butts out of here before I report you to my father.” Emily was hastily back on the bed. Lucky sat down, pulling Emily into his arms as the two guards left. He covered her modestly. He looked at their rescuer, his anger and disgust evident. “Can’t you get her some clothes for God’s Sake,’ He cried, trying to maintain his composure, but finding it difficult. “Relax, kid, we’ll take care of her. It could have been worse.” “How?” Lucky demanded. Emily opened her eyes. She screamed wildly, sitting up. Lucky pulled her to him. “Em, Emmie, It’s okay. It’s just me! Its Lucky!” Emily heard the voice, but it took a minute to believe it. She felt the strong arms, and pulled away until she saw it was Lucky. Then she burst into tears and fell against him crying. “We have to get out of here. I don’t suppose you’d like to help us?” Lucky tried, knowing the answer before Master Anders came over to the bed. He sat waiting for Emily to calm down. Lucky and Emily couldn’t know that Anders had infinite patience. “I’d like to help, truly I would. That’s why I scared the guards off. I might be able to help you in the long run, but you mustn’t tell my father.” “Your father?” Lucky asked. “Who is your father?” Emily was collecting herself. She pulled the coverlet more tightly around her. Master Anders held out his hand in an apparent friendly greeting. “My name is Anders. I’m ashamed to admit it, but I guess I’ll have to. My father is Cesar Faison, and he is the reason you are here.” * * * * * His mind was on two people. Maybe it should have been just on the boy, his boy. When it came to the Cowboy, Luke’s emotions knew no boundaries. Lucky was his world, pure and simple. No matter what Lucky thought. No matter what Lucky felt, he was Luke's pride and joy. Knowing the boy was missing made Luke crazy, his mind blown away by thoughts he didn’t want to entertain. They were just getting back on track, almost the same way they had been before the fire. This couldn’t be happening again. Standing outside Alexis’ door, Luke wasn’t sure if he could go back in. He wanted to run, to find Lucky on his own. He wanted to run this show, this time, not be manipulated by a crazed Dutchman. His hand touched the door, knowing Alexis was on the other side. When had her spirit become so entwined with his, so much a part of his soul that he would consider her wants, her anxiety, the depths of her anguish over his own? Shaking his head, Luke knew he didn’t know. But he couldn’t let her down. She needed his help as much as he needed hers. They had to find Lucky and Emily or lose their minds in the process. That was what the children meant to them. Luke knocked on the door. He turned the handle, not surprised to find it locked. He took out his key, and turned it in the lock. Stepping inside he saw that Stefan had fallen asleep on a sofa chair. Alexis was no where to be seen. Walking softly through the apartment, he went into her bedroom. Sure enough, she was there, wearing only her slip, sitting in the window, watching the first rays of light come up over the river. Her face turned towards his. He couldn’t see in the shadows. Gently, he sat in the window seat with her. Alexis’ eyes pleaded with him. Luke shook his head. “Sonny didn’t know anything. He’s got his people out looking. Nothing.” “Luke, I’ve been such a fool,” Alexis moaned. “She may never know the truth now. Oh, God why didn’t I tell her?” “Natasha, stop it! Stop it,” Luke cried pulling her to him. She ignored his words, knowing he was hurting every bit as much as she was. “We’ll find them. I’m not giving up on the Cowboy, not now, not ever.” Alexis buried her head into Luke’s chest. She just wanted him to hold her. “Luke, I’m sorry. I’m not as strong as you,” Alexis whispered. “Hell, Darlin, I’m not strong. I’m the biggest coward there is.” Alexis looked up. Softly she wiped away the tears in Luke’s eyes. He pulled her close, hugging her for all he was worth. She was all he had now, and maybe all he would have for the rest of his life…unless they found his boy. |