Lisa yelled, “You let my father think that I was dead? For all of these years?” As if trying to convince herself, she repeated, “My father thinks I'm dead."
Ruby could tell that Lisa was upset, and made no attempt to calm her down, but she knew that was jumping to some conclusions. "It's not as cut and dry as that, Lisa. There’s more to it."
"Oh please. Care to enlighten me?"
"Luke was in no position to care for you. I had no idea that Frank Smith would still chase after him once you became his charge."
Lisa just stared at her. Her voice was dripping with sarcasm. "His charge?” she repeated. “Oh yeah. Frank Smith really wanted me. Shuffling me off to the Cassadines not 24 hours later. I was just property to him. Something to be sold or traded to the highest bidder."
Trying to absorb all the new information, Lisa continued, "You thought that letting my father think that his child was dead would free him from a madman? Why is that so hard for me to believe."
"Lisa, it may be hard to believe, but it's the truth."
Lisa stood up again and resumed her pacing. In just the last three minutes, she had gone from hating her father to feeling sorry for him. She couldn’t go on feeling like she had been thrown away by her father. She had been ripped from his life, both of them unwilling participants. She struggled to keep her tears in check, refusing to cry in front of the woman that had known the truth all along.
Ruby continued, "I had my reasons for allowing Luke to think that you were dead."
Turning and staring at Ruby, Lisa challenged her. "Oh this is going to be good. Didn't you realize that I was only four years old when I became a servant to the Cassadines? Four! What kind of childhood did you think I would have? One that was better than what my own father could have provided for me?"
"I had no idea that you would become the Cassadines’ servant. If I..."
Lisa interrupted, "Not now Ruby," she managed to get out through clenched teeth. "I can't handle it." Lisa headed for the door, half expecting Ruby to follow her.
Ruby didn't budge. Lisa walked out the door and at the last second turned and faced her. "Why did you do it? Why didn’t you tell my father the truth? Especially after his run-ins with the Cassadines." Her voice caught in her throat, “He would have taken me back, wouldn’t he?”
"I don’t know," was all Ruby could quietly respond. “But you are a Spencer. You’re a survivor, don’t forget that.”
"Yeah right," Lisa muttered sarcastically as she walked down the stairs and ran into Lucky.
He had tried to hide, but was overwhelmed by the conversation. He just stared at her with a blank look.
"How much did you hear?" Lisa asked, concerned.
"I, uh," he stuttered.
"C'mon, let me explain, just not here."
Lucky just nodded and followed his big sister down the stairs and out the door.
*****
Lucky and Lisa were sitting on the docks with their legs hanging over the water. Lisa had been explaining her story to Lucky. He was surprisingly calm through her tale. “I’m sorry, Lucky. I didn’t want anyone to find out. Especially like this.”
Finally, he spoke, "It’s okay,” he said emotionlessly. “So what's the deal with the Cassadines?"
"You know them?"
Lucky shrugged. "The name's familiar," he said, not giving away anything.
"I was their servant until Stavros died. His brother, Stefan, took a liking to me and 'released me of my responsibilities,' I think is how he phrased it. I don't remember exactly. I was only ten years old or so."
Lucky shook his head in disbelief. "So why did you stay with them?"
"They took good care of me. When I was old enough, I left and have just traveled since then." She watched Lucky’s expression. She didn’t want to give away the whole truth. Not until she was ready.
"Using the Smith name?"
She looked at him rather indignantly, "What other name would I use? Spencer?" Lucky glared at her. She added, "I haven't used that since I was a little girl."
"It's not that, it's just that..." Lucky started before dropping the thought. “Nevermind.” He picked up with another line of questioning. "What do you want here in Port Charles?"
"You mean why did I come here?"
"Yeah."
"I heard from a reliable source that your little sister was ill, and I came to town to see if I was a match. I was actually getting ready to leave right around the time you had your accident."
"And you stayed...why?"
"Honestly?" Lisa asked.
Lucky nodded, so she continued. "When I came with you to the hospital, they insisted on checking me out as well. After that little expense, I didn't have much money left, and no place else to go. I needed a job to save up some money to leave, and your," she paused, correcting herself, "our dad gave it to me. Then there was just something about him coming to the hospital when you were hurt."
"Because he never did that for you, or what?" Lucky asked, confused.
"Because...oh, I don’t know.” She took a deep breath, “I always dreamed about what it would be like to have him in my life. I don't know what would have happened if I had been able to stay with him as a kid. We’d probably hate each other, as opposed to not knowing one another. Which is worse?"
For once, Lucky didn't have an answer. But he did have yet another question. "You gonna tell Dad now?"
Lisa shook her head, "Nah."
Lucky looked as if she'd slapped him. "Why not?"
"No need to. You told me how much stress your family was under when you found out you had a brother."
"He's not my brother," Lucky quickly interrupted.
"Okay. Well, maybe he’s not your brother, but he's still your mother's son. I would only be another piece of the pie of trouble. I can’t do that to either you or your parents."
Lucky had to convince her. "Doesn't Dad have a right to know you're here?"
Lisa was quicker than that. "He does know I'm here. He just doesn't know who I am. Lucky, a long time ago, he said goodbye to this child," she said, pointing at herself, then she continued. "Only a few people knew that I wasn't actually dead. Obviously he's made peace with that part of his life and didn't choose to share it with anyone. Who am I to disrupt that?"
"His daughter," Lucky countered, and then added, "and you're my sister."
Lisa smiled. "Thanks. I'll always remember you said that Little Brother. Deal?"
"Deal. Now tell Dad.”
“Nice try kid,” she said, shaking her head.
Lucky gave in. She was a Spencer all right. Stubborn as any of them. “Okay. For now, we’ll do it your way.”
Lisa dropped another one on Lucky, “I won’t be in town that long anyway.”
Lucky had had it. “What? You can’t just go! I just found out the truth about you and now you’re leaving. No way.”
Lisa felt like they’d just taken three steps backwards. “Lucky, the longer I stay here, the more chances that someone will put two and two together. I’ve been saving everything I made at the club, I have just enough to move on now.” She sighed, “Besides, what makes me any different that your mother’s son?”
“Your main goal in life isn’t to make every Spencer miserable. Or worse, dead.”
“Aren’t you giving that kid too much credit?”
“Nope. He’s like yesterday’s garbage.”
Lisa just nodded, not really knowing who her brother was talking about or what to say even if she did. She had no idea that Lucky’s half brother was Nikolas Cassadine.
*****
Later that night, Lisa was leaving work at the club. As she walked out, she called out to Mike, “Later, Mike.” She hadn’t even gotten past the alley when a dark clothed figure jumped out and pinned her to the wall.
“Well my Lisa. My precious Lisa. How long did you think that you could run away from me?” the figure sneered.
“You. How did you find me?” she asked of the all too familiar but despised individual.
“Now you know I won’t tell you that. Since your loving ‘protector’ doesn’t even know that you’re here, I guess he can’t stop me now.”
Lisa blinked back tears, “Please Billy,” she begged, “Just don’t hurt me. I’ll do anything you want.”
“Of course you will, my darling,” he said, yanking one hand through her hair as he held her around the neck with the other hand. Lisa just closed her eyes and prayed for this nightmare to come to a quick end.
*****
CHAPTER FOUR
Lisa slowly pulled herself up from the floor of the alley. She looked around, but saw no one. That relieved her slightly. She reached up and touched the bruises that were quickly forming on her face. She wound her way over to the nearest pay phone and dialed the New York City number by heart. She knew she could reach someone there.
“The number you have dialed has been disconnected. Please check your number and dial again,” the cold steely voice told her.
“Damn,” Lisa said, slamming the phone down. An idea occurred to her, and she dialed another number. Finally, a real person, “Yes, I’m looking for Alexis Davis. I dialed her room, but I got a recording.”
“Miss Davis is no longer in residence. I’m sorry,” the building manager told her.
“Do you have a forwarding address for her?”
“I’m sorry, Miss, are you a relative of Miss Davis?” he asked suspiciously.
“Yes sir,” Lisa lied quickly, “I’m Sheila Davis. I was planning of visiting her, but I haven’t talked to her in so long. I was beginning to get worried.”
“Ah yes,” the man said, “Miss Davis left instructions in case you called. She’s staying in Port Charles, New York.”
“Port Charles? Are you sure?” Lisa asked. The man proceeded to give her Alexis’ new address. Thanking him quickly, Lisa hung up the phone and started walking towards the Port Charles Hotel. It wasn’t until after she had been walking for a few minutes that she realized how sore she was getting. Billy had really given her the once-over. Sighing, Lisa was thankful it wasn’t a long walk to the hotel.
*****
Alexis jumped slightly when the doorbell rang at her hotel room. She wasn’t expecting anyone, and so far, no one had stopped by since she got to Port Charles.
Alexis put down the paper she was reading and crossed over to the door. Opening it, she saw a beaten and badly bruised Lisa. “Oh no. Not again, Lisa.”
Lisa could only nod as Alexis stood aside to let her wander in.
“How did he find you this time?” Alexis asked, concerned.
Lisa shrugged, “Good guess?” she offered sarcastically.
“How badly are you hurt?” Alexis asked as she went into the kitchen to get ice for Lisa’s bruises.
“No more than the obvious,” Lisa responded as she sat on the sofa.
Coming back into the living room and putting the ice on Lisa’s eye, Alexis asked, “I didn’t realize that you were here in Port Charles.”
Lisa shrugged, “I didn’t know you were here either. I told your building manager in New York that I was Sheila, so he’d give me your new address.”
Alexis nodded, “Good thinking. How long have you been here? And does Stefan know you’re here?”
“I’ve only been here a few months. I’ve not been able to get up with Stefan to tell him. Everytime I try to call, they say he’s out of the country. Nikolas must be with him too.”
“He’s here in Port Charles too.”
Lisa had no idea. "What?"
Alexis just nodded. "He'll have a fit when he sees this again. He was so sure that you were safe from Evans."
Lisa shook involuntarily when that name was mentioned. "So was I. I hadn’t seen him in months. I thought the last time would have broken him of his obsession.”
Alexis shook her head, “You know how Cassadine men are about their obsessions.”
“Unfortunately,” Lisa said, slightly touching the bruise around her eye, but thinking of something completely different. “Speaking of Billy, would it be too much trouble for me to stay here tonight? I fought him off this time, but I'm afraid he might know where I'm staying."
Alexis nodded again, "Sure thing. You can stay here as long as you like."
*****
After Lisa was safely tucked into Alexis' spare bedroom, Alexis quickly dialed Wyndemere.
"Stefan, it's Alexis. You have a problem. Leezia is here in Port Charles. So is that Evans character that's been harassing her. She had another run in with him tonight."
"That man is the scourge of my family,” Stefan’s voice fussed about Evans. “Where is Leezia now? How is she?" he worriedly asked.
"In my spare bedroom. She’s shaken, bruised pretty bad, but she wouldn’t let me take her anywhere. But she’s afraid that Billy knows where she’s staying and didn’t want to go home. I’m just afraid that the next time might be more serious. I think she’s in worse shape then she’s letting on."
"I'll take care of it. Just keep Leezia there until I get there tomorrow morning. I need to see her, Alexis."
*****
Alexis looked into her spare bedroom at 5:30 the next morning, but Lisa was already gone. She saw a note laying on the dresser. She picked it up and read it.
“Alexis. Thanks for letting me stay here last night. I know you called Stefan after I went to bed, and quite frankly, I’m not ready for him to see me. I can’t let him see me like this. I’m sorry. Tell him I’m sorry. Lisa.”
Alexis sighed as the doorbell rang. Early as usual, she thought. She quickly walked to the door and let in Stefan.
“Where is she?” he asked, walking into the room. “Where’s Leezia?”
Alexis shook her head, “She’s gone, Stefan, I’m sorry.”
“You were supposed to keep her here!”
“She was gone by the time I got up. She left this note,” Alexis said, handing Stefan the note.
He read through it quickly. “What is she so afraid of, Alexis?” Stefan asked almost desperately. “This is insane,” he said, walking quickly for the door.
“What are you going to do?” Alexis asked.
“What I should have done a long time ago.” Stefan left as quickly as he had come, note in hand.
Alexis just sighed and shook her head.
*****
Lisa very cautiously walked into Kelly's. She was watching to see if anyone was following her or if anyone noticed her. Just then, Ruby came out of the kitchen. Lisa walked up to her.
"Honey, what happened to you?" Ruby asked, worried about her niece. “You’re coming in awfully early, or late, as the case may be.”
“I had a little accident, so I stayed with a friend last night.”
Ruby crossed her arms, “Uh huh. It’s not even 6am yet. Why don’t you tell me what really happened.”
Lisa shook her head. "Rub, I'm supposed to meet Lucky here later this morning. I don't want him to know what happened."
"You know he’s going to ask, don’t you?”
“Of course he’ll ask, Ruby. But I’ll just tell him I fell down the stairs or something.”
“Who did it?" Ruby asked knowingly.
"Billy Evans," Lisa responded matter of factly. "He’s been after me for years. I have a feeling things might get worse before they get better."
"Honey, you cannot put up with crap like that."
Lisa sighed. "I don’t just ‘put up with it’, it’s more complicated than that. He thinks he owns me and has for years. What am I supposed to do? I fought him off last night, but I think all I did was make him madder. It’s taken him months to find me."
“How long are you going to live your life like this?” Ruby asked.
Defiantly, Lisa said, “Quite frankly, that’s none of your business. It’s my life and how I choose to live it is my problem.”
“Even if it only gets you a slab at the city morgue?”
Lisa nodded somberly, “Yes, even then.”
*****
Later that morning, after Lisa had showered and tried her best to cover the bruises on her face, Lucky walked in the door. Taking one look at her, he saw the attempts to cover the bruises. He asked the inevitable question. "What happened?"
"Accident. I wasn't paying attention to where I was walking and fell down the stairs last night," she lied.
A tad suspicious, Lucky gave her a strange stare, then decided to let it go at that. "Just watch where you're going next time, sis. Okay?"
Lisa smiled. "Yep."
"You still up for hanging out today?"
"Little Brother, the only thing really bruised is my ego. And you promised to show me all the sites of Port Charles." And with that, they both headed for the door.
“I thought I’d show you the catacombs. It’s like a Spencer family hangout,” Lucky said, smiling.
“Well, what are we waiting for?” Lisa said as they left.
Ruby silently watched them go. She thought about calling Luke and telling him to keep an eye on her while she was working at the club, but that might bring suspicion that she knew shouldn't be raised. Suspicions or not, she knew that Lisa needed to be watched out for. She picked up the phone and dialed Luke.
*****