Chapter13
Elizabeth was sitting on the edge of the dock sketching as Lucky made his way over to her with their lunch.
She looked up with a smile. “There you are. I thought you had forgotten we were meeting here today.”
“No. I didn’t sleep well last night and slept in this morning. Got a late start,” Lucky explained.
“Are you still having nightmares?” Elizabeth voiced her concern.
“Yes,” Lucky replied in a clipped tone. He reached into the bag. “I got you chicken salad,” he remarked as he handed her the sandwich.
Elizabeth took the sandwich from him and studied him silently for a moment. “Do you remember what the dreams are about?” she asked as she unwrapped her sandwich.
“No,” Lucky lied. “I just wake up screaming and in a cold sweat.”
“Well, if it’s any consolation, Stefan will go to prison for a long time for what he did to you.”
Lucky stopped eating and looked at her, his eyes clouded in despair. The sandwich suddenly tasted like cardboard and he laid it down.
“What’s wrong?” she inquired when she saw him not eating.
“I’m not as hungry as I thought.” He shrugged, glancing across the water to Spoon Island.
“Poor Nikolas, having to live with that man all these years and then finding out he would do such a thing.” Elizabeth shook her head.
“Can we not talk about Stefan?” Lucky whispered, feeling the guilt well up in him yet again.
“Sure. I’m sorry. I know it upsets you,” she said apologetically.
Once again he made someone feel he was afraid of Stefan. When would it all end? he wondered as he looked toward Wyndemere.
Elizabeth turned toward him, then followed his gaze to Spoon Island. He was staring at it as if mesmerized by the place. What had happened to him? Lucky wasn’t the same as he was before. He did a good imitation of himself, but he was somewhere else half the time when he was with her. Elizabeth felt like she was losing bits of him everyday and she didn’t know what to do about it. Lucky wouldn’t open up to her, and Nikolas said pretty much the same thing when they compared notes. She had to do something before she lost him again. “Lucky?” He didn’t answer. “Lucky?” she called louder.
Lucky looked at her and she could see he was not with her, he was far away in his thoughts.
“Did you say something?” he asked absently.
“Let’s get away and go for a walk,” she suggested.
He sighed. “I’d like that, but I have to meet with this new doctor today.” Lucky looked at his watch. “In fact, I need to be leaving now if I’m to make the appointment on time.”
Elizabeth stood up with him. “Okay, will I see you later?”
Lucky smiled. “You know you will,” he said softly.
Elizabeth melted into his arms and he buried his face in her thick brown hair and breathed in her comforting smell. She pulled away from him slightly and touched his face with the tips of her fingers. “Lucky do you know how wonderful it feels to hold you again?” she whispered almost in tears.
“Yes. I know. I feel the same way when I hold you,” he replied with a smile.
They came together in a long breathtaking kiss. Each of them trying to cling to what they thought they were losing.
“I will see you later,” Lucky promised as he walked away.
Elizabeth watched him until he was out of sight. Lucky was slipping away from her. She had to talk to Nikolas. Maybe he would know what to do.
Lucky walked along the water’s edge in deep thought. He had lied to Elizabeth, his appointment with Dr. Rosenthal wasn’t until late that afternoon. There was always this need to be alone, and sometimes he just couldn’t tolerate being with his family and friends. Spoon Island caught his attention again and he gazed at the island as if it would give him all his answers. He had to see Stefan. There had to be a way to see him but he just hadn’t figured it out yet. A thought suddenly occurred to him. Perhaps if he went down to the PCPD he could sneak in and see Stefan. After thinking about the possibilities of his idea for a minute he decided it was worth a try.
**************
Lucky strolled into the police station and nonchalantly took inventory of his surroundings. The sign in desk to see the prisoners was located separately to the left of the main room. The only problem was if he went over to the desk he would be exposed to the room’s occupants. Someone would see him and want to know who he was going to see. The officer who manned the desk was unfamiliar to Lucky, and he knew if he could get past this person without someone seeing him, he would be free to see Stefan.
“Lucky?” Mac Scorpio inquired, as he walked up to the boy. “What are you doing here?”
Lucky thought quickly. “I came by to see if you needed anything else from me,” he replied.
Mac smiled. “No. I think unless you remember something you may have forgotten we have enough. The DA’s office will be contacting you shortly for a more in depth interview. But just wait for their call.”
Lucky nodded. “Okay. I just thought I’d come by,” he said casually.
Someone called the commissioner. Mac laid a hand on Lucky’s shoulder. “Thanks for coming by and checking,” he said before he went to a desk to speak with an officer.
Lucky looked around one more time before he left. Outside of the building he paused and reflected. The only way he was going to get past that desk was if there was a crisis going on or if the room was busy. He would have to stake out the front of the building and wait for his opportunity, he decided.
Later that afternoon Lucky arrived at Dr. Baldwin’s office. Laura was waiting for him. Lucky took one look at her and cringed inside. Her beautiful blue eyes were dull with lack of sleep and she looked exhausted. He felt a powerful surge of love for this woman who sat at his bedside nightly and held him while he shivered and cried over his terrors. His mother’s vigilance was the only thing that was keeping him sane at the moment, but he knew it wouldn’t last forever. The nightmares he had that he couldn’t explain were full of horror, blood, and revenge. He remembered flashes of Laura and crimson. It was an image burned into his subconscious, and it scared him more than anything. Would he be capable of hurting the person who loved him the most? The uncertainty of the answer was frightening to him.
Laura hugged her son. “Are you ready to see this doctor?” she asked.
“Yeah.” Lucky shrugged. “Though, I don’t know what good it will do.”
“Maybe he can help you with the nightmares,” Laura replied gently. “You can’t go on like this, every night not being able to sleep.”
Lucky shuffled his feet. “I know.”
“And maybe he can help you remember everything clearer,” Laura added hopefully.
Lucky looked at her wistfully thinking it would be the answer to his prayers to finally feel whole again.
Gail Baldwin came out of her office with a tall, dark-headed man and introduced him.
“Laura and Lucky, this is Dr. Sidney Rosenthal.”
“Dr. Rosenthal, this is your patient, Lucky Spencer, and his mother, Laura.”
Sidney Rosenthal appraised Laura Spencer. He couldn’t help it. She was breathtakingly beautiful, and had the most amazing blue eyes he had ever seen.
He shook her hand. “Mrs. Spencer,” he voiced, in his smooth modulated voice.
Laura gave a start. His voice was so much like Stefan’s, it made her long to hear his velvety voice again. She gave the man one of her brilliant smiles and he caught his breath at the shear splendor of it.
Tearing himself away from her smile, he turned his attention to her son, studying him quietly for a second. “Lucky.” He shook the boy’s hand and noted the apprehension in the boy’s eyes.
Laura started speaking. “I’m sorry Lucky’s father couldn’t be here. Luke was injured in a fire last night and he is in a great deal of pain and unable to be here.” Laura covered for the missing Luke. She had phoned him earlier to tell him of the appointment, but she doubted if he remembered. His voice had been slurred with the effects of the pain pills or alcohol, or perhaps both.
Dr. Rosenthal surreptitiously glanced down at Laura’s ring finger and noted she wore no wedding ring. “I can speak to him later, if I need. I hope he wasn’t injured badly, ” he remarked.
“No. He’ll be all right in a few days,” Laura assured him.
The doctor looked at Lucky. “Shall we get started?”
“I suppose so,” Lucky replied with some reluctance.
The first session went well. Dr. Rosenthal took Lucky back through his childhood and he learned about the gypsy lifestyle of the Spencers. It was the next session that would start the ball rolling. They would be getting into Lucky’s life in the past few years and if all went well it would bring them to the kidnaping.
Dr. Rosenthal normally didn’t want to meet all the players in his cases. This one was different. He was curious about Stefan Cassadine and his motives. The man had paid him a small fortune to take this case and he wondered about the character of the man. His testimony might not be useful in a court of law when it was discovered that the accused had paid his fee unknown to the family. So what motives did this man have? The more he thought about it the more intrigued he became. It was unorthodox for him to visit Stefan, but he decided he would to satisfy that curiosity.
Absolution
Chapter 14
Stefan was deep into financial reports when he heard his study door close. Glancing up, he saw Laura leaning against the door, a small, wicked smile curved her lips.
“Laura, I wasn’t expecting to see you until tonight,” Stefan smiled with pleasure as he took off his reading glasses.
Laura gazed at him silently for a second, a knowing look on her face. “I had to come and thank you personally for all the flowers you sent today,” she replied, thinking about how her house had to be filled to the brim with every daisy in the state of New York.
“Well, I still can’t fathom why you like daisies, when I could have sent roses or any other exotic flower in the world to you,” Stefan acknowledged grudgingly.
“I’ve told you before,” Laura started.
“They’re simple and not ostentatious.” Stefan repeated the words with her, and Laura grinned. He knew her so well.
Stefan smiled at her obvious merriment. His reports forgotten, he rounded the desk on his way to her.
“Stop right there,” Laura commanded.
Stefan halted immediately, a confused look blanketed his face.
“See that chair?” Laura pointed.
“Yes.”
“Pull it right there where you’re standing and sit down in it,” she ordered.
After Stefan did as he was told, he asked curiously, “What is going on?”
Laura reached behind her and locked the door, glancing back at Stefan with a devilish smile at his wide-eyed look. “It’s Valentine’s Day and I’m going to give you your present early,” she purred.
Stefan grinned in delight. This promised to be interesting.
Laura was dressed head to toe in a long black skirt and long sleeved black blouse. Her hair was up and she had deliberately dressed demurely, with as much skin covered as possible.
With precise, beguiling movements, Laura slowly stretched her hands to her hair, extracting each hair pin in an unhurried manner, dropping them to the floor nonchalantly. She never took her eyes off Stefan, watching him as he watched every movement she made. When all the pins were removed, she tossed her head forward then threw it back, languidly running her fingers through her hair as she closed her eyes and thought about how Stefan’s lips felt on her body.
Stefan’s chest grew tight as he watched Laura’s movements. His breathing quickened as he watched the look of sensual pleasure flit over her face, as she wove her fingers through her long blond hair. What was she thinking? he wondered.
Laura opened her eyes and smiled provocatively at him. Seeing she had his undivided attention she continued her slow dance of seduction. Starting with the top button on her blouse, she took her time pushing each one through their eyelet, pausing to stroke the skin she exposed. Stefan was growing more and more frustrated by the moment, wanting to go and rip the blouse off and take her against the door. At last Laura slid the material down her arm and Stefan could feel the hair on his arms stand as he breathlessly waited for the offending garment to be removed. First one arm and then the other, it felt like Laura was moving in slow motion.
Laura dropped the blouse in the floor and watched his reaction. A slow hiss came from Stefan as his eyes took in her half naked appearance. Laura had on a black lacy bra that left little to the imagination. The cut of the bra left her breasts almost totally exposed. It plunged low, down to her nipples, the swell of her breasts bulged from the confines of the lace. Stefan shifted uncomfortably in the chair, fully aware that the trousers he had put on that morning were now feeling quite snug.
She tilted her head back and taking the palm of her hand started from her chin, caressing down to her breasts with half-closed eyes. Laura’s breasts rose and fell rapidly as she thought of what his hands could do to her. Stefan clutched the arms of the chair. The temperature of the room had suddenly become intolerable. “Laura,” he rasped desperately as he started out of the chair.
“Stop,” Laura insisted.
Stefan fell back into the chair. “This is torment,” he groaned.
Laura smiled provocatively. “You told me you liked my brand of torture,” she murmured.
“Even I can only take so much,” he moaned.
Laura only smiled, turning her back to him she consciously made an effort to drive him wild. With great embellishment she drew down the zipper of her skirt with afflicting slowness. The skirt pooled at her feet and she heard his gasp.
Laura had on a black lacy garter belt, nylons, and stiletto heels. There was nothing covering her delectable derriere except for the thin spaghetti like string merging from her crack. She pulled her hair up and he got a tantalizing look at her long white neck down to her round bottom. Stefan found he couldn’t breathe. All her soft white skin exposed and he couldn’t get near to touch her. Laura turned around and ran her hands leisurely over her body.
An explosive rumble came from Stefan’s chest as he watched Laura caress herself. She was totally uninhibited and he was reminded of how she was years ago on the island. Laura had been unrestrained in her earthiness then as she was now. His eyes drank her in, from her tangled mass of hair his eyes traveled to the white swell of her breasts to her flat stomach, meandering onto the tiny, lacy triangle between her legs, finally to the exposed thighs above the garners, then down her long legs incased in the black nylons. He swallowed hard, his white knuckled fingers squeezed the arms of the chair in his attempt to stay put as Laura had asked.
Laura paraded her way to him, pausing just outside his grasp. Stefan reached for her, a predatory gleam in his eyes. “Not yet,” she whispered.
Stefan closed his eyes in disappointment. “I’m not going to be responsible for my actions,” he growled, as he opened lust filled eyes.
Laura grinned, enjoying the complete control she had over him. “Keep your hands to yourself,” she ordered as she leaned over and pressed her hands over his. “Keep them right here,” she instructed.
Stefan only looked at her through heavy lidded eyes that promised payment for what she was doing to him.
“You have on too many clothes,” Laura muttered, as she bent forward to unbutton his jacket. Stefan got a bird’s eye view of the rise of her breasts and a titillating glimpse of her rosy nipples. He tried to focus on control, though he didn’t know how much longer he would last. Laura peeped at him through her lashes and almost giggled at the look of determination on his face. Stefan sat forward as Laura pulled his jacket off, his face almost buried in her breasts. It was all he could do to keep his lips still. Laura started working faster, unbuttoning his shirt quickly and almost ripping it off him. She sighed at the sight of his buff chest. The Cassadine medallion glistened invitingly to her. Unconsciously she licked her lips and Stefan thought he would shatter into tiny pieces if she didn’t hurry and get him undressed. At last she pulled off his belt and slid his zipper down. He lifted his hips to help her ease his trousers down and off. Laura threw them aside and gazed unabashed at his arousal.
“My, my. I think someone’s happy to see me,” she quipped.
Stefan groaned at her joke and Laura grinned at him. She got down on her knees between his legs and lowering her head, teasing the tip of his manhood with her tongue, trailing down the side to the base and back up again as Stefan leaned his head back in the chair in total bliss. Laura’s hand caress his scrotum as she took him fully in her mouth. A strangled cry came from Stefan’s throat as he grasped a hand full of her hair and thrust gently into her mouth a few times before pulling her up.
“Enough,” he gasped.
Laura stood and stuck her legs underneath the arms of the chair and sat in Stefan’s lap. He grasped her hips in his hands and rubbed her crotch against his hardness. Laura moaned and Stefan smiled, it was payback time.
His lips brushed the hollow of her throat, then transversed along her collar bone with light feathery kisses. Laura’s fingers played across his rib cage as his tongue drifted across the rise of her breasts down into the soft valley between them. The contrast of roughness of his beard and softness of his tongue sent shivers down Laura’s spine. She tipped her head back with a whimpering moan as he rubbed his thumbs back and forth over her lace-covered nipples and watched in satisfaction as they stiffened into hard nubs. Stefan’s mouth fastened on her nipple and he gradually increased the suction until Laura’s breaths came in short gasps. The palms of her hands slid slowly up the taunt muscles of his chest, stealing up around his neck and then plowed through his thick tawny hair. Laura mashed her hungry loins against his hardness and Stefan dragged his velvety lips to the pulse in her throat. Gently biting her on the chin, he looked into eyes that were like twin blue flames. His tongue charged across her full warm lips. Laura’s lips separated slightly and his tongue sank into her mouth. The hot pointed tip of his tongue sparred with hers in growing intensity. The sweet taste of his saliva was like wine to Laura. She couldn’t get enough of the taste of him. With a slight moan he broke the kiss and tasted the skin along her jaw as he worked his way to her ear lobe. His arms pulled her more snugly into his embrace. Laura could feel his throbbing hardness pulsate against her. As his hot breath and tongue teased her ear, she snaked her hand down between their bodies to stroke him. His hands reached around to unclasp her bra and ease it off of her. Cupping her breasts in the palms of his hands, he marveled at how taunt they grew with just his touch. Stefan had to sample them. He circled the base of her breast with his warm tongue then worked his way up to the crest as Laura’s thumbs made lazy spirals around his hardened nipples. Stefan lightly nipped, sending a lightening bolt of ecstasy crashing into her chest. He took in her lips that were swollen from his kisses and began a slow plunder of them again. His hands unhurriedly made their way down her chest and stomach to the thin scrap of material between her legs, as his lips nibbled hers. The lace between her legs was soaked with her juices and he caressed her through the material. Laura made muffled noises against his mouth, her crotch ramming hard against his hand. He pulled the offending material out of the way and with sure fingers touched her, making Laura call out his name softly.
“I must have you now,” Stefan whispered in a voice heavy with desire.
Stefan lifted her hips and she slowly sank down taking him in a little at a time, prolonging the sensation. They stayed still for a few seconds, Laura enjoying how he filled her completely and Stefan, the feel of her velvety heat enveloping him. Their eyes met in complete unison. Laura leaned forward to brush his lips gently with her own.
“I love you, Stefan,” she whispered achingly against his mouth.
“And I love you,” he rasped, before their mouths melted together in a tender caress.
Laura moved slowly against him as her hands cavorted across his chest, loving the feel of his hard muscles against her fingers. Her lips brushed his furry cheek as Stefan closed his eyes exalting in the feel of Laura making love to him. Laura’s lips glided down his neck and she tongued the pulsing hollow of his throat. The tips of her fingers outlined his hardened nipples. He moaned as her jutting breasts scraped against his chest, their pointed peaks awakening every nerve ending. Stefan’s hands glided up her nylon clad thighs and around to fondle her bottom. Laura undulated against him briskly. Her hips shot into him, drew back, and shot forward again. Stefan could barely move and he reached for Laura, his hands spanned her waist and with each stroke he pulled her down more solidly on his shaft. The feel of her soft thighs brushing against his hips was rattling Stefan. He felt a primal, urgent need to thrust into her and grasped her more firmly around her waist, gently pulling them into the floor. Laura wrapped her legs around his waist and arched herself to meet his driving masculinity. The Cassadine medallion bumped her chin, and for once Laura ignored it. The sharp hammer of his pelvis was already causing tremors to rack her body. He felt her convulse under him, sucking him in deeper and he drove into her with a sure, steady rhythm. Laura alternately squeezed and relaxed her muscles around him and Stefan faltered, his limit reached. “Laura,” he gasped. She grabbed the back of his head and molded herself to him to take his last powerful thrusts, crushing her lips fiercely to his. Stefan’s tongue shot into her mouth as hers lunged up to meet his. Laura’s fingers raked his back as they exploded together in a throbbing fiery climax. Their sweat drenched bodies lay entwined as they gasped to catch a breath. Stefan rose up on his arms to gaze lovingly into Laura’s contented face.
“I loved my Valentine’s present,” he whispered hoarsely, as he tenderly kissed the tip of her nose.
Laura smiled languidly at him, as her fingers combed his hair. “Oh, it’s not over yet,” she replied softly. “I still have on some clothes, and I fully expect to see the creative way you’re going to remove them, “ she challenged.
Stefan grinned. He could think of a dozen ways, and got to work.........
A cell door closed with a loud bang down the corridor, and Stefan woke with a jerk. Lifting his head from the wall he straightened up and looked around in confusion. Disappointment washed over him as he realized he wasn’t in his study with Laura’s soft body underneath his. Valentine’s Day had been close to the end for them, he reflected. Who could have known what would transpire in the next few weeks would rip them apart when they had been so close to nirvana? He leaned forward and gazed at the floor in contemplation. Why was he always thinking of making love to Laura, other than the obvious question? It was then he realized that when they made love they were in complete synthesis. Nothing could touch them. The outside forces that had torn them apart for so long disappeared while they were in each other’s arms. The only thing that came into play when they were joined was that they were complete, it didn’t matter he was a Cassadine or that she was a Spencer. All the baggage fell away, leaving only two people who became one in heart and mind, two halves together made whole. Stefan’s heart ached for Laura, without her, half of himself was missing.
Stefan looked up out of his contemplation as one of the guards opened the door leading into the outer room.
“Cassadine. You have a visitor,” the man announced.
Stefan was expecting Alexis, so was overwhelmed with joy when he saw Nikolas sitting in the visitor’s room awaiting him.
Absolution
Chapter 15
Nikolas was uncomfortable. The look of happiness on his uncle’s face made him feel guilty. He wasn’t there to offer Stefan support, but to find answers. Stefan grew solemn as he saw the turmoil on Nikolas’ face.
He sat down in front of his nephew and folded in hands in his lap. “Nikolas, it’s good to see you,” he remarked quietly.
“I heard you had been shot. Apparently it wasn’t bad,” Nikolas noted as his eyes swept over his uncle.
“I’m recovering. Why have you come?” Stefan questioned.
“I need some answers,” Nikolas replied urgently. “You say one thing. Lucky says something totally different.”
“Lucky was kidnaped by your grandmother and brainwashed to accuse me.”
“And why should I believe that? All my life I’ve heard how evil, how bad Helena is, but all I remember when I was growing up was her sick and lying in a bed.”
“She was dangerous, even immobilized. Helena couldn’t get out of that bed, but her mind was still sharp. She was still able to plot her evil and her minions tried to carry out her orders. Most of which I was able to intercept and stop.”
“Why? She says she loves me. Why would she take my brother away from me if she knew it would hurt me?” Nikolas demanded.
“She may love you in her own demented way, but her main goal is to control the Cassadine legacy. The only way she can accomplish that is to control you,” Stefan explained. Thus, she had Lucky accuse me to get me out of the way. And I’m convinced she has some diabolical plan set in motion to destroy your mother and Luke.”
Nikolas was still disbelieving. How could he trust his uncle? He had lied to him his whole life. He knew Stefan loved him, but the things he did in the name of that love were something Nikolas couldn’t accept anymore. As long as it served Nikolas, his uncle would do anything to accomplish the goal. Laura didn’t believe Stefan, so how could he? At last Nikolas felt like he had a real family, a mother, brother, and little sister. It was something he had longed for all his life, acceptance from Laura. Now that he had that at last from his mother he didn’t want to lose her. Nikolas just didn’t know what to believe. Stefan had said so many things about revenge when they first came to Port Charles. Was this just another game from the master chessman? Nikolas knew Stefan plotted his moves well in advance. Had this all been planned from the very first?
“She hasn’t done anything to them so far, why would she start now?” Nikolas questioned.
“Your grandmother is a patient woman. She’s waited this long to get Timoria for Mikkos and your father. If she must, she would wait a few more years to see it fully come to pass,” Stefan explained patiently. “This much she said to me.”
Nikolas was still unsure. He had to think about this a little longer. “I want proof. That’s the only way I’ll believe you,” he replied after a moment.
Stefan sat back in the chair and wondered just what he had to do to get someone other than Alexis to believe him. He was weary of explaining himself. Why was it he could never count on any support from those who said they loved him when he need it?
He leaned forward and looked Nikolas squarely in the eyes. “You will have your proof,” he replied, a cold edge to his voice. “Then you and your mother will see that you’ve misjudged me.”
Nikolas was taken back at the frosty tone of his uncle’s voice. It was almost as if Stefan didn’t care any more what they thought and he tried to backtrack. “It’s just hard to believe you when my brother says differently,” he tried to explain.
“I think you’d better go,” Stefan advised, dismissing him.
Nikolas stood. “I want to believe you, but you’ve made it impossible,” he said softly. He paused at the door to look back at his uncle and was shocked at the anger he saw in his uncle’s eyes. Stefan deserved better than what he had given him, and Nikolas felt guilt sweep through him because he hadn’t been able to give him that support.
The look of turmoil and anguish on the dark-haired boy who emerged from the room gave Dr. Sidney Rosenthal pause. From his description the doctor surmised he was Lucky Spencer’s half-brother, Nikolas Cassadine. Apparently his visit with his uncle had not gone well from the look on the boy’s face.
Dr. Rosenthal watched him walk away then opened the door and went inside. The prisoner was sitting at the visitor’s table with his face buried in his hands. At the sound of the door closing he looked up and the doctor was surprised to see how haunted the man looked before the look was replaced by a bland mask. This was not going to be easy, he realized.
“Stefan Cassadine?”
“Yes,” Stefan replied, his eyes narrowing at the strange man.
“Dr. Sidney Rosenthal.”
Stefan quietly studied him for a brief moment. “I see. What can I do for you doctor?”
The doctor sat down and folded his hands on the table. “I need information. I normally don’t immerse myself so deeply into my patient’s lives, but this proves to be an exception.”
“Indeed, and why is this patient so different?” Stefan inquired.
“The case is unusual. The participants unique,” he explained.
“What do you want to know?” Stefan asked guardedly.
“My first question is why you paid me a king’s ransom to see this boy when my testimony will not be useful as evidence when you go to trial? The District Attorney would tear my testimony to shreds stating I had been bought by you to bolster your case, and the face that I’m seeing the child without the parent’s knowledge that you are my benefactor. It doesn’t make sense,” the doctor puzzled.
“I didn’t want your help in my criminal case. Once Lucky is able to tell the full truth, he will exonerate me. And besides, Lucky needs the help. There’s a chance he may harm those around him if he doesn’t get the help soon.”
“You feel he could resort to violence?”
“I believe he already has,” Stefan replied. “The fire at Luke Spencer’s club was probably started by Lucky. The rest of his family could be in danger too,” Stefan replied, his eyes clouding with thoughts of what might happen to Laura and Leslie Lu.
“Do you have any proof of this?”
“No. Just instinct. My mother said Lucky would destroy the Spencer’s from within. I believe her plan was for it to happen gradually, but I took Lucky before her indoctrination was complete. The boy may be short circuiting.”
Dr. Rosenthal pondered. “Interesting concept. Lucky has none of the classic symptoms of mind control, the robotic speech, lack of affect.”
“He seemed completely normal to you?” Stefan asked, as he gazed intently at the doctor.
“I can’t make that assumption on just one session. The Spencer boy was a little too anxious and he fought the hypnosis. There are more subtler forms of mental conditioning. The subject seems to be normal. No deviations in manner of speech. Then some image or code word appears and the programing is triggered as if a button has been pushed.”
“The programing wasn’t completed. I took Lucky before my mother had completely accomplished her conditioning. Perhaps I inadvertently said the code word or phrase when I talked to him,” Stefan voiced with a frown. “In any case the boy is dangerous. The quicker you find out what’s wrong, the faster catastrophe can be averted,” Stefan insisted.
“You say your mother kidnaped the Spencer boy and subjected him to mind control. What kind of games do the Cassadines play?” Dr. Rosenthal asked, with a shake of his head, making a mental note to check out the Cassadine family further.
Stefan smiled was unamused. “The deadliest kind. Revenge, death, and destruction of your enemies. Nothing nor no one is considered off limits.” He said softly, “Even a child. A mother who would try to murder her own son would have no reservations about hurting someone else’s child.”
The doctor was taken back for a moment. What Stefan had described was fiendish. “Are you saying your mother tried to kill you?” he asked in disbelief.
“On more than one occasion,” Stefan stated matter of fact. “The first time when I was about two years old. I almost drown. She stood by and watched as I fought for my life.”
“What you are describing is a monster.”
“I believe that’s a polite description of my mother,” Stefan replied sardonically. “She’s a woman with a heart cold as ice. Anyone who gets in her way is expendable, even her son,” he acknowledged softly.
Dr. Rosenthal had come across cases of abuse by mothers but it was rare for it to be blatant. Most of the time it was due to some underlying illness, not pure evil. Was there more to this than Cassadine was saying? Was this man using Lucky Spencer in a game between himself and the Spencers, or between himself and his mother?
“How do I know you’re not using me in your game?”
Stefan leaned forward angrily in his chair. “I do not play games with children’s lives, nor do I wish to harm the Spencer’s, or my nephew.”
“You’re nephew’s mother is Laura Spencer,” Dr. Rosenthal stated.
“Yes,” Stefan said tersely.
The doctor felt the change in Stefan’s demeanor at the mention of Laura Spencer and decided to pursue the matter.
“A very beautiful woman,” he remarked.
“Yes,” Stefan agreed softly, his inner pain flashing briefly in his eyes.
Rosenthal understood then. Cassadine had feelings for the Spencer woman.
“My mother has always hated Laura. She blamed her for taking away her favorite son. When Laura married Stavros, she became my brother’s first love, usurping my mother’s position. Then she blamed both Luke and Laura for the deaths of my father and my brother. My mother vowed Timoria on them both, and she has put that revenge into motion.”
“And you?” Rosenthal asked curiously. “You don’t want revenge for the same?”
Stefan smiled at his probing. “My family hated me, so why should I feel anything but gratitude for what they did? My father was a cold, heartless man, my brother a bully and drunk who made my life miserable.”
“And Laura Spencer?”
Stefan glanced at the man sharply, wondering what he had given away, or if the man was just speculating. “Are you trying to analyze me, doctor?” he asked in amusement.
“I think you would be a very interesting subject,” the doctor replied. Stefan Cassadine was an unknown, a man of many faces, and one he would relish peeling back each layer to expose what was hidden underneath that calm, cool mask.
“Don’t even try,” Stefan commanded harshly. “I have no wish to share my inner most thoughts with you or anyone else. All I ask is you help the Spencer boy before he harms someone.”
Dr. Rosenthal was silent. Stefan Cassadine had already told him more than he realized. He decided to try one more time. “So you’re telling me that you’re doing this out of the goodness of your heart and not because you have feelings for the boy’s mother?”
Stefan leveled an icy glare at the man. “Laura Spencer and my nephew believe I was responsible for Lucky’s kidnaping. I want my name cleared. That’s all.”
The doctor wasn’t entirely convinced, but decided he wouldn’t get a confession about Stefan’s feelings for Laura Spencer and what, if anything it had to do with his case. Perhaps it was best he back off. He had no doubt that Stefan Cassadine could be a ruthless man when he wanted.
*************
Lesley had come back from North Carolina from her routine visit to her doctors and Laura was relieved that her mother’s condition was still improving. Her doctors expected her to recover more of her lost memories, though they had warned her mother she would never be the same as she was before the accident. She was glad Lesley had returned. With her job, Lulu and sitting up with Lucky after he woke from his nightmares, she was mentally and physically exhausted. It was good to know she finally had some help.
“Laura?” she heard Luke call.
“I’m in the kitchen,” she yelled. Laura was clearing the dinner dishes and turned to look at him when he came into the room. For once he looked sober and Laura decided it was time they talked about what Alexis had told her.
“Sit down, we need to talk about something.”
“What’s that?” Luke replied, hoping she wasn’t going to start about the pills and drinking again.
“Alexis came to see me yesterday.”
Luke was instantly alert. “And what did Natasha want?”
“She had a message from Stefan. She said that Stefan thinks Helena may have programed Lucky to do something to us.”
Luke snorted derisively. “And you believed her? Cowboy looks and acts fine. Besides he’s too strong for someone to have brainwashed him,” Luke said mockingly.
Laura wondered why Luke always made her feel so dumb when she said things he in which didn’t agree. Stefan never did that, a little voice in her head whispered.
“But what if it’s true, Luke?” Laura pleaded. “What if we just can’t see it and someday he just explodes and hurts one of us?”
“You spent too much time on Spook Island with the count,” Luke dismissed. “Besides, isn’t he seeing this new shrink? If something’s wrong with him, the doctor should be able to figure it out.”
Laura knew then it was like talking to a brick wall. What had happened to them? They had in the past been able to sit down and discuss a situation and come to the same conclusion. Now everything had changed. They were so far apart and Laura knew there was no going back to the way it was before. She changed the subject.
“How are you doing now?”
“The burns still hurt, but not as much,” he replied. “The pills seem to be helping now.”
Laura was silent. She wondered how much he was drinking along with the pills. “I’m glad you’re better.”
“Well, I came by to see Lulu and Lucky before I go to the club,” Luke replied.
“Mom’s giving her a bath. Just go right up. And Lucky is out with Elizabeth.”
As Luke bounded up the stairs, he wondered if what Laura had relayed to him was true. Did Helena do something to his son? He couldn’t admit anything to Laura. First Stefin had to be convicted then he would reward the black widow for what she had done to Cowboy. Until then all he could do was watch for signs that Lucky was indeed under some kind of mind control.
Later that night Laura’s sleep was troubled. Bits and pieces of images and words kept coming to her. The visions and phrases were fleeting, good times and bad. All the love and hatred in a disorganized jumble.
“Is it possible for a dream to come late? With no promise before and none likely?” Stefan asked her at the cove.
In the park, the last time she saw him before she went to Switzerland. “I was really wrong about you, you are worse than Stavros and Helena put together,” Laura said in anger. “Oh, but when it comes to deceit, I stand humble before the master,” Stefan replied back cuttingly.
They were talking and remembering the past. “I kept all your secrets and you kept mine.” Stefan looked deeply into her eyes. “We still do.”
“Oh, yes, I know you do love him in your own way. The way that poisons and finally deadens, like a snake bite that has to be lanced, extracted, and spat away. It’s the venom that needs to be removed,” Stefan told her coldly.
Stefan was showing her the site for the house he wanted to build for them. “But once this house is completed, I will have shown you everything, my heart, my devotion, my intentions for the future.”
She had gone to see him after faking her death. “You know, you think the Cassadines are so vicious and horrible, and from your perspective that may be true. But never, never have we traded on love and feelings the way you have. There are names for women like you. But mark me, and mark me well. I will not allow you to come and whore your way out of taking responsibility for the damage you’ve done,” Stefan said coldly. “You bastard,” Laura hissed.
She was on the phone at Luke’s club asking to see Nikolas. “I’ve never known you to go back on a promise.” Stefan replied, “What makes you think you’ve ever known me at all?” Laura smiled, and responded, “Maybe I know you better than you do.”
“They’re all gone,” she sobbed. He held her and as he stroked her hair whispered, “You have a family. One you never expected, but a family nevertheless. Nikolas and I are waiting for you to come home.”
They were in the park arguing. “Luke was right. You are pure Cassadine.” She walked away and Stefan jumped up from the bench and grabbed her wrist. The feelings dredged up from just a touch shocked them both. “Lasha, wait. You’re wrong. I do care,” Stefan insisted, his voice full of unsaid emotion.
“God, I hate you.” Stefan got in her face. “Say it, say it, Lasha. I want to hear you say the words.” Laura hissed, “That you’re his father.”
“I can’t imagine my life without you,” she told him.
“Do you have one moment in your life that you question? Even though you’re not sure if you would do it anything differently this time? Laura questioned. “Yes,” he whispered.
“I owe you nothing. I promise nothing,” Stefan said hatefully. “I want you to know I’ll never forgive you for what you’ve done to me. You know what you’ve turned me into. I was a Cassadine too.” She walked away from him, leaving him stunned.
“The woman who made me see that life was more than pain and anger and revenge belonged to my brother and loved yet another man. Tell me, Lasha, if I had been the only one? If it had been just you and me? Under different circumstances without impossible choices, could you have loved me?”
They had just made love, and she was so happy. “So here we are. I never thought my life would be right again.”
“I never take love for granted. I haven’t experienced enough of it to dare,” Stefan told her the day she was trapped at Wyndemere in the storm.
“I’ll do anything for you Laura, anything,” Stefan whispered as he held her close.
“No. I won’t abandon you again. I won’t do that to you, I promise,” she told Stefan the day Nikolas found out Stefan really wasn’t his father.
“I remember, I remember everything,” Stefan whispered as he grabbed her hand and looked deep into her eyes.
“I wanted to punish you. To be the living instrument of my brother’s curse,” Stefan told her. “What changed your mind?” she questioned. “An intention is a slight thing after all. It can feel as if it animates your every act and in a moment it can drop away and show another face. Maybe my reasons were hidden from us both.”
“Do you know how much I love you?” Laura finally told him.
“I’ve dreamed of this for so many years,” Stefan whispered, not believing this was happening. Laura smiled happily. “It’s not a dream anymore.”
“You are the worst one of all,” she hissed as she accused him of kidnaping her son.
“You’re making a mistake, Laura,” Stefan said sadly at her front door.
Laura’s sleep was restless. Across the hall Lucky woke from a deep sleep and mechanically moved over to his backpack, searching and finding an object. Lucky found himself in her room, staring down at his mother as if she were a stranger. “Lovely, lovely neck,” her voice whispered insidiously. He smiled maliciously and touched the button on the switchblade he had in the palm of his hand. The blade came out smoothly and he took a step toward the bed.
Absolution
Chapter 16
“You’re making a mistake, Laura.”
“Making a mistake....”
Laura sat up in the bed gasping for air. “Stefan,” she whispered, wondering why she kept hearing him repeatedly say that over and over in her mind. “A mistake,” she could hear him echo in her head. And his eyes were so sad and something else, warning? A movement caught her eye, seeing the dark shape of a person near her bed, a tremor of fear shot up her spine. “Luke?” she called out tentatively.
Lucky halted and blinked, momentarily caught off balance at the sound of her voice. The realization dawned on him where he was, but he didn’t remember getting there. “It’s me, Mom,” he whispered, as he felt the weight of an object in his hand. To his horror he found it was a knife and he hurriedly closed it.
“Lucky?” Laura reached over and turned on the bedside lamp. Lucky put his hand up over his eyes to shield them from the brightness. Seeing his uneasiness and bewilderment, Laura threw the sheet back and climbed out of the bed. “What are you doing here? What’s wrong?” she asked anxiously as she stood in front of him.
Lucky palmed the knife and discretely put his hand behind his back. “I don’t know,” he said in confusion. “I am just here,” he whispered.
Laura was worried, but tried not to let her son know. “You must have been sleepwalking,” she replied gently. “Let’s get you back to bed.”
Once Lucky was settled back in his own room, Laura sat down bedside him. “Do you want me to stay until you go back to sleep again?” she questioned, concerned by the frightened look on her son’s face.
“No,” Lucky managed to say. “I’ll be all right. I’m tired and I think I’ll be able to get back to sleep quicky.” He faked a yawn.
“I’m just across the hall if you need me. Promise me you’ll call me if you need anything,” Laura urged as she stroked his hair back from his forehead. He looked just like a small child, lost and unsure of himself, and Laura’s heart broke.
Lucky smiled half-heartedly. “I will,” he promised.
When she was gone, he pulled his hand out from under the blanket to stare at the object in his palm. Where had this come from? he wondered. He pressed the button and watched in horror as the sharp blade popped out. He had never owned a knife like this. Why had he been in his mother’s room? With a gasp he remembered the whole dream this time. His mother had been deathly pale, her blue eyes shined up at him vacant and unblinking, and the blood, it had been everywhere, all over Laura and the bed. With a cry of despair he threw the knife across the room and heard the sound of it embedding itself in the wall. He turned his face to the wall and stuck his fist into his mouth to keep from screaming. HER laughter resounded in his head and he knew what he would have done if his mother hadn’t wakened. His dream would have been a reality. HER maniacal glee continued until the cacophony of it made him feel as if his head would explode. It was too dangerous for him to stay in the house with his mother, grandmother, and sister. Panic set in as he thought wildly. Who was next? Lulu? Would he, or could he hurt his little sister? His fear galvanized him into action. He had to protect them from himself. Where would he go? The thought came to him in an instant and he jumped out of the bed and quickly dressed, sneaking out the window and into the night.
Laura sat in the darkness on the side of her bed her thoughts in turmoil. Lucky had the strangest look on his face when she had turned on the light and she wondered what had brought him to her room. Had he needed to talk and then had a change of heart? It was becoming clearer to her that something was wrong with her son no matter what Luke said. Lucky either couldn’t, or wouldn’t tell them what had really happened to him. Had it been so horrendous he felt he couldn’t share that horror with them, or were forces keeping him from telling the truth? “You’re making a mistake, Laura.” Stefan’s words came to her yet again. It was time, she decided. She had put off seeing him long enough. Tomorrow she would go and see Stefan and demand the truth.
***************
Dr. Sidney Rosenthal sat at the Port Charles Grill bar and took the last swig of his drink. After glancing at his watch he knew he should go on upstairs to the suite Stefan Cassadine had generously provided. It was late, but he wasn’t sleepy. There were so many questions in his latest case and so few answers. Cassadine was an interesting man, intelligent and secretive. He definitely had issues with his family and finding out what went on behind that calm exterior would be interesting, to say the least. Through his probing he had already learned about the Spencer/Cassadine feud and that in itself was intriguing. He had to wonder if Cassadine had used Lucky in his war with Luke Spencer as perhaps the last straw. Maybe nothing else had worked and this was his last chance to win the game. However, he had a gut feeling the man he spoke with this afternoon was being truthful. The doctor sighed, and knew he would never sleep with all the questions going around in his head. An attractive older woman came out of the dinning room and paused to use her cell phone. He watched her idly for a moment then signaled the bartender. “I’ll have another one of these,” he said quietly.
The woman’s head jerked up at the sound of his voice and she stared at the man sitting at the bar. For a second she could have sworn it was Stefan. Never one to miss the opportunity to look at an attractive man, her eyes roamed over him. He was in his late forties, maybe fifty, his hair was just starting to gray at his temples, and he had the broadest shoulders she had seen in a long time. Helena Cassadine was hardly ever attracted to men his age but she decided to make an exception this time. Walking over to the bar, she called to the bartender. “My watch has seemed to stop. Would you give me the correct time?”
Dr. Rosenthal glanced down at his watch. “It’s one twenty-five.”
“Thank you,” Helena replied warmly. “I’m Helena Cassadine,” she introduced herself.
Sidney Rosenthal was surprised, but had learned through the years to hide his real feelings when he was in situations that required him to be impartial. “David Henson,” he said as he shook her hand. If Helena Cassadine was anywhere near as lethal as her son contended, it wouldn’t do for this woman to know who he really was, and he used an old friend’s name.
“Do you live in this quaint little town, or are you just visiting?” she inquired.
Her voice was warm and friendly, but Dr. Rosenthal looked into eyes that were cold and calculating. “I’m only here for a few days on business,” he replied. “Would you like a drink?” he offered.
Helena beamed. “Thank you, no. I really must be going, some business details I must take care of immediately. Perhaps another time?” She took out a card and wrote on it. “This is my private line. If you have the time, we could have dinner on my yacht that’s moored in the harbor,” she suggested.
He took the card from her and smiled. “I’d like that and if I can find the time I’d be more than happy to oblige.”
“Good. Until then, Ta Ta.” And with a flourish, she was gone.
Sidney watched her walk away and then let the air out of his lungs. He had been holding his breath and hadn’t realized it. The monster herself. Helena Cassadine had been the epitome of grace, breeding, and class. But Stefan Cassadine hadn’t been exaggerating. His mother was pure ice. He wondered just what he had gotten himself into.
************
The panel slid open and Lucky Spencer peered into the room and seeing it was empty, stepped into Stefan’s study with a sigh of relief. Running his hands along the edge of the door, he searched for a way to close it back. When his quest came up empty he glanced at the wall and saw the sconce, pulling it forward he watched in satisfaction as the door folded back into the wall. He walked slowly around the room taking it all in. Nikolas and he had been there on several occasions but he had never really paid any attention to the room or to the man who had occupied it. At the bookcases he paused and read the titles of some of the many books. There were volumes of poetry, history, philosophy, the classics, and a lot of Virgil. Lucky seemed to recall Nikolas telling him his uncle had been translating Virgil from Greek into English, and from the many volumes he had, Lucky could believe it. There were books in several languages. Stefan spoke several languages too, he remembered. A grin flitted across his face when he saw the book, “Interview with the Vampire.” Lucky chuckled. If his father could see this, he would feel justified in calling Stefan, Count Vlad.
Thinking of his father wiped the smile off his face. Luke had left him to rot for almost a year and if it hadn’t been for Stefan he would still be a prisoner. If anyone had known him, it should have been his father. Luke had taught him everything he knew. Didn’t he know he wouldn’t be so stupid as to leave candles burning on a table all night? He hadn’t even cared to find out. In fact, Fasion had told him the main reason he had kidnaped him in the first place was to get the diamond. If his father hadn’t been fencing pieces of the ice princess diamond to Fasion would he have been a prisoner all that time, or was Faison just a pawn in Helena’s game just like everyone else? Luke had been too busy romancing Felicia Scorpio to even care. Lucky could feel the same old discord rise up in him and turned his thoughts away from Luke.
A chess board was set up over in a corner and Lucky sat down at the small table and studied the pieces and their positions. It seemed Stefan had been playing himself. Lucky analyzed each maneuver Stefan had made, trying to delve into the man’s mind. The moves were complicated and bold, designed to make the game difficult for either side to win. He realized when Stefan had played chess with him just how much the man had compensated for his lack of experience. Had he wanted, Stefan could have won the game in a few moves. Helena was a novice of the game compared with her son. Lucky sat about trying to figure out the intricate moves Stefan would contemplate as he played the game. It wasn’t until the clock chimed, Lucky realized he had been at it for close to two hours. In this room among Stefan’s possessions he felt safe. He would sleep a while, wake up and be gone before anyone knew he was here, he promised himself. After making himself comfortable on the sofa he glanced around the room and realized for the first time in a long time he felt a sense of peace. And for the first time since he had come home his sleep was without dreams.
********
The insistent ringing was driving Alexis Davis crazy. She reached over to the alarm clock and banged her hand on it and still the drone of the ringing continued. With a groan she opened her eyes and glanced at the clock, six a.m. Her head fell back on the pillow with a moan. It was then she realized it was her cell phone ringing. With a frown she answered. “What....?” she gasped. “Lock the door and let no one into that room,” she commanded. “Tell no one what you’ve seen and I’ll be right there.” She jumped up and started throwing on her clothes. Damn, she thought, what else could go wrong?
A short time later Mrs. Landsbury took her up to Stefan’s study. “I did as you asked Miss Davis. The door is locked and no one knows he’s there but me,” Mrs. Landsbury assured.
“Thank you. You did exactly the right thing. It won’t do for Lucky to be found here. It could jeopardize Stefan’s case,” Alexis replied. “Give me the key and keep the rest of the servants from coming up here until I let you know he’s gone.”
Alexis opened the door and the first thing she saw was Lucky Spencer stretched out on the sofa in a deep sleep. She hurriedly closed and locked the door behind her. What in the world was the boy doing here? she wondered.
“Lucky.” She shook his shoulder gently. “Wake up.”
Lucky opened his eyes and looked in puzzlement at Alexis. Then he remembered and sat up.
“What are you doing here?” Alexis asked.
He studied her silently for a moment. She was Stefan’s sister. Could he trust her? Then deciding he had no other choice took the chance. “I felt safe here,” he replied simply.
Alexis could only gaze at him in consternation. “If the authorities find out you have been here they will blame my brother. They will say you were under his control. Do you understand?” she asked anxiously.
He nodded. “I need to see him.”
Alexis gazed at him in alarm. “Under no circumstances are you to try and see him. If you do, they will never let him out of that jail cell. You must stay far away from him.”
He nodded again to satisfy her, but had no intention of complying with her demands. Stefan was the only one who understood and who could help him, and he was determined to see him.
“How did you get in? Through the secret passage?”
“Yes,” he replied.
“Then I suggest you carefully go back the way you came and be sure no one sees you come from Spoon Island. If you want to help Stefan, you must do as I say,” she urged.
“No one will see me,” he returned, as he went to the panel and pulled the sconce down. Before he went through the door, he turned. “Tell Stefan I have to see him.” Then he was gone.
Alexis let out a sigh of relief. She had to go and see Stefan immediately, but first she was going home and have a shower and a cup of coffee. She couldn’t believe anyone got up at this ungodly hour.
Index