by Becky
Mac Scorpio was slowly going insane. And it was the fault of the two people in front of him. He again exchanged glances with Dara, who he could tell was as annoyed as he was. It had been funny at the beginning, but now it was just damn annoying. He sighed heavily. They had each tried to interrupt the feuding couple, but to no avail. The odd things was, he didn’t know if they were going to start brawling or kissing at any given time. He settled on his desk as another round began.
“We’ve been through this before. How many times do I have to apologize?” Laura asked heatedly.
“When are you going to learn that an apology does not always make everything better?” Stefan countered.
“You are the most infuriating man!” she informed him.
“I think your husband merits that honor,” he said.
“You know damn well we’re divorced.”
“Yes, and he has conveniently chosen to disappear. How convenient,” Stefan said sarcastically. “Know this Laura, I will not be incriminating myself to protect you this time.”
“I didn’t ask you to,” Laura snapped. “You don’t have to protect me because I DIDN’T KILL HELENA.”
Stefan regarded her skeptically. “Then why has the commissioner brought you here?” Although I have heard that you two have grown rather close.”
“THAT’S ENOUGH!” Mac yelled, startling everyone in the room. “I called you both here today not as potential suspects, but to tell you that we have arrested Helena Cassadine’s killer. I finally get to see Cesar Faison in prison permanently.”
Stefan and Laura stared at him, speechless. “He’s alive??” Laura asked. She then turned to Stefan and demanded, “Did you know about this?”
“I had no idea.” Stefan admitted. He turned to Mac, who anticipated his question.
“The PCPD is not filled with incompetent fools as you think, Cassadine. We still get our man some of the time.”
“It is past time you fulfilled your duties,” Stefan replied.
“If you already arrested Faison then why were you letting us go on, Mac?” Laura asked.
“I was getting a kick out of it,” Mac replied sarcastically. “You two didn’t give us much choice.”
“That’s right,” Dara chimed in. “From the moment you got in here, you haven’t stopped arguing.” She rolled her eyes. “If you will excuse me, I have more important things to do than baby-sit you two. Good luck, Mac.” Grabbing her briefcase, Dara made a hasty retreat.
“Does that mean we are free to go?” Stefan asked.
“Please,” Mac said. “I’d rather not see either of you in my office anytime soon. No offense Laura.”
Laura smiled flirtatiously. “Don’t worry, Mac, I have no intention of coming here except maybe to pay you a visit.”
Stefan coughed and Laura turned to him and said, “If you have something to say--”
“No, I was merely coughing. Not everything is about you, Laura.”
“Listen--” she started.
“STOP!” Mac shouted.
Stefan and Laura turned to look at Mac.
“Really, Commissioner, you should learn to control your temper,” Stefan said irritably.
“Both of you, out of my office,” Mac ordered.
“Mac...” Laura began.
“Out,” Mac repeated. “I have a date with my girls and I am not going to let them down because you two insist on provoking each other.”
Prodding them on, Mac managed to get them out of the office.
“We are not children,” Stefan told him, “We do not need an escort.”
“I think you do,” Mac said. “Now why don’t the two of you go off and have it out.”
“I have nothing to say to him,” Laura declared.
“And I have nothing to say to her. Goodbye.”
“Just a minute,” Mac said. “I’ll be right back.”
Stefan stopped. He and Laura followed Mac with suspicious eyes as he went to talk to Taggert and García. They unconsciously moved closer together as the three men walked over to them.
“What is this?” Stefan protested as Taggert and García took his right wrist and handcuffed it. Mac then took Laura’s left wrist and took the remaining cuff, and tied her to Stefan.
“You can’t do this!” Laura exclaimed.
“I’m tired of this dance you two do every time you’re together,” Mac said. “You’re both adults. Deal with whatever is the problem.”
“And this isn’t childish?” Stefan asked, raising his right arm and bringing Laura’s left one with it.
Mac shrugged. “Probably. If you will both excuse me, Georgie and Maxie are waiting.” Waving goodbye, he left a stunned Laura and Stefan, and an amused Taggert and García.
Recuperating, Stefan turned to the officers. “Release us now.”
Taggert’s eyes narrowed. “And if we don’t?”
“You will be fired,” Stefan said matter-of-factly.
“Oh, please,” Laura muttered.
Stefan looked sharply at her.
“What? I’m choking on the testosterone,” Laura told him.
“Do you or do you not want to be free of this?” he asked testily.
“What do you think? I just don’t see the benefit of threatening these men.”
“Fine. We shall see a locksmith.”
Laura shook her head. “I can’t. I promised Lulu I’d be home early and we’d have a tea party. I’ve neglected her too much during the past months, and I don’t intend on breaking my promise.”
“I see,” Stefan said. “After you, then.”
Smiling, Laura walked ahead. “Can you walk any faster?” she told him, tugging at the handcuffs
“As you wish,” Stefan said, with a wicked gleam in his eye.
“Ow!” Laura complained as he began taking large strides, practically dragging her out. “Slow down!”
Taggert and García shook their heads as they watched them leave.
“Locos,” García declared.
“You said it,” Taggert agreed.
