Helena Cassidine's Yacht
Lucky watched in fascination as Helena sat shivering at the head of the bed. She still had not managed to utter a word since he spoke to her.
Helena's eyes darted wildly around the room. Her fist doubled up and pressed tightly against her chest. Her mouth hung open, but she was unable to let the scream that was obviously bubbling inside her out.
Walking around to the other side of the bed, Lucky looked down at Helena's frightened figure with contempt. "Why so silent Helena? Normally you have so much to say."
Helena released a choked gasp. Her body convulsed as she tried to speak. "You are not real. This is just an elaborate hoax set-up by Luke," Helena choked, trying unsuccessfully to regain some of her composure. "I don't believe it. Did you hear that Luke? I don't believe it," Helena said in a weak voice.
"My father has nothing to do with this Helena, but I suppose right now you are wishing he did. You are probably hoping against hope that this is somehow my dad pulling one over on you. Well, sorry to disappoint you Helena, but it's just little old me. You know that little kid you had killed all those months ago, while you stood calmly by and watched."
Lucky regarded Helena with disgust as she began to whimper. "Why did you do it Helena? Tell me, I need to know? Why did you kill me? What did I ever do to you that would cause you to break into my room, drugged me and then leave me to burn to death?"
Helena grunted hoarsely, before scampering further away from the sound of Lucky's voice. "Go away, please, go away," Helena whispered, almost inaudible.
"No Helena, I don't think I will be going anywhere. After all you killed me so I already went away, but now I am back to see that you pay for what you've done to me. I am still waiting for an answer to my questions. I still expect to hear what exactly it was that I ever did to you that would cause you to end my life."
Lucky watched as Helena began chewing on her perfectly manicured nails as she remained silently transfixed seemingly willing him to go away.
"No answer? Hmm Helena, I have to tell you, I am a little worried about you and this new weak silent thing you've got going for yourself. What happened to the invincible Helena Cassidine who eats her young for supper and enjoys taunting her enemies with her evil deeds?"
Suddenly, Lucky was just not in the mood to deal with Helena. While the sight of her curled up in a ball chewing on her nails and cowering in fear brought him some satisfaction, Lucky's main desire was to get as far away from the woman as possible.
Fighting his repulsion at having to be in the same room with Helena, Lucky leaned in close and spoke to her in a deathly silent voice.
"You will never escape this Helena. I know you are thinking that you could perhaps get in your private jet and fly off to one of your safe houses stashed in some far off land. Guess what?" Lucky whispered. "I will be there too. You can't run from me, you can't hide from me. Wherever you go, I will be there. Every corner you turn, I will be there waiting. Don't forget that Helena, besides running will only make it worse for you. Trust me on this."
Helena was trembling so violently that the entire bed had begun swaying beneath her. Reaching out one arm, Lucky stroked his fingers through Helena's hair, combing gently.
Her whimpering increased at the feel of his fingers in her hair. She tried to crawl even further away, but she was already pressed tightly up against the headboard.
Lucky leaned even closer to Helena, bringing his lips right up against her ear so she could feel his breath against her as he continued to stroke her hair. Helena closed her eyes tightly as she tried to pull away from Lucky who held her face tightly in place by her hair.
"You are taking notes right Helena? I mean, I know you don't have your little boy toy here with you right now, but you an evil genius, you shouldn't have any problems remember my instructions right?
Let's go over it again just in case. No leaving Port Charles trying to sneak off anywhere because if I have to visit you somewhere else it will not bode well for you. I Promise.
Next, I want you to think about what I asked you before, you know about why you killed me. You have 24 hours to give me a full explanation of your reasons and Helena, no more silence it doesn't become you, trust me.
Finally, there is my Mom and Dad and the fact that they think I went to sleep with candles burning. Now Helena, that was just cold even for you.
Do you have any idea how embarrassing it is to have my Dad think I fell asleep with candles burning and worse, sleeping through a raging fire?
Trust me Helena, it's humiliating, so you have to clear it up immediately. I know, I know. How are you going to do that? That's what you are asking, right? Well, it's simple really, all you have to do is go to my dad and tell him exactly what you did to me."
Helena's sobs increased at Lucky's last statement.
"Yeah, I know," continued Lucky. "He may kill you, but you know what Helena, those are the breaks. You really should have thought about that before you decided to off me. I mean, really, killing Luke Spencer's kid. Come on Helena, not even you with your mighty ego could really think that you could get away with that forever. You have 48 hours to tell my dad the truth or else. Well, Helena let's just say death might be a welcome reprieve since there are worse things that can happen to you. Then again, death might only be the beginning of your nightmare, considering how you've lived your life and all. Isn't it wonderful to have choices? Gives you a sense of purpose, doesn't it?"
With that Lucky straightened, satisfied that he had accomplished his goals for today. He was relieved to have gotten this first phase of his retribution behind him.
As he looked down at Helena he wondered at how such a wretched evil woman could have been allowed to wreck havoc on so many lives for so long.
Lucky waited until Helena's shivers began subsiding and her body started unfolding. He watched as she looked around the room, a terrified expression still on her face. Just when she started to collect herself, Lucky leaned next to her still shaking figure.
"Boo!"
Helena jumped back, crashing into the headboard, a loud scream finally escaping her as she loss complete control of her emotions, and began screaming uncontrollably.
The guards came rushing into the room looking all around for any signs of an intruder. When they could find nothing amiss one of the guard went over to Helena whose screams had settled into a loud whimper.
Lucky watched for a minute as first one then another guard tried unsuccessfully to sooth Helena. Lucky shook his head sadly at the woman who had caused him and so many others immeasurable heartache, before walking quietly out of the room.
Lucky took great gulps of air as he exited Helena's yacht and stepped onto the pier. Lucky's heartbeat slowly return to normal the further away he got from Helena's yacht and the aura of evil that always seems to surround the woman.
Closing his eyes, Lucky allowed the sense of being alive to envelop him, filling his mind, his heart and his soul.
Quartermaine Mansion
Nikolas paced the room impatiently, looking up expectantly at every sound he heard. "Come on Emily, I don't have all day for this," Nikolas whispered, looking at his watch for the umpteenth time in only a minute.
"Nikolas, hey, Reginald told me you were waiting for me but…" Emily said, her voice trailing off as her face took on a puzzled expression. "I guess I am just a little surprised since you haven't sought me out in ages," continued Emily.
"Emily, I am sorry about that, I know I haven't been a good friend to you lately." Pausing, Nikolas attempted to cover his impatience as he continued. "I really don't have an excuse for the way I have neglected our friendship, except to say, I have been trying to support Elizabeth."
"I know you have Nikolas and I am happy Elizabeth has had you to rely on since Lucky's death. I really wasn't trying to guilt trip you about our friendship." Emily smiled to show Nikolas that she was really ok with the status quo.
"Look, Emily, Elizabeth is the reason I need to talk to you."
"Why is something wrong with Elizabeth? Is she hurt? Is it Tom?" Emily questioned, her voice reflecting her growing anxiety.
"No, Emily, nothing like that. Elizabeth is fine, at least physically, but emotionally it's anyone's guess."
"Why, what's going on?"
"I went to see Elizabeth this morning to discuss the situation with Tom and her grandmother told me that she has just taken off on some kind of unreachable retreat for a few days. Audrey isn't even worried about the fact that Elizabeth would go off by herself, especially with Tom Baker a breath away from being released from prison."
Emily breathed a sigh of relief before taking Nikolas's arm and pulling him down to sit on the sofa with her. Taking both of his hands in hers, Emily smiled sweetly at Nikolas before voicing her thoughts.
"Nikolas, you really had me worried for a minute thinking something terrible had happened to Elizabeth but from what you are saying it just sounds like Elizabeth got away for a while, which I think is a good thing."
"Emily, you don't find it strange that Elizabeth would pick now to get away?"
"No Nikolas, I don't. Actually, now that I think about it, I think it's probably for the best. She has had so much to deal with this past year Nikolas. I think removing herself from the situation for a little while to collect her thoughts before having to deal with the whole Tom situation is exactly what she needs right now."
Nikolas sighed loudly and stood up. "Do you have any idea where she went?"
"No, I don't Nikolas, but then, isn't that the whole point of being unreachable? Look, I know you are concerned about Elizabeth," Emily said, standing up and placing a placating hand on Nikolas's shoulder before continuing.
"I do, however, feel that Elizabeth will be just fine and who would know that better than her grandmother, right? I mean, Audrey has been there for Elizabeth through everything that has happened. She would know if there was a reason to be alarmed and since Audrey thinks it's ok, then you should relax and trust her and Elizabeth."
Nikolas looked at Emily's relaxed demeanor and knew that he was not going to be able to convince her to help him locate Elizabeth.
"You are right Emily, of course you are right. I don't know what I am worried about. I guess worrying about Elizabeth has become a habit I need to break."
Emily smiled and gave Nikolas a quick hug. "I am free for the afternoon, would you like to go to Kelly's for lunch?"
"Thank you Emily," smiled Nikolas. "Unfortunately, I already made plans for this afternoon. Actually, I am already late, rain check?"
"Absolutely, let me walk you out."
As soon as Emily closed the door behind Nikolas the smile on his face vanished and he quickly whipped out his cell phone and dialed his secretary.
"Isabelle, listen carefully. I want you to call the airport, the train station and the bus depot and find out the travel destination of Elizabeth Webber. Yes Isabelle, Elizabeth Webber. No, everything is fine. I need you to find out where she went. An address Isabelle, find out and get back to me immediately."
Lucky's Car
Lucky looked quickly around at his surroundings before willing his spiritual being back to the physical. He quickly put the car in gear and backed out of the parking lot. A minute later after merging into traffic, Lucky dialed Ms. Carpenter at the temporary office at Lyndon Manor.
"Ms. Carpenter?"
"Yes Mr. Scott?"
"Ms. Carpenter, I need you to contact the company's head of security and have him locate twelve of the best body guards he can find. Have them sent immediately to Port Charles where I would like you to make arrangements for their accommodations.
I would like for you to arrange nine of the men in three shifts at Lyndon Manor, three men on each shift at all time. As for the remaining men, I would like you to arrange for them to meet with me so I can give them their instructions myself. Also, I would like you to have Carter call me as soon as he's found the men I have requested."
"Right away sir," said Ms. Carpenter. "Will we be able to reach you on your cell phone sir," Ms. Carpenter questioned in a professional tone.
"Yes you can and Ms. Carpenter, make this a priority. I want these arrangements taken care of immediately."
"Yes sir, consider it done."
"Thank you Ms. Carpenter," Lucky said hanging up and breathing an audible sigh of relief.
Lucky knew it was a long shot but after leaving Helena's yacht, his feelings of triumph were replaced by a feeling of foreboding as he recalled the lengths Helena usually goes to in order to get what she wants.
He knew that although Helena was shaken to the core at this moment in time, she was no where near being contained and until she was neutralized, she was still a threat.
After leaving the yacht, Lucky had been struck with the sudden fear that Helena could still get to him and the people he loved even now.
"She could go after Elizabeth," Lucky thought as a chill ran down his spine. "What's to stop her from trying to get to me by going after Elizabeth? I am probably just being paranoid," Lucky thought, trying to get a grip on his sudden fear.
"Still, I can't take any chances, not while Helena is free and breathing. She's capable of anything and using someone I love as a weapon against me even now is definitely something she would do."
Lucky relaxed in the knowledge that he would take every necessary precaution to prevent Helena from seeking any kind of retaliation against the people he loved.
Lucky knew that more than likely Helena would be too terrified to cause any further problems but felt it better to take any and all necessary precautions to anticipate and eliminate any future threat.
Lucky took several deep breaths to further relax his mind and body. "Stop letting her get, the minute you do, she wins." Lucky thought, trying to shake off the last remnants of dread that being in Helena's presence always creates.
Thinking about what was next on his agenda Lucky smiled before dialing with one hand while he steered the car with the other.
"May I speak to Tom Baker please."
Lucky waited while the attendant went to get Tom. While he waited he wondered about Elizabeth and what she was doing at that moment. A smile curved his lips as he recalled how she felt in his arms that morning. His mind shifted back to the present as he heard Tom Baker's distinct voice on the other end of the line.
"Who is this?" Tom Baker was saying as Lucky listened to the man who had almost destroyed Elizabeth's life and was no doubt planning on a repeat.
Lucky felt suddenly angry and his next words reflected what he felt deep within his soul.
"You will never get out of prison Tom. Never! I know you recognize my voice, but just in case you are wondering who this is, you get three guesses but you will only need one. Say Tom, I heard about your parole, tell me. Do you feel LUCKY?"
Lucky heard the loud gasp on the other end of line just before the phone went dead. Smiling, Lucky put the phone away feeling satisfied that he had accomplished a beginning with Tom. "Next time, I think I will pay you a personal visit for old time sake," thought Lucky.
Lyndon Manor, earlier
After hanging up from her conversation with her grandmother, Elizabeth wandered around Lyndon Manor. She paused to admire the beautiful nursery with it's assortment of toys shelved everywhere.
Picking up a little bootie, Elizabeth held it to her cheek, smiling gently as she wondered where the little owner was presently.
A few minutes later, Elizabeth wandered down the large marbled stairs and into the spacious kitchen, where she found a well-dressed middle aged man hard at work preparing breakfast.
"You must be Mr. Worthington?" Elizabeth inquired, suddenly recalling that Law had told her about Mr. Worthington and Mrs. Worthington being part of the household.
"Yes I am Miss," said Mr. Worthington, nodding formally. He looked at Elizabeth questioning just as Mrs. Worthington walked into the room carrying a smiling Leo with her.
Elizabeth smiled nervously at Mrs. Worthington and the Leo. She felt suddenly terrified wondering what she should do or say. "Man, Lucky didn't tell me how to explain my presence here," thought Elizabeth with increasing anxiety.
Elizabeth smiled wider when she realized that both Mr. Worthington and Mrs. Worthington were looking at her expectantly. She relaxed slightly at the sight of Leo chatting happily away about nothing in particular.
"I am sorry, my name is Elizabeth Webber," Elizabeth announced, offering her hand to Mr. Worthington who shook it with an easy smile.
Turning next to Mrs. Worthington, Elizabeth offered the woman her hand and while Mrs. Worthington shook her hand she gave her a suspicious look that told Elizabeth that she needed to explain herself.
Elizabeth smiled as Mr. & Mrs. Worthington continued to regard her, no doubt waiting for her to explain her presence at Lyndon Manor and from the look on Mrs. Worthington's face, Elizabeth could tell the woman was also wondering about Elizabeth's presence in her employer's room.
Elizabeth swallowed hard trying to think of a reasonable explanation for her presence. "Law, you should have given me a cover story, but since you didn't here goes," thought Elizabeth, still smiling at the Worthington's.
Reaching over, Elizabeth quickly scooped Leo into her arms startling Mrs. Worthington with the suddenness of the movement.
"I am Leo's nanny." Elizabeth announced suddenly, sounding like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Mr. Scott has hired me to be Leo's nanny. It was rather spur of the moment," continued Elizabeth, so he didn't have time to inform anyone but starting immediately I will be taking care of Leo."
Elizabeth lifted Leo up high above her jiggling him around a little causing the baby to squeal in delight. Pulling him back to her, Elizabeth kissed him loudly all over his face garnering more sounds of delight and happy squirming.
After a few more minutes of playing with the happy baby, Elizabeth finally looked up to see both Mr. & Mrs. Worthington watching her closely.
"I am sorry," Elizabeth said her worry returning.
"No, don't apologize," said Mr. Worthington. "Mr. Scott did mention that he would be hiring a new nanny after Sarah left, but that was a some time ago, we are just surprised at the suddenness of it, that's all."
"Yes," agreed Mrs. Worthington smiling warmly for the first time. "We are happy to have you, Elizabeth and from the looks of it so is Leo. I am certain you will work out just fine. Have you had breakfast dear?"
"No, I haven't, I guess you can hear my stomach growling, huh?"
"Well now," said Mr. Worthington. "Why don't you hand Leo back to Mrs. Worthington and sit and have some of this breakfast I have prepared. I think my wife can handle the little master for a little while longer. Isn't that right, my dear?"
"Yes, that's a fine idea," Mrs. Worthington agreed, retrieving Leo from Elizabeth's reluctant arms.
"I will take him as soon as I am done with breakfast."
"Take your time Elizabeth, no hurry. I am an old hand at this. Come along Leo."
Mrs. Worthington exited the room feeling surprisingly at ease with Elizabeth in spite of her lingering thoughts about the sight of Elizabeth in their employer's room earlier that morning. "None of my concerns, right Leo?"
Leo smiled up at Mrs. Worthington before looking over her shoulders at the door they had just exited. "Ah, so you've already decided you like the new girl better, huh Leo?" Mrs. Worthington chuckled as she mounted the stairs to the nursery.
Luke's Club
"Boss?"
"Claude, didn't I fire you five minutes ago what are you still doing here?" Luke growled.
Luke sat up straight when he noted the shaken look on Claude's face. "What's the matter Claude, getting sensitive in your old age?"
"No, I think he's just in shock at my appearance," Lucky announced stepping from behind Claude to walk into Luke's office.
Luke smiled automatically, his heart doing a quick lurch at the sight of Lucky. A second later, he felt a sharp stab to his heart at the knowledge that it was Law not Lucky that was standing before him.
Lucky read the changing emotions on Luke's face and his heart ached at his father's obvious pain. "I am sorry, I shouldn't have come," Lucky said, feeling suddenly overcome with emotion.
Luke jumped to his feet, feeling panic grip his entire being and without thinking only feeling he reached out to Lucky like a drowning man reaching out for a life raft.
"Cowboy!"
"Yeah Da-Luke"
Lucky froze before slowly raising tear filled eyes to meet his father's awestruck face.
"Lucky?"