Pent house, Manhattan:
"Who is Ruby?" "My grand aunt she was more like a grandmother to me. She died two years ago and this is definitely something she would try to pull off for me, if given the opportunity," said Lucky, a twinkle in his eyes.
"You said that you've only encountered one other case such as this one, can you tell me what happened?" "Yes, she was reunited with her soul mate and they lived happily ever," said Mrs. Diamond smiling broadly.
Lucky looked intently at Mrs. Diamond's smiling face, realization dawning on him. "You? You are the other case you mentioned? This has happened to you too?" Mrs. Diamond nodded still smiling.
"Yes me, I was killed by a hit and run driver when I was eighteen years old. I was only a week away from marrying the love of my life and I, like you, Just couldn't leave, so I just lingered. Then someone, I am quiet certain it was my grandmother, interceded for me. I got my a life back and I am so grateful, because it's been such a wonderful life."
"Weren't you terrified when you first realized that you were alive again and living in someone else's body?" Asked Lucky.
"Absolutely terrified. I got the body of a 17 year old orphan girl named Sarah. She had no family, nothing and she was just about to turn 18 and therefore would have to go out on her own. I guess the idea of being alone in the world was too much for her, so she slit her wrist, I think.
When I came out of the darkness, I found myself in a bathtub filled with blood a bloody knife close by. There were no wounds on me though. I think part of the process is mending whatever damage the previous owner did to the body.
I was so confused, I didn't speak to anyone at the orphanage and all I could think about was getting back to David, that's my husband, but what would I tell him? How would I explain to him that even though I died, even though he watched them lower me into the ground, even though I had a different body I was still me. Yes, I was terrified indeed, but I knew somehow that something wonderful, something highly miraculous was happening to me."
"What did you do?" Asked Lucky in awe. "The day after I got there, I was released from the orphanage and sent to live in a boarding house the orphanage had secured for me. I had a job to report to as a secretary in a small law firm and no one seemed to think anything about me was out of the ordinary.
I felt like I was going crazy in the boarding house so I left. I remember running for a long time in the rain, scared and tired. Then It was like someone was directing my steps and I ended up at a tiny little artifact store run by a tiny native American woman named Small Dove. As soon as she looked at me she knew I was a spirit.
She took me in and together with her husband, Running Arrow, they helped me figure out what was happening and what I needed to do.
Later, I was able to face David, who was immediately drawn to me. Eventually, I told him everything and once the shock wore off, we went on with our lives. And now, more than twenty five years and five kids later, I am witnessing another person go through this."
"Wow, I pray that my story has a happy ending too," said Lucky still amazed at what he had just learned. "I have no doubt everything will work out for you, which reminds me there is one other thing I must tell you before we go any further.
Part of finding peace in your new life is to find justice for what happened to you. It's important that you find a way to bring the person who caused your death to justice. It's your choice of course, but part of why you lingered is because of the unfairness of your death, so to put it behind you justice is important."
"I definitely will make no mistake about that," said Lucky eyes blazing. "I know exactly who killed me and I will definitely make certain she's brought to justice."
One hour later Pent house, Manhattan:
"Well my contacts at the FBI paid off," said Mr. Clarke returning to join Lucky and Mrs. Diamond who had been discussing life with her husband David and their children.
Lucky waited eagerly for Mr. Clarke to relate all he had learned about Lucky's previous owner. "Your name is Lawrence Lance Scott Jr., graduate of MIT in 1996 with a Ph.D in Computer Engineering and Software designs.
You are the owner of a very successful Wall Street Computer consulting and program design firm. You have 35 workers on your staff, which includes your personal secretary Carmen Carpenter, your driver Nigel Andrews, your housekeeper Martha Worthington and her husband, your butler Francis Worthington. You also have a pilot, Carter Sinclair, who's wife is your flight, attendant Nancy Sinclair.
I was able to gather information on all your assets, which includes your personal properties and finances. You are a very rich man," said Mr. Clarke looking up briefly. "You already know about your son Leonard Lawrence Scott and your late wife, Leona Scott, who you married three years ago. She died a little over a year ago.
You have no family that you are in touch with save a sister-in-law Taylor St John. I was able to check your phone records and apart from business calls, I only found one person that calls repeatedly. A Mr. Anthony Chambers. Your university yearbook shows you and he were in school together.
Your parents Lawrence Lance Scott Sr. and Linda Scott both died in a skiing accident in France five years ago. They were both Wall Street investment bankers, extremely influential in this town, which opened a lot of doors for you.
Here is your address book. This should come in handy," said Mr. Clarke tossing Lucky the leather bound book. "You have a very reputable law firm on retainer. They take care of all your business and personal legal matters. Your business manager, Mr. Theodore Westchester, oversees your personal matters. I checked your address book all the names mentioned are included.
I think that's everything. Anything else you need to know you will find in these papers," said Mr. Clarke handing Lucky a thick pendaflex folder. "Do you have any questions?" Asked Mr. Clarke.
"Yes just one, you said there were no family that I am in touch with. Does that mean I have family but am not on speaking terms with them?" Asked Lucky curious.
Mr. Scott retrieved the file he had just handed over to Lucky. "It says here in the information I received from the FBI that your father and grandmother were abandoned by his father when he was just a six years old and that your grandmother died when he was seventeen years old.
It went on to say that your father changed his name to Scott when he turned eighteen and went to Harvard on a scholastic scholarship. It says he graduated first in his class and was hired right out of school by a very prestigious Investment firm. It doesn't say anything else about your grandfather he just sort of disappeared after he left your father and grandmother.
She had no family just your father," Mr. Clarke continued to read for a while before continuing. "Interesting it says that your grandfather was married before and had two children, a boy and a girl. It says that he abandoned them and their mother, as well. It doesn't say anything about those children being in contact with your father."
An idea began materializing in Lucky's head. "Does it say what their names are and what my father's name was before he changed it to Scott?" Questioned Lucky expectantly. Mr. Scott returned to scanning the files for a second.
"Yes, it says your fathers previous name was Spencer and your grandfather's other wives name was Linda Spencer and her children's name were Lucas Lorenzo Spencer and Barbara Jean Spencer. If you like there is information about them attached, especially Lucas Spencer. His FBI profile is very extensive," remarked Mr. Scott.
"I bet it is," said Lucky smiling broadly. "He's had a very colorful life." "You know Mr. Spencer?" Asked Mrs. Diamond taken aback. "Very well actually," said Lucky regarding Mrs. Diamond and Mr. Clarke in silent gratitude.
"He's your father isn't he?" Asked Mrs. Diamond jumping to her feet. "Lucas Lorenzo Spencer is your father and that explains the resemblance," said Mrs. Diamond in amazement. "Actually he goes by Luke Spencer and yes I am his son, Lucas Lorenzo Spencer Jr., but everyone calls me Lucky."
Above:
"Ruby, you could have told us this," said Bill frowning again at Ruby who was wearing a satisfied look on her face. "Patience Bill, now aren't you happy you got to watch all that unfold?" Said Ruby.
"Ruby you know you could have let us in on that during the slow periods, like last night while he was sleeping," exclaimed Brenda she too annoyed at Ruby.
"So Ruby what else are you keeping to yourself?" Asked Mary Mae eyeing Ruby suspiciously. "Nothing, I promise from here on out I will just be an observer like the rest of you. I have no idea what's going to happen next," said Ruby sincerely. Everyone returned their attention below to watch the remaining of the story unfold.
Penthouse, Manhattan:
"This is wonderful LUCKY," said Mrs. Diamond stressing Lucky's name. "This is your foot in the door. I was a little concerned about the resemblance thing and how you would be received when you return to Port Charles, but this is good.
Once the people in the community learn that you are relative of the Spencers, the resemblance will be more understandable. Wow, there is nothing stopping you now. It's time to find your way back home. Home to Elizabeth and home to your family," said Mrs. Diamond smiling happily.
"Wait! I have one more question, I can't believe I almost forgot to ask the most important thing of all. Should I just tell Elizabeth about myself or try to get her to fall in love with me all over again?" "There really is no rule that I know of against you telling anyone who you really are.
Although I think it would be best if you limit your true identity to family and close friends. As for telling Elizabeth, you are free to tell her whenever you like, but I think it would be best to wait until she gets to know you a little. That's how I handled it with David and it worked out great.
It's very important that you tell her though that's part of the journey I think. You will tell her when it's right and only you will know when to that is," finished Mrs. Diamond.
"Ok, I think that's all the questions I have," said Lucky smiling nervously. "Well this is my card, so if you have any additional questions, need encouragement, anything along those lines just call me," said Mrs. Diamond handing the card to Lucky.
"Money, I need to pay you for all the information you have given me. I would have been lost without your help," said Lucky pulling out the checkbook that he had also transferred from the suit he was wearing yesterday.
"There is no fee for me. Mr. Scott, I enjoy helping others get through their initial confusion. I also use these stories for my books. Don't worry, as you saw from reading "Second Chances" I never include people's real names or any information that would reveal who they are. Not that anyone would believe anything.
My books falls under fiction, so only people who are having the experience would take them as anything but fiction. Mr. Clarke is a real investigator and therefore charges a regular fee, so he will tell you what that is which will conclude our visit."
Mr. Clarke told Lucky the sum he charged and Lucky quickly wrote out the check doubling the figure the man named. Lucky had to void the first check because he accidentally wrote his old name instead of using his new identity.
"Now watch yourself," warned Mrs. Diamond. You are no longer Lucky Spencer. You are now Lawrence Scott keep repeating that to yourself."
After walking Mrs. Diamond and Mr. Scott to the door, Lucky returned to the living room and sat for a minute going over the last few hours in his head. He had learned so much during Mrs. Scott's visit and knew that he would owe her for the rest of his life. He breathed a word of thanks to God for giving him his life back and smiled as a picture of Ruby scheming above entered his mind.
"I have my life back," whispered Lucky. "I have a chance to spend forever with Elizabeth after all. Elizabeth, I have to get back to Elizabeth now. Mrs. Worthington, Mr. Worthington," yelled Lucky walking into the foyer as they both came rushing down the stairs in alarm.
"Mr. Scott, what's wrong sir," asked Mrs. Worthington worry etched across her face. "Everything is perfect, Mrs. Worthington," said Lucky clasping them both to him a big grin on his face.
Mr. Worthington and Mrs. Worthington looked at Lucky in shock neither could recall ever seeing their employer like this, both wondering if he was experiencing the nervous breakdown that seemed just beneath the surface for the past year.
Lucky pulled back and surveyed them both happily. "Mrs. Worthington pack some cases for an extended trip for everyone." "Everyone sir,?" "Everyone Mrs. Worthington, the entire household. We are all going away for what could turn out to be a long time." "Yes sir," said Mrs. Worthington puzzled by the suddenness of the trip since Mr. Scott was never the impulsive sort. "Mr. Worthington call Carter and have him get the jet ready, our destination is Port Charles, New York." "Yes sir," said Mr. Worthington going directly to carry out Lucky's order.
Lucky next retrieved the phone book Mr. Scott had located for him and quickly located and dialed his secretary's number. "Ms. Carpenter, I need you to make some arrangements as quickly as possible." "Immediately sir," replied Ms. Carpenter.
"I would like for you to locate and lease a furnished house in Port Charles, New York. One that comes equipped with a nursery, an office with all necessary office-furnishings, and three or four bedrooms. Also Ms. Carpenter are you able to travel with me to Port Charles, since I will be there for a considerable length of time?" "Yes of course sir, is Port Charles the city you have chosen for our new branch?"
Lucky paused surprised then delighted by the question. "Yes Mrs. Worthington, Port Charles it is can you see to the arrangements I have requested, make the necessary arrangements at the office and be packed and ready to go in the next three hours."
"Yes sir," said Ms. Carpenter professionally "I will take care of everything and be at the Pent house in three hours." "I will see you then Ms. Carpenter, oh be sure to make arrangement for the necessary employees who needs to come along." "Yes sir, I have already pull the files on those already committed to the transfer."
"Thank you Ms. Carpenter, I will see you soon," said Lucky hanging up and bursting out laughing at how well he had been able to bluff his way through his conversation with Ms. Carpenter.
Three and half hours later, five thousand miles above the earth:
Lucky stared nervously out the window, having just taken off for his trip to Port Charles. His body was tensed with excitement and nerves, but somewhere deeper inside himself he felt joy.
Looking quickly around he noticed that Leo was still sleeping soundly, buckled securely in his seat. Mrs. Worthington was deep in conversation with Mr. Worthington and Ms. Carpenter was going over some paperwork her glasses perched comically on her nose.
Lucky tried desperately to head off thoughts of what would happen next. All he would allow himself to think about was seeing Elizabeth again and joy that would bring him after what seems like a lifetime of not being near her.
"Soon Elizabeth, soon we will be together again," whispered Lucky uncaring that Ms. Carpenter who sat closest to him had glanced over at him briefly. He was going to see Elizabeth again and he didn't care if the whole world thought he was insane.