Chapter Two Hundred Ten:
Hold On

Over the Aegean

Luke Spencer turns the hand gun Alexis has given him over in his hands. Good gun. Big & holds a lot of bullets. He likes that in a firearm. Alexis hadn't said a word when she'd pulled it from beneath the seat and handed it over, but he'd known what she was telling him. She knew what was going on here. She'd left knowing that Stefan wasn't being informed. She seemed to understand that there wasn't time to mess around here. And frankly, the fact that she was flying this machine impressed the hell out of him. He'd also noted that she was holding an identical gun in her lap. Suddenly, he seemed to have back up. At least he knew there was no love lost between Helena and Natasha. In this situation, he actually had a Cassadine he could trust. For the moment.

Alexis: (interrupting Luke's thoughts) When are you going to tell me what's going on?

Luke: When I know you won't turn back.

Alexis: I'm not stupid, Luke. I had a pretty good idea of what you wanted when we came up here. I just hope you're going to tell me something that will convince me we're not wasting our time.

Luke: (after a pause) Your maid knew something.

Alexis: Which one?

Luke: The small one. Dark hair, big "don't eat me" eyes.

Alexis: Mariah. (Luke snaps his fingers and points to her) Oh boy. (she shakes her head) What'd she say?

Luke: She'd met Lucky.

Alexis: At the island. (Luke nods) So Josef was lying.

Luke: Color me stunned.

Alexis: I don't like the sound of that.

Luke: Hey, we're being lied to right, left and center. Nikky smoked you and Stefan to get out of Rome, Lucky got that guy in Brindisi to cover up his traveling companions -- Looks like the dark prince might inspire a little loyalty of his own here and there, too.

Alexis: You told me the guy in Brindisi said Nikolas and Lucky were together! (Luke shrugs) You son-of-a-bitch!

Luke: You wouldn't have helped otherwise.

Alexis: Do you know if Nikolas is with Lucky now?

Luke: (heavily) I know Lucky left the island with Helena. Looks like she had Emily. Batboy was already gone.

Alexis: So you can't say he'll be there. (Luke doesn't answer. Alexis exhales. Damnit... Not that it matters - if Nikolas was WITH Helena, they'd get him. If he wasn't, the theory would be that he was safe. And chances were he didn't want to see Lucky and Emily suffer the same fate as Corrine Gibbons. Alexis shakes her head) Oh, God. Never mind. IF I haven't figured out not to trust you further than I can throw you by now, there's no hope for me. (Luke spins the gun in his fingers)

Luke: You're trusting me right now.

Alexis: You'd be surprised how far I can throw. (She shoots him a look) And Lucky's involved. There IS a limit to how much you'll carry a grudge, and that's the line right there. (Alexis turns her attention back to the water) Helena's resources are limited. But if we find her out here, she's going to have a few good men with guns.

Luke: Then we're gonna have to be better. (Alexis nods, and they fall into silence. So this is it, Luke thinks. Find the castle, storm the castle, bring home his son. Easy as one, two, three...)

Alexis: Luke.

Luke: Yeah...? (Alexis nods to a small white dot on the horizon)

Alexis: Any chance that's what we're looking for? (Luke stares at the dot a long moment, then blinks his eyes rapidly. A slow smile starts to make it's way across his face)

Luke: Yeah, Counselor. Yeah, I think there is.

The East Terrace

Josef stands stock still, looking across the terrace at the figure who is standing in the doorway. He slowly, purposely, closes the cell phone. She smiles at him, and cocks her head to one side. He nods slightly.

Josef: Mrs. Spencer.

Laura: Please. Call me Laura. (She steps out onto the terrace) May I ask who was on the phone? (Josef gives a stilted smile)

Josef: Certainly you can grant a gentleman his privacy. (Laura nods)

Laura: Certainly. And perhaps you can grant a worried mother some relief. (Josef's expression turns implacable) I know you're hiding something, Josef. It IS Josef, yes? (Josef gazes at her a moment, then looks over his shoulder. After a moment, he walks slowly towards her. He stops in front of her, then leans down, smiling a little conspiratorially)

Josef: Are you accusing me of something, Laura? (Laura raises an eyebrow, then turns her face away, giving a lighthearted laugh)

Laura: Only of doing what my sons must have asked you to. (She looks back at him, the picture of understanding) They feel that there are things they want to handle on their own. And frankly... (she winces) Well, I freely admit -- I'm not ready to let go. It's hard. And... It would just mean so much to me to know if they are OK. (She looks at him, a bit pleadingly, imploring to his better nature) Just... if you could just tell me if they looked all right, if they --

Josef: I don't know what you're talking about.

Laura: I know they were here --

Josef: Do you. (It's not a question)

Laura: I know my children. And I really need too know if --

Josef: (shaking his head) You'll forgive me, Mrs. Spencer, but I'm not buying this for a moment. (Laura looks at him a moment, then narrows her eyes)

Laura: Buying --

Josef: This act of yours. (she steps back from him)

Laura: I see. Well, what act WILL you buy? (She puts a hand on her hip) If I recall correctly, the best way for a woman to get ahead on this island is to keep her mouth shut, act like an idiot, or be Helena. I'm not prepared to sell my soul to Satan just yet, and God knows, keeping my mouth shut has NEVER been one of my talents --

Josef: Do not be offended. I'm the head of security here. I do not let my guard down for anyone, Mrs. Spencer. Particularly not idiots, they have no discretion. (Laura gives a smile that only barely covers up her sudden and intense dislike of this little worm)

Laura: Well, I never said I actually WAS an idiot. (Josef blinks)

Josef: And yet... I don't believe you are known for being discreet.

Laura: What did you just say to me? (Josef lets out a long breath, looking over Laura's shoulder to the doors. What to do, what to do...)

Josef: Your reputation proceeds you. (Laura's hands clench at her side. This arrogant little... she takes a breath. Not now. No, she needed him -- for the moment. And it's not like she's without leverage.)

Laura: Would that be the reputation that lists me as the mother of the Cassadine Prince? (there is a moment's silence. Josef turns his gaze back to her)

Josef: Forgive me if you find me impertinent. (Laura gives him a look that suggests that she, also, is not buying his act)

Laura: (cold) Was that my son on the phone?

Josef: (innocent) Whatever are you talking about?

Laura: I heard what you said. My Greek is rusty, but it's not nonexistent. I know you called someone a crazy witch. Was it Helena? Is that who Nikolas is with?

Josef: You think I was speaking to Nikolas? (Josef leans back against the barrier and crosses his arms) Interesting.

Laura: Well, if you don't want to speak to me about this, perhaps you would like to talk to the Count. (Josef looks at her, his expression unreadable)

Josef: (quietly) No. No, I don't think I'll do that.

Laura: But you won 't speak to me either.

Josef: I have my allegiances. I know what they are, and how they are best served. That is something I have known for as long as I have known anything. Never has anyone asked me to include the wayward mother, wife of the man who killed our last prince, in that list. (Laura blinks. Well. Honesty. Nice touch, in a completely disturbing way. She looks up at him, still standing her ground)

Laura: Your loyalty to Nikolas would appear to be as strong as your hatred of me. And I suppose, given where we are, that I shouldn't be shocked.

Josef: I am being as polite as I can manage under these circumstances, believe me.

Laura: Well, I'm not. I want to know what is going on here. I want to know if my sons were here -- what they told you and where I can find them. I want to know how they WERE, if they looked sick, if they were fighting, if they SNEEZED, I would like to hear about it. And I don't give a damn about your antiquated loyalties, you're going to tell me because I am a MOTHER and you haven't seen what I'm capable of. (Josef looks at her. After a moment he extends a hand past her and pushes the door to the terrace shut behind them. Laura turns to the door in confusion, then looks back at him) Is that supposed to mean something?

Josef: It means that you have not seen what I am capable either. (he smiles) But you're going to.

The Chimera.

Helena stands, looking out a large circular window in the main reception room of the yacht. She stands behind a large oak desk, her hands clasp behind her, and her mouth tight. Damn insolence of that boy Josef, she thinks grimly. He was not at all what she'd initially expected. Devious she had anticipated, but he had appeared to have some degree of loyalty. Now he has revealed himself to be a turncoat, and that was simply not something he'd be allowed to get away with. No, she'd have to take care of him. But not until he'd performed the other half of his duties. After all, things might not go as planned this afternoon -- that was always possible. And if that was the case, then she'd need to make sure that her back-up plan was in place. If nothing else, she was going to see havoc reign on Cassadine Island.

The door opens, and Helena turns to see Ari appear with Lucky. Lucky pauses in the doorway, then makes a quick scan of the room, taking in the window, the desk, Helena, and the large armchairs that face the desk. There are paneled walls -- one side with several oil paintings hanging upon it, the other curiously barren. He notes this, then turns to look Helena in the eye. She smiles slowly, then Lucky sees the moment the expression hits her eyes, and she moves her hands up from behind her and claps them together.

Helena: Mr. Spencer! (Lucky smirks at her, then makes a small bow)

Lucky: You rang? (Helena raises her eyebrows, then, without taking her eyes from Lucky, makes a gesture to dismiss Ari. Ari nods, and turns. He exits, and the door is locked securely behind them. This change of expected events throws Lucky, but he doesn't let it show. Instead he maintains eye contact with his captor, and doesn't flinch as she lets her eyes run over him, clearly inspecting him for any signs of wear and tear. He opens his arms, inviting the pervasive gaze) See anything you like? (Helena looks back to his eyes, sharply, then laughs)

Helena: My, my. Look at you... it's nice to see your darling girlfriend lifted your spirits. Though I must admit, I didn't expect you to be QUITE so cheerful. (Lucky drops his arms)

Lucky: Ten even paces and I'm still alive. Kinda puts a song in my heart. (He cocks his head to one side) So I guess we should get started, huh? What's it going to be? Bullet to the brain? Knife to the throat? Or do you want to try to trick me into poisoning myself? (Lucky feels a slight surge of confidence when he notes Helena's mouth tighten. Maybe he doesn't know what he's doing, but at this point, any reaction is a good reaction. At least it suggests he's not entirely powerless)

Helena: You think this is a game? (Helena's voice is slightly menacing. Lucky's lighthearted demeanor flips off like turning a switch)

Lucky: I think this is a farce. (he twists the last word bitterly)

Helena: (low) You behave as if I should have installed swinging saloon doors for you. (She smiles at him, her eyes dance a little) Cowboy. Isn't that what your father always called you? Are you trying to live up to that juvenile nickname? (Lucky's eyes darken, briefly. Direct hit, though he manages not to give away the fact that his insides just felt like they were being turned inside out. He lets out his breath carefully)

Lucky: Helena. (He sneers) Baby. Cut to the chase.

Helena: (leaning in dangerously close) You should watch your tongue.

Lucky: I don't exactly have a lot to lose. (Helena straightens up, and turns from him with a flourish)

Helena: You say that knowing that our darling Emily lives and breathes?

Lucky: (Shrugging) Maybe I found religion. Maybe I believe in the afterlife. You kill me, you kill her... She and I hang out in limbo forever while you BURN in hell.

Helena: (shaking her head) You really do have no sense of self-preservation, do you?

Lucky: Are you just figuring that out? Come on. You watch me for months, you haven't figured out all my little quirks yet? I never feel more alive than when I'm about to die.

Helena: Yes. I'd almost dare to say you look relaxed.

Lucky: Yeah well... A good threat to my continued existence on earth... the way I grew up? That's like baking cookies. Total nostalgia trip.

Helena: You are a curious boy.

Lucky: (exhaling) Look. Helena... I know NOTHING about you is ever black and white. And I know you don't like to do things quick and messy. No... If you want to kill me, it's going to be long, drawn out, and full of talk. So maybe we should just get started and you can tell me what you want.

Helena: (laughing) Oh, Lucky! What makes you so certain that I'm going to kill you? (Lucky looks at her oddly. Uh... because you told me? He shakes his head)

Lucky: Senility setting in? You know the story better than I do -- you were there for all the key scenes.

Helena: Which would those be? When your father killed my husband? No. I missed that. Or when he threw my Stavros down the stairs? I missed that too. (she smiles slightly. Her smile seems to say it all -- just like Luke is going to miss this)

Lucky: That's not really the point, is it?

Helena: No. No, it's not. (she sighs and walks around one of the chairs, dragging her fingers along the back. She looks at Lucky, then nods to the chair in invitation)

Lucky: Thanks, I'll stand.

Helena: As you wish. (She frowns) You do insist on consistently rejecting all my attempts to be a gracious hostess. Are you or are you not here of your own free will?

Lucky: That's one way of putting it.

Helena: And you would put it another way?

Lucky: I think there are a lot of things we don't see eye to eye on.

Helena: Ah, yes. As you expressed over breakfast, when you called my grandson... What was it? A basket case?

Lucky: (bored) Your point?

Helena: You really don't have much faith in him, do you?

Lucky: In Nikolas? (Lucky forces himself to push down everything inside of him. He would LOVE to throw something unsuspected at this woman. Something that would make her jaw drop. And the things he knows about Nikolas... he could say something. Hell, he could just shrug and tell her that Nik isn't Stavros's demon-spawn after all. See how sweetly protective she is then. But that isn't an option. All things considered, Nikolas is probably on this boat some place. And if Lucky wants to find out what the hell is going on, he's going to have to get through this without signing his brother's death warrant. He gives a slight smile that he knows leaves his eyes dark and empty) I have more faith in the tooth fairy.

Helena: And yet you come all this way with him... (Lucky shrugs) Travel over all these miles, and spend all this time with him... Stay in the Island Compound where your mother was supposedly "held hostage", all for what? What are you hoping to get out of this?

Lucky: What do you want me to say, Helena? What are you going to get out of this?

Helena: A little enlightenment, perhaps. To the workings of that Spencer mind of yours.

Lucky: I came here because Nikolas wanted you dead. And I wanted to watch.

Helena: (laughing) You are so sure of yourself.

Lucky: I have to be sure of somebody.

Helena: So this is why you came here -- with a Cassadine. To watch me die?

Lucky: And I missed my Dad's birthday this year. I figured Helena's head on a platter might be a good father's day gift. Make up for it.

Helena: I hear you have a lot to make up for. (Lucky's eyes cloud momentarily, then he shakes it off)

Lucky: You don't really have a clue what you're talking about. And can we move this along? I know you and most of the rest of the world are pretty hung up on the Prince, but I have a life to lead.

Helena: One thing confuses me, Lucky... with all this going on -- why is your father not aware of your whereabouts?

Lucky: What is this? Twenty questions?

Helena: I'm curious. I don't know if I follow everything that's brought you here. (Lucky groans. It's part for show -- to annoy her -- and partly because he is getting tired of all the dancing around. Particularly on this subject. If he has to make one more comment about Nikolas, he will either get sick, or have to destroy something. Whether the woman knows it or not, she's torturing him. God, he and Nikolas are going to have words when he gets his hands on him. He looks over at Helena with a practiced, bored look.)

Lucky: I'm not really into playing connect the dots. Nik thinks you offed Hannah. He wants vengeance. So maybe I liked the direction that took. And frankly? Nik's a lover, not a fighter. I never had much faith he'd be able to see everything through to... it's natural conclusion.

Nik: You know, I think that's been a problem all along, Lucky. (Lucky freezes. Jesus, no. God, no.... He turns his head slowly to see Nikolas has silently pulled aside the paneling on the far side to reveal a secret passage. Damnit... he'd known there was something weird about that blank wall. He stares at his brother who is looking at him with hollow and empty eyes. His expression is completely devoid of any emotion, his voice flat) You never have had any faith in me.