Monday, November 22, 2004

Port Charles County Jail: Visiting Room

Brianne folded her hands and leaned back in her chair. “No deal.”

Christopher Hartman dragged his hands through his dark hair and glared at the ADA. “Come on, Joyce. This is ridiculous. It’s a slam dunk–”

“Hey!” Diego snarled.

“–you’ve got DNA, his bail jumping, the harassment of Brooke Lynn Ashton. Why are you wasting everyone’s time with a trial?”

Brianne arched an eyebrow. “Because I don’t want him serving a day less in jail than he deserves. And Brooke Lynn deserves her day in court.” She examined her fingernails. “However, I could change my mind.”

Christopher perked up. “Yeah?”

“I want to know how Diego Sanchez knew about a ten year old rape,” Brianne said. She leaned forward. “How did he know just the right way to continue the harassment of a rape victim that began ten years ago and hasn’t happened in six years? The East Side rapist has been operating nearly as long as you’ve been alive, Sanchez. How’d you know the MO?”

Christopher shook his head. “I don’t understand. What does this have to do with anything?”

“Your client knows exactly what I’m talking about,” Brianne said. “Where did you get your information?” she demanded.

“You’re not giving me a deal,” Diego said. “Even if I told you, you wouldn’t give me a deal. You think I’m that stupid?”

“I had some hopes.” Brianne shifted her folder back into her bag. “I was just hoping he’d give us a lead on fifteen open rapes but no, I wasn’t going to come through on a deal. He doesn’t deserve mercy.” She leaned across the table, making sure to keep at least a foot distance between herself and Diego. “You’re just lucky they don’t let us put rapists to death, because you’d be the first to go.”

Diego smirked. “Do you think you scare me? Please.” He stood and leaned in, just an inch from Brianne’s face. “Did you know he took pictures?”

The color slowly drained from her face. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Shaken, Brianne straightened and hung her bag over her shoulder.

“That’s a lovely birth mark you have just above your breast, Ms. Joyce,” Diego called as Brianne made a hasty exit.

Christopher glared at his client. “Are you determined to serve the rest of your life in prison?” he demanded. He shoved himself out of a chair. “If you have information on fifteen open rapes, I can take it the DA. He’d override Joyce in a second to close the East Side rapist case.”

“Give it your best shot,” Diego shrugged. “Tell him I’ll talk if I get probation.”

“Probation–” Christopher broke off. “You’re out of your mind. I’ll tell Lansing we can deal. But he’ll laugh in my face if I try to get probation.”

“I ain’t doing any time,” Diego shot back.

“Well, that’s just great. I’m not sure how you intend to avoid that seeing as how you’re guilty as sin,” Christopher retorted. He grabbed his briefcase. “I’ll talk to Lansing.”

Gardena Suites: Apartment 217

“Cameron down for his nap?” Emily asked as Jason left the bedroom and entered the living room.

Jason sighed and nodded. “Yeah.” He went to the kitchen and popped open the fridge to pull out a beer. “I know why you’re here, Em.”

“I’m sure you think you do but I really just wanted to let you know that Nikolas and I are staying at the Spencer house for a while,” she said. “Lesley’s going to be weak for a while and no one knows how long Luke is going to stay around for so we just want to be there for Lulu.”

“What about school?” Jason asked.

Emily shrugged. “I’m off this semester. And it should be worked out by January. But I’m going to graduate med school in two years and that’s when the fun will really begin. Internship, residency,” she grinned. “Poor Nikolas.”

“He loves you, he’ll deal with it,” Jason said. He sat on the couch and stared into space. “I start work tomorrow.”

“I know. Nikolas has been really excited about the new security program. He’s sure you’re going to love it and it’ll be really challenging, Jason, I promise. He’s got buildings all over the world. You’ll be able to travel like you used to…” Emily stopped. “Okay, I’ve really tried to butt out but I just can’t anymore. You look so miserable, why can’t you just tell Elizabeth that you love her?”

“Because it’s not that simple.” Jason set his beer on the coffee table and stood to look out the window. “I do love her. But it’s not always enough.”

“That’s true,” Emily admitted. “But…”

“I have loved Elizabeth for almost four years now,” Jason said quietly. “I never stopped. Not even when I was with Courtney. There are just some people that get inside you, that you can never really forget.”

“I know,” Emily murmured, thinking about Nikolas.

“But you can’t survive on love alone. And sometimes people change.” Jason exhaled slowly. “And sometimes they change too much.”

Emily stood slowly. “You think you and Elizabeth have grown apart?” she asked carefully.

“I think that we never had a chance to be together,” Jason said instead. “We went from not being together to being parents and I just…I know that I want to be with her but if I screw it up this time, I know it’s going to be the last chance we get. I want to do it right this time so no, I’m not going to jump into living together. She deserves better than that, Emily.”

“So…what?” Emily asked. “You’re going…to date?”

“I don’t know.” Jason shook his head. “But something has to come between being apart and being together. We spent two years apart, Emily. Three, really. I just….I think we owe it to each other to be sure that the people we fell in love are still there. There’s more at stake here than just us. Cameron…” He looked towards the bedroom. “He’s my first priority–he and Elizabeth. I’m going to do everything I can to make sure that we get it right this time.”

“Okay,” Emily said uncertainly. “But don’t be so absorbed in getting it right that you lose Elizabeth altogether, okay?”

PC High: Hallway

Brooke stepped up to her locker and ignored the stares of her fellow students. She could hear whispering and even with her eyes squeezed shut, she could picture the pitying look on their faces. Her arm still in a sling, her face still showing signs of bruising–there wasn’t a single person in this hallway that didn’t know about her rape.

She concentrated on spinning the dial of her combination lock but she kept forgetting the numbers. Her third try, she felt someone stand next to her. Maxie reached out and covered her hand. “Let me do it,” she murmured. Raising her voice just enough to reach the people next to her. “It can be such a bitch doing these with one hand. I use both mine and my lock still sticks.”

Brooke stood aside. “The combination is 8, 12, 24, 7,” she said, keeping her eyes on the ground. “Thanks.”

“No problem.” Maxie unlocked the locker and stepped back. “So, I finally decided on a major for next year.”

“Oh?” Brooke asked, appreciating Maxie’s attempt at normal conversation. She glanced around as she pulled out her history and geometry books.

“Criminal Justice,” Maxie said. “I’m going to be a cop.”

Startled, Brooke’s notebook slid to the floor. She stared at the blonde as if she had grown an extra head in the last five seconds. “A cop?”

“Sure. My dad’s been kind of hinting that he wants one of us girls to follow in his footsteps and it’s not like it doesn’t run in the family. Frisco is off saving the world.”

“Frisco?” Brooke repeated.

“My sperm donor,” Maxie clarified. “He left my mom ages ago to work for the WSB or whatever. Mac’s been my dad for so long that I don’t even consider Frisco anything more than a sperm donor. Anyway, Georgie’s thinking about medicine, so it’s up to me. And besides, I like the idea.”

Brooke knelt and retrieved her notebook. “Yeah? What’s appealing about it? The long hours or the bad pay?”

“The helping people part. I’ve watched how Dad’s been handling your case and how Lucky is working with Brianne Joyce and I just…they make a difference.” Maxie shrugged. “I know it sounds stupid but…”

“No, it doesn’t sound stupid at all,” Brooke said. “And besides, it’s a good idea. We should be thinking about college majors and our future. It’s important. High school’s a flash in the pan; the rest of our lives are starting.”

“Exactly. Have you thought about your major or are you sticking with music?”

“I love music, but I don’t…” Brooke drew her book bag over her shoulder and shrugged. “I don’t think I want to be a performing artist. So I’ve been thinking about broadcast journalism. Being on the radio, you know?”

“That would be perfect,” Maxie declared. “You know more about music than anyone else I know and you have a great voice. It’s so much better and more realistic than Dillon’s plan to be the next Spielberg.”

“He could do it, he’s really talented,” Brooke said in his defense.

“I don’t doubt the talent, but he’s going to end up directing at the local cable station,” Maxie predicted. “Or at best, some cheesy soap opera in the city where he’s gonna have to commute because you know Georgie’s staying here to work at GH. And Dillon’s not leaving Georgie to go off to Hollywood.”

“Well, if that would be his reason for not being the director I know he can be, then it sucks,” Brooke murmured.

Sonny’s Penthouse: Living Room

“It seems so empty here without the boys,” Courtney remarked as she sat down on the couch and set her purse next to her.

Sonny poured himself a glass of water and sighed. “Yeah. Well, things change.”

Courtney eyed the lack of alcohol at the mini bar and nodded. “I guess they do. Did you run out of bourbon?”

Sonny shook his head. “I got the divorce papers the other day from Justus and immediately started to pour myself a glass. I stopped and realized how often I do that. When I couldn’t remember the last day I’d had without a drink, I tossed the bottles.” He sat in the arm chair adjacent to the couch. “I know you’ve been having some troubles, I’m sorry I haven’t been there for you.”

“It’s fine,” Courtney said. She folded her arms. “I know that I got myself into this. I just…” she exhaled slowly. “I thought I was ready for all of this, for moving on with my life and being a foster parent.”

“It’s not your fault they gave you Diego Sanchez,” Sonny pointed out.

“No, but it’s my fault for not realizing immediately that I couldn’t handle him,” Courtney replied. “And what I’ve done since his arrest, that’s my fault too.” She stood and crossed to the mantel, still decorated with photos of Sonny’s old life with Carly. “I should never have lied. And I shouldn’t have bailed him out. He just terrorized Brooke Lynn more.”

“There’s nothing wrong with believing in people, Courtney.”

“There is when you’re stupid about it,” Courtney replied. “And I am stupid, Sonny. I trust the wrong people, I do the wrong things. It’s just–I can’t do it anymore. I won’t do it. I have to make a break from this…this vicious cycle.”

“A break.” Sonny frowned. “Do you mean, leaving Port Charles?”

“Yes,” Courtney confirmed. “I’ve already looked into moving the foundation to New York City. Professionally, it would be a good choice. New York’s bigger; I can do more for more people. And personally…” she dragged her fingers through her hair. “My life has been a roller coaster since the day I moved to Port Charles. Sometimes I miss…” She closed her eyes. “Sometimes I miss the days when I was married to AJ and we lived in that tiny apartment and had to scrape to meet ends meet. He worked at the docks, I worked at Kelly’s. My life was simple back then.” She turned to face her brother. “Do you ever look at your life and wonder…how did I get to this place? How did I screw it all up so badly?”

“Some days,” Sonny nodded. “And others, I remember what I do have. I have my boys, my family. It makes it worth it.”

“I don’t feel like there’s anything tying me here,” Courtney sighed. “Jax has been distant since the Diego debacle and I can’t blame him. Carly’s–she’s being strong. Taking on a new life. And God knows, you have enough going on that you don’t need me–”

“You’re my sister,” Sonny cut in smoothly. “No matter what difficulties we’ve had in the past, that will never change. If you moved, I would miss you. But you’ve got to do what’s right for you.”

“And I think leaving Port Charles would be right for me,” Courtney replied softly.

Alexis’s Apartment: Living Room

“Okay, I think this is the last one,” Alexis said, passing a form to her husband. “You have to initial every page and then sign the last one.”

“I think I’m getting a hand cramp,” Ric murmured but he did as instructed. “How long did the realtor say the escrow was?”

“We can move in any time after the end of the year,” Alexis replied. “Which works out well. We won’t be scrambling to move and deal with Christmas at the same time. Kristina deserves that.”

“We will be moving in at the same time the Sanchez case goes to trial though,” Ric said, checking his court calendar.

“Yeah, but isn’t one of the ADAs first chairing?” Alexis did a second glance through the paperwork to make sure they hadn’t missed an initialing or signature.

“I have all the confidence in the world in Brianne Joyce,” Ric replied. “It’s a high profile case all the same and I’m going to keep my eye on it. I don’t need the Quartermaines on my bad side.”

“We’re going to have to talk about Sonny sometime,” Alexis asked after putting their forms into a manila envelope and setting it aside.

Ric sighed and opened his briefcase. “Has Sonny brought up custody yet?” he questioned.

“Well, no,” Alexis admitted. “But we only have a week before we bring Kristina home. And I’d like us to have a game plan.”

“I don’t think we can really discuss it until we know what he wants,” Ric stalled. He took out some folders and flipped them open. “If he’s going for full or joint.”

“I think it’ll be joint, honestly,” Alexis said. “But I’d rather know that you support me on this.”

“Alexis…” Ric met her eyes. “Kristina is your daughter. Her custody arrangements are up to you. You know me, I’m not sure I want her around Sonny’s world at all but…” he hesitated. “I don’t want her growing up and not knowing her own siblings. Michael and Morgan are her brothers, after all.”

“I know and that’s why I’ve been really considering this. I grew up and never knew about my own sister. I don’t want Kristina turning around in a couple of years and asking why. And I don’t want her to grow up hating them like you did with Sonny.” Alexis shoved her hair over behind her ear. “Sonny’s world scares me but Kristina could fall off the jungle gym or God forbid, get hit by a car. I can’t…” she paused and took a deep breath. “Her illness made me realize that I can’t protect her forever.”

“Then we’ll tell Sonny we’ll agree to joint custody.” Ric covered Alexis’s hand and smiled at her, hoping they weren’t making a mistake.

Elizabeth’s Cottage: Living Room

Elizabeth rubbed her eyes and descended the stairs, relieved that Cameron had finally gone down for his nap. He’d been cranky since she’d picked him up from his father’s earlier that afternoon and she knew why of course–Cameron was getting older and able to realize certain things about his world. And the fact that Jason was one of his favorite people was one of them.

The doorbell stopped her progress into the living room. She winced, wishing she could just collapse on the couch and take a long nap. She almost ignored the bell completely but in the end, went to answer it.

On the stoop, a suitcase at her feet, stood Andrea Webber.

“Mom,” Elizabeth said, startled. “I didn’t…I didn’t realize you were coming so soon.”

“Well…” Andrea hoisted her suitcase and stepped inside the foyer. She gently pushed her shell shocked daughter out of the way to close the door. “As soon as I told your father the good news, he all but ordered me on the plane to come see you.”

“I…he did?” Elizabeth asked, surprised.

“Darling…the reason we haven’t been able to be here on important occasions is that by the time the invitations reach us, it’s already too late,” Andrea told her daughter. “Lucky Spencer’s funeral, your high school and college graduations, and the times you’ve been in the hospital, we never even knew until Audrey told us. We’re not neglectful parents by choice, Elizabeth.”

“Right,” Elizabeth said, seeing the logic in that answer. “Well…Cam just went down for his nap but let me show you to the guest room–”

“Wait, wait…” Andrea took Elizabeth by the shoulders and stepped back. “Let me get a look at my little Lizzie all grown up.” Her eyes narrowed and a teasing glint entered her blue eyes. “Well, the hair’s a bit longer but you still weigh about ninety pounds and all of five foot two.”

“Yes, and you’re such a giant,” Elizabeth remarked with a smirk as she glanced at her mother’s five foot four inch frame. “How much do you weigh now? Ninety-one?”

“How I ever raised such a smartass, I’ll never know,” Andrea sighed dramatically. “You look lovely, dear. With a much better figure than I ever had so shortly after giving birth.”

“Well, with a little baby to raise by myself and having to work, I didn’t really have much of a choice,” Elizabeth murmured. She lifted her mother’s suitcase and started up the stairs. Andrea frowned and followed her.

“I thought you said the Quartermaine’s son was the father,” Andrea said.

“Jason is his father, but we don’t live together and he’s not…” Elizabeth pushed open the door to the bedroom between hers and Cameron’s. “He’s not always in the picture full-time.”

“Hmm,” Andrea murmured. “And how is work going, dear? I must confess, your father and I were quite surprised to hear that you had entered the nursing program. I know that you only majored in nursing at PCU to humor us–”

“I started nursing classes after my first miscarriage,” Elizabeth replied softly. “I wanted to be a mother and I knew that I had to be practical. I love my art and I’m still pursuing it, but I had to be realistic.”

“Being realistic is the worst thing about being an adult,” Andrea decided. She stepped over to the windows to peer out into the backyard of the cottage. “Nevertheless, I hope you’re enjoying your chosen career.”

“I am,” Elizabeth replied. “I know it’s not being a doctor like you guys hoped but I still feel like I’m making a difference–”

“Doctors are nothing without our nurses and just look at your grandmother.” Andrea sank onto the brass bed. “She’s an incredible nurse–she must be thrilled you’re walking in her footsteps.”

“She does have this fantasy about me one day running the program,” Elizabeth replied with a smile. “I told her we’ll take it one day at a time.” She slid her hands into the pockets of her jeans. “How long do you suppose you’ll stay?”

“Oh, at least until the beginning of the year,” Andrea told her. “I’ve cleared until January and your father’s going to fly in for Christmas. We’ll both return to Spain sometime after New Year’s, I imagine. We thought with Steven in town, we might try to do something together for the holidays.”

“That would be…” Elizabeth paused and finally admitted the honest truth, “weird.”

Andrea laughed. “Well, I suppose that’s a good way to put it. Now if we could get Sarah to fly in, it’d be downright bizarre.”

Spencer House: Front Porch

Brianne hesitated as they stepped up to the front door. “I don’t think I should be here,” she told Lucky uncertainly. “I’m certainly not family, I’m not a friend of the family and–”

“You’re a friend of mine,” Lucky interrupted. “And I don’t feel right about leaving you alone until we get a handle on Diego Sanchez’s connection with your case. I’m staying with you until we know the danger has passed, okay?”

“I suppose I don’t have any choice,” Brianne said. “With you being a cop and all. If I didn’t let you, you’d come up with something to tell Mac who would just tell Ric Lansing and it would end up being this whole huge thing and you’d still be staying with me so I imagine I’ll just skip to the end of that particular drama.”

“I’m not trying to make you uncomfortable, Bri,” Lucky said. “I just…” he shrugged. “I’d feel better if I knew for sure you were safe, okay?”

“And I appreciate that so that’s why I’m saving you the trouble of going over my head,” Brianne replied. “But we each have our own lives and our own jobs, you can’t possibly be with me all the time.”

“I can do my best. Come on,” Lucky gestured towards the front door. “Let’s go have some dinner.”

Spencer House: Dining Room

“Can you pass the chicken?” Nikolas asked, holding out a hand to Brianne, who handed the platter to him. “Lu, this is actually pretty good.”

“Oh, don’t say that like it’s such a surprise. Grandma loves to cook, so she’s been teaching me,” Lulu replied. She spooned some more potatoes onto her plate. “So, Brianne, Lucky says he works with you at the DA’s office.”

“Yes,” Brianne replied. “But only just recently.”

“DA Lansing has nothing but good things to say,” Nikolas said. “He’s on the board at GH with my aunt and with so many Quartermaines working there, we’ve talked about the Sanchez case a bit. He has all the confidence in the world in you.”

“Well my part is easy,” Brianne said. “The PCPD did an excellent job with evidence and witnesses. They basically handed me a conviction.”

“Well, Diego jumping bail didn’t help his , I imagine,” Emily remarked. “Can you introduce that at trial?”

“If I needed to, but I don’t really want to beat it into the jury’s head. People aren’t stupid. With the evidence we have, it won’t be a problem to convict,” Brianne said.

“I made brownies for dessert,” Lulu said, as she stood. Emily got up and pushed her back down.

“I’ll get it,” Emily said. “You’ve done enough. And Lucky can come help me.” She glared at Lucky until he stood and followed her.

Lulu smirked. “Yeah, ’cause that’s not totally obvious.”

Spencer House: Kitchen

Emily started cutting into the sheet of chocolate brownies cooling on the stove. “So, you brought the ADA to a family dinner,” she said, flashing her old friend a wicked grin.

“I’m just keeping her safe until certain aspects of this case are closed,” Lucky replied easily. “It’s in every one’s best interests.”

“Uh huh.” Emily broke a corner off one brownie and popped it into her mouth. “So you’re not attracted to her?”

Lucky leaned against the counter. “I’d have to be dead not to be attracted. She’s beautiful but our relationship is purely professional, Em. And besides, there are…circumstances that you don’t know right now.”

“Yeah, but you’re attracted to her,” Emily said. “That’s enough for me right now. I’ll handle the rest.”

“There isn’t going to be any rest,” Lucky said, grimacing. “Don’t help, Em.”

“I’m not going to do anything,” Emily said innocently. “You should be ashamed of yourself, Lucky.”

“Uh huh,” Lucky said, unconvinced. “Stay out of this, Em. If I want something to happen between Bri and I, I’ll handle it myself.”

“Sure,” Emily rolled her eyes. “You know, between you and Jason and Elizabeth, I am never going to get another niece or nephew. You’re all like molasses,” she complained.

Port Charles County Jail: Visiting Room

Maria Sanchez took a seat across from her twin brother and folded her hands on the table. “Why did you lie to me?” she asked quietly.

Diego rolled his eyes. “You’re such a little brat,” he said scornfully. “Why did you lie to me?” he repeated in a mocking high tone.

“You promised me if I got you out of there that we would fight the charges together,” Maria continued. Her eyes took on a glossy sheen. “But you disappeared and they said you sent the Ashton girl clothes from that night. I don’t understand, Diego–”

“Oh, you understand,” Diego replied. “You just don’t want to.” He smirked. “Poor little innocent Maria Cecilia, the only angel of the LA ghettos. You can’t really be that naïve.”

Her lower lip trembled. “You’re guilty, aren’t you? All those things you told me about Brooke Lynn being angry with you for not wanting her, wanting to get back at you–those were all lies.”

Diego sat back and continued to smirk. “Because I’m known for my honesty,” he remarked sarcastically. “Stupid little girl.”

Maria stood on shaky legs. “I hope you rot in prison,” she whispered hatefully. She turned on her heel and fled the room.

Thursday, November 18, 2004

Quartermaine Mansion: Foyer

“You’re leaving for the hospital early,” Edward remarked to Alan and Monica as he came down the stairs. He checked the gold watch on his wrist. “You usually don’t go in for another hour.”

“Lesley Webber had a heart attack yesterday, Father,” Alan replied as he helped Monica into her coat. “We’re visiting her.”

“Lesley Webber,” Edward mused. “Didn’t you sleep with her husband?”

Monica narrowed her eyes. “Yes. And I was married to his brother. What’s your point?”

“Nothing at all,” Edward smiled cheerfully. The phone rang then, saving Edward from Monica’s irritation.

None of three came forward to answer it. When it rang for the third time, Alan rolled his eyes. “What’s the point of having servants if they’re never around?” he muttered as he yanked the phone off the base. “Hello, Quartermaine Residence.” After a moment, he frowned and hung up. “That’s the third time this week.”

“Another heavy breather?” Monica questioned.

“What is this world coming to?” Edward demanded. He cinched his blue silk robe tighter and stepped off the landing. “First that delivery of dead flowers and now some little perverted anonymous phone caller. I have half a mind to report to this to the police.”

“And tell them what?” Monica demanded. “They have more important things to do, Edward, than worry about who’s playing juvenile tricks on this family.”

“Unless it’s that son of bitch Diego Sanchez,” Alan pointed out. “He sent Brooke that torn piece of her clothing. Wouldn’t put it past him to harass the rest of the family.”

“Well, then we ought to report it,” Edward nodded. “In fact, I’ll call Mac right now.”

Monica opened her mouth to argue, but Alan touched her sleeve. “Better to be safe than sorry,” he told her quietly.

Brianne’s Apartment: Kitchen

“Your coffee is better than mine,” Lucky decided as he sipped the double roasted brew. He leaned against the granite counter and watched the blonde speculatively. “Can you cook?”

Brianne poured some sugar into her mug and shrugged a shoulder. “My mother was a pastry chef and my father ran the kitchen at the Port Charles Grille. I think it’s safe to say that I can probably cook.”

“Good coffee, good cook–” Lucky glanced around the spotless apartment. “You can clean. You want to get married?”

Brianne fought a smile as she stirred her coffee. “Well, if that isn’t the most romantic proposal I’ve ever had.” She turned to butter a piece of toast that popped out of the toaster.

Lucky watched her and thought about the card he’d tucked away. A couple dozen roses, a little romantic sentiment and he wondered why that combination had the ADA turning pasty white and scaring her so badly she’d been almost clinging to him the past two days. He made a mental note to run her name through the system when he got to work. Now that she was a little more relaxed around him, it couldn’t hurt to have more information at hand.

“So, did your parents meet at work?” Lucky asked.

Brianne glanced at him. “Why?”

“Just curious,” Lucky shrugged. “My parents met at a disco, if you can believe that. She worked for him and was married at the time but I guess you can’t fight fate.” His smile grew wistful. “She had a breakdown a few years ago and my dad’s never been the same.”

“I’m sorry,” Brianne murmured. She cleared her throat. “My father was my mother’s boss thirty years ago and she tells me that he was so damn arrogant and stubborn and they fought all the time. She was so mad at him once that she tossed a bowl of flour on him.” She grinned. “She told me he looked so funny that she started giggling and he started laughing and…they fell in love over flour.”

“That’s a nice memory,” Lucky said. “Are they still together?”

“My dad passed away about five years ago, but yeah–until then, they were. Divorce wasn’t in their vocabulary,” Brianne remembered. “They knew from the start they had combative personalities so they didn’t let it get in the way.”

“I’m sorry,” Lucky said. “Losing a parent–it’s the most difficult thing. At least…I can pretend my mother is going to get better. But it was like losing his heart for my father.”

The doorbell rang and Lucky stopped Brianne before she could go to answer it. “Let me go first.”

“It’s just my front door, Lucky,” she replied. Before he could argue, his cell phone rang. “You answer that, I’ll get the door.”

“Brianne–” Lucky muttered something under his breath as she disappeared into the front hall. He took his phone out of his back pocket and flipped it on. “Spencer.”

“Hey, Cowboy,” Luke Spencer’s voice was quiet, subdued–two adjectives one could rarely associate with the elder Spencer. “I got your message about Lesley.”

“Are you coming home?” Lucky demanded. “Lu needs you, Dad. And Grandma’s gonna have take it easy for a while. Someone needs to look them both.”

“Yeah.” Luke sighed. “I’ll be home sometime this weekend,” he replied. “There are some things we gotta discuss anyhow.”

“I’ll see you when you get in then,” Lucky replied. He slipped into his phone back into his pocket and went to find Brianne.

The door was closed and Brianne stood there, staring at a bouquet of roses on the table.

“Brianne?”

She turned to him, the white card dangling from her fingers. She swallowed hard. “I think I should probably make a report,” she whispered.

Lucky nodded slowly. “Okay.” He hesitated. “To me…or…?”

“To Mac.” She swallowed hard. “He was the investigating officer.”

“Okay,” Lucky repeated. He took the card from her lifeless hands and slipped into his front pocket. “Let’s go clean up the kitchen and we’ll go to the police station.”

“All right,” Brianne agreed. She cleared her throat and seemed to regain some of her composure, if not some of her color. “That sounds fine.”

General Hospital: Lesley’s Room

“I’m just so relieved you’re all right,” Bobbie said, reaching for Lesley’s hand and squeezing it tightly. “You had us all so scared.”

“Everyone’s being so silly,” Lesley sighed. “You’d think I had been seriously ill. Heart attacks aren’t what they used to be.”

“But they’re still a wake up call,” Audrey murmured with admonishing glare. “Slow down and take care of ourselves. Now, if Steve had just listened to his doctors…” she stopped and pressed a hand to her chest. “Asking that man to slow down would be like asking the rain to stop falling from the sky.”

“Exactly,” Lesley nodded. “And I have Lulu to look after, don’t I?” She folded her arms tightly across her chest. “It’s not as though that reprobate my daughter married can be bothered with her.”

“You know Luke’s never gotten over losing Laura,” Bobbie sighed. She shook her head and looked away. “When she didn’t recover, something went out of my brother and it hasn’t returned.”

“No one sympathizes more than I do,” Lesley sighed. “But he’s not alone in this family. Lucky’s all grown up but he still needs his father and God knows, Lu needs her father. She’s already lost her mother, I don’t know why she had to lose him, too.”

“Perhaps he’ll come around,” Audrey replied. “Lu’s still young and there’s time for Luke to correct his wrongs. I have my second chance with Elizabeth now and Bobbie has hers with Carly.”

Bobbie twisted her face in a resigned grimace. “Whether I want it or not. It feels like my whole life revolves around Carly these days.”

“Just because children grow up, it doesn’t mean our job ends,” Audrey said. “Vacation time and retirement is not in the job description.” But she softened her words with a knowing smile, having worked with Carly in the nursing program.

“I love my daughter but she can certainly wear a person out.” Bobbie’s expression grew troubled. “And Lucas. I never feel like I’m spending enough time with him and with what’s happening with Brooke, I wish I knew how to comfort him.”

“Sometimes there isn’t a way,” Audrey said. She reached across Lesley’s hospital bed and took Bobbie’s hand in her own. “Speaking from experience, he’ll just have to fumble around until he finds his own away. If he’s anything like his cousin or mother, he’ll do a stand up job.”

“Lu was talking about that the other day,” Lesley sighed. “She was interviewed by the one of the officers. I’m just so relieved that it didn’t…” her expression was guilty as she looked at Audrey. “Well…that it didn’t happen to her.”

“I think any one whose daughter or granddaughter came into contact with that animal feels that way,” Bobbie replied fiercely.

“Are we interrupting?” Alan said, knocking on the door, Monica at his side.

“No, no. Come in,” Lesley waved. “We were just commiserating over raising children.”

Monica sighed and dropped into the last remaining chair next to Bobbie, Alan stood behind her. “I could honestly strangle one of my children on any given day.”

“But I hear congratulations are in order, Grandma,” Lesley teased. “You and Audrey have a little grandson in common.”

Monica’s smile warmed and she glanced up at Alan, who frowned. “I haven’t told you yet, darling. Jason is Cameron Webber’s father. Elizabeth’s son?”

“He is?” Alan’s face folded into a grin. “Well, that is news. Elizabeth is a wonderful girl.”

Audrey beamed. “She certainly is. I couldn’t have dreamt a more wonderful granddaughter. And Cameron!” She laughed. “He’s such a delight. I had wondered where he inherited his ears.” Her eyes sparked with mischief. “My Elizabeth’s certainly don’t stick out that way.”

Alan frowned mockingly. “Are you saying my son’s do?”

“We’re throwing a baby shower in early December for Elizabeth,” Monica said. “You’re all expected to come, you know. I didn’t get a chance to celebrate when he was born–or Michael for that matter but I will certainly make up for it now. And just that Jason agreed to it…”

“Did he, really?” Bobbie asked. “That’s an incredible bit of progress. Usually Jason won’t set foot on those grounds but if he’s letting his son…”

“Now if the doctors will just let me out in time,” Lesley sighed dramatically. “Perhaps someone–the Chief of Staff possibly–could put in a good word for me?” she asked, eyeing Alan speculatively.

“We’ll see,” Alan murmured with a grin.

PCPD: Commissioner’s Office

Mac was organizing some of his open case files when Lucky knocked on his partially ajar door. “Come on in, Spencer.”

Lucky led the still somewhat pale Brianne into the office and directed towards the chair in front of the desk. “Ah, Commissioner…”

Mac frowned. “I wasn’t aware we had a meeting this morning, Ms. Joyce.”

Brianne took a shaky breath and offered Mac a weak smile. “I’m not here as an ADA,” she answered. “I want…I’ve received two bouquets over the last three days.”

Mac’s body stiffened and his demeanor changed. “What?”

“One came to my office on Tuesday…” Brianne swallowed. “And the other to my apartment this morning. I–” she bowed her head, “I know I should have told you immediately b-but I just…I wanted to pretend it wasn’t happening again.”

Mac surprised Lucky by rising from his desk and taking the seat next to Brianne, turning it so he was facing her. “It’s all right, Brianne. No one’s blaming you.” His eyes shifted to Lucky. “Have you spoken to Lucky about what happened?”

Brianne shook her head. “No. But I guess–since he’s going to be guarding me, he ought to know.”

“He’s a good officer,” Mac said. “And I’d feel better if he were looking out for you. This is enough to reactivate your case.”

Her head snapped up. “But the statute ran out three years ago–”

“Not if we can prove the crime is still occurring,” Mac reminded her. “His continual harassment, stalking…it can work in our favor. I’ll look into the particulars but anyhow…do you want me to tell Lucky?”

“No…I can do it.” Brianne didn’t look at Lucky as she said the following, “Ten years ago, when I was sixteen, I was attacked and raped when I was walking home from the library.”

Lucky swallowed hard and for a moment, an image of Elizabeth crawling out of the bushes flashed in his mind.

Brianne closed her eyes. “I woke up in the hospital the next day and it had already been reported. The police–Mac–took my statement and I thought that it would probably be it. Except…I got a bouquet of roses a few days later. With a card that said I’ll never forget. Three days later, I received another.”

She stood suddenly and stalked towards the windows. “A month later, on the anniversary of the attack, I got a piece of my torn shirt in the mail.” Her mouth twisted into half-smile, half-grimace. “I had been found completely nude–he’d stolen my clothing so that he could use the grim reminders later to torment me.”

“Jesus,” Lucky breathed under his breath. He gave Mac a stricken look.

“And every month for a year, he sent me pieces of the clothing I had been wearing,” Brianne continued. “And for four years, on the anniversary, he sent me roses. All the packages, all the flowers, they all came with cards that said I’ll never forget.” She blinked rapidly and fought down the swell of panic rising in her throat. “But it stopped and I thought it was finally over.”

“Until the other day,” Lucky said quietly.

“Yes.” Brianne took a deep breath and turned around. “It won’t affect my work, Mac. I promise.”

Mac nodded. “I never thought it would. Do you still have the bouquets, the cards?”

“Not the first delivery,” Brianne sighed regretfully. “But the second, Lucky has the card and the roses are still in my front hall. I’ll give you a key–please just have them gone when I get home.”

“I have the first card,” Lucky volunteered. He pulled out his wallet and produced the white card. He looked at Brianne. “I found it in your office.” He set them on Mac’s desk.

“We’ll try and track something down,” Mac said. He stood. “It’s going to be okay, Brianne. We might get him this time.”

“I suppose.” Brianne folded her arms tightly across her chest as if warding off a chill. “Do you mind if I wait outside until you’re finished?”

“Don’t go far,” Lucky warned.

“Believe me…until this is all over, I don’t plan to.” Brianne closed the door behind her.

“The East Side rapist,” Lucky said as soon as it was shut. “She was one of the victims.”

Mac nodded solemnly. “He raped fifteen girls, ages twelve to eighteen over a five year period and until six years ago he sent them all roses and pieces of clothing. His first victim received flowers for nine years. Brianne was his eleventh victim. The last was seven years ago and no one’s heard from him in six years.”

“Until now,” Lucky said.

“We spent a lot of man hours trying to track him down but our resources were always strained, with the many of adventures of Sonny Corinthos. When our guy disappeared, we speculated that maybe he’d been picked up and was serving time.”

“If you’re going to reactivate the case, I want it,” Lucky said immediately.

“Lucky,” Mac began.

“I know all the reasons you’re going to say no, but no one will work harder to put him behind bars,” Lucky argued. “And even if we can’t reactivate because of the statute–”

“We have DNA,” Mac interrupted. “In thirteen of the cases. New York passed the law that the statute doesn’t apply in cases that have DNA available.”

“Okay,” Lucky nodded. “Then give me the case.”

Mac sighed. “All right, but Lucky–there’s something that Brianne didn’t tell you.”

“What?” Lucky asked.

“Five months after the attack, Brianne had a miscarriage,” Mac said quietly. “I just thought you should know her case is not your average rape case.”

“I–” Lucky closed his mouth. “I’ll tread lightly around that I guess. I just…” His hands fisted at his side. “This shouldn’t happen to anyone,” he said finally. He shook his head and left the room.

Jason’s Penthouse: Living Room

“So Jason moved out?” Sonny asked, glancing around the room that was now bare of a pool table, Jason’s desk and the photographs on the mantel.

Sam curled up on the couch and sipped a cup of coffee. “He left yesterday and the furniture was picked up this morning. I was surprised…I didn’t think he’d move out this fast.”

Sonny sat at the other end of the couch. “Elizabeth left him.”

“Yeah…he told me. And then I lit into him.” Sam’s lips curved into an empty smile. “But I think my words had the opposite effect.”

“I can’t tell you what Jason’s thinking. I’m just relieved Elizabeth isn’t limiting access to Cameron,” Sonny replied.

Sam frowned and peered at him over the rim of her mug. “Did you think she would?”

“Well, no,” he admitted. “But all the same, I don’t think it would have helped matters if she had. But Elizabeth’s always been above tactics like that. She, more than anyone, understands what Jason went through when Carly ruined his relationship with Michael.”

“I think its clear Elizabeth loves him and I don’t understand why Jason won’t make the commitment to her,” Sam said, frustrated. “It’s just…he has everything he ever wanted in his sights and he doesn’t even want it.”

“The problem isn’t that he doesn’t want it. It’s that he wants it too much,” Sonny replied. “And in his experience, he doesn’t get to keep what he wants too often.” He shook his head. “I didn’t come over to debate Jason’s love life.”

“So why did you come over?” Sam sighed.

“I wanted to check on you,” Sonny replied. “I haven’t seen you since the services.”

“I’m fine.” Sam stood and set her cup on the coffee table. She crossed her arms and crossed the glass balcony doors to peer out over the harbor. “I’ve mostly come to terms with losing Adella. I meant what I said at the service. I’m going to concentrate on what I had and not what I lost.”

“That’s probably for the best.” Sonny went to stand behind her and slid his hands in his pockets. “Jason said you were going to look for work.”

“I’m only staying in the penthouse long enough to build up some money to get out,” Sam replied. “It’s the middle of winter, I won’t be able to get any salvage jobs now anyway.” She sighed. “I’m not even sure I want to go back to that. I want to have a baby, Sonny.” She turned and smiled up at him. “I’m going to get a normal job, find a normal apartment, save up and get a sperm donor.”

Sonny opened his mouth but found he had no words to say to that. He closed it. “Well…that certainly sounds like a plan.”

Sam smirked and turned back around. “I don’t expect you to approve but I also find I don’t care anymore. I want a baby and I don’t see why I should have a man around to complicate matters. It’s never worked for me before so why bother with it now?”

He found he couldn’t disagree with that and decided to change the subject. “Justus says my divorce to Carly could be finalized before the end of the year. It seems that divorces are getting easier and easier to get.”

“It’s America’s eroding sense of family values,” Sam said. “No one works at anything now. They get married without thinking it through because they know if it doesn’t work, they can just get divorce. People don’t take the time to slow down and really decide if they’re compatible or if they’ve got what it takes to last.” She exhaled slowly. “I’ve been watching a lot of day time television.”

“Sometimes it takes months but sometimes you know in an instant when something’s right,” Sonny replied with a wistful smile. “I wonder what that’s like.”

“You’ll let me know if you find out right?” Sam turned and gave him a small smile. “So I know what to look for?”

“You’ll be the first to know.”

Gardena Suites: Apartment 217

His new apartment had two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, a room large enough for his pool table (it might have been meant for a dining room) and a living room. After living in a spacious penthouse for the last two years, Jason found it almost comforting to be in a smaller space.

The only way it would be perfect if it were the size of his old room at Jake’s, but he wasn’t that person anymore. He had a son and he certainly couldn’t raise Cameron there.

Not that he was really raising Cameron now, Jason thought absently as Elizabeth stood in front of him, their son in her arms, the diaper bag slung over her shoulder. She was explaining the custody arrangement that would allow both of them maximum time with their son without having to be in a room together all that much.

“Until you really get going with your new job, Cameron can stay with you during my shifts,” Elizabeth said. She set the diaper bag on his couch, ignoring the fact that it was actually the old couch from the penthouse–the couch on which they had made promises to each other once upon a time. “I guess we’d better get two sets of baby furniture for him, one for here and the cottage–” she stopped and shifted. “I’m going to start paying you back for that–”

“What?” Jason snapped to attention. “No. Absolutely not.”

Elizabeth sighed impatiently. “Jason, you bought the cottage for us. Now that…it makes me uncomfortable to live there.”

“That’s ridiculous,” Jason replied shortly. “You’re just trying to get a reaction out of me now. You think if you threaten to pay me for the cottage or even sell it, it’s going to change something. That I’ll magically be what you want me to be but–”

“Oh, don’t be an idiot.” Elizabeth settled Cameron in his arms, managing to do so without even touching Jason once. “I don’t want to be anyone other than who you are and who you are pisses me off because you seem to enjoy keeping me at a distance. That’s fine. It’s your prerogative. But don’t you dare jump down my throat because I find it difficult to live in the cottage where we planned to be family–”

“We are a family,” Jason interrupted with irritation. “I just–I’m tired of hurting you, Elizabeth.”

“Well, what do you think you’re doing now?” she demanded, eyes glistening. She shook her head. “No, I’m not doing this again. I just–fine, I won’t sell the cottage. And you wouldn’t take money if I gave it to you, so I’m just wasting my breath.”

Jason exhaled slowly. “If you want to sell the cottage, I won’t get in your way. You should live where you want to live, where you can be happy.” He looked at Cameron whose face was screwed up in confusion, as if he couldn’t understand why his parents were using loud voices. “That’s all I want for you, Elizabeth.”

“That’s what I want for you,” Elizabeth murmured. “But I’m not sure you know how to be anymore.”

“You’re probably right,” Jason surprised her by admitting. “And I’m not willing to make us both miserable until I fix that.” He took a step towards her. “Being with you does make me happy, Elizabeth. It’s something I never thought I could have. But I don’t want to depend on you to be that way. It’s not fair to you or to me.”

“Fair enough,” Elizabeth replied softly. “I can certainly accept that.” She kissed Cameron’s forehead. And then kissed Jason’s cheek. “I do love you, Jason. But I can’t wait the rest of my life for you to find yourself.”

General Hospital: Nurse’s Station

Brianne stepped off the elevator and was relieved to find Elizabeth Webber working at the nurse’s station. She wanted to get this interview over and then go back to her office where she could close the door and forget the rest of her life existed.

Her ever present shadow Lucky had been convinced to take a break. He was waiting in the hospital cafeteria for her and she knew he was poring over her case. Brianne touched her abdomen and swallowed hard. Which meant he knew by now exactly what that night had cost her.

She had secured his cooperation by promising that she would speak to Elizabeth and return straight to him. She had fifteen minutes before he tracked her down and Brianne was grateful for his willingness to stick close. At least for now.

“Ms. Webber?” Brianne asked.

Elizabeth looked up, her face wan and smiled faintly. “Hello. Are you here to meet with Lucky? I didn’t think he was visiting Lesley–”

“No, Lucky’s waiting for me in the cafeteria. I came to speak with you if you have a moment,” Brianne said.

“I have a few minutes before my shift begins.” She picked up a few folders and led Brianne over to the waiting area to sit on the couch. “What can I help you with?”

“Brooke mentioned that she had spoken to you regarding her…regarding the incident.” Brianne took out Brooke’s statement and cursed herself silently for being flustered. If she couldn’t say the word, how could she prosecute this? She took a deep breath. “Regarding her rape.”

“She did,” Elizabeth said slowly, studying the other woman curiously. “I’ve been a friend of the family for years so they know my history–that it happened to me when I was a teenager.”

Brianne’s hand slipped and the folder went sliding to the floor. She caught it before the papers slid out and with shaking heads, she settled it back on her lap. “I’m–I’m sorry.”

Elizabeth frowned and reached out to cover Brianne’s hands. “Are you all right?” she asked softly.

“F-fine,” Brianne managed. “I just–so they thought you could help.”

“Sure. I guess you want to know what she said to me,” Elizabeth replied. She put her hands back in her lap. “Do you think she left something out of her own statement?”

“No. Not on purpose. It’s just…” Brianne closed her eyes and ordered herself to calm down. “She spoke to me as an authority figure. She spoke to you as a friend. It’s a different atmosphere and things can come out and I just–if any thing stood out to you.”

“I’m not sure I feel comfortable telling you. I mean, Brooke confided in me but I guess–I know that she wants Diego in jail for a long time and I know that it would help her peace of mind to know he’s in jail for what he did to her.”

“And Brooke gave me a signed statement saying you could tell me everything,” Brianne told her. She started to rummage through her papers but Elizabeth touched her arm to stop her.

“I believe you. We didn’t speak long anyway. I thought it would make her feel better to know more about what happened to me,” she said. “So I told her about the park, that I had done everything wrong–taken a shower, waited too long to report it–that I might have invited it the way I dressed. Brooke said she thought maybe she’d done something to lead him on. She certainly hadn’t meant to but you know, something you do or something can be taken a thousand ways and if someone really wants to read into something, they will.” Elizabeth exhaled slowly. “She was mostly upset by the fact that she had been a virgin.” Her eyes were a little unfocused now. “It made her feel better to know that I had been one, too.”

Brianne bit her lip. “So was I.”

Elizabeth frowned and looked at her. “What?”

“So was I,” Brianne repeated. She shoved the folder back in her bag. “I don’t think Brooke left anything out in her statement to me, but I just wanted to be sure so thank you–”

“Wait…” Elizabeth touched her arm. “Take a deep breath. This…” her eyes filled with tears for the second time that day. “You, too?”

Brianne closed her eyes and nodded miserably. “I was sixteen. The East Side rapist.”

“I…” Elizabeth shook her head. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s not going to affect my work on this case,” Brianne’s eyes snapped open and Elizabeth saw the determination in the blonde’s eyes. “I never got to see my rapist prosecuted. And I won’t let that happen to Brooke.” She stood and pushed the strap of her bag over her shoulder.

“The East Side rapist was the one that sent those….things to his victims.” Elizabeth stood. “I can’t imagine having….that would driven me insane. I don’t doubt you’ll win this case. If you can survive that, you can survive anything.”

“Well…” Brianne shifted. “I would appreciate if you didn’t spread this information around,” she said after a moment. “Lucky knows because–he has to. But other than him, Mac Scorpio and Ric Lansing, no one else does and I have–it has to stay that way.”

“No one understands that more than me.” Elizabeth hesitated. “I know we don’t know each other, but I feel like–well, I…if you ever…” she shook her head. “If you ever need someone to just listen…”

“Thank you,” Brianne said, finally getting some control over her composure. “But I don’t need anyone.”

She went to the elevators and jabbed the button, furious at herself for having said anything at all.

Club 101: Inside

“See?” Maxie said with a grin. “This was a good idea.” She took her soda from the server and raised it up in the air. “A toast.”

“Did they spike her soda?” Dillon whispered to Georgie, who glared at him.

“What can we possibly toast to?” Brooke sighed, but she raised her glass anyway. After a glare from Maxie, Dillon and Lucas followed suit.

“We can toast to each other,” Maxie said. “Because no matter what happens, we will always have each other. I know that sounds sappy or something from a Hallmark card, but it’s important to me that you guys know how much I love you guys.” Her eyes met Brooke’s. “You’re my family. And nothing comes before family.”

“Well, then,” Lucas grinned. “To family.”

Their glasses clinked and when they’d set them back down, Georgie reached for the appetizer menu. “We should share some wings, or something.”

“Uh uh, potato skins,” Dillon took the menu from his girlfriend. “With the cheddar and bacon?”

“I want mozzarella sticks,” Lucas declared, yanking the menu from Dillon.

“Everyone knows the quesadillas are the best,” Maxie argued, tugging it from Lucas.

“We could try the sampler,” Brooke suggested. “It’s got all of those plus the jalapeno poppers.”

“So I guess you’re hungry now,” Lucas said, with an approving smile. She arched an eyebrow at him. “Well, we had to practically lift you into the car and tie you down to get you here. I believe your big excuse was that you weren’t hungry.”

“Things change,” Brooke replied sweetly.

“Good. Appetizers are settled on.” Lucas reached for the dinner menu. “I’m starving, Mom’s been at Lu’s house most of the day getting it ready for Uncle Luke to come home and for Lesley to be set up in the downstairs guest room so she didn’t even have my usual afternoon snack ready.”

“Aww, Lucas didn’t get his customary pot roast,” Maxie said with mock sympathy. She ruffled his hair. “Poor baby.”

“It’s good thing they turned this into an Under 21 club,” Georgie said, looking around with approval. “I knew Jax wasn’t a total loser even if he is dating Courtney.”

Lucas snorted. “I can’t even be sure she’s a girl. Have you seen her arms?” he shuddered. “Plus, he can’t know where she’s been.”

“You guys don’t have to diss her on my account,” Brooke said with a small smile.

“We’re not. She makes it easy to diss on her own record,” Georgie sniffed. “Dirty stripper that she is.”

“Well, I don’t think her being a stripper automatically give her a black mark,” Lucas decided. “I mean…she may not be all that pretty but she does have a pretty decent rack. How much do you think it cost?”

Outraged, Brooke whacked him on the shoulder with her menu.

Club 101: Parking Lot

After dinner and desert, the group left the club and headed for Dillon’s SUV. “Thanks for making me go out,” Brooke said, winding her arm through Lucas’s, the first touch she’d initiated in three weeks. She smiled up at him. “It means a lot that you…that you’re sticking.”

“You couldn’t get rid of me if you wanted to.” Lucas paused; letting the three others go ahead. “I don’t want to push you into being with me if it’s not something you want. But we’re more than that. We’re friends. And just standing here with you is enough for me.”

“I–” Brooke stopped and froze. “Lucas,” she whispered. “Diego is in the parking lot. I just saw him dart behind that car back there.”

Lucas’s shoulders stiffened. “Okay. Here’s what you’re going to do. I’m going to go after him–”

“No!” she whispered fiercely. “Lucas–”

“–and you’re going to go catch up to the others. Send Dillon after me and call the police. Do you understand?”

“Don’t be a hero, Lucas–”

“Brooke, just do it!” He pushed her in that direction and waited a few seconds before turning around and nonchalantly studying the landscape of dark cars. He saw a shadow move and took off.

“It’s Diego!” Brooke said as she reached the others at Dillon’s car. “Lucas is chasing him over there–”

Dillon took off after Lucas and Maxie yanked out her cell phone. “I’ll call 911, Georgie, you call Dad. Brooke, call your dad. One of them will get here fast enough to get him.”

A half hour later, an unconscious Diego Sanchez was on his away to General Hospital under armed guard. Lucas and Dillon had been restrained him but in his fury, Lucas had…accidentally knocked Diego out and if Dillon hadn’t kept him back, might have done worse damage.

Ned shook Lucas’s hand and enveloped his brother in a fierce hug. “Thank God you two were here.”

Georgie rolled her eyes. “Yes. Thank God the big strong boys were here to help the poor little damsels.” She scowled. “Honestly.”

Tuesday, November 16, 2004

 PCPD: Interrogation Room

When Mac entered the room early that morning, Courtney sprang out of her seat. “Why did you bring me in again?” she demanded. “I’ve already told you everything I know!”

“That’s a matter of opinion,” Mac said dryly. He sat and watched as the irate blonde paced from one side of the room to the other. “Do you know Maria Sanchez?”

“Diego’s mentioned her,” Courtney muttered. “I should call my lawyer,” she slapped her hands on her hips. “I really should.”

“Why?” Mac asked. “Have you done something wrong?”

“No,” Courtney said hotly. “But obviously you think I have or I wouldn’t be here.”

“Just a little curiosity on my part,” Mac replied. “You know you’re out ten thousand dollars, right?”

Courtney frowned. “Excuse me?”

“The ten grand you gave to Maria Sanchez to bail her brother out. You’re never going to see that again,” Mac clarified.

Courtney shook her head. “No. You get that money back after the trial’s over—” She paled. And sat. “He jumped bail.”

“His sister went out to get dinner last night and he was gone when she returned. She waited until this morning before going to her father. He’s gone and there’s no trace of him anywhere.”

“No–I can’t believe that.” She shook her head again. “It’s impossible. Diego can’t be guilty of this crime. He wants to prove his innocence–”

“Wake up, Courtney!” Mac exploded suddenly. He yanked out photos of Brooke’s battered face and tossed them across the table. “This is not the work of an innocent teenager. She’s bruised and broken from that little son of a bitch and thanks to you, he’s back on the street!”

“I don’t–I don’t understand. How can–” She swallowed hard. “How can you live with someone and not realize they’re capable of something like this?”

Mac scrubbed his hands over his face. “If you hear from Diego, we want to know immediately. Or we will charge you with obstruction of justice, do you understand?”

Courtney nodded absently. “Should I call a lawyer?” she asked quietly.

“Not unless you think you need one,” Mac said pointedly. He stood. “You’re free to go. Don’t give me a reason to pull you back in.”

Elizabeth’s Cottage

Elizabeth took a deep breath and dialed her parents’ number. She frowned when she heard an answering service inform her that the Drs. Webber were no longer living in Edinburgh, Scotland and that a phone number for their location in Barcelona, Spain was going to be said in just a moment.

“Would have been nice if they’d mentioned that,” she muttered as she copied the number. She dialed that next. After six rings, she was about to hang up. A harried voice answered just as she was taking the phone away from her ear to place it back on the receiver.

“Hello?”

“Mom?” Elizabeth said. “It’s Elizabeth.”

“Oh, hello.” The tone of Andrea Webber’s voice did not change. “Is something wrong?”

“Actually…no.” Elizabeth took a deep breath. “I had a son, Mom. He’s actually about seven months old and his name is Cameron.”

“A baby?” Andrea repeated. “Aren’t you divorced from Ric?”

“Yes, it’s not his child.” Elizabeth tapped her fingers on her coffee table. “Jason Morgan is his father. Dad knows who he is–he’s the son of Alan and Monica Quartermaine. He used to work with them.”

“Right, right, Jeff’s ex-wife. I’ve heard him mention her. Ah, well, that’s lovely, Elizabeth. I’m sure you make a wonderful mother.” Andrea paused. “Seven months old, did you say?”

“He was born May 6.” Elizabeth leaned back against the sofa, her eyes on Cameron in his playpen.

“You waited over a year to tell us?” Andrea asked.

“Well…it’s been a rough year,” Elizabeth sighed. “With the divorce from Ric–”

“Both of them,” Andrea cut in dryly.

“Yes, both of them. And I was out of town for a while–I had Cameron in Napa and since I came back and started in the nursing program, it’s been a little rough. I didn’t–I wasn’t sure how you’d take the news.”

“Well then, I hope you’ll email us some pictures of our grandson. I will certainly pass the news on to your father–I’m sure he’ll be calling soon. We’ll try to arrange some time in our schedule to visit.”

“Thanks, Mom,” Elizabeth said, surprised at the easy acceptance.

“I’m glad you called, Elizabeth,” Andrea said. “Be sure to keep in touch a little more, okay? We’ll let you know about that visit.”

“Goodbye, Mom.” Elizabeth hung up the phone and stared at in disbelief.

PCMB: Brianne’s Office

Brianne entered her office that morning, having convinced Lucky to hang out outside her office–the better to protect her, she’d said. She was blissfully alone for the first time in nearly sixteen hours and felt better for it.

Sergeant Lucky Spencer made her uneasy and not in the way she was used to. She didn’t feel the need to step away as much–to keep six feet between them as she did with other men of her acquaitanence. She wondered if this was a turning point in her life.

A bouquet of roses sat on her desk–two dozen, she noted with dawning horror. Her trembling fingers reached out for theivory card tucked between the blood red petals.

I’ll never forget.

The card fluttered to the ground as Brianne squeezed her eyes shut, remembering a bouquet she’d received eleven years before.

She was walking home from the library–just a mere five blocks from her home. It was nearly ten o’clock and most of the streets were quiet.

She could footsteps behind her. She quickened her pace, not bothering to turn her head to see who was behind her. The footsteps disappeared after a few moments and she breathed a sigh of relief–

–which was cut off by an arm banding around her abdomen like steel. She was yanked off her feet and dragged into the near brush, a large hand engulfing her screams.

Brianne sat down in her chair, her face a chilling white. She could remember every moment that had followed as though they had happened yesterday.

The days afterward, however, had been almost a blur–would have been if not for the two dozen red roses hand delivered to her parents’ house. With a card that said, I’ll never forget.

For four years after that night, two dozen red roses had appeared on the anniversary of that day. Always with the same message. But they had stopped and she’d wondered if maybe it was finally over.

She looked at the mess of petals and shivered.

Gatehouse: Living Room

“I will never understand geometry,” Brooke huffed. She shoved her hair out of her face. “I don’t understand proofs–as long as I get it the answer right, why does it matter how I did it?”

“I’d agree with you if you had gotten the answer right,” Lucas smirked. He took the pencil from her hand and erased the number she’d written at the bottom. “If you hadn’t skipped a math last year, you wouldn’t be in this situation right now.”

She snorted. “Yeah, I would have been in it last year.”

“Brooke, baby,” Lois called from the kitchen. “Can you get the mail? I’m expecting a contract.”

Brooke got up from the couch and opened the front door. She tugged a huge stack of mail from the mailbox next to the door. “There’s something here from L&B, a bunch of bills–a magazine for animal owners, weird, and hey–a package for me!” She tossed the rest of it on the desk and ripped open the manila envelope.

“Brooke, stop stalling and get over here,” Lucas told her. He glanced up to see her chalk white face staring at a scrap of fabric. “Brooke?”

“It’s my…shirt.” She swallowed hard. “From–from t-that night.” She looked up and met his worried eyes. She moved the scrap of dark material into his view. “I–I don’t understand.”

Lucas jumped to his feet and yanked the package out of her hands. He dug inside the envelope for the slip of paper–with a messily scrawled message.

I’ll never forget.

He swallowed the bile that rose in his throat. “I’ll call Mac.”

Kelly’s

“I am starving,” Carly declared as she unwound her scarf from her neck and tossed it on the back of a chair. Steven grinned and hung his jacket on the back of his own chair before taking a seat.

“Then it’s a good thing we ran into each other,” Steven replied. He took his pager out of his pocket and set it on the table. “Let’s cross our fingers that nothing happens and I don’t get called in.”

“It’s Sonny’s night with the boys so it’s just as well I’m not eating alone,” Carly sighed. She scanned the menu she knew by heart. “I am definitely in mood for some of Ruby’s Chili. You?”

“Too spicy for me,” Steven mused. He perused the menu. “I definitely want some junk food though. They replaced our candy and chip vending machine with some natural crap.” He shuddered. “The last thing I want to see after an hour in the ER is a granola bar.”

Carly snorted. “Then you would have lost your mind living with Sonny. His idea of junk food was oatmeal cookies. I had to get Courtney to smuggle Oreos when I was pregnant with Morgan.”

“But Sonny probably knew,” Steven remarked. “Seems like a guy who had a pretty good idea of what went down in his own house.”

“He pretended to ignore it. After the hell of a summer I’d had, he wasn’t going to make a big deal over some cookies,” Carly murmured. She glanced up from the menu. “It doesn’t bother you to talk about Sonny?”

“Nope. This isn’t a date,” Steven said, setting his menu down with a mischievous grin. “We’re just a couple of friends having a friendly dinner.”

“Mm,” Carly murmured, arching an eyebrow. “So, friend, how was your day?”

Steven sighed and sat back. “If you discount the actual work shift, not so good. My sister and I had lunch today and she’s depressed as all hell.”

Carly frowned. “What’s wrong with her?” She glanced at the counter, but the servers were no where to be found. Typical Kelly’s.

Steven shifted in his seat, a bit uneasy. “You want the honest answer?”

“That means the Muffin is having a thing with Jason,” Carly said, resigned. She plucked a sugar packet from the canister on the table and twisted in her fingers. “What happened?”

“Well,” Steven began reluctantly, “apparently, they were having breakfast yesterday and his ex-wife caused a huge scene during which Jason didn’t say word one and Elizabeth was a little irritated by that fact but I guess once he started throwing the word mistake around, it really kind of pissed her off.”

“Ah, well that’s understandable.” Carly shrugged and tried to catch Mike’s eye as he served someone at the counter. “I tell you, pissed off is not what I would be if someone referred to me or my kid as a mistake.”

“I’m sure he didn’t mean that,” Steven shrugged. “Bits has always heard one thing and decided it means another. And I’ve talked to Jason, he makes it easy to draw the wrong conclusion.”

“Yeah, but Jason’s been acting weird about this whole thing since it started,” Carly sighed. “I mean, I understand on some level why he hid the whole thing. I mean, I would not have been understanding at all if the whole thing had come out a year ago. I would have thrown tantrums, given Elizabeth ultimatums, offered money to certain people to leave town–” she grinned. “It would not have been my finest hour and my reaction would paled next to Sonny and Courtney. Those two have self-absorption in common. Nothing is more important than how something it affects them.”

“Yeah, I get that idea,” Steven agreed.

“Anyway, in the old days, that still wouldn’t have stopped Jason. If he had a son, nothing would have kept him from being with him and if he loved Elizabeth, nothing would have stopped them from being together. But to go to all the trouble to avoid telling anyone? Living apart, sneaking around?” Carly shook her head. “It’s not right. And I’m very surprised Elizabeth held out as long as she did before things started to go to shit.”

“She never thought it would be this long,” Steven admitted. “So you don’t think he loves my sister?”

“No, unfortunately, I think he does,” Carly sighed. “But something’s changed in Jason since he divorced Courtney–since before that really. Courtney…she miscarried a child while they were together, but she never told Jason she was pregnant and didn’t tell him she’d miscarried until after well after it happened. I guess something in Jason kind of…closed off.” She studied her hands. “And right around the time he found out about the miscarriage, his sister Emily nearly died from the cancer she was going through. It was not a good time for Jason and right in the middle of all that, he started this…whatever it was with Elizabeth and I gotta wonder, if he’d been…if things had been different, would it have happened?”

“So you think he regrets it,” Steven said slowly.

“No,” Carly replied quietly. “Jason has a lot of regrets but I don’t think that’s one of them. Anyway, I think Jason’s problem is that he essentially repeated a pattern that hasn’t been seen since he had his accident all those years ago.”

“What pattern is that?” Steven asked.

“Acting without thinking,” Carly said simply. “Following an impulse. He slept with me when he was dating Robin. Not because I was irresistible or he didn’t love her. He didn’t understand the concept of fidelity. He had feelings…and he needed an outlet. He honestly didn’t understand that what he did would hurt Robin and after he understood that concept, he changed. He developed self-control. He never acted without considering the consequences and mapping out a very direct plan. And he’s been that way for almost a decade.”

“But not last year,” Steven said.

“Not for the last two years,” Carly corrected. “I can honestly say that since the moment your sister walked out on him, Jason has been walking a very tight line and it snapped when he found out Cameron was his son. When Elizabeth left him, he did nothing but his work. He married Brenda, he slept with Courtney-and then married her. He claimed paternity of Sam’s baby–he made a lot of decisions that he wouldn’t have. But Elizabeth knocked him off balance and I don’t think anyone saw that. Certainly not me, his best friend,” she said with a self-deprecating smile.

“So what’s the reason for his behavior now?” Steven questioned.

“He’s trying to get back in balance. Think out his actions, map his plan out. He won’t be with Elizabeth, not fully, until he’s sure it’s right. Not just for him, but for her and I’ll tell you, I’ve never seen Jason be more self-sacrificing than when he thinks he’s protecting her.”

Before Steven could respond, Mike approached their table to take their orders.

PCMB: Brianne’s Office

Lucky was slipping his cell phone into his back pocket when he entered Brianne’s office. He didn’t notice her pallor at first, didn’t notice the fixed stare on the bouquet of flowers. “Brianne, I have to call in someone to take over for a day or two.”

Brianne didn’t answer.

“My sister just called,” Lucky continued, “and my grandmother–” His eyes focused on the scene in front him. “What’s wrong?” he demanded. “Where did the roses come from?”

“They were waiting for me when I got in this morning,” Brianne said. Her eyes met his and for the first time, he saw the shadows. He saw the terror. “He’s never going to leave me alone.”

Lucky approached the desk and spied the card on the floor. “Who won’t leave you alone?” he asked carefully.

Brianne snapped to attention suddenly. Her eyes cleared and just like that, she was in control again. “I’m sorry, you said someone would be covering you for a few days?”

Lucky cleared his throat and reluctantly accepted the change in subject. “My grandmother had a heart attack,” he said quietly. “My sister’s at the hospital. Me and my brother are the only family in town, so…I have to take a few days. Tonight at least. I’ll call in a replacement–”

“No!” Brianne said sharply, rising to her feet. She coughed and straightened the front of her suit jacket. “I mean, you’ve already moved into my apartment. I–I’ll go with you to the hospital. I can easily work in a waiting room or–wherever.” She clasped her hands in front her. “I don’t–I don’t want someone I don’t know…sleeping in the room next to me.”

“Okay,” Lucky agreed, a little confused. “I’ll take you by your apartment tonight then. You can stay at my…” He hesitated. “My family’s place,” he settled on. It was no longer Luke and Laura Spencer’s home, but it was still the Spencer family’s place of residence. “That’s where I’m going to be when I’m not at the hospital.”

“That’s–that’s probably for the best,” Brianne nodded. He wouldn’t be able to find her there. He wouldn’t know to look for her there.

“Do you want to take these with you?” Lucky asked, indicating the roses.

She shook her head quickly. “No! I–can we throw them out?” she asked, her voice tinged with desperation.

“Sure.” He lifted them. “Let’s go.”

She grabbed her jacket, tossed some files in her bag and hurriedly left the office. Lucky bent down and pocketed the card before following her.

Harborview Towers: Jason’s Penthouse

Jason dropped his keys on the desk and watched Sam carefully as she curled up on the couch. “Do you need anything?”

“No.” Sam sighed. “You don’t have to watch me, Jase. I’m sure you’d rather be with Elizabeth.”

Jason cleared his throat and sat at the other end of the couch. “She doesn’t exactly want to be with me,” he said hesitantly.

Sam frowned and looked at him. “I don’t understand. I thought things were going well.”

“They never do with Elizabeth,” Jason sighed. He turned and looked towards the dark fireplace. “It’s becoming clear to me that no matter what we feel each other, we just don’t seem to work when we step out of our own world.”

Sam snorted. “That’s an excuse and you know it. You guys let outside people bother you. You most of all. Forcing that poor girl to be a single mother while you dithered over who to tell first for four months.” She folded her arms and looked at the blank television screen. “Elizabeth either has no spine or more patience than a nun.”

He narrowed her eyes. “Sam–”

“Oh, give it a rest, I’m not insulting her. We both know that she loves you. She trusted you to handle the situation your way, and your way was to hide her like something to be ashamed of, like she and Cameron were dirty secrets. I don’t understand why you couldn’t just tell Sonny and Carly to bite your ass and get over that which does not concern them but hey, maybe I’m just my own person.” Sam glared at him. “You’re an idiot. I bet you tell yourself that a lot–you and Elizabeth only work when you’re alone. I bet that’s a real good way to let yourself off the hook. It’s you that never comes through, Jason. Not her, not Sonny, not Carly. It’s you. You didn’t deliver.”

Jason exhaled slowly. “Are you mad at me?” he asked, bewildered.

“Yes.” Sam stood and winced. “I’m angry because you have your chance. You have a son, you have someone who loves you–who values you. I don’t. I lost my baby, I lost Sonny. I lost my brother. I keep losing and you keep winning and it feels like you don’t even want it!” She pointed at him. “If you let Elizabeth walk away because you wallowing in your pit of misery, then you will have no one to blame but yourself. And I don’t want to hear about it anymore.”

She whirled around and went upstairs. A few moments later, he heard her bedroom door slam and he exhaled slowly, wondering if maybe Sam didn’t have a point.

114 Constabulary Road

It was a two story, four bedroom house that seemed to have leapt right off a magazine cover–with its snow white paint job and pretty blue shutters. Alexis wondered if she were in the middle of a fifties sitcom–with color that is.

“We’re certainly not going to buy it because my daughter picked it out randomly,” Alexis said as she and Ric moved through the front hallway. “I mean, that would be ridiculous.”

“Yes,” Ric agreed. “It would. However, if we were to buy it because it’s in a good neighborhood, close to both our offices and to the hospital, as well as the school–that would be quite sane.”

“Well, yes,” Alexis allowed. She frowned at the wide staircase. “It just–a Cassadine does not belong in an all-American house. It just–feels wrong.”

“You’d rather a few cobwebs in a corner?” Ric suggested with smirk. “Perhaps a parapet–”

Alexis shuddered. “Anything but that,” she muttered. “I’d end up tossing the wrong person off it again.”

“What was that?”

“Nothing,” Alexis replied with a quick smile. She trailed her fingers over the oak railing. “Do you like the house?”

“It’s a good house,” Ric shrugged. “It’s in a good area. It makes sense to buy it. And the fact that Kristina picked it means she’s predisposed to liking it and we do want to make her happy, don’t we?”

Alexis sighed. “If anyone finds out that we bought it because Kristina picked it, we’ll never live it down.”

General Hospital: ER

Lesley Lu Spencer was curled up in one of the uncomfortable waiting room chairs, her blonde hair a tangle down her back, her blue eyes red from crying. She didn’t see her brother until he had kneeled down in front of her. “Hey,” he said softly.

“Hey,” Lulu whispered hoarsely. She took his hands and sat up. “They haven’t come out–or told me anything yet.” She wiped her cheeks with the backs of her hand. “But Grandma’s gonna be okay, right? I mean, she has to be okay.”

“She’ll be fine,” Lucky murmured. He kissed her forehead. “Grandma’s strong. She’s always been a fighter.”

Lulu nodded and sniffled. “She’s all I have,” she said brokenly.

“Lu, that’s not true,” Lucky said softly. “You have me, Nikolas…” he swallowed. “Dad.”

She laughed bitterly, the tears streaming down her cheeks again. “I never see you or Nik and Dad might be as well as be dead for all I care.”

“Lu…” Lucky shook his head and stood. “I’ll go check on Grandma’s condition.” He turned and saw Brianne standing awkwardly a few feet away. “Lu, this is…” he hesitated. “Brianne’s a friend from work.”

“Hi,” Brianne said softly. She came forward and hesitantly put her fingertips on Lucky’s arms. “I’ll sit with her,” she told Lucky. “Go see about your grandmother.”

He lifted her hand from his sleeve and squeezed it in thanks, ignoring the way her body went stiff at the touch. “Thanks.” He left the waiting room to track down a doctor.

Brianne set her bag and coat down in a chair and sat next to Lulu. “Lucky tells me you’re fifteen,” she said.

Lulu sniffled and nodded. “Yeah. I’ll be sixteen next month.” She rubbed her arms. “So you and Lucky, I didn’t know he was seeing anyone.”

“Oh–” Brianne shook her head. “We’re not–we just work together–” She bit her lip, a little flustered. “I work at the DA’s office. We’re working on a case together.”

“It’s nice that you came down with him,” Lulu said. She ran her fingers through her hair. “I just–I didn’t even know she was sick.”

“Heart attacks don’t always come with signs to look for,” Brianne murmured. “My father…had three and we never knew it was coming until they were over.”

“She was cooking dinner and I heard this-this thud,” Lulu whispered, horrified. “I just–I’ve never been so scared in my whole life.”

Nikolas burst through the waiting room doors, Emily and Elizabeth just behind him. “Lulu?”

“Nikolas.” Lulu jumped to her feet. “I didn’t think you get here so fast.”

Nikolas crossed the room and enveloped his little sister in bear hug. “I nearly broke every traffic law getting from the docks to the hospital,” he told her.

“I bear witness to that,” Emily said with a shaky smile. She looked to Brianne. “I–I’m Emily Cassadine,” she said, offering her hand.

Brianne hesitantly took it. “Brianne Joyce–I’m prosecuting your cousin’s case.”

“Oh, right–Brooke’s mentioned you.” She looked to Elizabeth. “Remember?”

“She thinks the world of you,” Elizabeth said. “Elizabeth Webber.” She didn’t offer her hand for whatever reason and Brianne was grateful.

Monica Quartermaine came into the waiting room, Lucky at her side. “Lesley’s stabilized,” she announced.

Lulu began crying again and buried her face in Nikolas’s neck.

“Thank God,” Emily murmured, taking Elizabeth’s hand and squeezing it. “Lesley’s the heart of the family,” she explained to Brianne. “Ever since Laura…” she trailed off and looked away.

Lucky crossed to Brianne. “I’m just going to stop in and see her for a few minutes and then we’ll stop by your place, okay?”

“Okay,” Brianne nodded, flushing. She hoped his family didn’t think that something…else was going on.

“We were thinking of staying at the house tonight, too,” Emily said, flashing a sympathetic smile to Brianne. “So we can be closer to Lesley and with Lulu.”

“Do you want me to get Cam from my grandmother and stay, too?” Elizabeth asked. “It’d be no problem to pack us up and take a guest room.”

“I would,” Lulu said, wiping her face again. “I don’t want to be alone in that house tonight. Do you have anyone else who can come? Friends, family, strangers on the street?” she asked with a faint smile.

“We have to stop by the memorial,” Elizabeth reminded Emily.

“Right, right.” Emily sighed. “We’ll go now…” she looked to Nikolas. “You can get a ride with Lucky, right?”

Nikolas pulled away from Lulu. “Lu, there’s a memorial for Jason Morgan and Sam McCall’s baby tonight. I have to go for a while, okay?”

“Okay,” Lulu nodded. “But come over right after?”

“Definitely,” Emily kissed her cheek.

Queen of Angels Church

It was small and short ceremony. There was no casket to weep over, no memories to share. Just a group of people and a priest. Jason, Sam and Sonny sat in the front pew, Emily sat with her husband in the behind her brother. Jax snuck in and sat next to Elizabeth in the back. Monica was seated next to Alexis and Ric on the other side of the church.

After a short reading, Sam went to the front and cleared her throat. “I thought it would feel odd to be standing up here, to speak about a daughter that I only held after she was gone–” she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “I think about the idea that I will never see Adella smile, see her open her eyes, hear her voice–that I will never watch her grow up.” She swallowed hard. “I think about all that I can never have and it is so difficult to get up and face the rest of the day. So I’m not going–I’m not going to think about that anymore.”

 

Her voice broke. “I’m going to think about the first time I felt her flutter inside. The first kick. When I saw my baby on the ultrasound. I’m going to think about all that I was given instead what I can’t have. There are some women who never get that chance and I am thankful that I had her in my life at all.” She bowed her head and took another deep breath and waited a moment until she could go on. “She gave me a dream–and she gave me a future. I never wanted children until I was pregnant. And now…I want a family. I want a child.”

 

She closed her eyes. “So thank you, my sweet little princess, for showing me a life I never dreamed I could have.”