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.

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