"You heard me, Helena Cassadine is drugging Jason."
Robin just stared at Lizzie in the dim light waiting for the punch line that would never come.
"She's poisoning him, or he is poisoned. I don't know how it works but Sam said—"
"Sam! Did she get you involved with Helena? What a bitch."
"Are you referring to Helena or Sam?" Lizzie shivered.
"Both! Where does Sam get off, involving a mother! Helena is not someone to cross. She's sadistic and evil."
"Sam didn't involve me."
"Jason? Really? Now, I don't believe that." Robin popped off her perch gesturing as she paced between stacks of paper products. "He'd never use you to get to me."
"No, he's—" but Lizzie was talked over.
"That's not how he operates. Besides, Jason knows he can come to me anytime." She suddenly looked at Lizzie, "You said 'no' right?" Lizzie looked away. "Elizabeth, you have two beautiful children to look after, you should have said no. I beg you do not to get involved."
"And you have Emma, that's why this is so hard." Lizzie shoulders sagged. She scanned the storage room looking for something.
"Jason should know better!"
"You know, for a casino this room has a surprising lack of alcohol."
"Don't change the subject."
"Robin, Jason isn't using me. That's not how it is."
"Well then, how is it?"
Lizzie could feel her chest tighten, "Jason doesn't know he's being poisoned. Helena is using Sam and I. She's blackmailing us with Jason's life. We do what she says or he dies. Helena gives Sam just enough antidote to keep him going."
"Oh my God, Elizabeth."
"I know. Saying it out loud, it doesn't sound real does it?"
"It's insane. Why doesn't Jason know?"
"I want to tell him but not until there is a plan place. Even then I'm afraid of what he might do…"
"So, you have a plan then?"
"No. I just found out a few hours ago. Sam's known the longest. I think a few days. Not much time for planning." Lizzie focused on Robin. "I do have an idea though."
"And that's why I'm here."
"Yep."
"What does Helena want? Can you give it to her?" Before Lizzie could answer, "Never mind!" Robin put her foot down. "Who cares what that evil witch wants? It will never be enough. Never mind your plan either-"
Lizzie's eyes widened –-Control issues anyone?-
Robin thought about it, "Knowing Helena she's already figured out what you will do and is moving to counter it as we speak-"
-Excellent point. Ok, you are smarter. Control anything you want just tell me your plan girl-
"-We will tell my Uncle Mac. He'll put you and the boys in police protection. Leave this in Sam and my hands."
-Ah, hell no!- "Robin, that won't work. You and Sam can't do anything without me."
"Look, whatever it is that loony wants with Jason, we can handle it. There are other ways to get excitement in your life Elizabeth."
"Excuse me? Robin, you're not Chief of Staff here. This is you and me, not you, me, Sam and Jason. I have to—"
"Liz I am not trying to belittle you or your efforts. I apologize for implying you're doing this for kicks; that came out wrong. Just want you to steer clear of all this, for your own good! I love you, you're one of my best friends. You've been through enough in the last year. Let this go."
"But I can't!"
"Eliz—"
"It's me!" Lizzie cried, "It's ME she wants! Not Sam. Not Jason!"
Robin stopped. Lizzie was nearly crippled with pain. "It's me she's trying to control. This is all my fault Robin." Ready to cry again but Lizzie fought hard against it.
"I'm sorry." The researcher went to her friend. "Elizabeth, I'm sorry." She embraced her, "I don't understand. Control you for what? Why is it your fault?"
"It's awful. I am so ashamed."
Robin squeezed her shoulder. "It's Ok, you can tell me. You have to now."
Lizzie chuckled and wipe a tear away, "I know. You're so bossy."
"Changing the subject again." The doctor scolded.
The lump in Lizzie's throat came back, "If I hadn't gone to Nikolas over and over again, if I hadn't led him on, this might not be happening."
"That was more than six months ago, wasn't it?"
Lizzie nodded.
"So what does Nik have to do with poisoning Jason?" Feeling protective, Robin's tone sharpened slightly. "There's no way he'd be party to such a plot."
"Of course he wouldn't. It's Helena. She wants me to go back to Nikolas. To give myself to him as if he's the love of my life."
"Ugh. That woman is so sadistic! She's insane!"
"You said that already."
"It's worth repeating." Robin stepped away from Lizzie to think. "It's easy then! There is NO WAY Nikolas would put up with it if he knew! We tell him and he will end this."
"NO! She'll let Jason die! Nik doesn't care about Jason. I don't even think Nik is in his right mind."
"Elizabeth, now you're sounding crazy. You are exhausted. Look, I will talk to Nik. Of course it's gotta be awkward for you to see him. So I'll explain his grandmother has gone off the deep end again and is trying to win him a girlfriend via murder. You don't think Nik would stop her? AND save Jason?"
Lizzie's voice was small, "no."
Clearly frustrated, Robin made to leave. "Well, I do."
"No, Robin, I don't think Nikolas would." Robin stopped at the flatness of her tone. "I think he wants me and won't care what happens to Jason." She waited till Robin looked her in the eyes. "I'm starting to think Helena might be drugging him too. He hasn't been himself…. he… he."
"He what?"
"He." -Say it. But she won't believe you. SAY IT!- "Nikolas assaulted me."
Robin thrust out her palms as if stopping traffic, "NO!" She shrugged Lizzie off. "No, no, no, that's not possible. He would never, not the Nikolas I've known nearly all my life. No, Elizabeth." She looked at her friend. "Are you sure you aren't the one who's getting it wrong? You've been under a lot of stress in the last year. You're probably lonely…"
"Robin!" Lizzie was hurt. "I'm not making this up. He was barely in control of himself. He's been stalking me. I've caught him and Helena at General Hospital gawking at me. It didn't occur to me till now Helena could be drugging her own grandson. In fact, would bet money Helena is drugging Nikolas too. It explains everything."
"But why?" Robin was still having a hard time accepting it.
"I don't know why! But I think I am the prize. She must get something from Nik in exchange for getting me to go to him. But she has to make sure Nik is desperate so she drugs him with something. But if I let Nikolas know Helena is controlling me…"
"She lets Jason die and starts all over again. Helena must need Nik to do something for her."
"That's not all… Helena said one of my sons would have an accident too if Nik finds out. So I have to do what she says, don't you see? … She's smart…."
"Diabolical!" The researcher was coming around. "If Nik really hurt you he couldn't be in his right mind."
Lizzie's mouth quivered, "'if', you don't believe me?"
"I do. I'm sorry, it's just hard for me to absorb. Are you OK?"
"I'm not sure how to answer that."
The women gazed at each other. Robin sat back down on the stack of linens next to her friend who'd never moved from her spot.
Finally Robin spoke again, "Why Jason? Because Lucky isn't here?"
"Because I love him."
With furrowed brow Robin slowly rotated to look at Lizzie.
Lizzie looked into her friend's eyes, "Because I love Jason, Jason loves me, and Helena Cassadine is an evil, sadistic bitch who knows it."
..
..
..
The floating casino was rocking. The audience could tell the leash was about to come off. They'd been at their tables for hours and itched to kick the benefit into another gear.
Robin and Lizzie headed straight for the bar. Ethan was on stage doing something they could care less about. Fortunately the stand-in bartender recognized Lizzie as one of the dancers and broke away to take their order.
"Tequila, salt and lime." Robin called out.
They didn't say anything as they leaned against the bar and waited. Clearly these two petite women had been kicked but they would not be knocked down.
Putting on their game faces, Lizzie and Robin licked the salt off their knuckles, threw back the tequila followed by a quick suck of lime.
"I'm sorry, you know I would help if I could?" Robin said.
Lizzie nodded. "I know. I understand why you can't." She wanted another shot but knew she shouldn't. "Don't worry about me; I can handle it. Remember your promise. Keep your family safe. Don't mention this to anyone."
"I swear." She spied Patrick out of the corner of her eye, "I know what I have to lose."
"Oh my god!" Kelly surprised them both with her sudden appearance. "Of course you were off with Robin! Sneaking in some lick it-slam it-suck it without me?"
The two women shrugged. They could do another round.
"Elizabeth," Kelly carried on while Robin ordered, "We've been looking for you everywhere. All the single ladies have been auctioned except you."
The drinks appeared. "To a very successful night!" Kelly proclaimed.
The three friends threw back then Kelly quickly steered Lizzie towards the stage. Patrick had seen them and was nearly there but Robin decided to follow the pair.
"Kell, can't Elizabeth be excused? I don't think she's up for being auctioned."
Lizzie looked back at her friend, "it's OK. This is the beginning." She smiled at Robin, "I love you."
Robin stopped and watched them head towards the stage. "I love you too." Patrick came up behind her, smiling and waving at Lizzie. Robin's heart was heavy.
Kelly piloted Lizzie behind a potted plant. She checked Lizzie's make up.
"Oh now, your mascara is smeared." She licked her thumb and wiped under Lizzies bottom lashes. It gave her eyes a smoky liner. "Lipstick." Lizzie shrugged. "OK Madam Butterfly, not the time to be a diva!" She smoothed Lizzie's hair and laughed. "Not to worry." Dr. Lee pulled out her own red shade and darkened Lizzie's full lips. "You're up!" She spun Lizzie around towards the steps and patted her butt.
Lizzie felt her tummy fill with soft wings fluttering at each step. She heard her name over the PA but it sounded odd. Everything was detached from reality. Maybe it was the tequila?
No costume, no dance, nothing to hide behind. She took the last step and stalled at the edge of the stage.
Suzy waved her over. The audience faded away from sight the closer to the light Lizzie got. Ethan, acting as the auctioneer, stood next to the dance teacher in the spotlight. They looked so excited. Lizzie inched forward.
-It's do-or-die time, Lizzie. Get over there so Nik can make the next move. It's just an auction. No one is reading your mind. No one knows you are using an innocent man to save another- Before Lizzie knew it she was at the microphone with Ethan and Suzy at her sides.
Ethan pulled the mic to him, "Alright Gentle-people. As promised, our last single maiden of the night is Nurse Elizabeth Webber." The crowd whooped.
"Smile." Suzy nudged in Lizzie's ear as she stepped out of the spotlight.
Lizzie did. Her red lips parted and her smile radiated. If Jason stayed to watch this painful end he'd be the only one in the room to know her smile wasn't genuine.
Ethan stepped to a podium where he would be out of the light leaving Lizzie standing there. He waited for his eyes to adjust. It was a self-conscious pause for Lizzie.
-I wore less dancing but didn't feel this naked! I wish I could see who was out there- Lizzie started to cross her arms over her chest. -Don't cover yourself let him see you. Be strong Lizzie. Make him want you. Keep smiling-
Ethan started calling out.
He asked what would they bid for the privilege of Elizabeth's company; cards would flash and Ethan noted the numbers. Lizzie blushed.
He asked what a bidder would offer to have such a dazzling beauty on one's arm; and the price went up. Lizzie refused to listen out of embarrassment.
He asked what would they give to spend an evening being inspired by such a delicate creature as she; and Ethan would laugh at all the cards that would go up.
A part of her felt proud, exposed, vulnerable, wanted; A part of her longed to fly into the light. -Jason…-
Ethan kept the pace quick and the crowd roared as the numbers increased to the ridiculous. It was dizzying. All the Butterfly knew was it seemed like she stood there far too long.
"SOLD!" Ethan declared.
-To whom? What just happened?-
"And that concludes tonight's festivities! The Haunted Star however, will remain open and a reception with the dancers starts now! Maestro!" A DJ started spinning. "Let's give thanks again to the wonderful ladies who performed for us tonight!"
The young Aussie laughed when the audience applauded and whistled as if it were for him. Joining Lizzie, he bowed at the waist and Lizzie accepted the hand he offered, "M'lady." Ethan led her to the edge of the stage. "What a wild night, eh Love?"
They had to negotiate around Suzy who was desperately trying to listen to her cell phone.
"I better escort you all the way to the prize room. They're getting a bit rowdy."
"Ethan, what happened, who won?"
Several patrons touched her arms as they passed congratulating her.
"Number nine. I couldn't make out the face of your mystery gentleman. You'll find out soon enough. One thing is for sure, he's rich!" He kept leading her to the area designated for auction winners. Everyone kept smiling at her.
Cocktail waitresses brought trays of Champagne flutes special for the dancers as they joined the crowd. Lizzie managed to grab one. -Half glasses Ethan? You cheap bastard- Lizzie drank it down. The bubbles went straight to her head and popped spreading warmth throughout her body.
Ethan smiled approvingly. He let go her hand to grab three more. Giving one to Lizzie, he married the other two for himself. "To a wild night!"
He wished she would smile.
"To You." He tapped his full glass to hers.
Random from the gathering around them, "that was amazing!" "You deserve it Butterfly!" Lizzie gave a half smile for the compliments.
She looked at Ethan's stupid grinning face, "did I do something?"
"You singlehandedly earned the benefit $13,500 dollars. I tried to get it to14, but eh."
It started to sink in but the concept of $13,500 was abruptly halted. -Luke?- Before Ethan knew it Luke Spencer had his hand on his son's shoulder and shouted, "You couldn't get it up to 14? That's what she said!" He laughed, "What kind of Spencer are you?"
"The kind that takes 15% off the top." Ethan said as he turned, "Luke!" Father and son embraced slapping each other on the back. "Wasn't sure if you were going to make it! What do you think?"
"Most excellent son. The fact that you are still here and so is the Haunted Star in itself is impressive. Glad you stuck around. Never considered this old bucket a strip club though, but whatever works."
"It's not a strip club!" Lizzie insisted.
"Of course not. Apologies." Luke complied. To Ethan, "My pride will double when you tell me it's 20% and you thought you could slice 5 off for yourself!" The silver-haired con winked.
"That's for me to know and you to find out."
"Ah son, I missed you."
Luke stopped to properly take in Lizzie and her red dress. His face turned serious and honored. "I caught the end of your performance. Lizzie Beth," he kissed her cheek, "you were exquisite. So strong- so fluid- you are no longer trapped in that cocoon I see. If this place wasn't so busy I'd have come told you sooner."
"Thank you Luke. When did you get back?"
A cocktail waitress was wise to stand near the owners. Ethan downed his glass and snagged three more in the same instant. He handed one to Luke, encouraged Lizzie to drink up then handed her a fresh glass of champagne.
"This evening. We just got back."
"Where's Lucky? Is he here?" -Could it get any worse? Please Lord; don't let Lucky be here. I'm gonna need more booze-
"Naw, this isn't his thing." Luke clinked the other two flutes with his, "Cheers." He made a face after swallowing, "Of course, he didn't know you were performing."
"Maybe that's a good thing."
"Maybe." Luke looked at his glass, then at Ethan, "Son, please tell me you hid the good stuff, and point me towards it!"
"Let me escort the young Ms. Webber to her date and I'll take care of you."
"It was lovely to see you Elizabeth. Who is the fortunate victor?"
"I don't know." Before Ethan could steer her away, "Is Laura OK?" she asked.
"She's fine. It was all a wild goose chase. Laura and Lucky went to the Quartermaines to see Cameron and Jake. We haven't been in town long, came back as soon as I could. Word is the Queen Goose is back, Helena Cassadine."
Ethan answered first but Luke saw the confirmation in Lizzie's eyes instantly.
"It's true. I saw her today. In fact, so did Liz." Looking as his charge, "She was a little scary, wasn't she?" Ethan paused long enough to let her nod then took her hand again. "Come on Little One, we don't want to keep the mystery man waiting."
-Some mystery. Nikolas Cassadine, here I come-
Though she was moving away, Lizzie kept her eyes on Luke and he did the same till she had to turn a corner.
..
..
..
Four men stood arguing with two women behind the table.
No one noticed her enter the makeshift room sectioned off with draped fabric. Lizzie had to stop herself from taking it as a sign and turning to leaving with Ethan. Instead she stood there like a ghost or a fly on the wall.
Lizzie felt the alcohol seeping deeper into her brain and with it a little devil-may-care attitude. She inched forward. Felt like wading through a dark pool filled with blind sharks. -Someone want his money back? Um, hello, if the problem is with Ethan, he bailed but I'm right behind you-
All four men wore dark jackets, they all had about the same length hair, and they all had broad shoulders. -If one was in a black tee shirt and jeans, that would make it easier- Lizzie couldn't get much more by looking at them from behind.
But they couldn't all be for her? -Can they? I know that's Jason. Has to be, doesn't it? Closest to his height… but… well, is it? If that's Jason, then how come I don't have that feeling I always get? Um, 'cause you're drunk Lizzie. Whatever. Well, that's Nickolas. I'm pretty sure. Who are the other two?- Lizzie took a few wobbly, yet quiet steps closer.
She tried listening in.
"Let me explain. Again. I am here as proxy for Mr. Quartermaine."
-Awe, Edward, so protective-
"I was told not to leave without being awarded the date with Ms. Webber. I am sure we will match or go over the final bid but I was only allotted ten thousand in cash. I just need to get his accountant on the line-"
"I'm sorry Mr. Uttley but all bids are final. We can't wait for a phone call!" Suzy stressed. "We have these other bidders here to sort out."
"I'll be back!"
Mr. Uttley abandoned the table with his cell phone to his ear. Lizzie froze as he brushed past her. -A little too nervous about Edward to see me standing here. Coward. Wouldn't date you anyway-
"Look." Lizzie jumped, but the speaker wasn't pointing her out. A cocky young man held his bid card upside down.
-John Zachara?-
"That's how I was holding it. How was I supposed to know it was upside down? Six, nine, it's easy to get mixed up so I forgive you."
-Johnny's so drunk! He doesn't know what he's doing. Maybe he was bidding for Jason? No Jason wouldn't let anyone else do it-
"Mr. Zachara-" Dr. Lee started.
"Johnny, call me Johnny."
"Aren't you a bit old to be called Johnny?"
"I don't think so, but I'm definitely too young to be Mr. Zachara."
"Ok, John—" Kelly held her breath when he interrupted again.
"Johnny- Like Johnny Cash."
"But you're not like Johnny Cash."
"Wait. Did you hear that? You said Johnnnnnnyyyyyy… it just rolled off your tongue didn't it?" The mob prince beamed.
Kelly smiled despite herself, "As I was saying, it's real easy to get right when there is a line underneath the six… unless you aren't sober, which you clearly aren't. Number nine is the card that was called out. You are number six."
Johnny clicked his tongue as if that meant nothing, "Come on." He swayed, "you don't want one of these blowhards walking off with your friend do you? She is your friend isn't she? You know..." he leaned in to Kelly but forgot to whisper, "Your butterfly isn't as innocent as she looks. She's got some fire in her. That's why I decided to bid. Save her from these assholes. She needs a man with a sense of adventure-"
"Alright. Enough!" one of the other men declared but Johnny had the floor and the attention of all the women in the room.
"In fact," Johnny continued, "you got some fire in you too." Chuckling at Kelly's expression, "Aw, now, you want to slap me so bad right now you can taste it." Not concealing her sudden anger-lust, the doctor licked her lips and Johnny watched. "You tasted it, didn't you?" Johnny told the doctor.
-Oh dear Lord. Kelly is going to blow! What is it with bad boys?-
"It's not what I taste, it's what I'm smelling: pure BULLSHIT John. Did you step in some? Check the bottom of your shoe. Don't fall over."
The gathered men laughed.
Johnny wobbled but stood. His smile was pure mischief. It made Kelly's and Suzy's knees weak.
"That's it. Mr. Zachara, your business here is concluded."
Lizzie saw the other man's profile as he spoke. -That's not Jason. Who is he?- To Suzy, "Madame. I have the proper card, number nine." He flicked it on the table as if he'd outplay everyone.
"Whatever Valentine bid, the blind bid I phoned in should cover it. To make it sweeter, I'll double it. Here," Nikolas Cassadine threw down his American Express Black card confident it was the higher trump, "Double. Triple. Whatever it takes. You WILL NOT sell Elizabeth to him."
"Blowhards." Johnny grumbled.
"Hold on there Mr. Cassee-dine. We are NOT selling women here. This was a charitable auction for the benefit of little babies with cancer—"
"Premmies and, oh never mind." Kelly let Suzy continue.
"We do not haff'ta do ANYTHING you tell us and not one of our students HAS ta accept any of you either. In fact I have half a mind to send you all packing. In fact I am not even sure either of you two won the auction," Suzy stopped. "Hey LizziePie, how long you been standing there sugar?"
"Long enough." She took a few more steps and the two gentlemen turned. Johnny watched with amusement. "I gather there is a dispute?"
Nik spoke up, "There isn't. It's just a matter of negotiation. However," he smiled at her, "I do believe you can settle this here and now. Just tell everyone you want to accept my offer."
Nikolas wanted to sound noble but there was just a trace of anxiety in his voice and Valentine heard it.
Valentine was a bold Greco-Russian specimen. He was streaked dark blonde with chiseled features. Could be in his late thirties or early forties. His skin was olive and he stood taller than Nikolas. His last name had to be Cassadine.
Despite Valentine's handsome features, his eyes were deadened. They twinkled with the slightest bit of glee when he knew he was hurting Nikolas.
"I don't know what your blind bid was, but rules are rules Nephew." Valentine looked at Elizabeth feigning interest in her; she wasn't anything more than an object to him. He reached for her hand, "I am Valentine."
Before Valentine could think about his lips touching her hand their introduction was halted. Jason stood between her and the new Cassadine. -There's that electric feeling!- He paused briefly then stepped up to the table and set a thick envelope in front of Suzy.
"Hi Jason, ah, Mr. Morgan." Kelly stuttered. "Can we help you?"
Suzy was busy with the envelope. Johnny sobered up a bit but still used the table's edge to balance himself. He tipped his head towards his boss. Jason gave him a brief look giving nothing way about what he was feeling.
"It's all there." Jason said. His grey suit shinned ever so slightly. Some sharks didn't need to thrash. They killed with their stealth and seductive looks.
"Yes it is. I believe this tops all other bids making you the winner Mr. Morgan." Suzy looked at each Cassadine boy, "so there!" Then she leaned to the side and looked at Lizzie. "Told you he was handsome."
Jason turned quickly to Lizzie, avoiding the other men. "You don't have to come with me. But you don't have to go with them either."
Lizzie went weak in the knees. Her mind numb- her desire unchecked.
It wasn't only her who watched Jason exit. With mixed feelings everyone in the room watched the enforcer leave wondering what had just happened.
/end/