Chapter 52

Robin opened her front door to Anna and Franco. As time started to pass and more of it was spent with her family, Robin slowly progressed to openness in better understanding Franco. She wasn't willing to go as far as call him her brother, but with Sam away, her attention was deviated to the trials and tribulations of all that Robert Frank went through under the spell of Helena and Faison.

"I apologize that we're late." Anna walked inside and pulled off her coat. "It seems once we leave the safety of the woods we get hounded by the press.

Franco remained by the door hoping to get asked inside. He had stopped enjoying being the center of attention as his eyes roamed the room catching both Kevin and Patrick sitting on the couch with their unwelcoming glances waiting for him to enter.

"You can come in." Robin said.

Franco stepped inside and picked up a picture of a young Robin with Anna and Robert. "What a precious little girl. If I asked nicely I'm wondering if Helena would give you my baby pictures." He carefully placed it back on the shelf.

Uncomfortable silence filled the room. Patrick stood up. "Robert Frank, can I get you a Coke or something?"

Franco pulled off his coat and laid it across the back of a chair. "No thank you."

Robin went over to her computer and moved the mouse around. "Sam's not on yet. Mom, do you suggest that we all be present?"

"No." Kevin said. "I will volunteer to be present. This is between Sam and Franco. But I think a neutral party should be present."

Sam shut herself up in her mother's office and switched off the lights. She went over to the desk waking up the computer. Her fingers trembled as the computer flickered and she could see herself reflected on screen. "Robin. It's Sam." Her voice was shaky.

Robin sat down at her computer. "Sam. I'm here. Can't wait till you get back. We have so much slumber party time."

Sam forced a smile. "Can't wait either."

"Brenda and Nikolas brought Alana in for her checkup. You won't believe how big she is. She can almost sit up on her own." Robin hoped her news would cheer up Sam, but she could see the tension in Sam's eyes. "I guess we'll leave you and Robert Frank alone. Kevin will be here if you need him."

Sam took a deep breath. Her legs wouldn't stay still. Franco sat down at the computer causing Sam's heart to pound in her chest. The memories flooded to her.

Kevin pulled up a chair next to Franco just knowing that Sam needed a familiar face. "Sam, I'm here. Franco's been instructed to only answer your questions. Go ahead."

Sam's hands continued to shake. She didn't want Franco to see them so she slipped them into her lap to restrain her shaking legs. "Will you tell me what happened? I know it's a loaded question but I just want to know if what I believe happened really happened."

Franco clinched his jaw wanting to be careful with his words. "Sam, I left Lorenzo's house. He and I shared a drink and little conversation. But I admit that I hung around afterwards to spy on him. You and Spinelli showed up. All I heard were gunshots. I went back to the house and Lorenzo was frantic. He said the bullet was close to your heart. Because I was pre-med once, he felt I was capable of removing it. I told him I needed sharp objects for the incision. I needed whiskey to numb your pain. And I needed a blindfold..."

"Why did you need a blindfold?" Sam asked.

"So you couldn't see my face. I drugged the whiskey so you wouldn't realize it was me."

Sam covered eyes. "What did you do? What did I do?" She cried.

Franco looked away. Kevin nudged him.

"Sam, I took advantage of you. We had sex..."

"You raped me!" Sam shouted. "Why in God's name would I do something like that? I love Jason. I loved him then and I love him now. I would never willingly have sex with you."

"Sam..." Kevin chimed in. "Is there anything else you need from him? If not, we shouldn't continue this. It's not a good idea for you."

Sam wiped at her teary eyes. "No. Thank you Kevin." She shut off the computer wishing she hadn't done it. She wished she hadn't asked the questions and got the answers that confirmed her nightmares. She picked up her phone and dialed Lorenzo.

Lorenzo was at the lake house sorting Mikkos' laundry. He picked up his phone happy to see Sam's name show up on his caller ID. "Samantha..."

Sam started to cry. "This is just me needing to be angry at someone and you're the first person to answer. I hate you. You didn't protect me."

Lorenzo was startled. "Sam what's wrong? Where are you?"

"In my mother's office. I spoke to Franco. Kevin set it up. Franco admitted that he raped me. And I hate you for it." Sam hung up the phone and tossed it onto the desk.

All Lorenzo could hear was the dial tone.

Kristina walked into the lake house. "Bad day?"

Lorenzo continued to fold the laundry. "That's an understatement. How are you?"

"Going a little crazy. Was honestly hoping to find that big box of liquor here."

Lorenzo stopped folding and focused on Kristina who he could tell was jittery. "How can I help you?"

"Uh, I admit that I'm plotting out when my dad won't be home because he still has his stash of liquor over there. If I can't get that to work, I'll go to the Haunted Star. Luke is gone and Ethan is totally oblivious."

Kristina's speech was hasty and she couldn't stay still. He reached out and took her hand in his hands. "I have some ideas of what we can do. I have my camera. And I'm sure you have a closet full of beautiful dresses. How about we have our photo shoot?"

Kristina's jitters grew. "How is that supposed to help me right now?"

"Just find the perfect dress and I'll meet you outside on the deck."


Agent Bates arrived at ELQ to Michael sitting at the front desk. "Well hello there. You're Michael Corinthos?"

Michael continued to play on his computer. "I guess. Depends on why you're asking."

"I'd like to see Mr. Ned Ashton."

Ned stepped out from his office. "What do you have for me Agent Bates?"

"I have your thief." Agent Bates held up a file.

Michael closed his laptop gathering his things together. "Uh, Ned, I need to get to Alexis and go over some cases with her. She doesn't like to be kept waiting."

Ned looked at his watch. "Really Michael? You just got here. Alexis and I will need to work out a better schedule for you."

Michael headed for the door. "No problem. I'll set up dinner for the two of you tonight." He ran out the door almost slipping on the patches of ice on the way to his car. As soon as he got inside, he dialed his phone. "Spinelli! I think we're caught! I'll meet you at Wyndemere."

Agent Bates sat on the desk. "It seems the transfers can be linked back to a Valentin Cassadine."

Ned grinned. "I knew it. I knew it was those f*cking Cassadines. How much is missing?"

"Close to eighty million dollars."

"How quickly can it be retrieved?"

"And therein lies the rub Mr. Ashton. Some of that money belongs to the Alcazar family. Are you not aware of the dealings that your grandfather has done with Lorenzo Alcazar?"

Ned shook his head in disgust. "I'm aware of some."

"It could take years to sort this all out. The best option is to sit down with Mr. Alcazar and discuss a settlement."

"This is bullshit!" Ned crossed his arms.

"You said yourself that Mr. Alcazar is an ELQ shareholder. Your grandfather is lucky he's not being investigated in light of Mr. Alcazar's charges. Some of this money is dirty for sure."

"Who the hell is Valentin Cassadine?"

Agent Bates rubbed at his beard. "That is a loaded question and is a part of another investigation that I can't share with you. I'm only obligated to tell you who is tied to these money transfers."


Jason knocked on the door of Alexis' office knowing that Sam was inside. He moved his ear to the door not hearing a thing. "Sam. It's Jason. Can I come in?"

He couldn't hear a response so he made an executive decision to go inside. When he opened the door, the room was dark. He found Sam curled up on the couch. "I'll listen. I won't talk. I think that's why you fell in love with me because I don't say much." He went over to the French doors that opened out to Alexis' balcony.

"It's been confirmed." Sam mumbled loud enough for Jason to hear.

"What was confirmed?"

Sam continued to look away from him. "I talked to Franco. Kevin was with him. Franco and I had sex. You were right. I should have never left Port Charles."

Jason sat down. "Don't say that. I wasn't right about anything. I was just concerned. I don't regret you looking for your father. I know Lorenzo and I aren't exactly close but I know how much it meant to you to find him."

"And then I got raped." Sam played with the pattern of the couch. "I'll see Kevin."

"Is there anything I can do? Short of killing Franco which you know I'd do…"

"It won't help. What happened already happened."

Alexis' words went from her mouth to Jason's ears. He watched her curled up on the couch. She will never be the same, he thought. More than anything he wanted lie down with her and reassure her that talking to Franco was a stepping stone in her healing but he was afraid to feel her cringe again.

Dr. Jackson found Jason in the dining room with his head down on the table. "You want to talk about it Man?"

Jason lifted his head. "It really happened. It's not about me. But my God why do I feel like the one that did this to her?"

Dr. Jackson sat down across from Jason. "You just gotta be patient. For better or for worse. You're just getting tested early."

"Not really. Sam and I have weathered many storms together."

"There you go. You said it yourself. Keep in mind Jason, when you go back to Port Charles, it's going to be rough. Franco will be there and all of this gets really complicated."

"We should be trying for another kid not..." Jason put his hands on his face and angrily yelled. "Why this?"

"Hey speaking of another kid, how are you planning to get your eggs back?"

Jason removed his hands from his face. "Excuse me?"

"Did anybody bother to check Helena? My theory. She stole them to give to Nikolas."

"What the f*uck? How do you know this?"

Dr. Jackson shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know this. But what I do know is Nikolas was hoping to impregnate someone with his own inventory." He did air quotes. "I didn't pass medical school because I was dense."

"Do you think Nikolas knows about the eggs?"

"I would assume he does."

Jason shook his head. "I can't believe that woman is still living. What happened with Mikkos' body?"

"It's gone." Dr. Jackson chuckled.

"So Luke's the nutjob I thought he was?"

"I don't know Jason. I think someone moved the body."


Spencer couldn't get out of the Jax's car fast enough. He raced up to the front door of Wonderland with his light saber in his hand. "Thanks for the boat ride Uncle Jax." He shouted behind him before charging into the house.

Jax took a deep breath before going inside. "Nikolas…"

Nikolas emerged from the kitchen. "Brenda had a meeting with Lucy."

"Yea. They're almost ready to strike ink on the New Year's cover. Kristina's photos are out of this world. I just wish I could convince Alexis to look at them."

"I think Alexis will come around. Once she sees Kristina's interest is working with Crimson, she'll start to understand."

"Lucy said you're pretty adamant about doing the HIV/AIDS fundraiser at Wyndemere."

"I'm not backing down. I'll pay for everything."

"I don't think it's money that's the issue. It's more of the fact that the body count at Wyndemere tends to be pretty high."

Nikolas scoffed. "Everyone and every thing deserves a second chance. I remember the times when Wyndemere was filled with this allure. People were both frightened and curious about it. And, of course, my uncle did all he could to keep everyone out which gave it even more prestige."

"The Cassadine Islands are nothing to laugh at. It's quite beautiful there."

"Now that is a situation where beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. I'm proud of finishing my grandfather's work, but I don't love the Cassadine Islands as much as I should."

Jax smiled. "That's not what Brenda said. Speaking of Brenda, where is your relationship with her going?"

Nikolas blushed. "I admit I wasn't happy with Brenda prying into my family's secrets—mostly because it's dangerous. And Brenda should be careful. As you can see with Emily there's only so much I can do to protect her. I also admit that I'm smitten..."

"Smitten?" Jax leaned on against the railing of the stairs. "That doesn't sound like love."

"There's a little fear wrapped up in that."

"Prince Nikolas afraid? Never." Jax mocked.

"I'm no longer the Prince."

Jax stood upright again. "Did not see that coming."

"In the New Year, I will announce my new role in the Cassadine family and Prince won't be it."


Kevin leaned on the open door of Lucy's office interrupting Brenda and Lucy's meeting. "This has been the longest day of all time." He pulled up a chair at Lucy's desk.

"Cheer up Charlie." Brenda sang.

"What's wrong Doc?" Lucy asked.

"I wish I could tell you what went wrong today but then I'd lose my license to practice. Sometimes I think I need a therapist."

"I have an idea." Brenda said. "Let's change the names of the people involved."

"Ok." Kevin perked up. "So this girl we'll call her Lucy."

"Really Doc?" Lucy frowned.

"Lucy said that this man raped her. She didn't remember what this man did to her or if he even did anything to her. He's a bit demented."

Lucy and Brenda both leaned in knowing exactly where the story was going.

"Long story short." Kevin continued. "I did not believe that this demented man raped her. Turns out he did. But he's not calling it rape. He's saying he took advantage of her."

"So it's true." Brenda said. "How we can help this girl Lucy?"

"I feel like a jackass because I thought he was just playing mind games with her…but turns out he's turned into this honest bastard trying to make amends to everyone in the world that he's wronged."

"You think he's just trying to stay out of prison?" Lucy asked.

"I really believe he thinks coming clean about everything will get him this second chance. But I don't even know how that's possible. But I will say this; his family is slowly falling for him. I hope he's not pulling a wall over all of our eyes."


Lorenzo set up his camera on a tripod on the deck. The wind whirled when Kristina opened the door and stepped out in the gown she wore at Sam and Jason's wedding. Lorenzo looked into his camera as Kristina settled down on the swing.

"Are you freezing? It's not as cold as it's usually been. The snow has lifted and it seems the ice is melting." He continued to adjust his camera. "Is that the dress from Sam's wedding?"

Kristina barely wanted to talk. "Yes." She swayed a little on the swing.

He looked up from the camera. "Give me some credit for noticing."

Kristina flashed a smile. "You and Franco kidnapped me that night remember?"

Lorenzo tilted his head. "How easily we forget." He snapped a picture. "Do you know why I did that?"

"Do you?"

"Maybe I just wanted you to like me."

"Like you how?"

He took another picture. "Not like that. Half plus seven. You don't even come close to that equation."

Kristina burst out into a laugh. "Stop making me laugh."

"That's a good one." He readjusted his camera. "You are Natasha reincarnated."

"My mom said she thought you didn't girls."

"Why? Because I wore scarves and loved Shakespeare? Not that there's anything wrong with that. I just had trouble expressing myself to the ladies. My brother was the more forceful one in the family. I learned the art of kidnapping from him. For some reason Luis knew how to make it seem romantic."

Kristina relaxed in the swing no longer feeling her pangs or the cold. "So you had two left feet."

"Exactly. Though I'm an amazing dancer."

"What kind?"

"The samba."

"Can you teach me?" Kristina stood up. "Do you think Ethan would want to learn it?"

"Ethan doing the samba?" Lorenzo took Kristina's hand. "He strikes me as a guy that could pull it off but he'd be faking it the whole time just to impress you." He twirled her around once.

Kristina didn't want to get too close to him but she couldn't resist his warmth. "Thanks for keeping me company. I know you were talking to Sam and it didn't sound good. I hope it gets better for the two of you."

Lorenzo kissed Kristina's forehead. "From your mouth to God's ears."


Both Michael and Spinelli rushed into Stefan's office. They found it empty.

"Should we tell Stefan?" Michael asked.

"I don't know that we should burden him with meager business."

Alexis walked up behind them startling both boys. "Are you two alright?" She went into the office. "Do we have an appointment or something? I have private business here."

Michael leaned on the desk. "I'm your intern so I should know all of your private business."

Alexis tapped Michael's nose. "Not this private business."

"Goddess Mother, you should know that Young Sir overheard Agent Bates revealing who is responsible for the stolen ELQ funds."

Alexis picked up a file to read. "Stolen? Nothings been stolen. What did you hear Young Sir?"

"I left before Agent Bates said who was responsible."

Alexis peered over her glasses. "How does that help me? Shall I call Ned and ask him what the findings were? Do you think that would be appropriate?"

"I never said I was a spy." Michael grunted. "You're lucky I have this much information."

Alexis cut her eyes at Michael. "When did you become so confident? Was it Helena? Michael, you know better than to get everyone riled up over pieces of information. I am aware of Agent Bates' findings. And I'm not concerned."

"I don't want to go back to prison and after what you did with Franco, I'm not certain that you have my back the way I have yours." Michael shot back.

Spinelli cringed. "I think I'm going to keep Ms. Lansbury company." He rushed out of the room.

Alexis put down her file and removed her glasses. "Say what you really feel."

"Sorry I said anything at all. You just don't know how scared I am. Everywhere I turn around, I think he's going to be there waiting for me. I heard about the lake house. It freaked me the hell out. He was in Mikkos' nursery. What if I had been there? I'm certain I would've killed him." Michael started to cry. "I don't want to go back to prison."

"You will not go back to prison. I would go in your place. And I mean that."

"I don't want that either."

"Michael, I need you to trust me. And because I want your trust, I will tell you that I have a meeting with A.J."

Michael furrowed his brow. "Who? You mean my father? Isn't he dead?"

"Alan James."

Michael's jaw dropped. "Kristina's AA sponsor? That's A.J.?"

"I figured it out when I went to the city. You can not breathe a word of this to anyone. He's staying here under protection. Sonny finds out, A.J. is dead. Do we have an understanding?"

Michael nodded. "Can I see him?"

"He's on his way here. After he and I go over some things concerning Kristina, he's all yours."

"I don't know what to say. All I know is the bad stuff. But the guy I met seemed pretty cool. He mentioned having a son."

"A.J. was never perfect but neither was Sonny. The day you were born, you were up for grabs to anyone that wanted to use you for their own gain. The only person I felt had your best interest at heart was Jason and he proved that by going to prison to protect you. He just got there too late. I will say this; I would give anything to have a second chance with my father."


Spencer and Alec raced out to the backyard of Wonderland. Alec pulled out his flashing light saber while Spencer pulled out a shining sword.

Alec stepped back holding his light saber steady. "What's that?" Fear draped his voice.

"It's from the Queen." Spencer held up the sword high to the air.

Alec put down his light saber to his side. "We can't light saber fight with that. You're gonna break my saber."

Spencer swung the sword at Alec who ducked to the ground. "Oops." Spencer cackled.

Alec pulled himself back up to his feet. "You go get your light saber or else I'm calling my mom."

"You can't make me." Spencer swung the sword again.

Alec ran to the pool still frozen over with ice. He stepped onto the icy edge and tried to catch his breath. He picked up his light saber and slid himself backward onto the ice.

Spencer put his hand over his mouth and wielded the sword with his other hand. "No, I am your father."

Alec leaped up onto the ice and struck Spencer in the face with the light saber.

"Ouch!" Spencer hit Alec with the sword ripping a piece of cloth from Alec's favorite costume.

Alec stepped back more and started to slide. He looked up to see Spencer's sword swinging in his direction again. Alec ducked and lost his footing crashing through the ice of the swimming pool.

Spencer stood over the edge of the pool and watched Alec slip into the water.

"Help!" Alec shouted through his struggle.

"Spencer!" A man's voice shouted to him

Spencer turned away and noticed Stavros in the distance calling his name. He dropped the sword and ran off into the woods chasing his name in the wind to Stavros' luring.

"Help!" Alec gripped onto a piece of broken ice. The cold of the water paralyzed him, but he held onto the ice shivering as his reflexes faded. He looked down and saw his light saber still blinking at the bottom of the pool. Alec tried to reach down thinking he could touch it as his perceptions faded as well. He rested his head on the ice. "Momma." He whimpered.

Alec could hear Rain's bark in the distance. She went to him nudging her nose against his face. Rain barked furiously as Alec slipped away into the water in the middle of the pool. She leaped into the pool and grabbed a piece of Alec's costume with her teeth but the cold got the best of her as well. She dragged an unconscious Alec as close as she could to the edge before hopping out of the water and barking all the way to the back door.

Nikolas went downstairs after checking on Alana to the sound of the doorbell. "Coming." He opened the door to Sonny. "Are you becoming a regular visitor?" He looked back hearing Rain barking. "I'm trying to be patient with this dog."

Sonny walked in. "Yea. Your dog is disturbing my peace over there."

"Really Sonny? Disturbing your peace? How in the hell can you hear our dog all the way over at the Greystone?"

"Can you just shut her up please? Is Alexis here?"

"No. Why do you want her?"

Rain continued to bark.

Sonny barged in further and went to the back. Nikolas followed him. They both went outside and found Rain scratching her paws against the door hoping for someone to come out.

"What is your problem?" Nikolas cuddled Rain. He looked ahead and noticed the sword lying on the ground. "What is that?" He stood up and went over to pick up the sword. He eyes looked across the pool at the crack in the ice. His heart jumped. "Oh my God! Sonny!"

Sonny ran over to Nikolas. His eyes met Nikolas' finger pointing to the hole. "Shit. I'm going in." He ran across the ice and jumped into hole. Diving to the bottom, Sonny's eye could barely see, but he found Alec floating downward.

"Please don't tell me someone is in there!" Nikolas shouted from the edge.

Sonny swam up to the surface with Alec in his grasp.

Nikolas reached down and pulled Alec into his arms. "Thank God for that f*cking dog." He pressed his ear to Alec's mouth. "We gotta get him to the hospital. He's not breathing."