Chapter 15

Pine Valley

Despite her misgivings, Skye was having a great time. Her first meeting with Adam had been draining. She had tried so hard to maintain a stoic facade when she greeted him, but his warmth and tenderness had blasted all intentions. Tears began streaming down her face, and when Stuart hugged her and told her how much he had missed her, she bawled like a baby. She felt embarrassed and relieved at the same time. She and Adam talked for hours. Skye was so thrilled at the way things were going that she decided to try and get along with Adam's wife Liza, and mend fences with his daughter Hayley. She called Erica Kane the next day, and was disappointed to find out that she was away for the weekend with her current beau. Skye thought about it and decided to extend her trip a bit so she could catch up with as many folks as she could. She called ELQ and made arrangements. Then she left a message on Sonny's machine explaining that she was going to be in Pine Valley longer than expected, and wasn't sure when she would get back. When Erica came back from her trip, the two women spent the whole day together catching up on everything. They laughed over the fact that they were both now CEOs of thriving companies. Erica tried to get the scoop on Deception, but Skye shook her head and said that she was not well acquainted with Laura Spencer, so there was nothing to tell. Erica told her about Christ Stamp, and Skye complimented her on such a catch. Erica rolled her eyes and said that she hoped she could hold on to this one.

A couple of days later Skye was at SOS having lunch with Hayley Santos. An exotic looking woman came in, and Hayley waved her over. "Anna, there's someone I'd like you to meet. This is my sister, Skye. She's been living in Port Charles for the past year." Skye was overcome when Hayley said "sister" without any qualifications. Hayley went on. "Skye, this is Anna Devane. She lived in Port Charles a long time ago. She's now our chief of police." The two women shook hands, and Hayley invited Anna to sit. "Anna Devane, I must say it is a pleasure to meet you." Anna raised one eyebrow. "You've heard of me?" Skye nodded. "I attended a few of my grandmother's garden club meetings, and the old biddies…I mean ladies…liked to gossip. When the news hit town that you were still alive, that was all they would talk about. They went on and on about your life in Port Charles. I usually tune out the gossip, but I was so fascinated by hearing about your life that I was absolutely riveted." Anna looked embarrassed. Skye blushed. "I didn't mean to gush. I just admire strong women. And you've certainly been through hell and back." Anna smiled ruefully. "That I have. So what brought you to Port Charles?" Skye looked down. "For the longest time I thought Adam Chandler was my father. Turns out he adopted me. My real father is Alan Quartermaine." Anna's eyebrows shot up. "I know Alan. Wow, that's amazing. So you've been living there in order to get to know him?" Skye laughed. "Well, when I first hit town I was more interested in revenge. Alan's father was instrumental in arranging my adoption. He told Alan and my mother that I was dead. I got my revenge – I now run ELQ. Whatever progress I had made with Alan is now on very shaky ground. But I do have a great friendship with my brother AJ." Anna tilted her head. "Your life sounds pretty exciting too."

Mateo Santos came to the table and asked for a word with his wife. Hayley excused herself and went to the back room. Skye and Anna were silent for a moment. "Anna, I have a personal question I want to ask you. But I'm not trying to be nosy – its more in the way of asking for advice." Anna smiled. "I can't guarantee answers, but feel free to ask." Skye looked down. "In all that gossip, I remember someone mentioned that you were married to a man involved in the mob." Anna looked pained. "Yes, Duke Lavery." Skye took a deep breath. "You obviously have a regard for the law, having been involved in the police force both in Port Charles and here. How did it feel to be in love with a man who broke the law for a living?" Anna's lips quirked. "My current regard for the law, as you put it, came at a price. I've gone through a lot of changes over the years. My principles have taken many twists and turns. When I fell in love with Duke, he was going through similar changes. He was involved in the mob, but knew it was wrong and wanted out. It cost him his life. I have a feeling your situation is different. The man you love doesn't want out – am I correct?"

Skye look startled. "No, I don't love him." She laughed weakly. "We don't even have a relationship. We're constantly at each other's throats. But I feel drawn to him regardless." She looked down again. "From what I've heard about him, he tried going completely legitimate once, but it backfired on him terribly. So he continues to do what he has always done. I think he feels he is the lesser of two evils. Better that he should run the crime network in town than someone more unscrupulous." Anna raised one eyebrow. "You must be referring to the legendary Sonny Corinthos." Skye nodded. "Did you know him?" Anna shook her head. "He came into town after I..er..left. Last summer when I regained my memory, I read up on all the things that had been going on in Port Charles. His name came up quite a few times. You're right about him trying to go legit. It didn't work. It rarely does for anyone foolish enough to get sucked in." Tears pricked at Anna's eyes as she thought of Duke. "I can understand your frustration at being drawn to someone so…unprincipled. I'm in love with a brilliant man who literally saves lives. He's a doctor. But he has little or no regard for ethics. He'll do whatever it takes to get what he wants in life. Strange bedfellow for a chief of police." Skye narrowed her eyes and smiled. "You wouldn't be talking about David Hayward would you?" Anna laughed. "You know him?" Skye shook her head. "Like with you and Sonny, my departure came before his arrival. But Adam has mentioned his name on more than one occasion – usually followed by a curse of some sort." They both laughed.

Skye's eyes widened in shock when she saw who walked through the door of the pub. As if talking about him had conjured him up, there stood Sonny Corinthos, looking around the room. When he spotted Skye, he strode over to her table. "What the hell?" she whispered. "Its Sonny!" Anna turned her head and saw him approach the table. "Hello Skye," he said in a low voice. "Sonny, what are you doing here? Is something…is something wrong with Mocha?" Her tone was apprehensive. Sonny shook his head. "The cat's fine. He's in the jet." She stared at him wide-eyed. "You brought him on your jet?" He nodded impatiently. "Look, I came because I heard a rumor about ELQ. Its been said that you're planning to move ELQ headquarters to another town. Your trip to Pine Valley is fueling the rumors. Since Michael has a stake in ELQ, I'm concerned about his future. So what's the story?" Skye shook her head in confusion. "There is no story. I've never even considered moving ELQ anywhere else." Sonny narrowed his eyes. "Not even to stick it to Edward? He already hates it that you run the company. Moving it to another town would be the last straw." Skye smiled wickedly. "That has a certain appeal. But then I wouldn't be on hand to watch him squirm. No, I don't have any plans to move. I'm enjoying my visit in Pine Valley, but I wouldn't want to come back to stay." Sonny looked relieved. "Good, then I don't have to worry about Michael."

His eyes flicked to Anna, who had been watching the whole exchange with increased interest. "Where are my manners. Sonny, this is Anna Devane. She lived in Port Charles for a long time. Anna, this is Sonny Corinthos." Skye acted nonchalant, as if they hadn't just been discussing him. Sonny extended his hand. "I've heard of you. Nice to meet you." Anna shook his hand, smiling politely. "I've heard of you too, Mr. Corinthos. And as chief of police in this town, I must say that I hope your visit to Pine Valley is a short one." Sonny paused for a split second, then burst out laughing. "Your wish is my command. My business here is complete, and I'll be on my way." Skye stared at him. "You came all this way for something that could have been taken care of with a phone call?" Sonny smiled arrogantly. "Well, if your answer to my question had been yes, I would have needed to use all my powers of persuasion to convince you to come back to Port Charles." Skye folded her arms and narrowed her eyes. "I can guess what forms of persuasion you would have used." Sonny smiled. "Don't be so sure." He waggled his eyebrows and then turned and walked out the door.

Skye sat down in a huff. "The nerve of that man, thinking he can push me around. And always in the name of someone he cares about. Secretly taping me because he loves his sister. Threatening me because he cares about his ex-wife. And now keeping tabs on me because of his adoptive son – who happens to be my nephew! What a jerk! I can't stand him!" Anna laughed a long time. "You actually bought that garbage about ELQ?" Skye looked at her wide-eyed. "What do you mean?" Anna wiped the tears of mirth from her eyes. "Do you really think he came all this way because of a rumor that might slightly affect an investment? Oh please!" Skye shook her head in bewilderment. "What other reason could he have?" Anna smirked. "Tell me something, how long were you planning to stay in Pine Valley?" Skye shrugged. "Originally I was just coming for the weekend. But I extended my stay so I could catch up with people." Anna nodded. "And when he found out, he panicked, thinking you were going to extend your stay indefinitely. I'm betting there is no rumor. He just made that up so he could find out what your plans were." Skye was flabbergasted. "No, that's impossible. He'd probably throw a party if I left Port Charles forever." Anna narrowed her eyes speculatively. "Whatever you say, Skye." Hayley came back to the table, then. "Sorry I was gone so long. Did I miss anything?"