Caroline knew it was considered rude. She hoped Stefan would mind. Her first two visits to Spoon Island had a purpose. While the first was unannounced, it was most definitely welcomed after he read the information she brought. The second, a dinner invitation which turned into more and sparked something that she still could not reconcile. Painful as it was, that meeting answered one or two of the questions she had about him. But it also raised many more. Kindred Spirits. She knew the term. Understood the meaning, abstractly before. Now, she had proof of its existence. But she was also playing a dangerous game. Yet, it didn't seem like a game. She still had questions. These were her own. How it was possible she did not know. All she did know is that for some unknown reason, Stefan Cassidine called to her in a strange way. For now, she would answer. She hoped he would understand.

When Mrs. Lansbury opened the door her surprise could not be completely masked. Caroline didn't think it took anything away from her skill and professionalism. The woman had to be shocked at her appearance and her appearance. One or two more visits should cure her. If Stefan permitted this visit, that is.

"Miss. Spencer, please come in. I shall inform Mr. Cassidine that you are here."

"Thank you, Mrs. Lansbury."

Caroline surppressed her smile. If she and Stefan were not careful they would each be excommunicated from their respective families.

"Excuse me sir."

Stefan looked up from the reports he was reviewing in his study.

"Yes."

"Miss. Spencer is here."

His heart stopped momentarily but he gave nothing away. That last meeting was intense and his ability to recover from everything that transpired was severly tested. Nevertheless, he was certain Caroline had her own demons to banish afterward. Stefan took a few moments to check himself. Resolve was there . He just hoped he'd make it through whatever news she came to bring. Stefan was about to inform Mrs. Lansbury to show her in when he noticed the hesitancy in her demeanor.

"What is it Mrs. Lansbury?"

Just an extra second before responding put Stefan on alert.

"I am unsure. Her...appearance is peculiar."

That caused some concern.

"Is she in distress?"

"No sir. She is in riding clothes."

Nonplussed,

"Riding clothes?"

"Yes, sir. Complete with habit and crop."

Stefan was perplexed but also intrigued by this. Leave it to Caroline to turn the tables.

"Well, show her in."

That caused Mrs. Lansbury to start for a moment. She HAD to ask.

"Here? To your study?"

Stefan got it but he wasn't going to comment. Why he was voluntarily allowing a Spencer in his private sanctum was beyond him. But, she already managed to sneak by his emotional fortress. Getting a peek at a file or two wouldn't disadvantage him anymore.

"Yes."

She said nothing else, turned and walked away. Several minutes later, Mrs. Lansbury returned with Caroline in tow and announced her. Neither spoke as Mrs. Lansbury left. Stefan did not offer her a seat because he was pretty sure Caroline would take on if she so desired. Their eyes met and the game began a new. Caroline was nervous but determined not to let it show. He was the only person in Port Charles she knew who spoke Russian so she might as well practice on him. Truthfully, it was a shield that allowed her some protection and even more freedom. She began without preamble and in Russian.

"I wish to ride."

Stefan studied her for a few moments before responding. He wasn't completely sure what she was up to or where the day would take them so he steeled himself.

"Unless it is some new fashion trend I am unaware of, I gathered that from your attire."

Caroline laughed. Stefan could be caustic when he wished.

"Stefan, you're holding up the program."

"The program? Caroline, I am not following you."

"Of course not, because you are not dressed yet. I will wait, but not too long. We will loose light soon."

He looked her over carefully.

"Am I to understand that this is your way of inviting me to ride one of my own horses?"

"If that's how you want to think of it, yes. Now, if you do not get a move on, I will be forced into coming to only two conclusions."

"Enlighten me. Which would those be?"

"You do not wish to ride or......"

She hesitated slightly before finishing her sentence but he understood it was not for effect.

".....you no longer consider us old friends."

Caroline Spencer did not hide. She put it out there and he was going to have to deal with it. An answer one way or the other was needed. Unfortunately, she did not realize that a negative response would cost her as much as she now suspected it would.

Stefan understood and he saw an olive branch when it was extended. He knew, as a Cassidine, that was a rare gift.

"I seem to forget my manners in your company consistently. Riding is beneficial exercise and I am in need of some fresh air and sunshine. I will endeavor to...get a move on, as you say. Please make yourself comfortable while I change."

Only the slightest hint of relief escaped her. He caught it tried not to wonder why that mattered. He knew. Old or new, he had few friends. That Caroline Spencer actually considered him one was— strange, to say the least. That he considered her one was even more strange. Stefan decided not to think about it as he rose. But he also noticed her confusion.

"Yes?"

"You want me to wait here?"

He smiled, enjoying the upper hand.

"As opposed to?"

"Stefan, its not nice to tease. You know very well what I'm talking about."

He decided to let her off the hook because that would be just as amusing.

"I know it might be a strain on your Spencer sensibilities but I trust that you won't take this time to rumage and ransack in my absence."

She laughed at both of them.

"That would take all the fun out of anything I might find. I promise to be on my best behavior for 15 minutes. After that, all bets are off."

"Ah, so you wish to negotiate? All things considered, it seems a fair compromise. I am feeling rather hospitable this afternoon."

"Did I mention that the clock started ticking the moment I extended the offer? Your time is running out."

Stefan laughed and excused himself.

Caroline and Stefan rode in companionable silence for several hours. Her mount was very familiar with the various trails and took to her easily. Stefan watched her circumspectly once they headed to the stables. He did not know why he should be surprised that she could ride. She was dressed for it. Though outfitted entirely in black, having forgone the traditional white blouse. When he thought about it, she always wore dark clothes. Both times she visited the island she was in dark or navy blue. She wore the same color suit the day of her altercation with Monica Quartermaine. A far cry from the colors Carly wore. He made no comment as he filed that away for future reference. Stefan noted that she rode easily as if she were accustomed to riding well bred horses everyday. That intrigued him more but he would not initiate that discussion. Truthfully, he was enjoying their time together. Not until her last visit did he notice the amount of time he spent alone. That was usually by design or choice. He was a very busy man and when he had time he perferred solitude. This was, however, a welcome change. And, the least dangerous time they'd spent together to date.

Once they reached a bluff overlooking one of the beautiful points in Port Charles, they dismounted to give the horses a rest. Their silence continued for another 15 minutes as Caroline took the time to appreciate her surroundings. It was an easy silence born of individuals who are comfortable in each other's presence. That should be natural between and among friends. It was unnatural to both of them. Nothing about their interactions was natural or should be considered such. Neither wished to dwell on it. Finally,

"You seem as if you are enjoying yourself."

She smiled fondly. Contentment was difficult to come by these days. The meeting in the middle of the night proved things were about to heat up. Caroline had no idea what she might find in Miami and if she found nothing, she would feel bad about leaving Jason alone in PC to face whatever was coming from Soleto or Edward. Well, that was a business and personal consideration since she just didn't want to be away from him very long.

"Because I am. I had no idea the view was so stunning. Or the island so large."

"Yes. It reminds me of a perch on the island in Greece. Perhaps you are familiar with it."

Caroline chuckled.

"Your sense of humor is wicked Stefan. I had little time to...explore the vistas of your precious island on my last visit. Perhaps in the future."

Stefan began to answer before absorbing all of her words.

"I suppose you were preoccupied with other matters."

Then he stopped short and glanced at Caroline causually.

"The future?"

"Well, I have learned never to exclude anything from the realm of possibility."

He wouldn't inquire more.

"Spoon Isalnd is rather deceptive in its appearance. The island actually raps around itself several times. But it is larger than one might guess."

She went there.

"I am starting to realize that there are many things deceptive in their appearance on this island."

Stefan was unsure if he had the stamina to endure or the resolve to pursue. He turned to Caroline so that he was able to take in her stature. But he did not speak. His gaze was not penetrating, there were some truths he did not wish to know. Caroline remained still and allowed the open inspection. Stefan noted but was fully aware she did not open herself up entirely. Satisfied that he learned nothing more except that she could withstand his scrutiny, something he already learned at their first meeting, he spoke.

"Why are you here?"

That was the question that changed every thing between once before.

"Because I wanted to ride."

"Shall we dance?"

She got it but she still wasn't ready.

"Dancing and riding. I didn't know the island afforded so many options."

"If I am not mistaken, riding was your choice of activity for the afternoon."

"True. And you were very accommodating. I haven't ridden in awhile."

Knowing full well that she side stepped the question and changed the subject, Stefan decided to let his original question pass...for now....because he was unsure why she did not wish to answer it.

"Perhaps that can be remedied."

She nodded. There was no need to address that. Stefan opened the door and that put her on more sure footing. She was welcome. Caroline also knew that she owed him. As together as the man was, she knew that from her first visit she upset his apple cart. Literally and figuratively. Just as much as he upset her's.

"I don't know."

Stefan heard and he understood. She was finally answering his question. Though her answer was no answer. But he did not blame her. He realized it was the truth; she did not know. He also understood how much that cost her. Their positions were similar and yet, they stood on opposite sides.

"And Mr. Morgan? Does he not think your selection of recreation for the afternoon---unsual?"

She knew it had to be said. But that wasn't it and they both knew it.

"He is first and foremost my friend. By best friend. He has never attempted to choose my friends or dictate how I spend my time."

Stefan required more clarity on the subject.

"That is progressive. One would think otherwise especially considering our situation. And your family? How does your uncle find your visits to the island?"

She laughed. That statement was so loaded she wasn't sure where to start.

"Where do I begin?"

Stefan laughed as well, knowing where the conversation would lead them.

"The choice is yours. Though you must know which part I will find most amusing and most enlightening."

"True. I'll start with the easy part. Jason is many things, progressive being just one of those. He knows I am capable of taking care of myself. Though he is careful to make sure no harm comes my way. I am in no danger, Stefan, am I?"

His tone shifted the conversation again.

"I suspect we are both in danger."

She couldn't disagree. She did not understand it but she could not disagree.

"Should my uncle learn of our friendship I don't think danger would cover the situation."

They both laughed at that.

"What do you think would happen?"

"For you, I have no clue. The man is...creative when he wants to be. For me, I believe the first step would involve a deprogrammer of some kind. Specifically someone trained in ridding others of....Cassidinesque influences."

"I believe you just created a new word."

"I did, didn't I? But, not the definitition."

"Are you suffering from Cassidinesque influences?"

"I don't know. Perhaps no more than you might be suffering from a Spencer's."

Stefan took a few steps as he headed toward a bench to sit. She fell into stride next to him. Absently, he mused out loud.

"Kindred Spirits."

That caused Caroline to stop in her tracks. Her movement was so abrupt Stefan turned to toward her instantly. The expression on her face confused him momentarily because he had not realized he spoke aloud. In a near whisper,

"What did you say?"

Her demeanor put him on alert that something changed again, though he missed it. Several moments were needed to filter through the situation until he understood.

"Kindred Spirits."

When Caroline looked up she met his eye and by silent agreement, they formed a new understanding.

"Yes."

That was the end of the conversation. It was the end of their conversation for the rest of the afternoon as they remounted their horses and returned to the stables. Once again, both required something to restore their balance and help make sense of their reactions toward the other after spending time together. Only after walking her to the launch and assisting her aboard did he speak.

"Miss. Spencer."

"Mr. Cassidine."