Babble: I see not to many people were impressed with my version of 2 Luke's which is a pity since there is more of him in this chapter, not to mention a few more characters I'm working in. Please let me know if you're still interested in reading this fic.

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Betrayal, Loyalty, and Love

Chapter 6

~General Hospital~

Skye Chandler Quartermaine paused in her approach to ICU. Her eyes couldn't help but be drawn to the right and the uniformed policeman standing there. Looking past him her thoughts turned to the man in the room behind the guard. A man, who if there were a God, would already be dead. A frown marred her pretty features as her mind drifted into the past and him.

Joseph Sorel.

Even after all these years, the mention of his name still made her skin crawl, and the hate harden inside of her. The man was truly a bastard and she would only be too willing to tap-dance on his grave, if only the old bugger would die.

Feeling eyes on her she deliberately smoothed out her features giving the guard a cool disinterested smile she picked up her step and moved towards the ICU room directly across the hall. Unease of a different sort entered her system while she stood there studying the sleeping man on the bed. Seeing him now, at rest, with the only sound being the steady beep of the machines he was hooked up to, she could almost see his appeal. Almost. But then of course he had to open his eyes.

The dark eyes that fastened on her cleared instantly in recognition. The recognition quickly morphed into hope, then crystallized into hardness. Skye recognized all the emotions and hid her smile. He was so easy to control. Dismissing the coldness those dark eyes were reflecting back at her, she smiled brightly and moved closer to the bed. "Zander."

"What do you want?" Zander asked coldly.

"I have mail, from Emily, but if you're too busy…" Skye paused waiting for the hope and desperation to fill his eyes, before turning around as if to walk away.

"Wait, can I see it." In his eagerness Zander shifted on the bed and immediately groaned in pain.

"Take it easy," she ordered quickly, pushing him back on the bed. The last thing she needed was for him to have some sort of episode while she was here. Knowing she would be blamed for it if he did, genuine concern for the man shown on her face.

"Let me see it."

"Here," Skye handed him the letter still sealed in the envelope it had arrived him. Tempting as it had been for her to steam open the letter and see what Emily had said, she hadn't forgotten the threat her dear, sweet, baby sister had made. In that conversation she had finally realized that Emily had managed to learn the tricks of the Quartermaine family and she would use them if necessary. As such she wasn't going to push things with Emily, at least not yet.

Zander fumbled with the envelope, but it was soon evident that with only one partially mobile arm, it would be impossible for him to open it.

Skye could see the frustration in his face and in spite of her vow she felt herself bend a little. Her voice was soft when she held out her hand. "May I?"

Zander studied her for a long moment before finally relinquishing his prized letter. "Thanks."

She quickly opened the envelope, scanning the two-page letter quickly before beginning to read it aloud…

Zander,

I made it through another week here at camp, and you're right it didn't kill me. So add another $50 to the tally of what I owe you. Therapy has been a killer, but knowing that you're waiting for me makes it all bearable. Jason…

Skye arched an eyebrow and paused in her recitation at the mention of the half-brother she had never met, feeling his eyes on her she quickly went on.

Jason's still here, he says he isn't going to leave until I ask him too. Foolish man he should know by now that I won't ask him to go. Having him here, everyday, it really helps. The days don't seem quite as long now.

Having him here helps, but at the end of the day he's not you. And no one, not even Jason, can help me with how much I miss you. How much I miss touching your face, or holding your hand. How I miss the way your arms hold be so tight, when you kiss…

Uncomfortable at the direction the letter was taking Skye trailed off. Zander opened his eyes and focused on her. In that instant she could see all the guilt, love, longing, and grief in his eyes, and the compassion she tried not to show, welled up in her. "I think I'll let you read the rest of that part at another time. For now I'll just move ahead."

She turned to the next page, her sister either had quite an imagination, or she had quite the talented boyfriend. "Here we go…"

I hope you're listening to Alexis and haven't done anything crazy. I know how angry you are, but I don't want you hurt, so please remember your promise, and talk to Alexis before you go off half-cocked. I worry so much more, because I'm not there to talk you out of doing all those crazy thing that you want to do at times. Please keep your head.

I miss you so much that it's hard to breathe at times. I love you and I'll be back home, in your arms, soon.

Love,

Emily

Keeping her eyes on her hands, Skye carefully folded the letter and tucked it back in the envelope before laying it on the bed next to his hand.

"Thank you for bringing it," Zander cleared his throat. "And for reading it, I know you didn't want to."

"I didn't mind," she tried for a dismissive tone, but the emotion gave her away. Rising quickly she moved towards the door. "Let me know when you have a letter for her, and I'll send it out."

"Wait," Zander called out stopping her before she could reach the door. "Make sure no one tells Emily about what happened to me."

Surprised Skye turned to face him. "Why don't you want her to know?"

Zander looked at her strangely for a moment. "Why should she know? There's nothing she can do except worry about me. She needs to concentrate on her therapy and getting better. She's the important one here, not me."

"Oh," she nodded in feigned understanding and stepped out of the room. His words made no sense to her. If she were lying in a hospital bed after being shot and blown up she would want all the attention she could get, especially from someone who was in love with her.

Dismissing Zander from her thoughts she found herself drawn across the hall until she could peer through the window at an unconscious Sorel. The sight of the once powerful man, now being kept alive by machines, thrilled her. The old helpless bastard, being strapped to a bed, warmed her heart like nothing else.

"See something you like?"

The masculine voice jolted Skye from her thoughts, turning to see who had spoken she instantly went on alert. "What did you say Lieutenant Taggert?"

"You were smiling. I wondered what you saw that you liked so much." Taggert shifted his glance to look at Sorel.

"Was I smiling? I wouldn't know," she answered breezily.

"Oh I think you know Ms. Chandler-Quartermaine. I think you know quite well that you were smiling."

Skye eyed him coolly, the Lieutenant was far too arrogant for her liking. "What do you mean by that? I never even met the man."

"I'm just making an observation," Taggert replied easily. "You've taken an awfully big interest in someone you have never met. Calling ICU daily for updates, stopping to stare, whenever you happen by," he glanced in her direction. "It makes a person curious, especially when you say you've never met Sorel."

Controlling her nerves was an easy thing, she had spent years developing that talent, so her expression didn't change under the weight of his stare. "Sorel is indirectly responsible for my sister's injuries, and he is directly responsible for her having to leave town. Of course I'm interested in the man. I need to keep my family informed."

"Wouldn't the Doctors Quartermaine do that? After all they do work here." Taggert shifted so he was leaning against the glass and studying her.

That shot got passed her guards, and she felt her face tighten under his scrutiny, he was better then she had thought, but she was still better. "I keep my Grandmother informed, the Doctor's tend to shelter her, but she still likes to know what is going on," Skye glanced at her diamond-crusted watch. "I have a meeting Lieutenant."

"Ms. Chandler-Quartermaine," Taggert drawled before she moved far. "I must admit that I thought your interest might have something to do with the time you lived in New Jersey. Seems Sorel was living there for awhile at the same time."

Grateful that her back was to him, she took a moment to control her features, deliberately blanking the concern and fear that he knew that from her face, she turned around a practiced confused expression on her face. "Was he? I wouldn't know, New Jersey is a big state."

"But Atlantic City is a small town, especially when it comes to the mafia. You were married to a man who calls himself Ben Davidson about that time weren't you?"

He doesn't know anything for sure, he's just fishing, don't fall for it, her mind ordered, when she felt his shrewd eyes on her. "I wasn't aware of what my husband did or didn't do during that time."

"Really?"

She saw the disbelief in his eyes and it angered her. Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves she went on. "Yes really. As amusing as this is I really do need to leave," turning on her heel she moved away until his voice stopped her again.

"If not New Jersey, I thought you might have met him through your Aunt."

"Aunt Tracey?" Skye turned with a laugh. "What would she have to do with him, or me for that matter?"

"Tracey Quartermaine, or Tracey Solito, head of a powerful mafia family in upstate New York. I would think you two would have a lot to talk about."

"It must frustrate you so Lieutenant," Skye began condescendingly turning to face him. "Here you have me, a former wife of someone in the mob, according to you anyway. My aunt, who, again according to you, runs a crime family in New York, and my half-brother, apparently the lead enforcer for the mafia in your own hometown, and yet you can't seem to arrest any of us." She saw his expression change, and took a step closer. "In fact the one arrest you did make," she pointed in the direction of Sorel. "Escaped and was only caught, because the mob wanted him to be. If I were as connected as you seem to think I am, I would soon be running this town now wouldn't I?" She peered up at him a mocking expression on her face. "From the looks of it, you wouldn't be able to stop me. In fact I don't think you could stop jaywalking."

Skye smoothed the pencil thin skirt and brushed past him. "I'd say good luck Lieutenant, but I don't think a leprechaun could help you."

"You know what they say Ms. Quartermaine. Pride goeth before the fall," Taggert shot back with a sly grin. "You should be aware of that, how many times have you fallen?"

Faltering in her stride when she saw his grin, Skye glared at him then moved towards the elevator. She'd had him right up until the end. Damn'it she needed to figure out where she went wrong. But more importantly she was going to need to keep the Lieutenant from digging where he shouldn't.

~Kelly's~

Elizabeth sighed and looked at the clock on the wall. It had only managed to move five minutes since the last time she had looked. At this rate, she was never going to get off work and this awful day would never be over. Judging from the strange looks she had been getting ever since she had arrived, she wasn't looking too good either.

It wasn't surprising, not really, after today she was doing her best to stay upright, her appearance was the least of her worries. She had to admit she had moved to the restroom in concern after a visit from the Face of Deception. Gia, for once, had looked downright concerned when she had seen her. Of course the concern only lasted about 2 minutes, but it spooked her enough that she checked out her appearance.

The heat, the stress, the worry, her altercation with Luke had all taken their toll on her, but more then that, was her conversation with Sonny. That conversation was what had shaken her the most, what had caused her to get sick, and what damn near broke her. Yet here she was 3 hours later, at work, making conversation, and even earning some tips. Apparently she could still function with a shattered heart.

"Elizabeth."

Jolted Elizabeth set the coffee pot down with a thud when she recognized the voice. "Hi Gram."

Audrey Hardy smiled weakly at her granddaughter. "I was hoping your had a moment to talk."

Elizabeth glanced around the mostly empty restaurant, no one, it seemed, needed her at the moment. "Why don't you take a seat, I'll bring some tea."

Audrey nodded and moved to a table near the open doors. The air-conditioner was on the fritz again, so the doors were propped open in an effort to get some air inside, but unfortunately there wasn't a breath of air out only the late afternoon, early evening sun.

She dawdled as long as she could, pouring two glasses of tea and keeping her back to the room. She just needed a minute longer to gather her strength. Her and her grandmother hadn't talked much recently. The last time they had was when Elizabeth had told her about the engagement and she had seen the disappointment in Audrey's eyes. She rubbed at the headache forming in her temples then picked up the glasses and moved to join her Gram.

"You like tired Elizabeth, have you been sleeping okay?" Audrey asked taking the glass she was offered.

"Yes I've been sleeping, it was just hotter then normal last night."

"You know there is no reason for you to stay in the studio, I would love it if you came back to stay with me. Gatsby would like it as well."

Elizabeth rubbed at her temples again as she listened to the familiar plea. "I like the studio Gram, I like living on my own."

Audrey sighed heavily then began to dig in her bag. "This came to the house today. I didn't mean to open it, I just assumed it was mine, I didn't realize it was addressed to you until I began to read it," she explained holding out a letter.

Frowning in confusion Elizabeth took the letter, and almost groaned when she saw the return address. Office of Admissions, Port Charles University.

"We're you even going to tell me?" Audrey asked.

"I thought I had," Elizabeth answered quietly.

"Elizabeth."

"Honest Gram, with everything that's been going on, I thought I had told you," Elizabeth maintained.

"I would think I would remember a conversation in which you told me you lost your financial aid and flunked out of college," Audrey said sharply.

Closing her eyes when she heard the disappointment in her gram's voice, she realized why she hadn't told her Gram. She hadn't wanted to hear the disappointment in her Gram's voice. "I missed so much school last semester of last year, when Nikolas and I were looking for Lucky. Then again first semester of this term, when Lucky and I went after Emily, then last semester, with the Face of Deception competition, I just missed to much school, and my grades showed it."

"So you flunked out of college because of Lucky?"

"Not because of him, because I chose to put other people before school. I chose to do that Gram, no one else."

"Elizabeth you can't play with your future like this. Do you want to be a waitress for the rest of your life? I know you've never been particularly fond of school, but I at least thought you would work on your art. Now I see I've been misinformed."

"Gram please don't be angry," Elizabeth cried touching her hand. "You know that this past year and half have been crazy."

"I know what I see Elizabeth. I see you doing everything you can to help Lucky Spencer, and I don't see him doing anything in return," Audrey shook her head. "Now with these marriage plans…"

"We're not getting married," Elizabeth interrupted softly. "Lucky broke things off with me last night."

Audrey pursed her lips and studied her granddaughter for a long moment. "I can see how hurt you are because of that. But I hope you realize that he might have just done you the biggest favor of your life."

"What do you mean?"

"Elizabeth since the…" Audrey hesitated, looked around and lowered her voice. "Since you were hurt, you have devoted yourself to Lucky Spencer. At first I know it was because you felt he was the only one you could trust, but later on, you never let yourself get close to anyone, unless Lucky was close to them as well. When Lucky died, as awful as of a thing as that was, I was hoping you would use the time to finally grow on your own, without depending on anyone. I realize now you were too young to do that."

"You mean because I chose Jason as my friend?" Elizabeth asked coldly.

"Yes, but I know you only did that, because in some respect he must have reminded you of Lucky, however, that doesn't change the fact that he was and still is a dangerous man…"

"Gram you do not have the right to talk to me about Jason. You have only let yourself have what? Two conversations with him. And both I'm sure were filled with accusations by you, and orders to him, to stay away from me. You never talked too Jason. You never even gave him a chance. So you have no right to talk to me about him right now," Elizabeth informed her, her tone like ice.

Audrey looked taken aback both by the words and Elizabeth's demeanor. "Nevertheless, the one blessing that came out of Lucky's return was the ending of your relationship with Jason. However you soon slid back into only doing what Lucky wanted to do."

Elizabeth had no return to that statement. How could she deny it when it was true? Her whole world had been Lucky. She backed him even when it put other people's lives in danger.

"Now that relationship has cost you college, at least for now. You can reapply eventually, but Elizabeth, you need to get your head on straight. Lucky ending things can only be a blessing in disguise. I'm not blind, nor heartless," Audrey patted her hand. "I know you're hurting, but soon you will see how good this is. In fact, I think this would be a perfect time for you to go see your parents. A little time away would do you so much good, and I know they would love to see you."

"Would they?" Overwhelmed by the day Elizabeth forgot to censor herself. "Why would you say that Gram? I haven't talked to either one of them since Christmas. And that was only a brief 5-minute thank you for the savings bond conversation. What makes you think they would give a damn about seeing me?"

"They are your parents Elizabeth, they deserve your respect."

"Actually they deserve my contempt," Elizabeth retorted. "Where were they when Lucky died? Where were they when I graduated high school? Where were they when Lucky came back? Where were they when I was raped? Still can't say that word can you Gram?"

Audrey gripped her purse until her knuckles turned white. "They didn't know about the attack. You wouldn't let me tell them."

"Fair enough I'll give you that one, but the rest? They knew about Lucky, they knew when my birthday was, when Christmas was, when I graduated. They knew that and didn't care. And you want me to go see them? They are strangers to me."

"I can see there is no use in talking to you when you are like this. You are obviously too angry to realize the truth of what is going on here," Audrey said stiffly rising from her seat. "I had hoped you had outgrown your selfish stage…"

Elizabeth couldn't help but laugh. Her selfish stage? Didn't her Gram realize that she had pretty much ceased to exist, all so she could help someone else? She bit off the laugh, quickly not liking the near hysterical sound of it. "Thanks for bringing the letter Gram."

"Elizabeth you could do so much more with your life," Audrey said sadly. "But you're choosing to waste it."

"I know you don't have to say the words. You're disappointed in me," Elizabeth finished for her. "I see that every time you look at me."

"Elizabeth…" Audrey reached out her hand.

"Miss can I get some more coffee?"

Elizabeth jerked at the call, and stepped back from her Gram. "My career is calling," she tossed the words over her shoulder and moved towards the counter. Her hand shook as she reached for the coffeepot, but her eyes remained dry. That particular conversation was long overdue. And maybe by coming now, it was for the best. She knew her grandmother would stay away from her for a while now, and that would keep her safe.

But it still hurt.

Her Gram's disappointment still hurt. Battling the pain back she turned and almost dropped the pot, when she saw Luke and Lucky Spencer standing in the doorway.

~West Coast~

"You're telling me he went into the penthouse with a bomb strapped to his chest?" Jason repeated, wearily rubbing at his eyes.

"Yes." Benny replied.

"And him and Carly are divorcing because she turned him into the feds?" Jason pressed.

"Yes, it's not widely known among the men, but the higher-ups know that she turned him in."

"What about Zander?"

"Him and Sorel are still in ICU. It looks like Zander will make a full recovery, but they don't know about Sorel. He's under police guard."

"Thanks Benny." Jason quickly shut off the phone.

Jesus Christ.

Carly had turned Sonny into the Feds. He could almost hear Carly's words now. She didn't mean to do anything wrong, she just wanted to help, she was scared. As upset as he was about that, he was more worried about the bomb, and what that meant for Sonny. He didn't want to, but it looked like he needed to go back to Port Charles, and check on his family, at least briefly.

Opening his eyes he focused on the window that he knew was Emily's. He didn't want to break his promise to her, but he needed to check on Sonny, and the others. He also needed to tell her about Zander. He knew she wasn't going to react well to that. She might even want to come back to Port Charles with him.

As long as Sorel was alive, she couldn't return. He only hoped she would understand that. Sighing he tucked the phone in his pocket and headed inside and for her room. Going back to Port Charles, also meant there was a chance he would see Elizabeth as well.

Did you know her and Lucky got engaged?

If he was careful though, maybe he could get in and out of town without seeing her at all. The elevator doors opened and he made his way down the hall, his stride quickened when he saw nurses running into Emily's room.

Running the last few steps, he got to the door in time to see the nurses lift an unconscious Emily and lay her on a gurney.

"What the hell happened?" Jason demanded, his eyes searching his sister, for signs of violence.

"Move." An orderly hissed as he began to move the gurney.

"Tell me what the hell happened." Jason backed out of the doorway but kept pace with the gurney.

"Move her to O.R. 2 immediately, the team will be scrubbed and ready," the nurse ordered.

"Why are you taking her to surgery?" Jason yelled. "What the hell is wrong with her?"

~Kelly's~

"Do you want to stay Cowboy?" Luke asked loudly. "I didn't know she would be here."

Lucky's eyes never left Elizabeth as she filled the cup of a customer and moved back to the counter. "We can stay."

"You know she's going to be crying and whining, it's what she does best." Luke reminded him.

Elizabeth swallowed hard at Luke's words. She had never thought he would turn on her, but apparently he could, and had. She turned around slowly when she heard someone take a seat at the counter behind her. The nerves lessened when she recognized her customer. "Hi Francis."

"Elizabeth," the handsome man nodded at her. "It's hot out there today isn't it?"

"Yes," pathetically relieved that so far Luke and Lucky had stayed outside talking, she poured him a glass of water. "I bet you're glad you don't have to work today, the heat must make those suits you always wear brutal."

Francis glanced down at his casual clothes. "I am more comfortable dressing like this. I would rather dress like this all the time, but Sonny frowns on that."

"Does he ever go casual?" Elizabeth asked the question and only half listened to the reply. Catching the Spencer's approach she braced herself. "What can I get you?"

"I think you know what I want," Luke drawled.

Elizabeth swallowed hard and in spite of herself backed off a step. "W-what?" She had been hoping she had misread the signs earlier in the day. But looking in Luke's eyes now she could still see desire in them, and it sickened her.

"I want to play with you," Luke continued on, "your tools. I'm here to fix the AC."

Elizabeth almost cried out in relief. "I'll get the toolbox." She told him and disappeared in the kitchen.

Glancing around she realized that Don must be out in the alley, partaking in one of his many crap games. She spied the toolbox, on a rack just out of her reach. She stepped on the metal railing of the stand and reached up for the box. Her hand closed on the side of the gray metal box the same time she became aware of someone standing right behind her. His breath on her neck, confirmed his identity before he spoke.

"Need a hand sweet thing?" Luke asked leaning against her.

Swallowing a scream and her own revulsion, Elizabeth shook her head. "I have it."

Luke's hand closed over hers anyway, and at the movement his length pressed harder against her. "You still smell good."

Horrified Elizabeth dropped her hand and tried to turn around but his weight kept her pinned against the rack. "Let me go Luke."

"I'll let you go as long as you keep going. You're fired. Get out and don't ever come back." Luke informed her backing off a bit.

As soon as he shifted, Elizabeth turned and pushed at his chest, so she could move away from the rack. Searching his face she saw the face of a man she had been closer to her, then she her own father. His face hadn't changed but there was something different in his eyes, something that had never been there before, and they scared her. "Why are you doing this?"

"Doing what? Taking the trash out?" He reached out and caught her chin in a hard grip. "Because I can. Don't you know by now, that men always do what they want to, because they can?"

Elizabeth tried to jerk her head free but his grip was like iron. "I don't work for you, I work for Bobbie, she's the one who has to fire me." A part of her was screaming to run away from Luke and never look back. But her heart was telling her to fight for her friend. Something had to be wrong with Luke to make him act like this, and she owed it to him to help.

Luke tightened his grip. "Don't push me on this little girl," a strange glint came into his eyes. "Unless you'd miss me too much if you did leave." He stroked her jaw. "Is that it?"

Feeling sick to her stomach she tried to jerk her head away and couldn't. She knew all she had to do was scream. There were people in the front room that would help her. Francis was out there he would help her, all she had to do was scream. Yet she couldn't. This was Luke, a man she considered to be her father, and she couldn't comprehend what he was doing to her. "Let me go."

Luke moved closer until she could feel his breath on her upturned face. "You go near my son, and you will regret it."

"Excuse me Elizabeth." Francis spoke up from the doorway.

Elizabeth almost sobbed in relief when Luke let her go, tears were blinding her as she turned to focus on Francis. "Y-yes?"

"Sorry to bother you, but I needed to place an order to go," Francis explained his presence in the backroom.

"Better get to work darlin, customers are waiting." Luke said giving her butt a quick swat to propel her into motion.

Elizabeth gasped at the contact and all but ran for the entryway. "Sorry Francis," she moved past him and came to a dead halt when she saw Lucky watching her from his spot at the counter. His eyes held the same sort of madness that she had just seen in Luke's and in that moment it was too much for her. "Excuse me," she cried before running for the bathroom, leaving Francis and Lucky to stare after her.

~Docks~

Sonny frowned at the construction of his new building. Things were progressing, slowly, but they were moving. He knew he should be working, but the last place he felt like being was in his office. He wondered if Carly had received the divorce papers yet. She probably had, Alexis was nothing if not efficient.

He had expected to hear from her as soon as she had, but the phone hadn't rung, and Johnny hadn't been bowled over by her, in her haste to see him. A part of him wondered why she hadn't confronted him. Maybe he had finally gotten through to her, maybe she finally realized that they were in fact over.

And if she had realized that, why did that thought make his heart hurt a little bit?

Before he could answer that thought his cell phone began to chirp.

"Yes?"

"Sonny it's me."

"What's going on Francis?" Carly forgotten Sonny's expression turned serious. "Did something else happen to Elizabeth?"

"I'm not sure. It's strange to explain, I'm not sure I saw what I think I saw." Francis rambled.

"You're not making sense," and considering this was Francis that worried him. "What happened?"

"She made it to work, I stayed outside until I saw Luke and Lucky Spencer show up. I knew you wanted me to stay close if she was around Lucky so I went inside. She thinks I'm off duty, because I'm in casual clothes. She doesn't know I'm watching her."

"Did Lucky do something to her?" Sonny's gut clenched while he waited for the response.

"No, it was Luke. They were in the kitchen, and I couldn't hear what they were saying, but I could see her face, she looked scared to death so I checked on her." Francis hesitated. "Either Luke was coming on to her, or was threatening her, or both, but either way she looked terrified."

"Jesus," Sonny felt sick to his stomach. "Are you sure?"

"That's what it looked like, Elizabeth bolted for the bathroom, and Luke is whistling in the kitchen. I don't like it Sonny, it doesn't feel right."

"I'm on my way." Sonny replied and closed the phone.

"Is there a problem?" Johnny asked moving to fall into step beside his boss.

"I think there is. Elizabeth is into something, and I think it's something bad," Sonny answered. "We need to get to Kelly's."

"Elizabeth Webber? What the hell are you doing with that skank? And what the hell are you doing sending me these?" Carly yelled from behind him.

~Spencer House~

You've reached the Spencer residence. Sorry we couldn't get to the phone. Leave a message and we'll call you back.

"Laura its Elizabeth. I need you to call me as soon as you check your messages. There's something wrong with Luke…"

At that, Stavros Cassadine sat up from the bed he had been lying on and peered at the phone.

"Lucky told me last night that he thought he had killed Luke, he didn't, but I do think he did something to him. He's not acting right. He's not Luke. I need you to come back to town. I can't keep an eye on him and Lucky at the same time. Luke needs you."

Stavros moved towards the phone, absently rubbing the silk of the negligee in his fingers as he listened to the girl on the machine.

"I think we need to rethink our plans, I'll talk to Nikolas but call me as soon as you get this. Bye."

The machine clicked off and Stavros frowned down at it, rubbing the soft material against his cheek. He wanted his Lasha home, but not to help Luke. He wasn't ready for her return yet. "I think not," he murmured reaching out and erasing the message.

His eye fell on a picture on the table, picking it up this time he studied the other person in the photograph. A pretty brunette with blue eyes. There was something about those eyes. Cocking his head he pulled out his cell phone. He pressed a number and waited while the number dialed automatically, humming under his breath he carried the picture and the negligee back to the bed and laid down on it.

"Yes?"

"Mother tell me about Elizabeth Webber." Stavros ordered.

"She is an insipid little creature that I am quite fed up with," Helena replied. "I only wish Nikolas was."

"He likes this girl? I thought he liked Gia Campbell, they are hardly similar types." Stavros thought briefly of the exotic looking Gia then glanced at the photo in his hand. Not similar at all.

"He has been interested in Elizabeth for years now. At one point I actually thought she might be worthy of a dalliance with Nikolas. So one of the early programmings I gave Lucky was to push her towards Nikolas. But the boy couldn't even do that correctly. Nikolas is still very protective of her. Even now he sees her, while he refuses to see Lucky."

"Interesting," wrapping the negligee around his neck he moved to the window to study the picture in the fading light. She was a pretty girl there was no denying that, but again he was drawn to something he saw in her eyes. "So she is close to the Spencer's?"

"Very, Luke was quite adamant that I stay away from her. I've been meaning to deal with her. Thanks to her, my involvement with Lucky Spencer was exposed long before I was ready for it to be, and it set my plans back."

"You sound very perturbed mother," Stavros said silkily. "She must have gotten to you."

"She's very spirited. I suppose she would be worthy of being a mistress for Nikolas. Definitely not suitable marriage material. But she is more worthy then Gia Campbell, to warm his bed and be seen with him as well, if need be. Her upbringing and family name are stronger, then Gia's."

"So in other word's Elizabeth is more like Kristin then Gia is," Stavros goaded his mother and waited for her response.

"Don't ever mention Kristin to me again. Her and her bastard child are not worthy of my time."

"Do not give me orders," he said icily, crumpling the negligee in his fist.

"Of course, I'm sorry my darling," Helena backtracked quickly. "I will handle Elizabeth Webber, she's been on my to do list for quite awhile now."