"You seem surprised to see me."

"I make it my life's mission to avoid anything Helena Cassadine related. Now, if you would--"

Jax motioned to Helena to move out of the way, but walked around to her right and started walking up the far staircase on the docks, closer to the Pride Phillips offices.

"Which one of your latest conquests are you off to see now?" Helena bellowed.

Jax stopped dead in his tracks.

"It can't be that insipid twit Chloe. She's a mere rotting carcass by now. What about Luke's latest Laura substitute? What's her name? Sun? Moon? Oh yes, Skye Quatermaine. Poor thing. To be kicked to the curb just minutes after marrying her. I thought you had more tact than that Jax."

Jax turned around and walked down the stairs towards Helena.

"How could I forget about Sonny Corinthos's bastard sister? Isn't that the one you're seeing now? I can't imagine he'd be too supportive of this relationship. But then again, you have always been the charmer. I bet you have her eating out of the palm of your hands."

Jax walked closer to Helena.

"What do you want Helena? I'm not in the mood to get into this with you now or ever."

"Can't some old friends have some time to catch up? I'd ask you out for a drink but it appears you seem to be in a rush. Where's the fire?"

"If I had my wishes, you'd be the one burning at the stake in the center of town for everyone to see and spit on your burnt corpse." Jax sternly refuted and began walking away again.

"I love it when you talk dirty to me."

Jax stopped for a second, shook his head in disgust and continued back up the stairs.

"It was nice running into you again. Let's make this more of a habit."

Jax was out of sight before Helena could finish, but that didn't stop Helena from continuing.

Helena gracefully walked towards the pier and started dialing her cell phone.

"Pick me up at the Elm Street pier. We're going on a little trip."

Lucas, Brook and Maxie were throwing around ideas on how they'd be able to handle Maxie's roommate's situation.

"Here's another. What if we throw a party and have Tara get caught with alcohol. Would they kick her out for that?

"Nah, they'll just give her a fine and put her on probation."

"Hey, does her boyfriend go to school there?"

"Don't think so Lucas. He looks like he's 25! I don't even know how they got together. They've only been dating 3 weeks now from what I know."

"What 25 year old dates 18 year old girls right out of high school? Sounds like a scumbag to me." Brook said, as she got up from the couch and walked over to the desk where Maxie was leaning against.

"He is. He's a major creep. I don't know what he's doing hanging out on a college campus."

"What else do you know about him?"

"That's pretty much it Brook. I've only seen him twice because Tara always goes to his place. He must live close by."

"I have an idea. What if we send the campus police an anonymous tip to check out that guys place? Maybe they'll find something incriminating?"

"That's ridiculous. What if there's nothing to find? He'll just get angry and come after me. He'll suspect something is up."

"Okay, I think we have to stop thinking about trying to get either of them in trouble. We have to do something simple or how about, here's a thought, bring your parents into this Maxie."

"If I tell them Lucas, they'll want me to transfer back to PCU and I don't want to be anywhere near Port Charles."

"I think it'll be much easier if we get them involved. Do you really think the guy is going to come after you if you report him?"

"Yes!" Maxie said emphatically. "He already threatened me once. Who's to say he won't keep his word?"

Maxie got up from the desk and walked over to Lucas.

"Listen, I know I'm being a pain here, but I just want to try and do something on my own. The last thing I want is to get my mom and dad involved with this. Would you mind coming up to school and maybe we can work out something there?"

"I really don't know what I can do, but I'll try."

Lucas stood up from the couch and walked towards Brook with Maxie following.

"You coming?"

"Sure. I'm already in the middle of this so I guess it won't hurt to tag along," said an obviously agitated Brook.

All 3 of them left the Scorpio house and walked to Lucas's car, unaware Maxie left her overnight bag in the middle of the living room.

Courtney was anxiously waiting for Jax outside her office. Just as Courtney started to call him, Jax came rushing around the corner.

"Sorry about that. I had an unfortunate run-in with an old business associate on the docks. But I'm here. You ready?" Jax said with a beaming smile, as he tried to catch his breath.

"If by ready you mean 'Ready to hear what this urgent trip to NYC is all about', then yes!"

"Come on, I've got your favorite donuts in the car, but they are not nearly as delicious as you are."

"You can retire those cheesy lines Jax. I'm already coming with you. No need to try and butter me up!"

Jax picked up Courtney's bags and they both walked through the docks and headed towards Jax's car. As Jax was loading the car, Courtney remembered that Ned called.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you. Ned called me earlier looking for you. He said something about your cell phone being down."

"Damn, I knew I forgot something. Can I borrow your phone for a minute?"

"It'll cost you."

"I'm very good at repaying my debts," Jax grinned, as Courtney handed him her cell phone.

Jax dialed Ned's number as Courtney jumped into the passenger seat of Jax's car.

"Hello?"

"It's Jax. I totally forgot about getting back to you. It's been hectic all morning."

"So tell me, what's the deal? Courtney said you're going to NYC now? What's going on?"

Jax turned away from the car and whispered softly so Courtney wouldn't hear.

"Yeah, we have a problem. Seems like someone bought out Babco Industrial this morning and our stocks are seemingly worthless at the moment."

"You have got to be kidding me?"

"I'm afraid not. That's why I have to go down to NYC and settle this and try to salvage as much money as I can before it's too late."

"How is going down there supposed to help us out? Can't you do something like this over the phone?"

"Normally, but I want to meet the illustrious new owner of the company and since I own a majority of their stock, it's only fair I voice my concerns about the change in management."

"So basically, you have no clue what you're doing."

"You're in good hands Ned. I'll try to work something out that will mutually benefit us in the long run. Don't worry; Chloe Morgan Designs is still on the table. And on that note, I've got a long drive ahead of me. I'll keep you informed."

Jax hung up from Ned and jumped into his car. Courtney was busying playing with the radio when Jax came in.

"Hey! I like that station!" Jax exclaimed.

"Christian rock? I hardly buy you as the worshipping kind." Courtney turned the station again. "This better?"

Jax shook his head. "Is that the kind of music they played back in Jersey?"

"HaHa," Courtney sneered.

"It'll do for now," Jax said, as he firmly pressed on the gas and the two of them set off for NYC.