On the docks

The next day

"Here's everything you need to know about the meeting with Corinthos," Devin said, handing Ethan the paperwork.

"You're sure no one knows you work for me," Ethan asked.

"Absolutely positive," Devin said, "Everything you need to know about where the men will be."

"What about Kellie?" Ethan asked, "Where will she be?"

"Apparently turning over evidence against you to John Durant," Devin said.

"What does she have on me?" Ethan asked.

"She didn't say," Devin said.

"In other words, nothing," Ethan said, "She's bluffing. She'll be there. No one's supposed to realize she's there because she's not supposed to be. This is her disobeying Daddy Corinthos's orders. Corinthos won't stand for his child to be involved and Kellie can't let someone else have total control of this. Besides, Corinthos would never work with Durant. I assume you're part of the Corinthos contingent."

Devin nodded, "Posing as labor."

"When the shooting starts, shoot at everyone but Kellie," Ethan said, "She is mine."

The Haunted Star

"You don't have a shift tonight, Slinger," Luke said, "What brings you here"

"After tonight, I don't plan on sticking around Port UpChuck as you call it," Kellie said, "I thought I'd let you know."

"Time for the reign of Ethan's terror to come to an end," Luke said.

"That's the plan," Kellie said.

"You planned this. All you needed was the resources," Luke said, "You'll succeed, Slinger."

"Well, nothing's worked before," Kellie said, "I'm not holding my breathe."

"At least you're on your toes," Luke said, "A little more confidence in yourself would go a long way though."

Kellie said, "Thanks for everything."

"I had to keep my favorite bartender happy," Luke said.

"Favorite because I bring in money on the booze end of things," Kellie said, "but seriously thanks."

"I'll do you one last favor, although it may not really be a favor," Luke said, "An old buddy of mine, Robert Scorpio, likes what he's heard of you so far. He's particularly fascinated with your refusal to bow down at the Alter of Corinthos.If you get bored, he'd meet with you about doing some investigative work if you could call it that for organizations that aren't supposed to exist. Here's his number."

Luke scribbled it on a piece of paper.

"I've had enough of the cloak and dagger for awhile," Kellie said.

"Slinger, deep down some part of you likes it," Luke said, "You have a good head for this stuff. After things settle down, you'll be aching for the adventure. And anytime you want to tend bar for me, feel free."

Kellie took the number and left without a word.

Kelly's

"How are you and Sonny getting along?" Mike asked as Kellie walked in.

"He stopped threatening to muzzle me," Kellie said, "He must be getting used to the constant barrage of insults."

"You want something to eat?" Mike asked.

Kellie shook her head. "I just came to by to let you know by tomorrow, I'll be far away from Port Charles."

"Time for Ethan's to disappear from your life?" Mike asked.

"I hope so," Kellie said.

"You could stick around," Mike said, "You don't have to stay with Sonny."

"I can't, Mike," Kellie said, "The idea that I might finally have a life without Ethan shadowing me, I can't even comprehend. I'll have to figure out who I am because I won't know who I am when this is done. I won't be able to figure out who I am when Sonny and others are deciding who I should be."

"Promise, a sentimental old man that you'll send me a postcard every once in awhile," Mike said.

"I'll try," Kellie said, "Don't tell Sonny because I'm sure he'd track me down without hesitation."

"If you need a place to crash here in Port Charles, I can arrange that too," Mike said.

"I'll keep that in mind," Kellie said. She turned to leave.

"Kellie," Mike said, tears in his eyes "I know you've been quite adamant about the whole family bonding thing, but I can't help but think of you as my granddaughter. I just want you to know if you ever decide you need family you've got family here."

Kellie walked toward Mike and hugged him, "Thank you." Then Kellie left.

Bobbie walked out, "You okay Mike?"

"I'm gonna miss her," Mike said, "She's leaving town."

"But you let her know she could come back," Bobbie said, "You gave what she needs most, the ability to come and go as she pleases."

"I know," Mike said.

"I have a feeling she'll be back," Bobbie said, "Eventually, she'll have to make peace with this part of her past."