CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED ONE

A short time later, the small group of men splashed their way ashore as quietly as possible. The moon was still fighting against the clouds piling high in the sky, but still managed to give off enough light so that Luke was able to guide them along the shore. Sonny's heart clenched again as he realized that he was leading them all straight to the cottage.

Luke led them straight to the cottage as though he knew the way. Once they were all inside, he shut the door behind them and they all tok a moment while their eyes acclimatized to this new darkness.

Sonny was actually glad for the blue-black shadows draping the room. He had to not let himself remember too much; this was neither the time or place. Because if he could see the room as it was the last time he was here, then he could see Alexis' face lit by the glow of a score of candles, he could smell the scent of her and feel the satiny texture of her skin beneath his fingertips. He clenched his hands into fists instead, willing those thoughts away.

Luke moved to the fireplace and moved his hands over the stones in a particular pattern and to the others' amazement, the entire fireplace swung away from the wall. A dark cavern yawned behind him.

"Welcome to the spider's lair." Luke said with a dramatic wave of his hand. "Let's make sure we don't get caught in her web, 'cause this is one lethal black widow."

Once they were all inside, Luke activated a second hidden switch that closed the entrance behind them. There was a moment of darkness, and for a split second, Sonny felt the old almost familiar choking in his throat as he felt the walls of the rock-hewn tunnel close in around them, but he swallowed heavily and mastered it. Luke switched on a halogen light stick and the others quickly followed his actions before he began to lead them into the dark.

Luke walked with a certainty that demonstrated a long standing familiarity with the tunnels. He led them through easily, until they came to a metal door. "Well, this is something new the wicked witch of the north south east and west has come up with." He said as he gave the door a careful once over.

Compared to the walls edging it, the door was obviously newly built and installed. The gun-metal grey metal shone dully in the fluorescent lights. And no regular locked held it shut, but a panel with blinking lights. "And she's gone high tech too." An amused smile crossed his face. "I think we need a little technical assistance."

"That would mean me." Stan said, stepping forward. He unloaded his backpack and pulled out an assortment of tools. Quickly, he attached a device to the door and drew out wires to attach to the computerized lock. Then he attached those to his laptop and began to analyze the codes.

"Sometimes, I prefer a good old fashioned stick of dynamite to blow all of your obstacles out of your way." Luke commented to no one in particular.

"If the point is to get in and out without being found out, then you have to fight fire with fire, as it were." Stan said without turning around. "Unless you happen to have a stick or two handy?"

"Carry on, Young Dred Einstein." Luke stuck a cigar in his mouth but didn't light it. "Just do it fast."

"I'll do it right, and that's more important."

Luke had no answer to that. He turned away and went to stand by Sonny. "How you holding up, partner?"

"I'll be better once we get in and find Alexis and get out of here."

"We're supposed to be on a reconnaissance mission, remember?"

"She's here, Luke." Sonny said. "She's here, and I'm not leaving this island without her."

Luke looked into Sonny's eyes and what he saw there made him hold his tongue. He should have known better. He really should have.


Alexis was amazed at how much better Stefan looked after a few hours rest. He slept now and she sat by his bed side, watching him. It would be awhile before he was better, but Alexis made herself believe that they would have that time.

She reached out a hand gently smoothed a lock of his darkly golden hair. There were no words to express how grateful she was that all that planning Stefan had done, using his wits to guess at all the eventualities of Helena's plans for him had paid off. Whereas before, she'd felt nothing but despair, knowing that Stefan was alive and closer to health than Helena supposed him to be, gave her a new sense of hope.

Her hand smoothed his tousled hair into place; she smiled to herself, knowing how fastidious her brother could be. Her smile widened as her hand pulled back and instinctively moved over her stomach. She hadn't told Stefan yet about her news. She told herself it was because she didn't want him to worry over her any more than he already did. As prepared as he might have been against Helena's actions, the truth was, he was still somewhat incapacitated.

Before she could over think the reason why, a noise from the outer rooms caught her attention; her mind instinctively went into protective mode. Stefan's deception couldn't be found out and he needed time to rest and heal so they could take on Helena together…and win…

Alexis moved quickly to the door, stepping beyond its threshold and closing it behind her. If she was unpleasantly shocked to find Helena standing just inside the entrance to the suite, she didn't show it.

"Stefan is sleeping. He needs his rest. And I won't allow him to be disturbed by you or anyone else." She told her.

"Brava, my dear. It looks like your maternal instincts are manifesting themselves already. How very commendable." Helena said.

"What did you want, Helena? Don't tell me it was to co check up on me?" Alexis asked. As long as she kept her attention away from Stefan, she could tell herself that she was buying time for their eventual escape from this place.

"Well, I did want to assure myself, with my own eyes, that you were well rested and fed." Helena said. "It seems that Stefan's continued existence proved to be some benefit in the long run after all. And here I thought I was indulging some silly whim."

"Surely it wasn't your maternal instincts kicking in?" Alexis asked. "As far as I can tell, you've never had any – except those for your dead demented son, Stavros."

"Careful, Alexis." Helena's voice continued on as mockingly amused as ever, but her eyes chilled slightly. "I thought you wanted to earn my goodwill."

"As if I ever could." Alexis matched her tone to Helena's. Knowing what she did – and what Helena did not - she could give as good as she got.

"Well, as long as you carry the next generation of Cassadines, I suggest we declare détente – a stalemate, as it were."

"As long as you keep to the terms of our agreement, I see no reason not to."

"I see no reason why we shouldn't." But they both knew that was a lie. Helena would break her word in a minute, if she thought it would give her any advantage. And Stefan was still very much a pawn in the situation. That was proved when, a moment later, Alexis saw Helena's glance go to the closed bedroom door. To divert her attention, Alexis allowed her hand to slide over her stomach again, and at the same time, moved to sit down in one of the overstuffed chairs. To her relief – and surprise and discomfort - Helena took the one opposite her.

"My dear, are you ill?"

"No, I just…felt tired all of a sudden." Alexis lied.

"Perhaps I should have a physician attend you." Helena regarded her closer, with something very much like concern filling her eyes.

"I'm tired." Alexis snapped. "Not a sudden invalid. So save your crocodile tears about my well being. All I probably need is a good night sleep – something I'm unlikely to get given my present circumstances.

"The weather is hardly conducive for having a window open…"

"So instead, I'll just sit here stifled." Alexis said. "Look at this place," she gestured to the shuttered windows. "I can't even get a breath of fresh air. And you wonder why I felt faint?" She leaned her head back and closed her eyes, all too aware of Helena's eyes on her. Alexis let her control slip just a little, sure that the other woman would notice the slight trembling in her body. She was counting on it.

After a long moment, Helena capitulated. "I'll have someone see to the window in here; and that will have to do." She pulled a cell phone from her pocket and after dialing a number, gave the necessary orders.

As she talked, Alexis allowed herself to relax inside just the tiniest bit. She didn't open her eyes, though, afraid that Helena might read her thoughts too easily. The truth of the matter was that Alexis was feeling tired, more tired than she could remember feeling in a long time. Tired, stifled from being locked up, no matter how comfortable her surroundings, and underneath it all, still very much afraid, no matter that she'd managed to momentarily trick Helena.. She didn't know what Helena's actions might do for her and Stefan, but she had to grasp at any chance that might come her way.

They were soon joined by one of Helena's minions, workbag in hand, who came in and went straight to the window. Pulling back the tapestry drapes, he began unsealing the intricate locks and welds that Helena had had put on the window. Alexis opened her eyes a fraction, unnoticed, she studied the man, looking for anything that she could possibly use. He had a work belt around his waist and there were various pouches, work-kits and tools hanging from it.

Alexis sat up. She lifted her hands and ran her fingers through her hair. "I hope you don't expect me to be overly grateful, Helena." Without looking at her, she stood and walked unsteadily to where the workman labored over the last of the sealed hinges. She pretended to close her eyes, but only lowered them part-way. As the windows opened, a current of cold, fresh air gusted into the room. Alexis stretched out her arms, stretched her body upright, drawing in the fresh air gratefully. And then she allowed herself to stagger against the man.

"Alexis!" she heard Helena's voice behind her. And then, "Catch her, you fool, don't you dare let her fall!"

Suddenly Alexis saw her chance. She caught the edge of the window's drapery. "Don't touch me!" Alexis snapped at him, even as she let her body slide downward. As the man bent over to grab hold of her, she let one hand slip to his belt. She let go of the drapery with the other hand and struck out at him wildly. Unnoticed, her other hand flew to his belt. She didn't have time to pick and choose – the first pouch her hand fell upon, she let her fingers guide themselves quickly to his belt-loops… a moment more…yes, she released the belt clip. Alexis drew in a deep breath and forced herself to begin to retch. Every time the man tried to reach for her, she fought him off and only gagged, gasped and acted as though she couldn't quite catch her breath. "…the baby…" she moaned out loud.

Like any other man, he was helpless in the face of such an obviously female reaction; she could sense his nervousness and confusion as he hovered over her uncertainly. Meanwhile, the pouch fell to the floor. Hopefully unnoticed, Alexis shoved the pouch towards the curtain.

"Get her up!" Helena commanded. This time, Alexis didn't fight the man as his arms came around her, but she moved, slowly, still breathing heavily and as she came to her feet, she used one foot to shove the pouch out of sight beneath the heavy curtain panel.

"I'm fine!" Alexis snapped at the man who had gotten over his momentary hesitation. "Just a little . . . a little…I ... don't know.." she said, allowing a sense of uncertainty to creep into her voice.

"Perhaps I should have a physician summoned here after all." Helena examined her closely as she was helped back into her chair.

"No..." Alexis said. "No.. I'm … I'm alright. It was the cold air…" she lied, looking for an excuse, and explanation for her actions. "It was sudden, that's all. What do you expect, I'm kidnapped, I find out my brother isn't dead but alive, and then I have the bombshell dropped on me that I'm having a baby. From you, no less. That might be a bit much for me, don't you think?"

There were a few moments of silence while Helena did nothing but look at her. Alexi wondered if she saw right through her façade. She closed her eyes, willing Helena to accept what she'd said.

"Rest is what you need. And perhaps a change to a warmer climate might be more beneficial." Helena's words put a new fear into Alexis but she tried not to react.

"Well, you didn't think we could stay here for the entire term of your pregnancy." Helena said. "No, I think we should remove ourselves from this environment."

"You promised that you would let Stefan recover. After what you've done to him, he's too weak to be moved." Alexis said.

Helena stood and looked down on her. "You might be right. Having kept him alive for all this time, I wouldn't want to expend his life needlessly."

"After all, what else would you use to keep me in line and obedient." Alexis said, letting her bitterness show in her voice. She had nothing to lose and she knew that she had to keep what upper hand that she could. Bowing down to Helena too easily would simply earn her contempt. The only way she could possibly win time for her and Stefan; time wherein she hoped somehow, impossibly, rescue would come, is to stand toe to toe with Helena and walk the tightrope between strength and capitulation. Too much either way could incite her murderous stepmother to action that could prove deadly to Stefan and dangerous to her.

"There is that little fact, my dear Alexis. I'm glad you recognize it. It will help to keep you - dutiful." Helena replied. "Would you like me to have something sent up for you? Some tea or fruit, or a light meal perhaps?"

"Yes, that would be a good idea." Alexis said. She looked up at Helena. "And lest you think I'm about to become 'dutiful', I do so only for the sake of my child, not because you suggested it. At least I don't have to worry about any of it being drugged, am I correct?"

Helena actually laughed as she walked to the door. "Would I tell you if I were going to drug you? But we both know that in your delicate condition, I would hardly consider any action that might endanger the next generation of the Cassadine dynasty." The smile she turned onto Alexis actually reached her eyes for once. Helena was genuinely amused. "This is actually a wonderment in its own way. You see Alexis, we can find common ground. Your child is something we can both cherish – we will cherish. I for one can't wait."

Alexis watched the door close behind her and her workman and once she was sure they were gone, she hurried to the window. Kneeling down, she found the pouch. Remembering Stefan's earlier caution, she went into the bathroom and said the water to running loudly in the sink before setting on the side of the tub and emptying its contents into her lap.

Alexis left the bathroom and exhaled heavily as she sank back into the chair. She brought one hand up to wipe nervously at her brown and noticed it was shaking. She'd managed to hold off Helena – for now. But how long would that last? If she took them away from Wyndemere – they might never be found. And if she was still in Helena's control when she had her baby, there was no telling what might happen – to her, the baby and Stefan. If they were taken from Port Charles, she might never see Sonny again.

Alexis sent out a silent prayer… Little One, pray that your father finds us soon…