Elizabeth had tossed and turned all night before giving up at 5:30. She put a pot of coffee on before heading into the bathroom. It was done by the time she was done with her shower. She poured it into a cup then dug into her purse for her make-up bag to take both over to the dresser to get ready. The clothes Jax had sent over fit perfectly. Elizabeth took a breath while she sorted out the products. It seemed important that she look her best today.
She was just capping the eyeliner when her phone rang. "Lucky, hi."
"Morning, how are you doing?"
"I, wait someone is knocking on the door." Elizabeth crossed the room, "I'm confused and have a few questions." She opened the door, not really surprised at the two men standing in the hallway. "It's Jax and a friend of his."
"Nikolas." Lucky filled in.
"You know," Liz gasped as the phone slid from her fingers as the color drained from her face.
Nikolas moved to grab her before she passed out as Jax picked up the phone and closed the door. Elizabeth shoved Nikolas away and went to sit on the sofa. "Someone needs to start explaining right now."
Jax placed his tablet on the table. He brought up an app and then Lucky's face appeared on the screen.
"Were you all in on this? What the hell is going on?"
Nikolas took a breath, "As you know, Valentine shot me, and I fell off the balcony onto the rocks on Cassadine Island. I was picked up by a passing yacht that was headed to Dublin. The crew was able to nurse me along until we docked. I called my brother who was able to take me to his house and hire a discreet doctor and nurse to take care of me."
"You knew?" Elizabeth turned to face Lucky.
"I did. Why do you think I've not talked to Aiden much? I didn't want anything to slip or for him to come visit while Nikolas was here. Aiden only came when Nikolas and Spencer had arranged to meet at a safe house."
"and the others aren't your sons, right?"
Lucky pinched his nose and looked off camera. "I'm sure Jason and Jake are spending a lot of time together."
Jax cleared his throat, "Anyway, please let us explain."
Elizabeth nearly smiled. Jax could give Nikolas a run for his money on impeccable manners.
"I had named Lucky the co-executor to my will awhile back, so he was able to obtain much of the information I needed. I knew my mother would look after Spencer's best interest, but after everything with Hayden and Jake, I didn't trust her to follow my wishes."
Elizabeth looked away, embarrassed. She regretted some of the things that she had said to Laura, though she believed that Laura refused to see the shades of gray in the situation.
"When Valentin tried to kill Spencer and Sonny saved him, I knew I had made the right choice. We've found evidence that Valentin is not a Cassadine. Lucky contacted Robert Scorpio to find out what other crimes he has committed. We have enough evidence now for the WSB to arrest him."
"I get how Lucky is involved, but why are you involved?" Elizabeth turned to Jax.
"Jocelyn and Spencer text each other quite regularly. He is so angry at Valentin that it worried Joc. I decided to check on it and see if I could help in anyway. Spencer was so squirrely when I contacted him that when I was in Ireland trying to straighten out my immigration issues, thanks to Sonny, I went to visit Lucky. I agreed to help on account of Spencer."
"Truly out of the goodness of your heart," Nikolas said with more than a trace of sarcasm.
"Didn't you still have a warrant out for your arrest at the time of your so-called death?"
"A shipping division, a helicopter, this is what everyone offers up for a favor," Lucky rolled his eyes.
Elizabeth shook her head. Clearly the rivalry between the brothers hadn't died down while they had lived together.
"Spencer and I agreed that it was fair compensation for getting back the rest of the Cassadine empire," Nikolas had clearly explained this to Lucky before.
"I really don't give a damn about whatever corporate takeovers that are planned. I want to know how you kept this a secret from your mother and sister and why you dragged my sister into this?" Elizabeth interrupted.
"Hayden and I are still technically married. As much as I hate to admit it, she still has a claim on my estate. "
"Why are you hiding out? Why not claim everything right away?"
"There were details that had to be resolved. It's not an ideal situation" Jax shot a glare at Nikolas. "Lucy Coe is planning a gala to relaunch Deception in partnership with Crimson. I have an investment in it. Valentin will be there with Nina. The plan is to pull unmask the Valentin's deception."
"And you plan on just dropping this information on Laura and Lulu at a party without any warning?" Elizabeth couldn't believe how manipulative the men planned to be
Lucky responded, "It's not ideal, but Lulu is sure she's an investigative reporter now. I don't think she could resist digging around and then revealing the wrong thing to the wrong person."
"But she's still your sister, who's grieved you for years. Like your mother and I have!"
"My Mother loves me, but she would never be a part of something like this."
"You think you're protecting her? Or you are afraid she would try to talk you out of this."
"Do you remember how she acted when she found out Jake was Jason?"
Elizabeth looked away. "Fine, whatever argument I have will just have a justification. And yes, they are justifications not explanations. I'm trying to imagine what Emily would think of these schemes."
The brothers sighed while Jax shifted on the sofa.
Elizabeth decided right then. "I'm not going to be the one explaining this to the boys or to Lulu and Laura. Lucky, I suggest you find a flight arriving before this gala. Bring your girlfriend or whoever, but I want the three of you and Hayden together when this hits the fan. Or I'll have Diana request that you only be allowed supervised visitation."
Lucky opened his mouth to object, but Nikolas cut him off. "Of course, Jax will send his plane before the gala. I need both remaining musketeers by my side." Nikolas knew he was playing up the musketeer angle too much, but he needed Liz to forgive him.
Jax rolled his shoulders, "I expect to be reimbursed for the cost, but yes, Lucky should be here." He paused, "We've taken up enough of your morning and should get out of here before most of the staff arrives. Please feel free to call me if you need anything."
He reached over for the tablet after Lucky disconnected the call. Picking it up, he headed for the door. Nikolas walked around the couch and grabbed Elizabeth's hand. "I know this seems awful to you, but I have to tell you how wonderful it is to be in the same room as you, again." He made a move to hug her. She turned to walk towards the door leaving Nikolas to somewhat awkwardly hug her shoulders.
Elizabeth shut the door behind the men. One thought had started to echo through her head. They really had decided to trust Hayden instead of her.