Wyndemere. Nikolas' bedroom. Morning.
Claudia woke up first, raised her head slightly, surveyed their intertwined bodies and then carefully lowered her head back down to Nikolas' chest. This was the first time she'd actually spent the night with a man since leaving Milan. She and Ric always tore out of Jake's quickly and separately (to avoid discovery by John). And, except for their first time, Sonny couldn't get away from her fast enough every time they were together. (Of course, if she'd given him any choice that first time, it probably would have fit the pattern). She was prepared for any reaction Nikolas might have to waking up with her, but if he was going to bolt from her, she'd rather put it off. So she didn't move.
Nikolas' eyes slowly opened and focused. He smiled and pulled her closer.
"Good morning, Master Nikolas," Alfred said, as he entered the room bearing breakfast and the morning newspapers. "Mrs. Corinthos."
Nikolas' expression soured and he sat up in bed. "Alfred," he said.
"Yes, sir?"
"Miss Zacchara."
"Very good, sir. Good morning, Miss Zacchara."
"Good morning," Claudia said, slowly getting her bearings and sitting up, loosely holding the top sheet in front of her body.
Alfred set the breakfast tray and newspapers down and left.
Nikolas was about to reach for the business section when he suddenly remembered his first morning with Nadine. Of course, Claudia was no Nadine, but he'd learned there were rules about things like Mornings After The First Time. He'd thought breakfast and the paper was perfectly acceptable. Until he'd gotten a lecture from every relative, friend and acquaintance about inappropriateness and awkwardness.
Claudia reached over and pulled the paper towards them. She separated out the business section and handed it to Nikolas. Then she pulled out the crossword puzzle and turned to Nikolas.
"I like the way you wake up around here," she said. "Do you have a pen?"
Nikolas dropped the business section and pushed her back down on the bed, grinning. Claudia dropped the crossword puzzle, grabbed the back of Nikolas' head and pulled him down to her. She had no idea what she'd just done to inspire him, but she was definitely going to take advantage of it. Breakfast and the crossword could wait.
**********************
Wyndemere. The study.
Alexis arrived at ten and found Nikolas in the study.
She dropped her briefcase on the desk, and popped open its latches, saying, "I have an appointment at 2 that couldn't be cancelled, but I cleared the rest of my schedule."
Alfred entered the study with a small suitcase. "Master Nikolas," he said, "I gathered the ..." he cleared his throat "... items you asked for. Shall I...?"
"Miss Zacchara is up in the bedroom, Alfred," Nikolas answered.
"Very good, sir." Alfred departed with the suitcase.
Alexis raised an eyebrow. "Please tell me Claudia stayed in a guest bedroom last night. Or that she's packing up some linens for the guest house."
Nikolas folded his arms over his chest and fixed Alexis with a no-nonsense look. "I realize, Alexis, that you have an expanse of room to judge, considering that you were so friendly with Jerry Jacks --"
"Yes," Alexis interrupted. "And I remember how understanding you were at the time."
"I don't recall Claudia ever poisoning you."
"Give her time."
"What have you found?," asked Nikolas, changing the subject.
"I'm pretty sure our new relative is in St. Petersburg or thereabouts. That's where the painting first traveled from, and that's where Helena has been spending most of her time traveling to. When I can find travel records."
"You're missing records?"
"Yes. She's been off the radar for months at a time."
"What about Kristina? Molly? Have you noticed anyone --?"
"No. No one suspicious."
Claudia entered the room, dressed in one of Nikolas' shirts and a pair of tight black pants. "What did I miss?," she asked.
"New relative is probably in St. Petersburg, and Helena has been disappearing for months at a time." Apparently, Alexis was now more than willing to share.
"So what's the plan?," Claudia asked.
"Actually, I'd like to try something, but I'd like to try it alone," said Nikolas.
"What?" asked both Alexis and Claudia. They quickly glanced at each other and then looked back at Nikolas.
"I'm going to go downstairs alone," Nikolas said. "Talk to Helena. Make it clear that she is now a permanent guest of our basement."
"Which will...?," asked Claudia.
"If Helena does not make an appearance soon, my guess is that my new uncle will come looking for her," said Nikolas.
"I don't like this," said Alexis. "In the first place, who's to say we'll even know who we're looking for when he arrives?"
"And in the second place, we don't know what kind of reinforcements he has," added Claudia.
"What she said," said Alexis.
"In the third place, do we have any other options?," asked Nikolas.
Both women were silent.
"All right," said Nikolas. "Then we're agreed." He looked from Claudia to Alexis. "This could take awhile."
Nikolas left the room.
There was a very awkward silence between the two women.
"How's your divorce proceeding?," Alexis asked.
"I'm not getting a divorce."
"Lovely."
The awkward silence resumed.
"I need to make a few phone calls," said Alexis.
"I should check on the guest house," said Claudia.
Both women left the room and headed in different directions.
************************
Wyndemere. Basement.
Nikolas nodded to the guards as he approached Helena's room. He signaled to the largest, most intimidating one. "Come with me," he said.
He entered Helena's room.
She sat, sitting with her legs crossed at the ankles. Her dress was a little worse for the wear -- the big bloody stain where Claudia had shot her was disconcerting -- but for the most part, she looked unflappable.
Nikolas gestured to the guard, who took a place at the door.
Nikolas pulled a chair out and sat on it at a comfortable distance from Helena.
Then Helena smiled a big Cheshire cat smile.
"You have made an error, Nikolas, that will cost you dearly."
***********************
The Guest House.
Claudia was in the kitchen when she heard someone enter the front door. She quietly pulled out her revolver and crept to the kitchen door.
The door swung open and Claudia nearly jumped out of her skin when she saw John.
"What are you doing?," she demanded. "Do you want your head blown off?"
"What are you doing with a loaded gun pointed at the door?," he responded. "I thought this place made you feel safe."
"You need to learn how to knock," she said, putting the gun away. "And Nikolas' psychotic grandmother paid me a visit yesterday."
"Is that why you weren't answering my phone calls?"
Claudia grabbed her purse off the counter and checked her phone. "Sorry," she said.
"He said he was going to protect you," John said sullenly.
"He is. He does. Seriously, John. It's under control now. Besides, I'm related to more maniacs than he is. I can't really point a finger."
Claudia made her way out to the living room and sat on the couch. John followed her.
"I was worried about you," John said.
Claudia opened her purse, and pulled out the latest ultrasound photo.
John's eyes softened. "When'd you get this?"
"Yesterday. Clean bill of health. For both of us." She touched the back of John's hand. "Nikolas is good for me."
"You always say that. You said that Sonny was good for you."
"Well, you always say that everyone's bad for me. I'm just balancing things out," she said. She took a closer look at John. "What's wrong?"
"How's your blood pressure?"
"Within normal range. Blood work is good too. And I've started exercising again." Claudia conveniently left out a description of her new regime.
"Good," he said. "Glad to hear it." He looked back at the ultrasound photo. "And glad to see my nephew." He handed the photo back to her. She tucked it back in her purse. "But now I've gotta tell you something."
"What?"
"I don't know how to clean up your mess."
"Mess?"
"Maybe you don't remember this since you've been out here, but you were the one who dragged me back into the business. I was out. I was home free. And you got me back in. And now you've left it, and I'm stuck there, not knowing who's going to kill me or use me as leverage."
Claudia's face darkened. "What did Sonny do?"
"Nothing yet, Claudia, but the man is a ticking time bomb."
Claudia's hands clenched. "What did he say?"
"You know how it is -- nothing direct -- but he keeps wanting to meet with me alone."
Claudia was silent for a very long time. "Don't worry about this, John. I'll take care of it."
"No," said John. "I don't want you involving any more of Uncle Rudy's people. I don't want any more violence. I just want you to figure out a way to get me out of this mess that doesn't involve hurting anyone."
Claudia's phone rang.
"John, I --"
"Go ahead."
Claudia reluctantly answered her phone. "Yeah. ... I'm in the middle of something. ... I'll be over as soon as I'm finished." Claudia hung up.
"Nikolas?," John asked.
"It doesn't matter. Listen to me, John. I will find you a way out of this. And if you want to stay here until I do --"
"No," said John, standing. "I'll get by until you figure something out. Just do it fast."
Claudia stood up and saw him to the door.
"Take care of yourself," she said.
John kissed her cheek. "Take care of yourself and my nephew."
And he was gone.
***********************
Wyndemere. Living room.
When Claudia arrived in the living room, Lucky and Alexis were already waiting there. Nikolas was nowhere to be found.
"What's going on?," she asked.
"What are you doing here?," Lucky said.
Alexis quickly interceded. "Nikolas asked us here," she answered Claudia. "I assume he asked you too. He asked Lucky to bring a passport."
Nikolas suddenly entered the room. "Good," he said. "You're all here." He turned to Lucky. "Has Liz brought you up to date?"
"About your theories," Lucky said. "Look, I know I don't like Ethan, but I can't believe he'd be involved with Helena. And I definitely don't believe Rebecca is involved."
Nikolas nodded. "Alexis."
Alexis brought forth phone records and bank transaction records. She handed them to Lucky.
Nikolas continued, "Look those over if you need proof, but I also need you to answer me. When was the last time you saw Luke?"
Lucky looked up from reading the records. He looked shocked. "What?," he said. It was as if he hadn't heard Nikolas' question.
"When was the last time you saw Luke?," Nikolas repeated.
Lucky paled, suddenly overtaken by a great sense of dread. "Why?"
Nikolas grimaced. It must be true. He headed over to the desk and pulled out a leather money purse. "Helena says she has him. That's not all she said." Nikolas turned to Alexis. "You said St. Petersburg, right?"
"Yes," said Alexis. Nikolas opened a drawer and began packing the purse tightly with rubles.
"Helena gave strict instructions when she left -- where ever Luke is being held -- that if she doesn't return within 48 hours, Luke is to be killed."
"You let her go?" Claudia looked at Nikolas as if he'd lost his mind.
"No," said Nikolas, giving her an equally disturbed look.
"Well, why not?," Lucky asked in frustration.
"Because if we let Helena go now, she is not likely to return to Luke," explained Alexis. "Right now, she's got the next Cassadine Heir lined up."
Claudia continued, "And thanks to me, she knows we're going to be looking for him."
Nikolas went on, "If we set Helena free, she's going to be looking to secure the Heir a new hiding place. And then..."
"...she's going to kill every other Cassadine in the new Heir's way," Lucky finished the thought. "With those kinds of stakes, she'd sacrifice Luke. Where is Luke?"
"We don't know," said Nikolas. "The only thing we have to go on is that she's been spending a lot of time in St. Petersburg." He handed the leather purse to Lucky.
Lucky began to head for the door. Claudia stopped him. He looked at her with such hatred, Claudia almost felt it physically. But Detective Spencer was such a straight-and-narrow guy, he was going to need her kind of advice. So she barreled ahead. "Once you get to St. Petersburg, you're going to need to be under the radar. You're going to need to lie, and cheat, and con your way into information. And they'll be looking for someone who fits your description. Do you have someone who could work as a front for you?"
***********************
The Haunted Star. Afternoon.
Sam dealt cards to a table of businessmen who preferred a poker table at The Haunted Star to a lunch table at the Port Charles Grill.
"You have no idea what that skank is like," Lulu said to Ethan. Ethan searched Lulu for gills. She never stopped to take a breath. How was that possible? "When Johnny and I were together, she --
Lulu went quiet as Lucky burst into the room. His eyes searched the room and then narrowed as they landed on Ethan, who was behind the bar.
Lucky rushed the bar, pulling Ethan over it and throwing him to the ground. Ethan struggled to get up, while Lulu pulled Lucky back. When Ethan got to his feet, Lucky broke free of Lulu and delivered a solid right to Ethan's mouth.
"Oi!," Ethan said.
"Lucky!," Lulu shouted. "Lucky, stop!"
Sam quickly pushed her way past Lulu and Lucky to shove Ethan back. When Ethan tried to brush her off, Sam shrugged her shoulders. "I guess we're gonna do this the hard way," she said. And then she grabbed Ethan's arm, pulled it behind his back, and knocked him down to the floor by kicking the backs of his knees.
The businessmen gathered their money and quickly got out of there.
"Look at his mouth!," Lulu cried out, rushing to Ethan.
Sam looked up at Lucky. "What happened?," she asked.
"What happened?," asked Lucky. "What happened? I'll tell you what happened. The only thing that can happen when a lowlife throws in with sociopath. My father is missing." He got in Ethan's face. "Our father is missing. Thanks to you."
"What are you talking about, Lucky?," Lulu said, rolling her eyes.
Sam interceded. "I'm guessing our Aussie friend is the lowlife, Lucky, but you gotta help me out here: who's the sociopath?"
Lucky choked out through gritted teeth. "Helena Cassadine."
"Helena?," Sam said in disbelief. "Are you sure?"
"Ethan," Lulu said. "Tell him he's wrong."
"Yeah, Ethan," said Lucky. "Tell me I'm wrong. Helena has just told Nikolas that our father has -- " Lucky checked his watch. " -- a little over 24 hours to live. Unless we find him. So tell me I'm wrong. Let him die."
Everyone was silent.
"It's just a business deal," Ethan said. "Nothing to worry about."
Lulu looked at Ethan in shock.
Lucky towered over Ethan who was still down on the floor. "So? What? You tell her Nikolas was with Claudia Zacchara? How'd that work?"
Ethan was silent and Lulu put two and two together.
Lucky pulled Ethan off the floor. "Where do you keep your passport, bro? We're gonna take a little trip and find my dad."
"I want to come," said Sam.
"Alexis and the girls are going to need you," said Lucky. "Stick by them for now. I'll call you if there's any change."
"What about me?," said Lulu.
Lucky looked Lulu up and down. "You're going to stay here, and keep yourself safe." He turned to Ethan. "Come on," he said, pulling Ethan out of the Haunted Star.
***********************
Wyndemere. Nikolas' bedroom.
Claudia sat waiting on the couch. Nikolas came in.
"How'd it go?," said Claudia.
"He was tired and only a little cranky that you didn't want to put him to bed," Nikolas said.
"That's his Daddy Time," said Claudia.
Nikolas rolled his eyes. "If you say so," he said. "Have you heard anything?"
"Nothing," Claudia said.
Nikolas sat down next to her. They both stared at the bed. Nikolas took a deep breath.
"So," he said.
"Oh, no."
"What?"
"We're not going to have a Talk, are we?"
"What do you mean?"
"Good."
"Do you mean those conversations where we explain exactly what's going on in our relationship to each other?"
"You mean that thing we're not going to do? Yes."
"I don't understand that thing."
Claudia cracked up. "That's because you're all regally mysterious."
"I am not."
"Yes, you are." Claudia put a pillow on his lap and rested her head on it. "I remember my first week here. You come off all, 'This is how normal people act -- as opposed to you, Claudia,' and then it turns out you have a grandmother who plays with knives."
Nikolas pulled her hair away from her face. "I've never been good with social niceties. I'm somewhat inept when it comes to basic interaction."
"Are you kidding?," she said, sitting up. "You're the best person I've ever met."
Nikolas rolled his eyes.
"Nik, you might not have noticed, but other people have a very strong reaction to me. And it's generally pretty rude. In fact, they want to kill me."
"They don't know you."
"Eh," she said. "I'm different around you. Whatever this --" she gestured between the two of them "is, it's easy. My life is not easy. Very few things I've ever known have been easy. And I ... Did you ever hear the parable about the spider who was asked how he walked so beautifully on eight legs?"
He laughed.
"What? You've heard it?"
"No. I just don't understand how this is not having a Talk."
She laughed. And then she grew somber. "You realize that now we both have a price on our heads."
"Actually, I had noticed that."
She kissed him, and then pulled away. "I think you should know that I threatened Helena very graphically about what will happen to her if she touches you or Spencer. Does that scare you?"
"It probably should."
She got up.
"Where are you going?," he said.
"I don't know," she said.
He stood up and shut the door. "You don't know?"
A slow smile crept onto her face. "Well," she said, maneuvering him down onto the bed. "Maybe I have a clue."
And as she straddled him, all Nikolas could think was, If this is the dark side, I welcome it.
************************
New York City. JFK International Airport. Flight 1413 to St. Petersburg, Russia.
The plane sat in the gate, still boarding. Ethan and Lucky sat next to each other, both very disgruntled.
An announcement came over the sound system. "Attention passengers: we should be leaving shortly. Please make sure your seatbelts are fastened and all trays are in an upright position."
Ethan leaned over to Lucky. "By the way, drongo, when I called Helena last night to tell him about your brother's girl, I didn't think she'd show up. Thought she'd want more --"
"Last night?," Lucky interrupted.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have been cleared for take-off."
Lucky unbuckled his seatbelt and barreled down the aisle to the exit as the plane began to taxi toward the runway.
