Alexis stood in front of her very limited wardrobe to select her lunch attire. Not for the first time did she realize she really needed to go shopping. The limited options didn't provide for the casual European grace of her maroon wrap dress that burned with her house. She was having a late lunch with her uncle and wanted to impress but look like she wasn't trying to. She opted for diamond studs, hair in a low bun at the nape of her neck and a black sheath she paired with a khaki jacket that tied at the waist.

She reflected on the last 24 hours as she made her way to the MetroCourt. After Molly's return home the previous evening and her announcement that she would be relocating to Wyndemere, Alexis took Molly and Danny to Kelly's for an early dinner and quality time with her youngest. Deep down, she admired her daughter's strident defense of her father's innocence. It tapped into the part of Molly she loved best: the belief that people were good and deserved a fair chance. Alexis had never really seen that in her life—not that she remembered anyway—and seeing it in Molly was brilliant and baffling considering her parents. Alexis equated her daughter's faith in humankind to a supermodel sired by two homely adults. Molly was an aberration.

Ric was guilty of all the accusations and more that he accumulated over the years—save the one that got him killed—and there were pieces of Ric that she had loved. And it was in these moments when Molly laid out her logical reasoning with her heart on her sleeve that Alexis wished she could turn to him, and they could revisit all the whispered hopes and predictions they'd made for their daughter's future. He was the only other person who could appreciate Molly with the same pride and joy that she did, and his absence saddened Alexis.

So when they returned home, Alexis retired to bed early. She knew she would forgive Julian, but the losses she and Molly felt tonight could be laid at his feet. Like her daughter, Alexis had no desire to see Julian or overlook some inconvenient truths, and she was sure he'd return with Sam.

Today, however, was a new day. She had indulged her self-pity the night before and it was time to suck it up and move forward. Ned had asked to meet her for a drink during happy hour, so Alexis had arranged to have a late lunch with her uncle at the MetroCourt.

Sam and Julian had a lead on the two fishermen who were fixtures on the lake and had left early to find them. Alexis spent her morning interviewing Kiki. She was a good witness, without artifice and easily distracted by Danny's faces and interest in his blocks. Her answers were truthful if without insight. Kiki took things at face value, and it became clear she could give a broad outline of Nina and Silas's life together, but for the real dirt Alexis would need to look elsewhere. Based on her interview with Kiki, Alexis was going to spend the following day talking to her mother and Nina's nurse, Rosalie Martinez.

But first, she needed to change her mindset. Hours spent with Kiki Jerome was poor prep work for an afternoon dueling with a Cassadine and a Quartermaine.

Victor rose from the table in the MetroCourt to greet his niece.

-"Alexandra"

-"Hello, Uncle" Alexis braced herself as Victor grabbed his niece by her shoulders and kissed either side of her face.

-"Let me look at you. It's been so long." He left his hand on her shoulders as he pulled back to appraise her. "Yet you look as lovely as you did on the island trailing behind Stefan years ago."

-"Thank you for being kind enough not to mention the exact number of years." Alexis answered.

-"Of course not, my dear. I would never be so gauche." He pushed in her chair and gracefully sat in his own, unfolding his napkin with a slight flourish as he placed it on his lap. "So, Alexandra. Tell me about yourself." He smiled at her. "Perhaps we can start with your name? Davis?" he inquired lightly.

Alexis matched his easy tone. "That was Stefan's idea. His machinations required hiding our connection. So Davidovitch became Davis."

-"And you kept it, I see."

-"I liked it. It was an opportunity for reinvention."

-"And you use 'Alexis.' Somewhat disappointing, Alexandra is such a regal name, my dear." He smiled through his teasing protests.

-"It is. But things didn't work out so well for Romanovs named Alexandra," she quipped. "I'll take something a little less Tsarina-like. Keeps me out of the line of fire."

-"Of course, of course." He clapped his hands lightly, appreciating his niece's cleverness as he sipped the wine and signaled his acquiescence to the sommelier. "I must say, I was pleasantly surprised to hear from you. I know we were never close, but I always found you somewhat endearing. And look how you've turned out. Former District Attorney. Lawyer to one of the most powerful men in Port Charles."

-"Well, you're right on the DA part. But I no longer work for this city's wealthiest coffee importer."

-"Really? I find that odd. I don't mean to pry, but he is the father of your child."

-"True. But considering our liaison ended decades ago, isn't it odder that I was working for him at all? I mean how many people do you see working for their former flames?"

Victor smiled. He appeared charmed by his lunch companion, and the feeling was mutual. The conversation was like champagne: bubbly, bright and intoxicating. "You make an excellent point Alexand-Alexis," he corrected. "So you've left the employ of Mr. Corinthos?"

-"Yes." Alexis took on a more serious tone. "I have a large case I'm working on at the moment. I couldn't afford the distraction."

-"Ahhhh, yes. Samantha."

-"You've heard."

-"I have. Your youngest is quite charming, Alexis, but is rather an open book. A trait unique to our clan." Alexis smiled in acknowledgement. "And Samantha confirmed her trouble. Although she's innocent, I take it?"

-"Of course, Uncle."

-"Cassadine innocent? Or innocent innocent?" he quipped.

Alexis gave her uncle her widest smile and giggled. "She's actually innocent."

They spent the next few minutes discussing Alexis's daughters, her practice and briefly touched upon Sam's case. Alexis didn't know her uncle well. His visits to the island were frequent, but she was never really in his orbit, and then he spent all that time in jail. She knew that as a participant in a plot to freeze the world, he was dangerous; but she didn't sense the raw malevolence roll off him like it did Helena. He was quite charming, attentive and genuinely seemed interested in her family and children. All this was a delightful diversion, but didn't really explain why he was in Port Charles.

-"So Uncle. I'd love to hear more about you. Are you here in Port Charles for good, or do you have your eye on more cosmopolitan destinations?"

-"Well I admit, I'll find my way to London and Paris eventually. But I'm enjoying Port Charles at the moment and it does have an element the European capitals lack."

-"It sounds like you're angling for a job at the tourism board. So what mysterious allure does this burgh hold for you, Uncle?"

-"Well my family, of course."

Alexis smiled and paused. "Of course."

-"You seem unconvinced."

-"No. Not at all. I guess that I forget how our family has shrunk over the years. I'm the only one of Mikkos' children left alive. I think. And then there's Nikolas and Spencer."

-"Well, it's easier for you not to notice. Other than Stefan, no one really treated you as family, did they?" Victor's eyes were full of sympathy and perhaps regret.

-"They did not." Alexis responded matter-of-factly before quietly asking her next question. "Did you know, Uncle? Did you know that I was Mikkos's daughter?"

He cocked his head to the side to contemplate her. "No. I suppose I suspected at first. But I never believed that Helena would have agreed to one of Mikkos's bast—sorry," he blushed at the slight, "—other children living in his home. It was very clever of him actually. Hiding you in plain sight."

-"It was." Alexis acknowledged with a grim smile.

Victor sensed the discomfort and smoothly changed the topic. "So while we're on the topic of family…I hope you don't mind, but I've promised to teach Molly to ride."

Alexis nearly choked on her wine. "Molly. My Molly. Molly Lansing Davis."

-"I take it this isn't her typical milieu?"

She laughed. "No. It decidedly is not. My daughter spent a good portion of her childhood ensconced in romantic fantasy. She did not, however, appreciate some of the less than modern inconveniences suffered by her heroes and heroines."

-"Really?" Victor raised an eyebrow as his eyes sparkled.

-"Let's just say if Mr. Darcy shows up, he better have an iPhone. And he better be able to text."

Victor chuckled. "Well, I'm happy to teach her. After spending so long indoors, I appreciate the opportunity to be outside. Indeed, come the winter months, I'll probably head to Greece."

-"It is beautiful," Alexis acknowledged.

-"I've decided that in my last decades on this earth, neither man nor weather will keep me locked away indoors." He stopped smiling, as he looked at Alexis. "I will say I was dubious as to the rehabilitative powers of incarceration. But it has served as a deterrent. I have enough money to travel or to stay wherever I please. I can enjoy my freedom. And I intend to preserve it."

She looked at him. "I didn't say anything, Uncle."

-"I know. But you're a Cassadine and by nature suspicious. I'm sure you're curious and on guard by my sudden arrival. I just want you to know, there's nothing that should concern you." He grinned at her. "I will also of course, keep all your secrets from your highly inquisitive daughter. I must say, it shocks me that Samantha is the investigator—it seems like a natural talent for Molly."

-"It is a natural talent. Well, when she wants to know the answers anyway." She tapped her fork on the table slowly as she thought. "You realize, Uncle, that while I appreciate your assurances—"

-"—you still don't trust me," he smiled widely.

-"Please don't take it personally. I find you utterly charming and I would love to do this again sometime. But you are a Cassadine and you did try to freeze the world." She shrugged her shoulders as she smiled.

-"Of course, Alexandra. I would expect you to remain on your guard. It is what our family taught you." He raised his glass at her, and they saluted Cassadine cynicism.

Their late lunch turned into a leisurely affair that ended as happy hour was beginning. Alexis was utterly charmed by her uncle. She knew that Victor was the least criminally strident of the Cassadine brothers, but she wasn't sure she bought his reformed act. Even if he was sincere, the life of a rich retiree was boring and the Cassadines didn't do "indolence" well.

They parted as they started, with kisses on the cheek. She promised him a dinner at Wyndemere with Molly, Sam and Danny in attendance. Alexis watched him float out of the room as he departed. She realized that the smile that had graced her face through most of lunch had not yet followed her uncle out of the room. And the smile was genuine.

-"My, my. Who was that handsome lothario?"

Alexis turned and greeted Ned with a kiss on the cheek. "That is a Cassadine. And not a normal Cassadine, Ned. One that tried to freeze the world."

Ned's adopted an impressed tone, "Well, then. I hope he left happy."

-"Me, too. That is my Uncle Victor. He recently arrived in town and he's staying with Nikolas."

-"Well. That weather machine killed a distant cousin. So I already don't trust him."

-"Really? Which one?"

-"Alexandria. I must have told you about this."

-"Probably. But who can keep track of my family's body count at this point?" She smiled at Ned. "Where do you want to sit? In the open or where we won't be overheard?"

-"The latter. I have some concerns about my mother that I'd rather the town not hear."

Alexis looked at him. She was concentrating on not biting her lip or showing any of her usual tells. She gave him a smile as she urged, "Well, then. Lead on, Macduff."

They sat in a small corner table in the bar area. Happy hour was still a few minutes away, so they enjoyed some privacy. They settled with their drinks and Ned took a deep breath before he started. "So. My mother"

-"Yes" Alexis urged him on.

-"She has not left Luke. They were scamming us to win back ELQ."

She willed herself to remain impassive. Alexis was worried for Ned's safety, and the news that Tracy was back with John Richter aka Luke was not welcome.

-"So where is Luke now?"

-"Don't know. But I'm glad he's not here." He eyed her trying to decide if he should plow ahead. "He didn't come back from Miscavige right."

Alexis looked at him, "How so?"

-"He's been strangely aggressive."

-"Right, the Kiki thing."

Ned sighed. "It's more than that, Alexis. He threatened me."

She felt a tingle in her spine. "What do you mean he threatened you?"

-"Look, I know you're friends with him…"

Alexis grabbed Ned's hand, "Ned, you know that you and I…that you trump Luke. And almost any other man I've ever met."

He smiled "Except for Jax." She shrugged and nodded at him. "And maybe Julian Jerome?"

-"Maybe." She shifted gears. "You still haven't answered the question. What do you mean he threatened you?"

-"He took issue with my interference. He pulled a gun on me, Alexis."

-"He WHAT?"

The sparse crowd turned to look at their table. Ned shifted to a whisper and relayed Luke's threats and his mother's reaction to Ned's version of events. Alexis looked at him, doubly glad that she had set up her visit with Victor to precede her drinks with Ned.

-"Ned, there's something I need to tell you."

-"What is it?"

Alexis twisted her face to one of concentration. "It was something my Uncle said. I need you to bear with me though. Because it's not really evidence, more a feeling."

-"OK"

-"So lunch with my Uncle. It was a 'get to know you session.' As you may be aware, my Uncle—like all the Cassadines of his generation and frankly some of mine—hates Luke Spencer."

-"Well, I take it all back. I'm switching to Team Victor right now."

-"I'm sure you are." Alexis smiled grimly, deep in thought.

-"I see your mind turning. Care to share, Alexis?"

-"It was something he said. It…," she struggled for the word. "it confused me."

-"What did he say?" Ned asked.

-"I awkwardly mentioned my friendship with Luke Spencer. It was weird. I apologized for it, because it's been so long since there were any Cassadines for whom this was news, much less an issue."

-"OK."

Alexis plowed through, just as she'd rehearsed it. "I said he was out of town, and that anyway he was really only interested in Helena if he cared about any of the Cassadines anymore."

-"So you were lying to your uncle."

She smiled, "Yes." She continued, "And he said that 'Spencer wouldn't be a concern.'"

-"What does that mean?"

-"I'm not sure. But it was what he also said—that Luke hadn't been a concern for almost a year."

-"Since when is prey not interested in its predator?" Ned was suspicious.

Thank God, thought Alexis. He was biting. "What if Luke isn't a predator anymore?"

-"Luke not care about Cassadines, Alexis? He'd need a personality transplant."

She looked at him pointedly. "Right."

-"Shit." Ned looked at her and started to slowly shake his head. "Your family, Alexis."

-"Hey!" She said with false indignation, "We don't know that this is a Cassadine thing."

Ned rolled his eyes. "So what are we thinking? Brainwashing? There were also the masks."

-"Mask? You think Luke may be someone else?"

-"It's possible."

Alexis knew she needed to tread very carefully. "OK. Let's look at the evidence. At the very least, Luke's personality is not very Luke-like. The Cassadine most in his sights isn't worried."

-"Because he's controlling Luke somehow."

-"Ned. You need to be careful."

-"Why?"

-"Well, for starters you just told me he pulled a gun on you." She grabbed both of his hands in hers. "Why didn't he actually kill you?"

-"My mother came in the room."

-"Do you think he would have?"

-"He was pretty specific about making it look like a suicide."

Alexis shuddered. Her reaction was not rehearsed nor was it welcome. She had hoped to use her conversation with her uncle to start planting the seed that the Luke they all knew was an imposter. But confronted with the reality that he had almost killed Ned, Alexis was ready to shift her happy hour goals.

-"Ned. You have to stop antagonizing him. Stop asking questions."

He sat up at looked at her hard. "Why?"

-"The worst case scenario is that he's a Cassadine agent. He already feels threatened by you, Ned. You can't rely on some latent humanity to rise and stop him from killing you. Not when we don't know if it exists."

-"I'm not just going to let him get away with stealing ELQ. I mean, Alexis…he's married to my mother. She's in danger."

Alexis and Ned spent the next hour considering the best approach to freeing Tracy from Luke safely. Alexis was petrified; she was convinced that John Richter meant to kill Ned and would have if Tracy hadn't entered the room when she did. The fact that Ned was still breathing meant that for some reason he had fallen off "Luke's" radar. Her plan—which had been to set Ned on a course to uncover the real Luke Spencer at Miscavige—had quickly turned to keeping Ned alive. They left in agreement that their line of inquiry should start with when Luke's personality changed so drastically. This would require Ned talking to "friendlies" and keep him off Richter's radar long enough for her to come up with a plan B.

When Alexis was convinced that Ned's self-preservation was guiding his decisions, she kissed him goodnight. He was late for a movie with Olivia, but she made him promise to check in with her tomorrow. As he left, Alexis practically fell into the chair. She finished her martini and ordered another, determined not to leave until the shaking that had taken over her body stopped or until she forgot why it was there.

Alexis took a cab home and after struggling to work the key for what seemed like an hour the door opened, and Sam greeted her.

-"Hey, you're still up?" Alexis swayed gently.

-"It's only 8:30." Sam stifled a laugh. "Mom, are you drunk?"

Alexis sighed as she threw her keys on the desk. "Yup. Going to bed."

-"How was lunch with Uncle Victor?"

-"Lovely. He's charming."

She heard a man's voice question her. "Were you at the MetroCourt this whole time?"

Alexis turned and saw Julian. Well, she saw two Julians if she was being honest. "Yup. And I thought I told you this before, but I'm going to bed."

Sam made a move to help her mother upstairs, but was interrupted by Julian who took Alexis by the arm. "I got this."

Alexis pulled hard to wrench herself out of Julian's grasp and tumbled into the wall. "No. I can do it myself."

Julian looked at her gently, "Sweetheart, I think you need help."

-"Fine. Sam can help me." She reached for Sam's hand. "OK? You waited for me, you saw me. Time for you to go home, Julian. Goodnight."

He sighed as he watched her climb the stairs. "Goodnight, Alexis."