Port Charles Waterfront

With fedora positioned low and shading most of his face, Luke looked right then left before entering the shabby warehouse. It was on the far end of the dock area which was often used by small-time shippers who couldn't afford the dock fees further up the waterfront. A few warehouses eked out an existence catering to these shippers.

Inside, Luke was surprised to find a dapper man with grey in his temples calling him by name and gesturing him to take a seat at a small table. Behind him stood a stocky man with cold gray eyes that held no expression. Something about his stance spoke of military training. Luke pegged him to be the bodyguard.

"Mr. Spencer, please have a seat while we discuss business," said Dino. "I'm Dino Venturi."

Luke shook the offered hand and sat down. On the table was a carafe of coffee with two mugs. The bodyguard filled a mug for Luke. "I have to say I was surprised that you requested a face to face meeting. It's not usual in these arrangements."

"I know but I like to put faces on the people I work with," said Dino. His own mug was refilled. "This is my personal guard and assistant Franjo. In future, you may be dealing with him. Personal knowledge trumps technology any day."

"I see." Luke added some sugar to his mug while studying Dino surreptitiously. He tried to place Dino's slight accent but couldn't. "I take it you had some questions about the network."

"I do have questions but not about the network - about you," said Dino. "I've done my research on you. I know you're a capable man but you haven't done this sort of thing before. Diamonds and gems, yes, guns, no. Why did you answer my inquiries?"

"Guns are a lot more exciting than diamonds if not as pretty to look at. And, I can get access to the Alcazar network. No one not named Corinthos can do that," said Luke smugly.

"My deal would also be the biggest and most profitable one you've ever had. According to my sources, you need cash and lots of it. Your casino isn't profitable. Your wife's money keeps it afloat. You have no other sources of income. You haven't run extra jobs for a while. Mine can net you more cash than the Ice Princess diamond ever did," said Dino watching Luke's every reaction.

"You have done your homework," said Luke. "The Ice Princess was never a perfect diamond. It's lure was in its mystique as the stone that froze this city. Unfortunately, everything becomes old news eventually."

"You still have it?"

"A small part of it. I keep it for my attacks of nostalgia," said Luke in an offhand manner. "I know I can do this job. It's your call to get someone else."

"I am aware that the Alcazar network has safe points where shipments can be housed safely invisible from prying legal eyes. How do you propose to distribute the shipment from here to the many points where it needs to go without paying the customary toll or having Corinthos inspect it?"

Luke grinned. "If I told you that, I wouldn't be in business. I don't like to boast but you should know that I'm in with Sonny Corinthos. He'll be fine with it."

"The shipment is not strictly your run of the mill guns and ammunition," said Dino.

"Missiles? Explosives?" asked Luke.

"Nothing explosive," said Dino. "Some guns and ammunition and modern sophisticated weapons."

"Biochemical?"

Dino ignored the question. "I have to be satisfied that the individual shipments inside are delivered to the right people at the right time."

"They'll get there," insisted Luke.

"I propose a small test first," said Dino. "If you pass, then you get my full shipment and future business besides."

"What kind of test?"

"A package will be delivered to your casino tomorrow plus a small cash advance. I want the package delivered to an address in Mexico intact and not searched manually or electronically. You'll have three days for delivery. Do we have a deal?"

"You have a deal," said Luke. "I'll take it down myself if I have to."

"No. It must go through the Alcazar network. I'll know if it doesn't," said Dino.

"If you can do that, then you already have a … a friend inside. Why do you need me?" asked Luke.

"I like making new friends. You never know when old friends become … unreliable or disloyal."

"Yeah, tell me about it," grumbled Luke.

Trattoria Ristorante at the Megaplex

Belle Donely waved to Bobbie and Monica who were walking towards their table where Sean, Tiffany, Maxie and Felicia were chatting animatedly. Seeing the last of their party approaching, Felicia stood up and hugged her oldest friends.

"Why didn't you tell us you were coming? How long are you staying?" asked Bobbie in a rush.

"It was a spur of the moment idea. I'm looking for a place to put roots down in," said Felicia.

Bobbie hugged her even harder. "You have no idea how happy that makes me."

Felicia hugged Monica next. "Monica, how are you?"

"I'm doing well," said Monica. Her eyes were bright with happiness. "Is Frisco coming along?"

"As soon as he finishes his work," replied Felicia.

"What? You're serious?" asked a delighted Bobbie.

Felicia took her seat between Bobbie and Maxie. Her daughter and Belle were lost in discussing the radio station's newest promotions.

"We decided it was time to come home," said Felicia. "I have so much to catch up on. Everything's changed. I want to know what everyone is doing? Monica?"

"The pavilion is nearly done and I'm spending more time at ELQ than the hospital. I'm not missing it as much as I thought I would."

"ELQ?" asked Felicia. "Oh, how is Edward? Tracy?"

"Tracy is CEO. She and Edward have Dillon on training wheels for the moment. Fortunately, he is enthusiastic and his experience in filmmaking is proving useful," said Monica. "As for me, I have some business ventures I'd like to pursue. ELQ has to change if it's to keep chugging along."

"You're leaving the hospital?"

"Not exactly just cultivating other interests."

Bobbie giggled. "Ask her about her REAL interests."

"Bobbie!" warned Monica trying in vain to squelch the hint of a smile.

"Everybody knows, Monica," added Bobbie. "It's one of the worst kept secrets in the hospital."

From the opposite side, Tiffany asked, "Knows what? What secret?"

"Her new man," teased Bobbie.

Monica stammered, "He is NOT my new man … not yet. I mean he's … we haven't even had our first date."

"Who are we talking about?" asked Tiffany. "A new doctor?"

"Edgar. He works for Anna," said Monica. "He is not my beau. Bobbie is spreading tales."

"Am not!" said Bobbie.

"Why am I the last person to know? I'm losing my touch," said Tiffany. She tapped Sean on the arm. "Did you know about this?" Sean didn't respond. Tiffany tapped again. "Sean?"

"What, honey?" asked Sean.

"You're here but your mind is hundreds of miles away," said Tiffany.

"Not anymore," said Sean caressing Tiffany's face. "What was the question?"

"Monica and Edgar, did you know?"

"Nope." Sean glanced at Monica. "He better be good to her. She deserves a good man."

"I saw something silky in the box he sent you today. What was it?" said Bobbie.

"An authentic traditional kimono in green and cream. It's gorgeous," said Monica. "I can't wait to try it out."

Bobbie giggled, "You can model it for Edgar."

"But you haven't had a date yet?" asked Felicia.

"He's been off on one assignment after another," explained Monica.

"Sounds serious to me," said Bobbie.

"Why don't YOU go next, Bobbie?" said Monica. "You've sold the brownstone, now what?"

"You SOLD it?" asked Felicia flabbergasted.

"Being a landlord is too much aggravation for me. I'm moving into Temple Court and this gives me more time to do what I want - the adoption agency and temping at the hospital," said Bobbie. "I'm sorry, Felicia. I know the Brownstone had a lot of memories for you and Frisco."

"Life moves on, but, whew, that's a surprise," said Felicia.

"If Luke can marry Tracy, I can change my life around. Besides, everyone I care about is going to be living at Temple Court."

"What? What's that about the Court? Someone want a unit?" asked Maxie.

Sean placed their wine order with the waiter. He turned to Maxie and said, "You are becoming one heck of a saleswoman."

"Selling is easy, Uncle Sean. You just open your mouth, make a pitch and if they don't like it, move on," said Maxie.

"A natural bent for sales helps, you know," added Sean. He looked at Tiffany. "Um, honey, before I forget, I'm going out of town tomorrow but I'll be back by late evening."

"Racking up those frequent flier miles again," said Tiffany. "Museum business?"

Sean shook his head. "Donely Enterprises. I told you that I wanted to liquidate more hard assets. I still own rights to two full berths and own four warehouses outright on the main loading docks. I've been trying to sell it but the only taker has been Sonny Corinthos. I refuse to sell to him. I'd rather rent it out or let it stand there idle."

"Why not just keep renting it out? It's always been a tidy moneymaker that way."

"You really want Belle running a business on the waterfront in the future? Or you?"

"God, no!" said Tiffany.

"I'm going to meet with, ah, a potential buyer tomorrow. Okay, honey?"

"Fine. I don't worry as long as you're home at night," said Tiffany.

"Home, hmm. No where else I'd rather be, sweetheart. Believe me," said Sean.

Scorpio Ranch, Australia

Robin knocked softly on the door to Vincent's room before poking her head in. In borrowed pajamas, lying on the bed with his sore leg propped on a pillow, Vincent was speaking in non-stop Italian over the phone to his parents. He winked and waved her in. As usual, Robin was drawn to a short pile of photographs stacked on the bedside table. As she looked through them, she caught snatches of the rapid-fire conversation.

Vincent sighed as he said goodbye and ended the call. "Parents!"

Robin giggled. "They just care and you care back."

"What did you call me before?" asked Vincent turning on his side one hand stroking Robin's back reassuringly.

"A mama's boy but you're not. You're just a softie where your parents are concerned."

"So are you."

"Guilty." Robin stopped flipping at a picture of a handsome older couple. "From what I could hear, they sound worried."

"My aunt Ava missed their usual weekly chat. That's not like her. They've had the same call time for decades. Mama has been calling repeatedly but there's no answer," said Vincent. "WIth strange things happening in Moscow, Mama is right to be worried. People in my aunt and uncle's position tend to …"

"Disappear?"

"Or worse. But enough about problems that cannot be solved," said Vincent. "We can go star watching tonight."

"Hmm, yes. I'm ready to see the wide open night sky instead of a tiny view out of a skylight."

"Then you will have your view."

"I don't think so."

"Why not? Tired?"

"Dad has an assignment. You and Genji will be going back to Vladivostok today. Probably in an hour or two," said Robin.

Vincent mentally put two and two together. "This is about Peter?"

Robin nodded. "The formulas I took in exchange for signed divorce papers and my bank book."

"He does not know what you've truly done."

"He will eventually."

"Then?"

"I'll deal with it when it happens, if it happens," said Robin. "The important thing is he won't have any hold on me or on my family through me. I won't have anyone holding something over my head. Look what happened to my mom and dad."

"They have survived."

"But not without a bunch of regrets and lost time. Well, I have both and … and I …"

Vincent squeezed her shoulder. "Time. Adjust. Have patience. Slow down."

"I can't. I want to do so much." Robin trailed a finger along his jawline and down to his neck to his collar. "And I need even more. When you get back-"

"No."

"No?"

"You're not ready."

Robin toyed with a button on his pajama top. "Let me give you a little demonstration."

Vincent caught her hand in his. "Ready for sex, yes. For a relationship, no. And, you are worried about the other matter."

"No, I'm not. I'll ask Dr. Quartermaine to give me a full exam. She can keep a secret," said Robin. "Then we'll know once and for all. But even without knowing for sure, I know what I want. But you sound like you don't."

Vincent deftly flipped them over. He brushed his fingers through her short hair. "I'm not sure about your hair. I liked it longer. I'm not sure about … about how thin you are. I liked your curves."

"You did?"

"Hmm, you've forgotten."

"That's why I need to be reminded, very thoroughly and very, very soon," teased Robin arching her back and pressing closer to him.

"Minx!" He kissed her nose then planted pecks on her cheeks before diving for her lips. The kiss was long and sweet.

"I've … I've locked the door and …"

"You are so persistent," said Vincent. He rolled off her and got to his feet. "I'll get dressed."

"You romantic, noble heroes are all talk and no action," said Robin. "I ought to go back to the arrogant, dangerous bad boys who know how to take charge."

"Eve had very nice curves and shiny hair," called out Vincent from the bathroom. "She fit nicely in my arms."

"What?" Robin sat up. "You said that she only saw you at the hospital."

"No, what I said was that she recognized me in the hospital elevator," said Vincent. "She knew our song, our hands, um, touched."

Robin groaned. "I wrote all that in my journal and I had that one picture of us, too."

"I was wondering how she knew."

Robin walked over to the bathroom door. She leaned on the open door frame watching Vincent shave hurriedly. "So, how did she fit exactly?"

"One meeting at the house. She asked about the boat," explained Vincent. "She was very much in love with her husband. That was obvious. Anna saw us … together."

"Did you kiss her?"

"I've told you all this before."

"Not about what happened at the house," said Robin. "Did it feel the same to … to kiss her?"

"Questions, always questions!" said Vincent with a half smile.

"Just answer them then," said Robin.

"It's not like you to be jealous."

"I'm not. I'm curious is all," said Robin. "She kissed like me? She was that close to me?"

Vincent rinsed off his face and dabbed it with a towel. He looked down on Robin and leaned in close. "The only Robin I have on my mind is this one."

Mega Yacht Callisto Star

Helena strolled the deck beside Charlotte. The other woman's limp was growing less and less noticeable. It was a mark of Charlotte's determination that she could manage a few steps at all.

"We will dock in Manila shortly. Perhaps you can have a check up," offered Helena.

"Yes. I will," said Charlotte.

"Thank you for your … support with Arielle."

"We have been her age and in her position. She can only improve."

"I sincerely hope so."

They paused at the railing. Far in the distance, they could see the outlines of islands in the Philippine archipelago.

Charlotte said casually, "You have not changed your mind though. Arielle is still the expendable one."

"If a … sacrifice is required, yes. You disagree on personal grounds."

"She is not expendable to me, Helena."

"May it never come to a choice."

"May I find a way to convince you otherwise," said Charlotte. "Promise me you won't make a hasty decision."

"The circumstance may not allow you time to save her."

"Then promise me that you will tell me if … if you are thinking along those lines."

"Agreed," said Helena. "Have you given up on recovering your mole? Is that the reason for this walk?"

"Yes. I've tried twice with no result. Martin Ross is no longer a viable source," said Charlotte. "He's been made immune to me."

"How?"

Charlotte resumed walking. "His programming was changed."

"Faison."

"He must have activated Ross and discovered my activities."

"Does he know it was you?"

"I have to assume that he does," said Charlotte.

"We are both likely to be on his personal hit list now," said Helena. "Peter will not be a big enough shield to hide behind."

"The kidnapping of Robin Scorpio makes him no shield at all."

"If we cannot hide, how do we neutralize Faison?"

"I don't know … yet." Charlotte turned towards the salon. "There is his Achilles' heel - Anna. It's the only weapon we have against him."

"We must tread carefully there."

"We'll think of something."

The women entered the salon together. Peter and Arielle waited for them inside.