Venturi Compound
In a secluded home overlooking the river far outside the city limits, Franjo Curic poured drinks for his two guests - his boss Dino Venturi and Dino's mentor, Paul "Paulie" Carter.
"This is a good choice, Franjo. It's perfect," said Dino.
"Thank you. Your bedrooms are ready for you upstairs. Mine is on this floor," said Franjo. "Ms. Arielle's bedroom is also upstairs."
"I don't see many men. What kind of security are you planning?" asked Paulie.
"Electronic surveillance is in place, Paul. I'll know if anyone is approaching before they turn into our street," replied Franjo. "Having guards would draw just the attention we do not want. I do have men living in the house next door should we need them."
"Good thinking. And it's Paulie. You keep forgetting, son."
"Paulie it is," said Franjo. "A recliner and the biggest television I could find is in your room."
"That's what I like. A man who anticipates," said Paulie.
"Will the meeting be here? There's enough room," said Dino settling into the couch and taking a sip of his vodka tonic.
"It is best to separate the personal from the professional. I have rented a small warehouse in the South docks. It will be convenient for the guests but isolated for privacy," said Franjo. "Your office is on the second floor of the warehouse. An unused dock is nearby should we have need of water travel."
"Excellent as usual," said Dino. He took out a small notebook. "Each of my invitations have been answered. It should be an interesting meeting."
"And we're sure that Sonny Corinthos has no idea what's happening?" asked Paulie.
"No one's taken a shot at me yet. That's a good sign," joked Dino.
"What about Jason Morgan?"
"He seems to be busy with personal matters," said Franjo.
"No one's given them any competition. They've gotten soft and careless. The city is ripe for some changes." Dino swirled his drink. "Any news on Spencer?"
"Local deliveries have been completed. Destinations on the East coast are just now taking delivery," said Franjo.
"I thought for sure he'd take the way out I gave him," said Dino.
"Luke Spencer could not resist the challenge. He would not refuse it," said Franjo. "The advance money was icing only."
"When will the rest of the country have their shipments?" asked Dino.
"According to Spencer, within the next month. Should I urge him to hurry?" asked Franjo.
"Only if his timeline slips. For now, let him run it his way," said Dino. "Learned anything more about Alcazar's network? The nuts and bolts?"
"I've identified several lower level henchmen, drop offs, transfer points and holding areas for stock. But other than Luke Spencer I have not discovered a high level contact to exploit," said Franjo.
"We need the network to secure Fly distribution. The arrangements we have in place won't cut it much longer. I expect Ariel to have a larger shipment prepared any day now. The payday for that will be huge. We need to increase volume and do it fast," said Dino. "To do that we need to disrupt the network and take it over."
"You like finesse too much, Dino. In my day, we went for the direct approach. One night, a few guys, some Uzis and lots of bullets. Problem solved," said Paulie.
"That would be my last option, Paulie. I won't like it but I'll do it. You know I will," said Dino. "Guns are messy and destroy too much. I need an intact network with the least knowledge walking out the door or dying on a slab. No, I need a quiet takeover." He looked at the other two men. "We have Spencer. He's a sharp man. He knows more than he's let on. I'm going to bleed his brain dry and when I'm done, he'll be ours body and soul."
Paulie raised his scotch, "To the future, gentlemen."
Synaptic Lab, General Hospital
Robin, Dani and Matt had uncovered two workbenches. They were too busy looking into microscopes, reading through files and comparing verbal notes to notice Anna's arrival. Dani's team had the lab area on lockdown.
"How similar is this to the counterfeit drugs you followed here?" asked Robin scribbling on a notebook.
"It was years ago. Hard to remember," said Matt. "I have to say that chemically they are not the same. But the method of distribution is eerily similar."
"Maybe that was a ... a dry run. Get the kinks worked out before deploying the real thing," said Dani.
"It's possible and probably likely. Compound X was reaching its most stable and refined state at that point in time," said Robin. She saw Anna. "Mom, what are you doing here?"
"Just checking in." Anna gave Robin a quick hug and nodded to Matt. "Found anything?"
"The Compound X used in the latest sample is from the bad batch. Confirmed," said Robin.
"Meaning it was made from the formulas you tampered with?" asked Anna.
"Yes. I compared it to the Compound X ingested by Andrew. The differences are subtle but they're there if you know what to look for," said Robin. "The question is if Peter knows it's bad."
"I passed Tom before coming here. Three cases of Fly poisoning, for lack of a better word, just came into the ER," said Anna. "If Sinclair knew it was bad, he wouldn't be producing it. The man was a perfectionist with his work. They may know something's wrong but not what."
"And still using it to produce the basic ingredients of Fly," said Matt. "Bastards!"
"Money talks and talks loudly," said Dani. "Since it doesn't affect all Fly users, they probably think it doesn't matter."
"Like I said bastards," said Matt.
"If Peter knows the formula is bad, I expect him to redo the formula somehow. He's out of practice in the lab but he knows how," said Robin. "I need to expect that the Compound X recipe will change as Peter tinkers to get it just right."
"He can't reverse engineer what you did?" asked Dani.
Robin smirked. "What I did, I did over years, Mom. Minuscule changes to different chemicals at varying points in the production process itself. Some chemical portions I reduced milligram by milligram until it was completely out of the recipe. Peter could return to the very first compound formulation and refine that to some semblance of the stable modern version but it would be difficult and time-consuming. And different formulas will react differently at various stages of production. I don't think he'll ever be able to recreate the good version. Ever."
"But you can?" asked Matt.
"Unfortunately, yes," said Robin. She tapped her temple. "It's kinda hard to forget. I've tried."
"Two targets," said Anna under her breath.
"What was that, Mom?" asked Robin.
"Peter's brilliance is only exceeded by his ruthlessness. Combine that with Charlotte's ambition and determination, well, it's not a pleasant thought," said Anna. "Charlotte's not going to give Peter the luxury of time to redo years of research. They no longer have the shield of the Foundation to hide behind. Helena can't bankroll their scheme either. They need capital and fast. And Fly is the way to get it."
"Fly won't work the same. They'll lose customers, Mom."
"Not if they have you and what's in your head," said Anna.
"Peter gave me his word. I'm safe from him."
"But not from Charlotte or Helena or anyone else in their organization," said Anna. "Fly can't fail. They can't let it. If they're desperate enough, and I can't see why they wouldn't be, they know where to get the right formula." Anna wrapped an arm about Robin. "My children will not be targets ever again. I'll see to it personally if I have to."
Asian Quarter Docks
Hand in hand, Felicia and Frisco strolled down the public walkways. It was late afternoon. The docks were milling with kids out of school, people doing errands and shopping and workers moving cargo and equipment this way and that.
Frisco breathed deep. "Ah, this is what I remember best. It hasn't changed much at all, honey."
"Were you expecting it to change a lot?" asked Felicia.
"Everything changes and usually for the worse." Frisco surveyed his surroundings more closely. "It looks better though. More prosperous."
Felicia watched the faces of the people walking by. "Everyone seems happy."
Loud voices coming from an herbal shop caught their attention. An older man was yelling in a mix of Chinese and English at a young man dressed in a fine suit.
"They sell it downtown at Dragon Market, Mr. Choa," said the young man.
"I don't sell what I don't know," replied the older man. "Don't come back or I tell your brothers."
The young man sighed and tried one more time. "I just want to fly, man. Relieve some stress."
"Go away, Yun," said Mr. Choa. "Go home. Rest."
The young man pulled his coat closer to his body and walked away.
Frisco chuckled. "Nice to see they still look out for each other."
A young woman was handing out flyers. Felicia got one and read it.
"Frisco, Green Pearl Imports is having a fun fair today to show appreciation for their workers and the community. There's going to be games, boat rides and music. Let's go!"
Frisco read the flyer. "Six PM is kinda late to start don't you think?"
"Maybe it's a carnival theme. The lights will look better at night."
Frisco frowned. "And outdoors? It's pretty cold out."
"It's only until 9PM. Perfectly reasonable." Felicia took the flyer away from Frisco. "You are still overanalyzing everything."
"It's a reflex. I can't turn it on and off like a light switch. It's just there." Suddenly, Frisco's head whipped to the side.
"Well, can you forget about it tonight? I want to have some fun," said Felicia. "It's Suki's company. He's bound to be there. Frisco!"
"Yeah, what?" said Frisco absently.
"Did you hear a word I said?"
"Yeah, Suki, fair, ship ride," said Frisco. His eyes narrowed as he concentrated on a figure off in the distance. "What's Robert doing here?"
"Where?" Felicia looked around. "I don't see him."
"The guy in overalls by the marine shop." Frisco made to pull Felicia along as he made for the shop.
Felicia studied the workman. "That's not Robert. He has a beard, Frisco."
"I'm telling you it's Robert with a beard on," insisted Frisco.
Felicia dug her heels in. "Who cares if it was Robert?"
"He's incognito and on the job. We should help." Frisco tried to find the workman again but he had vanished.
"Robert said you'd have withdrawal symptoms but I didn't think it would be this bad." Felicia dragged him in the opposite direction. "You're so starved for action, you're seeing things. Let's have a light dinner before we go to the fair. We have a couple of hours still."
Frisco kept looking around for the workman as he followed his wife. But there was simply too many things to notice on the docks. Eventually, the workman vanished from his thoughts.
Max Marine Equipment & Repair
Robert ducked into the back room as his cell phone began to ring. Giles was upfront paying for their purchases.
"Connie? To what do I owe the pleasure?" said Robert.
"I wanted to thank you for lying earlier," came Connie's voice. "Things were pretty bad before I called you."
"I couldn't very well tell them that the only man they had who knew the black boxes is dead."
"Didn't Tim help design them?" asked Connie.
Robert scratched at his itchy faux beard. "Yes, he did."
"I need to have a replacement for Tim who's trained in Guardian."
"Got any candidates?"
"Not yet but give me two weeks and I might. Can you review them and see if they can do the job?"
"It's not a matter of skill or knowledge. It's a matter of loyalty," said Robert. "I can't ... I don't have the means to guarantee that anymore."
"What do you mean?"
"You just have to take my word for it, Connie," said Robert. "I'm sorry. You'll have to find someone you can absolutely trust to take Tim's place."
"I don't trust anybody," said Connie.
"Then you have a problem," said Robert. "I'm going to give the loyalty bit some thinking. I don't like making do without it. I'll let you know what I come up with, if anything."
"Robbie, one more thing."
"Sure. Lay it on me."
"You'd tell me if something was wrong with Guardian wouldn't you? Something affecting the Bureau?"
"Of course I would."
"Are you lying now?"
Robert drew a breath in. "Has what's happened with the other side got you spooked?"
"Of course it has and answer the question."
"You know my answer."
"Ten years ago I would have but I don't know anymore," said Connie. "For the friendship we have and the things we've shared in the past, I'm asking you to be honest with me."
"When it really matters, I won't lie," said Robert solemnly.
"Okay, Robbie. That's good enough for me."
"I've got your back. Don't worry." Robert ended the connection. He muttered to himself. "Scorpio won't lie but Abelard probably will." A tickle in his chest and flare of pain in his head made him weak for a minute. He knew the signs of a stress attack too well to ignore it.
Giles entered the room. "Robert, I'm done here. Suki's meeting us in the catacombs in a few minutes." He noticed Robert's pale face. Years of looking after Jacques had given Giles a sixth sense when someone was ill and hiding it. "What's wrong?"
Robert took calming breaths. "H-h-had a ... a twinge of bad conscience." The pain in his head receded to a dull ache. "Did Jacques have these episodes?"
"Heloise mentioned to me that when she had first met him, he did. But they disappeared as he grew older. And wiser I suppose." Giles looked worriedly at Robert. "I've always seen Jacques and Abelard as two different individuals. One did the dirty work and the other kept both sides sane and content. You see him as the same person."
"Maybe it's time I took this split personality thing a bit more seriously," said Robert. He straightened himself up. "I'm ready. Let's get this show on the road."
Synaptic Lab, General Hospital
Anna looked at her watch. It was five o'clock. "Robin, I have to go. How much longer are you staying?"
Robin looked up from her notes. "I don't think I can do much more here. It's pretty much what I expected to find."
"Can you create an antidote from the pill Alex made that blocks the symptoms?" asked Matt. "It did work some."
"No. That was made for the stable version of Compound X. I don't think it would have the same blocking effects on the Fly-variant of the compound," said Robin. "It could be more troublesome actually."
"Why?" asked Anna.
"I expect Peter to tinker and change the formula. Off the top of my head, I can think of seven variations he could make to the compound immediately. I would have to make seven kinds of antidotes or make one that can counter all variants," revealed Robin.
"No antidote can counter more than one or two scenarios," said Dani. "What are you going to do? Give seven kinds of drugs to a patient and hope one sticks?"
"Exactly," said Robin. "Before I start anything, I'd better decide which approach I'm going to go for - multiple variants or one super antidote. I need to talk to Alex."
"And you need to recharge and refuel. We all do," declared Anna. "Matt, dinner?"
"Sorry, no. I have two consults left before I can think about going home." Matt turned to Robin. "It's really good to meet you. You're as brilliant as Eve. Um, about my brother earlier-"
"It's my fault. I get sarcastic when I'm annoyed. In Patrick's place, I probably would have acted the same," said Robin. "It was good meeting you, too, Matt."
"Right. It could have been worse and it wasn't." With that, Matt left the lab.
Dani left to prepare her team for departure and coverage in an unknown area.
"There's a restaurant that has I think the best Chinese-" began Anna.
"I'm not hungry, Mom," said Robin. "I want to get in the lab and start figuring this out."
"A stroll on the Asian Quarter docks will get your appetite going. We're meeting your father there."
"In that case, I'm sold." Robin began to pack up her notes.
Anna picked up the wig that was hanging loose from Robin's bag. "You went for blonde?"
"It looked about as good on me as it did on Luv."
Anna chuckled. "That bad?"
"And it itches," said Robin. She put the wig, hat and spectacles on once more. "How do you and Dad make it look effortless?"
Anna adjusted the wig. "Tomorrow, I'll let you in on a few professional secrets that make disguises bearable."
Shortly, Mother and daughter left the lab arm in arm.
Philips Fashions at the Megaplex
Like many stores and the Megaplex itself, the boutique was festooned with Valentine's Day decorations. Romantic and sensual dresses draped the artfully posed mannequins in the window. Cupids and hearts cheerfully gave hints to those wanting to please their significant others with perfume, flowers and whispers of love and devotion.
Nicole Philips greeted Belle and Tiffany with an easy smile. "Hello, ladies. You look like you're on a mission."
"We are," said Belle striding past the front counter.
"Give me a spa, a massage and a facial," said Tiffany. "If I'd known we'd do this much rushing around, I would have worn running shoes." She found a chair and sat down. "Belle, I'll just wait for you here. Go do your thing."
Her daughter disappeared into the belly of the store.
"Would you like something to drink?" asked Nicole.
"That would be lovely," answered Tiffany. "I don't know what's gotten into my child."
Nicole instructed a sales associate to get a drink while she sat down next to Tiffany. "What do you mean?"
"She's always been sensible and without a vain bone in her body. More Sean than me you know," said Tiffany. "Today, she's a mad teenager. We've flitted from one store to the next. You're our LAST hope."
Nicole laughed. "What is she looking for?"
"I'm not sure. We found some gorgeous dresses and she didn't like any of them. Could you please help her? Maybe she'll listen to you."
"I'd love to," said Nicole. "You relax right here. I'll look after Belle."
"From the bottom of my heart and my sore feet, I thank you," said Tiffany taking the glass of iced tea offered by the assistant. "Oh my lord, five more years before she's eighteen. Give me strength!" A woman exiting a fitting room caught Tiffany's eye. "Monica?"
"Hi, Tiffany," said Monica as she examined herself in the full length wrap around mirrors. The knee-length dark blue velvet dress showed off her figure while still being modest. "What do you think?"
"Wow says it all," said Tiffany rising to her feet to join Monica at the mirror. "What's the occasion?
"Does retail therapy need a reason?" asked Monica. She ruffled her hair. "I need a new cut."
Tiffany crossed her arms and looked Monica over carefully catching many clues that made her smile. "I think we're talking romantic therapy here. Hot date?" She gasped. "Edgar?"
Monica laughed softly. "He's taking me to the fundraiser at the Majestic."
"On Valentines Day. The man has style," said Tiffany. "You look fantastic in that dress."
"He better not cancel out on me this time. It's his last chance. I told him so," said Monica.
Tiffany made a mental reminder to make sure Robert and Anna kept Edgar's ENTIRE evening free on that date. She said, "One look at you and he's going to be smitten."
Monica sighed. "It's been a long time, Tif. Dating is ... is scary at any age."
Tiffany stood behind Monica and they gazed at the mirror together. "Don't think of it as a date. And for goodness sake leave your phone and pager at the mansion. Knock his socks off and just have fun." She whispered. "Between us, spies can make you dance like no other. You know what kind of dancing I'm talking about."
"Tiffany! It's a first date."
"So? It's our tax money that was used for all that exotic training. I say you're entitled to it," said Tiffany. "Trust me. You go spy and you will never, ever, want any other flavor. It's the best addiction in the world."
Belle and Nicole emerged to the front of the store. Nicole held a silver garment bag.
"You found a dress? For real?" asked Tiffany.
"Yes. Finally! Can we go home now?" asked Belle.
"Well, what's it like, sugar plum?"
Nicole began to ring up the dress. "It's sophisticated but I think you'll like it, Tiffany. I'm going to make some alterations. We'll have it delivered by tomorrow afternoon."
"Sophisticated?" Tiffany arched a brow. "As in hem line? Cleavage? Bare back? Neon colors? What?" She looked at Belle. "Is it going to give your daddy a heart attack?"
"No." Belle frowned. "I don't think so." She looked quizzically at Nicole.
"The alternations are going to make it perfect, Belle," promised Nicole.
"That gives me twenty-four hours to prepare Sean for his little girl growing up," said Tiffany.
"Oh, mamma, you're being melodramatic," said Belle. "It's just a dress for one night."
Tiffany looked at her daughter as if seeing her for the first time. "I want you to stay just the way you are but I know that's not how life works. I just want the best and sweetest memories for you. No matter how many gray hairs it costs me. You're worth it." She laughed. "My baby's first dance. Let's go. I have to buy batteries for the camera!"
Green Pearl Imports
The carnival atmosphere was infectious despite the chilly air. Rows of tents provided shelter and warmth. Strategically placed floodlights and large brightly colored lanterns added to the festive air.
In front of a stall of carnival games, Felicia and Frisco got reacquainted with their old friend Suki Kwon.
"I'm standing this close to you and I just can't believe it," said Frisco. A cup of hot cider steamed in his hand.
"Hey, I look good in a suit. No lie, man," said Suki. "You two look the same."
"Olin must have been so proud of you," said Felicia.
"She kept reminding us of what's really important - the legacy of the pearls. She's the hero," said Suki. He gestured around him. "All this was her dream."
"Seems a strange idea to have a carnival in February," said Frisco. Beside him, Felicia rolled her eyes.
"We only hear about bad stuff on the news. Sometimes, we have to be reminded of good times, too. The exhibit is going to be a hit. This is my part in the celebration overall," said Suki.
Three people joined the conversation. Robert clapped a hand on Frisco's shoulder.
"Good to see you're getting out and about," said Robert.
"Those were the orders," said Frisco trying to be surly and failing. He clapped Robert's back. "Back for good? Wrapped up all the loose ends?"
Robert smiled. "Just having dinner with the family."
Felicia and Frisco noticed the disguised Robin standing to Anna's right hand side. Before either Felicia or Frisco could say anything, Anna began to draw her family away.
"We're starving," said Anna. "See you later."
"Don't you want to see the ... the regatta?" asked Frisco.
"Not in the mood tonight. Bye!" called out Robert.
The Scorpios blended and disappeared into the crowds. Over the public address system came the announcement that fireworks and the regatta were to start in ten minutes.
"C'mon, let's get a good spot. The fireworks are going to be INTENSE!" said Suki.
"The flyer didn't mention fireworks," said Frisco.
"What's a Chinese celebration without fireworks?" Suki led them away down to the other end of the docks.
Donely Residence, One Temple Court
Sean arranged the takeout order on the breakfast table while Belle laid out the flatware. Tiffany came in holding a large salad bowl. Outside, the city lay exposed to their view with the riverfront seeming to curve like a snake close to the horizon.
"I know I was supposed to cook tonight but we ran late shopping," said Tiffany.
"Takeout from O'Malleys is just fine," said Sean. "A quiet night with my family is all I need." He took his seat. "Did you find a dress, Belle."
Belle nodded.
"What's it like?"
"It fits and it's not too fussy."
Sean looked at his daughter out of the corner of his eye. His normally talkative child was decidedly avoiding a conversation.
"You've gotten more out of her than I have, Sean," said Tiffany. "What color is it?"
Belle sighed. "It's red. Cardinal red."
"How specific," said Tiffany. She shared a quick look with her husband.
Sean cleared his throat. "I'm sure you're going to be beautiful, sweetheart. Ah, um, how's school?"
Before Belle could answer, a streak of red light made them look out through the windows. More explosions in the air followed.
"Fireworks!" cried Belle. She gasped as four enormous Roman candles exploded high above the river.
"I didn't see any press releases of events happening," said Tiffany.
Sean grabbed some binoculars and peered through it. Bright lights emanated from one section of the riverfront. It wasn't hard to deduce that's where the fireworks had come from. "There's a fleet of boats by the Asian Quarter. Right below the fireworks."
"It's not the Chinese New Year is it?" asked Tiffany.
"I don't think so. That section is lit up like a giant Christmas tree."
Suddenly, an enormous explosion of light appeared on the water followed seconds later by a loud sonic boom. Windows rattled for a few seconds. Instinctively, Sean forced Belle and Tiffany to the floor and he covered them with his body.
Green Pearl Imports docks
In the water, the fiery remains of a ferry boat drifted on the choppy waters. Small explosions ripped through the boat every other minute. Debris rained down on the water. The smell of burning fuel made the onlookers on the docks recoil and cover their faces.
Other boats in the regatta veered away from the wreck. Overhead, the fireworks continued becoming more elaborate by the minute like a macabre marker in the sky.
Police and other public safety officials began to clear the area. A police boat came speeding into the area sirens blaring and lights flashing. Frisco and Felicia looked for survivors swimming to shore.
"What the heck happened?" asked Frisco. "What kind of boat was that?"
"An old ferry boat," said Suki. "Maybe it had ... mechanical problems."
"I saw people on it. I hope they jumped off in time," said Felicia.
"Let's hope so," said Suki. "For their sake."