Quartermaine Mansion
Sitting in a tall vase, the dozen yellow roses brightened the foyer considerably. Tracy plucked at the card and read it. It said simply: To my favorite Valentine, Larry.
Her lips tightened into a straight line. She ripped the card in two but could not resist caressing the soft petals and saying softly, "Damn you for making me still care."
Making his way down the stairs, Edward noticed the flowers immediately. "Those from Luke?"
"Ashton. For Valentines Day." Tracy followed Edward into the living room. "Had a good nap, Daddy?"
Edward sat down on the couch. "I'm not senile, Tracy. Not yet."
Tracy took a seat next to her father. "Of course not."
"Watching Dillon at the office this morning made me tired. That's all," said Edward. "Starting him off on small projects was a good idea. He'll get to the know the organization and vice versa. Earn people's respect by working alongside them not over them."
Tracy smiled proudly. "Dillon's has the brains for running ELQ."
Edward harrumphed. "I wouldn't go that far. Yet."
"You'll see I'm right."
"Your boys do have good heads for business. I'll say that for you. I could never get Alan as interested in the business as you were," said Edward. He sighed. "What's done is done." He looked around and saw no one else about. "Are you ready, Mata Hari?"
Tracy laughed. "It's nothing like that, Daddy."
"It could still be dangerous. These people tried to kill me, remember?" Edward looked closely at his daughter. "Be very careful. Watch every word you say. Don't turn your back on Ashton for a second."
"It's just Ashton. He's harmless especially in a public place."
"He's only one of many others if Anna and Robert's theories about a new Cartel are true. Getting back into bed with him and-"
"Figuratively speaking," said Tracy primly. "I assure you there will be no bed hopping involved."
"Between Luke or Ashton, I don't see much of a choice for you."
"I always know where I stand with Luke."
"I simply do not understand THAT relationship but if it works for you so be it," said Edward.
"For everything that he's inflicted on this family, Ashton is going to be begging for mercy before I'm done with him. I'm rather looking forward to it."
Unexpectedly, Edward took Tracy's hand in his. "I'm relieved that Dillon is here and that Monica is going to be more involved with ELQ but ... but I've lost your mother and brother. Promise me that you will do everything that Sean tells you and that you'll be extra careful."
Through the lump in her throat, Tracy managed to say, "I promise."
"This isn't the boardroom. I can't help at all. It's so frustrating," said Edward. "But it has to be done. I know that."
"For ELQ," said Tracy softly. "In the end, that's what matters most."
"I built ELQ for the family not the other way around. I'd sacrifice it if it ever came to that," said Edward. "I've told Donely that your safety is in his hands."
"Oh, Daddy, I'm a grown woman. I can take care of myself!"
Edward's eyes hardened. "I've said little as I've watched our family go to hell in a hand basket all these years. I don't have Lila's knack for keeping us in line with a word or a look. But it's time to do something and what am I doing? Sending my only living child into a den of vipers. So, my girl, I want you to fight harder than you've ever fought. You have my full support to do whatever you have to do to finish the job and get out."
"Th-th-thank you, Daddy. I won't let you down," said Tracy.
Edward began to laugh softly. "My Lila had a temper. Slow to rouse but when she was riled up, watch out! She was the strongest woman I know and you, Tracy, have a lot of Lila in you."
"I've always thought I was more like you."
"In the obvious ways, yes, but deep inside you are Lila's daughter. Many a time in our earliest, poorest days she kept our little family going on sheer will power and hope. I would be traveling anywhere I could to make a sale," said Edward. "Then I would come home to Lila's beautiful face and sweet voice. You running into my arms chattering away. Alan looking up from whatever book he was reading and smiling. That made all the trips worthwhile. Those simple things."
Tracy blinked away tears. "I remember those days."
"Don't forget where you came from or where you're coming home to," said Edward. "Rid ELQ of the influence of the Cartel and Corinthos, then come home to your family."
Eyes shining bright, Tracy kissed Edward's cheek and said, "Family is everything."
Majestic Theater
Standing on the top floor overlooking the busy lobby, Maxie, Felicia and Dianara compared clipboards. Below them, assistants were busy altering hem lines and sleeves. Photographers took last minute promotional shots. The few local reporters allowed inside vied with each other to interview the local models. Tiffany led a tour of corporate sponsors briefing them on the next evening's events and their expected roles. Inside the auditorium, the members of the Frisco Jones Children's Theater were rehearsing their short set pieces.
Rap! Rap! THUD!
Felicia looked worriedly at the balcony door from which the insistent noises emanated from. "We should look in on her."
"She's in the best of hands," said Dianara.
"It's in the lap of the gods. Literally," added Maxie.
"Robert should be here already," said Felicia. "What is taking him so long?"
"If you need me, I'm going to be hiding behind Mac," muttered Dianara.
"Can I join you?" asked Maxie.
"Anna's not happy but she's not going to kill anyone," said Felicia. "I don't think."
"I thought once she relaxed, she'd get into the spirit of the thing," said Maxie. "I've seen pictures of Aunt Anna dressed to kill on a night out."
"I believe Alex would have been a better choice," said Dianara.
"Doesn't she EVER relax?" asked Maxie.
"Of course she does. She likes the girly stuff as much as we do," said Felicia.
"Then what is her problem, Mom?"
"She hates being ambushed or put into a situation that is utterly out of her control. Which is what happened," said Felicia. "It just set off her worst moods."
"I couldn't have Marcello walk out, could I? It would have broken the order of presentation. My schedule would have been ruined," said Maxie.
Felicia scanned the lobby. "Where is your father?"
"He's checking security in the back. Before you say anything, I couldn't stop him," said Maxie.
"What about Sean?" asked Felicia. "I thought I saw him around here earlier."
"I think he's upstairs. Why are you looking for him?"
"Until Robert gets here, we need to distract Anna. Sean and Frisco can do that pretty well," said Felicia.
Rap! Rap!
"Let me out of here!" came Anna's muffled yelp. "Enough is enough!"
The Haunted Star
Luke watched his staff preparing the casino for the night's work. The Star was hosting its annual two night affair with the catchy title of Valentines Casino Rush. A busy and profitable night was anticipated. He turned to see Lulu bounding down the stairs.
"Hey, what brings you here? Going to help out the old man tonight?" asked Luke of his daughter.
"Might as well. I have no other plans," said Lulu.
"Hmm, wasn't there something about a fancy fashion show?"
"I'll make an appearance there then come over here and help out," said Lulu.
Luke was instantly on alert at this uncharacteristic response. "Isn't it your job to be there?"
"Yes. Kinda. I was there earlier and it's a madhouse. I got at least four rolls of pictures of all the prep work. That was my assignment. Maxie and Kate are covering the actual event. I'd be a third wheel, purse holder and general gopher. Besides, it's no fun to go solo."
"The new boyfriend busy fighting crime in the big, bad city?" asked Luke as he positioned some stools at the baccarat table.
"He's not my boyfriend. We're dating. That's all," explained Lulu.
"Back in the day, I don't remember a firm distinction like that."
"It's called modern progress."
"Whatever. So, why is Dante not going with you to the show?"
"Something about Sonny."
Luke sat on a stool facing Lulu. "You have my full attention. Go on."
"Don't look so eager. It's not about business."
"Did I assume it was about that stuff?" asked Luke. "If it affects you, it's important to me."
"Since when?"
"Since you've begun letting me into your life. Talking about your problems. How can I be concerned if you don't tell me anything? So, tell me what's going on."
"Sonny is depressed."
"No, he's bipolar."
"He's asked Olivia if she could make dinner for him. Some special dish she made in Bensonhurst which always cheered him up," said Lulu. "Olivia said that Sonny was feeling down and asked Dante if they could have a family dinner just the three of them."
"Some family," snorted Luke.
"We're not exactly traditional either," said Lulu.
"Whatever kind of father I've been, I've never shot you, your brother, your mother or my sister. There are lines I don't cross," said Luke. "If I had shot you in the chest, I'd expect you to shoot back at some point. At least, never speak to me again even on my deathbed."
"I know! I can't believe that Dante even speaks to him," said Lulu. "Anyway, tonight is the dinner. Olivia asked Dante to be nice and try to cheer Sonny up before he goes into a depressive down turn."
"Is he off his meds again?"
"Who knows?" asked Lulu. "We were wondering why he'd need cheering up. Anything you want to tell me, Dad?"
"Me? I haven't been around his bit of business in a while, sweetheart," said Luke.
"But you hear things."
"I might have."
Lulu leaned closer to Luke. "And ... ?"
"Word is that he's taking some hits. Financially."
"He's losing money?"
"Not losing exactly. It's more like he's having to pay out a little bit more than he's taking in. The overall effect are lots of minuses in the ledgers," said Luke.
"Paying out for what?"
"Losses in cargo or, um, merchandise for partners he has to keep happy and paid up," said Luke carefully. "There was that stuff confiscated in the tunnels. Kickbacks for big favors. The explosion on two of his docks. Loss of guaranteed revenue like rents and-"
"Money from the stores that have moved to the Megaplex?"
"Yeah. He's not happy about losing out on easy protection money or rents. He counted on them like clockwork."
"Too bad for him. He makes enough in the coffee business."
"What profits he gets there has to cover losses elsewhere. Overall, if he's not already in the red, he's really close," said Luke. "Takes mucho moolah to run an organization."
"What's he going to do?"
"No idea. If I was him, I'd start looking at making other bets. Taking a few risks," said Luke. "Something might pan out big."
"Is that what you're doing?" asked Lulu watching her father closely.
"What are you talking about?"
"Aunt Bobbie told me she thinks you're up to something. No one knows you as well as she does."
"Baby, I got nothing but this casino action. Bobbie may need glasses soon. She's seeing trouble where none exists."
"Are you headed out anytime soon?"
"Not for the foreseeable near future," said Luke. "Like I told you and Lucky, I am changing my ways. If anyone should believe me, it should be my own dear family."
"Dad, we want to believe you. Really we do. But we know you can't stay on the straight and narrow for very long. You fall off the line and crash hard. You know that too."
"Guilty."
"So what scam or angle are you working on?"
"I'm completely legit."
"That translates to you have something in mind but haven't executed it or you're waiting for an opportunity," said Lulu.
"Believe what you will," said Luke with a grin.
"I know you do this stuff because you're bored. I get that. But could you stay out of prison and off wanted posters?"
"Hey, that poster stuff was back in 2006 in the Markham Islands. I've reformed. No more posters. They never get my good side anyway," said Luke. "Don't worry about me. I'm good, Lulu. I'm really good."
The sound of footsteps on the stairs made Luke turn around. Luke tensed. It was Robert.
Lulu smiled at Robert. "Congratulations on the wedding thing."
"Thank you. Some might say I got what I deserved," said Robert.
"Anna let you out? Color me surprised," said Luke.
"I'm here because she asked me to have a chat with you. Had to go pick up some things for tonight. Thought I'd swing by when you weren't busy."
"Whipped. What a sad day!"
"It's nice to know someone has my back no matter what. You remember how that feels don't you, Luke?"
Sensing the tension between the two men, Lulu said, "Maybe you two should talk in the office."
Knowing full well that his office desk was full of interesting documents that were for his eyes only, Luke said, "I don't have anything to say. You're wasting your time."
"You are your own worst enemy, Spencer," noted Robert.
"And you've become a judgmental, interfering busybody," said Luke. "I'm going to tell you the same thing I told Anna. You stay in your space and I'll stay in mine. I'm sorry about Robin. I wish things had happened differently."
"That's it?" asked Robert.
"What do you want? Me on my knees begging for forgiveness from the almighty Robert Scorpio? You got a long wait before that happens," said Luke.
"You should have told me. Everything. You didn't," said Robert. "There was a time you would have and to hell with the consequences."
"Times change. People change," replied Luke somberly. "We remember the past as something good. We forget the bad things - the lies, the betrayals, the way we hurt people - but it's those things that color our present. They make us who and what we are. We can't all live up to such impossible ideals like you do, Robert."
Robert leaned in close to Luke. "Maybe you've forgotten that I've mucked about in the dirt as much as you have. I know what a sorry SOB you can be sometimes. But I've always counted you as a friend, nearly a brother. After a good thrashing, I could have forgiven you anything. Anything. You should have told me."
"I don't want or need your forgiveness. You're not MY judge, jury and executioner."
"I've never tried to be or ever will be. I'll do that much for you for old times' sake," said Robert. He picked up a pair of dice and casually threw it across the gaming table. They came up sixes. "We're done here."
Luke and Lulu remained silent as they watched Robert leave the casino.
"Oh, god, I don't even want to know what that was all about," said Lulu.
"It's over. In the past."
"He mentioned Robin. What about her?"
"Don't have to talk it to death." Luke blanched. "Unfortunate choice of words."
"Robert is your best friend. You can't-"
"Was. Past tense." Luke rose from the stool. He spotted Franjo entering the casino and taking a seat at the bar counter. "If you don't have anything more to say, I have work to get to."
"But-"
"Sweetheart, it's best this way. Really. I don't get the boy scout thing anymore. Period. End of," said Luke. "Like I said people change. Gotta move with the times. I'm all for progress."
"But-"
Luke kissed Lulu on the forehead and gently placed hands on her shoulders. He maneuvered her towards the stairs. "I'll expect you here about eleven. See you later! Bye!"
Luke entered his office and conspicuously left the door open. Franjo followed him inside and closed the door.
Luke reclined in his chair behind his desk. "Must be my day for visitors."
"The first wave of trial shipments have been delivered. Mr. Venturi extends his thanks," said Franjo.
"Tell him he's welcome."
Franjo took out a fat envelope from inside his long coat and put it on the table. "There is a matter that you could help us with." He pushed the envelope towards Luke. "We are prepared to make it worth the effort."
Luke opened the envelope. It was full of hundred dollar bills. "There's a lot here. Must be important."
"Ten thousand dollars for information that you probably know or can find out about," said Franjo. "Fifty thousand more if the answer is ... helpful."
Luke's eyes narrowed. He sat straighter. "What's the question?"
"Tell us all you know about Lorenzo Alcazar's briefcase. The one in the possession of Sonny Corinthos. Where is it? Would he be willing to sell it?"
"That briefcase is an urban myth, my friend," said Luke.
"No. It exists."
"As a ... a tool to frighten people. To keep them in line. Sonny uses it as a sort of status symbol."
"It's not a good idea to lie, Mr. Spencer," warned Franjo.
"Assuming that I know anything worth knowing, why do you want it?"
"Mr. Venturi wants it. That is the only reason."
"The contents must be priceless."
Franjo said nothing.
"Too bad it can't be opened."
"Unless one has the key," said Franjo.
Luke rubbed his chin. "You have it?"
"Why would anyone want something they cannot open?" Franjo tapped a finger on the envelope. "What do you know?"
It was Luke's turn to be cagey. "Every answer is going to cost you ten grand. You okay with that?"
Franjo nodded. "First question. Where is the briefcase now?"
"It's where it's always been. In Sonny's office at the coffee shop."
"Is the outside casing intact?"
"That's a strange one." Luke closed his eyes and recalled the last time he'd seen the briefcase. "Yeah, the metal is pretty tough to dent. They tried crowbars and knives. Nothing."
"Could you procure it for us?"
"Absolutely not! I'm no safecracker and even if I was this is out of my league."
"Is it moved from the safe at any time for any reason?"
"No. Sonny used to have it lying around when he met with other bosses but I think he's bored of it. It's never taken out now that I know of," replied Luke. "That's forty grand. Any more?"
"Would he be willing to sell the case?"
"Nope. It's like a trophy of war. Priceless."
"Do you know the top Alcazar lieutenants who run the network day to day?"
"Yes. That's fifty big ones."
"For sixty, write down their names," said Franjo.
"No can do. Remember what I said about going against Sonny's interests? I'm willing to only go so far," said Luke.
"You're a friend of his. I forget," said Franjo. "I've done some research on you but there's something I do not know."
"What's that?"
"Are you as good a friend of Sonny Corinthos as you are of Robert Scorpio? I saw him leaving."
Luke scoffed. "This is not the day to mention friendships. I answered the questions I could. Give me my money and leave."
Franjo pulled out four more envelopes from his coat and dropped them on the desk. "There. As agreed. Thank you for seeing me."
Luke shut the door behind his visitor. He moved a heavy cabinet to the side. He fell to his knees and felt on the floor for a hidden latch. "All right. Time to make a deposit in my rainy day fund."
Click.
Luke lifted a portion of the floor revealing a recessed area under the boards filled by a metal case. He took the case out and unlocked the combination. Inside were bonds, credit cards, cash, travel documents and some photos. To this cache, he added the fifty thousand he'd just earned. He put the boards back and returned the cabinet to its original position.
He stood up and stretched his sore back. "I always knew that briefcase was bad news. It's going to be every man for himself real soon. I can feel it coming."
RAP! RAP!
Luke opened his office door to a grinning Johnny Zacchara.
"I knew it!" said Johnny.
"Knew what?" asked Luke closing the door.
"I spotted our mutual friend leaving the casino. When Dino moves, he moves fast," said Johnny.
"I don't know what friend you're talking about," replied Luke. "People come and go at all hours here. It's the happening place to be."
Johnny crossed his arms and stood by the desk. "Okay you want to play it that way. Fine. I'm here on other business anyway. OUR business."
"You got your share of the profits last quarter. You can see our evening takings are getting better and better."
"I want to sell you all my shares of the Haunted Star. Today," said Johnny. "If you work for Dino, I know you have the cash."
"I work for me, myself and I. Always have," said Luke not giving an inch to the younger man's speculation. "Why sell now?"
"Man, you are going to milk this thing until it's dry aren't you? I need cash to get in good with Dino's group."
Luke's interest was rising. "In?"
"The Venturi Venture Fund if you want to be technical. It's a half million to get in."
"You suddenly cash poor?"
"I gotta raise the funds on the quiet. Sonny knows all the figures coming in and out of my drug business and strip clubs. I can't skim off them. I sold two empty lots to a developer this morning. I just need a little bit more to get me over the hump," said Johnny. "The Star shares will do it."
"What about the profits from the little side business you got going? The one I made a delivery to? The one that I don't believe Sonny knows about?" asked Luke.
"Getting that off the ground on the sly took a lot of my cash." Johnny fidgeted. "Just trying to get ahead, Luke. We both know Sonny's time in this town is running out. It's time for new blood."
"Dino?"
"Who else? He's a man who earns and gives respect. And loyalty."
"You should stay on the sidelines, Johnny. Watch. Don't participate. It's safer that way. Alcazar, the Russians, they couldn't budge Sonny. What makes Dino special?"
"You already know the answer to that. You were with him before I was. Don't bother denying it either 'cause I won't believe it," said Johnny. "You and I, Luke, we're survivors. There's a new game coming to town. A better one. A new family. Let's not play games. I want in. I need cash. Buy me out and you get more control and profits from here. This boat is your baby. It's only right you own as much of it as possible. What do you say?"
"Going against Sonny is one thing but what about Jason?"
"Jason does Sonny's dirty work because he doesn't know to do anything else. Sonny lets Jason run the operational side because he doesn't know how and Jason's got the business head for it. I say this town will be better off without them," said Johnny. "If Sonny was smart, he'd leave this place behind and stay on his island paradise. Jason is better off leaving town because the target on his back is getting bigger all the time."
"Sounds like a revolution is going down."
"Maybe. Yeah. The sharks are circling."
"How deep has Dino gotten into Sonny's organization?"
Johnny's eyes gleamed with mischief. "No one deeper than you, Luke. You played kingmaker to Sonny against Frank Smith. Kinda ironic you doing the same for Dino against Sonny."
For a second, Luke's agile mind froze. He stammered, "Is th-th-that what it looks like?"
"If it quacks like a duck and walks like a duck, then it's a duck. Quack! Quack!"
"Who thinks this is true?" asked Luke.
"Buy me out and I'll tell no one else," replied Johnny. "I can't control other people though."
"You'll get twenty-five thousand for your shares. Meet me at Kelly's in an hour," said Luke. "And if my name is ever linked to Dino, I'll know who blabbed. Got me?"
"It won't be me. You got my word on that," said Johnny. "You've got nerve and balls of steel to play it this close to the edge. I'm as close as I can stomach to be. Respect, man." He opened the door and left the casino.
"A stupid head is what I got." Luke began to re-open his hidden cache. "I underestimated Dino. That's what. The man's thinking of all the angles and I walked right into the corner he wanted me to." He took out thirty thousand dollars and two passport style pictures. "Time to get some new ID and think my way out of the corner." He closed the stash and got his coat.
"Sorry, Lulu, I'm going to finish Dino's deliveries and get out of town. It's safer for everyone that Luke Spencer disappear," muttered Luke.
Rap. Rap.
"Oh, god, who is it this time?" Luke opened the door. "Make an appointment will you?"
"Where's your secretary?" asked Robert stepping inside not giving Luke a chance to slam the door in his face. "My temper's cooled down. Let's talk."
"But you said-"
"I know what I said earlier. I meant it at the time."
"But?"
"I'm trying to build up good points with the universe in general. Leaving things that way between us didn't feel right to me," said Robert. He noticed the coat. "Going somewhere?"
"In a bit. It can wait. Sit down." Luke pushed his paperwork to the side away from Robert's line of vision.
Seeing a less hostile attitude from Luke, Robert relaxed. "From what I've gathered, Helena used the Nikolas and Laura card with you. As a father and your friend, I can understand why you did what you did. You couldn't risk your family."
"Helena did manipulate me but I should have told you. You have no idea how sorry I am. Losing Lucky that time ripped my world apart. I can't believe you haven't gone insane. Robin was your world," said Luke.
"About that, um, well, that's a story for another time."
"Ah, yeah, got it. Bad topic for you."
"That's one way to put it," said Robert. "You would have told me if you could, right?"
Luke looked Robert in the eye and said, "Yes. I would. Friends again?"
"I never stopped being your friend," said Robert.
Luke extended his hand. "Ditto."
Robert shook the offered hand. "Anna can stop with the you can't lose your best friend lines."
"It's like a sign that you're here. I've got something else to ... to get off my chest."
"What is it?"
"A cargo ship size load of bad karma," said Luke. "I don't think you can do anything about it but as a show of ... of contrition I'll tell you about it. It's like a Jerome thing and that pushes your buttons anyway."
Robert looked very interested. "Victor Jerome is dead. Any heirs are dead like Julian Jerome or whats-her-name Olivia St. John. I strongly suggest you don't mention that name around Anna."
"It's not Jerome exactly. He just reminds me of old school mobsters," said Luke mixing them some drinks.
"Who?"
"A new man moving into the territory. His name is Dino Venturi. He's the real deal. He's already got the old Carter people and territory under his belt. He's steadily gaining support across the country," said Luke. "The way people talk about Dino with respect and loyalty reminds me of how they used to talk about Victor Jerome. Victor made Frank Smith wet his pants for christ's sake."
"Other than the usual mob activities, what's in it for Venturi here?"
"There we come to the crux of the tale. I was asked what I knew about something in Sonny's possession - Lorenzo Alcazar's briefcase. Dino wants it badly," said Luke. "Based on what I think may be inside, it could tip the balance of the coming ruckus in Dino's favor. Reading between the lines of that gun running operation bust last year, I thought you might be interested."
"Your instincts are still spot on," said Robert.
"Thank you, sir."
"As you have repeatedly said, many have tried to bring Sonny down and no one has done it. You think Venturi can? Really?"
"I really do. He wants it. I saw it in his eyes, Robert. He's got the popular support, the money, the know how and the muscle. His enforcer scares me. I pegged him for a mercenary but the more I get to know him, the more I get that itchy feeling in the back of my neck that he's more than what he seems. He could take out Jason Morgan if it came to that and he wouldn't bat an eye and he's no flunky either."
The word mercenary tickled a long held suspicion in Robert's mind. "This, um, enforcer have a name?"
"Franjo or Frank. He goes by both."
"Describe him."
Luke described Franjo very thoroughly. Robert had no doubts that it was the same person.
"His full name is Franjo Curic," said Robert. "And he is as dangerous and capable as you think he is."
"He's one of your spooks?"
"No but I ... I trained him. He was one of my best students."
"Since when do you train mercenaries?"
"A lot's happened to both of us, Luke. We're not the same people. My own personal water under the bridge story you could say."
"Sounds like it. Wait a minute. If you know Franjo, then you know about Venturi. That's why you came back. It wasn't about the Cassadines."
"It's all becoming a big muddle at this point but let me make some things clear. One, I have no interest in mob goings on. Absolute zero. Second, I do have an interest in Alcazar's briefcase," said Robert. "Tell me about the briefcase."
Luke put Robert's drink on the desk. "Quid pro quo. You want information. You gotta take me in."
"Not my call alone."
"Talk to Irish. I can wait. Can you?"
"Do you have any idea how lumpy the sofa in my study is? My back still twinges when I think about it."
"Lay on that old Scorpio charm," said Luke. "It's going to be like the old days. Excitement. Danger. Adventure."
Robert stiffened. "Not quite."
"More rules. I get it. I can live with them after some ... practice."
"It's complicated, Spencer. It really, really is." Robert's phone buzzed. Carelessly, Robert activated the speakerphone.
"I can't get Anna and we have word on Faison and Sinclair. Andre wants to move fast," came Giles' voice.
"I'm on my way to the theater now. Fill me in on what you have when I get there." Robert put his phone back into his pocket and secured his coat. He gulped his drink down. "I probably needed that."
"Franjo and Faison? The mad doc Sinclair in the news? Sounds VERY complicated and utterly fascinating."
"I'll let you know about ... about Anna later. Take my advice, Luke. Keep away from Venturi and Franjo." With that Robert left the office.
"What did Helena say? That I didn't know Robert anymore. She may have been right," said Luke finishing off his drink. "What have you been up to, old friend? Sounds like you have more secrets than I do."
Luke shrugged on his coat. He would meet with Johnny and a very talented forger. Whatever happened with Robert, he had to be prepared. No decent con artist puts all his eggs in one basket.