Villa Scorpio
For the second time in the last half hour, Vincent passed the plate of sausages to Robin. She speared two sausages and placed them on her half empty plate. With her other hand, Robin stirred a small mountain of scrambled eggs with her fork.
"Um, really hungry there, luv," noted Robert.
"Stupid hormones," replied Robin.
"What was that? Hormones?" asked Robert.
Robin covered her gaffe. "The food is too delicious to be ignored. Stimulates the appetite."
"You should eat. You will forget lunch when you are in the lab," added Vincent.
"You could use to gain some weight, sweetheart," said Anna taking a seat with Emma in her arms. Robert took Emma and settled her in the crook of his left arm. "Here she is. Fed, changed and ready for the day. Has Patrick called?"
"He's working most of today. I think we know why." Robert glanced at Anna. "Judy called. She'll be an hour late." He rocked Emma. "I should be able to handle an extra hour solo."
Robin tried not to stare at Emma but it was nearly impossible. Her eyes were drawn to her like steel filings to a magnet. Vincent noticed her staring then looking away.
Anna poured herself some fresh coffee. She looked longingly at the fresh-baked scones in the bread basket. Her hand reached out for a scone then she pulled back. "I have to be at the theater by noon."
Robin kept her gaze away from Emma who was busy gnawing at her small fists. Averting her eyes only solved half of the problem. Robert kept his granddaughter gurgling happily by rocking and playing with her. The sounds of a happy baby and doting grandparent assaulted the high walls she had placed around her heart where Emma was concerned. She had been the symbol of the woman who had taken her life away. But facing the reality in front of her, Robin couldn't see anything but a baby that spread joy and love to everyone around her. How could she hate that?
Robin noticed the positive effect that Emma had on her parents. She wasn't surprised by the rapport between young and old. Her parents' protective streak masked deep parental instincts. Their conversation about the day's agenda was peppered with baby talk. Each time her mother reached out to touch Emma her expression softened and relaxed. Emma drew out her father's natural playfulness without effort. The baby was probably the best therapy he could have received for his post traumatic stress disorder.
Hearing about her parents' acceptance of this innocent baby was one thing. Seeing them with her convinced Robin once and for all of their absolute commitment. Emma was their grandchild and nothing would ever change that. She wondered what Emma would be to her?
"Why that early? The show isn't until six," said Robert pushing the jam plate closer to his wife. He noticed Emma shoving a fist into her mouth. "You sure she's not hungry?"
"Don't be such a soft touch, Grandpa. She had a full bottle. She's just exploring and her hands are handy." Anna's eyes went to the jam then to the scone. She sighed before reaching for a scone. "My list of ... instructions mandate when my presence is needed." She slathered jam on the scone. "I shouldn't even be eating breakfast."
Robert rolled his eyes. "You look great. A scone won't make a difference."
"Robin, pass the eggs," said Vincent. "Robin?"
His voice broke her reverie. Robin reached for the eggs and passed it on. She felt Vincent take her hand under the table.
"Don't forget to check up on Andrew. He's been too ... quiet," said Anna. "He's up to something."
Robert chuckled. "He's been doing research and practicing. That's all. Don't be paranoid."
"Practicing what?"
"Off the top of my head I would say conversational gambits for a teen audience. Chit chat stuff," said Robert.
The oddness of the topic caught Robin's attention. "What? Why?"
"Your brother follows a pattern of research and preparation when facing an unfamiliar situation like the dance tonight," said Robert.
"He doesn't seem to have problems being social to me."
"He's fine around family. He's known most of the staff for years," explained Robert. "With others, he fakes it most of the time."
"I'm only just beginning to learn all of Andrew's little tells," added Anna. "He doesn't give much away."
"Defensive mechanism. Give him lots of time. That's the best and only strategy," said Robert. He placed a plate of sausages by Anna's place. "Food will help keep your temper down."
"That's you not me," said Anna with mock reproof but took a sausage anyway.
Robert offered the plate to Robin. "Sweetheart, have some more."
"I'm fine. I have to get working in the lab," said Robin getting to her feet. "Happy babysitting, Dad!"
Anna gasped. Her expression of guilt increased as she looked from Robin to Emma and back to Robin. "Oh, god, you haven't met Emma."
"Eh, ah, oops," said Robert.
"We are so sorry," said Anna hurriedly. "This isn't how the introduction should have gone."
It's fine,Mom, really," insisted Robin. "She's adorable and you love her."
"But-" began Anna.
"Don't worry about me. That's Vincent's job." Robin grinned at Vincent before looking at her parents. "Besides you have your hands full with Andrew and the baby. I don't have a problem with anything. And if ... if there are problems then it's on my end. Not yours. And the ... not Emma's."
Silently, Robert and Anna watched Robin and Vincent leave the loggia.
"That went well. Not," said Robert.
"So very not," added Anna. "How do we make it easier for her?"
"I don't know. We should just play it by ear." As if sensing Robert's distress, Emma began to cry. He pulled her closer to his body and soothed her.
"What's the tune playing?" asked Anna.
"That's up to Robin," said Robert softly.
Wyndemere
With an imperious wave of her hand, Morgana dismissed the men and took command of the main salon. Her personal assistant and butler had prepared her favorite meals and arranged the salon to her exacting requirements. Kristina and Molly accepted glasses of lemonade and made themselves comfortable on the couch. Consciously or unconsciously, Alexis kept a good distance between herself and Morgana.
Morgana closed the sliding doors and clicked the lock on. She picked up two pieces of folded white clothes that lay on the sofa. She turned towards Alexis who looked ready to bolt. "Strip and put these on."
"What? I don't think so. I'm perfectly comfortable," said Alexis as she crossed her arms about her.
"Clothes do influence our image to an extent. When learning something new, it is best to be as blank a slate as possible," said Morgana. She unfolded the clothes. "This tunic and half robe
"Like I said, I'm fine in my suit. It won't affect the lesson. I assure you."
"Do you know what your clothes say to me?"
"Professional, capable and not one to mess with," replied Alexis.
Morgana countered with, "Risk averse, lacking in true innate confidence and unwilling to dream big dreams. You use words like a soldier his sword. Your clothes and demeanor are your shields. Are you not tired of the same tactics? Of hiding your vibrant self beneath limitations you've imposed on yourself?"
Alexis remained silent. How did this woman read her so well?
"I am here to give you what you lack - new tools and true knowledge. How you use these gifts is ultimately up to you and, despite Thanos' actions, the choice is still yours, Alexis. Shall we begin or shall we end?"
Alexis made eye contact with Morgana. With a defiant jut of her chin, Alexis removed her suit jacket. "You better be good."
Morgana's silent reply was an arched brow. On the couch, the sisters exchanged high fives.
Temple Court - Donely Penthouse
Sean entered the kitchen to find Tiffany and Belle starting on breakfast. He kissed Belle on the cheek. Sean approached Tiffany for a kiss but Tiffany stood up on the pretense of getting his toast from the toaster.
Sean put up a good front. "Sweetheart, everything ready for the dance? How're you feeling?"
Belle said quickly, "I just want it to be over."
"Belle!" chided Tiffany. "I did something wrong with you. I know I did. You should be over the moon giddy!"
"Your mother's right. This is your first dance. It's okay to be excited," said Sean. "You do want to go don't you?"
Belle poured more cereal into her bowl. "Yes. It'll change things. I hope."
"Change what?" asked Tiffany. She eyed her daughter. There was something almost sad about Belle. "Problems at school?"
"Some teasing. Jokes," replied her daughter.
"What?! I want names!" demanded Tiffany. "Didn't you check out the parents, Sean?"
Sean's voice became deceptively gentle when he asked, "Teasing or bullying? You can tell us anything. You know you can."
Tiffany gasped in outrage. "That's it! I'm pulling you out of that school."
Belle groaned. Being an only child had its advantages but her parents were terrifyingly singular in their focus where her safety and wellbeing were concerned. She had learned early that she had to be careful how she aimed her parents. They were both the type to take no prisoners and ask few questions.
"It's nothing like that, Daddy," said Belle.
"No bullying? None?" asked Sean emphasizing each word and looking directly at his daughter.
Belle return her father's gaze. "Zero."
Sean released the breath he hadn't been aware of holding. He began to fill his plate with breakfast.
Tiffany poured coffee into Sean's mug. "Then what's this teasing about?"
"Silly things, Mama."
"Out with it, sugarplum." The look in her mother's eye brooked no further evasions.
"They call me a nerd, a geek because I like math and I'm in the chess club," said Belle. "And ... and ice bitch."
"Oh my god, why?!"
"Because I don't join the cliques or gossip and I don't talk about Andrew. Not as much as they want to anyway. I don't talk to them. Period."
"That's hardly a good reason to call you that horrible name," said Tiffany.
"I'm missing something. How does Andrew fit in this?" asked Sean.
"Remember when Emma was kidnapped and the tabloids had all the articles about Andrew and me at the coffee shop? The girls in my class and their older sisters and mothers want to know stuff about him and ... and me," said Belle. "I got tired of listening to their questions. I ignore it most of the time."
Tiffany looked at Sean. "You were right."
"Andrew is a public figure. Gossip and tabloids are inevitable," said Sean. "Honey, you know the best way to solve your problem."
Belle's expression turned serious. "That's not an option."
Realizing that the more he pushed Belle to distance herself away from Andrew and all things Scorpio the more determined she became to get closer, Sean waved a mental white flag of surrender. He took a big gulp of coffee. "I'll try to remember that."
"Going with Andrew to the dance will only fan the flames," said Tiffany.
"But if they get to meet him then their curiosity will be satisfied. At least they'll stop bothering me," said Belle. "The girls will be all over him."
"That's one kind of strategy," said Sean. "I guess."
"Andrew doesn't open up to strangers, Belle," advised Tiffany. Her breakfast lay forgotten. "Remember that brief about Aspergers?"
"Yes, Mama. Once the girls see that he's nothing like the boys at school, they'll lose interest," said Belle.
"I don't know about that. The strong, silent types with deep pockets are always attractive no matter the age," said Tiffany.
"Like me, honey?" asked Sean with a lift of his eyebrows.
"I said silent not secretive," replied Tiffany.
Sean got the message. His wife was still mad at him and her ire would not be deflected this time.
Belle missed the tension between her parents. Cheerfully, she said, "My plan will work. You'll see."
Villa Scorpio
Robert handed Emma to her regular morning nanny Judy. With Emma in good hands, Robert stood in the loggia trying to decide who he would see to first - Anna or Andrew. The decision was taken out of his hands by Giles coming over to him. His limp was nearly gone.
"Robert, I have good news," said Giles.
"I thought you were working at the bookstore for the rest of the week," said Robert.
"I was but I got a surprise." Giles held up his IPhone. "This came through one of my airport cams. I've erased any record of it that SIMON has."
Robert watched Augusta's not so vague message. "This is GOOD news?"
"Obviously, they've reached a decision," said GIles.
"I would have preferred a phone call or an email," said Robert.
Giles smiled. "I'm volunteering as your liaison to the lady."
"She may not accept a third party."
"She does know me on sight."
"You know her?" asked Robert completely surprised.
"Jacques took me to a few meetings."
"Naturally," said Robert. "Meet with her and find out what her business is in town."
"Understood." Giles turned to leave but Robert called to him.
"Giles, what else are you, Heloise and Andre not telling me about the King's court?" asked Robert.
"Only those things we cannot yet tell you per Jacques' final request," said Giles. "We have to trust that Jacques knew what he was doing."
"I find it hard to trust someone that I know less and less about," said Robert.
"In the years I served as his bodyguard, I never found Jacques keeping information to himself for his own personal advantage. His reasonings were always influenced by the effects on others," said Giles. "Information can be dangerous. We in the Club share the risks and protect each other in our own ways."
"By keeping secrets?"
"Jacques always intended to train you himself but time ran out. His request is his way of training you from the grave. That is the way I see it," said Giles. "Try to see it in the same light."
"I don't like being kept in the dark, Giles. It brings out the worse in me."
"I understand. May I suggest you channel it in a positive manner."
"You mean like resisting the urge to strangle you?" asked Robert.
"You dare answer to Heloise for that?" asked Giles.
Robert laughed. "You're not worth it. Go, deliver the message."
Haunted Star Casino
Knock! Knock!
Luke looked up from his careful counting of his bearer bonds. "Who is it?" He gathered the bonds together and put them into his desk drawer.
"Lucky," came the voice from the other side.
Luke rose and opened the door. "Hey, cowboy. Here for lunch?"
"No. I'm having lunch later at the house, um, Liz's house, with the kids," said Lucky. "I wanted to pick your brain on something kinda on the down low."
"Is this official cop work?"
"Think of it as increasing my personal knowledge of the criminal world," said Lucky with a crooked grin.
Luke had never been able to deny his son anything when he flashed that grin. Not that he'd ever told Lucky about this particular weakness. He gestured at the couch. "Have a seat. You want a lemonade or a soda?"
"A beer please," said Lucky.
"You're on duty, detective!"
"I won't tell anyone."
Luke returned with a cold beer and a mug. "Here you go. What's on your mind?"
Lucky poured emptied the beer into the mug before saying, "I want to know what you can tell me about the drug distribution system in the city."
Luke sucked in a long breath. He sat straighter in his chair. "You have your own informers on the docks. Spread the money a bit and I'm sure they'll tell you what they know or find out for you."
"I've got a case and the more information I've got to work with the better. You know what you say stays between us."
"Be careful where you poke around. You're a cop with young kids and my son. That's three strikes," said Luke.
"I want context, Dad. A history lesson about stuff that's not in the reports and files," said Lucky.
"I've told you enough stories to fill a file cabinet. What more do you want to know?"
"I'm doing analysis on cases involving a new street drug called Fly. Traditionally, the Zaccharas have ownership of the drug side but Fly doesn't follow their usual modus operandi."
Luke cleared his throat. "Um, what was that again? Fly?"
"That's the slang name, yeah," said Lucky. "Have you heard about it?"
"About Fly, um, no," said Luke. "You doing the undercover bit?"
"I'm glued to the station for a while making a computer program to do the analysis." Lucky drank his beer.
"Desk monkey work?"
"Police work isn't always exciting, Dad."
"I thought that's what you were looking for. Excitement."
"I was confusing excitement with making an impact. Sometimes the ones behind the scenes can have the most influence," said Lucky. "So, you haven't heard any gossip about Fly or a new boutique drug that's becoming a status high?"
Luke shook his head. "Tell me what you got. It might jog my memory."
Lucky told his father a heavily abbreviated version of what he knew about Fly. "Fly isn't sold on the street. It's distributed through pharmacies. I was thinking that maybe the Zaccharas were getting more sophisticated. Do you think they have the resources to make counterfeit drugs?"
"I stay away from that side of the street," said Luke. "What does Fly have to do with counterfeits?"
"Fly comes in pill form that's made to look like real drugs. We're thinking that Fly comes into town in a raw form then it's manufactured into pills. Once they're ready, they enter the pharmacy somehow. Customers get prescriptions and somehow the pharmacy knows it's for Fly."
"That sounds like a lot of speculation."
"That's why I'm doing the analysis," said Lucky.
"Sorry I can't help you. I don't know anything about a pharmacy network."
Lucky sighed. "It was worth a try." He finished his beer and stood up. "I don't want to be late for lunch." He reached into his coat and took out a heart-shaped candy in lilac that said 'Hug me'. He placed it in front of his father. "Here. Happy Valentines Day, Dad."
Luke looked at his son with eyes full of pride and love. "I love you, Cowboy. More than you know."
Venturi Residence, outside Port Charles
"This is a novel experience. Hiding out in suburbia," commented Arielle as she looked out into the back lawn and its carpet of snow.
"It's a good one. I understand now why you and your brother thought so highly of Franjo. He's extremely competent," said Dino coming up behind Arielle.
"And loyal," added Arielle. "That's a rare quality these days."
"I couldn't agree more." Dino curled a lock of her hair around his finger. "I have plans for us. Later."
Arielle shot him a sultry look. "You're spoiling me."
"It must be hard for you to be restricted to this place."
"I do what I have to. There is nothing of interest to me here anyway. I'd rather stay in believe me," said Arielle. "We do have a lot of work to do."
"Ah, you got a message?" asked Dino.
"A request for Franjo's expertise actually," said Arielle. "The ladies request surveillance on Robin Scorpio and any information turned over."
"That's all? Watch duty?" asked Dino. "You know I want to steer clear of the Scorpios. It's early days. I'm not ready to face them."
"It's routine. She can hardly move off the Villa can she?"
"A goldfish in a very small bowl."
"Exactly. Where is Franjo?" asked Arielle.
"He's on personal time. He'll be back at three."
"Hmm, he must have a lady friend if he's taking his time off," said Arielle. "He's usually so single-minded."
"He says he keeps personal and professional separate. I trust him," said Dino. "Go upstairs and pack a bag."
Arielle smiled. "I like the sound of that. Where are we going?"
"A few days away in Manhattan," said Dino. "Does that meet with your approval?"
"Yes. Thank you."
"I want to take advantage of the down time here. It's going to get very hectic very soon. We need to rest and prepare," said Dino.
Villa Scorpio
Robert stuck his head into Andrew's bedroom. "Son?"
"Wait," came Andrew's reply from his bathroom.
Robert sat on the edge of the bed. With one hand, he scratched a spot behind Prospero's ear that had the dog craning his neck towards him. He scanned the room. Andrew's shoes lay gleaming on the floor beside his feet. Atop a pile of papers and notebooks on his son's desk was a beautiful wrist corsage inside a clear case. "How are preparations going?"
Anna's voice came from the hallway. "Boys?"
Robert replied, "In here."
Andrew's bedroom door opened and Anna stepped through. "I'm leaving for the theater but I wanted to check on Andrew."
"Of course you do," said Robert.
"I would go check on Robin but I'm the last person she'd want to see," said Anna.
"You don't know that."
"Don't I? We have to do something about her. I just don't know what." Anna ran a hand through her already disheveled hair. "Any ideas?"
Robert straightened the collar of Anna's coat. "What happened earlier wasn't anyone's fault."
"She sounded strange. She has to open up. How can we help her if she doesn't?"
"We have to go at her pace. That's what you say but not what you do," said Robert.
Wife glared at husband knowing he was right. Husband said nothing knowing he shouldn't.
Dressed in his tuxedo and neatly groomed, Andrew padded in on sock feet. "What happened earlier?"
Anna turned and nearly let out a sigh studying Andrew from head to toe.
"Robin met Emma," answered Robert.
"It had to be better than her meeting Patrick," said Andrew. He walked over to his bed, sat down and began to put his shoes on using a shoehorn. "That was awkward."
"You carry a suit so well," said Anna in full maternal mode.
"Isn't it too early to be dressed?" asked Robert.
"I don't want to be late," replied Andrew.
"You won't be. It's hours to go yet," said Robert.
"Change in plans. I'm going to the Court now and wait there," said Andrew.
Anna's hand grazed Andrew's collar. "Oh, you got a trim without any prompting from me."
"I will not cause Belle any embarrassment tonight. My appearance is the easiest thing to fix," said Andrew.
"I see and I approve," murmured Anna.
"I shall be the perfect escort. I shan't leave her side nor dance with anyone else. I shall get her punch and food. We'll talk about anything she wants to talk about no matter how onerous for me," said Andrew.
"And you've decided on these rules based on research?" asked Robert. "We never did get to the social polishing bit I talked about."
"I studied several definitive sources," said Andrew.
Anna picked up the corsage. Instead of the usual arrangement of one large flower in the center surrounded by smaller buds and decorations, Belle's corsage was composed of three medium-sized Australian wild flowers in a triangle formation in varying hues of red. Smaller flowers, leaves and bits of silk and tulle circled the centerpiece. It was simple and elegant. She was sure that Belle would love it. "This turned out beautifully, darling."
"Thank you, Mum. Like my bow tie and cummerbund, the floral color scheme is designed to complement Belle's dress color," said Andrew getting to his feet. "There will be no fashion clash tonight."
Across Robert's mind flashed several visions of likely events at the dance. "Um, son, ah, we need to talk ... um, about these sources of yours."
Anna said, "You've gone to some effort. I know Belle will appreciate it."
"She's a good friend. It wasn't too much," said Andrew.
"It's very thoughtful," said Anna.
Robert began to say, "Andrew, we need to talk ..."
Beep. Beep.
Andrew turned off the alarm on his watch. "I have to keep to schedule, Father. We can talk tomorrow." He patted Prospero on the head. "Be good."
Anna kissed her son on the cheek. "Being early is the right thing to do. Enjoy the dance."
Andrew picked up his long overcoat from his bed. "My mission is to make sure Belle has a good time in front of her peers. Show them their opinion of her is completely wrong." He left the bedroom calling out. "Later 'rents!"
"Later 'rents? Parents? Where did that come from?" asked Robert. His palm descended to the level of his waist. "I got him a suit when he was ten you know. He was so cute."
Anna faced Robert and drew closer to him. "He's growing up."
"I know that but does he?" asked Robert.
"I am going to take my own advice. I'm going to let Andrew set his own pace."
"All the stuff he's doing is stuff you'd do on a ... on a ... you know."
Anna wound her arms around Robert's waist. "Tonight is for a close friend not a date."
"If he ever hurts her, I'd have to let Sean take a piece of him."
"Let's not get ahead of the story. It may never go there."
Robert's voice roughened. "He's a lot like you in the love and heart department. I don't want him to fall in love and then crash too fast, too hard, like we did."
"We turned out all right."
Robert stroked her back. "Only after several trips to hell and back."
"As long as he has a friend with him on the journey, it won't be all bad," said Anna.
"They are very loyal to each other," said Robert.
"To an almost scary degree."
"Andrew has had no friends his age until Belle. I can't deny that they're good for each other."
"Then stop worrying," said Anna.
Robert placed a kiss on the tip of Anna's nose. "Fine. But I'm going to make sure his team have video on him all night long. No exceptions."