Elizabeth Webber's Residence on Lexington Avenue
CRACK! KA-RA-BOOM!
Precarious knick knacks fell over on their shelves. Against the walls, pictures rattled or fell to the floor. Every light in the house sputtered off.
Lucky ran from the couch to the window and peered outside. The tall utility pole on the far end of the street was on fire. "Looks like the transformer blew up. Lightning I think. Cam, go get the flashlights!"
"Okay, Daddy," said Cam scrambling off the couch and heading for a drawer under the television set.
The nearly two years old Jake pulled his fleece blanket over his head trying to drown out the noise and frightening shadows.
"The storm seems pretty bad," said Liz joining Lucky at the window. She spied more than one tree downed on their quiet residential street.
Cam handed one flashlight to Lucky. He kept the other one and headed back to the couch.
KA-RA-BOOM!
"Mommy!" wailed Jake.
"It's okay, Jakey. Don't be a scaredy cat," said Cam turning on the flashlight and pointing it at the shadows. "See, shadows go 'way."
Elizabeth rushed to sofa and took Jake in her arms. "It'll be over soon. Cover your ears, sweetie."
"I have to check out the basement," said Lucky heading out of the living room.
"Basement?" asked Elizabeth.
Lucky called back, "Lots of rain! We could get some flooding! I'm going to check the sump pump and turn off the gas lines."
"Kids, stay here. I'm going upstairs and check all the windows," said Elizabeth. "I'll be right back."
Outside, the winds increased. Strangely, all the dogs in the neighborhood seemed to be having an impromptu symphony full of deep, mournful howls and high-pitched, anxious barking.
KA-RA-BOOM!
Haunted Star
The casino boat bobbed violently in the churning waters. The incoming tide hit the boat straight on while storm tossed waves buffeted it from side to side causing the boat to collide with the dock repeatedly. An unsteady Closed sign was taped on the main window. Casino workers ran through the torrential rains to their cars.
"Dad! We have to go!" yelled Lulu barely keeping her balance as the boat leaned right then left then right again. Water droplets seeped in through port hole frames and dripped on to the soaking wet carpet.
"This is bad. She's taking on too much water! Gotta turn the pumps on in the bilge!" responded Luke. His pants were soaking wet from the knees down. "God knows if I remember how to do it. You go! Get home fast as you can!"
"I'm staying. You'll need help." Lulu changed direction and made her way to the bar. She retrieved a large toolbox from a lower shelf and put it on the counter top. She opened it and began to rummage through the box.
Luke slipped and fell to his knees. "I got this!"
"Sure you do, Dad. Listen. I watched engineers repair two of the pumps. They showed me how to turn them on and off."
Luke held on to the bar counter as the boat was lifted up a foot then no-so-gently descended again. "When was this?"
"Last year. You were out of town." Lulu lifted two wrenches, a hammer and pliers out of the box. Slowly, she made her way to the stairs leading to the lower levels of the boat. "You coming or not?"
Luke groaned. "Know-it-all children. Lead on, Cupcake! Show me what ya got!"
KA-RA-BOOM!
Port Charles Police Department
Emergency lights lit up the entrance hall and dispatch area. Detective Alvin Martinez manned the dispatch radio directing limited resources where they could be of most help. On the wall map of the city, colored pins indicated accidents and other issues caused by the weather.
Sergeant Jardane looked up from the phone as Captain Samantha Wells squelched in. Her canary yellow poncho dripped rain on the already wet floors. "Captain, you made it in."
"Barely. Trees are down everywhere. Every traffic light I passed was off or not working at all," said Wells. "How many have you been able to recall to duty?"
"Not as many as we need. Most are making their way here and clearing roads as they go. A handful are directing traffic at main intersections," said Jardane. "This storm really caught us with our shorts down, chief."
"Tell me about it. Nothing, absolutely NOTHING in the forecast about this," said Wells taking off her dripping poncho. "What about Fire? The hospitals? Sheriffs?"
"Fire departments report that they're handling things so far," said Alvin. "ERs at General and Mercy are filling up fast!"
"Sheriffs are overloaded with accidents with most related to lightning," added Jardane. "The police academy is sending out their senior class to various precincts to help out."
"Didn't the weather apocalypse start with weird weather like this?" asked Alvin. "Just saying."
"That's it! I am closing the archives until further notice. Obviously, I'm not delegating enough work to keep EVERYONE busy," said the Captain breezing past them on the way to her office.
KA-RA-BOOM!
Majestic Theater - Backstage
Alexis beamed seeing Kristina and Molly preening in front of two floor length mirrors. Her girls would grow up without the dark clouds that had filled her own journey from adolescence to young womanhood. As usual when she brooded about her childhood, the family tree she'd tried to ignore most of her life came into prominence.
Alexis' back stiffened and her chin lifted slightly. "I am Matriarch. I can tell Thanos to shove it where it don't shine if he messes with my girls." Personal zen restored, she strolled towards her girls and joined them in practicing their catwalk poses.
Morgana de Vries had indeed been a thorough teacher. All the Davis ladies had an extra bit of attitude in their body language and their postures had never been as straight as they were now. No matter how it had happened, they were Cassadines and they now knew what that truly meant. There were new expectations to meet and the Davis women were intent on not being found wanting by anyone least of all the newest addition to the family tree - Thanos D'Ercy.
"Mom, I'm thinking of going to a university in Europe. What do you think?" asked Kristina.
"That's pretty far. What happened to Yale or Princeton?" asked Alexis.
"Robin went to the Sorbonne didn't she?" said Molly. "She loved it!"
"Well, that's Robin. We're talking about your sister here," said Alexis. "Why Europe?"
"Nik's over there all the time. So is Uncle Thanos. It's not like I'll be completely on my own, Mom," pressed Kristina. "And Morgana, too. I'm sure she'd watch over me."
"You're really trying hard to sell this aren't you?" asked Alexis.
"I don't see anything wrong with embracing my Cassadine heritage. It's more fascinating than Dad's side of the family," said Kristina.
"You're just replacing guns and bullets with blades and poisons," retorted Alexis. "And let's not forget that Helena is still at large. She's been backed into a corner and she'll come out snarling. I don't want any of my girls anywhere near where she could be lurking."
"She's never bothered with us, Mom," said Molly. "We're insignificant to her."
"That was before she was disowned and her position given to me. She'll be beyond murderous when she finds out," countered Alexis. "You're both staying on this continent. End of discussion."
Haunted Star
Water oozed out of the seams of the bilge door. Luke gripped the metal door handle and positioned himself to give it a mighty heave. Beside him, Lulu looked on swaying to keep her balance on the tilting boat.
"Dad, I don't think this is a good idea," said Lulu eyeing the seeping water.
"Water coming out like that isn't good but we gotta be sure," said Luke. "Ready, one, two, three!"
The hatch came loose with a loud sucking sound. The two Spencers peered in and were confronted by brimming roiling murky water. Adjusting the pumps was a worthless exercise. The bilge was full.
"We're sinking!" exclaimed Lulu.
"She's stood up to worse storms than this! Just gotta get the pumps going! She'll be fine!" Luke moved to dive into the bilge.
Lulu grabbed his shoulders and pulled at him. "It's no use. We have to get off her!"
Just then the Star tilted violently to the left sending them hurtling into the far wall. Luke gasped as he saw a porthole completely underwater.
"Okay, let's get out. Come on," said Luke. He began to stagger to his feet then noticed that Lulu wasn't moving. "Lulu?"
Lulu lay still against the bulkhead. He rushed to her.
"Cupcake? Wake up!" cried Luke.
Winston School
In the darkness, a resisting body was dragged out of the gymnasium, through a side door marked Fire Exit and into a deserted hallway. Fingers closed over clumps of cloth. A skull was thumped none too gently against a metal locker. Intent eyes stared into frightened ones.
"I said apologize to Belle!" demanded Andrew as he gave the terrified student another shove.
"I … I'm s-s-sorry!" blubbered the teen Danny Carlin. "Sorry!"
Andrew let the boy go. "See how easy that was. Get far, far away now."
The teen ran off without a backward glance.
"That was not necessary," said Belle taking hold of Andrew's arm. She led him further down the hallway.
"He was rude."
"And you were worse."
"You like being called names?"
"Why stoop to his level?"
"He needed a little extra persuasion is all."
Belle narrowed her eyes and rounded on him. "You were staring at him a long time before the lights went out. Did you try some hypno thing?"
"Maybe a little bit but it was entirely reflexive. I was trying before I knew I was doing so," admitted Andrew.
"Oh, Andrew, you know better."
"It makes no difference. I was unable to reach him."
"You should have let it go."
"The next time an attempt is made to publicly ridicule you, I shall make it a point to turn the other cheek."
"I warned you I wasn't popular or friendly with the cool kids."
"That gives no one license to call you names or make comments behind your back," said Andrew. "You look wonderful and very sophisticated this evening. Haven't they've seen people dressed up before?"
"That's not it. It's me," said Belle. "I keep to myself in school. I don't accept invitations to go out with the others. I snub the prominent students every occasion I can. With my grades, I could push out the current class number one by next week. I made a few suggestions in some clubs I've joined that haven't been received well. And I turned in two popular students for trying to intimidate a scholarship student who they perceived to be of a lower social level."
"So?"
"Per the principal, I'm an unlikable, opinionated know-it-all upstart trouble maker. End of quote."
"Well, they don't know you well at all. You're likable enough."
"Thanks a lot!"
"You're welcome," said Andrew. "Why do you put up with this shabby treatment?"
"It's easier to let it slide than make a fuss," said Belle. "In a few years time, my peers will probably be working in one of my companies. Or one of yours."
"True."
"I'm trying to persuade Daddy to allow me to transfer to a public school. I think I can make a difference there," said Belle. "Or get lost in the sheer number of students. What bliss."
"You're not one to hide."
"I could so." Belle turned and began to walk slowly down the darkened school corridors by touch and memory.
Andrew dogged her heels. "Belle, where are we going?"
"Somewhere quiet before you blow up. Again," said Belle.
"I'm not programmed anymore. The likelihood that I'll take someone's head off is quite small."
"What do you call pressing someone against the wall?" countered Belle.
"Intimidation. Nothing more," said Andrew.
"You did the same thing with Agent Polk in the ambulance. I remember it exactly," said Belle. "You pushed him against the wall. You hypnotized him to stay calm then … then you killed him."
"If I could take it all back, I would," replied Andrew. "I'm sorry you had to see that. See me like that."
"Well, I did, Andrew. I still have nightmares about it."
"You don't have to be afraid of me. I'd never hurt you."
"I've said it before but you don't listen. I'm afraid FOR you, you idiot. For those around you."
"Oh," was all Andrew could manage.
"The change comes over you so fast. You don't even think about it."
"It was hasty. I admit it. But the persona is gone. I am in control," insisted Andrew. "I won't let myself go that far. Ever."
Belle looked shrewdly at Andrew. "Was it the persona who had Danny by the throat? Or was that all you?"
SLAM!
Nyssa and Agent Lowell came through the fire door at a run. Nyssa's men were right behind them.
"Andrew!" yelled Nyssa. "Belle?"
"We're fine!" said Andrew.
"Maybe you'll listen to her if not to me," said Belle under her breath.
"Far too many managing women in this family," muttered Andrew as he straightened his clothes. As Nyssa got closer, he could tell by her irate expression that he was going to get a dressing down later in private. He braced himself. "Um, Nyssa, sorry about that."
Nyssa stalked up to the pair. "Sorry?! Have you always been this … this careless, no, thoughtless of your security?"
"No, it … it was …" began Andrew.
"If so, I'm highly disappointed," said Nyssa.
Andrew bit his lip. "I said I was sorry."
"It seems we take your safely far more seriously than you do."
"That is not true!" said Andrew.
"It was my fault, Nyssa. I wanted to leave the gym," said Belle.
Nyssa studied Belle. "I've known Andrew longer than you have. I KNOW that no one makes him do something he doesn't want to. And that his temper often gets the best of him. I thought he'd outgrown that particular tendency." She turned to Andrew. "Well? Why the disappearing act?"
"My stupidity entirely. It shan't happen again," said Andrew meaning every word.
"We will discuss this later." Somewhat mollified, Nyssa turned away and pulled out her phone to give the all clear to CnC. Agent Lowell did the same with her team.
KA-RA-BOOM!
Haunted Star
CREAK! SQUEAK! CRASH!
The sounds echoed through the small room. The boat was holding her own against the battering waves but only barely.
Lulu's breathing was even but she made no movement. Luke could see a nasty lump forming on her left temple. Luke gently shook Lulu trying to wake her. "Sweetheart, wake up, please. Please!"
There was no movement. Not even a flicker of her eyes.
Luke glanced around them. The water was now lapping at his ankles. The boat had tilted right and stayed tilted. "Time to go!" He slipped his arms under his daughter's shoulders and legs and rose to his feet. With will power overriding the strain on his body, he carried Lulu up the stairs pausing every few steps to catch his breath.
KA-RA-BOOM!
He looked up to the heavens. "All right! You've made your point! Shut up already!"
Majestic Theater
Sean made his way to the bar and ordered a whisky neat. For the moment, whisky would have to do. He sat down next to Tracy who was finishing a martini.
Sean asked softly, "Is this a toast to success or sorrow?"
"Success," said Tracy just as softly. "Ashton was all ears about ELQ's problems."
"Good. The more vulnerable ELQ appears to be the better."
Tracy took a deep breath then said, "I'm not … not completely certain he would really do something."
"Is that the wife or the Quartermaine talking?" Sean turned around. He seemed to be looking out the tall lobby windows studying the raging storm outside. "When a hunter spies blood on the trail, he's going to be even more motivated to chase his target. I have no doubt that Ashton will take action. Whether it'll be directly or through others via the Cartel, we'll find out."
"I just want to know why, Sean," said Tracy. "I've read the report on ALL his activities. Three times. To be honest, I can't reconcile what I've read with the man I know. Not all of it anyway."
"You're trying to find a way to redeem him? I'm shocked. That's not your style, Tracy."
"No one is more surprised than me but I can't help how I feel. Yes, I want to tear him limb from limb but my gut and … and my heart tells me that there's more under the surface with him," said Tracy. "Maybe, I want to find something that isn't there. I don't know."
"For anyone, there's a point where redemption is … is impossible," said Sean. "No one can unmake another person's decisions." He looked at Tracy directly. "Are you going to be able to go through with this? Ignore your heart?"
Tracy's expression hardened. "Yes. I just want to understand. That's all."
Sean grinned. "That's what I like to hear."
"I don't have a choice," said Tracy with a touch of bitterness.
"I've found that choices are neither good or bad. It's the timing that matters most. Make a choice at the right time and you'll have more options that should lead to the results you want."
Tracy arched a brow. "How's YOUR timing, Sean?"
"Lately? Pretty lousy." Sean finished his drink. "Do you have any questions about the next step?"
Tracy turned her empty glass upside down on the bar counter. "Nope. I'm clear."
"One bit of advice. Think with your head not with your heart. It gets easier with practice. Eventually, if you get really good at this, you won't feel a thing."
Tracy snorted. "Liar."
Tracy slid off her bar stool and made her way to the auditorium. Sean ordered another whisky. A double.
KA-RA-BOOM!
Majestic Theater
Robert brooded in the box seat barely aware of the fashion show winding down to the final segment on the stage below him. In his mind, he went over and over the conversation he'd had with Sean. He wasn't too happy with himself for handling Sean so badly. That had not turned out as planned. Also unexpected was the chill that had run down his spine at Sean's cryptic prediction:
You're going to keep bumbling into things that you have no business being around. And you're going to drag Anna down with you. Someone will get hurt, maybe die. You'll have no one to blame but yourself.
"I started this and I'm the one to finish it before anyone else gets hurt. Can't get clearer than that," muttered Robert. "What's not clear is what you're not telling me-" He paused at hearing the swish of fabric coming from behind him.
Connie appeared at the entrance to the box. She was out of breath. "I have … something for Anna … but you'll have to do. I've given the first request to Lars. That sort of thing going to be a habit for you two?"
"The Korolevs are a special case not a habit. Thank you."
"I had to call in an old friend to get their paperwork through," said Connie.
"The ambassador?"
"We worked together in Berlin." At Robert's quizzical look, Connie added, "He has a soft spot for spies." She extricated a small but thick envelope out of her purse and gave it to Robert. "What I've got here is information on the Gem Group that Anna wanted."
Robert held up the envelope. "What strings come attached?"
"Nothing. It's not much. The Gems were before my time as a director. It's a minor department," said Connie. "I should warn you that the State Department is going to raise holy hell when they find out the real identities of your guests."
Robert grinned. "A day that I shall do my best to delay far into the future."
Connie's expression turned serious. "Robbie, level with me. How bad is it going to get?"
"What?" asked Robert.
"Ever since the DVX coup, I've had an itch in the back of my neck and really bad dreams with you front and center," said Connie. "It seems every time I turn around, you're upping the stakes. Poaching Bureau agents. Forming an organization with a fascinating roster. Staging a-"
"Eccentric not fascinating," put in Robert. "Good people every one."
"Saw a few face to face today. They're impressive and-" Connie gasped softly. "Oh, my god. You built yourself a bespoke spy group."
"I'm no tailor. My hems always come out crooked."
"Remember who you're talking to," warned Connie.
Robert rasped, "I know exactly who I'm talking to - a very smart lady."
"Why?"
"All kinds of reasons - family, security, revenge. Pick one." Robert's tone was playful but his visage was stern. His cold eyes bore into Connie's eyes. "And pick the right side while you're at it."
Connie took a step back startled. Then another step and another until the back of her knees hit a seat. Her heart thundered louder and louder as pieces of an enormous puzzle fell into place. She whispered, "You did it all. Everything. Your son. The machine. Your agency of eccentrics." Her lips thinned. "You used me. Used the Bureau. All to get at Faison. He's your target."
Robert clasped Connie's arms. "I protected my friends. Friends like you. The Bureau is the best it's ever been. Once Faison is gone, things will be even better."
"I can see it in your eyes. You really believe what you're saying," said Connie. "What happens when your agenda finds me inconvenient? Or the Bureau?"
"I don't abandon my friends," said Robert. He felt her stiffen. "I won't cross that line. You know I wouldn't."
"You will when it's the only option left. You've gone this far. Not even your friends will be able to stop you. I don't know what can." Connie shrugged off his hands and moved towards the door.
"Connie, please. I've said all the wrong things tonight and-" began Robert.
"Don't worry. I'll play the good soldier," said Connie. "Besides, you've kept all your promises so far."
"You can take that to the bank, luv."
"I've made promises, too, Robbie, and I've kept them with no conditions or demands."
Robert made to step towards his old flame but Connie held a hand up to keep him where he was. "I know that I've asked a lot of you and you've always delivered and-"
"I'll be your front at the Bureau. I'll keep to myself what secrets of yours I do know but I won't do favors for you. I'm not risking my career and more to advance your very personal vendetta. I won't let you use the Bureau's resources any longer. Understood?" asked Connie.
Robert nodded. "Yeah. Got it."
She paused at the door. She turned her face and looked at Robert. "Frisco believes you're the last of the incorruptible guys in the big white hats. Please don't shatter his illusions like you have mine. Goodbye, Robert." She left as quietly as she'd appeared.
Robert stood still and silent for a few minutes then said, "Two for two today, Scorpio. You're on one hell of a roll."
The show music changed abruptly from upbeat electronica to sinuous saxophone jazz. It was the last collection of the evening - the collection of Marcello di Baldo.
Majestic Theater - Writers Room
Mr. Hare watched the closed circuit monitors as they randomly displayed various parts of the theater's interior and exterior. On the couch, Augusta and Giles talked quietly.
Mr. Hare pressed a button and paused the display. He leaned towards the monitor. His eyes narrowed. "Giles, how may I take a picture?"
"See someone of … interest?" asked Augusta. She rose from the couch and came towards Hare. Giles trailed after her.
Mr. Hare pointed at a figure seated to the left of the runway. "Tell me if my eyes betray me."
"He has aged but it is him," said Augusta.
"Who is it?" asked Giles looking back and forth between his elders.
"The question is why he is here of all places." Augusta glanced at Mr. Hare. "We made sure no one knew my plans in any detail."
"No one knew. He must have a purpose. A reason to interest our King surely," replied Mr. Hare.
Giles tapped a series of commands on the keyboard and used the mouse to circle the mystery man on the screen. A few seconds later, a series of letters appeared identifying the figure as : Philip Coughlin, former consul general of Vladivostok.
"If one is here, are there others?" asked Mr. Hare. His eyes began to study all the other faces on the screen.
"It could be a coincidence," said Augusta.
"He escorted the director of the World Security Bureau," said Giles.
"Was he originally invited?"
"No. He was not on the invite list. I'm sure of that."
"Not a coincidence then," said Augusta.
"What do you mean?" asked Giles. "Is he dangerous to our operation? An old dog with still healthy teeth?"
The two elders remained silent sharing a series of meaningful glances between them.
"I shall take that as confirmation. I'll return with a picture, Mr. Hare." Giles left the room.
"Has the Committee awoken from its greedy slumber?" asked Mr. Hare.
"I suspect the dissolution of the DVX was prod enough," said Augusta.
"If their Chairman is cultivating their warriors of old it must be so." Mr. Hare let out a rare grin. "Good. The Game has been quiet for too long."
Augusta sighed. "If it must start again so be it."
Mr. Hare's voice softened. "The King's alliances have made us stronger. We are better prepared to counter attack and defend. We will not be revisiting the sacrifices of the past, Augusta."
"I hope not, Conrad. I could not bear it again," whispered Augusta. "We must win this time. Decisively."
Mr. Hare made a small bow and said, "Then we shall."
Giles entered and gave a photographic printout to Mr. Hare. "Am I to assume that the Ambassador is part of the Game?"
"He is your uncle's counterpart on the Committee," said Augusta.
"My Queen!" objected Mr. Hare.
"Giles must know," said Augusta.
"Are you certain?" asked Giles.
"Quite," said Mr. Hare. "I never forget a face." Hare began to walk towards the door.
"Hare?" inquired Augusta.
Mr. Hare called back, "I must know why he is here. I shall be most careful, my Queen." He shut the door behind him.
"I never mistook him for the impulsive type," said Giles.
"Our Hare has cause to be concerned but you do not. You shall steer clear of the ambassador," said Augusta.
"Of course."
"He must not mark you as being associated with the Court. I want your word, Giles," insisted Augusta.
"Yes, Aunt Augusta, my word," said Giles.
Haunted Star
The vicious winds buffeted Luke as he navigated the gangplank with Lulu in his arms. A few minutes earlier, she had stirred and said his name before passing out again. The single word had given him the strength to get them to the top deck and off the boat.
Luke lay Lulu on the sidewalk half cradling her in his arms. "We're out, baby. We're going to be okay."
CRASH!
A massive wave slammed against the side of the stricken boat. To Luke's horror, he saw wood beams floating away in the wake of the receding wave. One side of the Haunted Star was completely exposed to the unforgiving elements. The boat listed further at an angle.
"Hold on, old girl! Mother Nature's just having a tantrum!" Luke punched 911 on his cell phone. "Hello! Hello!"
SHARATAK!
A lightning bolt set the night air sizzling with electricity hitting the boat's topmost deck. Lulu's eyes fluttered open just as flames erupted out the wounded Star's decks.
BOOM!
Dark, acrid smoke plumes rose into the air from the boat. The pelting rain had no effect as the flames raged on devouring more and more of the vessel.
Luke's eyes widened with shock and mounting despair. The Star was breaking up and falling into the harbor. It was taking his hard-won stash with it. And there was the matter of Dino's shipment on board. What was he going to do about that?
"D-d-dad?" said Lulu.
Luke held her closer to him but his gaze remained on the boat. "I'm here."
"It's … it's hot. Need to get … get away." Lulu got up on unsteady legs.
Luke hardly felt the rain and heat on his face. He was turning numb. "I … I've lost. Everything."
His cell phone squawked, "This is 911. Do you need an ambulance? Hello? Anyone there? Hello?"