Hooking for Trouble

By Gregory Chase, columnist

The story of The Hook has set Port Charles ablaze. In a matter of a few months, we've seen countless lives upended, and the lone question on everyone's mind is: Who? Who is doing this?

Who attacked Ava Cassadine while she was alone at the Quartermaine picnic, causing her young daughter agony? Who attacked Diane Miller while she was at Xtreme Motors, panicking those in the legal community? Who attacked Kristina Corinthos-Davis while she was staying at her boyfriend's apartment, which put said boyfriend through hell? And worst of all, who murdered Brando Corbin in the back alley of Charlie's Pub, leaving his family with nothing but grief?

A number of theories have surfaced from internet sleuths and official columnists alike, built off of circumstantial evidence and speculative rumors with dubious backing. It's important to note that a theory is just a theory, even if there's substance to it, and extending it any further causes unnecessary damage. We made a grave error the first time, and we hope to not make the same mistake here.

With that said, our staff has a new theory.

Trina Robinson's trial was the headline news of the summer, with thinkpieces and recollections alike being posted regarding the case. Thankfully, Ms. Robinson was acquitted, as the evidence against her was circumstantial at best and fabricated at worst. You'd be hard-pressed to find a citizen of our town genuinely convinced of her guilt, and it's just our luck that one person chose to be vocal about it: Esme Prince. I envy those of you who see her name and question who she is.

The people in Ava Cassadine's circle know just how much of a…nuisance Ms. Prince was to her, messing with the woman's family and friends. There were very few people who took a liking to her, and when it came to the cyber sex crime Trina Robinson was framed for, it was Ms. Prince who did the framing. Just look at how she handled the news of Ms. Robinson's acquittal, ranting about the "incorrect" verdict like she had a personal stake in the case, as if she was one of the victims. But if the true victims deny the defendant's guilt, what case do you really have? That question (and more) was asked and answered by none other than Ms. Miller.

Petty feuds and missed expectations color the backdrop of both women's attacks, but what about Mr. Corbin and Ms. Corinthos-Davis? We're seeking an answer and then some, and as more evidence is discovered, there's a solid chance we'll get just that. This case is still developing, and the end appears to be in sight. We can only hope we get there before someone else faces the sharp end of Ms. Prince's weapon of choice.

Sonny set the tablet down on his coffee table ever-so-slowly, his thoughts scattered all over the place. Nina took a seat next to him, two coffee mugs in each hand. He took one without a word while she picked up the device, scanning each and every word.

"Wow," she said.

"Esme Prince," Sonny remarked, "How did I not think of her?"

"I don't think anyone did until recently…"

"The…The feud with Ava, and what she did to Joss and Cam and…T-Trina-"

"Wasn't she in Europe when the verdict was announced? I remember Alexis putting out an article with a quote from her account."

"Seems like she came back," Sonny placed the mug down on the coffee table, getting to his feet.

"Sonny-"

"Of course it was her!" he yelled, "Of course she did this!"

"You didn't know-"

"I had no reason to suspect Dex. None."

"You suspected Dex? Why?"

"Alexis and Gregory…they had a theory that he did it, and I followed it. They connected all these dots to make it work, but the evidence wasn't there."

"Oh. Well, I'm sure Dex understands that you ran off of the information you had, right?"

"I've called to apologize plenty of times, and he hasn't picked up."

"Maybe he's still angry about it. Give him some time; he'll come around."

"Maybe…" Sonny pulled out his phone, dialing a phone number, "Maybe Kristina can get through to him."

The phone rang a few times before clicking on, "Hello?"

"Hi, sweetheart," the kingpin smiled, "how are you?"

"I'm doing well," Kristina replied, "How are you?"

"I'm good, I'm good. Is Dex there?"

"No, he's at home. He needed a day to recuperate from how you tortured him in the Pozzulo's freezer."

"He told you, huh?"

"Every single detail."

"I'm sorry-"

"I know. I love you, Dad, and I love how protective you are, but this was too far. You and Mom messed up royally."

"I know that. I've tried calling Dex and he hasn't answered. Do you think you can get him to call me back?"

"I don't know-"

"I just want him to know that I'm sorry, that's all. I regret what I did."

"I'm sure you do, Dad, but what you did was really extreme. He's not going to instantly forgive you."

"Do you?"

Silence hung between them, "...Look, I'll give him a call and see if he's open to talking, but no promises."

"Thank you, sweetheart. I love you, and I'll see you later, okay?"

"Love you too, Dad. Bye."

Kristina sighed as she stared at her phone screen, fixated on Dex's contact. She pressed on the phone icon and put the device to her ear.

"Krissy," Dex picked up immediately, his voice slightly groggy, "is everything okay?"

"Oh crap, did I wake you?" she answered.

"Uh…no! No, um, it's just the painkillers. They're really working overtime."

"It sounded like you were asleep-"

"I'm fine, baby, I promise. Are you okay?"

"...Yeah," Kristina sighed gently.

"Did you want me to come by?"

"No, um, I'm kind of calling you as a middleman."

"For who-" he cut himself off, "Oh."

"He says he's called you."

"He has. A lot."

"He just wants you to know he's sorry."

"Yeah, I've heard his voicemails. Does he expect me to call back and say that all is forgiven?"

"Between you and me, yes, but he's focused on you knowing how sorry he is."

"I'm not calling him today…but I could try tomorrow."

"Whatever works for you. Oh, but don't wait too long. He'll get angry all over again."

"I won't," Dex laughed, silent for a moment, "Hey, I'm getting another call. I'll see you tomorrow, okay? I love you."

"I love you too. See you tomorrow. Bye," Kristina smiled as the line went dead. There was a knock at the door as she put her phone on the stand to her right, "Come in."

"Kristina!" Avery rushed in cheerfully. The young woman grinned and pulled her into a hug.

"Hi, Avery," she cooed. The sound of heels by the doorway caught her attention, "Hi, Ava."

"Kristina," the elder woman smiled as she walked inside, dressed up in a long black pencil skirt and purple silk blouse, "It's nice to see you."

"When were you discharged?"

"Yesterday. Nina came to get me. How are you?"

"I'm fine. Recovery's going well."

"Has the rest of your family come by?"

"My parents have, most of my siblings have-"

"Most?"

"Michael and Willow said they'll come soon, and Joss…well…"

"Say no more," Ava raised a hand, "I get it."

"I'm glad you brought Avery by," Kristina looked down at her sister, "How are you?"

"Good!" Avery chirped, "Mommy's home and you're okay."

"Yeah! How's school going?"

"Good! I brought my rainbow owl in for show-and-tell!"

"Oh yeah? Did everyone love it?"

"They did," Avery flashed a toothy smile.

"Good! I'm glad," Kristina high-fived her.

"I'm glad you're okay, Krissy."

"That makes two of us," Ava cut in, taking a step forward, "Has Dex been by?"

"He has. Almost every day."

"Almost?"

"He's staying home today, still dealing with my dad's…overreaction."

"Oh, no, is he okay?"

"Yeah. According to him, the painkillers are really helping him out."

"What happened?"

"Just…Dad being way too overprotective and jumping to conclusions."

"Oh," Ava frowned, "well, at least Dex is out of there now, right? And Sonny knows that it's not him?"

"Yeah," Kristina sighed sadly, "I just wish it never happened to begin with. That man loves me; he'd never hurt me. Ever."

"Your faith in him is pretty high."

"He's worth the investment."

"I'm happy for you, Kristina," Ava smirked, her eyebrows curved up in admiration, "truly."

"Thank you."

Ava opened her mouth to speak, the sound of her phone rattling against her clutch cutting into the course of conversation. She dug the device out, swiping right, "Hello?"

"Ava?" Alexis's voice emerged from the static.

"Alexis," Kristina perked up as Ava looked her way, "hi."

"Where are you?"

"I'm at the hospital, visiting your daughter. Why?"

"I was wondering if you'd be able to stop by the Metro Court. My office, specifically. Nina told me you were discharged yesterday."

"I was, but why do you need to see me?"

"It has to do with the Hook. It's really important."

Ava sighed gently, "Okay. I'm on my way," she hung up and looked down at Kristina, "I have to go."

"What did my mom want?"

"It's about the Hook. She needs me for something."

"Probably some op-ed."

"Maybe."

"Well, don't let me stop you," Kristina gestured to the door. Ava reached a hand out towards Avery, "Actually, Ava, can she stay here for a little bit? I could really use the company."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

"Okay then," Ava bent down in front of her daughter, "Be good to your sister, okay? I'll come get you later."

"Okay, Mommy!" Avery beamed. Ava pulled her into a hug, exiting soon thereafter, her steps stern yet determined as she made her way to her car.

"I'm glad you're here. I want to apologize."

Dex crossed his arms, an eyebrow raised up as he sat across from Alexis. Her elbows rested on the flat surface of her desk, fingers intertwined with one another.

"For?" Dex asked.

"What you've endured as of late."

"Be more specific."

"What happened to Kristina, what I said to you at the hospital, what Sonny did-"

"You know about that?"

"Not in specific detail, no."

Dex didn't respond.

"The point is," Alexis began, "I was wrong to point the finger at you over evidence that was circumstantial at best. You mean a lot to Kristina, and the idea of you going after her-"

"Doesn't make sense and wouldn't ever actually happen?"

"...Yes," she sighed, "and for that, I'm sorry. You saw her in such a terrible condition, and you were clearly upset, and Sonny and I just made it worse for you."

"Worse," Dex lifted his arm, the slightly-duller red bruises on his wrist on display, "is an understatement. That man tortured me, and now I know it's because you gave him a reason to."

"I never intended for that to happen. Never. But it did, and I'm very sorry."

"I don't know what evidence you think you had, or if all that was a way to get your daughter and I to break up-"

"We ran off a theory. A weak theory, but a theory nonetheless. I respect your relationship with Kristina-"

"And Sonny doesn't."

"He was just looking out for her, and he grossly overreacted, to say the least."

"Yeah, I'll say."

"I really am sorry, Dex," Alexis frowned, "and if you'd let me, I want to make it up to you."

"I'll think about it," Dex replied as the office door behind him opened. He and Alexis watched Dante walk in, dressed in a tieless navy-black suit, "Detective Falconeri."

"Oh, Dex, you're here. Good," Dante approached Alexis, "Have you told him yet?"

"Told me what?"

"I want to wait until Ava gets here," Alexis answered, "This involves her too."

"Involves her how?"

"Good question, Dex," Ava chimed in as she stood in the doorway, "I have the same one."

"Glad you could make it," Alexis smiled as the woman took a seat next to Dex. Dante sat on the edge of the desk.

"Well, now that everyone's here," the detective began, "I need your help, both of you."

"In what way?" Ava questioned.

"The PCPD is looking to do a sting operation to catch the Hook, and based on the evidence we have, that person is Esme Prince."

"And…you want us to be decoys?" Dex raised an eyebrow.

"Would you be okay with that?"

"Are we sure that this person is Esme?" Ava's tone was full of skepticism.

"The motive checks out, Dex's description matches her build-" Alexis began.

"How does her motive check out, exactly?" Dex cut in.

"Well, Ava doesn't consider Esme a friend," Dante explained.

"That I do not," the woman nodded, "She's caused me and my family enough grief. Trina wouldn't call Esme a friend either, not after this whole trial fiasco."

"Which would tie into Diane being attacked, since she was Trina's attorney."

"Okay, sure, but what about Brando or Kristina? They have nothing to do with any of that."

"No, but they do have something to do with you."

Dex stared at the detective, "What did I do?"

"You saved my life," Ava remarked, "of which I am extremely grateful for."

"And Esme, likely, is not."

"So…what, you think she's been targeting me because I got in her way?"

"Correct."

Dex closed his mouth, settling in his seat. Ava rested a gentle hand on his arm, rubbing it. He gazed down towards the floor, unsure of how to respond.

"I hope you're not blaming yourself for this," Dante crossed his arms as Alexis spoke.

"How could I not?" he responded, his tone sharp, "Brando's dead because of me, Diane's in the hospital because of me, my girlfriend was attacked in my house because of me!" he stood up, "I left her there defenseless-"

"You didn't know Esme was stalking you. No one knew until now," Alexis replied, "She had her sights on Ava, and when you intervened, she set her sights on you."

"Hey, man," Dante said, bending down, "it's not your fault. We're just telling you what's going on. And we could really use your help."

"I'd be an idiot to not help you."

"That's one," the detective looked down at Ava, "And…?"

"Of course I'll help," she answered, "but I want to make sure neither Dex nor I get hurt in all this when we lure her out."

"I can cover us both," Dex said.

"And there will be plenty of officers hidden nearby. The last thing we want to happen is one or both of you in the hospital."

"Well…okay then," Ava stood up, a hand on Dex's shoulder, "We're in," she looked expectantly at Dante, "What's the plan?"