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When Cassadines Fall
Prologue
Nik looks up from the front gate to Wyndemere Lite. A few short months ago it had been a painted victorian lady fallen on hard times, in the midst of a neighborhood that had fallen on harder times. The only plus other than potential is the little theater down the street that had come under the interest of Lila Quartermaine. She'd refurbished the theater and brought the arts back to this part of town. Little by little the neighborhood was trying to pull itself out and back to the prime real estate it had been at the turn of the last century. He hadn't been the first one on the block to refurbish one of the hulks but because of the resources of the Cassadine he'd been the most efficient.
The front gate is just the latest development. For as long as the project was under construction the iron fence had been a solid line to keep the lookylu's out. But the construction was complete now, sure, there is landscaping still to done but that would have to wait until spring. "I told Larry the lions were too much." Nik mutters to himself as he enters the new gate in the fence. A gate guarded by a pair of stone lions. He has no worries about parking his jag on the street despite the neighborhood. Maddy had found a local kid, the local entrepenuer and worked out a protection deal for the house and the jag. The kid kept an eye on the place in return for financial compensation.
A week ago he'd been ready to burn the place to the ground. The house was suppose to be a surprise gift to his bride. Emily. But the surprise had been his. While he'd been making plans for a future with her, she'd been falling in love with another guy-- Johnny Cook. Emily had decided that she and Nik were just friends, good friends, best friends but only friends. It's his own damn fault. Falling back on his Cassadine roots he'd been plotting and scheming to make everything perfect, to make the perfect setting for the perfect girl and never informed her of his intent. He can't blame her for living her life, for going her own way. It's not like he had informed her or hinted as to his intentions. "The hell I can't." Nik complains bitterly.
Title suggestions....
Captive Cassadine
The Cagey Cassadine.
Call of the Cassadine.
Sex and Candy (although that might be a better chapter title)
The Cassadine Caper
A Cassadine Challenge
Trick or Treat
Strolling up the walk to the front door, Nik takes in the differences each day could make. Maddy had been hard at work for the party that was planned for tonight. The invitations had gone out before his plans had fallen apart. Every day there were a few differences in the house. He and Larry had taken this place apart and put it back together better than new. Maddy and Larry's partner, a designer, had taken a house and made a home out of it. The walk is lined with low lights in halloween decorated containers. The door is half covered with a fall wreath with little doodad thingies to bring in the halloween theme to the door.
Nik lets himself in and inhales deeply. The house is a potpurri of scents: beeswax, lemon oil.... He frowns. ...And cinnamon? "Maddy?"
"Master Nikolas." Mrs Lansbury, his uncle's housekeeper comes out of the kitchen wiping her hands on a towel.
"Where's Maddy?"
"Miss Madeliene had some errands to run before the party." Mrs Lansbury says softly. Miss Maddy had been avoiding Master Nikolas goodness knows why. It had been going on for a week. Ever since the party over at Wyndermere for Ms Alexis and her new husband Ned Ashton. "She called over to Wyndemere wondering if I would come over to take deliveries."
"Deliveries? What's left?" Nikolas looks around. The entryway is polished to a high sheen on the dark wood. The grandfather clock and entry way table look like they'd been there for decades. Nik walks into the living room. The drapes hadn't been there when he left for the hospital this morning but everything else looked the same.
"The Caterers for the party will be arriving any time to start getting set up. And she said there was a...." Mrs L frowns. "...a DJ? coming who would need to set up as well. The decorator is going to come by and take pictures for some magazine and guild function he was hyperventilating over."
"He and Larry were both invited to the party tonight." Nik says absently. "I guess my uncle is over on the island. I didn't see him at the hospital today."
"Actually, sir, he's in the library." Mrs L. points to a closed door.
"He's here?"
"Miss Madeliene put him in charge of putting together the library." Mrs L allows herself a small grin. "Actually she put him in charge of books and threatened to withhold their next chess game if he touched anything else."
"Sounds like Maddy." Nik laughs. "I'll get out of your hair and see what he is up to."
"Your costume arrived and I pressed it and put it in your rooms."
"My costume?" Nik turns back to looks at her.
"I guess Miss Madeliene didn't tell you. This housewarming is a costume party." Mrs L beats a strategic retreat.
Nikolas walks into the library where Stefan is lovingly organizing and shelving books. There are crates still on the floor. The books had been sent from Greece or brought over from Wyndemere. "Did you know that Maddy decided to make this a costume party?"
Stefan doesn't look back from what he is doing. "She mentioned it yesterday. When she informed me of what I would be wearing to this function."
"She didn't mention it to me."
"An oversight I'm sure."
"Maddy? An oversight? She knew I'd hate it. She probably got me going as Bottom from a Midsummer's Night Dream."
Stefan shelves the last of the books in his hands and turns around. "Bottom? Does this mean you've managed to make an ass of yourself in some manner?"
"Maddy hasn't said two words to me since last week when she told me she was moving out."
Stefan frowns. "I know nothing of this. Didn't Madeliene say that staying here was temporary until she takes possession of her own place? But I thought she was going to wait until after her eighteenth birthday next month."
"Maddy holds her own counsel. I would make amends if I could but it isn't that she isn't speaking to me... it's that she is never around. It's like she's avoiding me."
"That seems unlike Madeliene." Stefan frowns. He takes off his glasses and pulling out a handkerchief polishes them. "Madeliene doesn't avoid; she confronts."
A ticked voice comes from behind Nikolas. "Or she just puts her head down and gets the job done which is more than I can say for either of you. I'm working my ass off getting this place ready-- on top of school and not one but two jobs that can and do keep me busy fulltime and you're not happy cause I'm not holding your hand? And you..." Maddy looks over at Stefan. "I give you one room, one task. Just put the books up and you are still doing it. You don't have to read the books just put them away!" Maddy gives a snort of disgust and turns around sharply.
"Maddy wait!" Nik walks after her.
"I'm busy, Candy. I have appointments and I'm already behind schedule. Your outfit just involves you putting the damn thing on. I have to get my hair done still. Do you have any idea how long it takes to get my hair to do anything? And the fact that there is one, exactly one, hairdresser in this damn town that knows how to work with black hair. Now I know why Taggart shaves his head. If it weren't so damn cold here I'd be contemplating the same. IF you want to help me out you can go up to the grocery store and buy all the bags of chocolate you can. I bet this neighborhood is loaded with trick or treaters."
"Trick or treat?"
"Oh God I don't have time to explain this to you. Talk to Lucky." Maddy pushes open the door to the kitchen where she is unsurprised to see Lucky sitting at the kitchen table looking pitiful and starved as Mrs Lansbury supervises the food preparation. "Why am I not surprised? Take Lucky with you. Mrs L, you don't have to work under these conditions." Maddy grabs Lucky by the ear. "Shoo... shoo... bad dog."
"Hey wait a minute that's my brother you just pushed out the door!"
"That's a pest under foot. He'll get his chance at the food at the party like everyone else." Nikolas opens his mouth to protest. Maddy puts a hand up in Nik's face. "You say one word and you can wait outside too. Actually you don't have to say a word. Candy, Candy. Go buy candy. Lots of it. Now. Mrs L, is there anything else you need at the store; Niknik is going."
"I'm fine, Miss Maddy." Mrs Lansbury focuses on the counter, on the appetizers she is making and concentrates on not smiling. She'd never heard anyone speak to Master Nikolas that way.
"Great. That's settled. Now if you'll excuse me I have a hair appointment." Maddy reaches into her pocket and grabs her keys. She walks out the back door not pausing by Lucky who is still standing around. Sliding behind the driver's seat she revs the engine and head back out the alley way behind the house.
Nikolas walks out onto the back porch watching her pull away. "So do you know anything about trick or treat?"
"Oh yeah, little monsters going door to door. You give them candy or they egg your house."
"Egg?"
"Yes, the noun meaning unfertilized chicken ovum. The verb when you throw them at a house they break and leave a hell of a mess. Gees do I have to tell you everything?"
"It appears so. Come on, I've been directed to buy candy for the little extortionists."
Nikolas looks in the mirror and sighs. It could have been worse he supposed. At least it wasn't Bottom from Midsummer's night dream. Maddy had managed to find the perfect evening attire for a Proper Victorian Gentleman. It is in keeping with the house. He tugs at the collar. Maddy must have talked to Mrs L though about his distaste for anything tight around his neck. Because she'd really fixed him there. The damn thing was not only tall forcing his head up but starched to the consistency of a board.
"Nikolas...." Stefan knocks and then enters. He is dressed in black formal wear complete with cape. The only piece that made the dress a costume is the half mask he holds in his hand. The Phantom of the Opera. As masquerade garb he'd gotten off lightly and knew it. "I see you found your costume."
"Yes." Nikolas grimaces. "I'm going to change."
"Are you sure that is wise?"
"First she's locking me out of my own house and now she's picking my clothes." Nikolas complains reaching for the cursed collar.
"You mentioned earlier wanting to make amends." Stefan reminds. "Mrs Lansbury informed me that Maddy has returned and was down in her rooms dressing."
"Fine. Lets go downstairs. The guests should be arriving soon anyway." Nikolas shakes his head and then winces when the collar cuts into his jaw. "Damn."
The two men make their way to the front room. Stefan pours them both a drink. Mrs Lansbury makes her way in to do the last minute fussing. Stefan questions her. "Is Miss Madeliene almost ready?"
"I'll check on her, sir." Mrs Lansbury leaves the room. When she returns she is accompanied by Maddy who is in her ruby red modified Victorian costume. The top of the outfit would have fit in any ballroom back in the 1880's with it's off the shoulder black lace details. Maddy is wearing gloves that extend up over her elbows. The modification for modern times, Maddy has trimmed the skirt off above the knee revealing sheer stockings and short boots that lace up the top.
Nikolas whistles and then realizes something. "Wait here." He races up the stairs.
Maddy looks at Stefan with a frown. "What's his deal?"
"Unknown."
Nikolas comes back into the room with a velvet bag. "In the safe that Lucky opened in the house next door. He retained the contents save one. I claimed one thing, or rather set of things." Nikolas pulls out the jet and ruby choker necklace with the shoulder sweepers and lays them on a nearby table.
"Oh my." Maddy reaches out to touch them but then pulls her hand back.
"An excellent choice, Nikolas." Stefan agrees and nods. Lifting the necklace from the table he comes out behind Maddy and slides the necklace on Maddy fastening the antique clasp. He hands the sweepers to Maddy who goes to one of the nearby mirrors removing the earrings she is wearing and putting on the shoulder sweepers. "Perfect."
The doorbell rings. Nikolas glances down at his watch. "It's still too early."
Maddy grins. "This is for you, Candy. Come on." Maddy goes out to the entry way and picks up the bowl of individual chocolate bars. "Open the door."
Nik opens the door, looking straight out and then down to see three pokemon trainers and a fairy princess. "TRICK OR TREAT!!" The kids hold out pillowcases and brown paper shopping bags and an orange plastic pumpkin. Maddy holds out the bowl of candy.
"Put a couple in each of the bags." She whispers to him. Nikolas grabs a handful of candy and puts some in each bag making sure the fairy princess who is so darn cute and reminds him of Lulu gets an extra piece. "Have fun kids. Be safe."
"Thank You!! Happy Halloween!" The kids race off to the next house.
"And that, Candy, is Trick or Treat." Maddy looks over her shoulder to see that there are more children coming up the walk. She hands him the bowl of candy. "It's all yours." Maddy sashays back into the front room where Stefan had been listening.
"So I am to understand that 364 days a year..."
"365-- it's leap year."
"Yes, thank you. 365 days a year children are told to not talk to strangers, to not take candy from strangers and yet on this one day a year they are encouraged to go door to door in search of confections?"
"Well actually they get goodies around Christmas if they go carolling." Maddy goes over to the punch bowl and pours herself a small cup. She tastes it carefully. "Okay that works. Now just keep Lucky away from it."
"Am I being maligned? As if I would spike the punch." Lucky quips. He and Liz had come up from the carriage house. He turns around and then twirls Liz to show off their costumes.
"You should be shot!" Maddy turns to Liz. "You went along with this?"
"You didn't see the other options." Liz winces and shakes her head.
"They couldn't have been worse than The Captain and Tennille. I swear if you break out into a chorus of Muskrat Love I will shoot you myself. And you know I know people who can get me a gun." Maddy threatens.
There is a knock on the door. Nikolas answers it with the bowl of candy ready. He bursts out in laughter and puts the bowl down swiftly as he doubles over laughing harder.
"It's not funny." Alexis slaps him in the arm.
"Oh I don't know... Priscilla. Elvis I would have expected." Nikolas slides from a laugh to a snicker. "You do know that Stefan is in the next room. Come on show him what his sister is up to. You know this is going to blow the whole rumor you weren't married by an Elvis Impersonator." Nik gains control of himself barely. "Candy bar?"
The guests start arriving steadily. Bobbie and Jerry as a pirate and his doxie. Lucas dressed up as a cabin boy. Larry and his partner as Stan and Ollie. Carly and AJ Quartermaine as Napoleon and Josephine. Edward Q as Sherlock Holmes. Ms Lila had arrived in formal attire and a decorated wheelchair. Laura, Lesley and Lulu all arrive after going trick or treating. The doors had been throw open to the neighbors as well. Nik had put a flyer on the volunteer office wall so there were people from there too. Soon the house is rocking with people talking, laughing, dancing. When Johnny and Emily arrive as Bonnie and Clyde they walk into a full house. "Wow this is amazing." Emily exclaims looking around.
"Can I cook or what?" Maddy grins giving her a hug. She looks over Em's shoulder to Johnny. "No pun intended."
"None taken."
"So this is the party that gave you short notice and had you pulling your hair out. I didn't know what to think when I got the invitation. There was no indication of who was giving the party."
"That would be me." Nikolas says from behind Maddy.
"You really went all out, renting this place and everything. It's like stepping back in time!" Em gushes.
"Actually it's mine." Nik admits. "This is the project I've been working on for the last few months."
"It didn't look like this when Candy got his hands on it." Maddy tells Em and Johnny. "If you find the guys dressed as Stan and Ollie-- they were the contractors on the project. Stan is flashing before and after pictures. He's ready to bust a gut he's bragging so hard. You'd think he'd given birth or something." Maddy makes sure their coats are hung. "Your grandparents are already here as are Lucky and Liz."
"We should go in then and do the social thing." Emily looks up at Johnny. Johnny nods and escorts Em into the front room. Nik remains behind with Maddy.
"Are you okay?" Maddy asks.
"Peachy." Nik exhales. "Really I'm doing fine. Everyone seems to be having a good time."
"Yeah, this is a party not like that thing over at Wyndemere. You know people getting together, young old socializing. Wyndemere was about being seen and paying respects. This is just a good time. In fact I'm about to go in there and give them a party they are never going to forget."
"Maddy..." Nik shakes his head wondering what she is up to.
"Watch and learn, Candy." Maddy walks into the other room and up to the DJ. After a quick consultation, the DJ nods and grabs one of his CD's. He takes out his party CD and drops this one in.
"Ladies choice." The DJ calls out.
Maddy walks over to Edward who is sitting next to his wife by the fire. "I think you'll know this one." Maddy tells Edward. "You don't mind, Ms Lila?"
"Oh no darling, just remember his heart condition." Lila encourages
"I thought that just acted up when Em went out on dates." Maddy teases. A jazzy beat kicks in. Maddy holds out a hand to Edward. Edward leads her out onto the floor. There is a distinct pause in the party as the floor clears. The DJ had only the cover done by Diane Krall rather than the original done by Louis Jordan back in '44. Edward grins as he recognizes the tune.
I got a guy who's always late
Any time we have a date
But I love him
Yes I love him
"Do you think you can keep up?" Edward asks offering his hand
"Lead the way, Mr Q." Maddy takes it resting the other hand on his shoulder.
I'm gonna walk right up to his gate
And see if I can get it straight
'Cause I want him
I'm gonna ask him
As it starts coming back to him Edward throws in some fancy footwork. Maddy grins as she follow his lead. She bets that back in the day Eddie could have given Luke Spencer lessons on running a dance floor. The singer's voice is low and seductive. The tempo deliberate almost stalking.
Is you is or is you ain't my baby
Way you're acting lately makes me doubt
Youse is still my baby, baby
Seems my flame in your heart's done gone out
As soon as the shock wears off of seeing Mr Q get his Mac on out on the dance floor they are joined by some of the older crew who recognize the tune. Nik joins Stefan against one wall. Nik notices that even Stefan is affected by the music. His toe is tapping as he watches the dancers. "If I had not seen it with my own eyes..." Stefan shakes his head.
"I don't see why you would be surprised. It's the same thing she did at Wyndemere. You and she both setting the party on it's side. Maddy knows exactly what everyone will be talking about tomorrow." Nik guesses. "And I think I know who is next on her dance card." He doesn't give any more hints.
Stefan looks over at him wondering if Maddy would be inviting his nephew out on the floor next. She really was a forward young woman. Stefan involves himself in a conversation with Lucas not even paying attention to what is being played next.
Come out Virginia, don't let me wait
You Catholic girls start much too late
Ah but sooner or later it comes down to fate
I might as well, will be the one
Well they showed you a statue and told you to pray
They built you a temple and locked you away
Ah but they never told you the price that you pay
For things that you might have done
"May I have this dance?" Maddy says cheerfully to Stefan.
"Madeliene, I don't think...." Stefan winces finally listening to the song. This was actually part of his misspent youth in Europe when he'd been dodging his responsibilities to the family. B.L. Before Laura.
Maddy leans in close and says deliberately. "You. owe. me."
Only the good die young
That's what I said
Only the good die young
Only the good die young
You might have heard I run with a dangerous crowd
We ain't too pretty, we ain't too proud
We might be laughing a bit too loud
Ah but that never hurt me once
"And you want to squander your favor on this?"
"I shouldn't have to. Come on, Mr C, Dance with me. I think you know the tune."
"It seems your dossier on me is more complete than mine on you." Stefan rises to his feet and with a flourish tosses the cape of his costume over the chair.
So come on Virginia show me a sign
Send up a signal I'll throw you a line
That stained glass curtain you're hiding behind
Never lets in the sun
Darlin only the good die young
I tell you only the good die young
Only the good die young
Stefan starts out rusty. Lately all the dance functions had been parties like wyndemere complete with waltzes and dances that hadn't changed in centuries. As Maddy starts getting into the beat so does he. Their bodies aren't touching. They both are doing their own thing together on the dance floor.
I'd rather laugh with the sinners
Than cry with the saints
The sinners are much more fun
You know that only the good die young
I tell you only the good die young
Only the good die young
As the song fades away, Maddy applauds as does the rest of the party who'd been dancing all along. Maddy leans in so she can be heard over the crowd. "You should do that more often. I know this great dance club downtown."
"Forget it, Madeliene. You used your favor."
"Ah yes, but you know I'll get another. Sooner or Later." Stefan shakes his head. He'll have to be on his guard. "I have to go check things with Mrs. L. Thanks for the dance."
"It was my pleasure." Stefan makes a small bow. Maddy courtseys in reply. There is a bounce in her step as she heads toward the kitchen to check on things back there.
She gets as far as a the entry when she hears a knock on the door. Maddy glances at the grandfather clock. It's a little late for trick or treaters but she gathers the bowl of candy anyway. Opening the door she has a smile on her face but it fades fast. "Ricky? What are you doing here?"
" Word, Madeliene." The young black man tells her flatly.
Maddy flashes back to when Pete had visited Port Charles....
<<
"If I send you word-- you will do as I say." Pete demands in a low voice aware of his audience.
"I'm not suicidal, Poppi. If you send word, we'll handle it." Maddy agrees quietly.>>>
"Is it Poppi? Ricky, is Poppi okay?!" Maddy demands quickly.
Ricky holds up a cell phone and takes it off of hold. "I found her." He hands the phone to Maddy.
"Poppi?" At the news on the other end of the line Maddy begins to shake and her legs go out from underneath her. Her keening wail can be heard throughout the house over the music. The sound of a creature in agony. "Noooooooo!" The cell phone slips from her hand unnoticed as she hugs herself and rocks.
Ricky picks the phone up from the floor. "Yeah. I'll take care of it." He slaps the phone shut and jams it in his pocket. With one hand he reaches down and grabs Maddy by the arm wrenching her to her feet. He keeps the instructions brief knowing she isn't hearing much right now. "Coat. Now. Leaving."
Stefan and Nik rush to the entryway at the sound of Maddy's cry to see her being manhandled by the stranger. "Take your hands off her!"
Ricky releases Maddy casually. "Get your coat."
"Coat. I need my coat. So cold." Maddy's teeth are chattering. She goes over to the closet and grabs the first coat in there.
"Maddy?" Nikolas voice is gentle and concerned.
"I have to go now." Maddy tells him in a childlike voice. "I have to go."
"Nikolas, she is in shock. She needs to go to the hospital." Stefan glares at the intruder.
"Yes, hospital. I have to go to the hospital. Ricky will take me to the hospital." Maddy nods. Not looking back she follows Ricky to the waiting car.
"What in the hell just happened?" Nik looks at Stefan.
"I have no idea." Stefan goes over to the closet and grabs his coat. "But I suspect it has something to do with that Robideau fellow. I'll follow them and let you know where they go. Find a way to contact Robideau."
Diane Krall-- Only Trust Your Heart CD
Billy Joel-- Only the Good Die Young.
Thanks be to Lucky n Love who came up with the story title.