When Cassadines Fall

Say A Little Prayer...

Sunday, Dec 3, 2000 two days after the last chapter. Got to move things forward a little bit.

Nikolas pulls up to the stables above the Deception Spa. He glances around the parking spaces in front. A part of him is relieved that Carly's SUV isn't there but he'd suspected as much. She'd been out of town just about every weekend since he'd move Sheba up here. He goes into the stables checking first on Sheba. Nikolas lets Sheba out into the corral. Sheba snorts and is frisky from the evenings confinement. Nikolas hangs over the door watching momentarily the horse's antics before turning and looking around at the stall. Time to get to work. He hangs his jacket on a nail out in the corridor and grabs the wheelbarrow and pitchfork. On his way back to Sheba's stall he notices for the first time the new trunk outside of Michael's toy stall. He walks over and glances in. "Oh Great." He says flatly. "How you doing, Thunder?" The pony comes over a the sound of a voice and starts sniffing for treats. "Let me guess. Carly had you moved up here. A little in your face, Cassadine. If Jerry isn't welcome at my house.. then I'll have to deal with him up here. I suppose as a consequence for crossing Carly Quartermaine... you are relatively mild."

"Hey Bro? You up here?"

"In here!" Nik calls out. Lucky and Lulu come into the stables. Lulu starts oohing and ahhing over the horses. "I thought you two were going ice fishing."

"I bribed her with horses instead." Lucky shudders. "I couldn't take another day staring at a hole in the ice getting my ass kicked in the fishing department by my little sister."

Nik laughs. "I don't know it would have been nice to have fish for dinner tonight. And if Lulu caught it, we probably could have talked Maddy into helping Lu cook it. Otherwise it's your night, Lucky."

Lucky groans. "I'll stop at Eli's on the way home and pick something up."

Lulu snorts, drawing both of her brothers' attention. She has a disapproving look on her face. "That's cheating. You have to cook; it's your turn."

"Yeah, and you've been spending too much time with Maddy."

Lulu tosses back her cornrowed hair with the little beads at the end. "I like Maddy."

"So do we." Lucky replies. He goes over to the stall that Nik is leaning against. "Isn't that...."

"Thunder."

"I thought Carly wasn't going to give in until Spring."

"I think there were... circumstances."

"Ah." Lucky nods. "Like Jerry using Carly's computer all the time... and them spending even more time here if Carly is giving lessons... those kinds of circumstances?"

"Exactly."

"Bro, you can't avoid Jerry. He's married to Bobbie. Hell the guy is practically an honorary Spencer." Nik just looks at him. "Oh no, you aren't going there. We're out of the Spencer/Cassadine thing remember?"

Nik practically growls. "It's a mess."

"Maddy's going to have to deal with Jerry." Lucky says quietly.

"Perhaps. But on her timetable. Not his. At least that is what Granny Sophia said." Nik answers. "Come. Let's get this place set to rights."

Lucky groans. "Maybe I should have gone fishing instead."

Nik lets the other horses out into the corral. Lulu hangs on one of the gates to watch the horses play out in the corral. Nik can tell by the glint in her eye that she is getting the fever. "No."

"What? Why?" Lulu protests.

"You can't go riding in shoes with no heels on them; it isn't safe. And you need to have a helmet."

"I have a helmet." Lulu's eyes light up then she frowns. "But it's down in North Carolina."

"It's a bike helmet right?" Nik guesses. Lulu nods. "You need a riding helmet. It's very similar but we have to get one before you can go riding. One fitted just for you."

Lulu looks out toward the horses with longing. "Dang."

Nik runs a hand over over her hair, clanging the beads together playfully. "It won't be long."

"Hey?! Is anyone gonna help me with this?" Lucky calls from one of the the other stalls. Nik turns back to the work to be done. Between the two of them the stalls are soon cleaned out and fresh bedding laid. Lucky goes into the office when he gets a phone call.

"I want to help too." Lulu offers. Nik goes over to a container holding the oats. He pulls out a scoop and shows her how much each horse gets. Nik works on the hay while Lu carefully measures out oats into each horses trough. Lucky comes back into the stables after a few minutes. "Who was on the phone, Lucky?" Lu asks looking up from her task.

"That was Dad."

"I wanted to talk to him." Lulu's disappointment is clear.

"You'll be able to talk to him tomorrow when he gets home." Nik pauses in mid toss.

"And Mama?" Both of the guys inhale on that one.

"Lu, lets go in the office and get cleaned up. I think Carly keeps some hot chocolate up here."

"Mama is coming back here right? She isn't staying down in Carolina by herself?"

"Yeah, Princess, she is coming home." Lucky tells her. "Come on, lets get you cleaned up. Time for us to have chat just the three of us." Nik follows them into the office. "Mom is coming home but she is still really sick. She'll be going straight to General Hospital." Lucky sits down next to Lu on the couch. Nik takes a seat on the coffee table across from her.

"Lu, you know how hurt Mother was in the accident.... It's going to take a long time for her to get better."

"Does she have a cast like Grandma?"

Nik looks at Lucky with some bewilderment. "I don't think so, Lu. Mom had to have surgery to fix things inside of her. That's why she had to stay down in North Carolina. Grandmother's cast made it so she could travel right away."

"Mom is still asleep, Lu. She hasn't woke up from the accident yet."

"Well then we'll wake her up." Lulu says confidently.

"It might not be that easy." Nik cautions quietly. "I pray that it is but we have to be ready if it takes some time. Lucky, can you email Stefan from here? Let him know that Luke and Laura are on their way back?"

"Not a problem."

In the back pew of Queen of Angels, Jason listens intently on every word of Father Frank's sermon. He had a few questions he was going to have to talk to the good Father about over a beer at the Recovery Room later. Sonny allows the peace of the church to seep into his bones. He needed this. This bit of normal allowed him to recharge his batteries and stay centered and focused. Mike shifts uncomfortably against the hard wood of the pews. Emily, on the other side, glances up at him and grins. She'd caught the little wave the lady on the other side of the Church had made in Mike's direction. Mike hadn't dated since Mary Scanlon dumped him for Victor Collins. Father Frank dumping him into the Bingo racket put the crosshairs on the guy with every single woman over forty in the congregation. Emily stiffens as she senses a shift in the focus of the sermon. The sermons themselves were individually tailored to the congregation by Father Frank but the subject matter was set weeks in advance by the church. Normally this was the part of the service where Father Frank put out a request for prayers for the sick parishioners. She focuses on the front of the church.

Father Frank's voice turns grim. "In addition to the parishioners who need our prayers, there's another matter that needs not only our collective prayers but also letters to our representatives in Washington."

The people in the back pew straighten knowing there is something different and important going down. The whole congregation seems to hold it's breath. "What is going on?" Mike mutters.

"I think we're about to find out." Jason answers.

"Many of you have followed with interest the good works of Harry Chow, a missionary in Shanghai. You've funded his efforts to bring the Word of God to the believers in China. I just received word that Harry Chow has been arrested. There was a raid on his church and the whole congregation was taken into custody. While many were released in a timely fashion Brother Chow was not, is not. He remains in custody as an enemy of the state." There is a collective gasp in the congregation.

Chow's efforts had taken on a storybook David and Goliath quality serialized in the weekly newsletters of the church. Anyone who read the newsletters knew exactly what Chow was doing and the potential consequences of getting caught. "Brother Chow's family has gone into hiding. His wife and daughter were not at the day's service but arrest warrants have been issued for both of them." There is a chorus of Oh No's from the congregation. "Pray." Father Frank demands of his congregation. "Pray for their release and safety. Pray for understanding and mercy from those that oppress them. And take Action."

Father Frank steps away from the altar at the front of the church and leaves. The Reader for the day who had been warned of the contents of today's news steps up to the altar and takes over for Father Frank. He leads the people in a brief prayer. After the final Amen's he lets them know that in the anteroom of the Church there is a list of US Representatives and organizations like Amnesty International that might be of assistance.

The congregation exhales collectively. Slowly they rise and start filing out. The people in the back pew wait as is their custom for the rest of the congregation to clear out. "I can't believe this. This is horrible." Emily finally breaks the silence.

"It was his choice. He knew the risks going in." Jason says grimly. He rises from the pew to go collect Michael from the daycare.

"Yeah, but Jason..." Emily tries to call him back.

"Let him be, Em." Sonny suggests. "You're both right. We need to do exactly what Father Frank said. Exactly." Sonny leaves the church.

"I can't believe those two." Emily shakes her head. "They're both being so... callous."

Mike puts an arm around Em and presses a kiss to the top of her head. "Remember what Father Frank said. Pray and take action."

Emily looks up at Mike. "Do you think... Is there something..."

"I don't know." Mike shakes his head. "But I think Michael and Jason will leave the bulk of the praying to you." Mike leaves the rest unsaid. "Come on. Let's get out of here." Mike and Emily meet up with the others in the antechamber. One of the other priests is doing the meet and greet as people leave.

Emily walks up to the priest and shakes his hand. The priest hands her the list of sick parishioners in General Hospital. "Father Frank?"

"Left to be with Brother Chow's family... His sister and her family live here in Port Charles." The priest explains. "He's been spending as much time as he can with them since the news came in. When he hasn't been making phone calls up the chain to get the other congregations pulling for Harry too."

"We'll talk to Father Frank about the gym at the school another time." Sonny offers. "Or if you'd like we'll just handle it."

"I know he'll appreciate your assistance." The priest agrees gratefully.

Stefan comes back into his hotel room and tosses his keys on the dresser. First things first-- he checks his email. Lucky had telegraphed his message in the subject line of his email. Mom's on her way home. ETA Monday. Stefan opens up the email to get the rest of the details. As he is reading he calls KC. "KC."

"Hey. You just left here... what did you forget?" KC's voice drops to an intimate teasing tone as she realizes who is on the other end of the line.

"My purpose." Stefan says grimly. "The patient, Laura, is being transferred to Port Charles tomorrow."

"Okay no problem." KC replies reassuringly slipping into doctor mode. "I talked to my boss on Saturday. We were going to head up there on Monday anyway. I already have the vacation time cleared. Can you arrange for us to leave today so I'll be there when she gets to General Hospital?"

"Yes." Stefan agrees. One way or the other. "I will make the arrangements. Even if it means flying... commercial." Stefan's distaste for that mode of transportation comes through.

"How isn't as important as when." KC says calmly. "I'll pack a bag. Let me know when you're on your way." KC hangs up.

Stefan calls the airport to make the arrangements and then calls the front desk to let them know he'll be checking out. He is packing his own overnight bag waiting for Nikolas to pick up his cell phone. "I received Lucky's email." Stefan frowns at the noise in the background of the call. "Where are you?" The background noise fades as Nikolas evidently seeks a quiet place.

"Lucky and I took Lulu out for brunch. We already broke the news to her of Laura's condition. We are trying to keep things... normal." Nik explains.

"Yes. I understand. Is everything ready on that end?"

"Amy has a room reserved on the neurological floor of the hospital. It's in a false name for now but everyone will know by tomorrow."

"Dr. Ryan and I will be arriving this evening. I have already made the arrangements." Stefan tells Nik when his arrival time is. "Mrs. Lansbury will be having the driver meet us."

"I look forward to your return, Uncle." Nikolas understates before hanging up.

A few hours later.

Maddy looks out the back window and sees the sporty red SAAB pull up. "Em's here."

"You guys where going to work on that Econ project Simon Legree laid on ya right?" Liz looks up from the Leisure section of the Sunday paper. The feminine members of Wyndemere Lite have been having a kicked back day, rising late and reading the paper. Maddy had been out earlier to check on the kiosks but the plan of the day is to spend it on classwork to get ready for the upcoming week. Nik is out at the stables taking care of the horses. Lucky had taken Lulu fishing and were expected back soon. Everyone left was sitting around the table with their projects. Liz is procrastinating on hers by reading the paper. Lesley had already finished it and is working on a best seller.

"Yeah, Em wanted to get it done so she'd have the evening free to work on other things." Maddy explains.

Em knocks on the back door and then comes into the kitchen. She is carrying her backpack of books. "Hey."

"So what did Johnny make for brunch?" Maddy inquires.

"I don't even remember." Em says grimly. "I don't remember what I ate."

"What happened? Is everything alright?" Liz asks with some concern. When it came to Johnny's cooking Em was like a reviewer for the Food Section of the Herald complete with details of colors and smells.

"No, things are totally screwed." Em blurts out. "It's the year 2000; I can't believe this is happening, that it is still happening." Em paces the kitchen.

"What?" Lesley puts her book down.

"The missionary Queen of Angels sponsors in Shanghai was arrested. Jason thinks he is as good as dead. His family there is in hiding. His family here is freaking out. I found out at Brunch that Rita is best friends with the guy's niece, Mei, they go to school together at Queen of Angels...."

"I gotta go." Maddy jumps up and grabs her coat. "Cinnamon, stay here." Maddy says nothing more as she runs out of the house.

Em tries to follow Maddy, but she is already gone. She quickly reviews what she'd said and swears as she realizes. Em shakes his head. "Maddy knows them. Small freaking world."

"The Missionary?" Lesley questions.

"His family here in Port Charles." Em explains to Liz and Lesley. "Remember that deal she brokered for the woman down in Chinatown... the one who was getting the run around because she doesn't speak English..."

"Sewing machines. I took a call on that while Maddy was down in New Orleans." Liz remembers.

Even Lesley makes a connection. "The woman who made my poncho."

Maddy parks her van in front of the building in Chinatown. She races up the stairs knocking briskly on the door. Mei answers. "I just heard." She gives the little girl a hug. "How is your grandmother?"

"Father Frank is sitting with her." Mei leads Maddy into the cramped apartment over a storefront. Maddy sees what amounts to a shrine with a picture of an older man, woman and a girl her age maybe a couple years older. There is a candle burning in front of it. Mei keeps walking until she reaches the kitchen. Once there she leans against the counter. "Neither of them understands a word the other is saying. They just keep patting each other's hand."

"What happened?"

Mei shrugs helplessly. "Probably a spy in the congregation or someone got busted for something and named names. We actually got the news pretty fast. It happened at Wednesday Bible Study. Friday before school Father Frank came here with the news. He's got somebody in the American Consulate who checks up on Uncle Harry at his fish market. The market was closed. We know what happened to Uncle Harry; that's bad enough, but there's been no word on Auntie Yuen or their daughter."

"They weren't there?"

"No, and they should have contacted us somehow by now." Mei's grandmother comes into the kitchen and makes a few comments. Mei nods. "I'll be right back." She goes into the living area.

"I make tea. You drink"

Maddy nods. "Yes."

Mei comes back and sits down. "Father Frank left; he'll be back if he gets news." She says and then translates for her grandmother who nods.

"Is there anything I can do?" Maddy offers. Mei translates but her grandmother is already shaking her head before Mei finishes. "Mei told me this was a possibility and that your sister in law is free.... Did they have some cash to make a run for it?"

The Grandmother comes to the table bringing the pot of tea and small cups. She listens to the question and considers it. "Maybe."

Mei translates the rest. "Auntie Yuen had a bad feeling... started carrying her gold on her... sown in the lining of her coat. But probably not much, most money went to the mission both what they got from Queen of Angels and from their earnings. They were always very careful."

Maddy looks over to Grandmother's direction a thought just occurring to her. "You aren't still keeping your gold in the apartment, are you?" Mei's grandmother gets a pissy look on her face and doesn't say a word. She takes a sip of her tea instead. Maddy sighs. She'd had this fight with the old woman when she'd paid for the sewing machines in ounces of gold that Maddy had to have exchanged. "I'll price safes for you."

"She doesn't trust banks." Mei says apologetically.

"I know." Maddy nods. "Look if you need anyone to make calls for you... if they get word to you and need to make travel arrangements. Anything. If I can help, I want to."

Mei's grandmother nods at her translation and reaches over to pat Maddy's hand. "I call."

Maddy stands up. "Walk me out, Mei?" Mei follows her to the door. "Where are your parents?"

"Seattle. They just opened a restaurant. They work 14-16 hour days. That's why I'm staying with Grandmother."

"Are they going to come out?"

Mei shakes her head. "If they do, they'll lose the restaurant and have to start all over again. They're just starting to break even. There is nobody to cover. They're doing what they can from there."

Maddy gives her a hug squeezing a little extra hard. "I mean it. I'm a call away. Are you going to school tomorrow?"

"I don't want to. What if Auntie Yuen calls? Or worse someone who speaks English... only. The machine will pick it up but it will be hours before I can return the call."

"That's where I come in. If a call like that comes in have your Grandmother call my cell. Whatever I'm doing... I'll drop it and be here."

Nik, Lucky and Lulu come into the back door of Wyndemere Lite. Lulu runs to Lesley. "Mama is coming here tomorrow!"

Lesley looks over at the boys. Lucky answers. "Dad called. Mom is being moved to General Hospital."

"Lucky, that's great!" Liz rises to give her boyfriend a hug.

"Where's Maddy?" Nik wonders as he reaches down to pet Cinnamon.

Emily replies. "She went down to Chinatown. One of her clients has a problem. She took her cell phone with her. I have to get going too. My Grandparents are expecting me for dinner." Em rises to her feet. "Have her give me a call later to talk about the econ project." Em gives first Lucky a hug and then Nik. "It's great news about your mom. You know she's been in my prayers."

Nik gives her a hug back. "Thanks Em. If things get to crazy at the mansion. You're welcome to come back to dinner here. Lucky is cooking."

Em steps back and grins. "Is that an invitation or a threat?"

"Hey! I'm not that bad."

"True. It could be worse. It could be your father." Lesley covers her chuckle with a cough. Em looks over in her direction and grins and winks.

"Emily, will you please thank your Grandmother for the flowers and card she sent. I would have replied but..." Lesley refers to her cast.

"Believe me I understand." Em nods. "I was hating life when I broke my ankle."

AJ and Carly wait at the Brownstone. Taggart shows up to get some fresh clothes. "Hey Taggart."

"Carly." Taggart answers with some resignation. While Carly has given him leads on some of the biggest cases he has no illusions. Many of them were mere distractions to keep his focus from Sonny Corinthos or more specifically Jason Morgan.

"I was beginning to wonder if you still rented from my mother or if you were just using her place for storage." Carly teases glancing out of the corner of her eye from the magazine to see if she can catch a reaction.

AJ comes downstairs from checking on the boys. They are both pretending to be asleep waiting for Jerry and Bobbie. "Carly, Give the guy a break."

"Spoilsport." Carly mutters in her husband's direction. "Bet you're not minding going to the courthouse these days." Carly says cheerfully. "We're old news."

"Oh I don't know." Taggart replies wryly. "All Larkin shot was cameras."

"Yeah, but I didn't take anyone hostage." Carly trumps. "We didn't even get mentioned in the paper this time."

"Yeah, that's cause you keep siccing the dog on them."

"I know." Carly says cheerfully. "If they get on our side of the fence they don't have a prayer against Foster's jaws of death."

BWI Airport

KC curls up on a couch in the first class lounge. She has her satchel open and is pulling journals out of it one by one finally grabbing the JAMA. Stefan stands by the exterior window of the lounge. KC glances over and shakes her head. If the guy was any stiffer he'd shatter. "A watch pot never boils." She comments aloud. She grins at the growl which is her only answer.

Stefan stalks over to the attendant to ream him out over yet another delay. The Attendant gives basically an automatic response which does not give Stefan any satisfaction. He strides back to KC and takes a seat next to her. "This is intolerable."

"Nope." KC turns the page of the journal. An Attendant comes over and refills her coffee. "Thanks." She smiles gratefully. "Intolerable would be sitting at the end of the runway, belted in, breathing recycled air, wondering if the de-icer is still working and still not going anywhere."

"I stand corrected." Stefan replies dryly. He waves the attendant away and then thinking again orders a mocha breve.

"I wouldn't have taken you for a fancy coffee guy." KC comments.

"It is unlikely I would receive a properly made cup of tea."

"So how is this working?"

"We'll be flying into New York City and then catching a private plane from there to Port Charles."

"I'm surprised you don't have your own plane here."

"Sent it back with Dr. Quartermaine."

"Dr. Quartermaine said that there was time for fun in Port Charles. So what do people do?"

"You are asking the wrong person." Stefan considers the question. "Mrs Quartermaine, Monica's mother-in-law has been instrumental in refurbishing a theater. There is a rotation of plays and different performing troops using it. A couple of local establishments offer live music. This time of year-- ice skating, cross country skiing. My nephew's sister enjoys...." Stefan grimaces. "...ice fishing."

"Cool. She'll have to take me. I haven't gone in years."

"Correction you'll have to take her. She's eight."

"Ever been ice fishing?" Stefan is saved from answering by their flight being called.
 

Jerry holds open the door for Bobbie and then follows with the bags. He drops them at the base of the stairs.

"Welcome home!" Carly gives Bobbie a hug and then Jerry. "Lucas is upstairs. If he is asleep is anyone's best guess."

"I'll just...." Bobbie goes up to check on her youngest.

"And I'll collect ours." AJ agrees. He runs a hand down Carly's back as he passes her to go up the stairs.

"Well?!" Carly demands with her hand on her hip.

"I'm officially out of the Daddy business."

"Jerry NO!" Carly protests.

"Hear what I'm saying, Caroline. I'm officially out of the Daddy business. What happened at Nik's place set my stock way back. According to Miz Sophia it's not the first time Maddy's gone out the window 'cause Daddy was at the door."

"Ewww. Yuck!" Carly grimaces. "But Jerry...."

"NO. It's more important for her to have friends like you and Em. Don't push her. Your mum and I have talked and there are a few things we can try."

Stefan hands KC into the limo at the small airfield outside of Port Charles. "Any chance of showing me the sights before dropping me at the hotel."

"You could stay at Wyndemere. There is plenty of room." Stefan offers again.

"Not going to happen. It's one of the perks of being a consultant. A nice suite with 24 hour room service."

"All of which Wyndemere provides without being a hotel."

"Nope. I'm on the clock now. Which makes you my boss... temporarily." KC says cheerfully. "So are you going to show me around?"

Stefan sighs and then picks up the phone to tell the driver to start at General Hospital and then to swing by the docks. He points out the hospital, the doctor's parking, Kelly's, PCU, Lila's theater, the Outback, Porters, L&B Records, and finishes with the promenade. "Wait here." Stefan orders the driver. "Shall we?"

"Walk. In December... on the docks."

"You'll find it is the custom of the citizens whatever the time of the year." Stefan replies wryly. "Coffee is offered at the end of the tour."

"When in Rome." KC shrugs and pulls out her gloves. "And you better not be kidding about coffee." Stefan steps out of the car and gives her a hand. "Oh shit it's cold." KC shivers and zips up her jacket. "Frostbite will seriously raise my fees for this consultation." Stefan takes her gloved hand and cups it in his and then tucks them both into the pocket of his overcoat.

Stefan tells the driver. "Meet us at the Elm street access." Starting at the far side of the promenade Stefan walks KC down the pier. He stays on the water side sheltering her from the breeze off the water.

KC pauses at Anderson Photography. As Stefan had indicated there was an amazing amount of foot traffic considering the time of night. "Those are great."

"The model on the left is Emily Quartermaine. She is Monica's daughter and a professional model among other things. The model on the right is Madeliene Reynolds. She is a friend of Nikolas'."

"Were they taken in New Orleans... it's Mardi Gras right but that isn't for a couple more months."

"They are Mardi Gras costumes. Madeliene's mother designed them."

"Talented lady."

"She passed away last month."

"I'm sorry." KC doesn't know quite what to say.

"As am I... but for Madeliene." Stefan starts walking again heading toward the Elm St pier. He points out the ELQ crane that the Quartermaines are so proud of. They reach the coffee kiosk. "I believe I promised you coffee."

"Hey Mr. C." Ciela says cheerfully. "I thought you were out of town."

"You may make a note for Madeliene that I have returned." Stefan says dryly knowing that Ciela would have made a note in the journal in any case.

"You can tell her yourself." Ciela nods back toward Elm Street. "I called earlier and told her I was running low on propane." Ciela hands Stefan his coffee and KC hers. The van has pulled close enough to the kiosk now and comes to a halt. Maddy slides open the side door. Cinnamon hops out and heads over to the kiosk. Maddy and Nik are right behind her.

"Oh Gees. Nice Doggy." KC says a little nervously.

"Actually it is." Stefan reassures her. "Probably in search of treats." As expected Cinnamon goes right by Stefan and KC to sit watching Ciela until she comes across with the goods.

"You're going to get fat, dog, before Larry gets out." Ciela tosses a day old danish to the dog. "Maddy, thanks for bringing it down. I thought I was going to have to call it quits before the first shift came on. And those Graveyard guys get really testy with no coffee." Maddy takes the full canister from Nik and replaces the nearly spent one. After that is done she checks out the company that Stefan is keeping.

"Hey Mr. C."

"Madeliene. Nikolas. This is Dr. KC Ryan from Baltimore." Stefan makes the introductions.

"Dr. Ryan." Nikolas holds out his gloved hand. "It is a pleasure. The emails you've been sending Lucky have been very insightful."

"As were the emails he sent Stefan." KC shakes Nikolas' hand.

"Casey like at the bat?" Maddy wonders.

"KC as in initials." Stefan answers.

Maddy looks at Stefan. No way in hell. "What do they stand for?" She asks suspiciously. No way would Stefan Cassadine call anyone by their initials. By their title sure but by their initials? No way in hell.

"That's the first thing Stefan asked me too. Katherine-- but I don't use it. Everyone calls me KC or Sandy. And you're Madeliene. Stefan was just showing me your picture up at the photography studio."

"It's Maddy. Mr. C is the only one in Port Charles who calls me Madeliene." Maddy and KC shake hands as well.

"If you need anything in Port Charles and cannot get hold of me, Madeliene is the person to contact." Stefan suggests. "Madeliene, Dr. Ryan will be staying at the Port Charles Hotel."

Maddy reaches into her purse and pulls out a business card that just has her name and cell phone number on it. "Here. Whatever you need. Rental Car, theater tickets. I can hook you up."

"Maddy, we should get home. Stefan, the flight is coming in tomorrow. Mother will be transported directly to the hospital."

Stefan nods. "I will meet you at the hospital then." Nik picks up the empty canister and then slaps his thigh to get Cinnamon's attention. He, Maddy and the dog head back to the van. Stefan and KC climb into the waiting limo.

"Well that was interesting." Maddy says after everyone is settled in and she starts the van back up.

"Very."

"They were holding hands."

"I noticed."

"You think... uh... hmmm." Maddy raises her eyebrows suggestively.

"Just drive, Maddy."

 

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