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When Cassidines Fall
Working Stiffs Tuesday afternoon
PCPD Interrogation room. Elizabeth sits next to an older woman.
Her face is battered but her expression is furious. Officer Rick
comes in bearing coffees for him and the woman and a bottled
water for Elizabeth. ''Damn Hoodlum!'' The woman swears. ''I was
just coming from the bank from cashing my check. They know when
the checks come in.''
''You're right, Mrs Levy. That's why it's so important that you
give Elizabeth a good description of the guy so we can get his
picture out. We had three similar attacks last month. And
considering the time of year... you know, they're going to get
bolder.''
Rick sets the recorder. Elizabeth had been getting better at this
over the course of her class with the forensic artist. And he'd
found that she often got more from the victims than a uniform did....
and a lot more calmly. Liz had been in the building picking up
her schedule for the next month, so they didn't even have to call
for the artist. Elizabeth begins leading the woman through a
series of routine questions to get a general description of the
guy. For this she uses the computer program. The program provides
prompts of the series of question to make sure that none are
missed: height, build, age, sex, race, scars, marks or tattoos.
As soon as the form is completed, Rick takes over the questioning
while Liz pulls out her sketch book and art pencils. She uses the
basic information that the victim gave her and when she's ready
starts questioning Mrs Levy again for the more detailed
information. The excitement of the situation could result in a
cartoonish representation. It was part of her task to take in the
fear and anger ladden responses and to synthesis them into an
accurate representation of the perp. This time they'd probably
get lucky. Mrs Levy remembered a tattoo.
Rick sees Taggart outside the interrogation room motioning to him.
He rises without excusing himself not wanting to mess with Liz's
flow and Mrs Levy's memory and goes out to see what the LT wants.
''How is it going in there?''
''Pretty good. Sounds like the guy had a jailhouse tattoo. I'll
run it down through the system. Maybe he'll have been popped for
priors.''
''Even if we catch the guy I want the picture out to the senior
centers along with the MO.'' Taggart says grimly. Looking through
the window he can see the purpling bruises on the victim's face.
''She got lucky. The next one may not be so. See if you can do
some outreach there, get a prevention program going. We got to
get the seniors doing the direct deposit, or at least traveling
in packs. They're too easy.'' Taggart shakes his head. ''I want
to talk to Elizabeth when she gets done.''
''I'll let her know.'' Rick nods and goes back into the
interrogation room.Taggart goes over to his desk and boots up his
computer having just come on shift. He starts getting caught up
on anything going on, any alerts. While he is taking in all the
general information he is looking for something specific. Dara
had mentioned to him that the FBI were looking at illegal alien
smuggling ring that might be coming through Port Charles. As soon
as he is updated he grabs his phone messages and starts working
back though them. He is totally focused on his current cases when
Liz interrupts him.
''You wanted to see me?''
''Yeah,'' Taggart rocks back in his chair to look up at Elizabeth.
''I just wanted to thank you for the info from PCU security. I
think it's going to pan out.''
''That's great.'' Liz exhales. ''It was a real button pusher for
me...ruffies, rape...'' Liz shudders.
''You doing okay?'' Taggart asks with some concern.
''Yeah, It's rough, but I feel like I'm doing something positive
here. Ask me again on Valentines' Day.'' Liz slides back on her
jacket and zips it up in preparation for leaving. ''I'm going to
drive Mrs Levy over to the Elm St Clinic so Dr Alan can check her
out after Officer Rick gives her the peptalk and the phone number
for the victim's advocate over at the DA's office. I'll make sure
that the med reports get forwarded back here for the file. No
weapon shown, but it sounded as if the guy didn't need one.''
Taggart nods. ''When we catch the guy I want to nail him for
assault as well as Robbery so make sure that Dr Quartermaine gets
pictures of the bruises.''
''I'll mention it to him.'' Liz glances over her shoulder.
Officer Rick is helping Mrs Levy on with her coat and is
escorting her out into the bullpen. ''Mrs Levy, I'll call you
once we have your statement typed up so you can come in and sign
it. If you take your copy down to Motor Vehicles with you it will
make getting new ID much easier. And I'm going to get right on
this.'' Rick is just finishing up the peptalk.
''I want my pictures back.'' Mrs Levy warns. ''Money is money,
and I'll get by. It'll be tight, but I'll get by. But I can't
replace those pictures.''
''No guarentees, ma'am. He's probably gotten rid of everything he
can't use.'' Rick warns.
''Well then you just make sure he can't do it to anyone else. Fry
thesumbitch. And if he slips on a patch of ice when you catch him
that won't hurt my feelings either.''
''Mrs Levy, are you ready?'' Elizabeth interrupts before Mrs Levy
can get going again. ''I want to get you over to Dr Alan before
the clinic closes.''
Mrs Levy pulls on her gloves. ''Lets go, sweety.''
''I'll talk to you guys later.'' Liz says over her shoulder as
she escorts Mrs Levy out. .
''Leiney! Leiney!'' Louise Wells makes her way as quickly as
weather permitting allows.
''Louise, Hi.'' Maddy waits by the side of her van. She'd just
swung by the house quickly after instruction to gets some
supplies for the kiosks before heading off to the library. ''How
is it going? Getting all your Christmas shopping done?''
''Oh I was done back in July with the presents part anyway. Gives
me more time for decorating and baking. How about you?''
''I haven't even started my shopping. Scratch that. I have a list.''
Maddy laughs. ''An ever expanding list. I have to get the out of
town stuff done this week. If it's going to get there in time.''
''I hate to be a pain but have you talked to Officer Rick
lately?''
''No, I leave that one to Elizabeth. She has been doing some work
down at the PCPD for school and she's going to be there fulltime
when the new term starts after the holidays. Is there a
problem?'' Maddy asks curiously.
''I saw that a young man moved into that house. Is he part of
that fraternity? The one we were worried about?''
''No, no, no.'' Maddy shakes her head. ''Lucky already checked
the guy out. His name is Rick Robideau. He'll be going to school
at PCU but he is definitely not a joiner. He's from out of town
but he's being sponsored here in Port Charles by Judge Porter and
his family.'' Maddy gives a PR spin to all the information she'd
gotten from Ricky at the club.
''Oh that is a relief.'' Louise sighs. ''What about the building
on thecorner? Any word on that?''
''Nik has most of the information on that. He isn't even going to
touch it until the new year. He's caught up in the family thing
right now.''
Louise nods. ''I saw in the Herald that his mother was moved back
to Port Charles after that horrible accident she was in. Is he
okay?''
Maddy makes a so-so motion with her hand. ''His Grandmother has
been a rock. She's staying with him right now. She was in the
accident too.''
''Oh.'' Louise connects that comment to the Lady with the huge
cast that she'd seen getting into the jag or Lucky's truck.
''Well if I can be of any assistance I hope you will give me a
ring. I'm going to be having a Christmas open house in a couple
of weeks. I hope you all can come.''
''Let us know when. With everything going on with Lucky's and
Nik's mom, there are no guarentees but I'll do the best I can.''
''That's all anyone can do.'' Louise agrees. ''I'll get back to
you with the particulars. I've kept you out here in the cold long
enough. Thanks for the information on the new guy. I swear
sometimes what we need is a neighborhood newsletter. But I'll
talk to you later. I have to get back to my baking.'' Louise
starts moving off with a wave of her hand.
''Good talking to you too, Louise.'' Maddy mutters with a shake
of herhead. ''Gees a newsletter. I wonder if Poppi ever did that
for theneighborhood watch back home?'' Maddy climbs into the van,
slamming the sliding door shut and dropping into the driver's
seat.
''Jason, you around, man?'' Lucky calls out as he enters the
motorcycle shop.
''Yeah.'' Jason comes out of the back. ''I was hoping you'd drop
bytoday.''
''I have the software updates for your system. Added a few
suppliers and a used part network for some of the antique bikes.''
What Jason said sinks in. ''Wait a minute. Why were you hoping
I'd stop by?''
''I have to go out of town for a couple of weeks. Hopefully will
be back by Christmas. I was hoping you could keep an eye on the
shop in my absence. Make sure the place doesn't burn down.''
''Yeah, no problem. As long as you aren't expecting me to
actually fix any motorcycles. I'm the software guy; you're the
hardware guy remember?''
''Just check them in.'' Jason nods. ''Nobody is going to be on
the road for a couple of months. If they need it faster they are
SOL."
''Is it safe to ask where you're going?'' Lucky inquires.
''China.'' Jason says tersely.
''The shop is open only from ten to two. All other times by
appointment. Feel free to rent out the apartments. Check the
voice mail.'' Jason hands over a ring of keys. ''I have to get
going. I'm suppose to be meeting with Father Frank in about
fifteen minutes. I'll owe you for this, Lucky.''
''Nah. We're even. Good luck, man. I hope you find them.'' Jason
looks at Lucky suspiciously. ''Emily.'' Lucky reminds. ''She was
kinda freaked when she talked to Maddy and Elizabeth.''
''Right. Lock up when you go.'' Jason leaves to meet with Father
Frank without saying goodbye.
General Hospital. Nik's office. Audrey Hardy sits across from
Nik's desk with a clipboard in her hand. There is a check off
sheet on the top. ''Tony Jones is already signed up for Santa
Claus. I sent the suit out for dry cleaning.''
''I contacted the cafeteria.'' Nik looks at his own checklist.
''They will have the punch and deli trays ready for the
conference room. Do you have an idea how many kids will be in the
hospital?''
''I'm using last years numbers plus ten percent. There are a few
kids already in the hospital that I know will still be here for
the holiday. I've touched base with their parents. Or rather the
nurses on the peds floor have already started letting the kids
know that GH is on Santa's route.'' Audrey hands Nikolas a manila
envelope. The front of it says Santa Claus, North Pole. ''Here
are the letters so far.''
Nik winces. ''Maddy's up to her ears already. I'll talk to Carly
next time I'm up at the stables and see if she's willing to go
shopping, or maybe Em. If they can't do it I guess Lucky and I
will be hanging out at Toys R'Us.''
''The Quartermaines are in charge of the tree every year.''
Audrey puts a little check by that on her board. ''I talked to
Monica this morning. And I've had a good response from the staff
on decorating the tree.''
''Only one thing really left...'' Nik says ruefully.
''Who are the elves going to be this year?'' Audrey nods in
agreement.
Meanwhile-- out by the elevators. KC is walking by the nurses
station on her way to the CT lab to get the final imaging from
Laura Spencer's test when the Elevator door opens. V steps off
the elevator adjusting the satchel that crosses her body. They
collide. ''Oh Sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going.''
''Oh sorry, I was thinking of something else.... V?!''
''KC?!! Ohmigosh!'' V grabs KC in a bear hug. ''What are you
doing here? I thought you were in Africa or Baltimore or
something?!''
''Or Something.'' KC leans back from the hug. ''You're looking
good. How long has it been? I swear the last time I saw you you
were wearing braces and trying to keep up with your brothers.''
V tilts her head to the side as she considers the question. ''Ten
years? It was before you went off to Medical school. And it
always seemed like I just missed you whenever I made a trip home.''
''Oh home.'' KC says longingly. ''I was planning on going home
for the holiday this year before I got called into consult on a
patient here. Did you go home for Thanksgiving? How was
everyone?''
''Everyone's fine.'' V reassures. ''Aunt Louise got into it with
Auntie Arminda over who was in charge of the cooking. Your Dad
and Mine got into it about the football game.''
KC laughs. ''Nothing ever changes. What are you doing here? I
thought you were going to be a cop or something?''
''I work for an attorney in town now. I got laid off from the
sheriff's department a couple of years ago. Getting laid off is
horrible. Kind of took the thrill out of police work. So now I'm
doing the private thing. I'm here to drop off some paperwork for
Stefan Cassadine.'' V pulls out her notebook and scribbles off
her address and phone number. ''We have got to get together the
sooner the better. Really get caught up.''
''I'm up for that.'' KC agrees. ''I just have to check on a
patient then I'm done for the day. It's your town. Where do you
want to meet?''
''The Outback... how about five o'clock. I'm buying.'' V gives KC
another hug. ''I can't believe you're here. This is so great.''
''It's a date.'' KC agrees. ''I'll see you then.''
KC starts moving toward the lab but turns around when V calls out
to her. ''Where are you staying?''
''Port Charles Hotel.'' KC calls back. ''The Outback... don't
stand me up.''
''I'll be there.'' V waves goodbye. There is a little skip in her
step as she heads off to Stefan's office. ''KC Ryan, Gosh. This
is so great.''
Maddy strolls into Luke's club. Claude is behind the bar doing
prep work. Happy hour hadn't even started yet. ''Is Luke
around?''
''Back in his office.'' Claude indicates the direction with a
tilt of his head not even pausing with what he is doing.
''Thanks.'' Maddy heads down the back corridor until she comes to
the door marked No Entrance and then knocks on it.
''Go Away!'' Luke snarls from inside. Maddy knocks again and then
opens up the door.
''Is that Go Away foreveryone or just a select few?''
''Ah It's the Sweet Young Thing. Come into my lair.'' Luke teases
with a leer and a mock twist of his nonexistent moustache.
''Oh said the spider to the fly.'' Maddy drawls with a grin. She
drops into the chair across from Luke's desk. She examines it
carefully. If she didn't know any better she'd swear she saw one
just like it over at Wyndemere.
''What can I do for you, Light of My Life?''
''Oh no, it's what I can do for you.''
''Oh?''
''What's your busiest night at the club?''
''Friday's why?'' Luke wonders where she is going with the
question.
''I'm here to make a deal.''
''I'm listening.'' Luke leans in.
''On Friday's I'll not only pick up Lulu from here, but also her
dirtylaundry. On Saturday when you're ready You can pick her up
and her freshly cleaned laundry for the week. A night without
worries, free babysitting, and a chore out of the way. What do
you think?'' Maddy puts a little horsetrading tone in her voice.
''And the catch is she'll be staying at the Little Prince's house.''
Luke grimaces.
''With her grandmother and her brotherS. Where she's been staying
for the last week while you were down in North Carolina.'' Maddy
reminds. ''Look Luke, there aren't any debts or favors going on
here. It's a mutually beneficial relationship. Lucky and Nik get
time with their little sister. She gets time with them, and you
get a night to get your business done. You know Granny Lesley is
going to want at least this much.''
''No Vlad.'' Luke counters.
''I'll make it clear to him that it's Lulu's night and not his.''
Maddy agrees easily.
''And you do my laundry too.''
''Oh now you are pushing it.'' Maddy shakes a finger at him. Her
eyes narrow. ''Fine, but that means I get to come into the club
no matter what the age restrictions are.''
''Deal.'' Luke holds a hand out over the desk and shakes Maddy's
hand to seal it. ''Baby, you could have had that anyway. It's
good for business to have people who like to dance here.''
''Maybe, but I like having things up front and on the table.''
Carly comes out of the backroom where she'd just had her prenatal
check up with Val at the Elm St Clinic. It was part of the deal
she had with her father-in-law. Regular checkups at the clinic
meant no going to the hospital until she absolutely had to. And
the sliding scale of the clinic liked having a patient who could
pay. The actual physical stuff she did with Val, even though Alan
is her doctor of record. Alan is the one who writes her scripts
for the prenatal vitamins and does the lectures. She stops by the
front desk where Lesley Webber is sitting. ''Val says I'm suppose
to make an appointment for next month.''
Lesley sorts through the appointment book. She tells Carly the
next date and awkwardly writes it on the back of a card. ''Here
you go. Alan is in with a patient now but he said you were
suppose to wait for him. Something about Emily's Christmas
present.''
''Right.'' Carly tucks the appointment card in her purse and goes
to take a seat in the waiting room. Alan had been visiting with
Michael while she was with Val. So Carly isn't too surprised to
see Michael in the toy corner but who he is with does surprise
her. ''Elizabeth?''
''Hey Carly.''
''What are you doing here?''
''I'm providing Taxi service to someone who got mugged. Taggart
and Officer Rick wanted her checked out to make sure she is okay.''
''Yeah, but how did you get roped into that?''
''I was at the station. I'm kinda doing a class over there.''
Carly sits down next to the play corner and reaches for a
magazine and then grimaces. She looks at the date of the mag.
1997. ''I am going to have to bring in something more current the
next time I come in here.''
''It is pitiful isn't it?'' Liz agrees. ''So when are we doing
the next girl's night out?''
''I'm up for it.'' Carly nods. ''But you better check with Maddy.
I'm on her list right now.''
Liz grimaces. ''Oh right.'' She shakes her head. ''That is all so
weird.''
Carly shrugs. ''Port Charles.''
''No need to say more. Tell you what... Em and Maddy set it up
last time. I'll set it up this time.''
''Grandpop.'' Michael hollars like he hasn't seen Alan in a
million years and races to the burly guy just coming out from the
curtains. Alan swings him up in his arms and plants a smacking
kiss on him.
Alan tucks him on his hip. ''Elizabeth, Mrs Levy is ready to go
home. I gave her some samples to get her through the next couple
of days. She was incredibly lucky.''
''I know. But I'm guessing she isn't feeling that way right now.''
Lizrises to her feet. ''You'll get copies of everything over to
Officer Rick at the PCPD? They'll need it for her to be eligible
for Victim'sAssistance.''
''It will go out by messenger tomorrow morning.'' Alan agrees.
Mrs Levy comes out from the curtains with a nursing student. Alan
holds a hand out to her. ''It was a pleasure to meet you even if
the circumstances... sucked.'' Alan falls back on the language
that many of his younger patients at the clinic used. ''If you
have any problems I want you to contact me immediately. If it's
dizziness or blurred vision you need to call EMS. The emergency
room nurse can call me from there. Treatment as soon as possible
can be the difference from going that home that day or the next
or months of rehab.''
''Why?'' Mrs Levy demands. ''Those are often the first symptoms
of a stroke.'' Alan tells her. ''This mugging had it's silver
lining. You need to start monitoring your blood pressure, Mrs
Levy. Now it might be the stress of the situation but if it's not
we need to be addressing that. I want to see you in a couple of
days to check on that once things are more... normal.''
Mrs Levy harrumphs. ''Doctors.''
Alan harrumphs right back. ''Patients.'' They smile at each other
inperfect understanding.
''Dr. Lesley, I'm going back to the house after I drop off Mrs
Levy. Do you want a ride?'' Liz offers.
''Go on, Lesley.'' Alan urges. ''Val is kicking me out of here
too. She's going to close tonight.'' Alan hands Michael off to
Carly and helps Lesley on with her poncho. Lesley grabs her bag
with her good hand. He holds the door for them as they leave and
then turns around to Carly. ''So what do you say? The three of us
go out for some hot c-h-o-c-o-l-a-t-e?''
''Chocolate! I want Chocolate!'' Michael demands.
''No way he could have known that one.'' Alan says in disbelief.
''Please-- a word that starts with C that follows Hot. It's
either chocolate or cocoa; he had a fifty/fifty shot. And believe
me those are words I learned how to spell early too.''
''You might hate me saying this... but maybe some of Edward's
genes are coming through-- at least his sweet tooth.''
''Oh bite your tongue.'' Carly demands.