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by Tammy
Chapter Four
Before something else happened. Lucy had thought being stranded in Port Charles, with no friends and
no money, with everyone eyeing her suspiciously, and dealing with Lee and
Gail’s veiled and not-so-veiled questions was as bad as it could get, but
this morning she had been proven wrong. She needed money to find Scott
and she needed it from someone who didn’t ask a lot of questions. Questions
she certainly didn’t want to give answers to.
And if it wasn’t Scott, then it was someone else. Someone who tracked her down, someone who knew what those words meant, perhaps even the man they had encountered in Spain with the intense eyes and a will so strong that – Lucy shuddered. She remembered the conversation she had had with him, after he had thrown Scott in jail. She had cajoled and pleaded with him to no avail, used every feminine wile in her possession and nothing moved him until she promised him – “Were you looking for me?” It took Lucy a moment to return back to the present and to see Tony
in front of her. With a shriek of happiness, she wrapped her arms around
his neck. “I have missed you so much! How have you been? Have I ever told
you that out of all my ex’s you are absolutely my most favorite?”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kevin left Gail’s office after the consultation, feeling a bit frustrated.
Well, to be fair the consultation had really been a flimsy excuse so that
he could unearth more information about Gail’s new boarder, and Gail had
seen through him in an instant. She had been uncharacteristically tightlipped
about Lucy and Kevin didn’t know if it was because of Serena or because
she was still mad at him over the Ellen fiasco.
Bobbie laughed. “Save the charm for someone else Kevin, cause this little fish ain’t biting. What is it you want?” “Information.” Kevin replied. “About?” Bobbie asked cautiously. “Kevin!” Julie, with a large smile on her face, approached him. “I wanted to thank you for all your help the other day. It made my meeting with my father so much easier.” Kevin, intent on his quest for information, responded rather absently. “You’re welcome.” “I thought you might want to know, I am going to visit my father again today. We covered a lot of ground during our first visit, but we have lots more to cover. But then you know that already.” “That’s good. Let me know how it turns out.” Kevin patted Julie on the shoulder. “Now, if you will excuse me, I was just about to consult with Bobbie about a case.” “Oh, I am sorry. I should have realized I was interrupting.” Julie was puzzled. Kevin had seemed far more open and chattier at Ferncliff. Maybe he was one of those people that only really became themselves when outside their workplace. “Hello Bobbie. Thanks for your time Kevin.” Kevin, feeling a bit ashamed for giving Julie the brush-off, replied. “If I can help in any way, let me know.” Julie wanted to respond that it would help if he showed up again, even though Kevin had excused himself right before her father had entered the room. But it would be too much to ask of him to go out of his way for her again. Instead Julie thanked him, said her good-byes, and left. “Now then,” Kevin turned back to Bobbie, “I need to know all there is to know about Lucy Coe.” “Do you have a week or so, because that is how long it would take.”
Bobbie linked her arm into Kevin’s and steered him toward the waiting room.
“The story of Lucy Coe begins, ironically enough, with another man named
Kevin....”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lucy returned to the waiting room, far less happy than when she left. Tony had been his normal nice self, but when she brought up the subject of money he suddenly remembered a patient he just had to see. She sat in one of the chairs, feeling dejected. She had to come up with a plan, and she had to do it quick. “One thing I’ll say for her, Lucy has certainly led an eventful life.” Kevin said to Bobbie as they made their way down the hallway. “That’s one way to put it. I’d say Lucy creates her own drama, in fact she revels in it.” Bobbie responded, a bit snarkier than Kevin was used to. Bobbie stopped short as she turned the corner and spotted Lucy. “Speak of the devil.” “You really don’t like our Ms. Coe very much do you?” Kevin asked, following Bobbie’s gaze. “Trust me, I have good reason not to. Although she can be quite charming when she wants to be, and she was actually nice to Dominique. But that’s a story for another day because I have to go back to work.” Bobbie looked at Kevin who was studying Lucy almost as a small boy happily contemplating a mud puddle. “Whatever it is that you are planning to do with her, don’t. You’ll regret it in the end, I promise. I can give you lots of names with first hand experience to back me up.” “Thanks Bobbie, but have I ever came across as someone who couldn’t take care of himself?” Kevin asked as he readjusted his tie. “Maybe somebody should warm Lucy about me.” “Come to think of it, you two probably deserve each other.” Bobbie laughed
as she made her way back to the nurses’ station.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lucy’s thoughts were running round and round in circles, but all ideas led exactly nowhere. The only way she could find Scott, without risking too many questions, was to investigate his whereabouts by herself. And in order to do that, she needed money. And to get money.... Lucy suddenly got the strange feeling she was being watched. She stood up and came face to face with an older woman with steely eyes and a spine to match. “Can I help you?” “I was being rude, wasn’t I? It’s just I get this feeling I know you from somewhere, have we met before? In Switzerland perhaps?” :”No, I don’t think so.” Something about the way this woman was looking at her made Lucy very nervous. “Are you sure? I almost never forget a face. Maybe it was Paris?” The woman held out her hand. “Helena Cassadine, perhaps my name rings a bell?” Lucy quickly shook her hand; not surprised to find Helena’s hands were cold. “I think you may have me confused with someone else. My name is Lucy Coe.” “Well my dear, please accept my apologies, I didn’t mean to disturb you. I am sure it will come to me where I know you from.” Helena smiled at Lucy. “Well I must be running alone, it was nice meeting you Ms. Coe. “ Lucy unnerved by the woman’s visit, quickly picked up her coat and purse. It was time she went somewhere else to do her thinking. “That’s interesting.” Came a voice behind her, once again Lucy turned around. “I’ve been here years and Helena has never introduced herself to me.” “You again. “ Lucy turned back around, deliberately snubbing Kevin. “If you will excuse me, I was just about to leave.” Kevin continued, just as if she hadn’t spoken. “You must have something I don’t.” Kevin looked Lucy up and down leisurely. “Besides the obvious that is.” Lucy suddenly felt hot, it must be the coat she told herself. “Who is she anyway?” Lucy asked, trying very hard to sound casual. “I thought you were in a hurry.” Kevin replied. “Of course if you could spare me an hour, I could take you out to a late lunch and tell you all about the Cassadines and their attempts to rule the world. And, since I seem to make you jumpy, it will be in a public place so you have no reason to be nervous.” “You don’t enter my conscious enough to affect my nerves.” Lucy bit her lower lip, hesitating. She was hungry after all. And maybe Kevin could fill her in on some of the things that happened while she was gone. One lunch and she would never have to speak to the man again. “Why not? But just lunch, that’s all, don’t be expecting anything else.” Kevin grinned. “Oh, I never have any expectations. You could call it my personal philosophy of life.” Kevin helped Lucy in to her jacket, using the close contact to brush her cheek with his fingers. “Now, if you want to surprise me, I’m up for anything you want to send my way.” Lucy pulled away, hitting the elevator button far harder than necessary.
“Dream on.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Back again?” Bennett gazed scornfully at his daughter. “Once wasn’t enough for you?” “I want to get to know you better.” Julie sat down in the chair opposite of him. “I hope that is what you want too.” “Well you are sadly mistaken, and not for the first time. I only spoke to you before because I was bored. I never thought you would keep showing up here.” Julie was stunned by her father’s change in attitude. “I thought we were making progress.” “Well you thought wrong.” Bennett stood up. “You were always a disappointment to me Julie, that hasn’t changed. Now if you will excuse me, I am sure I can find better ways to spend my time.” Julie sat stunned, trying very hard not to give in to tears. It was a sign of weakness and she didn’t want to show any around her father. “Well that was certainly harsh.” Kevin, miraculously, was standing in front of her, indicating the chair that Bennett had just vacated. “May I?” “Yes,” Julie replied, trying not to seem too eager. “I didn’t see you come in. How long have you been here?” “Oh, I’ve been hanging around for a while.” Kevin reached across the table and touched Julie's cheek. ''I hate seeing you so sad. I never could stand seeing a woman cry.” “I can’t believe you are here. When I spoke earlier, you didn’t mention coming.” “Didn’t I? I – “ Kevin leaned forward. “Actually, I think it’s better if we don’t mention me coming out here to other people. I don’t want anyone to think my helping you out this way is inappropriate. You know how much appearances mean to me.” Julie almost thought Kevin stifled a laugh as he made the last statement. “Oh. Okay.” It didn’t make much sense to Julie, but nothing about how she was feeling made sense. She had never even been the least bit attracted to Kevin before, why did seeing him now make her feel ridiculously happy? Kevin indicated the checkerboard on the table next to theirs. “Care for a game?” Julie brightened; all she had waiting for her was a lonely one-room apartment. She wanted to put off going back to it as long as possible. “Sure, but I have to warn you I’m pretty good. Prepare to have the pants beaten right off of you.” Kevin laughed. “Julie my dear, there are far more sure ways of getting my pants off of me, if that is what you after.” It was just a casual joke, it didn’t mean anything but Julie lowered
her head as she set up her checkers, hoping Kevin didn’t see her blushing.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Hello Christopher.” Helena placed a kiss on his cheek, as they stood in front of the nurses’ desk. “How nice to see you again.” Chris looked around in true panic, taking Helena’s hand and dragging her to the stairwell. “Are you crazy?” “Why, I had no idea our relationship had evolved so far.” Helena stroked Chris’s hair as he made sure no one had followed them. “Eager little boy aren’t you?” “Stop that!” Chris hissed. “What are you doing here?” Helena’s eyes went very cold. “People never make the mistake of snapping at me twice, it would do you good to remember that.” Before Chris had a chance to react, her tone went back to seductive. “I have been waiting for a phone call, naughty boy to keep me waiting this way.” Chris gulped. “I’ve been considering your offer.” And taking a look at the momentous mountain of bills he and Eve had managed to amass since they moved in together, he added to himself. “And?” “How much money are we talking?” Chris asked. “A man that gets straight to the point. I like that.” Helena wrote down a figure on a piece of paper, looked at Chris, crossed it out and wrote a new one. “Tell me if this speaks to you.” Helena squeezed his hand as she passed it to him. Chris’s eyes grew very large as he read it. “Loud and clear.” Chris folded the note and placed it in his pocket. “And I don’t have to kill – or hurt anyone to get this?” “Nope, all you have to do is what I ask when I ask it and keep your mouth shut.” Helena smiled. “All I need from you is your eyes and ears. For now.” Ever since he was a little boy, Chris had craved money. Now that he was older, the cravings hadn’t gone away, in fact the need for it seemed to grow stronger with each passing year. With what Helena was offering him, he could be someone. He could prove his father wrong. “When do I start?” “Good boy, and since there is no time like the present, this is your first assignment - find out everything you can about Lucy Coe. I’ll expect a report in the morning.” “The morning? I don’t even get off work until midnight.” “That’s your problem. I pay and you deliver. No excuses allowed. Should I expect you about eight?” Chris nodded. “Why Lucy Coe?” “Now, now, now. No questions.” Helena patted his cheek. “I’ll see you
tomorrow. If you a particularly good boy I may even feed you breakfast.
Bye for now Christopher.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “You certainly have a healthy appetite, I guess that explains all those tantalizing curves.” Lucy paused, fork in hand. “Are you insinuating doctor that I am fat?” “Oh no.” Kevin grinned. “Far from it. I am just admiring how well placed all those curves are.” Lucy put the fork back on the table. “I did not come here to be insulted.” “Why did you come then?” Kevin asked. “Oh, I remember, it was on the pretense of finding out about Helena Cassadine.” “I do not like you Dr. Collins and I do not like what you are implying, you know very well that the only reason I accepted your invitation was because I want you –.” Lucy broke off as Kevin began laughing again. “For information reasons only. I don’t care what you choose to believe, that is the truth.” “Of course it is. Which explains why Helena’s name wasn’t brought up until I did so, I say you want something all right, but it’s not food nor the life story of Helena.” Lucy stood up, but Kevin was quicker, grabbing her arm before she could take off. “Don’t go. If I offended you, please accept my sincerest apologies.” “I don’t believe you have a sincere bone in your body and let go of my arm now or I will scream and trust me I can make a scene better than anyone else in Port Charles.” Kevin lifted his arms. “You are free to go, but it would be a shame if you didn’t have a chance to hear about my job offer.” Lucy lifted her nose in the air and picked her purse. “It pays good money too, but I guess money isn’t important to you right now. Have a good day Lucy.” Lucy hesitated, so angry for herself for doing so she stomped her foot. “Not that I would work for you in a million years, but what is the job? Just for curiosity’s sake.” “Have a seat and I’ll order desert.” Lucy still stood a few feet from Kevin, undecided. “How does Double Chocolate Fudge Cake sound to you?” He said the magic word. Chocolate. Lucy sat down. “It sounds – okay I guess.” “Thanks.” Kevin signaled the waiter and placed the order. “I live in the Lighthouse.” “Thanks for sharing, I’ll file that under useless information.” Kevin continued, unperturbed. “And I need a decorator.” Kevin looked down at Lucy’s crossed legs, which Lucy instantly uncrossed. “And I do admit I like your style.” “You want me to decorate your house? I am not an interior decorator Kevin.” Lucy’s attention was diverted by the delivery of the cake. It looked heavenly. Lucy picked up her fork and allowed herself a tiny bite. Heavenly wasn’t the right word after all, it was obviously Satan spawned, it was too delicious, too tempting by far. “You were saying?” Kevin asked, clearly amused by Lucy’s ecstatic expression. “I – I have never done that type of work before. Did you say the Lighthouse? That figures. Perfect place for a Heathcliff type.” “Thank you.” Kevin placed a large piece of cake in his mouth, deliberately getting frosting on his lips. Lucy watched, mesmerized, as his tongue licked the frosting slowly, making a wide circle around his mouth. “Do you need to take off your jacket? You looked flushed.” “I am fine. Just fine.” Kevin picked up another large bite, and Lucy once again found herself watching him intently as the cake almost reached his mouth and then stopped. Startled, she looked up at his eyes, which were large and dark and staring deeply into hers. Lucy swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry, and knew that if she tried to talk it would come out as a squeak. Kevin brought the fork up to her, leaning over the table toward her as he did so. Lucy never stopped looking in his eyes as she obediently opened her mouth. The cake practically melted on her tongue. Kevin reached over again, wiping a bit of chocolate from her mouth with a finger, and then placing the finger inside his lips, taking his time to lick it clean. “Delicious.” Lucy knew she had to get out of there, and right away. She picked up her purse, not even allowing herself to tell Kevin goodbye. “Hey!” Kevin yelled after her. “What about the job?” But Lucy was gone. Kevin chuckled, eating the last of the cake, oh yes.
She was his for the taking. Easy as – cake.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eve let herself in the apartment, very tired and very glad to be home. “Chris?” No answer. Where could he be? Eve pulled off her coat and made her way into the bedroom. So deep in thought was she that she was already in the room before she saw Chris, gazing intently at the computer screen. Apparently he hadn’t heard her come in. Smiling, Eve quietly walked up behind him, throwing her arms around his neck. “This is a holdup. Your money or your life. Or I could just ravish you if you prefer.” Chris jumped, and with a quick motion turned off the computer. “Hello Eve. I didn’t hear you come in.” “Apparently not. What’s so important? Research for one of your patients? Something you didn’t want me to see? Don’t tell me you’ve been watching naughty videos again. I thought the one we made cured you of that.” Chris pulled Eve into his lap. “Oh no, you were right about that. The rest of them are rank amateurs compared to us. In fact.” Chris pulled Eve’s shirt off so he could have access to her bare shoulders. “I have an itching to watch it again right now.” “And I would love to scratch, but before I do tell me what you are up to. Don’t even bother denying it, I can see it in your eyes.” “Why Eve I am shocked. I can’t believe you see anything in them but innocence.” Chris began unhooking her bra. “Pure, white as the driven snow, innocence.” Eve leaned back, as Chris began exploring her shoulders and her neck,
her thoughts already becoming hazy. “Has anyone ever told you that you
don’t fight fair?”
“What were we discussing?” Eve asked, her lips never leaving his. “Scratching itches I believe it was.” Chris replied, standing up with Eve in his arms headed for the bed. “Oh right. That.” Eve sank down on the bed and reached up, pulling Chris down, neither noticing that a few of his buttons popped off his shirt as she did so. Hours later, Eve woke up. She knew right away the pillow next to hers
was empty. Chris was gone.
It was rejected. Puzzled Eve typed it again, slowly. Again it was rejected. Chris had changed his password, but why and to what? There was something going on with Chris and Eve didn’t like it. He had never before shut her out this way. Eve tried twenty different passwords before she gave up in frustration. Standing up she kicked Chris’s pants out of her way and then on an impulse picked them up. Maybe there was something in his pickets. Something that would explain what was going on. Not feeling the least bit guilty, after all hadn’t they long ago promised not to keep secrets from one another, Eve searched them. In one of them was a little piece of paper, Eve opened it up. There was two figures complete with dollar signs on it, one was crossed out and the other was high enough to make the hairs on the back of Eve’s neck to stand up and salute. Whatever this was, it was big. And Eve intended to make damn sure she got her fair share. Chapter 5
“How many times do I have to say this? I am going to send you your damn money.” Lucy realized that she was getting stared at by a nurse and lowered her voice. “I just need a little more time, that’s all.” There was a pause during which Lucy restlessly paced back and forth across the waiting room. Suddenly she stopped short and laughed. “Oh go ahead and try it. My husband, the lawyer, will eat you alive in court.” Lucy abruptly ended the conversation. “Problems?” The voice was close enough behind her to make her jump. Lucy turned around and was face to face with a very handsome young doctor. “Do I know you?” “Dr. Christopher Ramsey, at your service.” Chris held out his hand.
“And you are Lucy Coe Baldwin. I make it a point to learn the names of
all the pretty ladies.”
“I could help you know. You probably can’t tell by looking at me, but I have had a run in or two with bill collectors myself.” “Oh that? That was nothing. Just a little misunderstanding that’s all, I’ll have it cleared up in no time. Well, it was nice meeting you Dr. Ramsey.” “Chris. All my friends call me Chris.” “Chris then. I really do have to be going now; I have an appointment to get to. It was nice meeting you.” Chris watched Lucy walk down the hallway; she stopped in front of Kevin Collins’ door. Chris watched as Lucy took a deep breath, straightened her skirt and then knocked. Chris checked his watch; it was awfully late for a therapy appointment. “Don’t tell me there’s trouble in Schemerville already? Does Eve know about your new little friend?” “Get lost. I was just being nice to Lucy that’s all. She seemed lonely to me.” Chris turned his back on Matt, noticing that Lucy had disappeared into Kevin’s office. “Oh yeah, Chris the Welcome Wagon of Port Charles spreading sunshine and good cheer. ” Matt picked up a chart. “Not that this hasn’t been a blast – “ “Hold on a second Matt.” It suddenly came to Chris that Matt could be of some help to him. “What’s her story anyway?” “Story?” Matt asked, eyebrows arched. “You know, she appears in Port Charles out of nowhere, daughter in tow but ex-husband nowhere in sight. She has no money; she doesn’t seem to have an abundance of friends here. What does Karen think of her?” “If you want to know what Karen thinks, ask her. Why all this sudden interest in Lucy Coe?” “No reason.” Chris shrugged. “Just making conversation that’s all.” “Well make it with someone else. I have work to do.” Matt turned his wheelchair around and was gone. “Oh please don’t tell me you are falling for the helpless me act too.” Felicia appeared from around the corner, where she had been rather unabashedly listening in ever since she spotted Chris and Lucy talking together. “It’s not even a good act. Lucy Coe is more than capable of taking care of herself. By the way, did I just see her go into Kevin’s office?” “Yes, why?” “Can you spell disaster? I can. And it’s spelled L-U-C-Y.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “So what’s your decision? The anticipation is killing me.” Kevin flashed that slow, lazy grin at Lucy. Lucy stood by the door; all edges and ready to bolt at any given moment. “I want to set up a few ground rules first okay? Rule one, I want a formal contract drawn up. I want my job duties detailed specifically, and when I get paid and how much I get paid.” “A contract? And here I thought you trusted me.” Not in this lifetime, Lucy thought to herself. Out loud she continued as if she hadn’t heard him. “Rule two, this is just a business relationship. Nothing more and nothing less.” “You know, you dress much more fun than you sound.” Kevin stood up; inching closer to Lucy who unconsciously took a few steps back. “Any more rules?” Looking into those dark mocking eyes, Lucy’s brain went dead. Completely. She searched desperately, but not a rational thought was to be found. “I – I think that will do for now.” Lucy backed up even further, her back now against the door. She suddenly felt the urge to get out of there as soon as possible. ''I will come by the Lighthouse tomorrow to get started. I want to begin right away, and I assume that is what you want also. I expect the contract to be ready by the time I arrive. I will see you in the morning Dr. Collins.” Happy that she could finally escape, Lucy turned around and reached
for the doorknob. Before she could turn it however, Kevin’s hands covered
hers. She almost turned toward him, but then realized what a big mistake
that would be. He was very close, his breath warm in her ear. “I am afraid
that won’t do at all.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Julie knew she should go straight home. There was nowhere else for her to go, not really. She had already been to Ferncliff three times this week, heck she had spent so much time there she might as well bring her pillow and toothbrush and move in. And she hadn’t made an iota worth of progress with her father. Kevin hadn’t even been there – Not that she was going just to see Kevin of course. She saw Kevin every day at the hospital, but he was always so preoccupied and distant there. She hadn’t even brought up their checker games with him, afraid he might quit playing them if he realized how much she had come to rely on them. It was such a good thing that Kevin had patients in Ferncliff, his very presence had made dealing with her father so much easier. So much so, that when he hadn’t shown up all this week, she missed him. Just as a friend of course, that’s all she thought of Kevin – as a friend. Julie knew she should just go home. She could rent a tape, microwave a bushel of popcorn, and pig out in front of her television. It was exactly what she needed, some down time. Best medicine she could prescribe for herself. Ten minutes later, Julie pulled into the Ferncliff parking lot.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “So you know Lucy. Are you friends?” Chris asked. Felicia laughed. “Hardly. In fact, I should go in Kevin’s office and rescue him right now.” “Kevin is a big boy. I am pretty sure Lucy won’t do anything to him he doesn’t want to do.” “See, that’s the problem. She’ll have him convinced she is what he wants.” “Don’t we all do that, in some fashion or another?” “How philosophical.” Felicia smiled at Chris. “Honestly, Lucy does have some good qualities right? She seems to be a good mother to Serena.” “She could very well be. I haven’t really seen her with Serena so I can’t judge. Serena was just a baby when Scott took them out of town. It was sort of a surprise to all of us that Scott took Lucy with him, after she sabotaged his relationship with Katherine and everything.” “Why wouldn’t he have taken her? She’s Serena’s mother after all.” Chris felt all prickly, he knew he was on to something big, he just didn’t know what it was yet. “That’s not entirely true.” Felicia checked the time and then sat down
on a chair, patting the one next to her. “I have a few minutes before I
meet Luke so let me tell you all about Scott and Lucy and Dominique.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Helena walked into her study and turned on the light. “What do you have for me?” It took all of Helena’s considerable iron will not to jump. As it was she had to give herself a few seconds before she could answer him. She didn’t like surprises, never had. Someone was going to lose their job over this, and be very lucky that the job was the only thing they were losing. “What are you doing here?” “Is that any way to greet family? If I didn’t know better, I’d think you’re not happy to see me. I didn’t startle you did I?” “Don’t be silly. I just thought you were going to wait for me to call you. You wasted a trip, I don’t have anything to tell you yet.” “If that’s true, then you are slipping. And I am tired of waiting; I have waited all that I intend to. Lucy Coe danced and now she is going to pay the piper, and it’s going to be soon. Has there been any sign of the other one?” “No, but I really don’t think it’s a good idea for you to be here. Go back home, I’ll handle things here.” “Sorry, no go cuz. Thanks for the help, but this is my show from now
on. No one messes with Damian Smith and gets by with it.” Damian plopped
his feet on Helena’s desk. “Now tell me what your little ferret has discovered
about the lovely Ms. Coe.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “I still think this is a bad idea.” Lucy looked up at the Lighthouse.
It was tall and dark – and somehow ominous. And isolated. She was out in
the middle of nowhere and alone with Kevin Collins. “I would greatly prefer
to do this in the morning.”
“It’s chilly out here, so if you would please put that oversized ego of yours in check long enough to open the door.” “Chilly?” Kevin reached up and brushed the hair away from Lucy’s face. “That’s funny. You look very warm to me.” Lucy spun around, meaning to walk back into town if she had to. Kevin
grabbed her arm before she could move more than a couple of steps. “Don’t
touch me!” Lucy moved out of his range as quickly as possible.
Kevin grinned at her and then pushed open the door and turned on the light. “Home sweet home.” Lucy took a cautious step inside. The room was practically deserted except for a few pieces of mismatched furniture, a globe or two, and what appeared to be dozens of canvases. “How long ago was the robbery?” “I wasn’t robbed, well not exactly. You see there was this woman – “ Lucy held out her hand. “Please, spare me the gory details. Frankly, your love life bores me.” Lucy picked up one of the canvases. The picture was dark, stormy. Weird. “Yours?” “Yes, Makes the ‘come inside and see my paintings’ line more original
don’t you think? In fact, I have more upstairs if you want to see them.
By sheer coincidence, they just happen to be in my bedroom.”
“No wonder that woman left you. Ellen, wasn’t that her name?” Lucy spotted a cheesy sculpture stuck in the corner, a man and a woman in a very compromising position. “Tell me that was hers, not yours.” “Actually, Ellen hated that. Katherine bought that for me, I think. Or was it Dara?” Kevin closed his eyes; a smile crossed his lips as he relived a memory. Lucy pretended it didn’t bother her. “Oh no, it was definitely Katherine.” “Well it comes as no surprise to me that the women in your life have no taste.” “Jealous much?” Kevin asked, clearly amused. “Look Dr. Collins – “ “Kevin.” “As long as I am working for you, Dr. Collins it will be. Now, if we are not going to get started I am going to call a taxi and go home. I think you’ve wasted enough of my time.” Kevin indicated the couch. “Oh, let’s get started then shall we? I know what a busy social life you lead, I would hate to be the cause of you missing out on all that.” Lucy warily eyed him as she sat down. Kevin sat down right beside her,
his leg touching hers. Lucy quickly moved it, causing Kevin to laugh in
that highly irritating way of his again. “I think it would be better if
you sat over there.” Lucy pointed to the lone kitchen chair.
“No, not possible.” Kevin reached past Lucy, bending over so that his face was just inches from hers. Lucy leaned so far back she was afraid she was going to tip the couch. His eyes, so close, so dark and sexy – no she didn’t mean sexy she meant mocking she told herself – looked into hers. “Catalogs.” Lucy watched the way his lips moved. “Huh?” “Furniture catalogs. You know, the kind with pictures of furniture in them?” Kevin had straightened back up, but was still very close to Lucy. “Lucy, are you still with me?” “I- I have to go.” Lucy stood up, so quickly she almost lost her balance. A bit confused, Kevin stood up also. “But we are supposed to pick out some of the furnishings tonight so you can get started.” Kevin said. “I thought you were in a hurry to finish this job.” Lucy snatched the catalogs out of his hand. “I will look these over and get back to you, but I have to go now because Serena needs me. She can’t sleep if I don’t tuck her in.” Kevin looked at his watch. “It’s seven-thirty.” “She has a very early bed time. Children need lots of sleep.” Lucy headed for the door. “Have a good night Kev- Dr. Collins.” “Lucy, wait.” Kevin had to practically run to catch up with her. “How are you going to get home?” “A cab.” Lucy fished for her cell phone, almost dumping the whole contents of her purse as she did so. “I’ll be glad to take you home.” “No, I’m ready for bed myself – I mean I’m tired. You know early to bed and early to rise and – I have to go cause I like riding in taxis especially the taxis in Port Charles they are so neat and clean and so -.” Lucy opened the door, already dialing the phone. “Ta.” “At least wait in here until the taxi arrives.” Kevin felt his fun night slipping away from him. But he was speaking to himself, because Lucy was already gone, disappearing into the darkness. Lucy hung up the phone, leaning against the Lighthouse, feeling as if
she had escaped her execution. She wasn’t staying long enough in Port Charles
to get involved with anyone. And if she was, it definitely would not be
with smug exasperating Kevin Collins. She was too smart for that.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Thanks.” Julie stood up and shook Dr. Vance’s hand. “This discussion helped a lot. I know that my dad and I will never be close, but I do hope that we at least reach some kind of understanding.” “I think it would do you both a world of good if you did.” Dr. Vance smiled at Julie. “Keep trying, the progress will be slow but I think you will find the effort worth it.” Julie picked up her things. Although she hadn’t spoken to her father or to Kevin, the evening wasn’t a total loss. Talking to her father’s psychiatrist had given her a lot of insight and a great deal to think about. The room was beginning to fill with patients looking for a quick card game or some gossip before they headed to bed. There were a few family members still there, but not many. Julie involuntary drew in her breath as Cooper entered the room. It was past time to go home. Looking down, hurrying, she almost didn’t see Kevin who came in right behind Cooper. “Hi, you almost missed me.” Realizing what she had said, Julie blushed. “I mean, I know you didn’t come here to see me...” “It’s okay. I am happy I got to see you before you left.” Kevin pulled out a chair. “Can you spare me a minute?” “A late emergency with one of your patients?” Julie asked as she sat down. “You could say that. Who are you staring at, if you don’t mind me asking?” “Was I staring? I am sorry. It just makes me so uncomfortable, Cooper being here. I saw the man kill someone, one moment Dr. Joe Scanlon was standing next to me and then next he was lying in a pool of blood, dead.” Julie shuddered. “How does someone live with themselves after they do that? And why is Cooper allowed out here, he should at least be locked up in his room.” “So you think he belongs in a cage?” Something flashed across Kevin’s face, but it was so quick Julie didn’t recognize it. “Who exactly is he hurting right now? Does he look violent to you?” “Not now. But what if the drugs they are giving him suddenly wear off? I know I probably shouldn’t say this, you being a psychiatrist and all, but I don’t think everyone like that can be cured, or whatever it is you call it.” “I see.” Kevin’s voice had gone cold. “So what you are so eloquently trying to say is that therapy is just a waste of time? It’s impossible for people to change, is that it? Once a killer, always a killer. It’s a good thing you didn’t get into the psychiatric field.” “I made you mad. I am sorry.” Julie noted the very stiff way Kevin was sitting; she had really upset him. “I didn’t mean to belittle what you do. I was speaking out of turn, I know that people get rehabilitated all the time. It just creeped me out, seeing Cooper that’s all. It’s no excuse, I know.” “Maybe you should go. I have work to do.” Julie silently cursed herself and her big mouth. “I am really sorry Kevin.” “Don’t call me that!” Kevin was practically snarling, a few people looked up including the nurse that watched everyone from his desk. Immediately Kevin lowered his voice, his anger apparently magically gone. “I guess I am just in a bad mood tonight, please forgive me. I would hate it if we didn’t have these little talks. It is nice to have a friend on the – outside the office. I promise to be much more charming next time.” As if to prove it, Kevin flashed the most amazingly charming smile Julie had ever seen. “My fault totally.” Julie stood up. “I’ll be here almost every night next week. Dad has agreed to talk to me again.” “Well, I will probably be here at least a few days next week myself.” Julie smiled at Kevin one more time before leaving. As soon as she was
gone, the nurse approached him.
“No, not at all. My cousin and I just had a tiny misunderstanding that’s all. No problem at all.” The nurse frowned. “Maybe we should take her name off your approved visitor list, I know Dr. Vance doesn’t want you getting upset.” “I am fine.” Every word was said slowly, as if talking to someone with diminished mental capacity. “Other than my brother, she is my only contact with my family. I have worked very hard to get my visiting privileges restored, you can’t just revoke them again on a whim.” “Okay Ryan, she is still on your list. You and Devlin that must be one twisted family tree she is a branch of. But I warn you; I am keeping my eye on you. Any problems, and she is out of here.” The nurse walked away, and Ryan forced himself to unclench his fist.
He didn’t have to look, he knew that he had dug his fingernails so deeply
into his skin that deep grooves were left. Take it slow and easy, he reminded
himself. He didn’t want to blow things now.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Thank you. You have been very helpful.” Chris hung up the phone, which immediately rang. Chris checked the caller ID, praying it wasn’t the hospital. It wasn’t – the number was unlisted. Chris suspected Helena, he didn’t pick up and the caller didn’t leave a message. Chris had no intention of talking to Helena until he figured some things out for himself. It had taken him hours, all of his charm and a few downright clever lies, but he had gotten the information he was seeking. Serena had indeed once had a trust fund; millions of dollars that had all vanished. And Chris had a strong suspicion that Lucy had something to do with that, and that she wouldn’t want the information to become public knowledge. It was why she was so worried about Scott, why she was so nervous and jumpy all the time. It seemed like Lucy had some ‘plaining to do. Chris smiled as he tapped his pencil against the desk. He wasn’t going to tell Helena about this, not yet. First he was going to find out how he could use this information to his advantage. And then, he was going to choose the path that gained him the most. Oh yeah, this time Chris Ramsey was going to land on top. Chris swirled his chair around; oh this was going to be fun.
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