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by Tammy Chapter Eight
Chris had never seen anyone look so – dangerous before. Helena’s eyes were pure steel, and all the charm she had exhibited in earlier conversations had disappeared completely. “You know, it’s really strange you showing up here.” Chris tried not to stutter. “I was just going to call you.” “I don’t suffer fools gladly Christopher. And I have even less patience for those who mistake me for one. Let me assure you dear boy – “ Helena fingered Chris’s throat, causing him to back totally against the wall. “you really do not want to make me lose my patience.” “Look, you have every reason to be upset. I should have called you earlier. It’s just – I didn’t want to admit that I have come up empty-handed. Maybe I’m just not the man for the job after all. Why don’t we just shake hands and call things even? To prove what a nice guy I am, you don’t even have to pay me.” “Oh no, dear one, that won’t work at all. There is a reason I chose for you the job and our relationship is not over until I say it’s over. I am beginning to wonder if my dear cousin is right, he thinks you are holding out on me.” Helena held his head, forcing him to look her in the eye. “I told him you were too smart for that. You are a smart boy aren’t you Chris?” Karen couldn’t hear all the conversation, but she had heard enough to know that Chris was in some kind of trouble. Now, knowing Chris, he had gotten himself there, but still...he was a colleague and from what she had heard Helena Cassadine was an evil demented woman. Karen began turning the knob. Helena immediately backed away from Chris. Chris, his face white, took a moment to realize it was Karen. “Oh sorry, I was just getting a – “ Karen took a quick look around and the first item she saw she said. “a bucket.” “Excuse me.” Helena brushed past Karen. “I expect to hear from you very soon Dr. Ramsey.” “Sure thing.” Chris replied weakly. “Closet’s all yours.” He said to Karen, trying to recover his equilibrium. “Catch you later.” Karen grabbed his arm as he tried to pass her by. “Not so fast.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Nice office.” Damian said as Kevin entered. Damian was already sitting
on the chair, with his feet on Kevin’s desk. “I have been admiring that
painting.”
“Smith, but just call me Damian. And I assume I can call you Kevin?” Kevin nodded; rather stiffly there was something – untrustworthy about the man. “It’s not so much information as a warning.” Kevin raised his eyebrows slightly. “Warn me? Why?” Kevin sat down in his chair. “I am not sure why a warning would even be necessary, Lucy just works for me after all. There is nothing going on between us.” “Yeah right.” Damian leaned back in the chair. “Well if that’s the truth, congratulations. I have met few men that has been able to withstand Lucy’s – shall we say charms? For such a strong, spirited woman she plays the damsel in distress amazingly well.” “So it’s an act?” Kevin asked; trying not to sound too interested. “And what a finely tuned act it is. First she is all over you, then she freezes you out claiming she can’t open her heart for fear of you breaking it, and then for the grand finale she comes to you with tears in her eyes begging you to help her. It’s quite a sight to behold, let me tell you. You look like an alright guy Kevin, I just didn’t want to see you added to her endless list of victims.” “So our Miss Lucy is a con artist.” Kevin mused. “Bingo, exactly. She’s left a string of broken hearts and empty wallets all over the world. And she uses everything she has to get what she wants – including, or should I say especially, sex.” “Lucy likes to play games, I don’t see the big deal. If she knows it is a game and I know it is a game, what exactly is the harm?” Kevin asked. Damian shrugged, getting up to spin one of the globes Kevin had in the office. “Look, play all the games you want with her. If you do, you’ll be in for a ride of a lifetime, I know from personal experience. Just don’t take the lady too much to heart, unless you like being played for a fool.” “I am just taking a stab in the dark here, but were you one of Lucy’s targets?” Kevin asked, trying to figure out this guy. He knew Damian Smith by reputation, but he had left town shortly after Kevin had moved to Port Charles. “It’s of no consequence.” Damian replied. “And I have taken too much of your time Kevin. Good luck with Lucy, you’ll need it.” Without waiting for a response, Damian left the room, leaving Kevin
to replay the conversation again in his mind. What kind of woman was this
Lucy Coe? He wasn’t sure, but one thing he did know. More and more she
sounded like trouble, and Kevin was beginning to think maybe that wasn’t
a good thing.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ryan was sitting at the table Julie had come to think of as theirs; but that was when she had thought he was Kevin. Now that she was looking around the room, it was obvious that nurses were watching Ryan at all times. She could see how familiar the other patients were with him. All of this wasn’t new, but she hadn’t noticed any of it before. Of course, that was probably because she hadn’t wanted to. She had created a fantasy for herself and was all too willing to ignore everything else in order to make it real. It was a very scary insight. Julie sat down across from Ryan unable to think of anything to say, trying hard not to stare at him – to find the differences between him and his brother. Trying not to think of the circumstances that placed Ryan here in the place. “You know, don’t you?” Ryan asked after they had sat in uncomfortable silence for a moment. “You know, but you came anyway.” “I – I don’t think I can do this after all.” Julie began to stand up. “This was a mistake.” “Sit. Please, sit. All I need – all I am asking for is a few minutes of your time. You came all this way, even after you found out that I am not Kevin. Please Julie, please stay?” Ryan asked. Julie sat back down. A few minutes – what could it hurt? Ryan took so long to speak that Julie finally asked “What?” much louder than she intended to. “You’re upset. I can tell. I mean, you should be upset. I am not the person you thought I was. If it makes you feel any better, I am not the person I thought I was either.” Ryan made a feeble attempt at a laugh. “You may find this hard to believe right now, but usually I am much better at words than this.” “Why? Why this elaborate charade pretending to be your brother? Was it your idea of a joke? You had to know I would find out sooner or later.” “It wasn’t a joke.” Ryan reached for Julie’s hands, but she moved them to her lap. “Of course I knew you would find out. Kevin would say something at the hospital, or one of the orderlies would pop up and tell me it’s time for my medicine. They are really big believers in the magic of pills here. I kept waiting for the roof to cave in, for you to yell that I was an impostor. But it didn’t happen; do you want to know why? I mean, do you want to know why I think it didn’t happen before now?” “Why?” Julie asked, almost a whisper. “Because we were meant to happen. You needed this time to get to know
me. And you do Julie. Somewhere deep inside of you, you knew all along
I wasn’t Kevin. I wasn’t the Kevin that you knew at the hospital, I wasn’t
the same guy that breaks hearts out of necessity so that he can leave his
own intact. My heart isn’t intact Julie and I don’t think yours is either.
What I am struggling to say here is, we were destined to fall in love with
each other.” Ryan leaned back in his chair, putting his hands behind his
head. “And against all odds we have. Isn’t destiny great?”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “You don’t have anything here to eat do you?” Scott came into the kitchen, looking rumpled. “I feel like I haven’t eaten in a week.” Scott sat down in the chair opposite of Eve’s. “And some coffee would be great.” “Sit down. Make yourself at home. Take it easy and let me wait on you.” Eve said with deliberate sarcasm. “How about some waffles with lots of syrup? And some bacon to go along with it?” Scott’s eyes actually lit up. “That would be great.” “Wonderful. The diner down the street serves breakfast 24 hours a day, which is a good thing for you because it is way past noon. “ “Is it that late?” Scott ran a wayward finger through his hair. “Damn. Where’s the jerk?” Eve resisted, and patted herself on the back for doing so, saying sitting right in front of me. “Chris? He’s at work.” Eve checked her watch. “Speaking of which, I need to get going too. Listen pal – “ “Don’t call me that. The name is Scott.” Scott snapped. “Scott then.” Eve wondered how anyone had ever put up with that guy. “It’s been a real – experience. Chris says to wish you luck so – luck. I hope everything works out for you.” “And don’t let the door hit you on the way out? I thought you doctors had to help people that needed help. Didn’t you take an oath or something?” “Nothing in the Hippocratic oath says that I have to help you straighten out that mess you call a life.” Eve got off to put her dishes in the sink. “I am afraid you are on your own.” “Well then help me out because I am such a charming guy. Come on admit it, I saw the way you looked at me last night, you kind of like me.” “You obviously need glasses. Really, you are going to have to go. I have enough problems of my own, I can’t be taking on problems of strangers.” She had her back to him and so was shocked when he grabbed her and turned
her around. “That’s too bad, because you are going to help me whether you
want to or not.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Her life was a nightmare, a totally complete and unrelenting nightmare. What could Damian want with Kevin? Nothing good that was for sure. She could imagine the conversation, Damian describing how she came into his life – Scott being thrown in jail – the night she went to Damian’s suite dressed in nothing but a coat, all the things she -. Lucy tried to shake away the memories. She had to stop Damian from turning one of the few people in the town that would even speak to her against her. And more importantly, she had to stop Damian. She needed to go to Kevin and explain – the unexplainable. And then she had to convince him to help her. Which would not be an easy thing to do, not after she pushed him away. This would be much easier if he wasn’t so sexy, if his eyes didn’t haunt her in her dreams. If she could think of him as just another easy mark. “Are you coming or going? “ Kevin was standing in the elevator, holding the door open for her. “Kevin, I was just thinking about you. We need to talk.” “I just bet we do.” Kevin apparently tired of waiting, let go of the door. Lucy made it in just in time. “Are you okay? You don’t seem to be yourself.” “You mean I am not all over you? Look Lucy, you made it clear you are not interested in me. That’s okay, I’m fine with that. I’ll find someone else to help me with the Lighthouse and good luck on finding another job.” Kevin had been many things with her, but never aloof. Lucy found she didn’t like it much. “I never meant that I didn’t want to work with you. In fact, I have some ideas for upstairs that I want to share with you. How about tonight?” “Well it just so happens that I am not free tonight.” Kevin said as the elevator doors began to open. “So I guess this is it. Well just think of each other as the one that got away.” For the first time in the conversation Kevin smiled. “I guess a goodbye kiss is too much to ask for?” “Kevin, I don’t know what Damian told you about me, but....” “That’s between you and Damian. You made it clear that you don’t need my help, and I am getting a little tired of your push-pull routine. So – goodbye Lucy.” “What did he tell you?” Lucy grabbed on to Kevin. “I need to know what he’s planning. Is he looking for Scott?” Kevin had to hand it to her, she was good. She sounded really scared. “”He didn’t mention Scott. I really have to go Lucy. I don’t like to keep my ladies waiting. Goodbye.” Lucy watched him walk away, feeling totally lost. What were her options? Corner Kevin and beg him to listen to her side of the story? Corner Damian and ask him if he knew where Scott was, what sick revenge he had planned? Take Serena and run again? “Damn it Scott.” Lucy said out loud. “Where are you?”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “I really have to go now.” Julie’s heart was beating so hard she could hear it, she thought the whole room could. “I scared you didn’t I?” Ryan asked, concerned. “The last thing I wanted to do was scare you. I would never intentionally hurt you in any way, you know that don’t you Julie?” “I can’t do this Ke- Ryan. I can’t see you anymore. You are here.” Julie indicated the room. “This is your life. There is no way anything between us will work, we’ll both only end up hurt.” “I knew it! You do care about me. I know this situation is not ideal, but it doesn’t mean we can’t see each other. Look, if it makes you feel better I promise not to mention the word love again unless you do so first. Come see me as my friend Julie. I get lonely in here, Kevin has his own life, and I haven’t made any friends here. I think they think I feel I am intellectually superior or something like that.” Ryan grinned. “I have no idea where they would get that impression. Visit me Julie. We will talk about anything you want. You will be perfectly safe with me Julie; there are always nurses around, people that will come to your rescue if you ever needed it, which you won’t. Please, be my friend Julie.” “I really have to go now.” Julie stood up and walked to the door. Turning back around she saw Ryan staring straight ahead, his shoulders slumped. She knew she should just turn back around and walk away, but she also knew she wasn’t going to do that. “Tomorrow, same time?” The smile Ryan gave her could only be described as dazzling. “I’ll be here.” “Until then.... friend.” Julie smiled back.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “I don’t know why you dragged me down here.” Chris hissed to Karen. “Because, you are in trouble and I want to know what it is.” Karen handed Chris a cup of coffee. “Drink this, you look like you could use it.” “What I could use is some privacy. Since when has my personal life become your concern?” “Since I rescued you from the dragon lady. Look Chris, if you are in trouble and you are bringing that trouble here to the hospital, it is my concern. And – I want to help.” “You and Matt have a fight?” “No, Matt and I are just fine thank you very much. “ Karen replied in her why do I bother voice. “Oh, because you know Eve and I have this thing...” “I said I wanted to help you, not jump into the bed with you. Do you ever put that ego of yours in check? Never mind, next time I will let Helena slit your throat. “ “Hey, this place is crowded today. Mind if I sit here?” Jake asked them. “I was just leaving.” Karen stood up, giving Chris another lethal glare. “And, by the way, you’re welcome Chris.” Jake watched as Karen stormed away and he whistled. “Boy, she’s sexy as all get out when she gets angry.” “So I couldn’t help noticing. And if you tell Eve I said that I will deny it.” Jake laughed. “Hey my lips are sealed. But only if you tell me what
really is going on.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Amy, have you seen Karen?” Matt asked the nurse. “Her shift was supposed to end twenty minutes ago.” “No, do you want me to page her?” Amy asked. “Yeah, if you don’t mind. I will be waiting in the lounge.” Matt spun his chair around, almost running into someone. “Sorry, I guess I need to look where I am going.” “No problem.” There was a pause as they both registered who the other person was. “Hello Matt.” “Ellen? Wow, this is a surprise. What – I thought you weren’t coming back to town.” “What can I say? Plans change. The board made me an offer I couldn’t
refuse. And this time no one, not even Kevin Collins, is going to make
me run away again. I am here for good Matt.” Ellen shifted the files in
her arm and then asked very quickly. “So how are things going between you
and Karen?”
Chapter 9 “Great.” Matt wondered why his mouth was suddenly so dry and his tongue was two times too big for his mouth. “Karen and I are great.” “That’s good. You deserve to be happy.” For a moment there was only awkward silence. “I mean, you and Karen both deserve to be happy.” Ellen added. “So, you are back for good?” Matt asked. “What about Kevin?” “What about Kevin? He has his life and I have mine and that’s the way I like it.” “Good, I am glad to hear it. It’s good that you were able to put all that behind you. Kevin never deserved you.” Ellen nodded and said nothing, again Matt and Ellen drifted into awkward silence. “So who is his latest victim?” “Who?” Matt asked, who had been momentarily lost in his memories. “Kevin? You know, the guy we were just talking about?” “Oh Kevin. No one. Everyone. Who can keep up? Don’t tell me you still care what he is doing?” “Of course not, I was just making small talk that’s all. Look Matt, it was good seeing you again, but I guess I probably need to talk to Alan, get my work assignment.” “Maybe we should have dinner sometime.” Matt stated. “Catch up.” “Just let me know when.” “Ellen” Matt grabbed her hand as Ellen walked past him. For a second they just froze there, staring into each other’s eyes. Matt dropped Ellen’s hand first. “It is really good to see you back here again.” “It’s good to be back.” Ellen said softly before walking away.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “I cannot believe you talked me into taking one of my personal days for this.” Eve hissed at Scott. “I am a busy woman, I have things I need to do.” “Can you just shut up for five minutes?” Scott asked, searching the crowded park. “There – there she is.” “Where?” Eve said loudly. “Over there? I don’t see her.” “Did you miss the whole conversation where I said I was in hiding? Why don’t you just hang a big yellow sign around my neck?” “Only if it chokes you.” Eve muttered in a low voice. “Fine. We found her. What next?” “Go play nice with Lucy so I can talk to Serena in private.” “What do I say to her?” “I don’t know what you women yap about. Say something nice about her clothes. She always likes that.” “Great. Just how I pictured spending my afternoon.” Eve looked at Scott. “This is it. I am doing this one favor for you, and I can’t even begin to conceive how you talked me into this, and then you are going to leave right?” “Sure. Whatever. Just go before someone I know shows up.” “Those must be some secrets you are hiding mister.” “And it’s just eating you up that I am not sharing them with you.” Scott replied smiling knowingly. “Maybe you’ll get lucky later, but right now move it.” “You know this me Tarzan you Jane stuff is getting old really fast.” Eve snapped at him. “You do like me.” Scot replied with a huge grin. “I knew it.” Eve literally growled. “I cannot wait until you are out of my apartment and out of my life.” “Then get your butt in gear and stall Lucy.” Scott looked over at Serena.
“I need to see my little girl.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kevin slammed the file down on his desk; it hadn’t been a good day. Every time he tried to concentrate on a patient, or update his files, or even consult with a doctor images of Lucy invaded his mind, distracting his thoughts. Why was he so fascinated with a woman he didn’t even like? She was trouble; he really didn’t need Damian Smith to tell him that. What he needed was a stress free night out, a woman who was ready and willing to take Lucy out of his mind. He opened his desk drawer, pulling out his address book, flipping through it. Katie, no she had a tendency to want to get attached. Alexis? Well she was certainly a lot of fun the first go around but he had a vivid memory of how much his jaw hurt when Ned knocked him across the room. Maybe he should just open the book and point to a name... “Feeling lonely Kevin?” Kevin almost jumped out of his chair. He hadn’t even heard her come in. “Care to tell me what woman’s phone number you are looking for? Maybe I should pay her a visit.” “Ellen.” Kevin cleared his throat. “Ellen. I thought you were – “ “I was, but I am back now.” Ellen pointed to a chair. “Do you mind?” “No, of course not. But I do have a patient coming in pretty soon, so I can’t talk long.” Kevin hoped Ellen couldn’t tell it was a lie. “How are you? You look great.” “I didn’t come in here for meaningless small talk Kevin. I came in here to tell you that you won Kevin. You killed any feelings I ever had for you. If you are afraid I have come back to save your soul, forget it. It’s not worth my time. “ “Ouch, I guess I should thank you for your honesty.” Kevin held out his hand. “No hard feelings right?” “Wrong, since you are so fond of truth telling here are a few more gems for you. You have an empty life Kevin; you are a hollow excuse for a human being. And you are so enraptured of that emptiness that you will do anything, hurt anyone to keep it. It’s not a life Kevin and you won’t be able to keep it up. Someday someone is going to break through that shell of yours whether you want them to or not. I don’t know who to feel sorrier for when that happens – the poor woman or you.” “I warned you Ellen.” Kevin said, standing up. “I warned you not to become involved with me. I know you don’t believe this, but I really hate that you ended up hurt.” “Oh I believe you, that’s what makes this whole thing so incredibly sad. “ Ellen stood up also. “Goodbye Kevin, I hope someday you finally find whatever it is you are searching for.” “You too.” Kevin kept staring in Ellen’s direction long after she was
gone,
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Amy have you seen Matt?” Karen asked the nurse. “What am I? Keeper of every doctor in this hospital?” “Amy!” “Fine. He was here talking to Ellen and now he’s not. They must have went somewhere.” “Ellen? Ellen Burgess? She’s back in town?” Karen asked. “And back on staff.” Amy looked up from the form she was working on, now this was interesting Karen was looking a bit yellowish. “Do you want me to page him for you?” “No, that’s okay. I am sure our paths will cross eventually.” Karen said with a forced smile. “Dr. Karen Wexler?” Karen looked up; glad for the intrusion because she didn’t like the way her thoughts were heading. “Yes, can I help you?” “Actually I was thinking more along the lines of me helping you.” Damian held out his hand. “My name is Damian Smith.” Karen laughed as she took his hand. “That’s funny, I wasn’t aware I was in need of help.” Damian flashed his best smile. “I am here because I am concerned about your sister.” “Serena?” Karen asked. “Do you mind if we go somewhere more private? There are some things
I think you should know about Lucy Coe.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “You’re Lucy Coe right?” Eve asked. “Right. And you are...” “Eve Lamberth. Dr. Lamberth.” Eve held out her hand, then withdrew it when Lucy looked past her at Serena instead. “Mind if I sit down?” Lucy shrugged. “Free country.” Eve watched Lucy watch Serena. Even though she couldn’t see him she could feel Scott yelling at her to get on with it. “That’s a very nice...” Eve’s voice dropped off as Lucy stared at her. “Uh, I think you know my roommate, Chris.” “Chris.” This got Lucy’s attention. “Nice guy. Not bad on the eyes either.” Eve frowned. “Did I mention he was my boyfriend?” “If this is some kind of jealous stay-away-from-my man type of thing, then you are wasting my time. I am not interested in Chris. “ “I am not the jealous type thank you very much.” Eve said, and then. “Why not? You don’t think he’s tempting?” “Very charming but not my type.” Lucy sighed. “Look Eve, if there is nothing else...” “I guess it’s because you have been spending so much time with Kevin.” Eve saw Scott motioning toward Serena. “Not that I blame you, Kevin is a catch in his break-your-heart kind of way.” That worked. Lucy turned her whole attention to Eve. “What do you know about Kevin?” “As it so happens lots.” Eve replied, hoping that Scott’s visit with
Serena would be short and sweet.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Daddy! We’ve been looking and looking for you.” Serena threw her arms around Scott. “Wait til I tell Mama you are here. She’s just right there, I’ll go and get her.” “Not so fast pumpkin. This has to be a secret.” “Not another secret.” Serena frowned. “I miss you Daddy.” “Not half as much as I miss you.” Scott hugged her again. “I swear you’ve gotten bigger. You are going to have to stop growing on me. What do you think about Grandma and Grandpa?” “They are great. I like it here Daddy. Come back and live with me and Mama. I don’t think she’s mad anymore.” “You know that’s not going to happen, we’ve talked about this.” Scott knew that Eve couldn’t divert Lucy for very long, any moment now Lucy would come looking for Serena. “I have to go, but I will see you again real soon. But promise me you won’t tell anyone I am here, no one at all Serena okay?” Serena nodded. “And don’t go anywhere with anyone you don’t know.” “Daddy I know that! I wish you’d quit treating me like a baby.” “You are out of luck there kiddo. You will always be my baby.” Scott kissed her on the forehead. “Be good, be safe, take care of Mommy for me.” “Okay Daddy.” Serena waved goodbye as Lucy approached her. “Who was that?” Lucy asked her, as Scott quickly ducked out of sight. “Who was who?” Serena asked. “I thought I saw you talking to someone.” Lucy said with a frown. Serena shrugged. “Can we go get ice cream now?” “Sure, we’ll take it back home. I’ve got to run an errand so you can
share your ice cream with Lee and Gail.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “There you are.” Matt approached Karen and Damian. “I have been looking all over for you.” Damian’s beeper went off. “Can we finish this discussion later? I have to be somewhere.” “Sure.” Karen replied. “I would appreciate any information you have about Lucy, I care about my sister a great deal.” “It shows. Just be very wary of Lucy.” Damian shook Matt’s hand. “You must be Matt Harmon, Karen told me about you. You sir are one very lucky guy.” “Don’t I know it.” Matt replied, and turned back toward Karen after Damian left. “What’s up with that?” “I have no idea, he says he knows something about Lucy. Everything has been so strange since she came to town.” “She did bring your sister to you.” “Yeah, in fact I was headed to see her now. Coming with?” Karen asked. “Where else would I be?” Matt asked, he took Karen’s hand. “I thought you already knew that where you go, I go.” “I guess I just never get tired of hearing that.” Karen kissed Matt.
“Come on, let’s go.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kevin was almost to the door before he spotted Lucy sitting on his stoop, waiting for him. “I cannot tell you how much I am not in the mood for company.” Kevin said, passing by her. “Do yourself a favor and go home Lucy.” “I need to talk to you Kevin.” “Find someone else to talk to, this doctor is out.” Kevin opened the Lighthouse door. “You do have a way home right?” “But see, there is no one else. No one that I can trust anyway.” “You trust me?” Kevin asked, barely hiding his amazement. “No. Yes. I’m not sure, but at this point I have no real choice.” “Thanks for that compliment, it makes it so easy to take a pass on your offer. Goodbye Lucy.” “Just read this before you throw me out.” Lucy handed him a note. Kevin read it out loud. “The truth will come out. You will lose Serena forever. Time is running out for you. “ “I can’t lose her Kevin.” Lucy’s eyes filled with tears. “I just can’t.” “I really don’t know what I can do – “ Lucy walked up to him, crying harder. “The walls are closing in on me, and I can’t find Scott. And how am I ever going to explain - you have to help me Kevin. You just have to.” Kevin had no intention of doing so, but the next thing he knew Lucy was in his arms, and her head was on his shoulder. She was crying so hard she was shaking, and Kevin wrapped his arms around her tighter. He was so going to hate himself in the morning. “Shh, it is going to be all right.” Lucy held up her head. “Promise?” Part of Kevin was telling him to send her away, that Ellen was right
and either he would end up hurting her or she would end up hurting him,
but the other part of Kevin was leading her inside the Lighthouse. “I promise.”
Kevin said as he pulled her back in his arms and shut the door.
Chapter 10
“Excuse me dear, but could you point me in Chris’s direction?” Karen bit back the first comment that came to her mind, actually the first two comments. “I am sorry but today’s not my day to watch Chris.” Karen didn’t even bother to look up; there was something about the Cassadine matriarch that really got under her skin. “Now if you don’t mind, I am busy. Pesky doctor matters like saving lives.” “But I do mind and I have no intention of being ignored.“ Helena replied. “Now be a good little stripper and take me to where Chris is.” “One more comment like that and I will have you escorted out of the hospital. In fact, I think this is a really good time for you to leave.” “Brave words considering my son owns this hospital, and by extension you.” “And from what I hear he would be the first person in line to clap as security threw you out on your - derriere. “ Karen turned around, dismissing Helena. “Tell Dr. Ramsey that he can’t hide from me forever. Both you and Chris might do good to remember, I won’t stand for being ignored.” “Good riddance.” Karen said under her breath as Helena disappeared into the elevator. “Probably wants to add Chris to her stable of boy-toys.” “You are an angel.” Chris appeared from around her corner, where he had been listening. He leaned over intending to kiss Karen on the cheek. “How can I ever thank you?” Karen moved her head to look at him, and the kiss landed on her mouth instead. For a second they stood frozen like that, startled by how amazingly right their lips felt together. Karen closed her eyes and Chris put his arm around her, beginning to bring her closer. “Excuse me.” Ellen’s no-nonsense voice broke the trance. She picked up a file. “It’s good to see that you haven’t changed Dr. Ramsey.” “Dr. Burgess. I heard you were back. Always nice to see you. Have you run into Kevin yet? I know he’ll be thrilled to see you too.” “Goodbye Dr. Ramsey.” Ellen nodded in Karen’s direction. “Dr. Wexler.” “Oh God Matt.” Karen’s face was as white as a sheet. “I have to tell Matt before Ellen does.” “Tell Matt what? That we kissed? It’s not that big of a deal Karen, you do not have to go to Matt and confess your sins. Don’t let that battle ax guilt you. We have nothing to feel guilty about. Nothing.” “Well this sounds like an interesting conversation.” Eve said from behind
Chris. “Care to tell me what it is about?”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Serena is at day camp, and I am on my way to run some errands.” Lucy paused for a moment, keys in hand. “Is something wrong?” Lee pointed to a chair. “Can we speak to you a moment?” Lucy felt instantly uneasy. “What’s this about? Are you tired of us already?” It was a small joke and it fell flat. Gail handed Lucy a slip of paper. “We are hoping you can explain this to us.” Lucy quickly scanned the note, when she spoke her voice was quiet. “Where did you get this?” “Does it really matter?” Lee asked, beginning to get a little angry. “Someone must have slipped it under the door this morning, we were hoping you would know whom.” Gail added. Damian, Lucy thought. Or Scott. Or any number of other “victims” of Operation Sam – or – Kevin? The very thought it could be Kevin made her stomach muscles tighten, but she didn’t know why. To Gail and Lee she only shook her head. She couldn’t explain this, not now – not yet. “So is it true?” Lee asked. “Did you steal Serena’s inheritance?” “No.” Lucy replied standing up. “No, I did not. But you don’t believe that do you?” Gail put a hand on Lee’s arm. “If you could just explain this to us...” “I would if I could, but I can’t. I did not take Serena’s money. If I had, why would I be here broke? Why would I be here of all places? I don’t know where Serena’s money is right now and that's the honest truth.” “How much more of this are you going to expect us to believe? You show up here with my son’s daughter claiming no knowledge of Scott’s whereabouts and now this.” Lee waved the paper. “I am trying to work everything out. And Lee – Serena is my daughter too.” Lucy walked back toward the door. “Maybe it would be better if Serena and I moved into the Port Charles Hotel.” “You go where you want, but my granddaughter stays here.” Lee replied. “At least until Gail and I decide what to do next.” “What does that mean?” Lucy asked. “I know you have trouble trusting me Lee. You think of me as the person I was before Scott and I left town. But I have changed. I love Serena; I would never harm her in any way. And I would never harm Scott either. You believe people can change right Gail? People can change.” “Yes Lucy, yes they can.” Gail replied, looking at Lucy intently. “All I am asking for is a little more time and I promise I will make everything right again. A few more weeks, what can it hurt? Serena will be right here, right where you can see her. You know I didn’t have to bring her to you, I came here of my own free will. And I could take her right away again, but I won’t. Just give me the time I need.” “A few more weeks.” Lee replied grudgingly. “Maybe Scott will show up and clear up all this mess.” “There is nothing I would like more.’ Lucy replied truthfully.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “It’s late.” Julie looked at her watch. “I have to go.” “It’s not that late.” Ryan insisted, setting up the checkers. “Not so late fifteen more minutes will matter. Or are you afraid that I will win the next game?” “Afraid is not the word I would use. Astonished is more like it, I would be astonished if you won the next game.” Julie teased. “Oh now that’s a challenge I can’t let pass by. Come on Julie, you can’t leave me with a bruised ego.” “Something tells me you and your ego will be just fine.” Julie reached for her purse. “I’ll see you again tomorrow.” “Don’t go.” Ryan reached over and touched her hand. “Ryan!” A nurse’s sharp voice warned him. Ryan quickly removed his hand, a sheepish grin on his face. “Sorry Nurse I forgot. I promise to be good.” To Julie he said. “I hate this. I hate not being able to touch you.” Julie could still feel where his fingers had been; it was almost as if his fingers had marked her. And for some reason, that didn’t scare her at all, in fact quite the opposite, it made her feel safe. “Maybe when they have that big picnic....” “No, not even then I am afraid. We will be watched, after all I am their most amazing sideshow, the serial killer they have both caged and tamed. They can’t risk me going astray somehow. See even tame, my esteemed doctors don’t think I can be trusted. And they are right, but not the way they think.” Ryan leaned close to Julie, whispering. “I would like nothing more to hold you in my arms, to taste the sweetness of your lips, to feel your skin against mine. And I can see it in your eyes, those beautiful eyes that hide nothing, it’s what you want too.” Julie flushed. The nurse came over immediately. “Visiting hours are over.” She announced. “I know. I was just leaving.” Julie told her. “Just give me a few more seconds to say goodbye.” “One minute, that’s all.” “What are we doing?” Julie asked, after the nurse had retreated a few feet. “We are creating a fantasy we can’t possibly play out. You are stuck in here forever and I am always going to be on the other side looking in. Do you know I plan my whole day around these trips? I rearrange my work schedule, I don’t go out with my friends, and I have become a hermit. And in the end, we are both going to be alone. This isn’t fair. It isn’t fair to either one of us.” Julie stood up. “And one day one of us is going to have to be strong enough to say goodbye.” I’ll make it okay Julie, Ryan thought to himself as he watched her leave.
I will find a way, just hold on a little while longer.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “This? This is nothing. We were just discussing a case that’s all.” Chris moved away from Karen. “Just two colleagues discussing a case, my you have a suspicious mind.” “Is that so? Does Karen always turn bright red when you two discuss cases?” Eve turned to Karen. “Do you care to tell me what’s going on Dr. Wexler? The truth would be nice.” “I have to go find Matt.” Karen said to Chris. “You will have to hand your girlfriend’s jealous fit on your own.” “Jealous fit?” Eve moved toward Karen, but Chris grabbed her arm. “Come back here and say that to my face, Miss Priss!” Eve shook Chris’s hand off her arm. “I am sure Matt will be very interested in whatever the heck this is I walked in on, maybe I need to throw a jealous fit in front of him.” “You are making a very big deal over nothing.” Chris insisted, summoning
up his vast reservoir of charm.
“Because you are a pig?” Eve asked eyes flashing. “I am going home now, just thought you would like to know.” “But we rode in together and I don’t get off work for another hour. I will be stranded.” “Walk, you look like you are just full of nervous energy. Or better
yet ask your girlfriend to give you a ride.”
“Eve! Eve!” Chris tried to stop her, but she just waved as she let the elevator doors shut. “Damn! I don’t know why I bother, women are nothing but trouble.” “You are just now figuring that out?” Jake asked, picking up a file. “I knew you were slow Chris but....” “Bite me!” Chris snapped and went to check on a patient.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Matt, I have been looking all over for you.” Karen reached over and kissed Matt on the cheek, eyeing his companion warily. ''Ellen.” “Karen.” Ellen nodded back, her face expressionless. “Have a seat, Ellen was just telling me about her travels. I am afraid you are going to find Port Charles a bit dull after life in the big city.” Matt told Ellen, as Karen sat uneasily beside him. “You know nothing ever happens here.” “Oh I don’t know that, I have always found Port Charles exciting. Perhaps too exciting at times, right Karen?” “Matt, do you mind getting me a Diet Pepsi?” Karen asked Matt. “Sure, anything for my girl. You need anything Ellen?” Matt asked, leaving after Ellen shook her head. “You didn’t tell him did you?” Karen asked Ellen. “Not that there is anything to tell, I just don’t want Matt to worry.” “I consider Matt one of my best friends, and if you and Chris have anything going on...” “We don’t. It’s Matt that is my life, not Chris. Chris isn’t even my friend; he is nothing to me. That kiss was an accident, it will never happen again.” “I would suggest you think very carefully what Chris is to you. Right now Matt is happy and I am willing to let whatever it is I walked into go, as long as you promise it will go no further. But if you hurt Matt – “ “I won’t.” Karen replied. “I promise, I would never hurt Matt. I care about him too much.” It wasn’t until much later, when Ellen was home replaying the conversation
in her head, that Ellen realized Karen hadn’t used the word love.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “I thought you weren’t going to show.” Kevin said, as Lucy met him in front of the Port Charles Hotel. “What’s wrong?” “You weren’t perhaps in a sharing mood today were you?” Lucy asked. “Am I supposed to know what that means?” Kevin replied. “I thought we had reached an understanding last night.” “So did I, until Lee and Gail received an anonymous tip that I had stolen all of Serena’s inheritance, complete with account numbers and dates.” “Lucy, think about it. I wouldn’t even have access to that kind of information. What is this about? I thought we agreed we were going to trust each other.” “Do you know how long it has been since I have been able to trust someone other than myself? Since Scott.” Lucy wiped away a tear. “I trusted Scott and I ended up here. Of course he trusted me too.” Lucy laughed. “That’s the irony in all of this. And now you are asking that I trust you, a complete and unfathomable stranger. One who says one thing with his eyes and another one with his mouth and who has a reputation that makes Blackbeard look like a monk and a saint, and you expect me to trust you.” “Don’t then. I didn’t ask to be drawn into the drama that is your life. You asked for my help Lucy, and I am here willing to give it to you. But if this is not what you want, then fine. I can make better use of my time.” Kevin turned around to leave. “Kevin.” Kevin turned back. Lucy looked at him, how lost she was reflected clearly in her eyes. “Please don’t leave me.” Kevin returned to her, wrapping her in a hug. “Unfortunately, I don’t think I have a choice in the matter.” “Oh geez, that’s exactly what I needed tonight.” Eve said to herself. “Kevin the Conquestor at it again.” The next thing she knew someone grabbed her from behind, putting his hand over her mouth, drawing her back into the shadows. Eve struggled for a second and then managed to pull free, raising her knee at the same time with a well-placed thrust. It was at that second she saw who had grabbed her. “Scott!” “You know, I am beginning to really dislike Port Charles.” Scott groaned as he bent over in pain. Lucy pulled away from Kevin, looking into his eyes. “I thought we agreed we were only going to be friends.” Kevin touched Lucy’s hair. “Somehow I think we can never be friends Lucy. Not even if we continue lying to ourselves.” “I can’t be doing this right now, not when my life is such a mess.” “I can’t be doing this either.” Kevin replied. “I am afraid that if I get entangled in your life, I will never be free again.” “So walk away.” Lucy whispered. “Because if one of us doesn’t walk away soon, it will be too late.” “This is crazy. We barely know each other, but now I can’t close my eyes without dreaming of you. “ Kevin kissed her gently. “Dreaming of this.” He kissed again, more intensely this time. Scott, leaning against the next building, groaned. “Just shoot me now.” “Tell me about it. Men are disgusting.” Eve turned around so she couldn’t see Kevin and Lucy anymore. “Men? Look at my wife!” Eve gave Scott a look. “Okay, my ex-wife.” “Oh Scott, are you having a bad day poor dear?” “I wonder whose fault that is.” Scott asked, gingerly attempting to walk. “But you are about to make it up to me.” Scott took Eve’s elbow leading her down the street. “Do you always manhandle women? Didn’t you learn your lesson the first time?” Eve stopped walking. “I am not going anywhere with you.” “Oh yes you are. You owe me. And I hate drinking alone.” “Drink? It’s way too early to drink. If you are going to be a lush, you are going to do it solo.” “Suit yourself. It’s your loss, but the drinks were going to be on me.”
Scott began to walk toward his car.
Scott held out the door. “Lucky me.”
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