Risk

Chapter LVI

Picking Sides

T-23

Elizabeth hears a knocking on the door of her studio. Turning over on the couch she covers her head with a pillow. The knocking continues. Throwing off the pillow. "Lucky." She races to the door and throws it open. "Grandmother." Her disappointment is in her tone.

"Sorry to stop by so early but I tried calling." Audrey comes into the studio. "All I got was the machine." Audrey's disappointment matches Liz's.

"Yeah, sorry I was going to call you later." Liz replies guiltily.

"Later isn't going to work, Elizabeth. What I was calling to tell you is that I'm going out of town today and I was hoping you'd be able to take care of the house and Gatsby while I'm gone."

"Sure, no problem, Gram." Liz shrugs.

"Honey, I can tell you're thinking weekend or a conference. I've accepted an out of town assignment. I'll be gone for three months minimum. Maybe a year."

"A YEAR! But..."

"I know it's short notice." Audrey starts straightening up the studio. Folding the blankets on the couch. "It was a sudden decision. I've kind of been in a rut lately. And this opportunity came along... I'll be managing a research lab. It's something different, someplace different." Audrey turns back to her granddaughter. "You should come with me."

"Gram, I really can't. I mean Lucky's here and I have school." Elizabeth sees that Audrey is making her way over to the counter that serves as her kitchen and catchall and tucks an envelope in her pocket before her grandmother can see it.

"I knew it was a long shot." Audrey starts a sinkful of hot water and sets the dirty coffee cups in it. Sometimes she swears when Elizabeth is working she lives on chips and coffee. "But it's an option. Maybe when the semester is open you could come visit me."

"Where is this assignment?"

Knowing there is no way that Liz can tell anyone that would breech her confidentiality agreement with the Cassadine Estate. "Uganda."

"Africa?!"

"I'm hoping that I'll be able to see Tom while I'm over there too. I know it's a big continent but at least we'll be on the same continent."

Elizabeth sits down on the couch. "I can't believe you're going to Africa."

Audrey nods wryly. "Me either. But it's something different and I've been guarenteed my position here if it doesn't work out."

"You're excited." Elizabeth realized.

"And scared." Audrey admits. "It's a big change. I haven't traveled. I mean really traveled in years not since I was working for the airlines back before I married your Grandfather. I would feel so much better if I knew you were in the house making sure things were okay there. That Gatsby is okay. I have no idea of the rules as far as bringing a cat to Uganda... quarentines and such... and lets face it... Gatsby isn't getting any younger and I'm sure the flight would be rough on him. Anyway, I know you aren't working at Kelly's anymore. I think it could work for both of us. You could move your studio to the house.... that would save some money until you find another job. And everything is going to be provided by the job, a house and ... everything. So I'll still be able to give some money for utilities and things at the house. And you know you're covered still on my car. Since you'll have to drive back and forth to school. It would really give me some peace of mind to know you're at the house."

Elizabeth nods. "Don't worry about me, Gram. Or Gatsby either. He hates my guts but we'll get on. I can't believe you're going to Africa! When? When does your flight leave."

"Three. Today. Bobbie had already offered to take me to the airport at around noon so I'll have plenty of time to get situated and go thru security." Audrey shakes her head. "I can't believe I'm doing this. Maybe I'm making a mistake."

Elizabeth gets up from the couch and comes up behind Audrey giving her a hug. "Go. Have fun. Send me a postcard as soon as you get there."

"And you have to promise to come see me." Audrey puts the last of the coffee cups and silverware in the dish drainer.

"Just as soon as the semester is over." Elizabeth promises. "This will be really good for you, Gram."

"I hope so too. I'll make sure all the emergency numbers are updated. I still have some last minute packing to do. The key will be under the mat."

"Go. I'll be fine."

"I really appreciate this, sweetheart. I couldn't go if I didn't know everything was fine here."

"It'll be fine, just fine." Elizabeth gives her another hug. "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too, Elizabeth." Audrey looks around the studio and then picks up her purse. "Well..."

"I'll see you later, Gram." Elizabeth knows her grandmother is having a tough time leaving. "Call me as soon as you arrive. I'll be at the house."

"Thank you." Audrey smiles and then leaves before she loses it.

Elizabeth reaches into her pocket and pulls out the envelope she'd been hiding from her grandmother.

<<< From: The Office of the Registar, Port Charles University
To: Elizabeth Webber
Re: Academic Standing.

Miss Webber,

We regret to inform you that after reviewing both your progress at Port Charles University and your high school transcript that you are being dropped from the University effective immediately.

This situation was brought to our attention by your advisor. You are financed as a fulltime student and yet have not maintained a fulltime schedule. Due to excessive absences and missing of midterm tests you have been dropped from the two classes you were taking at PCU.

Upon reviewing your file, we discovered there are some discrepencies in your high school transcript that would have precluded you being offered a space at Port Charles University, thus readmission to the university will involve not only your going before the academic review committee but also an updated transcript that addresses the deficiencies noted in the attachment. Also attached is the information for the Port Charles Community College which offers remedial courses that would satisfy the deficiancies in your transcript.

If you have any questions regarding this letter or repayment of your school loans please contact our office during normal business hours.

Registrar
Port Charles University.>>>

T-22

"The monthly meeting of the General Hospital Advisory Board will come to order." Stefan raps the conference table with his knuckles.

Monica comes in practically at a run, she is still dressed in scrubs. "Sorry I'm late."

"You haven't missed anything.. yet." Stefan says calmly. He nods to his secretary who hands out the minutes from the last meeting. "Please take a minute and review the last meeting's minutes. As soon as everyone is ready we will be on the record with any amendments."

Edward, Alan, Monica, Lee and Amanda quickly go thru the minutes. "Shouldn't we be waiting for Audrey?" Lee asks as he nods and closes the minutes having found no needed amendments.

"One moment on that." Stefan replies. "Any amendments?" He looks around the room and sees no disagreements. "The minutes stand. New business. Acting in Audrey's stead, Barbara, could you please address the staff issues."

"Wait a minute. Acting in Audrey's stead... where is Audrey?" Alan asks.

"Mrs Hardy has accepted an extended assignment out of the hospital. Barbara has covered for Audrey before when she's been at trainings. Is there a problem, Dr Quartermaine?"

Alan looks toward Monica. Their communication is non verbal both know something is up but neither can really say anything about it. Bobbie has covered for Audrey before. "No, no problem."

"Can we please get to the current business?" Amanda demands testily. "I have other appointments this morning." hair, nails, and a final fitting for her dress for the major social event happening tomorrow. "I have no problem with Ms Spencer as long as she stays off the conference tables."

Bobbie ignores Amanda's comment and starts going over the staff agenda. Stefan however fumes at the insult and maintains eye contact with Amanda until she looks away and even then burns her with his gaze.

T-21

Deception offices. Elton is on the phone on two different lines making the final arrangements for the wedding. There was going to be a rehearsal at 5pm and then after that he'd be able to do the last minute decorations and lay out the red carpets. With money no object things had started falling into place. The out of town guests were arriving and being put up at the Port Charles Hotel. Limos would pick them up in the morning to bring them out to the Jacks' Mansion. The catering staff was already in place. Elton sees Nikolas getting off of the elevator. "Prince... um Nikolas!" Elton puts his calls on hold and pulls up his check sheet. "I have things I need to go over with you this morning!"

Nikolas nods. "Finish your calls and then I'll meet you in my office; it will give me time to go over my messages. As soon as Mother gets in I need to see her about the essence contract. There was a revision so she needs to sign again."

"She's already called from her car. Miss Lulu is off to school and she's on her way in."

"Good. Has Gia come in yet this morning?"

"She's due in, in thirty." Elton checks his book and the clock on the wall.

"Lucky?"

"I think he's sleeping in that photo lab! Those fumes can't be good for him."

"I'll take him out for lunch. Get him some fresh air." Nik says absently. He keeps walking into his office.

Elton takes the phones off of hold and deals with them in rapid succession before switching them over to the voice mail. Then grabbing his clip board he goes into Nikolas' office. "Okay. I have here that you will be giving the bride away. Wedding rehearsal is at five. There will be a dinner afterward but that will be held at the grille so I can do the last minute prep work. The best man is throwing a bachelor party at Luke's club tonight starting at eight. I have your invitation somewhere around here... Oh and there has been a change... Zander Smith is going to be your Aunt's best man. Has anyone heard from the bride yet?!"

"But what about Kristina?"

"Your uncle says she's sick. Poor girl. She was working her poor fingers to the bone to get this wedding ready and now she's going to miss it! I'm sure she's just heartbroken! The bride? Any word from the bride?"

"I'm sure she'll be there." Nik dodges.

"You keep saying that. You all keep saying that. I'd really like to see her before hand!"

"She'll be there." Nik repeats. "What about security?"

"Security?"

"Probably should have metal detectors at the door."

Elton gasps. "And you're just telling me this now?!" He scurries out of the office. "Where am I going to find metal detectors?"

As soon as Elton is clear of the office, Nikolas picks up the phone and calls his uncle's cell phone. "Where is Kristina and don't tell me she's sick?!"

T-20

Jax's suite at the Port Charles Hotel. Thaao is there drinking coffee and keeping Jax company. Jax's parents are out and about planning on checking out the house Jax bought to get ideas for a wedding present. "There is still time."

"Thaao, knock it off."

"I tried." Thaao says cheerfully. "So as best man, I think my next task is securing the rings." He holds out his hand.

There is a knock on the door. "Hold that thought." Jax demands. Jax goes over to the door and his expected appointment is there. "Come in, how was your flight from Zurich?"

"Uneventful. Only for you, Herr Jacks."

"I appreciate your time."

"And I your business." The man goes over to the desk and sets a large case on it. Reaching into his pocket he grabs the cuff key and unfastens the case from his wrist, absently rubbing his wrist before opening up the case and displaying his wares. "A wedding set I believe you said. And an engagement ring?"

"Not that there has been much of an engagement." Thaao quips from where he sprawled out on the couch.

"Thaao, you are really not helping." Jax says with some exasperation. "If I knew what a pain you were going to be today I would have sent you off with my parents where you could have really made yourself useful." Thaao makes a motion like zipping his lip, the threat of Lady Jane enough for him.

"And the bride, where is she?" The jeweler asks.

"I'm taking care of this."

"But sizing..."

Jax reaches into his pocket and pulls out a simple Las Vegas style gold band. "This fits her."

The jeweler takes out his measuring tool and makes a note of the size using the band as his gauge. "Anything here can be adjusted." He steps back from his wares and gives Jax time to pick out the rings.

T-19.

Bobbie flags down a skycap as she pulls into the unloading zone at the airport. Going around to the back of her SUV she pops the back and starts putting bags onto the man's handcart. Audrey had packed three cases but it had been an easy pack job. She'd just gone to where she'd stored her summer weight clothes and packed them. Each case is locked and neatly labelled with all of her information. "Audrey, Let me go just park the car and then I'll be back."

"Bobbie, you don't have to stay. It'll be hours yet." Audrey protests.

"I'm staying at least stay until you get checked in. I know they won't let me go to the gate with you. I'll be right back." Bobbie hops back into the car and struggles with the chaos that is airport parking to find a shortterm space and then races back to the terminal. She spots Audrey standing in line and waves. She goes over and joins Audrey in the line. Doing the airport luggage shuffle as one by one the passengers are checked out and then checked in to the flight.

"How did the board meeting go?" Audrey asks. "Did they have any questions about the staffing increase to the ER?"

"Monica put up a bit of a fuss since it was pulling a nurse and a couple of PA's from the cardiology floor. But Alan reminder her that most heart patients come thru the ER. It would make her life ultimately easier if they had some cardiac specialized staff down in the ER." Bobbie kicks along one of Audrey's bags as they advance a place in line. "And you prepped Stefan before hand on everything so he moved things right along. I don't know how you did it. I'm glad those meeting are once a month. Any more than that and Amanda Barrington would drive me bats."

Audrey clutches a hand to her stomach. "I shouldn't go. You need me here."

"Always." Bobbie puts an arm around her friend and mentor. "But you need this more." Bobbie adds softly. "I'll probably be driving you crazy with my emails but at least let me try. It'll do both of our resumes a world of good." Bobbie quips.

Audrey smiles. "I'm being a worry wart I know."

"It's not just a job... it's an adventure."

"Right. Adventure here I come."

T-18

Port Charles Grille. Nik grimaces as he sees the crowd in the dining room. He recognized some of them from the Estate meetings he'd attended over the years. "This was a mistake."

"Oh?" Lucky sees the Drs Quartermaine with their heads together in one corner. "Why do you say that?"

"I can pretty much guarentee we aren't going to have a quiet lunch here." Nik says wryly. He nods his head in the direction of his distant cousins and other business associates that are taking up tables around the room. "The wedding guests have begun to arrive. Elton was pulling his hair out earlier. Now I see why."

"What's left of Elton's hair is too short to pull out." Lucky quips.

The maitre de comes up to the two young men. Normally he'd be snippy and short. Men this age, unless they came with pocket protectors or a three foot vertical jump, couldn't afford the prices in the Grill. "Mr Cassadine, Mr Spencer, if you'll come right this way I'll show you to a table."

Lucky pulls the guy aside. "We need a table within hearing range of that table there." He indicates discretely with a folded twenty.

"Any table is within hearing range of that table." The Maitre de says wryly but he glances around and sees the perfect table gratefully unoccupied. "This way." The gratituity had been barely adequete but it was no hardship to make the arrangement.

"What are you up to?"

"Quartermaines at the Grille at lunch time? Something is up. Normally they hit the hospital cafeteria or Kelly's. The Grille is for dinner or Sunday brunch. The only time the Q's show up here during the day is if they are not dining with each other... if you get my drift... and then it's roomservice."

Nikolas grimaces but sees Lucky's point. He takes the seat closest to Alan and Monica with his back to them. "So how is your dad doing?" Nik picks up the menu. and you really don't need to know that Carly and Stavros are in town yet.

Lucky raises a brow. since when have you been interested in what my dad is doing "Pissed. Jason's guys brought him back to the club in the trunk of his car. And then Roy made sure he was incommunicado for another day. Which really ticked him off. By the time he could get to a phone, Carly and Stavros had already checked out of the Four Seasons in Milan and the trail had gone cold. How is our mother doing?"

Nik glances at Lucky out of the corner of his eye up from looking at the menu. "Do you really want to know?"

Lucky winces. "Yeah, I guess I do."

"She is also... ticked. After her reaction to the photos from Milan I told her about Carly."

"She already knew Carly was involved in the shoot."

"No, I told her that Carly owns 23% of Deception now."

Lucky's jaw drops he snaps it shut and it drops again. "I've been listening to my music too loud. Did you just say tht Carly owns a quarter of Deception?" Lucky hisses low knowing that if they can hear the Quartermaines that the Quartermaines can also hear them.

Nikolas nods. "23%" He corrects precisely.

"How? When? Wait a minute... You gave her the shares didn't you?!"

"I didn't give her anything. I will never give Carly anything. You give Carly anything and she thinks she can take twice as much!" Nik defends. "I traded the shares to her."

"For what?!"

"Facilitating the end of the wildcat strike in Italy. The essence contract in Istanbul. Her input on campaigns. And evidently she threw in the bath line as a bonus." Nik adds the last wryly.

"Oh man." Lucky leans back in his chair and starts shaking his head. "You were not around last time. Gia and I were. We got to see the daily battles that Mom and Carly were pulling. It was ugly. It's been so nice and quiet since Sonny sold Carly out."

"It was a sound business decision." Nik defends.

"I'm going to spend a lot of time in the lab." Lucky decides. "It took me awhile but I've realized I only like my drama at the movies. Leave me out of it."

"I'm trying." Nik says quietly. "And it will work out. Mom picked some pictures from the shoot finally. I made my selections and Carly made hers. Anything that has overlap we'll use for the campaign."

"Stefan know you've gotten so optimistic lately? I'm sure there is some Cassadine retreat you can go to until it passes." Nik makes a quick silent hand gesture that has Lucky falling silent. Under all of the conversations and sounds of glasses and silverware being put to use, he hears what has drawn Nik's attention.

"Stefan is up to something, Alan." Monica says in a low confidental tone. "He's making some kind of move."

"Monica, he is having Bobbie cover for Audrey. It's not the first time and it won't be the last." Alan ignores his gut and goes for the logical explanation.

"It doesn't add up. I mean, come on! Audrey taking an extended leave? She never takes any vacation time. She has the most leave of anybody at the hospital! And now. Bobbie and Stefan have been like this..." Monica crosses her fingers together. "...lately. She's been practically living over at Wyndemere. And everytime I see them now they have their heads together and have ever since they got back from Greece. A trip we know now was all about seeing Carly and our grandson with Stavros. Bobbie isn't saying anything to me. And she's suppose to be my best friend! Stefan is making some kind of powerplay with the hospital and wants to stack the deck. He knew Audrey wouldn't go along with it. And this whole wedding thing. Please. Alexis and Jax?! Alexis is in love with Ned!"

"Monica, they were married before. Couples do get remarried. It's rare I know but sometimes it even works out. And Alexis was barely spending any time with Ned. She was spending most of her time defending Sonny. Her sister is the one that is tight with Ned now."

Monica starts to go off on the idea of sisters doing the same guy but decides to not since the counter to that argument is Aunts doing their nephews and she really doesn't want to go there again. She changes tracks. "And Sonny is gone now. And has anyone seen Alexis lately? I haven't. Jason is back in town but has he come over to the house once?"

"He's come to see mother." Alan says quietly. "And when I talked to Emily... she says he's been to see her too. He's assigned a guard to her."

"What?!"

"I think that means he is back in charge again."

"But what about Sonny?" Monica complains. At least with Sonny in charge and Jason out of town she figured Jason was safe. Safer than running the damn local branch of the mob! And with Sonny around, the Quartermaine chances of regaining some kind of custody of Michael are that much greater. "You know this is all Carly's fault!"

Alan looks at her blankly. "Now you've lost me."

"Greece. It all started with Bobbie's trip to Greece. That's when she started distancing herself from us, from me. Started to side with the Cassadines. And then Sonny disappears, Carly's husband. And now Stefan is making a move on the hospital. The whole thing is snowballing into an avalanche. Who knows who is going to get swept up into it before that bitch gets done!"

"And you dont think AJ's filing for custody, and having a warrant issued for contempt of court had anything to do with that?" Alan says wryly. "Bobbie hasn't been thrilled with anything named Quartermaine for quite some time." Alan holds up a hand when he sees his wife is about to protest. "Okay lets say I'm buying your math."

"Cause you are."

"Then we need to warn AJ and Edward." Alan catches the eye of the waiter and mouths the words the check. In short order the bill is paid and they are on their way out of the dining room.

Lucky waits until they are gone. The waiter has delivered their meal and it sits untouched on the table. "Gee I wonder what Monica would think about Carly now having a piece of a company based here in Port Charles. Kinda confirms Carly is on her way back here. And what they don't know is if Carly's on her way back then she's bring Stavros with her." Lucky reads Nik's face before he can blank it. "Damn. They are already back, aren't they? For the wedding and to pick the fight Monica knows is coming. My dad is going to go apeshit on this one. I have to warn Mom."

Lucky goes to stand up but Nik grabs his arm. "Wait."

"For what? For Stavros to kidnap Mom again and take her who knows where? He was stalking her the last time he was in Port Charles. Damn it, Nik! I know you're ticked at Mom but no, this isn't right. You know this isn't right!"

"Lucky, please just wait. I talked to my father in Milan while you were out with the others on the shoot. Yes, he hates your father. It's mutual. But I don't think he is going to go after Laura again."

"You don't think! That's not good enough."

"Don't precipitate the very thing you fear. My father is happy with Carly. You saw that!"

"Yeah, and Cassadines don't Divorce blah blah blah!" Lucky retorts furiously.

"It's the blah blah blah part that I pointed out to my father. Until Death do part. Stavros died. He has an out by the very rules he plays by. Yes, I want as much distance between Mother and my father as possible-- physical, emotional whatever distance I can get. And I'm going to do that by supporting his laison with Carly and never mentioning Laura in his hearing. I do not want anyone putting our mother in his face."

"And you think Carly won't?! You expect Stavros to play by the rules?! You've gone beyond optimistic to smoking some serious shit, man. We both know what Stavros did the last time he was in town. We know. We were there!"

"Things have changed since then." Nik says defensively.

"He's playing you. He's already kidnapped Alexis, assaulted Jax, participated in assaulting my dad, really ticked off Bobbie...."

"Lucky, he defanged Helena. He has had numerous opportunities to go after the Spencers and he hasn't, not really-- not the way he could, the way he has in the past. And the thing with your dad, well-- Luke started that one. Stavros hasn't acted on it because he is involved with a Spencer-- Carly! And doing everything he can to protect that Spencer."

Lucky sits back down. "Monica was right. The Cassadines are going after the Quartermaines."

Nik nods. "Yes, I believe you are correct. The Cassadines are going after the Quartermaines in defense of Carly, your cousin, and her son."

Lucky swears and runs both hands thru his hair as he slouches back into his chair. "What a f'ing mess. At least Emily isn't around. All the other Quartermaines can take care of themselves."

T-17

Soft hands cover Lila's eyes. "Guess who?"

"Emily! Darling! You're home." Lila exclaims. "Let me see you!"

Emily comes around wheelchair to sit on the couch next to her grandmother. "You look good. I love your hair."

"Oh Darling!" Lila extends a hand crippled with arthritis to Emily. Emily takes it gentley not squeezing or doing anything that might cause her grandmother pain. Emily covers their joined hands with her other. "And you, You look well too." Lila's comment is the truth but also an inquiry.

Emily hears the question and takes the top hand off and brings it to her stomach where she knocks on the hard plastic of her brace. "Eight hours a day minimum. Today a lot more than that cause I knew the trip would be a bear and I don't do painkillers. Only free of this sucker when I'm asleep."

"But you're walking!"

"And swimming, and biking. I'm in the best shape of my life but I still think I'll give the rollerblades a pass for awhile yet." Emily adds ruefully.

"Darling, it's a miracle!" Lila tears up.

"It was a lot of hard, painful work."

"Miracles frequently are." Lila gives Emily's hand as much of a squeeze as she can manage. "I've missed you."

"I've missed you too, Grandmother. Tell me everything that is going on. I don't want to be blindsided when the rest of the family gets home."