Chapter 12: New Beginnings

Lena made her way down the corridor, and to the nurse's station, where Amy Vining was patiently waiting for her. Amy's eyes lit up as she spotted Lena approaching. Lena smiled as she reached the woman.

"Hi, I’m Lena Raine," Lena said to Amy, and she extended a hand which Amy shook warmly.

"Hi! Right on time. I’m Amy. I’ve been expecting you. Come on, let me take you on a tour of this place, and then we can get you set up." And with that, Amy led Lena off on a tour of General Hospital.

Thanks to Brenda, Lena had started her co-op courses at Port Charles University in Social Work. She had decided not to get into medicine, but social work interested her. Lois, true to her word, had put in a good word for her with the Quartermaines, not that she really had to. The Quartermaines all took to Lena the same way they had taken to Brenda. They paved the way for Lena’s placement as a trainee in social work at the hospital. It was a volunteer position, to be done in conjunction with her courses. Lucy had convinced Lena not to give up the modeling job, but Lena had insisted that all publications of her be domestic only. No pictures of her were to appear in international publications. Lucy had been baffled by this. What kind of model looked to *downplay* their exposure? But she had gone along with it. The figures from the initial shoot had been astronomical, and she didn’t intend to mess with good karma. Lena, for her part, couldn’t believe the turn of events in her life. She had truly found a home in Port Charles and had begun to finally sprout roots here. It had always been such a struggle to let her guard down, but she was finally taking small steps to do just that.

Amy led Lena past Stephan Cassadine’s office. The door was closed. "This is Stephan Cassadine’s office." Amy explained, needlessly, for his nameplate shone with an ominous presence on the door. "He’s the new head of the hospital, seeing as he bailed us out a little while back." Amy continued chattering away about the details of General Hospital’s bankruptcy, and Stephan’s actions on behalf of her sister Laura to save it. She told her about the powerful Cassadine empire and how creepy everyone found the Cassadines, and the rumours that they always seemed shrouded in. They wound their way back to the nurse’s station, where Amy handed Lena her papers for her first day’s assignments.

"Since it’s your first day here, and you’re just starting out, they’ve paired you up. You’re partner should be here any…" As if on cue, Nikolas Cassadine appeared around the corner and approached the station. "There he is!" Nikolas walked up to the two women. "Lena, this is Nikolas. You’ll be working together for a while."

Lena looked at the brooding young man. He was very good looking, with a finely chiseled bone structure. He had dark hair, darker eyes, and a rebellious, melancholy jut to his jaw. Actually, he reminded Lena of Tobbe. Something about the way they both pouted their lips. She smiled at him. "Hello. Nice to meet you."

Nikolas smiled back at her. His whole disposition changed when he smiled. His dimples flashed and he looked like an absolute charmer. "Nice to meet you too. Welcome to General Hospital."

Amy nodded at the two of them. "I’ll leave you two to bond. I’m due in the OR. Any problems you come across, you report them to your supervisor. See you around!" she chirped as she rounded the corner.

"So what’s the schedule for today?" Nikolas asked, eyeing the stack of papers in Lena’s arms. He motioned to take them off her. She smiled, and handed him half.

"I think they’re starting us off easy. Children’s ward. We get to play with children all day," she laughed, scanning her files.

"Let’s go then. Come on, I’ll show you the way." Nikolas said. They headed into the elevator together, and Nikolas punched the pediatrics floor.

"Have you been doing this long?" Lena asked, curious.

"No, why?"

"Just that you look rather…young."

Nikolas shrugged. "I don’t do this professionally. My uncle agreed that it would be good for me to volunteer my time here."

"Your uncle?"

"Stephan Cassadine."

"The man who’s head of the hospital?"

"Yes."

"You’re a Cassadine." Nikolas nodded grimly, hating the way his name instantly branded him. "I better watch my step then," Lena said half seriously. Nikolas scowled at that.

Lena tilted her head at his expression. "Do you do that deliberately?"

Nikolas looked at her. "Do what?" he said gruffly.

"Glower."

Nikolas’s expression became puzzled. "What?"

"Glower. Growl. Is that some sort of trademark Cassadine intimidation practice?"

Nikolas furrowed his brow. "No."

Lena laughed. "Good. Because I happen to find you too cute to be intimidating."

Nikolas continued to regard her oddly, then broke into a smile. "Sorry. I don't mean to appear unfriendly. It’s just that I’m so used to everyone in town treating the name *Cassadine* like it’s…" he paused, searching for the right word.

"Cursed by the hounds from hell?" Lena finished for him, and he nodded, flashing his dimples at her candor. "Well I’m new here so I don't know all the history behind Port Charles's inhabitants. What's say you and I, we start from scratch. Deal?"

Nikolas laughed and visibly relaxed. Once he relaxed, all his boyish charm rose to the surface. They rounded the corner and approached their designated wing.

"I could tell you were new in town. Where did you come from?" he asked.

"Paris." Lena replied.

"My uncle took me to Paris several times."

"Did you like it there?"

Nikolas frowned, then laughed. "I never really got to see much beyond my bodyguards."

Lena laughed. "Poor you. Next time you go, ditch your bodyguards and I’ll tell you all the best places to visit."

Nikolas grinned. "You’d better come with me and show me. French is my worst subject."

"Well anytime you need a tutor, give me a call." Lena smiled.

Nikolas laughed. "You'll regret you said that once I take you up on it." Lena grinned back at him as they entered the children's ward.

+++

Miranda was pacing fantic circles around her appartment above the Outback. She had been served the newly filed divorce papers a week ago, and despite frantically working round the clock with her lawyer, she could come up with nothing to stop the divorce. She was desperate now. She did not want to lose Jax, he was the sole important thing in her life. Yet it was coming to just that. She had the phone chord twisted tightly in one fist, and the other hand was clutching the phone so hard her knuckles had gone white.

"No Jonas, you don't understand! I have no choice! His lawyers have built an airtight case against me.

"*Persuade* him otherwise." retorted an angry voice in a clipped Australian accent.

"I tried! He won't listen to reason!"

"You've lost your influence over him?" The question was more of a statement.

"I don't know!" Miranda wailed. "This is that witch Brenda's fault! Jax would never do this to me unless she forced him!"

"Murian this is unacceptable!"

"Don't tell me what's acceptable! I would still be with Jax if you hadn't - "

"Careful, Murian," Jonas warned in a low, threatening voice. "You had just as much to do with what happened as I."

Miranda ground her teeth angrily. Damn Jonas and his ambition. And damn her for stupidly going along with him. "I should have never listened to you. It's all falling apart and I've lost Jax!"

On his end Jonas narrowed his eyes. Murian had always been one for melodramatics. "Your participation was never an option Murian. We had a plan, and you will do your part."

"This isn't about revenge anymore!"

"This has *always* been about revenge, and it will always be about revenge. Have you been so blinded by Jasper Jacks that you've forgotten what the Jacks family has cost us?"

"I haven't forgotten anything!"

"Good! Because I don't intend to stop until I get what is our due. John Jack's heart attack was just the beginning. We will eliminate them. One by one. We will make them pay."

"I won't hurt Jax, Jonas."

Jonas snickered. "When this is over, when we have destroyed the almighty Jacks family and there is nothing left for Jax, you will get your wish to be together again."

Miranda shut her eyes, knowing Jonas was right. It would be the only way she and Jax could be reunited. Brenda would be out of the way, and they could return to the days of old when the had planned to leave the everything behind and sail around the world. She sighed. "What am I supposed to do? If I don't comply, Jax is going to get suspicious. He's going to start digging Jonas, and I can't let that happen."

"As always Murian, your timing could not be more horrendous." Jonas paused as he pondered the situation. He was in the middle of some very important dealings and could not possibly concentrate on Miranda's dilemma until he was through. "Leave town," he ordered.

"What?"

"Leave Port Charles."

"Just like that?! I can't!"

"You can, and you will. Pack up your things. Disappear. Jax can't divorce someone he can't find."

"Jonas - "

"We don't have time to argue. Do it. You know where to go."

+++

Nikolas and Lena were sitting at a table in the hospital cafeteria, having lunch after spending the entire morning in the pediatrics ward. They were both naturals with children, and the youngsters loved them. Lena found Nikolas a great kid, and Nikolas in turn really liked Lena. Her attitude towards him was truely sincere, something he hadn't found in Port Charles from anyone except LuLu, Katherine and Bobbie. Lena didn’t know it, but she was well on her way to making a new friend for life. Lena had given Nikolas a brief sketch of her life in Paris, growing up in bording schools with Brenda, and Nikolas told her about his isolated life on the Cassadine island, and growing up as the Cassadine heir. They were laughing over his various mishaps horseback riding when his eyes cloud over as Laura walked past them with LeslyLu. She had been in a hurry, and had not noticed them sitting there.

Lena noticed his expression sadden and turned to follow his gaze. She watched him stare at Laura and LesleyLu at the receptionist's station, and saw the hurt so evident in his eyes. "Hey, something wrong?"

A muscle twitched at the base of Nikolas's jaw. "No." He rose from his chair. "Excuse me for a minute." He strode over to the receptionist's counter and faced his mother.

Laura looked surprised to see him. "Nikolas! I didn't see you."

Nikolas ignored her. "What is the matter? Is LesleyLu sick?"

"It's nothing serious. She has a slight temperature." The baby fidgited in her mother's arms, and smiled as Nikolas reached out to caress her chubby cheek. Her tiny hands made a grab for Nikolas and captured a few of his fingers.

"Hey LuLu. Have you missed me?" Nikolas's face softened as he gently played with his sister.

"Nikolas..." Laura looked longingly at him, but when he met her gaze, his expression had hardened.

"Take care of her," he said, and then he turned from her and walked back to the cafeteria. Laura watched him go, her expression every bit as pained as Nikolas's. She sighed, and headed off to see LuLu's doctor.

When they were gone, Nikolas shut his eyes and exhaled a huge sigh. He looked suddenly older. "Sorry about that."

"There's no need to apologize to me," Lena said.

Nikolas shook his head. "I don't know why I let her get to me like that." Lena tilted her head in question, and Nikolas explained, "That was Laura Spencer, and my baby sister LesleyLu."

"I thought you were an only child." Lena said, slightly confused.

"No, there is LuLu...and Lucky Spencer."

Lena's eyes widened. "Laura Spencer's your mother." Nikolas nodded, and looked less than thrilled at the proclamation. Lena recalled what Amy had said earlier. "Is she related to Amy Vining the nurse?"

Nikolas rolled his eyes. "Yes."

"So your uncle rescued the hospital for *her*. That was very generous of him."

Nikolas laughed humorlessly, an act eerily reminiscent of Stephan. "My uncle is not generous. There is an agenda behind everything he does and every move he makes."

"You're doing it again," Lena said.

"What?"

"Trying to intimidate."

Nikolas laughed for real this time, and Lena joined him. "Thanks," he said.

"For what?"

Nikolas shrugged, and flashed his dimpled smile. "For putting up with me."

Lena grinned at him. He really did remind her of Tobbe. She missed their sibling comraderie. "It's a dirty job, but I figure it will eventually look good on my resume."

"Planning on psychoanalyzing me?"

"No, I try to avoid emotional landmines. You look like a complicated case Nik Cassadine."

"Maybe because I am."

"Well you don't lack for ego."

"Yeah. About the only thing I do lack for is a real family."

Lena cocked an eyebrow at him. "Feeling sorry for yourself?"

"I think I'm entitled. You'd understand if you had a family like mine."

"How do you know I don't?"

"Oh, I'm pretty sure you don't." Nikolas proceeded to relate the sordid Cassadine history to Lena, the version that he was familiar with anyway. He didn't know why, but she just seemed so easy to talk to. He told her about the plot to freeze the world, Laura's sojourn on the Greek island, and the feud between Spencer and Cassadine, culminating with Bobbie's marriage to Stephan, and the faked deaths of Laura and Leslie.

Lena let out a low whistle. "Wow. You're right. Your family beats mine hands down." Nikolas smiled wryly. "You feel your mother betrayed you."

"My uncle tried to warn me about her," Nikolas said bitterly, "but I didn't listen and I let her jerk me around. Well she's abandoned me for the last time. It will never happen again."

"But what if she had good reason?"

"Laura's always got a good reason. Reasons don't make up for all those years she left me, and how she keeps on leaving me."

"Can you really just turn your back on your mother like that?"

Nikolas snorted. "I've never had a mother. I don't need her." He said each word with such venom that it was clear the opposite was true. Laura Spencer had a hold of her son's emotions, just as she had a hold over his uncle's. "Besides," Nikolas added, "there's Bobbie."

The sister of the Cassadines' greatest enemy, Luke Spencer. "It must not be easy stuck in the middle like that," Lena mused.

"Believe me, it's not." Bobbie said. Lena and Nikolas both jumped at the sound of her voice and turned to see her standing behind them. They rose to greet her.

"Bobbie!" Nikolas exclaimed. "How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough to hear my name mentioned," Bobbie smiled. She turned to Lena. "Hello, I'm Bobbie Cassadine."

Lena shook the hand that Bobbie extended. "So I hear. I'm Lena Raine."

"I see you're keeping Nikolas out of trouble."

Lena glanced at her watch. "Actually, if we don't haul out and get back to the pediatric ward we're both going to be in a heap of trouble. It was nice meeting you Mrs. Cassadine."

"Likewise. Nikolas, I'll see you at home tonight."

Nikolas nodded, and made his way back to the peds ward with Lena while Bobbie headed home after finishing her shift.

+++

Jax was in his office sitting behind his solid mohagany desk, and leaning back heavily in the large leather chair. He rubbed his temples and ran a frustrated hand through his already tousseled blonde locks. On his desk was a stack of files on the Peruvian mines of Jacks Enterprises. Before him sat three men in dark business suits, their somber expressions mirroring that of Jax's.

"I don't understand. How could he have vanished like that?"

The three men looked helplessly back at Jax. They had been called up from the operations in Peru after the mysterious disappearence of Cameron, Jax's Central American advisor whom he had sent down to investigate the mining difficulties. The preliminary reports he had sent back to Jax had all been inconclusive, but he appeared to be on the trail of something. Then suddenly, all communications ceased, and it was like he had dropped off the face of the earth. No one had seen or heard from him in weeks. All the searches conducted had come up empty-handed.

"What the hell is going on down there?!" Jax exclaimed angrily.

"We're sorry Mr. Jacks," one of the men spoke up, abet rather timidly. "We just don't know."

"You don't know." Jax repeated, disgusted. "Does anyone know? No? No one knows anything. A high profile executive simply disappears and no one has a clue about anything?! You are *supposed* to be responsible for overseeing the entire field of operations," Jax said scathingly.

"As I said, we're sorry Mr. Jacks, but - "

"Sorry? SORRY?!!?" Jax's eyes flashed a dangerously steely blue. "I don't employ you to be sorry. I employ you to get results. Now I suggest you all get back down there and produce some results or I will make it clear just how sorry you can be." The chill in Jax's tone matched the ice in his eyes. He had made the statement in such a curt, controlled manner that it sent shivers down the men's spines, as they knew he would be capable of doing just what he threatened. They mumbled their leave incoherently, and scurried out of the office like whipped dogs.

When they were gone, Jax rubbed his face and stared down at the stack of reports. He prayed to God that the man had not come to harm. "Damn it, Cameron," he said aloud to the empty officeroom, "where the hell are you?"

Chapter 13: Cliff Hanger

"Ok Brenda, take ten!" Anton said, winding up his camera and heading towards the dark room.

Brenda saw Lena come into the studio, and walked over to her. "Hey you!"

Lena smiled. "Hey yourself, staving girl. I brought you lunch." She unpacked several boxes of Chinese take-out.

"FOOD!" Brenda squealed. "I LOVE you!" She tore into the cartons with a gusto. "How did you know I was starving?"

"Simple. You’re *always* starving."

"Hey!" Brenda threw a fortune cookie at Lena, who caught it before it hit her, and broke it open. She read it, and laughed.

"What does it say?" Brenda asked, wiping sauce that had dripped onto her chin with a napkin.

"Intriguing propositions and dream dates await."

"All right Lena!"

"Actually, it’s your lunch, so it’s *you’re* fortune."

"Jax might object to tall, dark, and handsome sweeping me off my feet."

"You think? I think he’d be grateful for the reprieve!"

Brenda crossed her eyes at Lena and stuck out her tongue, and both girls laughed.

Lucy walked over to them. "Hey there little Miss Lena. How’re you doing? Knew you couldn’t stay away. Nobody can once they get a taste of life in the fast land, isn’t that right, Brenda? I mean, if anyone should know, it’s Jax and Brenda. Oh, now that you mention it, Brenda, you need to go over the new boards with Anton once you get a chance, and tell me what you think about the new angle we came up with for the men’s line. Lena, the shoot is scheduled for Tuesday next week, so if you could get back to Claudette about your *other* work schedules, that would be great, and -" the phone sitting at the layout counter rang. "Excuse me!" Lucy turned to go pick up the phone. Lena and Brenda watched her go, having not moved since she started speaking.

Brenda shook her head. "I really should be used to her by now," she laughed.

"I don't think anyone could ever get used to Lucy."

"Lena! It's for you! A Mz. Beverly Hillar." Lucy called. Lena furrowed her brow. Who on earth was Beverly Hillar? She walked over and took the phone from Lucy. Lucy went back to Brenda, and together, they listened on interestedly to Lena's half of the conversation, and watched her facial expressions go from confused to amused to incredulous. She hung up the phone, and turned with a rather dazed look.

"What?" Brenda asked.

"That was Beverly Hillar," Lena said, a little slowly.

"Who is she?" Lucy asked.

"Manager and publicist...for...Mr. Kilmer."

"Kilmer?" Lucy wrinkled her nose.

"VAL KILMER?!?" Brenda exclaimed. Lena nodded.

"Wait a minute!" Lucy jumped in. "Are we talking about Val Kilmer, movie star, ex-Batman, recently-divorced, newly single, tall, dark, killingly handsome, brooding bad-boy - "

"Yes."

"*That* Val Kilmer?" Lucy's eyes nearly popped out of her head.

"Would this have anything to do with your New Year's dance together?" Brenda teased.

"What dance?!" Lucy demanded.

"I don't know." Lena shrugged. "His publicist said he was in town shooting a film, and would like to have lunch. In fact, he's sent his limo for me."

"He sent his *limo* for you!?"

"Well what are you waiting for?" Brenda said. "Get going!"

"I'm not sure this is such a good idea." Lena said hesitantly.

"Good idea, bad idea, who cares! It's VAL KILMER!" Lucy exclaimed.

"Go on! The limo must be waiting!" Brenda giggled as she shoved Lena towards the studio exit. "Tell me all about it when you get back!" Lena shook her head as she let Brenda push her out the doors.

Lucy and Brenda gossiped and chattered while Brenda ate the rest of her lunch. Anton returned a few minutes later, and shooed everyone out of the studio so he and Brenda could continue the shoot. They went over the themes and designs for the new men's line, and were shooting some test shots when a delivery boy entered asking for Brenda. Anton directed him to Brenda before taking off for the dark room again.

"I'm Brenda Barret. Can I help you?" Brenda asked, from her perch on top of a step ladder, where Anton had placed her.

"This delivery is for you." The delivery boy approached her, and held up a brown package. "Sign here please." Brenda signed and returned the clipboard and pen to the delivery boy. "Tip's been taken care of ma'am. Have a nice day!" He smiled and saw himself out of the studio.

When he was gone, Brenda looked at her package. This was strange. She hadn't been getting gifts for quite a while now. Now it was starting again? She glanced at the note accompanying the package. It read:

All around the town of Port Charles
The monkey chased the weasel.
The monkey thought 'twas all in fun.
but POP! goes the weasel.

A penney for each drop of blood,
A penney for each betrayal.
That's the way the money goes.
Pop! goes the weasel.

Up and down the City streets,
In and out of the club,
That's the way the heart beats.
Pop! goes the weasel.

Half a pound of powdered spice,
Half a pound of vengence,
Mix it up and make it nice,
Pop! goes the weasel...and POP goes the weasel.

Now what was *that* supposed to mean?

Brenda curiously tore into her package. She ripped the brown paper packaging off and discovered a red and black jack-in-the-box, a simple child's toy one would find at a circus or a fair. A jack-in-the-box? Who would be sending her one of these? Only one way to find out. She cranked the handle at the side, listening to the chimes of the old nursery rhyme floating from inside the mysterious box. She was so tuned into the music, that she nearly fell off the ladder in surprise when the lid unexpectedly flipped open and a puppet popped out.

Sonny wandered into the studio, looking for Brenda. He saw her perched atop a step-ladder, staring in fascination at the bouncing doll of the jack-in-the-box. The doll was an exact replica of her, right down to her cute little dimples.

"Brenda?"

Brenda touched the doll, and suddenly the head of the doll shot off into the air. Brenda gasped, and lost her balance. Sonny ran over and caught her before she could fall, and lowered her to the ground. The doll's head had landed onto the floor, and was rolling around in a small circle. Sonny caught sight of a small fuse, under the doll's mass of hair, burning its way to the base of the doll's head.

"Brenda look out!" He shoved her down behind a large wooden crate, and dove on top of her just as the dollhead exploded on the studio floor. The loud BANG!! brought crew and other employees running back into the studio. Sonny moved off a shaken Brenda and helped her to her feet.

"You ok?" he asked, brushing a fallen lock of hair from her face.

Brenda stared at the burning mass, her eyes wide. After it exploded, the gunpowder in the dollhead had caused it to spontaneously combust. A lighting techie grabbed a fire extinguisher and hosed it down, putting out the flames.

"Brenda baby. Look at me." Sonny put his hand under Brenda's chin and turned her head to face him. She looked at him with such big brown eyes Sonny felt a fierce wave of protection overflow him, and he pulled her into his arms. "Oh baby."

"This isn't a joke anymore, is it?" Brenda whispered into his shoulder. "This isn't just some prankster fan. Someone wants to hurt me."

"Nobody's gonna hurt you, baby. I swear." Sonny framed Brenda's face with his hands. "I'm not gonna let anyone touch you. I'll protect you." He bent down to touch his lips to hers.

Brenda broke free of the kiss and pushed him away. "Sonny, no."

"Brenda..." Sonny reached for her.

Brenda shook her head. "No. Sonny, please. Don't. Not now."

"You need me, Brenda. You need me to protect you." Sonny persisted.

"Sonny, I can't deal with you now. Go. Please. Just go." Brenda turned from him to watch the custodial staff clean up the charred mess. Sonny looked at her longingly, but made a move to walk away. He could wait this one out. He knew Brenda would come back to him eventually. As he rode down the elevator to the ground floor, he flipped out his phone.

"Jason, here."

"Jason, this is Sonny. I want a man posted by Brenda night and day."

"Did something happen man?"

"Never mind the details. Get someone over here. I want him to shadow her every move. I don't ever want her to be alone. Got it?"

"Got it."

Back in the studio, Lucy and Anton had come in. Lucy was extremely concerned when she heard about what had happened. She saw that Brenda was a bit shaken up, and decided to give her the rest of the day off. Brenda decided to go see Lois at the gatehouse, since Jax was in Chicago for business, and Addy had told her he would not return until later that night.

+++

Later that night at the gatehouse, after Ned had come home, everyone had just finished dinner when Robin stopped by to see Brooke before returning to Yale. Brenda was back to her normal self again, and she was more angry than scared at the incident. She had told them about the exploding dollhead, and Ned was particularly incensed that Sonny would try to make it sound like he could protect her.

"For God's sake, Brenda. He's probably the reason you're in this mess in the first place!"

"Ned, how can you know that? It could be anybody. It's probably some deranged fan craving attention."

"And what about your getting shot at in the alley of Luke's?"

"Guys!" Robin interjected. "Shuffling blame isn't going to solve anything. Brenda, have you told uncle Mac about this?"

"Mac knows. Lucy called him earlier."

"And the police still have no clues about this stalker?" Lois asked.

"Nothing." Brenda said dejectedly.

Across the street from the gatehouse, Harry Silver carefully crept up to the car of the man Sonny had placed to watch over Brenda. He broke off some branches and threw against the side window. The man started, and looked around. Harry hid behind the bushes. The man rolled down his window to get a better look, and Harry jumped out. He pointed a silenced pistol at the man's head and fired. The man slumped dead, blood dripping from the hole in his head onto the fresh white snow.

Harry took a quick look around him before making his way across to the gatehouse. He glanced into the window and saw Brenda talking to Lois, Ned and Robin. A scowl appeared on the old man's face.

"This time, Brenda. This time you will not escape." He had sent the last of the gifts today. This was the final act. He removed a black case from under his overcoat, and slid under Brenda's porsche.

Inside the gatehouse, the phone rang. It was Jax, looking for Brenda. He had just flown in from Chicago, and was wondering where she was. Brenda told him she was coming home right away.

"I should be going too," Robin said.

"Sure ya don't wanna spend the night, honey?" Lois asked. "It's such a long way back ta Yale, and ya know yer more than welcome."

Robin hugged Lois. "Thanks, Lois. But I should go." She went and hugged Ned. "Uncle Mac is expecting me. I'll call Jason to pick me up."

"No need." Brenda said. "Come on little sister. I'll give you a ride to Mac's."

The doorbell to the gatehouse rang, and Brenda opened it to find Justus on the porch. "Justus! Hi!"

"Hello Brenda. Robin. Is Ned in?"

"Ned is definately in," Ned said, coming out to the foyer upon hearing Justus's voice.

Brenda and Robin left after saying their goodbyes again, and got into the porsche. From where he hid, Harry swore. He had not had time to plant the detenator on the car when Justus had pulled onto the driveway. He had had to move fast. He only managed to slice the brake line, not even cut it. But, with the way Brenda drove, it would prove to be enough. The roads out of the suburb were all twists and turns, cut into a large hillside, bordered by the water. He was only sorry that young Robin would perish with her. But then, there would always be innocent victims. Lilly had been an innocent victim.

Brenda and Robin sped along the dark and winding roads that meandered out of the ritzy neighbourhood of the Quartermaines.

"Brenda, slow down. You're going kinda fast." Robin pointed out.

"Ok, ok." Brenda put her foot on the brake.

After several minutes, "Brenda, now you're going way too fast."

"I know! But the brakes don't seem to be working!

"Brenda, watch it!" and Brenda swerved to follow the curve of the road.

"Robin, the brakes aren't working!!"

"What do you mean the brakes aren't working?" Robin exclaimed, alarmed.

"They just aren't!" Brenda pumped her foot furiously on the brakes to no avail. They were picking up speed from heading downhill. "Ohmygod! Ohmygod! What are we going to do?!" Brenda panicked.

"Don't panick, don't panick!" Robin cried, panicked herself.

"Ohmygod, Robin!"

"Brenda LOOK OUT!!!" Robin screamed as the car sped right for the guardrail. Brenda yanked the steering wheel and swerved the car, but they were going too fast. They slammed into the railing and lurched off the edge of the cliff.

Meanwhile, the phone at the gatehouse rang again. Lois picked up.

"Hi Lois, this is Jax. Can I speak to Brenda?"

"Brenda? Jax, she left with Robin about twenty minutes ago."

"She's not there?"

"No."

"Thanks Lois." Jax hung up the phone. Where could she be? She had said she was coming straight home. He paced the carpet of the penthouse, his anxiety increasing. He had a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach that something was not right. His phone rang, and he snatched it up. "Brenda?"

"No, it's Mac. Is Robin there with you? I was expecting her quite a while ago and she hasn't come home yet."

"No. Lois told me she left with Brenda from the gatehouse about twenty minutes ago. But I haven't heard from Brenda." Jax's line beeped. "Excuse me Mac, I have a call on the other line, it might be them." Jax put Mac on hold and picked up the other line. "Brenda?"

"No, it's Lois."

"Lois! Have you heard from Brenda?"

"No, she still hasn't shown up yet?"

"No. I'm on the line with Mac. He's looking for Robin."

"I know. He called here lookin' for Robin. Jax I'm worried. They shoulda been back long ago, what with the way Brenda drives. What if this has somethin' ta do with what happened this afternoon?"

"This afternoon? What happened this afternoon?" Lois told Jax about the surprise Brenda recieved during the photo shoot, and the colour drained from his face. "Oh my god," he said almost inaudibly.

"Jax?"

"Lois, I've got to go. I've got to find them."

"Jax, please be careful!" Jax disconnected with Lois, and picked up Mac's line again. He told Mac Lois's fears.

"I'm putting an APB out right now," Mac said.

"I'm going out to find them. You have my cell number, keep me posted."

"Jax - " Mac began, but Jax had already hung up. He flung on his coat, and ran into the elevator.

Chapter 14: Quick Thinking, Jax

Brenda groaned as she regained consciousness. Her whole body hurt. She tried to open her eyes, but a jolt of pain hit her head. Finally, she forced her eyes open and looked around her. Her airbag had deflated, and the windows and windshield had been smashed open. She knew she was bleeding, she could feel blood trickling down the side of her face. She was having difficulty breathing. Had she broken her ribs? She looked over to the passanger's seat.

"Robin!" she rasped. No response. "Robin! Oh god, Robin."

Robin moaned, but did not wake. Robin had a cut under her eye, and the way she was slumped over, it looked like she had hit her head against the side of the car. Her seatbelt was the only thing holding her up.

Brenda struggled against the seatbelt holding her in. The buckle was jammed. She tried the door. It was stuck too. Damn! Brenda pounded against the door in vain. The frame of the porsche had crumpled upon impact, and the metal of the door was all twisted. They had to get out of the car. They had to get help! The freezing cold air was whipping in from the broken windows. Brenda shivered, as her efforts drained her of her energy. She felt herself slipping back into unconsciousness.

"No..." she whispered. "Jax...help...me...Jax...."

+++

Jax's cell phone rang as he sped his way along the dark streets of Port Charles. He grabbed the phone and put it to his ear. "Jax."

"Jax, this is Mac. Where are you?"

"I'm about ten minutes away from the Quartermaines, why?"

"One of my men is already there. He found something." Jax felt his heart sinking. "A man was discovered across the street from the gatehouse. He's dead. It was a clean shot, one bullet to the head. He's been identified as one of Sonny's men."

"Jesus. What about Brenda and Robin?"

"Fresh footprints were found in the snow at the scene and around the gatehouse. Forensics are going over there to analyze them now. There's still no sign of Brenda's car."

Jax clenched his jaw, and his hands gripped the steering wheel of his jeep so hard the blood had drained from them. The icy roads were treacherous, but it did nothing to slow his speed. He saw red when the thought back to what Lois had told him earlier about Sonny showing up at the studio when Brenda recieved her explosive package. After Lena's shooting, Brenda had done as he asked, and stayed as far from Sonny as possible. This was only happening because Sonny had once again chosen to insinuate himself into Brenda's life. If Brenda was hurt because of Sonny, Jax was going to rip the man apart with his bare hands.

"...men are spreading out around Port Charles," Mac was saying.

"Mac, I'm heading over to Sonny's."

"Jax - "

"Look, Mac, Sonny's involved somehow. Brenda and Robin are missing because of him. If he knows anything, I'm going to find out."

Jax was about to pull a U-turn when he saw something that caused his heart to stop beating. About half a mile up, the guardrail along the side of the road had been ripped away by some forceful impact. Skid marks had burned into the road, and carved into the snow at the side of the road. Jax pulled over, jumped out of his jeep, and ran to the side of the road to look down. He saw them, about twenty feet down, the crushed porsche was balanced precariously on a small ledge of the cliff. It looked like it had flipped a couple of times, and two figures were slumped over inside.

"BRENDA!" Jax screamed. He slipped and slid his way down to where the car was. Careful not to jar the car, he reached the passanger side first. He checked Robin over, but couldn't wake her. He made his way to the driver's side, and reached inside to touch Brenda. He felt for a pulse, and was instantly relieved to find it strongly and steadily beating.

"Brenda, sweetheart," Jax said, stroking her face. She was icy cold. He swallowed hard, choking down his fear for them. "Brenda, open your eyes honey."

Brenda reacted instinctively to Jax's touch, and her eyes fluttered open. "Jax," she whispered. "You're here."

"Yes, I'm here. Hang on sweetheart. I'm going to get help."

"Robin..."

"Yes, I know. Don't worry. We're going to get you guys out of here."

After reassuring Brenda he'd be right back, Jax frantically climbed the slippery cliff and ran back to his jeep. He quickly called 911 for help, reporting the accident, and then called Mac to let him know their location. They were going to need a tow truck to haul them up the cliff and the fire department to cut them out of the car. Jax hung up, and dug around the back of the jeep. He was terrified the porsche was going to tip over any minute, sending Brenda and Robin careening into the ocean. He desperately searched for something he could anchor the porsche with. His hands came across a steel towing cable, and he grabbed it out of the jeep.

Running around to the front of the jeep, he latched the cable to the towing clasp. Then he wrapped the cable around the sturdiest-looking light pole he could find, and made his way back down to the porsche. He latched the end of the cable to the porsche by wrapping it around the axle and tailgate, and hooking it back to the axle again. He hoped it was strong enough to hold until help arrived. He prayed that no other vehicles would pass by the road. It was fairly late, and so far, there had been no other cars. He lit several flares and laid them across the road, just in case, and went to Brenda again.

"Brenda, honey, help is on the way." The wind chilled him to the bone, but he barely felt it. He was too frightened to be cold. There was nothing he could do for Robin, since he was afraid to move her, but he knew he had to try to keep Brenda awake. "Brenda, sweetie, come on. Talk to me. Let me hear the sound of your beautiful voice."

"Jax...I...Sonny...so c-c-cold...s-so scared..." Brenda murmered.

"I'm right here. Stay with me Brenda." Jax took off his thick coat and laid it across Brenda's shivering figure.

"Please... d-d-don't leave...again...I...l-l-love you..."

"I'm not going anywhere, Brenda. I love you. I'll never leave you." Jax clasped Brenda's hand and held it tightly until he finally heard the sound of sirens blaring.

The paramedics arrived first with Mac and a squadron of police cars hot on their heels. Mac had to be physically restrained from going down the cliff to get to Robin. The police set up road barricades, and Jax moved aside as the EMTs worked to stabilize both girls. Robin, who was still unconscious, was put on oxygen, and the paramedics were preparing both she and Brenda to be moved when the porsche suddenly began to slip.

"Look out!!" A paramedic yelled as the porsche slid off the ledge. Jax watched in horror as the car began fall towards the ocean.

"Robin!" Mac screamed from the roadside. The cable Jax had attached to the car halted it's treacherous fall, and was pulled taut. The jeep was dragged foreward a little, and the pole groaned as the cable tightened around it. Mac's face had drained of blood and he could barely keep it together as Taggert held onto him.

"Where the hell are the the tow trucks?" Jax yelled.

"They're on their way!" Taggert hollared back. The snowy roads had caused many accidents, and the city's towtrucks were up to their eyeballs with work.

"To hell with them!" Jax shouted, scrambling his way back up the cliff. He ran towards his jeep.

"Jax!" Mac yelled. "What the hell are you doing?"

Jax climbed into the driver's seat, and started up the engine. "There's no time to wait for the towtrucks! I'm going to pull them up!" he replied, as he put his vehicle in reverse.

"Everyone, clear the area!" Taggert and Mac bellowed, and police officers and EMTs moved out of the way. Jax slowly drove the jeep in reverse, hauling the porsche back up the cliff as Mac yelled out directions to him. The jeep's wheels spun and squealed in protest at the effort, and the traction was causing the rubber to burn into the asphalt. The jeep slid forewards a few times, but after a tension-filled ten minutes, the porsche was back onto the side of the road. The fire trucks arrived just then, and several firemen jumped off the trucks immediately and went to work. The jaws of life were brought out to cut Brenda and Robin out of the car, and the EMTs whisked them into the waiting ambulances. Jax jumped into Brenda's ambulance. Mac barked a few orders to Taggert before he got in with Robin, and they all raced to General Hospital.

Mac and Jax were pacing the waiting room of General Hospital. Ned and Lois had arrived, and were attempting to reassure them both. Taggert, on Mac's orders, had police technicians sweep the porsche, and they found that the brake line had been cut. Jax's eyes had turned a deadly shade of ice blue when Mac informed him of Taggert's discovery. Just then, Sonny and Jason burst into the waiting area looking for Brenda and Robin.

Sonny flagged down a nurse. "Where are they? Where's Brenda Barrett and Robin Scorpio?" he asked frantically. He had just gotten word of the accident as well as the death of his man.

Jax saw Sonny come in, and dove for his neck. "You son of a bitch!" he bit out through clenched teeth, pinning Sonny against the wall and choking him. Mac and Ned grabbed Jax, and Jason worked to pry Jax's hands off of Sonny.

"Jax! Let him go!" Mac ordered. But Jax still held on tight, his fury getting the best of him.

"You just couldn't stay away from her could you! She could have been *killed* because of you! And Robin with her!"

Bobbie came out of the emergency room, and Lois rushed over to her. "Bobbie! Are they going to be all right?" Ned and Mac finally made Jax let go of Sonny, and they dragged him away from Sonny and left Jason to tend to him. They all went over to hear what Bobbie had to say.

"They're going to be fine. Tony is still in with Robin right now, but he'll be out to talk to you later," she said to Mac. "Brenda has a minor concussion, mild hypothermia, some strained ribs, and various cuts, bruises and lacerations. Robin hit her head on the side of the car, so she has a more serious concussion. Tests are being run to rule out swelling of the brain. She also has a mild case of hypothermia, and various lumps and lacerations. All in all, they are both very lucky they weren't hurt worse, considering the seriousness of the accident. You will be able to go see them once they have been moved."

"Thank you Bobbie," Jax said in relief. Mac echoed his sentiments.

Bobbie smiled. "You're welcome. Now, if you'll excuse me..." she headed off back to the ER.

Jax entered Brenda's room, and pulled up a chair next to her bed. Her eyes were closed, but as soon as Jax picked up her hand, she opened them. She smiled at him.

"Hi."

"Hi yourself beautiful. How are you feeling?"

"Better, thanks to you. How's Robin?"

"She'll be ok. She's a trouper."

Brenda shut her eyes wearily. "God. We could've died. I was so scared."

"Shhhh, it's all right." Jax stroked her hair soothingly. "You're both all right now." He decided now was not the time to tell her that someone had deliberatly tried to kill her. From the corner of his eye, he saw Lois and Ned peeking into the room. "Honey, Lois and Ned are here. They've been real worried about you two." He waved them in, and stepped out of the room in search of Mac. He ran into Sonny instead.

"What the hell are you still doing here Corinthos?" Jax said angrily.

"I came to see Brenda. I need to know she's ok."

"She's not your concern. You've done enough damage."

"Brenda needs me, now more than ever!"

"You're delusional! I won't let you put her in any more danger. You stay away from my wife!" Jax ordered.

Sonny scowled at Jax. "You can't keep us apart, prettyboy."

"Watch me." Jax snapped.

"She'll come to me on her own." Sonny declared, before heading off to Robin's room where Jason was.

Jax shook his head as he watched Sonny go. He pulled out his phone. He knew that Jerry and the team were in Chechnya. They had been called there, and had to put their surveillance of Sonny and his mob actions on hold for the past few weeks. They were in deep cover, which meant that there was no way they could be reached. Jax was determined to get Brenda away from Sonny, and anything related to Sonny until they could figure out who was behind the attacks. He called Addie, and had her make the necessary arrangements. He was not going to let Brenda get caught up in the life of the mad mobster anymore.

+++

Brenda slowly opened her eyes, and cringed as the bright sunlight shone on her face. She blinked a few times, not recognizing her surroundings.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," Jax called cheerfully from the doorway of the room.

"Good morning. Jax, where am I?" she asked, perplexed.

Jax laughed as he walked over to the bed, and planted a kiss on her forehead. "I'll give you three guesses."

 

Chapter 15: Hide and Seek

Lena walked briskly toward where Mac and Felicia were standing, talking in the corridor outside Robin's hospital room. She had returned home late last night and found several messages waiting for her from Jax and Lois about the car crash. Jax had cautioned her to be careful, as it was no accident that Brenda's porsche went off the road. He had wasted no time in whisking Brenda out of the country for her own safety, and the safety of those around her. He had cleared it with Tony, and had arranged to have a nurse to care for Brenda. Jax fully intended to stay clear of Port Charles until the perpetrators were caught. Lois, Ned, and Lena were the only ones to know their secret location. Jax had asked them to keep him posted about Robin, as he knew Brenda would worry about her.

"Mac, hello." Lena gave him a concerned smile.

Mac turned from his conversation with Felicia to see who had addressed him. He smiled in return when he saw her. "Hi, Lena. You know Felicia Jones."

"From the Outback. Yes, hello Felicia." Felicia smiled in greeting. "I heard about what happened. How is Robin?"

"A bit banged up. The swelling in her head's gone down, and Tony says she'll be all right. They just want to keep her for observation, and off her feet for a while." Mac replied.

"Do you have any idea how this happened?"

"Some. We're working on it. Believe me, whoever's responsible is going to pay."

"You look really tired," Lena commented. Mac had not yet gone home. He had stayed by Robin, even though everyone had urged him to get some rest. Dark shadows were appearing beneath his usually alert eyes, and there was a day's growth of stubble on his face.

"I was just saying the same thing." Felicia said. "Come on Mac. You should go home. You know Robin's in good hands here." Mac smiled at their concern. He had been frantic last night, thinking how close he was to losing the one remaining family member he had. He never wanted to feel that way again. He had been incredibly grateful for Jax's quick thinking and heroic actions. All animosity over Miranda aside, the man probably saved Robin's life, and Mac didn't know how he could possibly repay that.

"Felicia's right," Audrey Harding joined the group. "Everyone here loves Robin. Go home Mac. We'll see she's well taken care of."

Mac threw up his hands in defeat. He had felt such a sense of relief after Tony came out to tell him the injuries were not serious. "All right, all right, I'm going," he said gruffly, but not without humour.

"I mean it Mac. No stopping by the station buster. Go *home* and get some *rest*" Felicia ordered.

Mac grinned. "You know me too well, Felicia."

"Exactly! You can play cops and robbers tomorrow. Now get going!"

"Yes, ma'am." Mac said, leaving.

Lena turned to Felicia and Audrey. "I think I'll go peek in at Robin before I start my shift." She entered the room, and found Robin talking to Jason, who was sitting by the bed holding onto her hand. Robin's eyes lit up when she saw her friend enter the room. Her head was pounding, but she was in good spirits.

"Lena! Hi!"

"Good morning, Robin. Jason." Jason nodded in greeting. "I heard you got a bump on the head."

Robin rolled her eyes. "Everyone keeps making a huge deal of it. I keep saying it's a consequence of Brenda's nascar skills."

Lena chuckled. "Well, bumps on the head are dangerous. Just look at all your American football players."

Robin laughed. "So where's Brenda? Uncle Mac told me that Jax checked her out already."

"Ah, well yes." Lena glanced uneasily at Jason, knowing his ties with Sonny. "I'm sure Jax took Brenda somewhere she could recover in splendor." Lena gave Robin a knowing smile. "You know Jax." Robin grinned back. Jax was notorious for his spur of the moment actions, especially regarding Brenda. "I'll come by and visit you later, I'm running a bit late." Lena waved, and headed off to report to work.

Jason was silent for the entire time. He looked at Robin. "Sonny's not going to like this," he said, referring to Jax taking Brenda away.

Robin sighed. "Sonny's going to have to accept that Brenda's life is not with him anymore, Jason. She has Jax to take care of her now."

+++

Miranda dumped her bags on the floor with a resounding thud. She heaved a great sigh. Looking around the deserted villa in disgust, she saw that she was completely alone. Jonas had yet to make his appearence. Great, she thought. At least she had some time to herself before she had to deal with him. She didn't think she could handle him right now. She walked over and threw open the wooden shutters in the attempt to get some air into the muggy room, but only the humid, hot Malaysian air blew in.

She detested the idea of leaving Port Charles, leaving Jax in Brenda's clutches, but Jonas was right. As long as Jax couldn't finalize a divorce against her, she would always be tied to him. God how she hated how Jonas had the answers to everything. How he hooked up with Sonny Corinthos was beyond her. She should have never listened to him either. She had believed Sonny's assurance that Brenda would dump Jax as soon as she showed up. Apparently, they had both underestimated Brenda's commitment to Jax. They all needed time to regroup. Jonas had thought Sonny could be of some help to the "master plan," but his opinion of the man had changed. Miranda had no idea what Jonas was up to now, but she wasn't going to let him dictate all the rules as she had in the past. There was no way she was giving up Jax, no matter what Jonas planned.

Miranda pushed her damp bangs off her face, and went in search of a fan. She missed Australia. She had always detested the hot, sticky weather of southeast Asia. She couldn't wait until this was over, and she and Jax could be together, sailing the Mediterranean together as he had once promised.

+++

Brenda was sitting in a deckchair, dark shades on, dressed in a tank top and shorts. Her eyes were closed under her sunglasses, and she was soaking up the wonderful sunshine. Her nurse was dressed in an informal T-shirt and jeans was pouring iced tea. She had checked Brenda over, and she was fine. Nothing was hurt that wouldn't heal quickly enough. Brenda herself felt great. She felt *fantastic.* Well, as fantastic as one could feel with various bandages attached to their body.

Jax walked out onto the deck, after conducting his business in the office he had set up in one of the rooms of the luxurious villa. He smiled at the sight of Brenda and her nurse chattering away. He was so relieved she hadn't been seriously hurt. If events had unfolded differently, it could have been tragic. Jax didn't want to think about what he would have done had Brenda and Robin gone off that cliff.

He had been on the phone and fax all morning, both for business reasons, and for personal ones. He had contacted the best private investigater money could buy, a man his father had used on many an occasion. The man was a legend in his own time. Jax had faxed him all the data Damon had accumulated on Sonny and his operations so far. Damon had almost cracked the puzzle when he was called away. He definately was on to something. Jax knew he was buying time by moving Brenda away from Port Charles. He was betting that the stalker would get impatient, and tip his hand.

Jax took a deep breath. He would not rest until this was resolved. He had given instructions to the P.I. to find whoever was behind Brenda's stalking ASAP. He would move heavon and earth to protect Brenda. Jax knew that they could not stay in hiding forever. Knowing Brenda, she would begin to get antsy within a matter of days. Jax smiled at the thought. Putting Brenda in containment was like trying to put a lid on sunshine. Impossible.

"I wonder what Jax is doing?" Brenda mused.

"Did I hear a gorgeous woman calling my name?" Jax said, taking a seat next to Brenda, and accepting with a nod of thanks the glass of iced tea the nurse had poured for him. "Why don't you take the day off and explore the island," Jax suggested to her. Taking the hint, she smiled, and left. Once she was gone, Jax turned his attention back to Brenda. "So, beautiful, what can I do for you?"

Brenda laughed. "Well my knight in shining Bermuda shorts, you can start by telling me where on earth you've kidnapped me to."

"You mean you haven't guessed yet?" Jax grinned, knowing full well she couldn't have.

"No. We kept getting inturrupted by all your phone calls earlier. And the only clues I've got are the servents, who all talk in tongues. Where *are* we, Jax?"

"We, my darling wife, are on the Island Juan de Nova.

"The island of *where?*" Brenda sat up and swung her legs over the side of the deckchair.

"Juon de Nova. In the Mozambique Channel. We're about one-third of the way between Madagascar and Mozambique."

"I've never heard of this place before."

"Well it's not a large island. It's uninhabited, and the family purchased it from the French government."

"Your family *bought* this island? from the French *government?*"

Jax grinned. "You were expecting, perhaps, that we won it playing poker with the president?"

"Jaaaax! Do you seriously own this place?"

"I own this pile of dirt, yes." Jax teased.

"Pile of *dirt!!* Jax this place is magnificent! Look at it! We're right on the water!"

"That's the Indian Ocean," Jax explained. "This is actually a wildlife sanctuary."

"Really?! It's soooo beautiful!"

"I'm glad you approve," Jax flipped up Brenda's sunglasses, and gave her a soft, sexy kiss. "Because we might be here a while," he murmered into her mouth.

"Mmmmmm...." Brenda continued kissing Jax when suddenly his words sunk in. "We might what?"

Jax decided now was the time to tell Brenda. He related everything he knew, everything Mac had told her about the sabotage of the car. He said it as gently as he could, hating to see the fear and anxiety cloud over her face. Those same expressions that appeared whenever she was near, or thought about Sonny.

"You mean it was deliberate. Someone wanted me to lose control of my car."

"Yes."

Brenda blinked and was quiet. Too quiet. She glanced back up at Jax and her eyes were full of tears. "They almost got me, Jax." Jax pulled Brenda into his arms, and held her tight against his chest. "And Robin," she continued, "she could have died because of me."

"Brenda - "

"Just like Lilly. It would have been my fault. Just like Lilly."

"Brenda, you know you can't blame yourself over Lilly's death anymore than you can blame yourself over Lena's shooting or Robin being in the car with you."

"But don't you see?" Brenda cried, "They all were in danger because of me! Lilly died, and Lena and Robin both could have - "

"Brenda, don't do this to yourself. It's not your fault. None of it. Honey, you're the one that's in danger. That's why I brought you here."

"So we're running away."

"We're moving out of harm's way. There's no shame in that."

"And what if it follows us here? What if they hurt *you* because of me?"

"They're not going to. They can't find us, Brenda. No one but Lois, Ned and Lena know where we are. We're safe on the island. No one can get on or off without us knowing about it."

Brenda looked reassured by Jax's confident words, but she was still apprehensive. "All right, but - "

"No buts, Brenda. I meant it when I swore to you life with me wasn't going to be one big miserable event like it was with Sonny. You're here to recover, and I'm going to see to it that you're happy and safe. Even if it kills me." Brenda gave Jax a dark look. "Ok, ok, bad choice of words," he grinned. "Now come on, lets take a walk. There are some amazing places on the island I want to show you."

+++

It was several days after the cliff incident. Sonny had cornered both Ned and Lois, and Lena in the attempt to find out where Jax had taken Brenda. He thought the man couldn't be any stupider than taking Brenda someplace Sonny couldn't protect her. He was furious with Jax, and furious that Brenda's friends would not tell him anything. They all feigned ingnorance, but Sonny knew, he *knew* they knew where Brenda was. It was the not knowing that was driving him crazy. He would ask Miranda, but he doubted Jax would tell her anything. Besides, the woman had disappeared from Port Charles it seemed.

"We're supposed to go in and talk to this girl," Nikolas explained to Lena. "Well, try to anyways."

"What's the situation?"

"They brought her in a little while ago, police found her laid out in the middle of an intersection, probably attempted suicide. She won't talk to any of the doctors and she refuses treatment."

"Do they really think we can help?" Lena asked.

Nikolas shrugged. "I guess they figure it is worth a try. She may respond to someone closer to her age."

In the short time Nikolas and Lena had been working together, they had struck up an amazing comraderie, and working relationship. They had impressed their supervisor with their work. Their supervisor had decided it was time for them to move from the kiddie stuff to the real thing. She had them dealing with real situations, sometimes extremely serious ones. They worked well together, their lack of experience more than made up for by their genuine concern for the welfare of others.

Together, they pushed aside the curtains and entered the hospital cubicle in the emergency ward. Sitting on the bed, leaning against the wall was a young girl about fourteen years old. She looked both sullen and scared. She also looked like she had been run over by a tank. Her entire face was black and blue and swollen, and her skinny arms and legs were covered with bruises, cuts, and other unidentified wounds. Her eyes were bloodshot, and the tracks in her arms were telling of her drug use. She may have been a pretty girl, but it was hard to tell with all the dirt and bruising.

Nikolas looked taken aback at the girl's roughed up appearence. He hadn't expected it to be quite so bad. "Uh, hello. I am Nikolas Cassadine. This is my friend Lena Raine. We're here to help you." The girl ignored him, staring instead at a fixed point on the wall. Nikolas tried again. "What is your name?" he asked, reaching out to touch her shoulder in the attempt to get her attention.

The girl screamed, and scrambled away from him, picking up objects around her to hurl at Nikolas. Nikolas, surprised, ducked, and tried to move to restrain her, but the girl kept screaming and throwing things while she squashed herself against the corner of the room.

"Nikolas!" Lena grabbed onto him, and hauled him away, out of the cubicle.

"Jesus! What the hell is wrong with her?"

Lena bit her bottom lip as she looked at Nikolas. "I think you better let me go talk to her alone. I don't think she likes you."

"I don't think that's a good idea," Nikolas argued, "she's a violent, drugged out psycho."

"She's just a child. Wait out here for me, ok?" Nikolas nodded, and Lena went back inside the cubicle. The girl had curled herself into a little ball in the corner, and was rocking and crying to herself. Lena slowly approached the girl. She crouched down in front of her, careful to keep her distance. "Hey," she said softly. The girl took no notice, except to rock harder and hum louder. Lena looked at the girl, and it was heart-wrenching. It was like looking at a picture of herself. "What did the bastard do to you?" she asked quietly, in the voice of someone who knew.

The girl stopped rocking and humming, and looked up at Lena. The eyes said it all. They were the eyes of innocence lost. She stared into Lena's eyes, and saw her own pain reflected there. Lena held out her hands, palm up, and the girl tentatively put hers in them. Lena pulled her into a hug, and the girl held on so tight it was suffocating. Lena hugged her as she cried.

"Shhh...it's ok...you're ok. No one can hurt you here. What's your name?"

"Melissa," came the muffled reply, in a startling sweet voice.

"Melissa. What a pretty name. I am Lena."

"WHERE IS SHE? WHERE IS MY DAUGHTER?!" A menacing, booming rang out through the emergency ward. The girl gasped and stiffened in Lena's arms. "MELISSA, YOU GET YOUR ASS OUT HERE YOU GOOD FOR NOTHING LITTLE WHORE!!"

The girl made a move to try to get away, but Lena held her tight. "Shhhh. Stay here. I'll take care of it." Lena whispered. "But you have to promise you won't go anywhere. Promise?" The girl looked petrified, but nodded.

Lena stepped out of the cubicle and saw a dirty, unkempt, greasy man in his late thirties. He was under average height, wiry, and had a scraggily growth of beard, and narrow, beady eyes that darted drunkenly around. His mouth had a decidely mean curl to it.

"Excuse me," Lena said in a hard voice. "Can I help you?"

The man whipped around to face her. "WHERE IS SHE, THAT STUPID SLUT?"

"Keep your voice down!" Lena ordered. "This is a hospital!"

"Don't tell me what to do, bitch."

"Watch your mouth," Nikolas warned, stepping forward.

"Or you'll what, boy?" The man sneered. Lena put a restraining hand on Nikolas.

"I think you should leave."

"I ain't leaving without Melissa! You know where she is. You're hiding her!" The man made a move to push past Lena and Nikolas.

Lena and Nikolas stood in his way. "This area is restricted!" she lied.

"Outta my way! MELISSA! YOU GET OUT HERE OR YOU'LL BE SORRY!" he bellowed, pushing past them.

Lena shoved him back. "Back off you son of a bitch." Lena said harshly.

"I'll teach you to put your hands on me!" The man staggered drunkenly at Lena, who slapped him hard.

"That's right. You like to hit defenseless women don't you, you cowardly bastard! How's it feel to fight someone your own size?"

"You WHORE!" The man raised his arm to backhand Lena, but Nikolas stepped in, and threw him against the wall, pinning his arms behind him in an efficient Tai Chi move. The man swore and tried to struggle, but Nikolas tightened his hold. The man let out a stream of abusive and vulgar curses, and Nikolas twisted harder, causing him to scream in pain.

"That is enough, Nikolas!" Stefan's commanding voice boomed out. "Let him go." Nikolas reluctantly released the man, shoving him away. Security guards had arrived to escort the man away, and clear the area of curious onlookers, as the commotion had drawn a crowd. "I want the two of you in my office, now." Stefan's tone brooked no disobedience.

He marched the two into his office, and closed the door with an efficient calm that belied his agitation. Taking his time to get seated behind his huge, dark desk, he folded his arms in front of him. Stefan glared at the both of them. "Now. Who would like to explain first what just occurred?"

"It's my fault, sir - " Lena began, but Nikolas cut her off.

"No it wasn't. We were provoked uncle. That vulgar waste of space was causing trouble."

"That still does not excuse brawling in this hospital."

"I apologize." Lena said, "I hit him, I take full responsibility for my actions."

Stefan raised an eyebrow. "Nikolas, you are dismissed. Go straight to Windmyre. We will discuss this further." Nikolas looked mutinous, but obeyed. Once he was gone, Stefan turned to Lena. "Now, would you care to tell me why you chose to engage in physical combat with an obvious vagabond?" Stefan said smoothly.

Lena met Stefan's gaze unflinchingly. They had passed one another in the hospital, but this was the first opportunity they had face to face. They were silent as they sized each other up. Lena spoke, and told him about her employment at GH, and how she and Nikolas had been assigned to look after this certain girl. It was obvious that she was in trouble, and probably had been abused. They had been trying to keep her abusive father away in order to get the girl the help she needed from social services.

Stefan was silent during the explanation. He was busy watching Lena like a hawk. It was his habit, to assess for strengths and weaknesses of everyone. Something he had inherited from Helena. When she was finished, Stefan nodded. She was excused. In future, they were to conduct themselves in a more disciplined manner as befitting hospital staff. Stefan was just dismissing Lena, when Alexis knocked and entered the office. The two women passed each other at the door. Stefan watched Lena go, and then punched up her file on the computer in front of him. He gave Alexis a look.

"That young woman. What do you know about her?"

Alexis gave her cousin a strange look. "Why?"

"Her personal file is incomplete. I am curious."

Stefan was always curious. "I believe her name is Madelena Raine. She has become quite close to Nikolas, he talks about her all the time. They work together."

"I want you to look into her," Stefan commanded.

Chapter 16: Sonny Boy

"Melissa?" Lena looked around the cubicle. "Melissa? It's Lena. Are you here? Melissa?" Melissa crawled out from where she was hiding under the hospital bed. Lena looked down at her. "Hey, what are you doing down there?"

Melissa stood up, somewhat unsteadily. "Is he...is he gone?"

Lena nodded. "He's definately gone. Told you I'd take care of it, right?" Melissa looked at her for a long minute, then nodded. "Well then, how about you let some doctors look after you, and then you and I take a walk down to social services?"

Melissa shook her head. "No. No social workers."

"Melissa, those people, they're here to help you."

"No. No. If he finds out..." she was clearly scared.

"Look." Lena said gently. "We'll just go talk to them, ok? It can't hurt to talk."

"Just talk?" Lena nodded, and after a while, Melissa relented.

+++

Sonny was siting with his head in his hands. His penthouse was completely dark, like his life has been every since Lilly died. Who was he kidding, his life had been dark every since Brenda walked out of it. Brenda. Why couldn't he get her out of his mind? Why couldn't he just let go? He knew why. She was under his skin. In his blood.

Sonny was in his car, driving in the snow on a road back to Port Charles in great pain. Brenda's car was headed right towards him and their cars almost collided, as both of them swerve to avoid hitting one another. Brenda got out of her car, uninjured, and started screaming and pounding on the drivers side window of the other car when she suddenly noticed the driver slumped over the wheel. She opened the car door, worried now, and was shocked to see Sonny fall out on the snowy ground. He was bleeding profusely, and Brenda managed to get him back to his apartment after he insisted that she not take him to a hospital. ("too many questions about the gunshots"). Sonny was near death but he refused to let Brenda call the hospital. Instead, he had her call a doctor who made house calls - a mob doctor. Brenda made Sonny talk to her so he wouldn’t fall asleep.

"Come on Sonny, talk to me. Where did you learn how to drive?"

"Uh, I went to this high performance driving school when I was at boarding school in Switzerland, lot’s of snow and mountains, the occasional ski slope, you know, great in a low slung sports car."

"Listen, are you putting me on?" She bought out towels and blankets for him.

"Would I put you on after what you’ve done for me?"

"You went to boarding school?"

"You don’t buy that? That’s where I learned to withstand pain." He yelped in pain as Brenda pressed on his chest wound.

"I’m sorry!"

"You make it hurt so good."

"Yeah, well I have to keep you awake somehow."

"You’re a sadist."

"I’m just trying to keep you alive."

Brenda continued trying to keep him awake and alive by telling him stories. The doctor finally arrived, and told her there was a bullet lodged in Sonny’s chest cavity but he couldn’t operate because Sonny needed a transfusion of blood.

"Sonny, do you know what type of blood you have?" Brenda asked.

"Type O."

"So am I."

"You sure?" the doctor asked.

"Yes, yes. I just gave blood at school and they said I was a universal donor and that’s type O, isn’t it?"

The doctor had been hesitant to use Brenda's blood, but relented. "Well, I guess under battlefield conditions a close blood match is better than nothing. Now, you’re sure you want to go through with this?" he turned to ask Brenda.

"Yes, I’m positive. You think I’m going to let him die?"

"I won’t forget this, babe." Sonny said weakly.

And he hadn't. Brenda had saved his life. And she had stayed with him, and been right beside him when he woke up. She was always there for him. She was there to pull him out of his misery after Lilly's death. She had found him when he was injected with herioin, and she had even come to help him when he had been thrown in jail. The walls had been caving in, and she had battled Taggert, and saw him through his claustrophobia. She was everything to him, and she had almost died because of him.

The stalker. After the cliff incident, a note had been slipped under his door, claiming responsibility for Brenda's death. All in the name of vengence. Sonny had hit the roof when he read the note. He had tore out of his penthouse like a madman, Jason had barely been able to keep up. He had tried to see her at the hopsital, but Jax had prevented it. Somewhere, deep down, Sonny knew he should let her go. Knew he was bad news where she was concerned. But he wanted her. He needed her. He had lost his wife and child. He had lost Stone. He would not lose Brenda. He would do anything to protect her.

Sonny sighed. He was glad that Robin had not been seriously hurt either. Whatever Robin's opinions of his relationship with Brenda, he loved her like he had loved Stone. He would find whoever had done this, and he would crush them. No one, absolutely no one, messed with the people he loved. He had Jason out on the street, scouring for clues, rounding up the men, preparing for the enevitable showdown.

+++

Jason was down at the docks, collecting the information Sonny saught. "Are you sure man?" Jason asked one of Sonny's thugs.

The man nodded. "Yeah man, I'm positive. That's what he said."

"Who is he?"

The man shrugged. "Dunno. Came outta nowhere, disappeared into nowhere."

Jason's jaw tightened. This was bad. Sonny was going to go ballistic. "Good work man. Keep your ear to the ground. I'm going to see Sonny." The man nodded, and both parted company, walking into the fog of the PC Harbour.

+++

Meanwhile, at the PCPD Headquarters, Taggert and Mac were staring at the file in front of them. It was the file that Damon had compiled, and Jax's private investigater had completed. It came as no surprise to either Mac or Taggert, the identity of Brenda's stalker. It was unexpected, to be sure, but he was no stranger.

"Jesus," Mac was saying. "This is a time bomb waiting to go off."

Taggert rubbed his hands together in anticipation. "And I'm gonna be right there when it does."

+++

Lena over at Mac's house visiting Robin. She was in Robin's room when the phone rang. She picked it up. "Hello?"

"Len?"

"Brenda?"

"Yeah! Hi, why are you answering the phone? Where's Robin?"

"Right here." Lena handed the phone to Robin, who just walked out of the bathroom.

"Brenda?"

"Hey Robin. How're you doing?"

"Much better now. What about you? Where are you?"

Brenda laughed. "I'm fine. Jax is taking excellent care of me."

"Where *are* you?"

"On one of Jax's islands. How are things back in PC?"

"Things are ok. Uncle Mac is at the PD all the time. He really wants to nail this guy."

"I just hope he does it soon. I miss you guys."

"We miss you too."

Just then, Jax snatched the phone from Brenda. "Jax, stop, hey!" she hit him. Jax laughed and told her Lucy's photographers were waiting for her outside. Brenda bid Robin a speedy goodbye. Once she was gone, Jax asked Robin and Lena what their schedules were. He was planning something, and wanted to know if they could help.

+++

Days later, at an abandonned warehouse lot, with heavy fog rolling up off the water a lone black car pulled up. A man dressed in dark clothes got slowly out of the car, and shut the door. He leaned back against his car, and waited. He didn't have to wait long. Another man, in a dark trenchcoat stepped out from where he had been hiding behind the warehouse.

The first man, still leaning against his car watched impassively as the other man approached, and then stopped several feet away from him. "Well old man, you wanted a piece of me. So here I am."

"Sonny boy. I wasn't sure you'd come."

Sonny snorted. "You knew I'd come."

Harry let out a humourless laugh. "That's right. I knew you'd come. You're a lot of things, Sonny boy, but you're not a coward. I knew that when I first met you."

"Yeah, well, too bad you are. You get a kick outta terrorizing Brenda?"

"Brenda, Brenda, Brenda. You're thoughts are never far from her, are they?"

"What business is that of yours?"

"It's my business, when it's what got Lilly killed." Harry snarled.

"*You* got Lilly killed."

"I don't deny my role in it. I guess neither did you. But the fact that Brenda does made it necessary for me to show her otherwise."

"By running her off her road?"

Harry shrugged. "She was supposed to have died that night at the club."

"You were responsible for that too? Why Harry? Why?" Sonny faced the man that had taught him everything he knew. That had been almost a father figure to him. A man he had trusted implicitly until Lilly was killed.

"WHY? You ask me why? Lilly's blood is on all our hands. We are all responsible. Especially that whore. If she hadn't chased you around like the hussy she is, Lilly would never have been hurt. She was supposed to die, Sonny. And you were supposed to watch."

"You think that would have changed anything?" Sonny demanded angrily. "It won't bring Lilly back! *Nothing* will!"

"An eye for an eye, Sonny boy. You should remember that. It was the first thing I taught you. No, it won't bring Lilly back, but it would have shown you the error of your ways. You were a smart kid, Sonny. You made it big. But Brenda made you stupid. She still makes you stupid. Look at you."

"What about me, old man?"

"You never used to be stupid enough to walk into a set-up."

"What makes you think I'm alone?" Sonny said, just as Jason emerged from the shadows.

Harry saw Jason, and then laughed at Sonny. "Well, well, well. What happened to your sense of *honour* Sonny boy?"

"I have no honour, Harry. Not when it comes to people who hurt Brenda and Robin."

Harry simply grinned as his eyes narrowed. He knew this was it. He had always planned to go down in flames. He just never planned it to be this way. He was supposed to have killed Brenda first. Ah well, perhaps with Sonny's death would take care of her. Harry looked up into the black night sky as he took in a deep breath. He looked back down, and stared into Sonny's stone cold eyes.

"Everybody FREEZE!" Mac shouted from behind them. He and Taggert stood behind the opened doors of their cruisers.

Mayhem errupted as everyone drew out their weapons. Harry dived behind a crate and fired at Sonny, who Sonny slid behind steel drums, shooting back. Jason shot at Harry from the side. Taggert ducked behind his car, and was hollaring for backup. Suddenly, a loud scream ripped from one of the participants of the firefight. He stared at the wound in his chest, almost in disbelief, and then fell to the ground, dead.

Chapter 17: Happy Birthday, Brenda Baby

Brenda was out on the beach basking in the bright sunshine, while a photographer from Jacks Cosmetics was snapping photos of her frolicking in the water. Jax, up in his office, grinned as he watched them from his window. They had been there for several weeks now, and things had fallen into a routine as well as could be expected under the circumstances. Sometime while they had been preoccupied, Miranda had decided to pull a disappearing act.

Jax shook his head in frustration, recalling how he had received a call from his attorney that the divorce papers had never reached their destination because Miss Jameson had left town with no forwarding address. Without a divorce decree, he and Brenda were not free to marry. He couldn’t believe what Miranda was thinking. Actually, he could because Brenda had explained it to him in no uncertain terms. Jax sighed. Brenda had been incredibly upset by Miranda’s disappearance. She was nowhere to be found, which in fact, was a good thing because if Brenda ever got a hold of her, it was going to be WWIII. But Brenda, being Brenda, had calmed down from her inital tantrum quickly enough. Jax was still with her, and as long as they were together, she was content. For now.

Then there was the stalker. After the cliff incident, a note had been left with Sonny Corinthos claiming responsibility for Brenda's demise. It had been a premature prediction of course, but it was all the proof they needed that whoever was targeting Brenda had an axe to grind with Sonny. It scared Jax out of his mind to think of Brenda getting caught in the crossfire. It hadn't been easy to make the move from the penthouse to his island. He knew that Brenda would miss Port Charles and being around Lois, Lena, and the rest of her friends, but he was taking no chances with her safety. She had been surprisingly compliant about it, he guessed that the *accident* had really frightened her. He had transferred his business headquarters from Port Charles to the island for the time being, and was accommodating Lucy’s shooting schedule by bringing the photographers and crew onto the island. Lucy had gone on incessently about how it was like Mission Impossible, with all the security Jax had insisted on. But Jax had been adamant.

Jax looked out the window at the commotion below again. Tomorrow would be Brenda's 24th birthday. Brenda’s stalker had finally been found. The private investigater Jax had hired had been working closly with the PCPD, with Mac's full cooperation. Jax had been mildly surprised that Mac had been so obliging. The P.I. put together all the information Damon had collected, and managed to trace the stalker to one of Sonny’s ex-employees, Harry Silver. Once Brenda was no longer in town to be a target, Harry had gone after Sonny directly, just as Jax had guessed. There was no point in tormenting Brenda when Sonny was not around to see it. Harry had planned to get Brenda at a later date. Unfortunately for him, the P,I. had picked up on one of his trails.

The P.I. had notified Jax of his findings. Jax had been furious. Because of Sonny and his obsession, Brenda had been frightened, harassed, and almost killed. The P.I had asked whether Jax wanted the information turned over to the police. Jax had thought about for a long time. He told him to tip off both the police commissioner and Sonny's henchmen. Mac should know. And as for Sonny, Jax knew that once he found out about the betrayal, he would act on it. Jax hadn't cared what the outcome would be. He figured Harry Silver and Sonny Corinthos could kill each other and the world would then be minus two small time hoods.

Mac had moved on the tip, but he hadn't been quick enough. Once Sonny had discovered Harry’s participation behind it all, he confronted the man, and before Mac could have Harry arrested, Sonny killed Harry in a showdown. Mac was unable to arrest Sonny, since Harry had drawn first, and it was ruled a self-defence. In anycase, all that mattered to Jax was that Brenda was finally safe. He could think of no better birthday gift. He intended for it to be a joyous occasion.

Jax glanced at his watch. It was time. He strode out of his office, and made his way to the landing canyon of the island. He watched as his pilot made a smooth landing of the seaplane, there being no level place to land on the land. The seaplane cruised to a halt by the dock, and the hatch popped open.

"My god! Will ya lookat this place?" Lois's unmistakable voice rang out. "Ma! Ma! Come take a look!" Lois was halfway down the dock when her mother Gloria's voice could be heard.

"Lois Marie! Come back here!" But Lois paid her no heed. She had already spotted Jax.

"Jax!" she threw herself into his arms, and Jax laughed as he twirled her around.

"Hey! Leggo my wife!" Ned's voice called out as he made his out of the plane. He was followed by Gloria, who was carrying baby Brooke Lynn, Robin and Lena.

Jax put Lois back on the ground, and happily embraced the rest of the group. This was his surprise to Brenda. He had flown everyone from Port Charles South Africa, and then out to the island to celebrate Brenda's birthday early, before they were due to finally return home. He had contacted the Contessa, Thao, and Augustin, all of whom were due to make their appearence later that night.

"Follow me," Jax said. "The staff will look after your baggage. Brenda will be so excited to see you all."

"How's she doin'?" Lois asked, taking the baby from her mother. Ned put his arm around her as they made their way up to the huge villa.

"Brenda is Brenda," Jax grinned. And they all knew she was all right.

"Does she know?" Lena asked, who had her arm linked through Robin's.

"Not yet. I'm planning to tell her later."

"Brenda knew Harry pretty well. This isn't going to be easy for her to hear," Robin commented.

"That's why I wanted you all to come. It will be better with everyone here so she knows she has everyone's support. "

After everyone had settled into the villa, Jax called Brenda from outside. "Brenda! Brenda, sweetie, could you come in for a minute?"

Brenda excused herself from the photographers, and jogged up to where Jax was. "What's up?" she asked. Jax led her into the villa, where all her friends were.

"SURPRISE!!" They all cried.

"Robin! Lena!" she turned, "Ned! Lois! Gloria! What on earth??"

"Happy birthday Brenda!" they chorused.

"We're a bit early, but we couldn't wait," Robin explained.

"Oh, you guys." Brenda went around and hugged everyone. She kissed little Brooke. She jabbed Jax in the ribs. "You! You had this all planned, didn't you?"

Jax smiled. "Guilty as charged. Actually, honey, I rounded everyone up because there is something I need to tell you."

"There is?"

"Yes, and sweetie, I think you should sit down." Brenda looked around at everyone apprehensively, before taking a seat in the middle of everyone. Jax crouched before her, and took both her hands in his. "Brenda, you're stalker has been caught."

Brenda was surprised. "He has? When? Where? Who is it? Why did he do this to me?"

Jax took a deep breath, and explained to Brenda why Harry did what he did, and how the P.I. had discovered this. Lois, Ned, Robin and Lena filled her in on how Sonny had confronted Harry, and killed him. Brenda was visibly shaken.

"Oh my god. Harry. Harry was Sonny's closest friend. He...he...oh my god..."

"Brenda, honey, Harry was deluded. He went crazy." Lois said gently.

"We're just glad that he was stopped before he could do any more damage." Ned said.

Brenda sat unmoving for a while, digesting it all. Finally, she spoke. "But he's dead now, right?"

"Right." Robin said, sadly.

"He can't hurt anyone anymore, right?"

"Right."

Brenda squeezed her eyes shut, and expelled a huge sigh of relief. She felt all the tension she had been holding in ever since this nightmare had begun slowly flow out of her. "Then it's going to be ok. Finally."

"It's going to be better than ok, Brenda." Jax said. "You're free, sweetheart. It's over."

"It's over," Brenda repeated. She lifted her glorious eyes to meet first Jax's, then everyone else's. "It's over." she said with happy authority. "YES!!" Brenda bounced from her sitting position to let out a gleeful yelp, and madly hopped about trying to hug everyone at once. "I couldn't ask for a better birthday gift!" she exclaimed. "Let's get this show on the road! We have a party to start!"

"You go, girlfriend!" Lois laughed.

The stereo was blasting, the drinks were poured, and the staff dismissed. Lois, Robin, Ned, Lena, and baby Brooke were all playing by the water. Jax and Brenda were in the kitchen talking to Gloria, who was busy cooking and baking up a storm. Jerry and Jake hobbled their way to the villa doors.

"We can get cleaned up inside," Jerry said to his friend. They had just arrived, having come in a minisub. They had run into unexpected troubles in their Chechnyan operation right when they were finishing. They had had to fight their way out. They had made a brief pitstop at headquarters, and were ordered to get out of Europe and lay low for a while until things cooled off. Jerry knew of no better place to lay low than the family's uninhabited island.

"What's all that noise?" Jake asked. "I thought you said this place was deserted."

Jerry opened the door, and was hit by the blaring music of the stereo system. Laughter rang out over the music, and it sounded like a party was in full swing. Figures. He seemed to have a knack for dropping into the thick of things. Jerry and Jake entered the villa, and Jerry spotted his brother, Brenda, and some older woman in the kitchen.

Jax, sensing his brother's presence, looked up to see Jerry and Jake standing near the staircase. He was surprised to see them there, and even more taken aback by their appearence. Jerry and Jake both looked like something the cat had dragged in. They both were in need of a shave, shower, and probably a few bandages. Jax walked out of the kitchen to greet them

"Christ. What happened to you two?"

"Things got a bit hairy in Chechnya when we were pulling out," Jerry explained.

"You look like hell."

"Believe me, I feel like it."

Brenda followed Jax out of the kitchen. "Jerry! Jake! Boy! What happened to you?"

Jake, Jerry and Jax all exchanged looks. "We, uh, we got into a bit of a brawl," Jake explained sheepishly.

"Let me guess," Brenda said wryly. "It was over some girl." Jake and Jerry grinned, and shrugged. "I hope she was worth it, you two look awful."

"Geez, Brenda. I'm hurt." Jake mock-pouted.

"If you think we look bad, you should see the other guys," Jerry smirked. Brenda shook her head.

"Well, I'm dying for a shower. Which way, man?" Jax directed Jake to the bathroom. Jerry also went upstairs.

Jerry and Jake quickly cleaned themselves up. Jerry asked Jax what they were all doing there, and Jax explained to Jerry about Harry and Sonny. Jake went and collapsed in one of the spare bedrooms not being used, and fell into a much needed sleep. All the bedrooms were taken by the guests that had arrived, so Jerry staggered out of the main villa to the adjoining cabanna. There, he ploped himself faceup onto one of the lounge chairs.

"Lena, have you seen Jerry or Jake?" Brenda asked her friend, as she came inside the villa.

"They're here?" Lena asked in surprise, taking a sip of orange juice.

"They just got here a few minutes ago. They were pretty beat." Brenda laughed. "And I do mean beat. I was wondering if they were hungry, since Gloria made all this great food. I wonder where they went."

"You wonder where who went?" Jax asked from behind.

"Your rogue brother, and his equally maverick friend."

"Jake's sleeping upstairs, and Jerry's out by the cabanna." Brenda poked her head outside to see Jerry lying in the sun.

"Well, I'll take this up to Jake and see if he wants any," Brenda picked up a plate of Gloria's culinary art. "Len, be a darling, and take that stuff out to Jerry. Oh, and don't forget the sunscreen. He's going to burn if he lies in the sun like that," Brenda said, with a conspiretal grin at Jax.

Lena raised an eyebrow at Brenda, but did as she asked. She carried a plate of fruit and sandwiches as well as a bottle of sunscreen to where Jerry lay sprawled out with his hands behind his head. He had cleaned up, so he didn't look quite as bad as he had coming in, but the lumps and scrapes he had acquired were still visible. He was clad only in shorts, and his combat-forged body was enough to make any woman weak in the knees, injuries or no. All scruffed up, he exuded danger and sex appeal.

Jerry heard footsteps approaching. Without opening his eyes, he could tell by the footfall that is was a woman. "Who goes there?"

"Girl Friday." she replied.

Jerry laughed at her analogy. Then he groaned as his whole body hurt. "Come on, I don't look *that* bad, and neither do you."

"I brought you some food. Brenda thinks you should eat." Lena turned to go, thinking to leave him in peace, when she remembered the sunscreen. "Oh, and here," she held it out to him.

Jerry peeked at her from one eye. "I can't move right now, darlin', much less apply sunscreen to my *poor* battered body."

"In that case," Lena said, impassively, "you should probably go indoors."

"I like the sunshine."

"You won't once you're fried to a crisp."

"Have a heart, love. Help a man out." Jerry said with such a cute smile, Lena relented.

"All right you big lug. Roll over." Jerry complied with a smirk. Lena knelt down onto the ground beside him, and popped open the bottle. She poured the cool lotion onto his back, and began to massage it into his skin in soothing circles. Lena could feel how tight Jerry's muscles were. His whole body seemed to be on some sort of high alert. No wonder he looked so bushed. She started to rub lotion along his ribs and down his sides. She paused whenever she discovered a tension knot to press it out. Jerry groaned as her hands moved from his neck down his back, kneading out the kinks. Lena poured more lotion onto her hands, and started on his arms, rubbing all the tautness from his body.

Jerry had never experienced anything that felt quite so wonderful. She had worked all the stress out of his muscles, and his whole body felt like jelly. His eyes were closed. His being felt years lighter. "You're a piece of heaven on earth, darlin'" he mumbled, as Lena massaged from his legs back up to his neck. She rubbed the base of his neck, running her fingers gently through the soft, sun-kissed blonde hair there. She smiled as Jerry appeared to have fallen asleep.

She stopped her ministrations, and started to stand. Quicker than she could blink, Jerry's hand snaked around her wrist and he pulled her down to him as he flipped over. He hauled her half across his body so that they were face to face. Their gazes locked, and they stared into each other's eyes.

"You forgot my front, darlin.'" he drawled in a low tone, almost a growl.

Lena licked her lips, a nervous habit, and Jerry eyes flew to stare at her mouth. "I'm sure you can take care of that yourself."

"I'm not so sure." Lena trembled, despite the warmth of the sun when Jerry's free hand reached up and he brushed her lips with his thumb. Slowly, he pulled her down to him, his eyes never leaving hers, and their lips touched. The kiss sent a jolt of electricity through both of them, and Jerry immediately deepened it. Lena felt herself melting as Jerry plunged his tongue into her mouth.

This was a mistake. Lena broke the kiss abruptly, and rose hastily to go, but Jerry's grip on her wrist stopped her. "I'm sorry," he said quickly, not the least bit meaning it. "You don't have to run away, I won't bite you."

She took a small, steadying breath, turned, and glanced down to face him. His face contrite though his eyes were blazing. "So you say."

"Stay."

She tried to mask his effect on her with nonchalonce. "Been a long ride, sailor?"

Jerry turned up one corner of his mouth, giving her a lopsided, wry grin. "Too long."

Lena peeled his fingers from her wrist. "In that case, you should be getting some rest." Without another word, she walked away from him, and fled back to the villa to rejoin the others. Jerry sat up in the loungechair and watched her go.

Chapter 18: For She's A Jolly Good Fellow

That night, after the Contessa, Augustin and Thao had arrived on the Contessa's yacht, a party was in full swing. Gloria had wheeled out a giant birthday cake made of chocolate and mint ice cream, that Jax had flown in from a famous Paris bakery. Twenty-four candles had been lit, and the gang had sung such a rowdy chorus of Happy Birthday to Brenda, Augustin had been horrified. Brenda had blown out the candles with a gusto! Her wish? That the whole deal with Miranda would be resolved so she and Jax could truly move on with their life together.

Jax had given Brenda a gorgeous, extremely delicate, one-of-a-kind broach. It had once belonged to Marie Antoinette. Brenda had been astounded. Lois's jaw had hit the floor when she saw how many diamonds were set into the broach. Ned had complained good-humouredly to Jax that he was setting a bad example, and now Lois was going to expect something equally unreasonable for *her* birthday, like Marie Antoinette's decaptiated *head*. Gloria and Lois both chased him around the room to hit him, as Jax and the other men laughed.

Brenda pulled Jax off to the side. "Honey, I just wanted to thank you for tonight. You don't know how much this means to me. And I don't just mean this party, I mean your unwavering support of me, no matter what. You are the absolute most. You're my dream come true, Jasper," she said, leaning up to give a soft, luscious kiss.

"Awwww," Jerry smirked, overhearing. "Isn't she sweet, *Jasper?*"

Jax shot Jerry a withering look. "You tell me, *Jericho.*"

"Jericho? *Jericho*??" Brenda's face was full of comic disbelief. She cracks up.

Lena walks past them. "What's so funny?"

Brenda snorts, pointing to Jerry. "Jericho!! Ha ha ha ha ha...."

Lena grinned at Jerry. "Your name is Jericho?"

Jerry sent a killing glare in Jax's direction. "You're gonna pay for this." Jax just laughed alongside his wife.

Brenda bent over holding her stomach. "We can call him Je-RICHO! Je-RICHO SUAVE!"

"Very funny, Fender-Bender-Brender," Jerry said sarcastically.

Brenda was rolling with laughter, and Jax had tears streaming out of his eyes. "Ha! She's got you pegged, Jer."

Jerry turned comically to Lena. "Help me out here! They're ganging up on me!"

Lena laughed. "You mean you want to know why the girls called Brenda *The Grin and BARE-ett*?"

"The *what*?"

"Don't even *think* about it, Pazzolena," Brenda warned, giggling, "Unless you want me to tell why you're Figa-Ro!"

"Hey you guys! How 'bout rejoin' the party here?" Lois called. Brenda and Jax had their arms around each other, laughing as they rejoined the circle of friends, with Lena and Jerry following behind.

"Pazzolena? Mad Lena?" Jerry grinned, raising an eyebrow.

"That's right, Jericho." Lena shot back.

"Why Figa-Ro?" Jerry said, looking at her with those amused, shining deep blue eyes.

"You don't want to know." Lena laughed.

"Figaro. Cute. I like it. I think I'll call you that from now on."

"Only if you want to be referred to as Jericho from now on."

"I am going to kill Jax." Jerry said, with false animosity.

Lena laughed. "Jasper and Jericho. Did your mother not like you?"

Brenda was trying to set a carnal mood and failing miserably. Everyone was having too much fun being silly. She had put in a CD of Latin music, inspired by the beautiful dusk that had fallen around the island. She was trying to teach Thao to Salsa, and her efforts proved hilarious. She was sure that he was deliberately getting the steps wrong. In fact, she was sure everyone was trying to get the steps wrong. They looked like dancing crash test dummies, especially Gloria and Ned, who kept stepping on each other's feet.

"Thao!" Brenda laughed. "It's right, left, step!"

Thao threw Jax a confused look. "I thought it was step, right, left?"

"No, no!" Ned called out. "Look! It's step, step, shake!"

"That's not the salsa you boob!" Lois yelled. "It goes like this!"

Robin, who had been Salsa-ing with a much rested and recovered Jake, collapsed onto a couch in gales of laughter when Jerry and Lois, who were attempting to demonstrate to Thao the right step sequence, Salsa-ed right into a potted plant. It fell over and hit Augustin, who was attempting a dignified waltz with the Contessa. Lena and Jax tripped on Augustin who had stumbled, and ended up falling onto the couch on top of Robin. Everyone was doubled over in fits of laughter.

"HA!" Brenda cried. "I will not be thwarted!" As the next song came on, she threw open the large French doors to the patio and turned out almost all the lights. A breeze blew up from the ocean as sexy Lambada music blared from the speakers.

With a gleam in her eye, she held out her hand to Jax, "Care to dance senior?" Jax leered at her and she squealed with laughter. Ned grabbed Lois, and swung her around

Jerry being Jerry, approached Gloria with his arms outstretched, and pulled her over to dance with him. "Eat your heart out Mr. Cerullo!" he exclaimed, wiggling his eyebrows.

Gloria blushed and hit him in the arm. "Ya young rascal!" Everyone laughed.

Jake had hauled Lena up off the couch, and they proceeded to Lambada. Jerry glanced at Brenda and Jax, who looked to be devouring each other in their own private dance. They looked good together, two young beautiful bodies swaying in unison with the music. Ned and Lois, they weren’t quite getting the steps right but didn't care. Augustin was laughing with Robin, Thao and the Contessa about something off to one side.

He watched his friend dancing with Lena, and was caught by how naturally graceful and sensual she looked. Her eyes were closed, and she was moving completely in tune with Jake. Jake caught Jerry staring at them and dipped Lena while shooting his friend a smirk. Jerry laughed and shook his head. The dance ended, and Jake and Lena were both laughing.

"You know, maybe you should think about changing your name to Mata Hari," he said, flashing his dimpled smile.

"Oh really?" Lena laughed. "I think maybe *you* should."

Lois and Lena were in the kitchen, Lois was getting a bottle for Brooke, and Lena was getting ice cubes for the party. Ned had turned on the kitchen television earlier to catch the CNN stock market report, and it was still on. Lois heated up the bottle, and took it up to her baby. As Lena was about to exit the kitchen, the broadcast caught her attention. The correspondent was broadcasting from Zaire.

"There has been another surge in fighting near Kisangani. Initial reports are that there were heavy casualties sustained on all sides. The civilian sector has been hardest hit. A flood of refugees is pouring out of the Congo area, and the United Nations has called upon NATO to provide military assistance in aiding the evacuation of foreigners still in Zaire. The guerrillas are said to be killing indiscriminately. Many foreign aid workers are entrenched in volitile areas and are in serious danger." Morter shells could be heard exploding in the background.

"One foreign aid worker, Jospeh Kwetu, who had been reported captured several days ago, is now known to have been executed."

Lena's heart crashed to the pit of her stomach, and she grasped the countertop for support.

"The ex mercenary had been accused by the rebel forces of the assassination of General Zahir Kabila, and sources claim he had made a full confession. His body was dumped into the Congo River."

All the blood drained from her face. NO! This wasn't happening! She grabbed the phone and frantically punched in the numbers. After several rings, she connected to the developmental aid agency she was looking for.

"Oui, je cherche un de vos employes dans Zaire."

"Le nom, s'il vous plait." The harried voice on the other line said.

"Joseph Kwetu. C'est Joseph Osodi Kwetu."

"Un minute." After several moments, the voice told came back. "Desole, mais il a confirme la, que Monsieur Kwetu, il est mort." Lena numbly hung up the phone. Her hands were shaking. Robin came in looking for Lena who had not returned with the ice. She saw Lena leaning against the wall of the kitchen, and she looked upset.

"Lena? Is something wrong?"

Lena barely heard Robin. "I...I'm not...feeling well. I think...I'll go lie down," she said faintly. She headed towards the foyer. Robin watched her go with concern, and then returned to the party. As she reached the foyer, Lena stopped. She looked at the door. Quietly, she opened it, and left the villa.

Robin brought the ice out to where everyone was. A fiesty game of Chemin de fer was starting up, and there was a big debate in progress over who would be dealer, or more specifically, that Brenda should not be dealer.

"No, no my beauty. The last time you were dealer, I lost my most prescious island." Thao said mournfully.

Brenda grinned. "Oh come on Thao, that was pure luck." Jax laughed, knowing full well Brenda didn't play fair.

Thao shook his head. "Ah, the lovely Robin has returned. How about it, will you be our dealer?"

Robin laughed, and set down the ice tray. "Sure." she took the cards and the shue.

"So what is to be the bet?" Augustin said, rubbing his hands together.

The Contessa was willing to bet her villa in Tuscany. Augustin put up his collection of Botticelli paintings. Thao bet his prize-winning racehorses. Jax and Brenda refused to put Kronos back on the block, but Jax threw his ranch in Montana, and Brenda bet her father's vintage crate of Napoleon's brandy.

Augustin turned to Jake. "And what about you, my young friend?"

Jake shook his head and laughed. "You're all too rich for my blood. I bail."

"Ned? Lois?"

"Yer all crazy, ya know that? How on earth do ya just make bets like that?"

"It's all in good fun, Lois my dear." The Contessa smiled. "No poor sports allowed."

"I think we'll watch, thanks." Ned said, pulling Lois back to sit beside him.

"When did you become such a chicken, Ashton?" Jerry teased.

"I don't see you placing any bets," Ned retorted.

Jerry smirked. "Hmmm...what to bet. How about I bet my firstborn?"

The Contessa snorted. "First, you will have to find a woman willing to risk providing you with that firstborn."

Jerry's smirk widened. "Oh, I think that can be arranged."

"That, I'd love to see." Jax said.

"Are all the bets in?" Robin asked. Jerry bet his beach and gazzebo in Martha's Vineyard, and the game began.

+++

Lena had no idea how long she had been walking, or where she was for that matter. It was pitch dark, and she had been walking along the beach for what seemed like an eternity. Somehow, she had made her way up some rocky hills and was looking out at the ocean. She didn’t notice the winds had picked up their speed considerably, or that it had started to rain lightly. She was too lost in her thoughts. Joseph. Oh god, not Joseph. Joseph who had helped her, had kept her safe and sane after Kyle died. Joseph who had been their best friend. Now he was dead too. And it was her fault. He would have never gotten involved if it hadn’t been for her. Would it never end? Then the pain of the past came rushing back to her with a vengence. It had been surpressed for so long, and she had hoped forgotten. But it all came back. All the running, the fear, the deaths. And now Joseph. A tormented sob ripped out of Lena’s chest and she screamed in rage and despair.

+++

The french doors leading to the patio slammed shut and bounced open again, startling the occupants of the beach house. They had not noticed how much speed the winds had picked up. Jax turned on the television set in the room as Jerry went to shut and bolt the windows. The weather forecast was for a severe storm coming up off the gulf. It was the tail end of a tropical storm that had blown by the Cape. The weatherman cautioned about flying debris outside, and warned people to batten down the hatches and stay indoors.

Thao looked outside at the leaves of the palm trees whipping around. "This looks like it might be a bad one. I should go check on the Contessa's yacht." Thao stepped out the french doors, and made his way to the dock.

Jerry watched the trees swaying in the wind. "I think we should move away from the glass doors into the interior."

Brenda suddenly looked around. "Where's Lena?"

"She wasn't feeling well. She went upstairs to lie down." Robin replied.

"Wait a minute. I was just up there, there's nobody there except Ma and the baby." Lois said.

"Are you sure?" Augustin asked.

"Yeah, I'm sure."

Brenda dashed to the kitchen, it was empty. There was no one on the deck. She went to the front of the villa, and saw the door was ajar. Lena was nowhere in sight.

"She must have stepped outside for some air." Augustin commented.

Brenda and Robin began to panic. "But that was hours ago!"

"Perhaps she got lost?" The Contessa suggested.

"Oh, no." Robin was distressed. "I should have said something right away."

Jax put his arm on her shoulder. "You couldn't have known."

"*Could* she have gotten lost?" Brenda asked.

"The jungle is pretty dense. It gets hard to see in the dark." Jax replied.

"Wait a minute, you told me this was some wildlife sanctuary. What if she got attacked by some wild animal?" Brenda said, worried.

"Brenda, that's impossible," Jax reasoned. "We're fenced off from the wildlife by a giant electrical field."

"But the storm may have blown it down! You know! Like in Jurassic Park! The fence broke and all the animals ran loose killing everyone!"

Jax had to bite back the urge to laugh and stay serious. "Sweetie, I think you've seen too many movies."

"Let's not assume the worst here," Jake said.

Brenda had grabbed a raincoat, and began to rummage through the closets for boots. "Just where do you think you're going, young lady?" Jax demanded.

"I'm going to find her!"

"Oh, no you're not. There's a typhoon building out there!"

"Jax - " Brenda was about to protest when Jerry inturrupted.

"I'll go." He went to get a flashlight and a large overcoat. As he sped by, Jake, who had been monitoring the weather forecast, handed him a bag of provisions.

"They're saying the storm might take a while to blow over. Once you find her, you guys are going to need to find a place to stand down." Jerry nodded, slung the bag over his shoulder, and dashed out into the rain.

Brenda looked at his disappearing figure with a concerned expression. "Don't worry, sweetie," Jax reassured her, "Jerry's an expert at this sort of thing."

"Right," Augustin chimed in. "I'll bet he conjured up this storm just so he can dash off to the rescue of our Miss Lena."

 

Chapter 19: I'll Stand By You

Jerry had followed her tracks along the beach as far as he could before they were washed out by the rain. Where the hell was she? The rain was pounding down now, and it was getting impossible to see, even with the flashlight. Damn if she wasn’t as impetuous as Brenda! He had been running for a good hour and a half now, and still no sign of her.

The Pretenders
[Oh, why you look so sad?]

Then suddenly he saw her at the top the rocky hills. She was standing erect and unmoving, oblivious to the driving gales and torrential downpour, staring out into the sea. What the hell was she doing? He called out to her, but was drowned out by the howling winds.

[Tears are in your eyes]

Lena stood transfixed. The tears on her face mixing with the rain. Her mind has transported back to another time. Almost two years ago. Another lifetime ago. It had been pouring rain then as well. The thunderous skies had seemed to reflect her raging emotions. She was trying desperately to choke back her sobs as she stood in front of his black marble tombstone, flanked by Joseph. Joseph had put his arm around her in a comforting gesture, and she knew he understood her loss. They were alone for the memorial ceremony, staring stony silence as a priest pronounced the last rites. There hadn’t even been a body to bury. There had been none to find. It had not been possible to identify anything from the mountains of bodies of the massacre.

[Come on and come to me now]
[Don’t be ashamed to cry]

The merciless slaughtering by the rebel forces that had swept through their village had sickened even the most hardened and jaded. Lena had closed her eyes when she could bear to watch no more. It was too much. Too much death. Too much grief. Too much emptiness. She had lost again. She thought back to the torturous years, unable to escape Draco’s captivity, going slowly mad as he broke her will. Kyle had saved her. He had promised to stay with her forever, and he broke that promise. She had wanted to crawl into the grave with him, wanted desperately for the pain to end, wanted to die. But Joseph had refused to let her cave in. And now, he was dead. Killed, because of her. Lena was shivering from the cold, but she didn’t notice.

[Let me see you through]

She gazed out into the unending horizon. Her mind was playing tricks on her. She could see them. Holding out their hands to her. Beckoning her. Go to them, a voice whispered in Lena’s head. She suddenly lost the energy to fight, to run. Go to them. You’ll be free. Safe forever. No more to fear. No more hurt. Kyle’s image floated up from the water. Maddie, it whispered hauntingly. His image was replaced with Draco’s, dancing before her eyes. It is only a matter of time Madelena...

[Cuz I’ve seen a dark side too]

Jospeh’s body appeared, mangled, falling, drowning into the water beneath her. "No!" Lena screamed. She tried to grab hold, but her hands found nothing but air. She looked at her hands wildly, then dived into the raging waters.

[When the night falls on you]
[Don’t know what to do]

"Lena no!" Jerry yelled. It was too late, she had already hit the water. Without pausing to think, he dropped everything, and took a running dive into the ocean. The waves were crashing against him, slowing him down. He had to get to Lena before the tides slammed her against the rocks. But Lena was swimming out towards the middle of the ocean. Had she lost her mind?? Jerry propelled himself with strong, steady, urgent strokes to where she was. He caught up to her and tried to get his arms around her to drag her back to shore but she flailed against him.

[Nothing you confess]

"No! No! Let me go!" she screamed. Her leg kicked his stomach and knocked the wind out of him allowing her to break free. Just as she was about to swim away, the riptide pulled her under.

[Would make me love you less]

"LENA!!!" Jerry gasped for breath, and dived underwater. He saw her, but the churning of the water was pulling her away from him. He had to go back up for air before diving under again, and renewing his efforts to get to her. He kicked frantically, pulling himself down the dark watery abyss to reach her. Finally he grasped her wrist, and dragged her back to the surface. She wasn’t conscious, nor was she breathing. He swam furiously for shore, and carried her out of the water. He laid her down on the sand, and immediately began mouth to mouth resucitation.

[I’ll stand by you]

"Damnit, Lena! Breathe!" He blew another breath into her lungs. "Come on, breathe!"

[I’ll stand by you]
[Won’t let nobody hurt you]

After a minute, Lena choked out the water in her lungs. Jerry rested his forehead against hers in relief. He grabbed his stuff, picked her up, and looked around desperately for shelter. He found a cove nearby and raced to it, ducking the flying debris. Large branches and had been ripped off the trees and were whipping around madly.

[I'll stand by you]

He got inside the cave and out of the howling gales, and gently laid Lena down on the ground. He turned on the flashlight to survey the cave. He rummaged around in the bag and took out some matches. He found some bushes near the back of the cave, ripped off a pile of branches and gathered them to make a fire. When the fire was made, he went over to Lena. He moved her close to the fire, sat her up, leaning her against his chest, and took off her soaking shirt and dress, stripping her down to her underclothes. He started to rub her arms and back to try and get her warm, and push out the remaining water in her lungs. Lena leaned over and coughed up more water, and her eyes fluttered open.

[So, if you’re mad, get mad]

She breathed in gasps, and looked wildly around her in a panic. "NO!" she cried, and wrenched herself out of Jerry’s grasp, propelling herself towards the entrance of the cave. Jerry hauled her back and she struggled against his grip. "No! Get away from me! He's out there! Let me go!"

[Don’t hold all inside]

"Nobody's out there!" Jerry shook her, shouting above the howling winds. "There is no one out there!"

[Come on and talk to me now]

"No!" she tried to pry herself violently from him. "I saw him!"

[Hey, what you got to hide]

Jerry's vice-like grip would not budge. "Who? Saw who?"

[I get angry too]

"Joseph...I...saw him..." she whispered brokenly. "No...NOOOOO!!!!" She started pounding on him, screaming and crying, lashing out, taking out her turbulent emotions on him. Jerry crossed his powerful arms around her hugging her back to his chest, holding her wrists to prevent her from hitting out. Lena twisted and turned, trying to break free, but Jerry held fast. She gave up her futile struggling against him and began to sob.

[Well I’m a lot like you]

"Oh...god...not again...it should have been me...it was supposed to...be me... Damn them for dying! Damn them for leaving me!"

[When you’re standing at the crossroads]
[Don’t know which path to choose]

"Shhhh...it's all right, darlin' I've got you now. I'm not leavin' you." Jerry held her close to him, stroking her damp hair, letting her anguish run its course and wondering what it was that was tearing her apart.

[Let me come along]
[Cuz even if you’re wrong]

She went still suddenly. She had stopped crying. He slowly turned her around to face him. The hollow, devastated look in her eyes twisted hard, like a knife in his gut. Someone once told him that the eyes were the window to a person's soul. This girl's soul had been shattered. He didn't know why it affected him so much. He didn’t think. He just reacted instinctively to try to take away her pain.

He leaned down and brushed his lips against her forehead, and then against her mouth. "Oh, darlin' it's ok. It's gonna be ok."

[I’ll stand by you]

She had no reaction. Jerry framed her face with his hands and kissed her for real this time.

[I’ll stand by you]
[Won’t let nobody hurt you]

Firm, yet gentle. His kisses burned on her lips, pulling her from her trance. She let him kiss her, leaning into him, wanting to lose herself in the warmth and safety of him. "Don't leave...Please don't leave me," she whispered as his lips moved across her face.

[I’ll stand by you]
[Baby into your darkest hour]

"Never. I'm not going anywhere darlin'" he promised. She slid her arms around his waist, hugging him to her tightly as if she was afraid he’d disappear if she let go, burying her face into the side of his neck.

[And I’ll never desert you]
[I’ll stand by you]

His wrapped his arms securely around her, never letting go, and eased them both to the ground. Lena reached up and peeled off his soaking shirt that was dripping down on her, touching the smooth hard planes of his lean, muscular torso. She could feel the heat of his body radiating from him, seeping right to her bones. She locked gazes with Jerry, and ran her fingers down his face. Jerry kissed her fingers as they touched his mouth, kissed her along her delicate jawline, and ran his tongue down her neck. Lena shivered, giving into the sensations as his mouth left a hot trail to the hollow of her neck. She wrapped one arm around his neck, and slid the other hand through his slick, wavy blonde hair.

[And when, when the night falls on you baby]
[You’re feeling all alone]

"Make love to me, Jerry," she murmered, her still closed, and Jerry's hands came to a halt at her hips.

[You won’t be on your own]

"Are you sure?" Jerry asked in a harsh whisper. Lena didn't speak, she just nodded her head, rubbing it against his shoulder.

[I’ll stand by you]

Jerry removed the last of their clothing, and marveled at the sight of her body glistening from the flickering light of the fire. He had never seen anything so beautiful. She looked so fragile. He traced his finger along her collarbone, down the valley of her breasts to the slim curve of her hips.

[I’ll stand by you]
[Won’t let nobody hurt you]

He leaned over her, and their bodies met. He crushed his lips onto hers, and she moaned. They made passionate love amidst the symphonic roaring gales, rocking together in tune to the crashing waves, their shadows dancing on the walls of the cave from the firelight.

[I’ll stand by you]
[Take me in until your darkest hour]
[And I’ll never desert you]
[I’ll stand by you]

Chapter 20: Coming and Goings

Alexis was sitting at the dining table facing Stefan. They had just finished breakfast, and she pulled out several files from her briefcase, preparing to give him a rundown of all the business Stefan had her looking into. Nikolas had not come down that morning. The servant Mrs. Lansbury had informed Stefan that Nikolas had already left Spoon Island earlier. Bobbie had also already departed to start her shift at the hospital. Stefan had been more than slightly annoyed with Nikolas, as lately he was getting harder and harder to control. He was spending more and more of his time focused on matters that did not concern him, instead of directing his energy where it was supposed to be. With Timoria. For this he blamed his newfound friendship with the mysterious Lena Raine. They had become far too close for Stefan’s liking. She was an unknown, and her influence over Nikolas could become a problem. Nikolas was more naïve and vulnerable than he knew, especially after Laura’s latest betrayal. It was not clear to Stefan what Miss Raine’s intentions towards Nikolas were. True, she held the very altruistic vocation of social work, but one never knew. There was something not quite right about the girl, Stefan had sensed it, and he intended to find out what it was.The Cassadines had not survived this long without understanding the value of knowing thine enemy.

Alexis had just finished giving Stefan the outline of the current status of General Hospital, and the effects of Dorman’s sexual harassment lawsuit against Monica Quartermaine. Alexis pushed the glasses up on her nose and regarded her coolly disaffected cousin. He had not been acting himself ever since the incident of Katherine Bell’s shooting. Why he was infatuated with her was anybody’s guess, because now, not only did he have the problem of his wife Bobbie to deal with, but he also was mired in plans regarding the Spencers. Add to that the danger of Nikolas discovering his uncle’s part in the injuring of a woman who had become his close friend, and Stefan’s flirtation seemed downright self-destructive.

"Stefan, I still feel that it is not in your best interests to hire Katherine Bell. I thought you were going to distance yourself from her. Your confessing to her shooting was bad enough. What if she decides to use that against you?"

Stefan waved his hand dismissively. "Katherine would not betray me."

"She may not have to. Bobbie might beat her to it. Did you know that she has been asking a lot of questions about Lesley Webber’s medical records? What are you going to do about that?" Alexis demanded.

"I will deal with Barbara when the time arises."

"Have you told her anything?"

"I have told her only what she needs to know. Nothing more is necessary."

Alexis shook her head in frustration. "What kind of game are you playing, cousin? If you don’t want Bobbie for your wife, then divorce her."

"Out of the question."

"Luke Spencer will be gunning for you until he gets her away from you, you know that."

"Luke Spencer has been a thorn in the Cassadine side long before, and will continue to be so. I have plans for him, and his family that involve Barbara. I appreciate your concern, cousin, but I do know what I am doing."

Alexis gave up. "I hope so," she said, not sounding too convinced. "Well, if that is all, I should get going. I have a meeting with Ned Ashton in about an hour." She rose, packing the files back into her briefcase.

Stefan stopped her. "Have you found anything on Madelena Raine?"

Alexis glanced up. "Oh, right." She paused for a minute. "I haven't found anything substantial. There don't seem to be many records of her, which is strange. So far, all we have are records of her in Ireland."

"Ireland?" Stefan raised an eyebrow. "She does not appear to be Irish."

"No, but appearances can be disceiving. She is listed as an Irish citizen, but, there are no records of birth, family, marriage, education, or otherwise."

"Nothing?"

"Nothing on her past. Just the citizenship and a driver's liscence. It's like she just dropped out of the sky."

"Is that so," Stefan murmered, thoughtfully tapping his finger on the dark mohogany table. "How interesting. It would seem that Miss Raine has something to hide."

+++

Brenda virtually bounced into Jax's office, having waved to Addie on her way in. Addie had merely smiled at her, and immediately started rerouting Mr. Jacks's phone calls, as she knew any visit from Brenda would result in Mr. Jacks becoming quite distracted, and getting very little accomplished. Addie chuckled to herself. She had known Mr. Jacks for a long time, and had come to regard him almost familially. Jax himself found her indespensible. Addie had never seen him so flustered by a woman. To be sure, it was a happy flustering, and a vast constrast to his cut-throat corporate raiding alter ego. Addie was glad for her boss. Ah, to be young and in love.

Brenda saw that Jax was swinging in his leather chair, bouncing a crumpled paper ball against the giant windows of his office like a little boy, while talking rapidly on the phone. She waited patiently for him to complete his call. She was supposed to be having lunch with Jerry at Luke's, but Jerry never showed up. He had called to apologize, saying an unavoidable emergency had arisen that demanded his immediate attention, and had for a reincheck. Sonny had entered, and spotted her there. Alone. He had immediately sought her out.

This was the first time they had seen each other since her return. They had been back for a little over a week now. It was an uncomfortable meeting to say the least, for the both of them. So much to say, no idea how to say it. Brenda had thanked him for what he had done, confronting Harry. She knew the depth of betrayal Sonny must have felt, being twice burned by the man. Sonny had told her that she had made a habit of saving his skin, he was returning the favour. He would do anything for her. Brenda had asked him not to push her, but Sonny wanted her back, and made no bones about it. Brenda had fled Luke's, not wanting to have to deal with Sonny, and his relentless pursuit. She had decided to come see Jax. Everything always became better with him. He was like the cure-all for anything that troubled her. She had felt better the instant she had stepped off the elevator.

"Excuse me handsome guy," Brenda said, as Jax got off the phone, "But have you seen my husband? I'm sorta looking for him."

His whole face lit up when he saw her. "Hmmmm, I don't know miss. Why don't you describe this husband of yours to me?"

"Weeeell," Brenda said, sashaying her way over to Jax's desk, "He's tall, blonde, blue-eyed, and hey, you know what? He looks exactly like you!"

"You don't say? What an astounding coincidence. Lady Jane will faint when she hears that Jerry's taken a wife."

Brenda looked thrown for a split second, then threw back her head and laughed. "Good one, Jasper. You got me."

Jax grinned. "Not that I"m complaining, but what brings you by?"

Brenda perched herself on top of his desk in front of Jax. "Well, I had a lunch date with Jerry, but that scoundrel twin of yours stood me up. Can you believe it? He stood me up!" Brenda said, her eyes twinkling .

"Jerry was always rather off," Jax said solemnly, leaning back into his leather chair. "Didn't I ever tell you? When Lady Jane gave birth to him, the doctors dropped him on the floor. I don't think he ever quite recovered."

Brenda laughed and hit Jax in the arm. "Jax! What a horrible thing to say about your own brother!"

"But it's true! Otherwise, what man in his right mind would stand someone as gorgeous as you up?" Brenda continued laughing, shaking her head.

"I'll remember to ask him about it next time I see him." Brenda grinning up at him.

"You do that," Jax replied, his blue eyes flashing amusement. "So," he said, "Did he at least give you a good reason for breaking your date?"

Brenda gave Jax an odd look. "Yeah, he said he had business emergency something or other to take care of somewhere in Asia. Don't you know? I mean, he told me he was taking care of something for *you.*"

"He told you that?"

"Uh huh. He also said to blame you for breaking our date."

Jax smiled. Good old Jerry. He must have been called back to action again. "Right. We're in the middle of an oil deal there," Jax explained. Wherever *there* was, he thought to himself.

"What is *with* that brother of yours, Jax? I mean, does he really not like this town? He's literally never around more than 24 hours!"

"Well, sweetie, Jerry's always preferred to keep on the move," Jax said truthfully.

"What does he do exactly?" Brenda asked curiously.

Jax shifted uncomfortable, not wanting to have to lie to Brenda. "He, uh, he's a trouble shooter for Jacks Enterprises." Jerry did pull off dealings for the company when he wasn't involved in WSB business.

"He's not into corporate raiding?"

"Jerry's got good instincts, but he's too black and white. He doesn't compromise. He's also a lot more ruthless, which makes him better out there than in here. He's a natural problem solver."

"Great, but what's he got against staying in Port Charles?"

"Jerry's never been able to sit still long."

"Tell me about it, he's as bad as a travelling salesman!" Jax laughed at the picture forming in his mind of his brother as a travelling vaccuum salesman, pitching his wares door to door. "So! Does he, like, just run around the world fixing stuff?" Jax nodded. "I'll bet he's got a girl in every port." Brenda chuckled.

"I wouldn't put it past him," Jax said dryly, recalling the time his twin had shown up in Alaska with a gaggle of women and tried to convince their poor mother it was his harem.

"Hey, speaking of which, have you noticed anything funny about him lately?" Brenda asked.

"Funny?"

"You know, not normal."

"You found Jerry normal?"

"Come on Jax, I'm serious here. Lena's been acting all whacked out ever since the storm, and Jerry hasn't been altogether *there* either, you know? What do you think is up with them?"

Jax shrugged. "Beats me. Whatever it is, I'm sure they'll figure it out." He got a mischevious glint in his eye. "Now, are we going to sit here and talk about Jerry all afternoon, or can we change the subject?"

"We can change the subject. What would you like to talk about?" Brenda asked, obligingly.

"Who said anything about talking?" Jax smiled, right before he leaned forward to capture her mouth with his.

"Are you trying to seduce me, Mr. Jacks?"

"Trying? I didn't think I had to try, Mrs. Jacks."

Brenda arched one of her perfect eyebrows at him. "What an ego. Lucky for you, I love you anyway, buster."

"Brenda? Shut up and kiss me."

+++

Meanwhile, Jerry was halfway across the world, pacing the wooden floors of the empty villa in Malaysia. He was waiting for Miranda to return from wherever she had gone off to for the day. While on the island, Jax had explained to him of Miranda's disappearence. Jax had been concerned. He was torn between chasing her down, and letting her work it out and come back on her own. It didn't surprise Jerry that she had fled. Miranda had always been the type to choose flight over fight, preferring to hide out until the situation smoothed itself over. Jerry had made some phone calls from the island to his associates in the WSB, calling in some favours to locate her.

She had not proved too difficult to find. After all, Corinthos had managed to unearth her. She hadn't taken too great care to cover her tracks, and while it may have taken a private investigater some time to figure out her hideout, with the WSB, it had taken only a matter of days to trace her route. He recalled getting the word from Chang, an operative in Sinapore who specialized in cracking immigration queries. Jake had answered the phone call. They knew what country she was in, but were still working on pinpointing her exact location.

"What now?" Jake had asked. "You gonna tell Jax?"

"No," Jerry ran a hand through his already touseled hair. "I'll take care of it."

"What do you plan to do about her?"

"What I'd *like* to do is string her up by her toenails!" He sighed. "What I'm *going* to do is go down there and drag her back, by the ends of her hair if I have to, and see that this divorce goes through."

"You still feel bad about it don't you?"

"I feel like a complete idiot. I should have never let her drag things out this far. I should have nailed her long ago. Then she wouldn't have been able to resurrect and wreak havoc in Jax's life yet again."

"You couldn't have known, man."

"Yeah, but I did know."

"You can't blame yourself. I mean, it's pretty messed up. You did what you thought was best."

"I should have told him. I just never found the right opportunity to." Jerry sighed. "Well, what's done is done. I can't go back. But I'll make it up to him. I'll make it right."

"You want me to back you up on this one?"

Jerry shook his head. "Thanks mate, but this mess I've got to clean up alone."

Jerry looked around the sparcely decorated villa. Little Miss Miranda. She sure knew how to screw with people's lives. Jerry had gotten the shock of his life when he discovered that *Randi* who he had assumed was just another passing flirtation for him during his mission in the Phillipines, was actually *Miranda.* His brother's supposed dead wife. He thought he was going to be sick to his stomach. She had a brand new face, brand new life, and a brand new Jacks to play with. He had to hand it to her, she had quite the charade going until she slipped up majorly. Then it all made sense to him. Her initial shock at seeing him, her avid persual of him, and how she had latched on to him so quickly and seemed to know so much about him, *intuitively* or so she claimed. She had been replacing Jax with him, using him to get information on his brother.

He had been furious when he figured it out. Jerry knew how Jax had suffered, thinking he had been the cause for her death. He demanded to know how she could claim to love him yet leave him like that. He told her about the incident mountain climbing, when Jax had wanted to slip and fall to his death, which he would have had Jerry not been there. Miranda had cried, and begged him not to reveal to Jax she was alive. She had tried to explain her actions to him, but all the excuses sounded lame to Jerry's ears. Up until that point, Jerry had been hell bent on dragging her back to Jax, and letting his brother know of Miranda's duplicity. But then it struck him, she wasn't good enough for Jax. She had given him up without a fight. She had let go. So Jerry agreed. He felt that Jax had been through enough because of this woman. He was not about to see his brother torn apart again, she wasn't worth it. Given the difficult choice between Jax's continued guilt or Miranda messing with Jax's life, Jerry had chosen the former. Jerry told Miranda he would not reveal anything to Jax, as long as she stayed away for good, and never did anything to hurt him again. He left, and never saw or heard of her again, until he resurfaced after a mission and his mother let him know that Miranda had reappeared, destroying Jax's wedding to Brenda, and causing his father to have a heart attack.

Unbeknownst to Jerry, his father had done some digging of his own, and discovered her whereabouts as well, after he had left her. Miranda, at first, had made no effort to get to Jax, but soon enough, she had started blackmailing John Jacks. She had demanded and extorted money in exchange for staying away from Jax. When she reappeared, she had lied, and told Jax that it was John who had kept them apart after the explosion in the mine. John had been unable to defend himself. It was true, he had attempted to keep Miranda away, and Jax was caught in the middle, unsure of who or what to believe. By the time Jerry had found out, the fallout had just about cleared. Jax was still with Brenda, and had made his choice to leave Miranda. Jerry had seen no point in bringing up the past then, thinking that Jax would get rid of Miranda, and move on with his life. But now, here she was again, complicating matters.

Jerry sighed as he tired of waiting, and sat down. His thoughts moved from Miranda to Lena. She had been very quiet since that night he pulled her from the ocean.

The air was calm, the sun was just rising on the horizon, and the first rays of light were streaming into the cave. The storm had blown over sometime during the night, and the beach was awash with debris that had been torn off the wild vegetation by the whipping winds. Jerry watched Lena fumbling with the buttons of her shirt, her hands were shaking too badly to do them up properly. She had slept fitfully through the night, tossing and turning, and he had held on to her, trying to soothe her. He gently pushed her hands away, and buttoned her buttons up for her. She didn't look at him, her head was down.

She just stood there, letting him fix her shirt. She hadn't said a word since they had risen. She could feel his gaze heavily on her. What could she say? She put her hands on his wrists and he stopped buttoning. "I'm...sorry..." she finally said, half whispering.

He reached over and cupped her face with the palms of his hand, tilting it up to look at him. He saw the recrimination swimming in her eyes and hated it. "For what?"

"Everything." She broke away from him, and wrapped her arms around herself. He had been so good to her, she didn't want to feel regret over what they had done, but it was so wrong. She had used him. Used him to make her feel, to chase away her pain. And it was so unfair to him. It was just one more thing she had to be guiltly of.

"Don't be." Jerry walked over to where she was standing, staring at the sunrise, and slowly turned her around face him. "There's nothing for you to be sorry for."

"You don't know that."

He looked at her. She had her outward emotions in check now, but the tumult of the night before still churned in her eyes. "What happened out there?" he asked.

What happened. God. I got one of the best friends I ever had killed, Lena thought to herself furiously. One of the finest, most honorable men she ever knew. Dead, because she had stupidly believed she could extract some sort of vengence for Kyle. "I...." she shook her head.

"Tell me. It's all right," he said, his voice was calm, steady, full of confidence. "There's nothing to be afraid of."

Nothing, and everything. "I can't explain...you wouldn't understand."

"Try me."

She walked out into the sunrise, and sat down on the trunk of a large tree that had been battered down. Jerry followed her out, and sat down next to her, waiting patiently for her to speak. She was silent for a long time. When she spoke, it was in broken fragments. "Have you ever - ?" she began, but she cut herself off. "No, of course you haven't." She started again. "I've...lost...so many people in my life... and regrets...they're such a terrible price to pay...no matter what, your past always catches up to you...you...try to get away, but it doesn't matter how long you run, or how far...you can never elude it...because you can never hide from yourself."

"So you thought you would escape it by trying to kill yourself?"

"I wasn't...I was searching..."

"For what?"

"Forgiveness." The word hung heavily between them, and it took Jerry by surprise.

"Forgiveness? From whom?"

Lena took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly. "You're a good man, Jerry Jacks," she said quietly. "You don't need the burdens of my past."

"Why don't you let me be the judge of that." He paused for a beat. "Let me help. I can, if you just let me in." His voice was so trustworthy, so sincere Lena ached to let it all spill out, just so she didn't have to carry it alone anymore. No, she couldn't do that to him. Not after what he'd done for her.

Lena stared down at the sand, her voice monotone and devoid of emotion. "Some people are damaged beyond repair."

Jerry got up and crouched down in front of Lena. He took both her cold hands in his. "Look at me," he said. "I don't know what happened. I don't know what it is that's causing you so much pain or what it is you think you need to be forgiven for. But your past, it's just that. The past. You need to let go of it. You stumble in life, and you may fall, but you get up, and you move on."

Lena looked into his deep blue eyes, so like the colour of the ocean. She gave him a bittersweet smile. "You make it sound so simple." She stood, and brushed the sand off her hands. "Thank you. For pulling me out of the water."

He could tell she was shutting him out. He didn't like it, but he decided not to push her. She asked him not to mention what had happened to anyone, and he promised to keep it between them. They arrived back at the villa just as Jax had risen, and he was relieved to see they were all right. He picked up on the uneasy tension between them, and once Lena left to take a shower Jax called his brother on it. Jerry told him that it had just been a stressful night. Jax knew his brother, and knew there was more, but kept his peace. Afterwards, Lena hadn’t made any deliberate attempts to avoid him, as he half expected her to, but she had thrown up her emotional walls and they were firmly in place. It was like nothing had happened. Jerry had played along, but he had made up his mind to figure it all out somehow. He would start by finding out who the hell Joseph was.

The door to the villa creaked open, breaking into his thoughts, and Jerry lept to his feet and moved to stand in the shadows. Miranda entered with a bag of groceries. Jerry waited until she had closed the door before stepping into the center of the room.

"Hello *Randi*" he drawled in a hard, mocking voice.

Miranda spun around and saw Jerry standing in the middle of her villa. Her eyes bulged, and the bag of groceries slid out of her hands hitting the floor. "Jerry? Oh my god."

Jerry grinned, though it never reached his eyes. "Feels just like old times, doesn't it?"

Miranda stared at him for several moments, trying to get her bearings. "What are you doing here, Jerry?"

"I could ask you the same thing, couldn't I?"

 

Chapter 21: All's Fair in Love and War

Lena and Melissa are walking through Elmwood Park on their way to the rehab center on Spring Street where they are meet up with Nikolas. It is almost the end of January, and the air is cold and crisp, a stark change from the tropical weather of Jax's island. There is fresh snow on the ground, and the park looks postcard picturesque. Melissa is all cleaned up, and has been living in a woman's shelter since her release from the hospital. She had been convinced by the social workers at GH that she would be safe, and protected from her father, since no one was allowed information about the shelters. She had agreed to move to the shelter, as long as Lena would come see her. She was the only one she trusted, although she was warming to Nikolas. She was seeing a state psychologist. She looked much better, in fact, she looked like a completely different person. The tracks down her arms had healed, and she was doing well in detox.

AJ and Emily Quartermaine were walking through the park on their way to the Outback. Emily was once again skipping school to avoid the talk about Monica. She had called AJ, and he had gone to pick her up, and they decided to go to lunch. AJ spotted them and came over. "Lena hi!"

Lena smiled as she turned to greet the two. "Hello AJ, Emily." Her breath frosted in the air.

"What brings you through Elmwood?" AJ asked, looking questioningly at Melissa. He gazed at her appreciatively, noting how the sun reflected off her auburn hair. She was cute, not pretty in the conventional sense, but definately cute, with quirky, expressive brown eyes.

"Where are my manners?" Lena said. "AJ, Emily, this is my friend Melissa. Melissa, meet AJ and Emily Quartermaine."

Emily and AJ shook hands with Melissa, who was extremely shy in their presence, and didn't say much more than a quiet hello. AJ smiled brightly at Melissa and his hand lingered over Melissa's handshake. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Melissa."

Lena leaned forward. "Easy there cowboy," she whispered into his ear so that only he could hear. "This one's jailbait." AJ turned to look at Lena with surprise, and she laughed. Melissa was Emily's age, but she looked a lot older with the make-up on her face. Some of the women at the shelter had taught her to use make-up to cover the fading bruises on her face, and Lena had been more than happy to supply her with the cosmetics Lucy had provided her.

Emily regarded the younger girl curiously. "Hey, have I seen you before? I mean, do you go to my school?"

"Uh, I don't think so," Melissa replied uneasily.

"It's getting cold, we should be going or we'll be late," Lena said. "AJ, Emily, it was nice seeing you." The two walked off.

Emily chewed on a strand of her hair. "I could have sworn I've seen her around before."

+++

Luke walked into his dark club, and waved to Mike behind the bar. The lunch hour crowd was just milling in. He spotted Sonny sitting off to a corner of the club, looking more dark and morose than usual. He had his top shirt buttons undone, and was halfway through a bottle of Scotch. Luke raised an eyebrow at Mike, who shrugged. Luke walked over to his friend.

"Hey there, Bubba, you don't look so hot."

Sonny graced Luke with a glare. "Thanks, buddy. Can always count on you for an honest opinion."

Luke pulled up a chair, and sat in it backwards. Sonny poured some more Scotch into a glass, and pushed it over to Luke. "Wanna talk about it?"

Sonny threw back the contents of his tumbler. "One year, man. She's been dead for a year now." Sonny shook his head. "You know, I could have been a father by now."

Luke patted Sonny's shoulder sympathetically. "I know, man, I know." He replayed in his head that night of the explosion. They had been celebrating, all of them, the news of Lilly's pregnancy. One minute she was getting into the car, the next minute it was a ball of fire. It had taken all of his and Mike's strength to hold Sonny back. He knew Sonny had been having a bad time of it after Harry's demise. "You gotta let it go, bub. Lilly never wanted this for you."

Sonny heaved a great sigh. He rubbed his eyes. "Yeah, well, easier said than done. But enough about that. Tell me you got something."

Luke grinned his pattented grin. "I got somethin' all right."

Sonny couldn't help but grin back at Luke, despite his morose mood. "So, you gonna share?"

"Didn't your momma ever teach you to say please?" Sonny laughed. "All right man, here's the scoop. Hickory Dickory Doc is definately up to his earballs in something shady. Laura saw him in deep, and I mean *deep* yack mode with nurse Rebecca Chase. And next thing you know, he hightails it out of GH."

Sonny narrowed his eyes. "Does anyone know where he went?"

"Naturally. He hopped skipped and jumped over to the airport to pick up this crippled dude, and whisk him away. To top it all off, he takes the crippled dude down to *the pier*! Now, call me bird-brained, but somehow, I don't think sightseeing at the warehouses is one of PC's tourist attractions. And Dorkman, well, he don't seem to be the housecall type, does he?"

Sonny frowned, trying to piece it all together. "Maybe I should go have a chat with Dr. Dorman."

Luke drained his glass of Scotch, and stood. "No need, I'm headed over there anyways to dig up some dirt on Count Dracula. I'll scare up something on our friendly neighbourhood medicine man." And with that, Luke exited the club with a flourish.

+++

Lena had left Melissa with Nikolas at the rehab centre, and was back at GH finishing her rounds for the afternoon before heading off to PCU to attend her classes. She was on her way out when she recieved Stefan Cassadine's message to see him in his office. She wondered what this was all about.

"You wanted to see me, Mr. Cassadine?" she asked, after stepping in following his command to enter.

Stefan regarded her regaly from his place behind his desk, and motioned for her to take a seat. Lena warily sat down in one of the chairs in front of his desk. He had a very intimidating aura, that was for sure. The very way in which he sat in his chair demonstrated the royal breeding and contenance that had been drilled into him from childhood.

"Miss Madelena Raine, is it not?" he asked, adjusting the reading glasses on his nose.

"Yes."

"You are sure." Stefan's voice was deceptively tranquil.

Lena looked at him strangely. "Yes."

Stefan removed his glasses. "I only ask, because a very curious thing occurred. Our search on the name Madelena Raine has turned up virtually nothing." He looked her dead in the eye. "It would seem that you are a woman without a history, Miss Raine. Would you care to explain that?"

Lena felt the icy fingers of fear starting to squeeze her heart, but she beat them back. Stefan was watching her intently, but she kept her face expressionless. "I wasn't aware that my employment here necessitated the invasion of my privacy."

"I would suggest you to facilitate matters by simply telling me what I want to know."

"And if I refuse?" Stefan raised an eyebrow at the defiance in her voice. "You can't threaten to fire me Mr. Cassadine, I am a student. I only work here as a volunteer, which means I am *not* a formal staff member. I don't owe you any explanations, and you have no right to dig through my affairs."

Stefan leaned back in his chair. She was no weakling, this one. "What is it you are afraid I will discover?"

"Nothing! But my past is none of your business."

"Unfortunately, as an employee in my hospital, you make it my business."

"Nothing about my past has any bearing on my work here at the hospital. I work hard, and I do my job well. My supervisor will tell you that. So why don't you tell me what this is *really* about, Mr. Cassadine?"

"You are very perceptive Miss Raine. Very well. I am concerned about my nephew Nikolas."

"Nikolas?"

"Yes." Stefan paused for a beat. "Nikolas is young. He is quite sensitive and vulnerable, in light of all that he has had to deal with since our arrival in Port Charles."

"What does this have to do with me?"

"I am worried about him. More specifically, I am worried about your effect on him."

"Wait a minute. You think I would do anything to hurt Nikolas?" Lena demanded. "He's my friend. I care about him. I would never hurt him."

"You will forgive me if I find that statement hard to believe, considering your relative reluctance to cooperate. I note that you have wasted no time getting close to my nephew. I'm sure you are not unaware of the regard he holds you in."

"You think I'm out to use your nephew?"

"You said it first." Stefan's lifted in a dark smile. "He's young, naive, an easy target. And you. You appear, a woman without a past, who just happens to become the newest confidante to the Cassadine heir. Answer me this, just what are your intentions here?"

"My intentions?" Lena repeated in disbelief. "Nikolas was right. You *are* a pretensious control freak. I'm sorry, but you're going to have to take that up with someone else, I have classes to attend. " Lena pushed out of her chair and made for the door.

Stefan's voice boomed from behind her. "I do not recall having concluded this interview."

Lena turned, her hand still on the doorknob. "Well that's too bad, Mr. Cassadine, but I have more important things to do with my time than assouge your paranoia regarding your nephew."

"I suggest, Miss Raine, that you seriously consider distancing yourself from my nephew."

"You can take your suggestions, and you can stuff them!" Lena said angrily. She was too upset by Stefan's insulting insinuations to think of the ramifications of challenging him. "Nikolas is a big boy, and he can choose his friends just fine without you!"

"Careful, Miss Raine. It would not do to make an enemy of me." Stefan warned smoothly.

Lena laughed mirthlessly. "You want a piece of me? You'll have to get in line!" And with that, she stormed out of Stefan's office. She brushed right past Luke Spencer, who had been listening intently to the entire exchange from the outside. Luke followed her down the corridor, and caught up with her by the elevators just as they opened. He reached out to grab hold of her before she could get away. Bad move. Lena instinctively swung around, catching Luke by surprise, and twisting his arm behind his back, pushed him up against the wall.

"Hey!!" Luke exclaimed. "Easy there, babe! Jesus!"

"Who are you?" Lena asked, the anger still pumping through her.

"Luke Spencer. Now how's about you leggo of my arm before you do some serious damage, doll?" Lena released Luke, who turned around, swinging his shoulder in circles. He had a huge grin on his face. "Man, I heard about you. Sonny wasn't kidding. You're some kinda hellion!"

"What do you want from me, Luke Spencer?"

"I heard your little spat back there with Count Cassadine," he said, not bothering to hide the fact he was eavesdropping. "You don't intimidate easy do you? You realize you just pissed off Stefin royally, don't you?" There was admiration in his voice, and Luke Spencer didn't impress easily.

"I repeat, what is it you want from me?"

"Simple, dollface. It goes like this. I hate Cassadine. You hate Cassadine. So why don't we hate Cassadine together?"

"You want me to join forces with you against Stefan Cassadine?"

"That's it babe. You, me, and a couple 'o others, we work together, and we can bring the big bad bloodsucker down!"

Lena gave Luke a half smile. Everything she had heard about the man was true. He was crazy. Charming, and crazy like a loon. She shook her head. "Sorry. I don't do family feuds." The elevator doors parted again, and this time she stepped in.

Luke's grin widened, if that was possible. "Oh, you will babydoll. You will," he said, as the doors closed and Lena disappeared.

+++

About 30,000 feet up in the air, Miranda was slumped in the plush leather seat, pouting in the Jacks Lear I. Jerry had not given her the chance to explain her actions, he hadn't given her the chance to call anyone, he hadn't even given her the chance to pack. He had simply dragged her off to the airport, and herded her onto his plane, and now here they were, flying back to Port Charles, the last place on earth she was supposed to be.

"You can't do this Jerry Jacks!" she exclaimed for the umpteenth time. "This is kidnapping!"

Jerry threw her a bored look. "Save it for someone who cares." He was standing, staring out the window of the jet, rubbing the muscles on the back of his neck restlessly.

Miranda changed tactics. She slid up to him, conjured up her most pleading face, and laid both her hands on Jerry's chest. "You used to care," she said, affecting her best seductive voice, which, at that altitude and with her dry throat, didn't sound quite so seductive.

Jerry glanced down at her amusedly. "Did I now?" He shoved his hands into the pockets of his tan khaki pants, and wondered to himself what he ever saw in her.

Miranda was momentarily thrown by his attitude, but she recovered quickly. "You know you did. Jerry please, I'm begging you, on what you once felt for me, don't do this. I can't go back. It's...it's...to painful."

"Painful? And how would it be painful?"

"I can't explain it! All the horrors, all that I went through after the explosion, it all comes back to me whenever I see Jax."

"Yet, this didn't hinder you in the slightest from coming back from the dead to crash his wedding did it?" He still had that smugly sarcastic look on his face, and Miranda wanted desperately to scratch his eyes out.

"I had no choice. Sonny Corinthos found me. It would have been too cruel for Jax to hear from that mobster that I was still alive."

"Interesting how you had no qualms exhtorting money from my father in exchange for steering clear of my brother."

Miranda cast her head down in the appearence of shame. "That was wrong of me, I know, but I was so desperate, and your father offered me an easy way out. I was alone, I had nothing."

"Just enough to cover the surgeries, eh?"

Miranda raised her head, angry tears sparkling in her eyes. "Don't you *dare* mock my pain! I was wrong to take the money, and I'm sorry all right? People make mistakes! But I swear to you, if you let me go, I will disappear. I will *never* bother Jax again." Miranda was willing to try or say anything to buy her some time for Jonas to get her out of this mess.

"Why am I getting a sense of deja vu? As I recall, you spoke those very words back when we were in the Phillipines and I discovered your little disceit."

"I mean it this time!"

Jerry shook his head. "No dice. You only get one strike with me, you blew it. We are going back to Port Charles, and you are going to straighten out this mess that you've created for everyone, or Jax will hear the entire extent of your sick manipulations."

Miranda looked horrified. "You aren't seriously considering *telling* him!" She thought fast. Even now, she was sure that Jax cared about her. If he ever found out about her affair with Jerry and how she had used him, how she lied about his father, how had blackmailed his father, he would hate her forever! She grabbed Jerry's shirt with both hands. "Jerry, you can't! Think about it! Jax would never forgive you!"

Jerry pried her hands off his shirt. "More to the point, he would never forgive *you.* I know you have your dirty little secrets, Miranda, Randi, whatever your name is. And I really don't care. All I care about is that you get the hell out of my brother's life for good. Do that, and you can keep your little secrets. Cross me again, and I'll see to it that the whole world knows everything you've got to hide, and believe me, I won't make it pleasant for you."

Miranda's expression was a mix of fear and disbelief. How had things degenerated to this level? "I don't believe you! Jerry! How can you say that? How can you do this to me?"

"Easily."

"You really hate me that much?"

"Hate would be wasted on someone like you. You crossed the line. Now, you can be a good girl and set things right, or you can pay the piper. Either way, the outcome will be the same."

Miranda glared at Jerry, not bothering to hide her animosity. "You really are a cold son of a bitch."

Jerry shrugged. That was just the way he was. There was no middle ground for him. He learned that the hard way in the WSB. Once someone stepped over the line with him, it was all over. He regarded her impassively, his eyes icy and hard. "All's fair in love and war, Randi."

Chapter 22: With or Without You

~ Ireland: O'Malley's Pub (An IRA establishment, known to loyalists only) ~

U2
See the stone set in your eyes
See the thorn twist in your side
I wait for you

Sleight of hand and twist of fate
On a bed of nails she makes me wait

And I wait without you
With or without you
With or without you

Trevor Loarken was sitting at the bar, perusing his Bushmills thoughtfully. He was oblivious to the goings on around him, the people milling in and out, although he was never completely tuned out of his surroundings. He hadn't lived this long being careless. He had an uncanny knack for infiltration, for survival, for evading the authorities a knack that frustrated the hell out of his pursuers and earned him the title of "The Ghost." He had become something of an urban legend within his native Northern Ireland. He was a darkly handsome young man, about twenty-four years old. His hair was almost black, long, and wavy. He had even darker eyes that were restlessly filled with passion. Some called it possession. His build was sleek, and he had an ever watchful contenance, and the scruffy appearance of the typical young Irish hooligan, and no one that heard of his name fully expected one so experienced to be so young.

Through the storm we reach the shore
You give it all but I want more
And I'm waiting for you

With or without you
With or without you
I can't live
With or without you

At that moment, Trevor's thoughts were not on the next move of the cause. His thoughts were of the past. He had heard the CNN reports out of Zaire. He had heard of Joseph's execution. It was too bad. He had respected the man. The resurgance of the bloody warfare had brought back memories of his brother's death. Kyle. He still had to struggle with the fact that his older brother was gone. Kyle had been all he had, after they were orphaned when the British troops opened fire on a demonstration their parents had participated in. Their grandmother had done her best to raise them, but she was old and ill. He had never understood Kyle's turning his back on Ireland, and Kyle had never understood his fierce devotion to the cause. Trevor had to laugh at the irony of it. His brother had dedicated his life to saving lives, while he had dedicated his to taking them, yet he was the one that lived. He and Kyle had always been like night and day. Even growing up, it was rare they ever saw eye to eye. They were polar opposites on everything, but one. He had never envied his brother anything, except her.

And you give yourself away
And you give yourself away
And you give
And you give
And you give yourself away

Trevor sipped his drink slowly. He remembered the first time he ever laid eyes on her, when his brother had brought her to Belfast on the run from Russia. They had needed a place to hide, as they were being hunted down by the Russian mafia as well as the legitimate authorities. It was the first time Kyle had been grateful for Trevor's connections, as they had managed to procure new identities for them.

My hands are tied
My body bruised, she's got me with
Nothing to win and
Nothing left to lose

And you give yourself away
And you give yourself away
And you give
And you give
And you give yourself away

She was a fighter. He had see that in her, right from the start, despite her frailty. Kyle hadn't told him much, but he hadn't needed to. Trevor knew. She was so hyper sensitive, skittish and shrinking from any form of contact, but there was a spark in her eyes. That spark had all but died when Kyle did, but it didn't. The flame of defiance lit up, and when he arrived back after a meeting with IRA leaders one night, it was blazing. He hadn't believed his ears when she informed him of her plans. She had stood there, looking like a fallen angel, desolate, but not yet destroyed. It had always been what drew him to her. They were two of a kind, they believed the same things. And he had let her go, because he had to, never believing she would come back alive.

With or without you
With or without you
I can't live
With or without you

But after Robbie had shown him the magazine, he knew. She had survived, and she had started a new life. He wondered if she had heard about Joseph. He knew what it would mean to her if she did, and his heart ached for her. He knew better than to ever expect to see her again, but he still longed for her. After all this time, he hadn't been able to forget her.

He took out his battered picture of her. "Will I ever get you out of my head?" he said, softly to himself.

With or without you
With or without you
I can't live
With or without you
With or without you

~ Port Charles, New York ~

Night had fallen. Jax and Miranda were headed to Buffalo to finalize their divorce. Jerry had simply delivered her to Jax's corporate office without explanation. Jax knew he'd get nowhere asking Jerry for details. He was just grateful his brother had managed to find her. Miranda had been sorrowful. Her entire attitude was extremely defeatest. She had had no choice but to go through with it. She hadn't been able to reach Jonas at all, despite placing countless phone calls at varying degrees of frantic. Jerry, for his part, had given Miranda one last warning not to cause trouble, and headed off out of town again. He was due in Nevada to rendevous with his team. There was trouble in Afghanistan, and they were to head over there ASAP.

Brenda was parked in the underground garage of Sonny's building. She had gotten antsy sitting in her penthouse all by herself after Jax and Miranda had left. She thought she would drive around, and get rid of some nervous energy, and she found herself here. She didn't know why she should be surprised. So many paths in her life for so long had all led to this one place. But, everything had changed. Jax would get his divorce, and they could finally get remarried and start the rest of their lives together. She knew why she was here. She had come to say her last goodbyes to the man she had once loved more than life. She had to do this. She needed the closure, and she needed to know Sonny would be ok. She was about to get out of her car and head up to his penthouse when she saw him walk out of the garage doors, and get into his car. He started it up, and drove up and out of the underground lot. Brenda watched him go for a moment, then decided to go after him. She wanted to get this unpleasant business over with as soon as possible.

Sonny drove carefully, as the roads were slick from the freshly fallen snow. He made his way down to the warehouses of the pier. It was completely dark and deserted, except for one section where workers were loading giant containers onto a ship. He parked his car a good distance away from the walk, and shut off the engine. He got out of his car, looked around, and then walked down the pier into one of the warehouses.

Brenda pulled her car up next to Sonny's and waited for him. She got impatient quickly. What was taking him so long? This place place was creepy this time of night, and she was starting to get one of her funny feelings. What if he was in trouble? Making a snap decision, Brenda got out of her car and made her way down the pier after him. She crept through the doors of the warehouse she had seen Sonny go into, and looked around. Empty. Figures. Why, oh why couldn't things be easy with Sonny, just for once? Brenda was about to turn around and head back out when a strong pair of arms grabbed her from behind. One hand covered her mouth, stifling her scream, and the other arm hauled her back behind several large containers.

+++

Nikolas and Lena were walking down the street from the women's shelter after dropping Melissa off there. There had been a broody atmosphere between them ever since Lena's confrontation with Stefan, although she had not mentioned it to the younger Cassadine. Nikolas had picked up on her attitude right away, and he had also heard the hospital gossip about the yelling that had come from Stefan's office during their interview. He put two and two together, and it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what was wrong.

"You might as well tell me," Nikolas finally said. "What has my uncle done now?"

Lena looked over at him in surprise. "What do you mean?"

Nikolas rolled his eyes. "I know about that sparring contest you had with him yesterday."

"Oh." Lena gave him a wry look. "You mean he hasn't said anything to you about it?"

Nikolas snorted. "No. Which only leads me to conclude it had something to do with me. Am I right?"

"You're too smart for your own good, young prince," Lena smiled.

"Was he threatening you, or demanding something from you?"

Lena laughed. "Both. How did you guess?"

Nikolas shrugged. "Those are the two usual methods of communication with my uncle. Look, I'm sorry. I'll get him to stop bothering you."

"Your uncle was just looking out for you."

Nikolas scowled. "I can look after myself."

"Which is about what I told him." She glanced at her watch. Neither of them had eaten yet. "How about we needle your uncle some more by playing hookie and going to have a good old fashioned american fast food dinner?"

Nikolas laughed and nodded. "Only if I buy."

Lena wrinkled her nose at him. "Of course! Were you expecting *me* to buy?"

+++

"What the hell are you doing here, Brenda?" he hissed angrily.

Brenda sagged with relief. "Sonny! You scared me to death!"

Suddenly, there was movement around them. People were coming. Sonny grabbed Brenda's hand and dragged her further into the shadows. The voices kept coming closer. Sonny looked around wildly, and saw an opening. He pulled Brenda through it, and quickly shut the heavy metal door. It was completely dark, both Sonny and Brenda held their breaths as they waited for the voices to pass. Some men stopped right in front of the door, their voices muffled by the metal barrier. After a few minutes, they moved on.

Brenda turned to Sonny. "What's going on?" she demanded. "Sonny are you in trouble?"

"It wasn't anything I couldn't handle until you showed up! What the hell are you doing here?"

"I went to your penthouse to talk to you, and when you left, I followed you here."

"You followed me here? Brenda, are you out of your mind?"

Just as Brenda was about to open her mouth to defend herself, the floor started to move. It tilted, and sent the both of them crashing into the opposite wall. Brenda screamed and grabbed on to Sonny, as contents in the room began to slide towards them. The room righted itself, and began to lift.

"Oh, my god." Brenda's eyes went wide.

Sonny's face was grim. He cursed. "We're in one of the containers!" The giant metal cargo hold they were in continued to rise. A mechanical screeching could be heard as they came to an abrupt halt. The whistle blew, and the workers all stopped what they were doing. Their shift was over for the night. The pier emptied as the men went home, and Brenda and Sonny were left stranded in midair, inside a shipping container.

"Oh my god, Sonny! What are we going to do?"

"Calm down Brenda! I'll think of something."

"Calm down? We're floating in the middle of the air on a deserted shipping dock, and there's no one around to hear or help us and you want me to calm down?"

"Could be worse, at least we're not stuck in the catacombs or anything. (hehe)" Sonny said, pulling out his phone. "I'll call Jason to get us down." He punched in some numbers, and reached Jason at Luke's. "Jason? It's Sonny." The line was full of static as the reinforced steel walls were causing interference. "No...it's Sonny. Jason, hello? Jason? Damnit!" he cursed as he lost the connection.

"I can't believe this is happening!" Brenda put her hands to her head. "I can not believe I am stuck in midair in some huge box. Argh! This always happens with you!"

Sonny looked at her. "No one asked you to follow me here, Brenda."

"No, you know what? You're right. No one did. And it just goes to show how *wrong* everything is with us. I had that queasy feeling I always get whenever I feel you're in trouble tonight, so I followed you in here. And *now* look where it got us. We're cursed, Sonny."

"We are stuck in here because you chose to ignore what any sane, reasonable person would have done, and stuck your nose where it didn't belong!"

"You want to blame this on me? Fine!" Brenda said angrily. "I'm sorry I followed you. Sorry I was worried about you. Sorry I ever got involved with you in the first place! Are you happy?! I came to say goodbye, Sonny. And now I've said it. Goodbye!" Brenda barely paused for breath as she stalked over to the door of the containrer.

Sonny grabbed her arm. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

Brenda shook him off as she unlatched the door. "I'm getting out of here. You want to stay in here all night, that's your business.

"You can't just walk out, Brenda. In case you hadn't noticed, we're up in the air!"

"Look. I want out. The only way out is this door. This box has got to be attached to something I can climb down on." Brenda flung the doors open, and the half-empty container dipped at the movement, dumping her out. She screamed.

"BRENDA!" Sonny yelled, diving after her. His phone dropped out of his hands as he made a mad grab for her as she went down. His hand connected with her arm, and he halted her fall. He braced himself against the side of the doors, and hauled her back up. "Brenda!" Sonny hugged her tight to him. Their hearts both racing at what just happened. Sonny looked down at the ground below. His phone had been smashed to bits.

Sonny put both hands around Brenda's face and tilted her head to meet his gaze. "Don't you ever do something stupid like that again." Brenda was shivering at her near-death plunge. "Come on," he led her further into the back of the container, and they sat down.

"Looks like we're gonna have to wait this one out," Sonny said while Brenda still appeared dazed. There was a draft blowing into the container. "You cold?" he asked her.

"No, I'm ok....thank you...for pulling me up." she said finally

Sonny smiled. "You know, this could get to be a habit. You save my life, I save yours..."

"That's a tradition I'd just as soon not continue. God, Sonny, what are you even doing down here?"

"Remember when I got shot up with dope?"

"How could I forget?"

"Well, I got a tip on who might be behind all this."

It struck Brenda what she had interrupted. "I've done it again, haven't I? I'm sorry, Sonny."

Sonny shook his head. "Don't worry 'bout it." He was silent. Then, "What did you go to the penthouse to talk to me about?"

"I wanted to let you know. Jax and Miranda, they're getting the divorce. They went to Buffalo this afternoon."

"Is that so."

"Yeah. It's over. I came to tell you that it's over. Jax and I are going to get married again, and I wanted...I wanted to say goodbye.

With or without you
I can't live
With or without you

"You don't belong with him, you belong with me.

"I used to think that, but I was wrong. Can't you see? We've been miserable for so long, I want it to end."

Sonny gripped both of Brenda's arms in his hands. "Don't do this, Brenda. I know we've been through some tough times, and we've both done things we regret, but don't give up on us."

Sleight of hand and twist of fate
On a bed of nails she makes me wait
And I wait without you

"There isn't an *us* anymore, Sonny. There hasn't been for a long time. We've both been torturing ourselves...and I finally figured it out why. Because we both felt guilty. We loved each other so much that we were careless, and somebody died because of it. I don't want to feel guilty anymore, Sonny. I've moved on, and so should you. I need you to understand this, Sonny. I need for you to let me go."

With or without you
With or without you

Sonny was silent. He had always known, he realized, that it would come to this. He had just never wanted to admit it to himself. He couldn't imagine life without Brenda. And he didn't want to imagine her with Jax.

I can't live
With or without you

"You don't know what you're asking me."

"I do." Brenda said. "I really do. I loved you, more than anything, I loved you. And the last thing I ever wanted was to hurt you. But I did. And you hurt me too. And we kept on hurting each other, Sonny. We can't help it. If we stay together, we'll just destroy each other. And that's not what I want. Because we both deserve better than that."

And you give yourself away
And you give yourself away

Sonny looked at Brenda. His heart breaking in his eyes. But there was resignation there as well. "It wasn't supposed to turn out this way. I wanted the best for you. I never wanted to be the source of your pain."

"I know," Brenda said softly.

"Brenda, I need you. I need you with me. I love you."

And you give
And you give
And you give yourself away

Brenda shook her head as she reached out to touch his face. "We'd never make it. You were my first love, Sonny. You took me places I never thought possible. And part of me will always love you. I don't regret ever loving you, and I'll always care about you. But Jax is my life now. Please understand."

With or without you
With or without you
I can't live
With or without you

With or without you
With or without you
I can't live
With or without you

 

Chapter 23: Let's Get Ready to Rumble!

"Jasper Jacks get ya get your sorry butt out of this room or I swear ta ya I’ll toss it out myself!"

Lois was indignant, shoving Jax back out of the room before he could fully enter. Brenda and Robin were dissolving into fits of giggles and Lena grinned. The wedding was now definitely back on track now that the divorce was finalized and Miranda Jameson was out of everyone's hair. Jason had shown up at the pier a few hours after Sonny's aborted phone call, having been alerted, and then worried when he could not find his boss. He had scoured the city, and finally ended up at the pier. He walked carefully and quietly through the warehouses, searching and finally discovered Brenda and Sonny when they called down to him as he passed underneath after spotting Sonny's broken phone. He had gotten them down, and Brenda had gone home while Sonny and Jason continued Sonny's quest to find the drug infiltraters.

Right now, Lois, Robin, Lena, were in to help Brenda with her preparations in order to make the Valentine’s Day deadline, which was about a week away. The penthouse was crammed full of activity and people, as flourists, caterers, designers, and their various assistants scurried in and out. Gloria had also come to lend a hand. Thao and Jerry had arrived, along with Jake and Damon. The Contessa, and Augustin, who was to sing at the ceremony, were due to arrive any day, and Jax's parents were to arrive the night before the big event. Everyone was staying in various suites at the PC Hotel.

Jax was trying to get a word with Brenda, who had been locked up with "the girls" all morning, but was being effectively stonewalled by Lois. Jerry, Thao and the rest of them, who had all heard Lois’s bellow burst into uncontrollable laughter.

"Poor, poor lovestruck Jax," Jerry said with mock sympathy, as he watched his brother get pushed out of his own bedroom by Lois.

"Lois, I just want two seconds with Brenda!" Jax appealed.

"No way, buster!" Lois refused to let him past her for fear he would see the wedding dress that had just arrived, which Brenda was in the process of trying on.

"Come on Lois. This is ridiculous. We've already done this twice remember! I just want to talk to her. Look, I promise, I'll keep my eyes closed!"

"Nuh uh. I don't trust ya."

"Oh, I'm so hurt. Come on Lois. Please?"

Brenda was about to give in and go to him but Robin tackled her before she could get far. "Hey!" she exclaimed. Robin exchanged a conspiritol wink with Lena, and together, they hauled Brenda into the bathroom and shut the door. "You guys! What is this?!" Brenda laughed from inside the bathroom.

"You can invite him in now, we locked her in the bathroom." Lena told Lois.

Lois reluctantly let Jax enter the room, and he was astounded at the sight of the once immaculate bedroom. It looked like a tornado hit, there were piles of paper, bags, shoes, make-up, clothes, and god knows what strewn everywhere. Jax shook his head. Women.

He turned to the girls. "Can I have a minute alone?" he asked. "There's something I want to discuss with Brenda."

The girls filed out of the room, but before she exited, Lois shot Jax a look. "Bren?" she said ominously to the bathroom door, "Under no circumstances are ya ta let Jax see the dress. Ya hear?"

As soon as they left, Jax strode over to the bathroom and knocked on the door. Brenda remained inside. "Yes?" she called out.

Jax sat down by the door and grinned at having to talk to her through it. "Brenda, sweetie, this is ridiculous."

"Tell that to Lois!"

Jax chuckled. "I have something for you."

Brenda opened the door a crack and stuck out her hand for it. Jax laughed, she was so cute. He put it in her hand, and she closed the door again. Inside the bathroom, Brenda gasped slightly when she recognized what he had given her. Or rather, returned to her. It was Lady Jane’s ring, the one she had promised to marry him over again with. Brenda had threw it at him one night when they had fought over Miranda.

"Bren? Honey?" Jax rapped on the doors when there was no response. "Are you ok in there?" Jax heard the door open, and watched Brenda come out. He laughed, and she laughed with him. She was in her underwear, she had taken off the priceless dress and left on the bathroom floor. She sat down in his lap and hugged him close.

"I love you, Jasper Jacks. Do you know that?"

Jax smirked as he wrapped his arms around her. "I sorta figured that was part of this marriage deal."

"Don't get cocky with me mister," Brenda threatened with amusement in her voice. She looked down at the ring in her hand. "I can't believe that tomorrow, you'll be putting this back on my hand, and we'll finally be married. For *real* this time."

"For real. And for eternity," Jax said. "I love you. I swear to you, we'll be happy."

"Promise?" Brenda smiled.

"I promise you. Now and forever. I'll do everything in my power to see to it."

Brenda looked up at him with tears in her eyes. "You already make me happy. You've made me happier in the time I've known you, than I've ever been my whole entire life."

They kissed. Not a mind-blowing, heart-stopping passion or die sort of kiss, but the kind of kiss two people share when their souls are in tune. When everything in the world is right for them, and they find that special magic within the love they feel for one another, that takes then to that higher level of existence.

"So," Jax said, when they finally parted lips. "Have you given any thought as to where you'd like to go on our honeymoon?"

Brenda laid her head contentedly against his shoulder. "As long as you're with me, baby, anywhere we go will be perfect."

"Even Angola?" Jax teased.

"Even Angola," Brenda replied, too happy to be bothered by his teasing.

"Look out Angola, here we come!" Jax exclaimed, grinning. Brenda laughed and hit him.

~ February 13th ~

It was the night before the big event. Brenda and Jax had spent the day going over last minute details, putting the finishing touches on their vows, and trying to settle the nervous gitters that crept up despite having already done this before. The last attempt at the Quartermaines was such a nightmare, that both were determined to make this an affair to end all affairs. Augustin and the Contessa had arrived, and checked in to the PC Hotel.

That night, everyone had made their way into the Jack's penthouse, and it was packed to overflowing with excitement, good humour, and cheer. Brenda, Jax, and Augustin were in Jax's office going over the final musical selection for the ceremony. Outside, the elder Jacks had just arrived, and were being ushered through the door of the penthouse.

"Lady Jane! John! We've missed ya!" Lois bounded over to them, embracing the two of them. John twirled her around in his arms, and Jane gave her a warm hug.

"Oh, and have you met Robin and Lena?" Lois added, grabbing both girls and pulling them forward.

"Hi, I'm Robin Scorpio."

"And I'm Lena Raine."

"And they're the doublemint twins!" Jerry chimed in, causing everyone to laugh. The girls shook hands with Jane, and were swept into a bear hug by John.

"Yes, Jax has mentioned the both of you," Jane smiled. "Of course, we have seen your pictures in the print ads," she said to Lena.

John and Jane both went over to Jerry. John pounded his son on the back, and Jane hugged and kissed him. She touseled his hair and admonished her son on his appearance. "Look at you! You look like a regular hoodlam! Please tell me you are going to cut your hair before the ceremony."

Jerry grinned at his mother. His hair wasn't abyssmally long, just longer than Jax's. He did, however, look like a rogue. "Not too many beauty parlours where I hang out, mum. Besides, I like my hair." Jerry said, dimples flashing. Lady Jane shook her head at him as John Jacks laughed.

"I'm on my way to the kitchen. Would anyone else like anything?" Lena asked.

"Soda water would be wonderful, dear." Jane said, going to sit down on the couch. John asked for the same, Gloria and Lois wanted orange juice, and the rest were happy as they were.

Jerry followed Lena into the kitchen to help her with the drinks. He had been there for almost a week now, and things had gone fairly well between them. Lena never again mentioned that night on the beach, but she was back to herself. He figured she had dealt with whatever had been wrong, and put it behind her. He was still concerned for her, but at least she seemed to be once again the spirited girl he had come to know.

"Hand me the glasses." she said, as she retrieved ice cubes and soda water from the fridge.

"What's the magic word?" Jerry said grinning.

Lena shook her head, walked past him and opened the the cupboards to get the glasses. She looked up to see Jerry by the fridge, drinking milk straight from the carton. She glared at him. "That's gross. Can you get the orange juice?"

"Not unless you say *please.*"

Lena put her hands to her head. "Why me?" she said to the ceiling

Jerry laughed. "What?" He cupped his ear. "I didn't hear you."

Lena rolled her eyes. "Forget it," she walked past him. "I'll get it myself."

Jerry swiped the orange juice out of the fridge and held it behind his back. "Uh uh. I want to hear you say please."

"Jerry!" Lena said, exasperated. "Don't make me hurt you." she said, narrowing her eyes.

"Is that an offer?" he smirked.

"No it's a *threat* you bonehead!" Lena tried to get around Jerry, but he kept spinning away.

"Talk is cheap, darlin'" Jerry leared, still keeping both hands behind his back.

A flash of deviousness shot through Lena's eyes and she backed Jerry up against the fridge. They locked gazes as she slipped her hand underneath his shirt and touched the skin of his stomach. "Last chance, Jacks," she murmered. "Give me the juice."

"Take your best shot sweetheart," Jerry's dimples flashed.

Lena grinned, and slowly unfastened the belt at his waist. Jerry's eyes widened, but he didn't stop her. She undid the first buckle to his button-fly jeans, her eyes never leaving his. Jerry was totally captivated. Was she going to seduce him right here? In the kitchen? With his parents out in the livingroom!?? One by one, the buttons came undone, exposing his white Calvins underneath. Then, quick as a wink, Lena reached over to the counter, grabbed the ice tray, and she dumped the entire tray of ice cubes down Jerry's pants.

"AARRGGGGHH!!!!"

"What the hell?!" John Jacks exclaimed. Everyone turned to the kitchen to see Jerry jumping up and down, comically fumbling with his pants while ice cubes flew in all directions, while Lena was serenely pouring juice into large glasses. John turned to Lois and Robin, who shrugged and laughed.

"You BRAT!" He exclaimed, when he finally rid himself of the ice, and did up his pants.

Lena laughed. "Hey, I warned you." She turned and beamed at him, her eyes shining. "You should have seen your face."

"I'll get you back missy," Jerry warned, grinning at her. "Mark my words."

"I won't hold my breath," she chuckled as she put the drinks onto a tray.

Jane had been watching their exchange, and noted the way her son was looking at the girl. She could see the light dancing in her son's eyes, and she nudged her husband, and nodded towards the kitchen. John followed her gaze and smiled, and together they watched the two young people as they prepared to bring out the drinks.

Everyone was talking about the reception plans. Brenda and Jax had left all of the planning in Lois and Ned's capable hands, and they were in charge of the party. They had quite a bash in the works. Ned was planning, aided and abetted by Jax and Jerry, Jax's side, while Lois was running the show from Brenda's end. Ned was going to perform with his band, and there were some highjinks and surprises in store. Lady Jane and Lucy had been working on the decorations for the ceremony and reception, and they had just completed the monumental task a few days earlier.

Lois went over to knock on the office door. "Hey you guys! Time's up! Come on outta there!" Brenda, Jax and Augustin emerged to find Jane and John had already arrived.

"Well if it isn't my boy and my beautiful daughter-in-law!" John Jacks boomed, "Come here, both of you, and give your old dad a hug."

"Dad, Mum! You made it!" Jax went over to greet his parents. There was still a tension between father and son over the whole Miranda fiasco, and John felt it when he embraced his son. He hoped that with time, Jax would come to forgive him. For his part, Jax was not willing to let it dampen his spirits.

Brenda pressed kisses on both their cheeks. "Jane, John, I'm so glad that you're both here."

"Well now that we got that over with, come on everyone, let's get goin'!" Lois called out.

"Going?" Brenda and Jax echoed together. "Where are we going?"

"To your bachelor and bachelorette shower-slash-parties!" Robin said, laughing at their confused expressions.

"Our what? We are?" Brenda got out, before Lois grabbed her hand and dragged her out the door. Lena, Robin, and the rest of the women followed close behind.

"Well see you guys later," Lena said, waving before closing the door behind her.

"Where are they going?" Jax asked Ned.

"That, my friend, is none of your concern. We here," Ned said, with a broad sweep of his arm around the room, gesturing at the rest of the men in the room, "are responsible for overseeing your Last Night of Freedom Bash, since you missed your first one by eloping."

"Come on, little brother," Jerry said, handing Jax his coat. "You've got a date with Dana, Daisy and Daienera!"

"With WHO?!" All the men roared as they dragged Jax from the penthouse to the gatehouse where his wild and racy bachelor party was being held.

+++

Brenda laughed as she found herself surrounded by all the women she knew at Luke's. The place was rented out for the occasion, and the music was rocking the club. Even Lila had made an appearance. She poked Lois in the ribs. "How long have you been planning this?"

"Oh, only forever, Bren." Lois replied, dimpling. "It took ya guys long enough to dump the Bat Outta Hell though."

"Just tell me one thing. Jax isn't having one of those awful stag things with strippers and pornos and enough booze to float an oil tanker, is he?"

"Ah, don't worry about ol'Jax. Nedly's takin' good care o'him." Lois grinned.

"Just make sure he's able to walk tomorrow, that's all I ask," Brenda grinned back.

Laura Spencer came over to congratulate Brenda, and wish her the best. She was followed by Lila, Monica and Emily. Ruby gave Brenda a big hug and kiss, and told her to hang on tight to what she's got with Jax. Bobbie told Brenda how happy she was for her, and Lucy was full of her usual hyper energy as she predicted all sorts of strange and undecipherable things for Brenda's future that kept everyone in stitches.

Brenda saw Sonny enter the club from the corner of her eye. He had just walked in. He looked at Brenda longingly, his brown eyes broody. Brenda excused herself, and went over to him. The two of them stepped outside. There was an awkward silence between them before Brenda spoke up.

"How've you been?"

"The same. You?"

"I'm pretty good."

There was a pause between them. "You really gonna go through with this?" he asked, referring to the wedding.

"Well, it's too late to back out now, the presents are all opened," Brenda joked lightly. Then she sobered. "Yeah, I'm really going through with this."

"There's nothing I can say or do to change your mind?"

Brenda shook her head. "Nothing. We weren't meant to be, Sonny. I can't live like you do."

"I could change."

Brenda smiled sadly. "No. You know you'd never be happy unless you were calling all the shots, pushing the envelope out past where it's supposed to be. Just promise me you'll be careful, and you won't push it right over the edge."

"So this is it, huh?"

"This is it."

Lena came out in search for Brenda, and found her hugging Sonny for the last time. "Brenda?" They broke apart at the sound of her voice. "They're looking for you inside. Lois wants to make a toast."

Brenda wiped the tears that had escaped her eyes, and smiled. "Ok," she said, making her way back in.

Sonny leaned back against the brick walls of the club, looking up at the dark night sky, and exhaled. He turned to find Lena regarding him, her expression unreadable. "What?" he asked. "You wanna take another shot at me?"

Lena shook her head. "No. I'm sorry I hit you the first time."

Sonny looked down at the pavement, the hurt evident in his face. "All I wanted was for her to be happy," he said quietly.

"She is."

"Yeah, just not with me."

"She's made her decision. You'd be better off if you accepted it."

"You know," Sonny said, giving Lena a bittersweet smile, "everyone keeps on telling me that."

Lena smiled sadly back at him. "Maybe it's time you started listening."

Back inside the club, as soon as she saw Brenda reappear, Lois climbed up onto a table. She clanged a fork against her class and hollered loudly to be heard above the blaring music. "Ok, ok, time for a toast everyone!"

"Lois Marie, get down from there!" Gloria called out as everyone laughed.

Lois ignored her mother. "Bren, I just wanna say it's about damn time!" Laughter from the women. "I'm sure everyone here knows how long and how hard ya both fought ta make it ta this. I just wanna say, I know you and Jax are gonna have a blast tagether, cuz any fool can see how happy ya are. So! Here's ta a bright and happy future, cuz ya both deserve it!"

"Here, here!" The clanging of glasses and a round of cheers arose from the women.

"Thanks you guys. This means so much to me. I'll never forget it!" Brenda said, smiling at everyone around her.