14

Helena had just sent Andreas on a mission when Sarah arrived, her bags in her hands, clear irritation in her eyes.

"So Lucky and his dear wife threw you out," Helena eyed the girl skeptically. "You disappoint me Miss. Webber."
"It wasn’t my fault," Sarah pouted.

"Wasn’t your fault? There was no need for you to gloat over the recent happenings. You should have kept your mouth shut and not give Lucky Spencer a reason to kick you out. You were my only way to keep a close eye on the Spencer’s moves and now thanks to your foolishness, I have to find another way."

"I’ll do better Mrs. Cassadine. I promise," Sarah stammered. "Give me another chance. I’ll bring Lizzie’s family to it’s knees."

"I can no longer use you Miss. Webber. See my man Andreas tomorrow morning and he’ll give you your severance pay. After that I expect you to leave Port Charles and never return."

"But…Please Helena. There’s so many things I can still do for you. I grew up with Lizzie. I know all her insecurities…I know just how to throw her off guard. Please, let me stay," Sarah begged. She didn’t want to return to boring London. She wanted to stay right here and watch the downfall of her adopted sister.

Helena sighed as she stroked her chin thoughtfully. The girl was a hinderance. She could blow all of Helena’s careful planning. But then again…the more she knew about Lucky Spencer’s wife, the better she can separate the two. Sarah Webber may not be a proper covert spy anymore, but she still had her uses. Maybe she’ll put her with Tom. That’ll be a prime position. Sarah can give Tom all the information he needed.

"All right. I’ll give you one more chance. But for one thing. You will no longer work alone and you will be taking a cut in pay. You will be working with Thomas Baker…"

"Lizzie’s rapist?"
"Yes. Elizabeth’s rapist. You will fill him in on useful information on your sister. Tell him what her weak points are, where she’s most vulnerable. If you fail me this time Miss. Webber, let me warn you that if you mess up this time, you will wish that you took this first offer to leave town because I will not be as merciful next time around."

"Yes Mrs. Cassadine. I understand," Sarah nodded, thankful for another chance to get back at Elizabeth. "I promise, I will not fail you."
"See my man outside. He’ll set you up at the Port Charles hotel. Come here first thing tomorrow morning and I’ll introduce you to Tom and then he’ll give you your instructions," Helena snorted, turning her back to the girl.

"Oh thank you Mrs. Cassadine. Thank you, this means so much to me," Sarah held back to urge the woman and sprinted out the door to follow Helena’s instructions.

Helena shook her head, wondering why she chose that moment to have mercy on the girl. She sure hoped she wasn’t getting soft. Soft was one thing she couldn’t be if she planned to bring the Spencers down. She took out a picture of Lucky Spencer from her desk and traced his features with her finger. "Soon my dear. Soon you will be my weapon to bring Luke to his knees and bring down the Spencer family once and for all."

*

Alexis stood just outside of Elizabeth’s studio, pondering whether to go in or not. She desperately wanted to get to know her daughter, but was scared to death of approaching her. What if Elizabeth was still upset about the revelation that she was her mother? What if she blamed her for what had happened? What if her daughter didn’t even want a relationship with her.

"Alexis?" A familiar voice spoke up from behind her. Alexis turned to face Laura Spencer.

"Laura…what are you doing here?"

"To see Elizabeth. I told her I’d drop off some portfolios of my models. I’m wanting her to design some of the dresses for my photo shoot."
"Oh," Alexis nodded.

"What are you doing here?"

"What?"

"What are you doing here at Elizabeth’s studio? I didn’t think you knew each other," Laura questioned.

"uh…"

Just then Elizabeth opens the door and eyes lit up to see Laura.

"Laura hi!" She hugged her mother in law. What a great surprise. I wasn’t expecting you."

"I just wanted to drop off these portfolios like I promised," Laura handed the folders to her daughter in law. "I know Lucky could have brought them over, or Gia, but I wanted to see how you were holding up. Lucky said you were having a hard time since the news about Tom Baker."

"He’s not the only thing I’m having a hard time with," Elizabeth sighed forlornly.

"Oh Sweetie…do you want to talk about it? Sometimes talking helps."

For the first time Elizabeth sat eyes on Alexis who was beginning to feel like the odd woman out and immediately blushed. "No Laura, I’m fine. I just need to think about things some. Uh Alexis hi. May I help you with something?"
"I came to see you actually. We have a lot to talk about," Alexis shifted from one foot to another.

"I guess we do," Elizabeth glanced at the ground, having no clue what to say to the woman who had given birth to her. Tears came to her eyes every time she thought of the time lost with her real mother and brother, all thanks to Helena.

"Elizabeth honey?" Laura placed a concerned hand on her shoulder.

"Come in. Both of you," Elizabeth stepped aside. "It’s cold out there. I’ll go fix some coffee."

Alexis’s eyes widened with awe and a touch of pride as she saw all of Elizabeth’s drawings. Her daughter was definitely talented. "All of these are your drawings?"

"Oh yes. Lucky’s always encouraging me to enter them into galleries and contests, but I always chicken out. My job at Q advertising is the only way my art is seen," Elizabeth nervously smiled. She just wasn’t used to talking about her art to others, but she hoped this was something both her mother and herself could build off of.

"Oh how wonderful. Even though I wasn’t much of an artist myself, I always found other people’s work fascinating," Alexis smiled with delight, happy to learn something about her daughter’s talents likes and dislikes. "My talent was in arguing and defending. I guess that’s why I’m a lawyer."

"Yes, Stefan told me how you were always standing up for him against Helena and Stavros…well Stavros anyway," Laura nodded.

"Yes, no one dared stand up to Helena," Alexis smiled.

"Oh look at the time," Laura sighed. "I really must be going. Elton is due for his break and I’ve been away long enough. I just wanted to drop off those portfolios," Laura hugged her daughter in law. "You take good care of yourself. Do you hear me?"

"I will. And I’ll take good care of Lucky too. Don’t worry," Elizabeth hugged Laura tightly, basking in the glow of genuine affection. Laura was the mother she had always wanting, the type of mother she hoped Alexis could be, even though she wasn’t getting her hopes up.

"Bye Alexis," Laura waved as she strolled out the door.

"You and Laura seem awfully close," Alexis watched as Elizabeth closed the door.

"You can say we have a lot in common. Loving Lucky being one of them," Elizabeth shrugged. "Plus she was more of a mother than…my adoptive mother ever was."

"Oh. I-I’m sorry…I…"

"No. Don’t be sorry. What happened wasn’t your fault. You thought we had died. I’m sure if Helena had just kept her nose out of your business you would have raised us yourself. Oh my God…my best friend is dating my brother…how…strange," Elizabeth took a seat on the couch after pouring Alexis and herself a hot mug of coffee. "Even stranger that he’s a twin brother."

Alexis laughed. "A bit overwhelming isn’t it?"

"Very," Elizabeth nodded. "I mean I’m used to having brothers and sisters, but a twin brother…that’s something new. Strange, I haven’t even talked to Zander yet. I wonder how he feels about all of this."

"Probably just as confused as the both of us," Alexis smiled, taking a sip of her coffee, Alexis continued. "Elizabeth…I know we barely know one another…but I’d like to be a big part of your life. I want to be a mother to you. I don’t mean that you have to call me mom or anything, unless you want to of course…but I would like it if We could spend more time together. Like shopping or having lunch…or…"

"I’d like that," Elizabeth smiled. "I’d like that a lot Alexis. In fact…Emily is throwing Zander a party to celebrate his new job and it’s pretty formal. I have to buy a new dress. I’d like it if you’d go with me to help pick it out."

"Oh I’d love to," Alexis’s eyes widened with joy. "I’d love to go shopping with you."

"I hope you don’t mind the bodyguards. With Helena, Luke thought it’d…"

"Oh I perfectly understand," Alexis got to her feet. "I don’t mind at all. Well, I better be on my way. I have to meet Ned for brunch. Um…I’ll meet you at Kelly’s tomorrow at nine?"
"That’ll be fine," Elizabeth nodded, looking forward to the shopping spree. "Alexis…I really do look forward to this."

"So do I. I’ll see you tomorrow," Alexis waved as she stepped out into the morning air, happy about the coming plans.

Sighing happily, Elizabeth began gathering up her paints, noticing that it was almost time for her shift at Kelly’s to start. She didn’t hear the door to the studio open behind her as she examined one of her favorite brushes. She gasps as she turns around to see a dark figure standing in the corner of the studio.

She opens her mouth to scream when the figure steps out of the shadows.

"Zander? How long have you been there?"

"I just now came in. You looked so busy I didn’t want to distract you. You really shouldn’t leave your door unlocked like that. I could have been anybody."

"Sonny’s men would have stopped you if they didn’t recognize you," Elizabeth shrugged. "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to make sure you’re coming to the party tomorrow…plus since it’s formal…I was wondering if you can help me buy a tux," Zander cleared his throat. "I know that we barely know each other…but it can be our first brother and sister thing."

Elizabeth smiled. "Sure. You know what, Alexis was just here and we were talking about going shopping tomorrow morning. How would you like to come? All three of us can get to know each other better."

"I don’t know…"

"Zander…she’s your mother too and she really wants to be a part of our lives."

"Yeah after we’re all grown up and not much work," Zander snorted.

"Zander…it wasn’t her fault. You don’t know Helena Cassadine. You don’t know how evil and cruel that woman can be."

"And you do?"
"You bet I do. She kidnapped Lucky, made us think he was dead for a year. If it weren’t for her Cesar Faison would never have thought about using Lucky the way he did. Lucky still has nightmares about it. Now that she’s back in town…there’s no telling what she’s up to."

"Alexis could have looked for us…"

"She thought we were dead Zander. If Helena isn’t good at anything else, she’s an expert on making people believe their loved ones died when they’re not. I know that from personal experience," Elizabeth went to her sink and started cleaning her brushes. "So what do you say? Are you joining us tomorrow?"

Zander sighed in defeat. "Ok. Fine."

"Meet us at Kelly’s at nine," Elizabeth grinned.

"Have you talked to Roy Deluca?"
Elizabeth shook her head. "I haven’t seen him."

"…Well I have."
"And?"

"I yelled at him. Called him a couple of dirty words. Maybe I shouldn’t have, but he made me so mad. I mean if he had just stayed with her…Helena wouldn’t have taken us, I know it."

"How do you know that Zander? When Helena wants something she moves heaven and earth to get it. Why do you think Sonny’s men are out there watching me and at L&B watching Lucky? Because of Helena. The woman is capable of anything."

"Big bad Helena. I wonder if she’s so big and bad when she’s faced with what she’s done," Zander heads for the door.

"Zander? Where are you going? Listen if you’re thinking about going after Helena Cassadine, don’t! She’s dangerous. Zander!"

"I’ll see you tomorrow," Zander waved as he left the studio.

"Zander!" Elizabeth called again, but her new-found brother was already heading down the sidewalk.

Taking out her cellphone, Elizabeth dials Luke’s number.

"Spencer here," Luke’s gruff voice answered.

"Luke? It’s me Elizabeth. I need your help."

"Lizzie! What can I do for you cowgirl?"

"It’s Zander! He’s gone off to confront Helena and I’m afraid she’ll do something horrible to him! He doesn’t know what he’s getting into Luke."

"Hey don’t worry about it. I’m on my way to see the Hellcat myself. I’ll make sure Zander gets out of there in one piece. You just stay calm and try not to think about it too much."

"Thank you Luke."

"Hey you’re family. And you know me, I do anything for my family. Now calm down. You know how Cowboy gets overprotective when you’re upset."

Elizabeth rolled her eyes and laughed. "You’re right. He won’t let me leave the house. I’ll see you later."

"See ya," Luke hung up and headed out of his office. "Claude! I’m going out! Don’t give me a reason to fire you!" Claude laughed. All of the threats of being fired were never really taken seriously by neither himself nor his boss. "Sure thing boss."

"Eh!" Luke waved his hand in dismissal as he continued out of the club and headed for the docks to rescue Elizabeth’s new found brother from the clutches of Madame Cassadine.

*

Luckily for Zander, Helena had neglected to post her usual guards on the yacht, making it easy for him to just walk onboard and search for her. Helena of course was expecting Luke Spencer, making his usual threats and violent gestures, so imagine her surprise when Zander Smith, one of the spawn of Alexis enter her office, firey anger in his usually warm brown eyes.

"What do I owe this…intrusion to?" She glanced at the boy noticing how well built he was. The young men today was in better shape than the men in her day and in much better physical attributes than her regular boy toys. Maybe Lucky won’t be her only conquest. It’d be interesting to bed the grandson of her deceased husband as well.

"You know who I am," Zander growled. "And I want to know why. Why you took me and my sister away from our mother? What had we ever done to you?"

"It’s not what you did to me my dear boy. It’s what your grandmother did to me. Bedding my husband, bearing him a bastard daughter…I was not going to have anymore bastard children laying claim to what is rightfully mine."

"Rightfully yours?"

"The Cassadine fortune my dear boy," Helena began to saunter over to Zander, desire obvious in her eyes. Zander could read it and started to back away.

"Did it ever occur to you that we wouldn’t want your money?"

Helena laughed as she cornered the young man, flirtatiously touching his cheek. "My dear boy, everyone wants money. You, me, Your pretty little sister, your mother…it’s in our blood. It’s what makes the world go round. If you had my money, it’d be much easier for you to see your little girlfriend wouldn't it?"

"Leave Emily out of this," Zander growled.

Helena smiled, now pressing up against Zander suggestively. The boy sure was in fine shape. She couldn’t wait to have him. "If that’s the way you like it, I won’t even mention the little twit. Now my dear, let’s discuss us."

Zander swallowed, knowing what Helena was suggesting and not really bothering to hide his disgust at the idea. "There is no us Helena."

"Of course there is. Andreas is getting old…and I’m getting board. It’s time I had some young blood," Helena moves closer, ready to kiss the young man when she felt the cold hard barrel of a gun pressed against her back.

"Step away from the kid Helena before I’m forced to put a end to your miserable life," Luke hissed in her ear.

"Oh Luke, must you ruin my fun. First Lucky, and now Zander," Helena stepped back away from Zander who breathed a sigh of relief. He owed Luke Spencer big time.

"Shut up Hellcat," Luke snarled. "Zander get out of here."

"I had things under control," Zander crossed his arms, he wasn’t finished, he wanted more answers.

"Oh really? Two minutes later and the woman would have had you undressed. Now get out of here. Go home to Emily."

Looking at Helena then Luke, Zander decided it was wise not to argue and quickly left the room

"Luke really! This is unnecessary!" Helena crossed her arms and turned to face her nemesis.

"I come here, see you ready to rape Elizabeth’s new found brother and you call this unnecessary?" Luke laughed. "You are funny."

"Such uncouth humor," Helena shook her head. "I was just greeting the young man."

"Just like you were greeting my son the other day," Luke held back his temper. Everytime he thought of Helena touching his son the way she did, it drove him mad.

Helena smiled sickily. "Exactly. Zander is a fine young man. Tall, dark, strong, reminds me so much of Mikkos...ECK!" She strangled as Luke grabbed her throat and pushed the gun into her face.

"You stay away from him! And you stay away from Lucky or I will kill you!"

"Is that a promise?" Helena managed to croak.

Luke just angrily sneered before releasing Helena and pushing her to the wall where she began to Elaugh evilly. "Go to Hell."

"Oh Luke, I’m already there and soon, you will be too!" She called as Luke stormed off the yacht and back to his club, ready to hatch a plan that would get rid of Helena once and for all!

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