~~ I knew I loved you before I met you. I think I dreamed you into life. ~~ Savage Garden

Laura smiled as Elizabeth finally made her way into the kitchen. Still rubbing at her eyes, though it was close to noon. She looked beyond tired. The kind of tired Laura used to feel when she was…

‘Stop that,’ Laura thought to herself immediately. ‘The woman lost a child and here you are dreaming up grandbabies…she doesn’t need your physic predictions right now.’

"Sleep well honey?" Laura asked. Pasting a smile on her face. "Or did Lu wind up keeping you awake ALL night?"

Luke grinned from his place at the kitchen table. "Have a seat Elizabeth…Munchkin Breath is out walking Foster – you’re safe…for now."

Elizabeth stayed glued to the door. The smell of bacon swirling thickly in through her nostrils and turning her stomach. ‘BLT’s she thought…bacon – lettuce – AND TOMATOES’…none of it sounded remotely appetizing.

She was…’Stop thinking about it Elizabeth. You can’t think about that right now,’ she told herself silently. Elizabeth wrapped her arms around her waist and shook her head.

"You know…it looks like such a beautiful day out, I think maybe I’ll just follow Lu’s example and take a walk."

"Eat first," Luke persisted. Knowing that, according to Lucky he was supposed to be keeping Elizabeth inside as much as possible. Laura moved closer to the girl and shuffled her along towards the table.

Luke pulled out a chair for her. "You know…my son says that all you eat these days is junk food…that he has to force you to eat an actual meal – so sit."

Grinning awkwardly, Elizabeth slumped into her seat. That wasn’t true…sometimes she had…like…milkshakes…or something. And those had like…milk in ‘em…See – healthy.

‘And last night didn’t you just love dipping those pink elephant cookies into that big tall glass of milk…didn’t you?’

Dear Lord…

The thought made her queasy again and she covered her face. Rubbing at the circles beneath her eyes. "Maybe I could just sit here and watch YOU guys eat…how’s that?"

Luke bit into a piece of bacon. About a pound of it lying on his plate. "Oh girlie, you don’t know what you’re missin’."

Elizabeth grimaced. She really would hurl in about 2 seconds. There was no doubt in her mind. And the spewage would look like a big pink mass of MOTHER’S COOKIES.

"Stop it!"

"What?" Laura asked. Turning to her with astonishment in her eyes.

Eyes wide with embarrassment, Elizabeth realized her outburst had not stayed confined within her own head. "Oh…I’m – I’m sorry…I was just joking around with Luke – I mean…the way he’s just tearing into that bacon can’t be good for his cholesterol."

Luke took another huge bite and grinned. "Cholesterol, shmesterol – it’s good for ya."

Laura caught the look on Elizabeth’s thoroughly disgusted face. She really looked like she was about to be sick.

"Sweetheart are you ok?" She asked. Coming over to place a hand on Elizabeth’s forehead. "Oh honey, you know it feels like maybe you’re running a slight fever."

‘Just like before,’ Elizabeth thought. Placing her head in her hands on the table. She quickly shook out of the slump before they had a chance to try and take care of her, or ask questions.

Aside from that, a lump the size of Alaska had grown in her throat.

"Yeah maybe…I’ll just go upstairs and lie down…maybe wait for Lucky’s call. I wish he would have called last night – he said he would as soon as he got settled."

"He’ll call, Elizabeth," Luke stated matter of factly. "If he hasn’t done it yet, it just means he hasn’t found a safe place to make a call from…give him a little while – If I know my kid he’s thinking about you just as much as you’re thinking about him.

Hadn’t found a safe place to call from? Like that was supposed to make her feel better? What the Hell was he doing anyway? Chasing after some freaks he used to play poker with? What was that going to prove? That he could get killed by psychotic Alex just like filthy Tim had or…Dirty Tim…or whatever the HELL his name was! It was ridiculous and stupid, and she was pregnant for God’s sake!

‘Whoa…calm down girl,’ Elizabeth thought quickly. Silently interrupting her mind’s radical tirade. She took a deep breath and smiled half-heartedly.

It seemed her brain wouldn’t STOP thinking. She hadn’t been able to fall asleep last night for all the thoughts running around in her head. She’d wished that Lucky had been there to hold her. To tell her that everything was going to be alright.

‘But what would you say if he called right this instant Elizabeth? An inner voice asked. ‘Would you tell him that you’re pregnant? Correction that you MIGHT be…Or would you keep it a secret like last time? And then when you lose the baby, you can just –

"Excuse me," Elizabeth mumbled suddenly. Jumping up from the table. Unable to take it anymore. Though she knew it was impossible to escape from your own head.

Laura and Luke’s eyes widened as the kitchen door swung open and then closed in her wake. They heard her bound up the stairs as if life depended on it a second later.

The feeling that had passed over Laura when she’d first seen Elizabeth last night, only having intensified since she’d walked in the kitchen this morning. Luke read the concern in Laura’s eyes and nodded for her to go ahead.

She remembered looking at the same glazed expression on her own face when she was Elizabeth’s age.

"I’ll be right back honey…finish your bacon."

Elizabeth wretched into the toilet for the second time. Embracing the commode like a lover, as she closed her eyes to keep the room from spinning. Sweet Jesus…

See, this was proof that she wasn’t pregnant! She had barely ever been sick with Luna. Maybe a couple of times…but never like this. Maybe she just had the stomach flu or something. Like Laura said, she did have a fever. Maybe that was the cause of…

"Elizabeth…Honey are you ok?"

Looking up at the door, made Elizabeth’s world start to shake again so she closed her eyes. "Uhuh…yeah – I’m fine Laura. Thank you. I’ll be out in a second…I think maybe I just ate a little too much junk food with Lu last night…you’re daughter’s got a heck of a sweet tooth."

"Yes she does…Even more than Lucky had at that age…Sweetie," Laura paused. "Would it be alright if I came in?"

‘Sweetie’. The familiarity of the term caused her to open her eyes. Suddenly recalling so much, and completely unable to believe that for a moment she’d forgotten that she was sitting in the small bathroom where she’d spent one of the worst nights of her life.

But that’s what being pregnant did – it had the ability to make you forget all else for long moments at a time.

With wobbly legs, Elizabeth walked towards the bathroom door and opened it. Moving instantly towards the sink to try and wash out her mouth. She reached for the mouthwash inside the cabinet and swooshed it around on her tongue. When she looked up into the mirror before her, their eyes met.

They were like Lucky’s sometimes. Penetrating and all-knowing. Figuring things out before you even said them.

"I’m just a little sick," Elizabeth sighed, trying to head her off at the pass. "I think maybe something is going around at Lucky’s work and he brought it home to me…better than flowers." She grinned.

Laura smiled crookedly. It was the second possible excuse for sickness that the girl had come up with in the span of a minute.

Slowly, Laura narrowed the space between them by wrapping her arms around the girl who’d become a woman while she wasn’t looking. A woman who was desperately afraid that she might suffer the same fate that she had years ago…and who could blame her. Laura knew not what she would have done in the same situation.

Though she wanted to feel nothing but unadulterated joy at the prospect of a baby to hold and spoil, she knew Elizabeth couldn’t possibly be feeling the same unconditional happiness.

Deciding to just plunge ahead, Laura brushed Elizabeth’s hair out of the way and dove in. "When I was pregnant with Lucky –

"Laura," Elizabeth interjected quickly. Holding up one hand as she took a step back. "I’m not –

"Just a second," Laura said softly. "Just hear me out…Elizabeth…please.

"When I was pregnant with Lucky," she began again. Placing her hand against her abdomen. "There was a part of me that had this fear…a fear that he’d be taken away from me once he was born……

"I’ve never told anyone this, not even Luke – because at the time, I already knew where the fear came from. And if I told him where it came from – I’d have to tell him about Nikolas too. I really wish I would have…but that’s not the point I’m trying to make," she paused in order to back track. "My fear came from having to give Nikolas up…and that fear kept me up at night Elizabeth. It was so strong, that it kept me from enjoying being pregnant on some days…Now I KNOW that what I went through can not possibly compare to what you did…Honey, I will be angry with myself for the rest of my life for not being there for you…

"But," she paused. "What I want you to know is that I decided that I wouldn’t let my fear stand in the way of my happiness. That I COULDN’T. I loved my child too much and I had to embrace the gift that had been given to me…and not be fearful of it – but cherish it with all of my heart…and that means giving up the fear."

Elizabeth looked down at the tile floor, and when she looked back up there were tears in her eyes. How did you do that? How did you just ‘give up’ the fear? If she could…

God, why couldn’t she be like every other woman in the world who was pregnant with the child of a man she loved? Why couldn’t she just wake up ecstatic and joyful? It wasn’t fair.

Laura neared her once more and hugged her again. "You don’t have to tell me anything, or say anything you’re not ready to say. But know that I’m here for you…for whatever you need. If you want to talk…about it – about ANYTHING at all – I’m here…ok?

Elizabeth nodded and sniffled as Laura continued.

"I know that my son is hurting over the loss of his child, and his pain is very raw and sharp because it’s so new…but you – you’ve had to live with it for years – it must be an overwhelming ache sometimes."

A tear slipped down Elizabeth’s cheek and Laura brushed it away. It struck Elizabeth that although Lucky’s hands were very masculine, they moved and felt exactly like Laura’s. A soft, gentle grace in every gesture.

It hadn’t even been 24 hours and she missed his hands more than words could say.

Laura leaned in and pushed Elizabeth’s bangs aside to kiss her forehead. Smoothing her thumb across her skin a moment later. "I’m here – if you need me."

Elizabeth nodded once again as Laura disappeared.

Right at that moment…she had no idea what she needed. But something told her that Lucky’s voice would help.

Lucky walked casually into the smoke-filled bar and eased himself up on the stool. The dimly lit atmosphere enough to depress anybody in the middle of the afternoon. Yet he knew the few sullen faces in the place weren’t wearing sad expressions because of the lack of lighting. They were all just sad alcoholics trying to pass the time.

Especially the guy that sat two stools down…he looked even worse than Lucky remembered.

Jerry Van Hest: a regular attendee at the Thursday night Poker games of old. A grade A – no shame having - alcoholic. Played the game of poker recklessly and carelessly. And had been the weakest link in the ‘crew’.

He had, however - been the first link – the first to mention the games at work. He still remembered how the conversation had went. So brief and subtle that he hadn’t picked up on the brilliant set up. Lucky having mentioned wanting to buy a ring for his girl, Jerry casually mentioning a poker game he had going on.

Simple – yet lethal. The description for a perfect plan.

But now that Helena was dead maybe good ol’ Jerry would find a story at the bottom of his bourbon glass. Lucky glanced at the baseball game that whispered in the corner and then down towards Jerry. His eyes were even more bloodshot than they had been the last time he’d seen the guy.

"How’s it goin?" Lucky asked casually. Reaching over to grab the bowl of peanuts that sat in front of Jerry. He nodded in greeting as the bartender strolled by.

Jerry gave him a nod. "Can’t complain…you?"

"Same," Lucky sighed. Deliberating glancing around the nearly empty bar.

"That good huh?" Jerry quipped. Lifting his glass to his lips. "Yeah I could be better myself."

"Things would be excellent if I could find myself a little action around here. You wouldn’t happen to know what they’ve got goin on in that backroom there, would ya?"

Jerry, moved slowly and let his eyes travel over to the room and then back over to the kid. He looked familiar…but then again everybody looked familiar these days. "You looking for a game? They got pool in the back."

Lucky shook his head. "Nah, that’s not really my game…I’m thinkin’ higher stakes."

One furry brow twitched on the bastard’s face. He grinned a little. "They don’t got that here."

Lucky nodded and waited for a beat as Jerry turned back towards the TV. He knew it’d only be a second…"You looking to play though, huh?"

‘Ding-dong,’ You could set your clock by these guys. "I guess that depends."

"On what?" Jerry asked. Finding himself suddenly intrigued.

"Stakes – players. I’m not talking some Mickey Mouse game...I’m talkin’ real cards and heavy hitters."

Jerry Van Hest mulled that over for a moment and pushed out his bottom lip. Turning towards the bar with a belly that flopped over his straining belt. Rick would love this – fresh meat.

Lucky kept his expression blank while his stomach churned. The guy was the dumbest, most disgusting idiot he’d ever seen.

"That could maybe be arranged," he said finally. Turning to light a cigarette. Lucky eyed his every movement. His hands shook from years of alcohol and evil. "What’s your specialty kid?"

"Poker."

Jerry’s smile widened a bit. "Ah, yeah…poker’s a nice game…Well, I got a coupla guys. Friends and I…you know, we get together and play from time to time. Might be a little too rich for your blood…but if you’re into it - tonight…"

"I ain’t got anything to lose," Lucky interceded.

The decrepit man laughed this time and took a puff of his cigarette. Lucky felt like putting it out on his hand. Burning the shit out of him. Maybe give him a scar to match the one he’d helped give Elizabeth.

"It’s a go then," Jerry concluded. "What’s your name kid?"

"Junior," Lucky said. Extending his hand…He’d have to sterilize it later.

"Junior huh?… Kid nobody’s gonna take you seriously when you belly up to the table with a name like that," he said. Puffing away.

Lucky slid his hand against the back of his waistband. The heavy piece of metal that sat tucked inside his pants would probably help in the ‘serious’ area.

"That’s alright…we’ll just let the cards speak for themselves. I’m pretty serious at the table."

Port Charles, New York
24 Royal Street
The Spencer Residence

Her better judgement had told her not to do this today. She was already nauseous and emotional…and now this. Like she actually needed this now?

But she had to know.

She had to know everything that Alex had done and everything that he knew. Everything they were going to have to fight for when they went up against him.

Elizabeth’s fingers had gone numb as she flipped through page after page in the folders that had been inside the chest. Every moment of her life with Lucky documented for perverse posterity.

Every move meticulously recorded. When she arrived home, when he left for work, when he arrived back, when she left for school, when they got up in the morning, when they had dinner, when he took out the trash, when they had sex.

Every single private moment of her life, dated and invaded…Raped.

Elizabeth took a deep, shuddering breath and glanced behind her as she continued to read. Knowing the entire family was out, but feeling the need to protect what was hers anyhow. The memories belonged to Lucky and her. Not to anyone else.

Luke said he hadn’t read any of what was in the folders and for that she would always be grateful. Though she knew they’d have to use it all as evidence at some point…it belonged to her. Their life had been stolen right out from under them, and they would be the ones to get it back.

It made her want to scream at the top of her lungs. It made her want to kick and hit and punch and kill. But Helena was already gone…and Alex…

She wondered how Lucky’s meeting with Alex had gone. It scared her to think of them in the same room. Not necessarily afraid for Lucky’s safety – she knew he could handle himself. And not afraid that Lucky would kill Alex either.

Her fear lay in how much she wanted him to. How much she yearned for it.

The last few nights, she’d dreamt of it. A world without Alex. A life where she could forget he’d ever existed. And when Lucky put his hands on her, in those moments of pure pleasure – she could. But as soon as he closed his eyes for the night, it was Alex’s face that showed up. Dead – gone…perfect.

Yet now, as she searched through the remnants of what her life used to be, she knew that Alex would never truly be gone. Even if Alex went to prison or dropped dead of some horrible disease tomorrow – his legacy would live on.

A fluttering in her stomach had her closing her eyes. And a flurry of questions swirling rapidly through her head.

What if there was a life growing inside her? One that had only been created by the fact that Alex had inadvertently made it possible for she and Lucky to conceive. What if the fate of this child was only to join her sister…

"Her?"

The question exited her mouth on quiet voice and once again she glanced around the room to make sure the walls hadn’t heard.

"Stop this Elizabeth…you don’t even know for sure that you’re………just stop it," she whispered. Trying not to smooth her hand over the swell of her belly. One she’d been stupid enough to think was just a result of too much snacking.

Denial. "It ain’t just a river," she whispered.

The ringing of the phone startled her and she waited for a moment before picking it up, wondering if she should just allow the answering machine to do it’s job. Lucky didn’t want anyone to know she was there right? She was supposed to be out of town…

"Hello…Sweetie are you there?…If anybody’s home –

"Lucky!"

The sigh on the other end of the phone made her heart skip a beat. "Hey Baby."

‘Baby.’ The sound melted her heart like a stick of butter. That particular term of endearment was a rare one. Saved for moments when he really missed her or was very concerned about her. Usually it was ‘Sweetie.’ But today…it was ‘Baby’.

She bit her lip to keep from crying at the literal sense of the word.

It wasn’t something she could tell him over the phone. Not like this……They were supposed to do everything together now – but like this? Over the phone?

No, she needed the circle of his arms to fall into. She needed to feel his touch. She couldn’t do it like this.

"Hi," she whispered. Immediately pulling her legs up while she sat the phone’s cradle on the ledge of the couch. "How are you? Where are you? Are you gonna be able to come home soon?"

Faster than a speeding bullet – that was his Elizabeth. Fortunately for him, some things in life never changed.

"Good…in Queens…and if all goes well – by tomorrow or the next day," he answered in sequence.

"Tomorrow or the next day?" She sighed. Horror in her voice. "I need you now Lucky."

He leaned his head against the booth of the pay phone and closed his eyes. If he concentrated hard, enough he could literally feel her skin against his. He’d gotten pretty good at it during his time away from her. But at this point it was no longer good enough.

His hands, heart and mind, all ached for her.

"I need you now too Baby," he sighed. "How you feelin’ huh? Did you get those results back yet?"

Elizabeth quieted for a moment and then shook her head. "You don’t get lab results that quickly and don’t deflect the conversation. I wanna know what’s going on."

Lucky sighed. "I wasn’t trying to deflect but ok…I think things are going well. I found a guy by the name of Jerry Van Hest…the key ant."

"The what?"

"The key ant," Lucky repeated. "Send the key ant of the hill, back to his little clan with a small bit of poison…they all die. Very effective."

A shiver ran up her spine. "Why do I NOT like that analogy? And what exactly IS the poison? Or should I say WHO?" Elizabeth groaned. Already knowing the answer.

"Don’t worry about me," Lucky whispered. Making sure that his eyes never left the street. "I’m not gonna do anything I can’t get myself out of…I’m gonna be fine…and by tonight – I should have all the info I need."

Nervously, Elizabeth pushed a few strands of hair behind her ear. Was this one of those times when she should ask for every bit of info, or leave well enough alone?

"I’m not going to ask you to tell me every detail of what you’re planning. But I am going to ask you to please, please, please be careful."

"You know that I will be…I’ve got far too much to lose, Sweetie."

Elizabeth closed her eyes and unconsciously rubbed her stomach. "Lucky are you sure I can’t talk to your father? I mean maybe he can help or –

"No," Lucky said quickly. Cutting her off. "Elizabeth I don’t wanna get my family anymore involved in this than they already are…and I can handle this on my own."

"I know," Elizabeth sighed. "I know…I just…I just really want you home."

"Has Alex contacted you?" Lucky asked suddenly. Fearing the worst.

"No," she sighed. "I just miss you already…that’s all."

"I miss you too…"

She was quiet for few moments, and Lucky waited with baited breath for her to speak again. Not wanting to hang up. Wanting only to hear her voice for as long as he possibly could. He’d stand in a phone booth for hours if he had to.

"Hey," Lucky whispered. Bringing the receiver close to him. "Where is Dad anyway? He’s supposed to be entertaining you."

Distracted by other thoughts, Elizabeth had to think about where Luke said he was going. "Um, he stepped out for a minute –

"What!?" Lucky interjected before she even had a chance to finish the explanation. "What do you mean he stepped out!? He’s supposed to be watching you?! What the Hell is he thi-

"Lucky, Lucky!" Elizabeth cut in. "He JUST went to take Lu to one of her friend’s house. He’ll be home any minute now. Baby calm down...Alex isn’t gonna come here, ok? What does he have to gain by trying to hurt me? He wants me to suffer remember? That’s why he’s contesting the divorce – killing me would be far too quick."

"Don’t talk like that."

Elizabeth bit her lip. "I’m sorry," she sighed after a moment. "You know how my mouth gets sometimes."

Lucky smiled in spite of himself and folded his arms across his chest. "Yeah, I know how your mouth gets…I love how your mouth gets.

"I just wish I would have had Sonny put a few guys around the house," he sighed a moment later. Preoccupied with worry once again. He was never very far away from it. "I could still –

Elizabeth groaned. "Lucky just relax please…for me? Your dad will be right back…and your mom just went to the market."

"Why didn’t you go with her?"

"Because I didn’t WANT to!" She snapped suddenly. "I wasn’t feeling well…and I wanted to look through some of these papers…Lucky he watched us…they both did – every second of every day and we didn’t even know it!"

He was silent for a long moment. This entire situation was beginning to irk the Hell out of both of them. "I’m sorry…I…Sweetie why don’t you wait till I get back and we can go through that stuff together."

"No, Lucky stop trying to take care of me. I NEED to see this…I need to see what he did and I don’t wanna be in the dark anymore. He kept me there long enough."

Lucky sighed. "I know that…I just wish I could be there with you."

Elizabeth shrugged. "I do too, but it’s not like you didn’t prepare me for this…I just didn’t…I didn’t realize the records were this detailed…but hey," she added quickly. Sarcastic happiness in her voice. "This will make it easier for us huh? Make it easier to prove how careful and planned everything was."

The sadness in her voice made his heart ache. "Sweetie, he’s never gonna touch us again. Do you understand that? Not ever. From this point on, our life is ours."

Elizabeth bit her lip and blinked back tears. Staring down at her stomach. "How did things…how did things go with Alex last night? Did he admit to having anything to do with that guy’s death?"

"You’re kidding right?" Lucky asked. "Alex is never going to actually admit to anything…but he did it Elizabeth. I’m sure of that…that’s why I’m so worried about your safety and…" His voice trailed off. He wouldn’t bring it up again.

Lucky back tracked. "There’s something else too. I’m not sure what it is, but he was even more agitated than I expected him to be. I think he thought I knew something else because you should have seen the panic in his eyes Elizabeth…there’s something else – something we don’t know yet.

"Like what?"

"I don’t know," Lucky answered. "Somebody else he might’ve offed in the last couple of days? Who knows?…We’re gonna find out though."

Once again, Elizabeth shivered. She was married to a man that killed people. Killed people who simply made the mistake of getting involved with him…just like she had.

Lucky’s words broke through her thoughts. "My dad still isn’t back yet huh? You know Lu shoulda just walked. They used to make me walk everywhere...the kid’s gonna get too soft."

Elizabeth giggled. The joke having garnered the desired effect. "Well I’d definitely say it did a body good…

"And by the way, Lu is NOT soft," she added. "She’s tough like her brother – and smart, and sweet…and hey! Soft isn’t such a bad thing sometimes, you know? I mean she is a GIRL, Lucky."

"Yeah, yeah I know she’s a girl," Lucky laughed. Sadness tingeing the ends of it. Soft little girls…

Elizabeth smiled. "I did her hair last night…she’s the sweetest thing Lucky."

Lucky heard the longing in Elizabeth’s voice and it mirrored every emotion in his own heart. She would make such a wonderful mom…

‘Would HAVE,’ his thoughts corrected. Clearing his throat suddenly, Lucky spoke again. "So um…what did you two talk about?"

Rolling her eyes, Elizabeth leaned back on the couch. "Not YOU if that’s what you mean…sheesh – men. Such egos…"

"I love you," he sighed. Biting his bottom lip.

Elizabeth let the words radiate for a moment before opening her eyes and saying it back. "I love you too...always."

He sighed on his end and Elizabeth cleared her throat. "I don’t want you to go yet, ok?…Keep talking."

"I’m not going anywhere," Lucky said softly. "I’m loving the sound of your voice too much to hang up."

She snuggled against the cushions and sighed. "Good because I feel the same way and…you know what I’d like more than anything?"

"What?" He asked quietly. The sun, beginning to set outside. Even from a phone booth it was beautiful. He was once again reminded of the talk he’d had with his mother at the park. There was beauty everywhere – even in places you didn’t expect it.

And something in Elizabeth’s voice sounded like a song today. Sounded like the most beautiful thing he’d ever heard.

"Sing," she sighed.

Lucky chuckled and folded his arms. "Ah come on…here?…You gotta be kidding me. I’ll sing all you want once I get home."

"Will you sing to me in bed?" She asked with a giggle.

"I’ll sing anywhere you want…just not a phone booth...besides," he added with a smile in his voice. "You always fall asleep when I sing."

"I do NOT!" She scoffed. Sitting up when she realized she’d been in the exact right position to fulfill that prophecy. Her lids had been heavy all day long. "Not all the time," she added awkwardly.

"That’s true – not all the time. Sometimes instead of sleeping you wind up wanting to make love instead…but seeing as I can’t touch you right now that’d be real difficult…"

Elizabeth pouted and he knew that she was. "It’s ok though," he continued. "Because I’ve got something special planned for you when I get back."

Giddy now, Elizabeth bit her lip. "A surprise?! What kind of surprise?!"

"If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise!" Lucky laughed. "And um…you only get it if you’re good."

Elizabeth clucked her tongue. "If you come home I’ll show you just how good I can be."

Lucky growled into the phone. "Elizabeth Imogene Webber…."

She smiled. He’d called her by her maiden name. Her voice emerged on a sigh. "I can’t wait for your surprise."

Lucky listened to her deep yawn a moment later. Closing his eyes to the sound of her deep breathing then. "Lu keep you awake last night?"

"Yeah," she said through another yawn. Stretching out on the couch. She pushed all the files to the floor. A few papers sliding out of their folders. "But it was…it was so much fun. I love being with her."

"Sweetie you’re tired…I’m gonna let you go take a nap. And I’ll see you soo -

"Noooo," she sighed. "I don’t want you to go…just talk to me. Start digging for your quarters and talk forever."

"It’s on the calling card," Lucky chuckled.

"Oh, even better… so talk," she demanded through a yawn. She’d never tire of hearing his voice. Especially during moments like these, right before her fatigue overtook her. She never felt safer than when his voice whispered in her ear.

Lucky smiled. Wishing he could see her. She was so unbelievably cute when she was falling asleep. "Let’s see…what shall I talk about? How much I love and adore you? How beautiful you are?"

"All of that," she smiled. Her eyes extremely heavy. "And don’t forget to mention my butt."

"How could I forget that lovely asset?" Lucky grinned secretively. "But is this reciprocal?" He continued with a wide smile. "You gonna talk about how hot I am?"

"Definitely," she mumbled. "You go first though…Yours’ll take awhile."

"It definitely will," Lucky whispered. Leaning against the back of the booth and closing his eyes for a moment. Knowing she’d be asleep in a matter of seconds. "You are the most gorgeous woman on the face of this planet. When I look at you…when I touch you – I can’t believe you’re mine. I can’t believe that I ever did anything in this life to deserve you. Especially after everything I did to mess things up. I’ll never ever forgive myself for all that I did to hurt you…but I promise you that I’m gonna do everything in my power to make that up to you, if you let me…I’ll spend the rest of my life making you happier than you’ve ever been.

"We got a second chance at this Elizabeth…and I know we have a lot to overcome but I think we’re together because it’s meant to be……When I wake up in the morning and see you I thank God that he chose you for me. And I pray that I can be good enough for you…And even though I know that I’ll never deserve you…Selfishly, I have to ask you to be with me forever anyway…And even more importantly, I have to ask you if….if you’d do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

The silence on the other end of the line didn’t come as any surprise. The sound of her deep and rhythmic breathing the only tone filling his ears. He’d known she was asleep before he’d asked. And he also knew it was a premature question. Neither of them was free yet. Until she was divorced, and he was free of all the demons here that haunted him, they couldn’t be married.

Aside from all that - it had been the most unromantic proposal he could think of.

And since he had just about a million and one ideas about how he would actually do it– this wouldn’t cut it. No, when he popped the question for real – it wouldn’t be from inside some damn phone booth. He’d be able to see her eyes, and she’d be able to see his.

He’d take her hands in his and then he’d never ever let go.

Lucky closed his eyes and listened to her breathing for one more minute before hanging up. "Dreams of Gold, Angel…I’ll see you soon."

And they were…dreams of gold.

Green Haven Convalescent Home
Suite 24

Audrey attempted to form the words with her lips once more. Knowing that if she could say the syllables of her granddaughter’s name out loud instead of having them locked solely inside her mind, the doctors would summon her.

She had to get to her. Had to tell her everything she remembered. Now that the girl had finally come to her senses and decided to get a divorce from that evil, evil man she had to know the rest of it as well. Had to know what had plagued Audrey for the last several years. What had only lengthened her body’s healing process.

The shock of hearing what she’d heard still able to paralyze her entire being with fear and anger.

Knowledge that had caused Alex to send her to this place. A place where her words had remained stunted and her mind was addled. She’d wrestled with the memories for years, and now they lay restlessly at the surface. Dying to be set free at last.

Yearning to reign justice on Alex’s fate.

She remembered vividly the truth of that horrible night so long ago. The anniversary gala…the night she came to realize exactly what kind of man her granddaughter had married.

It would kill Elizabeth to know…but she had to know. For her sake. For the sake of her future children.

***

How anyone could look so supremely lovely and undeniably sad at once, was a mystery to Audrey, but she knew that it was true. Her granddaughter was dying inside, and she simply would not reach out for help. She would only float around the room in her designer dress.

Greeting people…smiling at people. The expressions on her face the perfect mask for a charade. It was scary how good Elizabeth was at it.

As Audrey made her way through the crowd, she watched from afar as she shook hands with various movers and shakers. Her dress all a glitter around her. Glamour in her every move and step.

Lessons. Alex had actually hired a teacher for her. A teacher that specialized in how to hobnob with the rich and famous. Her grand daughter it seemed – had become an excellent student with age.

The expression Elizabeth wore now was even worse than it had been at the wedding. The white gown she’d worn fit for a fairy princess, but not enough to make her smile reach her eyes. She’d looked more lonely that day than she’d ever been. But somehow her mother had convinced her to go through with it.

A mother that mingled the room now with a glass of champagne and a genuine smile…She was in her element and it made Audrey sick.

Between she and Emily, Audrey thought they’d be able to convince the girl not to go through with such a travesty of a marriage. But here she was…months later – trapped in a self-made nightmare.

Deciding that she could no longer watch Elizabeth’s plastered grin, Audrey gathered the hem of her own ball gown and headed towards the French doors. Seeking solace in the gardens outside. Her next option would be to down a few glasses of champagne in a very un ladylike manner.

But Elizabeth had once told her that the gardens were her favorite part of the mansion…maybe they’d be nice on such a balmy evening.

As soon as the doors opened, she could see why they were such a favorite for Elizabeth. After being in that mansion for only a few hours, she’d already felt suffocated. It’s stark whiteness. It’s gleaming floors and fixtures. It looked unlived in. It looked sterile and cold.

The garden was utopia in comparison.

Her Elizabeth had been so happy in the dinky little apartment in Greenwich Village with her love. Her Elizabeth needed only a small canvas to be happy, not a 20-room spectacle.

Audrey shivered a bit as a cool breeze blew past her shoulders, but it was far too beautiful of a night to go back inside. Pulling her shawl more tightly around her, she ventured further out onto the patio before the voices made her stop cold.

Alex’s voice and another that she couldn’t make out…in hushed whisper, coming from around the side of the house. The other voice definitely female.

She knew she should have turned around and gone inside, but she couldn’t. Her feet seemed riveted to the deck beneath her. Unable to move her away from their secretive tones.

"But he should know…" Alex hissed in a raised whisper. "If he’s a part of this…if he’s going to continue to help us, he has to know everything…from start to finish."

The female voice sighed. "I was obviously mistaken about your level of intelligence Alexander…Must I explain every move to you? What exactly do you think telling that old fool will accomplish? Do you think he’ll remain on your side Alexander? Do you? Is your naiveté that great?

"Sometimes you act just as imbecilic as your half-brother…but maybe you’re not acting."

"I resent that!" Alex seethed. "I’ve given this plan my 110% from the beginning…don’t you insult me now by telling me I don’t know how to handle this."

"Well then START acting like the Cassidine I expect you to be…Start thinking for yourself. I won’t be around to help you with this forever."

Audrey, tried not to gasp. Covering her mouth with her trembling hand quickly. A Cassidine? What the…What was going on…what…

"How long are the doctors giving you -

"Don’t you worry yourself over that," The female voice continued. "You have much bigger things to think about…Like the fact that if you tell that trite little man he will no doubt tell your precious Elizabeth.

"Do you think that after learning that you killed her child she’ll remain in this house with you? Smiling her smile at all the guests and planning your dinner parties? Do you think there will be anything left to keep her from seeking out Lucky and –

Her voice broke off. Having heard something around the corner of the house. "What was that?"

Audrey froze, hearing Alex sigh. "Probably nothing."

"Well go and check," the voice commanded.

Following his mother’s orders, Alex made his way through the grass and up onto the deck. Coming face to face with a very shocked Audrey. Her eyes wide and tearful. Her body trembling.

"Mrs. Hardy," Alex began nervously. "Are you lost? Here, I’ll escort you back insi -

She couldn’t speak. She could only jerk her arm away when the abominable man reached for it. "How…h-

Alex stilled himself. The old woman had obviously heard everything.

"Mrs. Hardy you should go back inside now…go back inside where it’s warm and we’ll pretend that you never heard any of this. Neither of us ever has to speak of it. Do you understand what I’m telling you?

"Mrs. Hardy if you open your mouth to Elizabeth, it won’t be good for you. It won’t be good for anyone…Especially Elizabeth. Do you understand what I’m telling you? I’ll be forced to take matters into my own hands…I won’t lose her. I won’t."

Audrey’s mind reeled. "Under…understand what? How could you do this?…What have you done to my granddaughter? She was having a baby?" She asked in shock. "And you did something to…

Alex placed his hand over her mouth. Shaking her in efforts to shut her up. If she said one more word he knew what he’d have to do.

Audrey’s eyes went even wider when Helena stepped from the shadows. "Good evening Audrey."

Shaking her head in disbelief, Audrey tried to back away, but he held her steady. This couldn’t be happening. This was a dream.

"If you promise not to scream I’ll let you go," Alex said quickly. Tightening his hold. "I promise I won’t hurt you if you just do as your told."

With tears in her eyes, Audrey nodded and Alex slowly removed his hand. Staring at his mother with a silent plea for help. What was he supposed to do now? How was this going to work?

"I’m afraid that’s a promise that Alex is going to have to break," Helena said. Directing a smile at Audrey. "There’s just no way that we can trust you not to go tattle telling to that lovely little granddaughter of yours….Oh don’t fret Audrey," Helena added with sad eyes. "You’ll be with your husband soon…won’t that be nice?"

"Mother!" Alex gasped. Staring at her in disbelief. But he knew she wasn’t joking. That she planned on making certain that Audrey never spoke about this to anyone. She planned on shutting the woman up for good.

"I’m getting my granddaughter out of this house tonight," Audrey stated suddenly. "And you two will pay for everything that you’ve done."

She tried to fight when Alex lifted her from the ground, but everything moved so quickly that she barely had a chance. She remembered the trees blurring before her eyes. She remembered being carried inside the house. She remembered a needle piercing her skin.

Then she remembered darkness.

***

But now, Audrey could feel the sounds vibrate along her vocal chords. The tones so unfamiliar now that it nearly frightened her to feel them coming from her own body. But it felt good. So good.

She pushed them further and further up her dry throat and forced them to reach her tongue. Relishing the sensation of syllables sliding from her lips.

"Eli...Elizabeth."

The feeling of unease once again crept up Jerry Van Hest’s spine and caused him to stop in his tracks. He turned behind him then, towards the kid with the intense eyes.

"You sure you’re up for this?" He asked. Licking his dry lips. Suddenly wondering if maybe the kid was a NARK. His radar had gone up in the bar, but something told him he wasn’t a cop.

"I’m up for it," Lucky sighed. Nodding as he pushed his hands inside his pockets. ‘Don’t go getting smart on me now asshole,’ he thought cautiously.

The smell of smoke that radiated from under the door ahead of them, taking him back to a time that he regretted. A time when he’d been stupid, and sucked in by his own ego.

He couldn’t lose – that’s what his ego used to tell him. He was too good to lose to a bunch of old drunks in a garage game.

It was the same mentality that had caused him to steal from his friends when he was 13 years old and it was the same line of thinking that he’d never follow again. That small mistake had led him to the biggest one of his life.

But tonight wasn’t about Poker or gambling. Tonight was about getting answers…and revenge. A shot of Adrenaline that he wouldn’t be ashamed of, raced through Lucky’s body when he thought of what their faces would look like when he walked through that door. This poor shmuck’s face when he realized exactly who he’d led to the lion’s den.

"I’m more than up for it."

"These are heavy hitters," Van Hest warned again. Before placing his hand against the doorknob. "No shame in backing out now."

Lucky looked him straight in the eye. "I’m not gonna back out… are you?"

Van Hest shook his head nervously. "Course not." The kid would be easy to clean out anyway. He was young and cocky as shit. "Let’s go."

The door opened to a smoke-filled room, much like the one Lucky remembered from years before. Smoke that clouded over the shady agendas hidden behind glassy eyes. Smoke that addled your senses. He moved through it slowly. Taking in faces that he hadn’t seen in years. Waiting for them to take in his.

Lucky’s hand was already wrapped around the butt of his gun when Rick shot up from his seat. His eyes meeting Lucky’s in shock and fear. The two emotions Lucky had craved.

He looked like he’s seen a ghost.

He bit his lip through a grin and pulled the gun from his pocket. Aiming it at the man who he’d once come to blows with after he’d broken into their apartment. A man who’d left a note saying that the next time he came, he’d hurt Elizabeth.

The man who’d been there when Lucky had finally realized that Helena was ‘footing the bill’.

He could still recall his voice. Could still feel his arms wrapped tight around him from behind as Helena had showed Lucky the images of he and Elizabeth making love on the huge screen of the warehouse. He could still hear Rick asking his dear mistress what she needed him to do.

They’d all watched. Each and every one of the men gathered in the room had watched as Elizabeth and him had engaged in something they’d held sacred. They’d all turned it into something distorted and dirty.

"Hey Rick," Lucky smiled. "D’you miss me?"

"What’s he doing here?" Rick hissed. Glaring at Jerry who stood behind Lucky. Wide eyed and scared. Wondering what the Hell was going on. Why were they all getting to their feet? He’d told them he was bringing someone tonight. They’d sounded fine with it.

Jerry looked around at all the faces and grew even more frightened. He’d fucked up…but how?

"Wh...what’s wrong? I told you guys I was bringing somebo -

"It’s Spencer!" Rick shouted in furious interruption. "Lucky Spencer! You fucking moron!"

"You remember," Lucky said. Backing up to get a full view of the room. His eyes scanning back and forth over all of their hands. Waiting for one of them to pull a piece. Rick had never carried a gun before…but who knew what time had changed. "I’m flattered…But Jerry here knew who I was too…I think he just had a little too much to drink this afternoon……addles the mind Jer."

Barely able to speak through his stuttering, Jerry gazed at the kid he’d brought into their midst. "No I didn’t! Shit…"

"Shut up!" Rick shouted. Never taking his eyes away from Lucky’s. "What the Hell do you want Spencer? You didn’t get enough of us the first time around?.….You come to win back some of the dough you lost? It’s long gone son...and we don’t allow guys who welch – back in…It’s just a policy we have."

"Aw," Lucky sighed. His eyes shifting towards Jimmy as he reached beneath the table. "My feelings are hurt now."

"More than just your feelings are gonna get hurt if you don’t put that gun down and go out the same way you came," Rick stated bluntly.

"Oh, you’re gonna threaten me now? Without your boss lady around to back it up for you?…What exactly DO you DO now that Helena’s gone, huh Rick? You just sit around with alcoholic losers like Jerry here and eat corn chips at the table?…The one Jimmy’s about to pull a pistol out from underneath of?…I’d advise against that Jimmy…take your hand away slowly."

Rick glanced backwards and gave Jimmy the nod. "Relax Jimbo."

"Must be real lonely without good ol’ Hell’s huh?" Lucky went on. Continuing to watch Jimmy before he regarded Rick again. "You know I knew she musta been desperate…scraping the bottom of the barrel for guys like you to work with...I guess when you know you’re dying, you just don’t care who you associate with anymore."

"You’d know," Rick countered. "You were her golden boy after all. Her puttin’ you up in all those fancy hotels and all…Hell, I bet you were getting so much pussy you barely even missed that hot little girlfriend of yours."

Lucky casually clicked the safety of his gun out of place and lifted it a bit higher.

"Ooh, did I hit a nerve?" Rick grinned wickedly. "Damn, she was a real beauty Spencer...I remember watching her. Wanting her to do the same things to me she did to you...in fact all of the boys and I were pretty fond of her…ain’t that right boys?"

A few murmurs of agreement sounded through the room as Rick continued. "Especially fond of that mouth of hers, I bet you were too huh?" He asked suggestively. "Too bad she’s using it on somebody’s elses’ cock now huh? Big shot like Alex –

His words were cut short by the hot bullet that whizzed by and grazed his arm. Rick instantly doubled over when he felt the piss that he’d been holding for the last 30 minutes trickle out of his penis.

Jimmy drew the gun on instinct and lifted it at the wild-eyed kid. Staring back and forth from him to Rick.

Rick inhaled deeply and hissed through his teeth. Holding tight to the top of his arm. "Stupid move pal...stupid move."

"No, you just made a stupid move…the dumbest," Lucky seethed. "I came here to make a deal. But I think you’re fat mouth just destroyed any chance of that."

The man’s eyes were wide with pain and he merely shook his head. Unable to even ask what Lucky was talking about.

"You can’t black mail me," he said suddenly. "You don’t have a damn thing on me."

"You sure about that?" Lucky asked. Leaning down to meet Rick’s face as he tended to his arm. He continued to hold the gun on Jimmy. "You sure, your devoted boss didn’t leave a whole slew of information on how she carried out her ingenious plan to separate me from Elizabeth...you sure there isn’t a big ol’ stack of papers lying around with your name printed all over them?"

"What do you want?" Rick asked slowly. A grimace marring his face.

"First I want you to tell Caveboy here to lay his gun down at his feet and kick it towards me...If I remember correctly he’s pretty good at following directions."

Rick turned slowly and ordered Jimmy to lay down his gun. Lucky watched it slide towards him along the floor and picked it up with his free hand. "Thank you...see, I knew with a little cooperation we could all get along just fine."

"WHAT DO YOU WANT?" Rick repeated. Not as amused as Lucky seemed to be. He held his arm and pressed down. Blood slipping through his fingers.

"Because I know it’s the pain talking…I’m gonna let that tone of yours slide……Jerry go grab a piece of cloth to wrap around your boss’ arm here."

Lucky licked his lips and continued. "Does the name Timothy Durts mean anything to you?...You remember him right? A Loan shark you persuaded not to provide me with any more cash?"

"I don’t know what you’re talking about."

Using the butt of his gun, Lucky whacked him against the side of the head. "DIRTY TIM…Remember now?"

"Y – yes," Rick said quickly. Lifting his hands in front of his face. "What – what’s he got to do with anything?"

"He died yesterday," Lucky said bluntly. "Murdered execution style...it seems your other old boss Alex has gotten a little overzealous in his effort to keep me away from any info about him....And since good ol’ Alex has gotten it in his head to wander around offing people that could possibly help me........who do you think he’s gonna be coming after next?"

Nothing but silence filled the room.

"So," Lucky began. Letting his gun rest against his knee as he squatted. "I ready to discuss this rationally…how ‘bout you?"

Elizabeth rushed in through the doors and down the hall. Paying no heed to the receptionist who asked if she needed any assistance. She needed nothing. She only needed to get to her grandmother.

The woman on the phone had said she’d spoken. She’d actually said words! Actually said her NAME!

She’d bolted up from her dream state on the couch and hopped into Luke’s car so quickly that she hadn’t even realized she left him outside. She just had to get to her. Had to tell her anything and everything that was going on. There was so much to say…so much to do now.

Her feet came a halt in front of the door and she forced herself to take a deep breath. The day catching up with her in one violent shuddering breath. The past documented and on display, the future looming ahead with beautiful uncertainty. They both collided and caused her to place her hands against the door. Leaning and closing her eyes to the onset of tears.

Tears of joy.

Her grandmother had spoken today and...

Elizabeth placed a hand on her abdomen and rubbed in a slow circle…And she was going to have a baby.

Though fear still pounded in her heart, at that very moment with joy swirling all around her, she couldn’t help but feel happy. She let her hand trail over the cool surface of the door before pushing it open. A doctor stood over her grandmother’s bed. Elizabeth smiled as she moved into the room. Craning her neck around the doctor to see her.

Their eyes met, and for the first time – Elizabeth knew that her grandmother saw her. "Hello Gram."

The doctor turned to her and smiled warmly. Lowering his voice so that only Elizabeth could hear. "She may not be too talkative right now...it’s a slow process…but it’s coming back. She’s made wonderful progress – seemingly over night."

Elizabeth’s heart flip-flopped in her chest. Smiling at her grandmother again, as she bit her lip and forced herself to regard the doctor. Was her luck changing? Was life about to get good again? It scared her to even think about it.

"When can I take her home?"

The doctor held up his hands gently. "One thing at a time Mrs. Hart...she’s made remarkable progress in the last 24 hours, but we need to watch her. Monitor what’s going on...just to make certain that everything is as it should be. But if this keeps up...I have no doubt you’ll be taking your grandmother home very, very soon."

Elizabeth smiled once more at the doctor before the door closed behind him. Then turned quickly to her grandmother. Pulling the chair out next to her bed. It seemed she couldn’t move quickly enough.

She reached out for her soft, warm hand and lay her face against it. Audrey felt a tear slide over her skin and moved her fingers slightly. When their eyes met again, Elizabeth reached up and brushed at the tears that slid freely down her face. She was so happy she could...well...cry.

"I can’t believe this Gram…oh this just makes everything perfect. You have no idea what this means to me. How much I’ve needed this…Gram, thank you," she sniffled. "Thank you so much...Gosh, I have so much to tell you Gram...So much is going on that we have to discuss…and Mom and Dad are going to be so happy that you’re doing better…Ok, but first things first," she rambled. Trying to catch her breath.

"When you get out of here, you’re going to stay with Lucky and I, ok?" She sniffled. "It’s a small place but I know you’ll like it…and I’m going to try my best to have you back in your own house and in your own bed just as soon as I can....but since Alex has been taking care of the house for the last few years," she sighed. "I don’t know how easy that will be....Oh gosh, I’m just so happy Gram....and there…there are other things…so many…things…

"Ugh, Gram," Elizabeth groaned. Standing up from her chair. Her energy so great that she couldn’t stay seated. She suddenly felt like she could do anything. "Gram I don’t know what to do with myself...Every part of me is saying ‘don’t get too happy – don’t get too excited,’ but...Gram I’m...I mean it’s so silly now that I didn’t notice it...all the signs were there...I’ve been so hungry and emotional and...those damn cookies that I don’t even like...and Laura’s chicken soup...and....I mean it’s just like with –

Elizabeth broke off mid sentence and sank back down in the chair next to her grandmother. A huge knot building quickly inside her throat.

"I’ve been so scared Gram. For the last few weeks I’ve been terrified and I didn’t know if anything would ever be the same. Especially after realizing what I did last night…but then, I heard Lucky’s voice today and I think I knew that everything would be ok…When I fell asleep I had this dream. This incredible dream of what it would be like…Lucky chasing them around the yard and….

"…And it was so beautiful and I woke up so extremely happy that I couldn’t even see straight. I’ve only felt that happy one other time in my life and I know that I can’t deny myself that feeling again," she paused swallowing hard. Her eyes cloudy with tears. "And that was when the phone rang and it was your nurse telling me that you said my name for the first time in years…I think it was a sign Gram – I think everything is going to be ok."

Because she felt as if she’d burst wide open if she didn’t share it with someone, Elizabeth reached for her grandmother’s hand and placed it on her abdomen before she had a chance to think it through. Before she had a chance to let the fear set in again.

"I’m pregnant Gram…it’s the first time I’ve said the words out loud…it’s the first time I’ve allowed myself to even think it all the way through…and I’m scared Gram…I’m scared of so many things but……Gram, everything I’ve ever wanted is starting to happen…and I can’t help but love this more than anything – even when it’s not smart.

"I’m pregnant Gram…I’m pregnant."