Spencer vs. Cassadine  #11  Oct 1, 1998-Dec 23, 1998 - 8 hrs

Stefan wants to know how she feels about him. She talks about Luke and that Luke is her future. Laura tells him she won't be coming back to Wyndemere any longer, not if it is too difficult for him to see her. Stefan responds by telling her that he loves her now as he did then, and asks her what she feels for him. She tells him her life is with Luke but refuses to directly answer. Eventually, he agrees not to bring up their past relationship again until she does. It's not going to happen, she says and takes off.

Nikolas finds Laura on the docks. When Nik asks why she's upset, Laura tells him how much she's regretted the past and all the time spent away from him. He tells her not to think about it and that she should focus on their time together now. He invites her and Lulu to lunch on Friday. She happily accepts. Back on Spoon Island, Nik asks Stefan why Laura was so upset. Stefan says that they were reliving some of the past and it always makes Laura uncomfortable. Nik tells Stefan about his lunch invitation and Stefan is surprised that Laura is returning so soon.

Lucky and Nik are hiding behind some crates on the docks waiting for Emily's blackmailer to pick up the payment. Nikolas is about to sneeze, but stops it and Lucky gets annoyed that the blackmailer could have been around and Nikolas might not have stopped his sneeze. They then see someone walk onto the docks. It's Helena, and she sits down on a bench. Alexis arrives on the docks waiting for the boat, Helena talks with her and says she has a new assignment for her. Meanwhile, Lucky and Nikolas look on. Alexis tells Helena she won't take anymore jobs from her. Helena mentions her opinions about how both Luke and Alexis tried to kill her that night on the parapet. Nikolas and Lucky think Helena is lying about Luke and Alexis. Helena tells Alexis to get the net worth on Nikolas' estate and give it to her. Nikolas is about to jump out from the hiding spot in rage, but Lucky stops him just in time.

Helena then mentions a "plan" against Laura. This causes both Lucky and Nikolas to jump from their spot and head down to where Alexis and Helena stand. Lucky demands to know what Helena meant, and Nikolas makes Helena apologize to Alexis. Helena tries to get out of what she said about a "plan" against Laura, but nobody buys it. Alexis enjoys her apology. After Helena leaves, Nik and Lucky ask if Helena is bluffing about a plot against Laura? Alexis is pretty sure that Helena is bluffing and Alexis promises to tell them if she finds out any information. Alexis thanks Lucky and Nikolas and leaves on her launch.

During a pouring rain storm, complete with thunder and lightening, Stefan waits to receive word that Laura's launch has arrived. He then calls and leaves her a message that Nik has canceled his lunch with her. When Laura arrives, he apologizes and insists she stay for lunch anyway. She is surprised that the launch pilot was waiting to pick her up if the lunch was canceled. He then tells her that the storm is so bad she can't get back to civilization. They remember the old days, and Laura tells him she can't do it anymore, she's just too lonely and they kiss. She tells him she’s married, that she can’t do this. Stefan wonders why Luke left her iinstead of fighting for her. She tells him he doesn’t know a thing about her marriage. He brings up Nikolas, telling her that she kept the truth from Luke because she knew how he’d react, that he’d blame her somehow. Laura assures Stefan that she loves Luke and Stefan replies, “You loved who he was. You were just a girl and he was an adventure.” Stefan wonders why Luke did not put Laura before his own pride. Laura tries to leave but Stefan tells her it’s too dangerous for her to travel on the lake during this storm. She reluctantly agrees to wait out the storm at Wyndemere, on the condition that Stefan not touch her anymore.

Inside, Laura is warming up by the fireplace. Stefan brings in some towels. He suggests that she get out of her wet clothes, but she says she won’t wear anything of his or Katherine’s. He tells her that her trunk from Greece is upstairs and she might find something suitable there. He offers to show her to the room, but she wants to go alone. Stefan watches her intently as she walks up the stairs. Laura comes downstairs wearing a white flowing silk dress and matching shawl (like the one she wears in the Greece flashbacks). Laura tells Stefan that she tried to reach Ruby, but the phones are still out. Stefan interrupts by saying, “You’re even more beautiful in that dress than before.” They gaze at each other. Stefan wonders what Laura will do if Luke doesn’t return, but Laura is convinced he’ll be back when he’s ready. She tells Stefan, “Luke and I will never be over.” He tells her that the difference between himself and Luke is that Luke allowed pride to be more important than love, but Stefan won’t ever take love for granted. He believes that Laura will return to him someday, like she promised him she would, as she placed Nikolas in his arms. Laura looks at him, then looks away. Laura tells Stefan that she doesn’t want to hurt him, but what they had is in the past. Stefan doesn’t believe her, her eyes tell him that she still has feelings for him. She tells him that every feeling doesn’t have to be acted upon, that Luke is her husband and he’ll be back. Stefan realizes that the time to fight for Laura is now as they lean in for another kiss.

The housekeeper tells Stefan that Laura's clothes are dry, but Stefan correctly guesses that Laura is napping and tells the housekeeper to wait until she wakes up. Upstairs, Laura awakens from her nap and is momentarily disoriented until she remembers where she is and why. She thinks about her earlier conversation with Stefan regarding Luke and what Stefan calls his abandonment of Laura. She recalls Stefan telling her that maybe now is the time for him to fight for her. And she remembers the kiss. She recalls him telling her that the next move is hers. Laura gets out of the bed and walks over to the dressing table. She discovers a silver brush that belonged to her. The sight of the brush brings back a memory of a shirtless Stefan brushing her hair, which she clearly enjoyed! Laura quickly sets down the brush as if the memory disturbs her.

Lucky and Nikolas arrive at Wyndmere and find Stefan at home. Stefan is somewhat surprised to see Lucky, but Nikolas explains that he and Lucky need to use the computer room for a few minutes. As Stefan explains that the phone lines are out, Laura, unaware that Lucky and Nikolas have arrived, comes down the stairs barefoot and dressed in the clothes she changed into while her own were drying. She is clearly uncomfortable to be caught in her present condition. Nikolas and Lucky are shocked to see Laura and look at her questioningly. It is clear to Laura by the looks on the faces of Lucky and Nikolas that they didn't expect to find her there. She explains how she came for her lunch date with Nikolas and was stranded by the storm. Stefan leaves to check on Laura's clothing. Laura continues to explain and Nikolas is listening, but Lucky clearly doesn't buy her story. Laura says that she never received Nikolas' message canceling their lunch date. Lucky abruptly says that he has to go. Nikolas reminds him of their "project" but Lucky says that he will find another way. Laura begs Lucky to just wait while she changes he clothes, but he refuses saying he is in a hurry and walks out. As Stefan returns with Laura's dry clothing, Nikolas apologizes for not calling her himself. Laura, realizing that Stefan purposely delayed giving her the message, tells Nikolas that it is all right and that mix ups happen all the time. The look she gives Stefan as she goes upstairs to change makes it clear that she is on to him and she is not happy.

Laura prepares to leave Wyndmere and asks Nikolas to check and see if the launch is back. After he leaves, Stefan tells Laura that Nikolas accepted the situation as she described it. Laura angrily replies that Lucky obviously didn't, not for a second. Laura accuses Stefan of purposely not giving her Nikolas' message so that he could get her alone. He smoothly denies it and changes the subject as Nikolas returns to report that the launch is back. She says goodnight to Stefan and Nikolas walks her to the dock. Nikolas tells Stefan that he and Lucky overheard Helena tell Alexis she knows that Luke and Alexis are responsible for Katherine's fall. He also tells Stefan that Alexis had a plan to get rid of Laura. He asks Stefan if he loves Laura and Stefan denies it.

Laura has arrived at the restaurant to meet Stefan. She sits down and Stefan pours them some wine. She tells him that they agreed that she would be the one to make the next move in their relationship. Stefan talks about how the boys have been working together on the computer helping a mutual friend of theirs out on a project. Laura is surprised and delighted that they are spending time together. While she is happy to be informed, she tells Stefan he could have told her that over the phone. Stefan tells her that Nikolas's birthday is next week and wanted to discuss with her about doing something for him on this birthday. He then talks about how bittersweet Nikolas's past birthdays have been. Laura admits the personal ritual she has always went through to imagine her son on his birthday in the past. Stefan and Laura reminisce about the day their son came into the world. They each then talk about how they celebrated Nikolas's birthday and Stefan recalls when he first held Nikolas for the first time. He then tells Laura that he knows that she doesn't want to speak of their love, but he can see it every time he sees Nikolas. He then adds that perhaps this year, they can give their son what he has yearned for his entire life. Laura makes no promises and Stefan invites her to spend Nikolas's birthday with them. He tells her that they could possibly go to London or New York for the weekend. She laughs at this and tells him it would not be an innocent invitation, and she probably would not be going. He says that there was once a time in her life when she trusted him implicitly, but not anymore. She says that he is referring to a time where she thought Luke was dead, and he was her only friend. Stefan asks to put the past behind them and move forward. Laura says that she doesn't trust him enough. He claims that he is more honest than Luke. Laura then asks him to tell her the things he has tried to keep secret from her in the past.

Stefan has a flashback to the time when they where on the island and he learned about Luke being alive, but kept that information from Laura because he was in love with her. As he comes out of his memory flashback, Laura tells him that she knows that he just thought of a secret that he didn't tell her and tells him in order to earn her trust, he should tell her that secret if he dares. Laura tells Stefan that she won't be ambushed again, even if the event is Nikolas' birthday. He suggests having a large party, so she won't feel uncomfortable. Stefan tells her stories of Nik's previous birthdays and how Nik used to stare at her portrait every year. She excuses herself and bursts into tears. Stefan finds her and tries to comfort her by saying that he and Nikolas no longer blame her for the past. We're free to be together again, he says. You can name the terms. She admits that she once loved him and that they never ended things between them when she left, but that it's not easy for her to hear how much he still loves her. I think we can still be happy, he says. She turns away. He respects her need to be alone, but before leaving, brings her coat to her and drapes it over her shoulders. They stare at each other.

Nikolas came home to an inquiring Stefan. He wanted to know where he was. The he wanted to know more about why Nik suddenly claims Lucky is his brother. Nikolas explained the story of the black mailer. Nikolas then claimed that Stefan hated the Spencer more than he loved him. Stefan told him that wasn't so. Stefan was very angry and insisted that Nikolas handled it wrong. Then Stefan told Nikolas about the party. Nikolas asked to invite Liz, Emily, Lucky, and Robin. Stefan had no problem with it. Stefan had a meeting with Tony. Tony asked for his job back, in return for info on Helena. Stefan said get the info, then we will talk.

The teens arrive at Wyndemere, and make small talk as everyone settles in. Lucky refers to the house as the "Spoon Island Medieval Museum" and mentions "the moat." Nik replies, "Wait until you see the dragon." "I have." Laura and Lulu appear at the door, visions in their birthday party finery. Laura looks fabulous in velvet, with her hair loose, bangs framing her face, no straight hunks of hair dangling, no fussy upsweeps.

Stefan is in his study, dressing, and he looks scrumptious in a crisp white shirt. There's a knock on the wall (only at Wyndemere), and Stefan touches something on the wall to open a secret panel and allow Jerry to enter. Jerry says he felt like "a victim in a tale of terror by Edgar Allan Poe". Stefan is not happy to have this distraction on Nik's birthday. Jerry is here to update Stefan on his investigation, telling him that the person responsible for the accident was a master forger. He lets Stefan know that Kat's original will also left everything to Stefan. Helena was framed. Jerry says it's clear that someone wanted Stefan to appear motive-free. Jerry wants to see any photos or tapes from the party, and Stefan hands them over and heads downstairs to join the party. Jerry goes through the photos, which include one of Luke in his distinctive ivy-crowned mask.

Laura embraces her elder son, and sees Lucky's mask-like face over Nik's shoulder. She then sends Lulu over to hug Lucky, with a wistful "Give him a kiss for me." Nik leads Lulu off to see Robin after a moment, gracefully giving Laura and Lucky a chance to talk. Lucky tells his mom about Liz's rapist being captured, without going into details. Robin and Nik are seated on either side of Lulu on the couch. Laura gets a chance to have a word with Liz, and says that closure must feel wonderful. Then Stefan appears, and Laura takes a deep breathe. He's waylaid by Emily, who thanks him for inviting her. 

Lucky wants a word with Nik, "I ride you about being a Cassidine, which in my book means useless at best." But Nik handled himself well during their adventure, so Lucky wants him to know that now he sees NIk as "a standup, regular guy." Laura overhears their conversation, and she's thrilled. She's gazing fondly after them when Stefan comes up behind her, telling her she may not be as pleased when she hears the whole story. She follows him outside, where he tells her the boys had been "playing detective" and Laura declares it was "So brave." Stefan is appalled that they acted like vigilantes, but Laura is pleased they were on an adventure together. Stefan says, "Recklessness is not I want Nikolas to acquire." Right on cue, Kat arrives, appears behind him. Laura leaves Stefan them. In a nice segue, we cut from the shot of Laura to a pan of Luke's darkened office, with the pictures of Laura and of the family on Luke's desk. Jerry is breaking into Luke's office, and heads for the safe. He takes out various goodies, and comes across the mask Luke wore to the ball, which he recognizes from the photograph.

Laura tries to use Lulu being tired as an excuse to leave Wyndemere, but Nik suggests Lulu nap in the study, so that Laura can stay for cake. She agrees. Laura and Kat spar. Kat siddles up to Laura, saying, "Wyndemere becomes you." 

"Excuse me?" 

"I've never seen you so, yourself." She wants to know why Lulu doesn't have her own room at Wyndemere yet. "You and Stefan have waited so long to be together." 

That one raises Laura's ire to the point of response, "How dare you assume.."

"That you want to live with your son?" Kat finishes with faux innocence, before throwing Nik a come hither look on her way out to the garden, which inspires him to follow her. 

Laura goes to Stefan, sputtering about Kat's taunt, but he's more concerned about the information she gave him about there being a gun involved when the teens confronted Tom, and both parents worry about the fact that Nik is confiding in Kat. Laura appears at the door to tell Nik his cake is ready, and he throws Kat a sexy look as they follow Laura inside. Nik blows out candles on his cake, and they move to gift-opening. Emily insists he open hers first, it's a journal for recording his adventures. Then Kat pipes up, "Now mine." It's a camera, "in honor of the one you tossed off the end of the dock." Then he opens Laura's gift, the first one he chose to open, rather than opened because the giver urged him to do so. It's the same camera, as everyone notices, and Laura looks resigned. "In case you get the urge to dump the other one into the lake," she suggests, making the best of the situation.

Stefan and Lucky have a brief conversation. Stefan makes a friendly gesture, saying "Lucky, this is the first time you have come to my home as an invited guest. I hope you enjoy yourself."

Lucky, posing as nonchalant, replies, "Thank you."

"I look upon this as a turning point, a quite promising one."

"Cool." End of conversation.

Stefan calls everyone together for a toast to the young prince. When he says we are here to celebrate "my nephew's ascent into manhood". As we hear Stefan's toast about Nik's family and friends being together "and may the bond we form hold forever," we get a parting shot of a figure on the docks watching Spoon Island. It's Luke. Nikolas' birthday party continues, with Stefan's very touching toast about Nikolas' ascent into manhood. When he is finished the guests tease Nikolas asking for a speech. Nikolas jokingly says, in the words of another well known royal, let them eat cake. The guests laugh and do just that. Laura walks over to Stefan and compliments him on the toast. Stefan is afraid that it was to long, but Laura assures him that it was fine. Stefan suggests that if Leslie Lu has finished her nap in the study, she might like some cake. Laura agrees and goes to get her. Luke is on the docks staring at Wyndemere. He turns and walks away with once last backward glance. Laura goes into Stefan's study and is furious when she finds Helena with Leslie Lu. Laura rings for Mrs. Landsbury to come for Leslie Lu. Helena suggests that they all go and Laura tells her not to take another step.

Nikolas is reluctant to make a speech, but everyone goads him until he agrees. He stands up and says that he thought his first official act as an adult should be to have his brother beheaded (everyone laughs and even Lucky looks amused), but he thinks he should thank him instead. He thinks it might be easier to do as a crowd instead of one on one. He proceeds to make a very touching speech about how everyone in the room has changed his life for the better and thanks them all. As Nikolas finishes his speech, Mrs. Landsbury comes into the room with Leslie Lu.

Laura tells Helena to stay away from her daughter or she will tell Stefan. She orders her to leave. Helena is amazed at how brave Laura is now that she has so many protectors. She used to tremble at the sight of Helena. Laura assures Helena that those days are long gone. Helena tells Laura that she hasn't forgotten that Laura is responsible for her being alone. She used to have a wonderful son, and now because of Laura he is gone. She tells Laura an eye for an eye. Laura tells her that if she ever lays a hand on one of her children she will make her sorry she ever left the island. Stefan interrupts Helena as she is telling her to enjoy the dream she is living right now because it will not last.

Stefan tells Helena that he is surprised at her lack of caution. This kind of behavior usually ends in heartache. He is referring to her need to interfere. The last time this happened she ended up spending months in a sick bed. Helena says that she simply came to give Nikolas a birthday gift. Stefan tells her that when she leaves the room, it will be to leave the house. As Helena asks Stefan to give Nikolas his gift, Nikolas enters the room. He orders Helena to keep her distance from his mother. She is completely dependent on him for everything. If she ever disturbs his mother, sister or brother again, he will tell Alexis to go to the courts and revoke her income. Helena once again says that she only wanted to give him a gift. Nikolas refuses, but Helena pleads with him to accept it, it was his fathers. Nikolas looks at the medallion that Helena has given him. Helena explains that if his father had lived, he would have had one made for Nikolas. She misses Stavros every day. No one ever loved life as much as him. She kisses Nikolas and leaves. After Nikolas leaves, Laura comments that she never knew that Helena was afraid of Nikolas. Stefan points out that Helena is afraid of Nikolas' power, as well she should be. However, she did manage to draw them all away from the party.

Luke shows up on the dock while Lucky is searching for Liz's bracelet and confronts him. Luke tells Lucky that they are finally going to have it out. Enough is enough. They are going to go somewhere and settle things between them and Lucky can either come with him willingly or Luke will knock him out and take him. Lucky's not happy with given an ultimatum and tells Luke that this is typical of him. "Threaten with violence." And that the war between the Cassidines and the Spencers is another generation and not his. They snipe back and forth for a bit and eventually Lucky gives in to go for a drive with Luke but warns him that this is the last. Lucky doesn't want to be a part of Luke or his life. During the drive, Luke makes it clear to Lucky that although he has been out of town, he still knows what has been going on. He knows that Lucky now works at the garage with Jason and lives in the apartment about it. Luke takes Lucky to a cabin that they've never been to before. Luke tells him he's tired of being punished for the man that he was when he raped Laura. That he's through paying for a crime he didn't commit, he didn't rape Liz. He is also tired of being punished because Lucky can't find the man that raped Liz. Lucky tells him they caught the rapist but it doesn't change his feelings toward Luke. Lucky tells Luke about catching Tom; how Nikolas helped him and they worked together in finding Emily's blackmailer who turned out to also be Liz's rapist. He refers to Nikolas as his brother and Luke is not at all pleased with that! Lucky says, well, that's what he is since the day he was born. It's a biological fact. He also praises Nicholas for all that he did.

When Lucky wants to leave, Luke stops him. Lucky is worried about Liz, but Luke reassures him that Liz will soon find out that he is with him because he left a message on Laura's answering machine. (Quick cut to Laura's and we see Leslie Lou playing with the answering machine, listens to the message from Luke and erases it!) Luke tells him to sit back and relax, he's staying there all night. Lucky calls Luke pathetic, but Luke says he not pathetic just desperate. desperately counting on Lucky still being his son. 

Liz freaks when Lucky doesn't come back from looking for her bracelet. She calls Nikolas who promises to go out and look for him. They both end up at the docks and search with no luck. When they return to Liz's Bobbie is there. Bobbie hasn't seen Lucky either and decides to call the police. They also decide to call the hospitals but decide not to alarm Laura yet. After trying they can do to find Lucky, Bobbie decides to go home and Nikolas stays overnight with Liz. Liz tells Nikolas about Tom not being charged for her rape. Nikolas tries to console and reassure her that everything will be okay and they'll find Lucky. Lucky can take care of himself.

The bookcase slid open to allow a figure holding a white death-mask up to his face to exit the tunnel. Stefan asked Jerry where he got the mask. Jerry told him, the safe in Luke Spencer's office. Stefan was pleased but needed assurance that Jerry had covered his tracks. Don't worry, Jerry said, the job looked like a "rubbery. Stefan gave Jerry a list of 200 ball guests and told him to find out if any of them had witnessed a man wearing a white death-mask leaving Stefan's study on the night of the ball, presumably after planting the dagger.

Luke and Lucky woke up in their armchairs. Little Bear told Papa Bear he was hungry. Papa Bear said he would fix Little Bear a bowl of chocolate puffs for breakfast, "the ones with little marshmallows and raisins." Little Bear nodded agreeably but shut the kitchen door and locked it when the big guy went in to rummage through cupboards. Lucky fished a cell phone out of Luke's bag. He called Liz to tell her he was ok while Luke pounded on the door and roared like a grizzly who wakes up in Yosemite Park in March to find a little kid poking him with a tent post. A frightened Liz asked Lucky about the racket. Lucky told her his dad was "having trouble adjusting to their situation." Lucky hung up as Luke crashed into the room, blasting the door completely off its hinges. Lucky paid scant attention to the old man's outburst. Luke told Lucky to let go of his hatred. The longer Lucky stayed angry, Luke said, the closer he was tied to his father.

Nik showed up to tell Laura that Lucky was missing. Concerned for the safety of Nik, Liz and Emily, Laura picked up the phone to call Jason. Before she could dial the number though, Liz arrived to say that Lucky was with his father. Laura calmed their fears by insisting that Luke would never hurt Lucky. She called it a "family matter" and asked them not to say anything to the police.

Stefan is looking at the pictures of Luke in the mask. Nikolas comes in. Nik still wants help to find Lucky, but Stefan refuses. Nik doesn't understand. Stefan insists that Luke's relations with his family are his own business. "You must respect your mother's wishes" and stay out of it. Up on the parapet, Katherine is trying to recover her memory. She recalls discussing this with Helena, who wanted to be sure that she didn't regain any feelings she may have had for Stefan. Katherine is sure she will never forgive Stefan after what he did to her. She goes up to the railing. She flashes back to the fall. Stefan is behind her. They stare at each other. Stefan tells her not to be afraid. She isn't. Stefan remembers that night. They discuss that night. Stefan gets emotional, almost, describing seeing her body at the foot of the parapet. It was even more horrible to be named her murderer. Katherine is in tears. They get closer, will they kiss? No, Stefan turns away. He tells her to put him behind her.

Katherine enters Stefan's study, looking for any signs of smoldering embers. Her cellphone rings: it's Helena, who reminds Katherine not to succumb to any residual feelings. It makes her too vulnerable. "You deserve much better, Katherine, so much better," Helena says, while Katherine pretends as if she's speaking to someone else and terminates the call. She resumes her line of inquiry, asking Stefan if there's any chance for them. Stefan, now wary, wonders why she wants to know. After all, he observes, she sided with Helena after Helena had almost let him dangle for her (Kat's) 'murder'. Katherine says she was hurt by what went on at the bacchanalia; that she was made to feel "like the other woman at my own engagement party." Stefan wonders if Helena put her up to this, but Katherine assures him that her motives are pure. She says she felt sparks at their meeting yesterday and she's wondering if he felt it too. "How, in light of what has happened these past few months, can I ever accept this change of heart as real?" Stefan asks, "You have an alliance." Katherine rehashes the 'Helena saved my life' argument yet again. She just wants him to know that her door is always open to him. She offers the argument that, since Laura loves Luke, that Stefan should grab what he can get and goes on to tell him that: if he's interested, to meet her at her suite at the Q's. "And if you decide not to come," she adds, "then you'll know that the choice was yours."

As Kat leaves, an eavesdropping Nik scuttles out of sight. After she's gone, Nik enters Stefan's study. Nik comments on overhearing Katy's invitation. Stefan says, "I don't wish to raise her hopes of a reconciliation at this point" and he doesn't want to hurt her by giving her more false hopes. "I don't want her hurt at all," Nik says, and then begs off dinner, saying he's made prior plans. After Nik leaves, Stefan calls a minion and tells him to bring Helena to him. Stefan tells a fuming Helena that he summoned her to tell her that she was the intended victim on the parapet and that he knows who's responsible.

At the cabin, Luke asks Lucky if he still wants to leave, and adds that he 'fixed' the truck, it won't hot-wire. Lucky is dubious, "And I'm supposed to believe this because?" Luke invites him to test it, but Lucky declines. Luke then asks Lucky to help him repair the door, but Lucky seems uninterested in the task. Luke asks if would just hand him the screwdriver, but Lucky's attention is waylaid by an ominous-looking bear trap, hanging on the wall, "I'd rather get my hand caught in this thing," he says, and removes it from the wall for a better look. Luke drop the door and grabs the trap, "These things are dangerous!" he admonishes, "animals chew their legs off to get out of them!"

"I know how they feel," Lucky replies. Lucky's starting a fire and Luke chides him for using too much paper, "You know, considering the lack of progress we're making, we might be here til late spring. We might need a little reading material by late winter." 

"All right!" Lucky replies, "You wanna chew this thing out?" and goes on to suggest that Luke talk to Gail Baldwin, "because I'm not the one with the problem," Lucky says, "I'm happy with the way things are." Luke nixes that idea. "It's no more stupid than kidnapping me," Lucky says and adds that, if Luke is really sincere in his desire to forge a relationship with his son, he'll visit Gail like Liz did after she was raped. She didn't like dredging up all those awful memories, "but she was desperate, are you?" 

"No, I guess I'm not," Luke replies, "Back to nature! Fresh air and good conversation. That's what works for me!" He then says that the only reason Lucky's suggesting it is so he can leave, and that Lucky would no more want to visit a shrink than he would. Luke goes on to say that he never intended Lucky to use the survival skills Luke taught him, against him and that he wasn't willing to give Lucky up. "Do you even hear yourself?" Lucky asks, "It's all about you and what you want. Just like when you raped Mom." Lucky adds that Luke raped Laura because he thought he was going to die and he wanted her. "It's all about you," he repeats. "How could you say that?" 

Luke replies, "This last nine months has been all about you!" Lucky counters with the argument that Luke left because Laura testified for Stefan and Luke discovered she had lied to him. "What did you do when you found out what Mom did to you?" Lucky asks, "You walked! Just like I did when I found out about you. Where do you think I learned it?" Luke doesn't like what Lucky's saying but is glad that he's at least talking. Lucky continues, claiming every lie Luke tells is laced with the truth, Stavros didn't rape Laura. Luke did. "You didn't want a son, you want an ally because Stefan's making headway with your wife." He can't believe anything Luke tells him anymore.

"You want truth?" Luke asks, "Just ask for it. You asked me about the rape and I told you." 

"It's too much mental effort to wonder what I'm not asking!" Lucky replies. 

"You want to know effort?" Luke says, "This is effort, this constant inquisition, this trying to reach you, it's effort! What makes you think you're entitled to every last corner of my life? You're my son and you'll always keep things from me, and I'll always keep things from you and that's the way it is!" In frustration, Luke grabs the trap and throws it down, saying that he feels as if "I'm stuck in that thing and I can't even chew my leg off!" 

Lucky eyes the trap, "That's what's supposed to happen to me if your little plan doesn't work out?"

"You win," says Luke, and unlocks the door. He gives him the car keys and Lucky leaves. Luke turns around and steps into the bear trap (which has miraculously been set). He screams in pain, but Lucky doesn't hear him. Luke is in serious trouble after being caught in the wolf trap. He cries out in pain and things are starting to look very grim when Lucky comes back in and takes charge of the situation. He gets his dad's leg out of the trap, and realizes that he can't stop the bleeding by himself. He has to get Luke to a hospital.

Stefan is telling Helena that she was the intended victim on the parapet the night of the engagement party; courtesy of an alliance between Luke and Alexis. He tells Mommie Dearest that she can have Luke, but he wants to mete out Alexis' punishment. Helena laughs and says that Luke will stay alive as long as she's alive, because he's the one roadblock to Laura for Stefan. Stefan has finished with Helena and radios the launch to take her back to the mainland. Helena accuses him of arranging a date with Laura when surprise, Laura walks in. Helena leaves after accusing Stefan of having a winter sunlight depravation disorder and suggests a tanning salon. Laura begs Stefan to help her find Lucky and Luke. Stefan's not exactly thrilled, but promises to do it for her. As she walks out, he wishes her a happy anniversary (It's Luke and Laura's 17th wedding anniversary).

Off in the woods 40 miles outside of Port Charles, Lucky was tending to his sick father. It seems that Luke had come down with a fever. Lucky said that he was going to take his father to the hospital, but instead, he went to the ranger station for some aspirin. In the meantime, a delusional Luke was dreaming about the night in the disco when he raped Laura. The disco scenes were interspersed with the same scenes acted by present-day Luke and Laura in which Laura talked about her relationship with Stefan rather than her relationship with Scotty. In those scenes Lucky was off in the distance looking on disapprovingly. Luke kept waking up and saying, "please don't let me hurt her." Lucky kept promising that he wouldn't. Luke's fever finally broke and Lucky went off to make soup saying, "I don't care whether you eat it."

Luke is conscious and appears to be much better. Lucky tells Luke that he should be unconscious more often. He thinks clearer. Seems like it was easier for him to tell the truth. He was wrong, Luke can't forget it either. Luke looks confused and asks Lucky what he is saying. Lucky tells Luke that maybe one thing he said was true, this is between Luke and Laura. Luke says that he didn't expect Lucky to be there when he came to. Lucky more than did his part by taking Luke to the ranger station and back. Luke remembers telling Lucky to go. He asks why he stayed. Lucky says he didn't want to miss out on Luke's nightmare. Luke is the one who taught him that information is power. Someone muttering in his sleep could prove useful down the line. Suddenly, Lucky hears a noise outside and walks to the door just as Laura knocks. He asks who it is and then opens the door when he hears that it is Laura. Laura walks into the cabin and stares at Luke as he lies on the bed.

Laura looks at Lucky and asks if he is okay. Lucky says that he is doing better than Luke. Laura walks over to Luke and asks what happened. Luke jokingly says that he finally put his foot in his mouth. He asks how Laura found them. Laura looks a little uncomfortable but says that Luke knows she can always find him when she wants to. Lucky asks if Laura has talked to Elizabeth. Laura says that she has and that Liz is fine, just worried about Lucky. She assured Elizabeth that Lucky was fine if he was with his father. At least Liz got a phone call explaining Lucky's disappearance. Luke says that Laura got a call too, he left a message on the machine. Laura says that that explains why Leslie Lu has started calling the answering machine Daddy. It dawns on

Luke that Laura thought Lucky was just missing. Laura explains that they didn't know anything until they heard from Liz. She thinks it's kind of pathetic that their little girl is calling the answering machine Daddy. She asks if there is any chance that Leslie Lu might have a shot at the real thing soon. Stefan is outside listening to the whole conversation.

Lucky tells Laura that the ranger suggested that Luke go to the hospital and get a tetanus shot, but "you know Dad". Laura tells Luke that she really wants him to go the GH, today. Luke reluctantly agrees. Laura is surprised when Lucky volunteers to drive him. Laura asks if he is sure. Lucky says that he already drove him to the cabin and to the ranger station and back. Luke tells Laura that Lucky has done a fine job taking care of him and there is no reason that he shouldn't be allowed to finish what he started. Lucky points out that Luke would also be more comfortable lying flat in the 4x4. Laura agrees and tells them to be safe. Stefan is still eavesdropping. Luke walks out to car with Laura following behind. Laura asks Luke where he will be staying. She says that they really need to talk and try to work things out. Luke says he will be in touch with her as soon as he gets his leg checked out. As both cars drive away, Stefan emerges from the bushes. He does not look happy.

Jerry visits Stefan and gives him the proof he needs to show that Luke was behind that fun-filled night on the parapet. He gives him the information he found in Spencer's safe. Jerry tells Stefan that he has a witness who saw Luke in Stefan's study the night of Katherine's fall. Stefan demands to know the name of the witness, but Jerry wants assurances that Stefan will not reveal that Jerry is his source (as it would jeopardize his relationship with Bobbie). Jerry then reveals Alan Quartermaine is the witness. Stefan pays up with a suitcase stuffed with money and tells Jerry to show himself out.

Laura visits Stefan to thank him for helping her find Luke and Lucky. She says that since she finally has a chance to mend fences, she won't be able to visit him anymore, but will meet Nik at a neutral place. Stefan has a what do you expect look on his face and says before she leaves, there's something he wants to give her. While Stefan is away, Laura picks up the death mask that Stefan had left there with the evidence of Luke's involvement on the parapet! Being naturally nosy, she picks it up and is floored when Stefan comes in. He gives her a hair bow that she had worn in Greece.

Bobbie questions Luke about what was he thinking when he kidnapped his son. Luke says he got tired of waiting out Lucky's freeze. Bobbie wants to know if it worked? Luke is noncommittal, but at least they talked. Luke then questions her on her relationship with Jerry, and warns her about his history. Luke is curious about who would hire Jerry given his past in the financial world? Luke on what is the current problem between him and Stefan. She reminds Luke that Laura loves him very much and advises him not to let Stefan into their marriage. She tells him to keep focused on what really counts, his wife and kids. 

Luke tells Alexis that he is pretty sure that Stefan is working overtime trying to figure out who loosened the parapet railing. Eventually he will figure out that it was he and Alexis. Alexis points out that framing Stefan was Luke's idea alone, and it won't be as bad as he thinks anyway. Stefan has been preoccupied with other things. Luke asks if the distraction is his wife. Alexis says she can't deny that Laura and Stefan have gotten friendlier, but it is strictly related to Nikolas. Luke says that anyone who thinks it is strictly because of Nikolas isn't looking close enough. He tells Alexis to strap on her water wings because the current is about to get swift.

Nikolas and Stefan discussed the fact that Laura has not been around since Luke returned to Port Charles. Nikolas thought Stefan might lonely. Nikolas offered to keep Stefan company, but he assured Nikolas that he was OK. He told Nikolas that he suspects that Laura will be returning to Wyndemere soon. Luke's abduction of Lucky didn't sit well with Laura. He believes that Laura's days of blind loyalty to Luke are coming to an end. Luke has sabotaged himself by doing things that Laura won't be able to forgive. Hopefully, Laura will soon be at liberty to spend as much time as she wants at Wyndemere. Nikolas hoped that Stefan is right. He told Stefan that he thinks that Laura and Stefan are happy when they are together.

Luke finally returned home. Lulu was on a play date so he and Laura had the house to themselves. Luke said that they had a lot to talk about. Laura agreed saying that maybe they had more to discuss than they realized. Luke then told Laura that while he was away he had visited a place she used to call home, Cassidine Island. Laura asked why Luke went to Cassidine Island and Luke explained that he just wanted to look around. He broke into the house. He was looking for Laura. He went to see if he could understand, but he couldn't find her anywhere. He found the room she had lived in before she married Stavros and he didn't know why, but he looked under the window seat and he found the letters. Luke told Laura that he read the letters because they were addressed to him. Luke asked why she stopped writing the letters after she married Stavros and Laura explained that she didn't feel she had the right anymore. Even though Luke was dead, there was no comfort in writing letters when she knew he would hate her for marrying Stavros. Luke told Laura that the letters helped him to understand what she had been through while she was there. He got so caught up in them, that he ended up spending the night. He sat there and he thought about their marriage and what they have. Luke then said that it would be a shame to throw away what they shared. Laura asked if it was nearly as shameful as plotting murder and framing an innocent man. Accusing Stefan of telling Laura lies; however, Laura explained that she saw the report complete with pictures and that she recognized him. Luke confessed to Laura that he was at Wyndemere that night. Laura asked Luke outright if he loosened the parapet railing and framed Stefan for Katherine's "death." Luke said, yes, of course he did.

Luke defended his actions and said he was only trying to protect his family. Luke explained to Laura that he had been trying to kill Helena, not Katherine. Laura was appalled by Luke's plan. Why would he take the risk that someone other than Helena, like Nikolas or Stefan, might end up on the parapet? And why would he frame Stefan and then allow him to go to trial? Then, he had the audacity to leave when Laura testified at a trial that never would have happened if Luke hadn't tried to frame Stefan. Laura told Luke that Stefan tried to warn her months ago that Luke was behind all of this, but Laura defended him. Laura is shocked at Luke's lack of remorse. He almost killed an innocent woman and instead of trying to make amends, he let someone else take the blame and go to trial and go through everything that they both know a trial puts you through.

Laura told Luke that she didn't know who he is anymore. Luke replied that he is the same man that he has always been. Luke said that if Laura didn't recognize him, maybe it's because she is finally seeing him instead of what she created in her head. She needed him to be a hero so he let her pretend he was. Does that make the first lie his, or is it Laura's for having a child and forgetting to mention it, Or telling him that the child's father is dead when he is really alive and obsessed with Laura. Luke asked Laura how many more lies there are. Laura said that he probably has as many secrets as she does. The difference is that her secrets are about things that happened a long time ago. Laura told Luke that when she first came back from Greece, after Nikolas was born, she wasn't planning on staying. She just had to see him one more time. She wanted to know that he was all right. She had Nikolas, this little baby who needed her back in Greece. But when Luke caught her and held her in his arms, she couldn't leave him and she couldn't tell him about Nikolas because she knew that he would try to get him back for Laura and she didn't want him to be killed by Helena and Stavros. The lies she told were to protect him. Luke said that it didn't work, just like some of his plans didn't work. Laura said she wouldn't tell anyone about Luke's involvement in Katherine's fall and Luke said he would keep Laura's secret about Stefan being Nikolas' father, for now. It would be kind of bad for everyone if it came out that Nikolas wasn't Stavros' son. Laura was shocked that Luke would resort to blackmailing her. She couldn't believe that it had come to this. As Luke walked out the door, he gave Laura the letters he had found on the island, a present from Greece.

Laura arrives and Stefan and Kat's conversation saying that she needs to speak to Stefan alone. Katherine is offended that Laura walked in demanding to speak with Stefan as if she wasn't there. She asks if she has become invisible or if Laura just didn't notice that Stefan is otherwise engaged, no pun intended. Laura apologizes saying that she didn't mean to sound rude, she just needs to speak to Stefan about something very important. Katherine says that she also was discussing something important. Laura graciously offers to wait in the conservatory until Katherine and Stefan have finished their discussion, but Katherine tells her not to bother. She will leave since she is clearly the third wheel. After Katherine is gone, Laura asks Stefan to be honest with her. She asks if he arranged for her to find out that Luke was behind Katherine's fall.

Tony is sitting at a table in Kelly's. Luke brings Tony a cup of coffee which prompts Tony to ask if it comes with anything, like a threat or a lecture. Luke says no, only a question. Why hasn't Tony found a friendlier place to hang out? Tony says that he uses Ruby to gauge the towns reaction to him and he thinks its warming because today Ruby actually made eye contact. Tony comments that here they are, two kidnappers sitting together having coffee. Luke denies being a kidnapper. He simply took his son on a nature outing. Tony asks if he made any headway. He explains to Luke that he knows what it is like to want to see your child. He doesn't want to hurt Bobbie, he just wants to see Lucas. He really means that. Luke believes him, but points out that there is a whole file cabinet full of evidence against him. Luke tells Tony that he helped him once and he won't help him again. Luke tells Tony to just not hurt Bobbie again. As Tony leaves, he tells Luke that if he doesn't want Bobbie to get hurt, he should be talking to Jerry Jacks.

Alexis runs into Luke at Kelly's. She sits down and demands to know what Luke meant by telling her to watch her back. She wants to know if Stefan said anything to him or Laura about the parapet. Luke says that he thinks Stefan has it half figured out, his half. He knows that Stefan has photos of him at the ball and he probably has proof that he loosened the railing. He thinks that Stefan still thinks that he was working alone, but it won't take him long to figure out the rest. Alexis speculates that if Stefan does know of her involvement, he can't have known for long. Alexis wants to tell Stefan everything about her role in the whole thing. It's what she should have done right after it happened, especially after Luke framed him. She can't believe she listened to Luke, her family's mortal enemy. Stefan was the one saved her after her mother died. Luke sarcastically says that Stefan is a saint. "Why is every damn thing about Stefan?"

Stefan denies knowing that Laura had found the report. He says that he didn't know she knew until just now, when she told him. Laura still doesn't believe him and demands a yes or no answer to her question. Stefan says that if he had wanted to set her up, he would have been much less obvious and if he wanted her to know, he would have just told her. He asks why Laura didn't confront him when she found the report. Laura asks him why he didn't tell her when he got the report. Stefan says that he told her months ago that he suspected that Luke was responsible, but she called him a liar and said that his allegations were ludicrous. The woman he was engaged to was nearly killed in his house, before his eyes. He was falsely accused because of evidence that someone else planted. He has a responsibility to and an obligation to find out who was responsible. Laura asks Stefan to please not turn Luke over to the police. Stefan says that even if he had considered it, he can't now because Alexis was Luke's accomplice. Stefan is still amazed that Laura is angry with him. She thinks he tricked her so she would find out about Luke and run to him. He can't pretend that he doesn't want Laura, but when she comes to him he wants it be because she wants him, not as an an alternative to Luke. Because he is the man she chooses to be with.

Stefan asks Laura if she ever imagines a future with him, not the fleeting time they had on the island, but a life. Laura comments that Stefan never gives up. Stefan reminds Laura that he told her, when he loves, he loves forever. Laura changes the subject saying that they have other things to discuss. Laura cautions Stefan that Luke has promised not to tell the truth of Nikolas' parentage, but that he is also volatile. He could easily lose his temper and push them all past the point of no return. She asks Stefan to please not do anything to provoke him. For Nikolas' sake she begs Stefan to not make things worse. Stefan says that he has to prepare nonetheless. Laura of all people should know what Helena is capable of. Laura agrees, but says that it isn't the right time. Stefan how she can expect him to sit idly by while Luke holds damaging information. Laura tells him that Luke knows if he ever does anything to hurt Nikolas, he will lose her forever. 

Luke assures Alexis that he isn't going to run out on her, what kind of coconspirator would that make him. Luke explains that all Stefan cares about is that he has a chance to make Luke look bad and hopefully win Laura as a result. Alexis tells Luke that she doesn't think he should give up on his marriage. Luke says that the real issue is Nikolas Cassidine. He always said that that kid was a bastard. Alexis is confused by Luke's comment and says that if means that Stefan is like a father to Nikolas and in that sense he and Laura share a son together, she guesses that argument could be made. But it doesn't compare to what Luke and Laura have. Stefan may have raised Laura's son, but he doesn't Luke does. Luke tells Alexis that she knows nothing about his connection to his wife. 

Laura confesses that Luke wasn't really that angry when they discussed Nikolas' parentage. He was almost compassionate, seemingly trying to understand what she had been through. Stefan asks if Luke knows only of her imprisonment and desperation. Or does he know about the tenderness, the laughter that sometimes hit like a cloudburst until they ached, their secret language. He sometimes wonders if Laura has made herself forget. Laura says that of course she hasn't forgotten, try as she might. Stefan fathered her oldest son, but that is in the past. Stefan asks why, if her feelings for him are in the past, has he never had to pull her to him the times they've kissed. She has come to him freely. She has feelings today, right now. Laura abruptly says that she has to go. She came here for the truth leaves them in the past because it is easier for her. All these years she has told herself that they can't exist in the present, but they do. Laura says no and walks out the door.

Laura is alone on the docks staring at Wyndemere. She remembers the first time that Stefan tried to tell her that Luke was responsible for loosening the parapet railing and framing him. She remembers when she asked Luke outright if he was responsible for Katherine's death and Luke's response. As she walks away, still deep in thought, Luke comes out of his hiding place on the docks and follows her. Laura comes into Kelly's and greets Bobbie. Bobbie starts right in on Laura as ask if she is there to buy hot chocolate for Luke or for Stefan. She then accuses Laura of not being able to make up her mind. Bobbie and Laura then start arguing over Laura’s feelings toward Luke, Nikolas and Stefan. Laura tells Bobbie that her romantic life is none of Bobbie’s business. Bobbie tells Laura that she begs to differ, because she loves the people she is hurting with an exception to Stefan. Laura tells Bobbie that she doesn’t know anything about this and Bobbie tells her all that she knows is that Laura came back to Port Charles after a nice long rest in the country an immediately drove her husband out of town, then dangled herself in front of Stefan.

Laura tells Bobbie that is not what she did and Bobbie sarcastically says she’s sorry she forgot nothing is ever Laura’s fault, it’s always she had no other choice. Laura asks Bobbie if she really believes that she (Laura) wanted Luke to leave. Bobbie tells Laura who knows what she wants any more. One minute Laura’s heart is breaking over her husband and the next minute she finds herself a season pass on the launch to Spoon Island. Laura tells Bobbie that her son lives on Spoon Island and she has a right to visit him. She also tells Bobbie that she has been defending herself to her for years and quite frankly she is sick of it. She then tells Bobbie since she is so interested in her romantic life that she’ll let Bobbie in on a little secret, she loves Luke, and he knows it and so does Stefan. Bobbie asks Laura then why is Luke living in a room over Kelly’s instead of at home. Laura tells Bobbie that it was Luke’s decision not to live at home, not hers.

Bobbie says for reason that she has not yet to understand, Luke would never choose to be away from Laura, unless she made it impossible for him to stay. Laura laughs and tells Bobbie that she never changes when it comes to her brother, he’s always right and she (Laura) is always wrong. Bobbie tells Laura if she wants to explain it to her, she is right here in front of her. Laura tells Bobbie no, she doesn’t. Bobbie says for the record, she knows her brother has faults, and she doesn’t pretend to know everything he has done, but one thing she does know is that Luke did it all for Laura. With that note, Bobbie leaves. 

Nikolas and Stefan are talking about Luke and Laura. Stefan tells Nikolas that Laura has been quarreling with Luke again and felt obliged to tell him, so that Nikolas would be protected. Nikolas asks if Luke has been making threats again. Stefan says in away, yes, but nothing specific has been mentioned. He then tells Nikolas he doubts Spencer will attempt an outright attack, but reminds Nikolas that Luke does not wish Nikolas well. Nikolas tells his uncle that Luke can’t hurt him and he almost wishes Luke would try. Stefan cautions Nikolas not to underestimate Luke, he is dangerous and may be even more dangerous than usual in his present frame of mind. He then tells Nikolas that even though it may be tempting to go up against Luke, do not engage in a physical confrontation with him and it would be better if Nikolas uses his mind instead. Nikolas agrees and then comments on how nice it was that Laura came and that it must mean that she is worried about him. Stefan tells him yes, and that Laura is in a difficult situation, because she wants to spend more time there with them, but that Luke is making that impossible. He then tells Nikolas that Luke is blackmailing Laura into staying with him. Nikolas asks if Laura is aware of it. Stefan tells him that he has pointed it out to her on several occasions, but old patterns are deeply engraved. Nikolas says it’s crazy that she and Lulu are living in the house with that mad man and should be there with them. Stefan then hints that he's already taken steps to make such an arrangement possible. Nikolas asks him what kind of steps and Stefan will only say discrete ones. He then says repercussions are inevitable, but he does believe that in the end, the end will justify the means. Nikolas tells Stefan if he needs his help to let him know and he’ll do whatever he wants.

The phone rings. Stefan answers it, it is Katherine asking for Nikolas. Stefan asks Nikolas if he wants to talk with Katherine. Nikolas accepts the phone call. Katherine asks Nikolas when can she be expecting him. Nikolas tells Katherine he’ll be right there and then hangs up. Stefan stares at him, but Nikolas says before Stefan can say anything that he knows that Katherine is aligned with Helena, and will be careful. Nikolas leaves to meet up with Katherine at the Port Charles Hotel.

Stefan is at the Grill having a bite when he gets a phone call from Laura. She tells him that they need to talk. He suggest having dinner with him at Wyndemere, but Laura vetoes the idea, so Stefan tells her to meet him at the Port Charles Grill. He hangs up and tells the waiter to place another setting at his table. He is unaware that Luke is hiding behind a menu across the room watching him. Bobbie comes in and says on this day especially, Stefan is the last person she expected to see. Stefan says then please don’t let me detain you. Bobbie asks him if he is expecting company and Stefan says obviously. Bobbie then asks if it is someone who she is related to. Stefan sarcastically says how kind of her to mark this memorable day by wishing her former husband (meaning him) all the best. Bobbie asks if that is what Stefan is doing, celebrating the anniversary of the second Spencer/Cassidine marriage, or is he plotting the next. Stefan tells Bobbie that her loyalty astounds him and that in a case of her brother it is amazing. Bobbie tells him she just calls them like she sees them and she sees that he is trying to sabotage Luke and Laura’s marriage. Stefan says according to whom, the master of objectivity himself Luke? Bobbie tells Stefan that Laura has a sensational need for attention and he is giving her exactly what she wants, but Luke is the man she loves and will always return to him. She leaves Stefan with that thought.

Luke goes upstairs into Alexis’s hotel room and waits for her. Alexis shows up and is startled to walk in and find Luke making himself at home. She is not that surprised to see him there, but isn’t happy to see him neither. Luke asks if she has told Cousin Stiff about her part in the plot. She says that Stefan won’t kill her, but probably will never forgive her either. Luke wonders why she lives here at the hotel, and not out on the island and speculates that maybe it’s because she is not welcome there? Alexis says that she loves her brother, but Luke tells her to wake up and smell the danger. He then tells her to protect herself against Stefan, but Alexis says that she is fine and tells him to stop trying to turn her against her brother. She then tells Luke that she doesn’t need him showing up her and torching her about her feelings and that they need to just make a pack and call it a draw and agree to never reschedule a rematch. Luke tells her that she refuses to see even when it is right in her face. Alexis tells him she is going to give him a hint to stop seeking revenge on Stefan, and to hold on what he’s got. Go home, and pay attention to his own life instead of looking at everyone else’s lives. She then tells him if he wants revenge on Stefan to reclaim his wife and his kids and that will get revenge on Stefan in spades. Luke makes a little joke and then leaves.

Back down at the Grill, Laura shows up and tells Stefan that things are starting to unravel and that Bobbie is getting in the middle of things and accused her of playing him and Luke against each other. Stefan tells her that Barbara has been having a busy day and has accused him of trying to sabotage Luke and Laura’s marriage as well. Laura says no matter what happens now or what secrets are revealed she just couldn’t bare it if Nikolas is hurt by it. Stefan asks her what does she suggest and Laura says that she would like to see Nikolas and reassure him of her love for him. Stefan tells her that it would mean a great deal to Nikolas and then tells her that she could find Nikolas upstairs in Katherine's room working on a fundraiser. 

Bobbie gave pieces of her mind to both of them. Stefan milking it for all he can get, he reminds Laura constantly about their relationship being more than a casual affair. Laura on the other hand tells Stefan to stop filling their son's head with fantasies of her becoming a part of a family scene on the island. Stefan assures her he does no such thing and that Nicholas does that on his own, and why shouldn't he? Speaking of Nik, that's why Laura is there to see Stefan, she wants to assure Nik of her always being there no matter what might go on between her families. Stefan tells her that Nikolas is upstairs in Ms. Bell's suite discussing their charity ball plans. Laura looked a little suspicious and asked if Stefan wasn't a little worried knowing that Kat is Helena's little cadet. Stefan acknowledges Nik and Kat's relationship and would not go against it in fear of losing Nik over rebellious feelings. Laura hardly believes that Stefan is not worried. Stefan calls the suite, and asks Nikolas to join them for dinner, which he agrees to and promises to "wrap things up" right away.

Tammy goes to Luke's to ask for his help in piecing together what happened to her. She tells Luke about being beat up and going to hide out in Felicia's room. Tammy said after Felicia left, someone knocked on the door, she then blacked out. When she woke up, Tammy learned Roy (Alan) had been arrested for murder. Felicia arrives at Luke's and tells Tammy that Alan's drug dealer was the person Alan is accused of murdering. Luke suspects that Moreno was trying to set up Felicia to get at Mac, But got Tammy by mistake. Luke, Tammy and Felicia figure out that Alan was trying to get rid of the body to protect Tammy and he must think Tammy is the one who killed the dealer. Tammy decides to go to the jail to talk to Alan.

Nikolas is in the park teaching Leslie Lu to play soccer. Luke is watching from the bushes. As Leslie Lu chases after the ball, Luke emerges from the bushes and angrily says that if Nikolas is the baby-sitter, he is fired. Nikolas says, no. He is the brother and the son of the father that Luke killed on this day years ago. Luke offers to give an accurate eye witness account of how Stavros died. He was there, but out of the blackness of his heart, he isn't going to tell. Leslie Lu sees Luke and runs up to give him a hug. Luke gives Leslie Lu a stuffed toy as a present. A woman arrives in the park and immediately recognizes Nikolas. She says that her daughter Peggy wants to know if Leslie Lu can play on the swings. Leslie Lu runs off with Peggy and her mother. Nikolas tells Luke that the woman is his new neighbor. If Luke still had a home or any connection to the people who live in it, she would live two doors down. She knows him and Lucky and she seems to really like Laura, but she never mentions Leslie Lu's father. Probably because when there is something ugly or unhappy in a family people tend to sense it and step away from it. They don't want to cause pain. He'd be surprised if Laura ever heard Luke's name anymore. Luke tells Nikolas not to stop there. Tell him everything. Lets' hear the state of life and parenthood according to the littlest Cassidine.

Nikolas tells Luke that some things have changed since he's been gone. He left his family to manage without him and guess what they did? Laura decided not to be alone and Lucky decided not to hate everyone. If it was a mistake for Luke to leave than it was a mistake for him to come back. He destroyed everything he had here and all the Cassidine's had to do was watch. Damn, why didn't they think of that before? Luke says that they are a pretty slow crowd, But this bright rosy picture he paints of the inhabitants of the Spoon Island spa and resort is nice. The Cassidines and the Spencers all in hand knit sweaters riding ponies off into the sunset. There is his daughter with her tightlipped nanny and his son sharing Nikolas' tutor. There is his wife snuggling up to man that Nikolas calls Uncle who raised him like a Father. Luke tells Nikolas that he is pathetic. He never questioned Stefan. Who is the man that Nikolas calls Uncle?

Nikolas tells Luke to go ahead. Take his best shot. Does his Uncle have some dark secret? What did he do? Sleep with a chorus girl? Forget to return some library books? What? I'm sure there is no end to his villainy? Luke says that the temptation to fire on him is great considering that he has become more arrogant and irritating than ever, but he thinks he will wait. It would be like squirrel hunting with a scud missile. Noisy, messy, not much of a pelt left. He can get bigger bang for his buck. Nikolas says that that is just like him. It doesn't matter that he ends up hurting the people he is supposed to care about. Laura, Leslie Lu and even Lucky. The neighbor returns with Leslie Lu. She apologizes because Leslie Lu lost her stuffed animal. Nikolas leaves to take her home, leaving Luke alone in the park.

Stefan runs into Luke at the park and the two men engage in their usual insults of one another. Luke taunts Stefan with the fact that he knows that Nikolas is actually his son, not his nephew. Stefan asks Luke what did he say to Nikolas. Luke tells Stefan that the poker face won’t work any more because the cows are out of the barn, the cat is out of the bag, the steam is off the clams, and ain’t it a shame. He then tells Stefan that he was so close he could almost taste it, just a couple of more years and the pretender, Nikolas, would be handed and empire that wasn’t his and certainly isn’t Stefan’s. He then ask Stefan what about the others, Helena, Alexis and all the other inbreeds, the joke would be on them wouldn’t it. He continues to taunt Stefan by telling him that it should have worked and it could have worked, but Stefan blew it because he couldn’t stay away from the boy's mother could he?

Stefan tells Luke that nothing he says, can he prove because DNA testing was not available at the time of his brother’s death. He then tells Luke that the results of Stavros’ gene and blood type test are on record at General Hospital and will certainly be compatible with Nikolas’s. Luke tells him that the only thing that proves is that Stefan has been diddling around with the GH mainframe. Luke then says that people don’t need scientific proof these days, they might believe what is told and if they are like him, all they have to do is think about it and then they will know it’s true. Stefan tells him perhaps if they heard from someone other than Luke Spencer, but if it comes from him the malice intended will be obvious. The grand announcement will be dismissed as a lie, a paranoid historical fantasy. Luke asks Stefan if he wants to go find Niky and test his theory. Stefan then asks Luke if it ever embarrasses him when he makes himself seem clownish and impotent. He then says that Luke will say nothing to Nikolas and they both know it. He says he would no more tell Nikolas that he slept with Laura than he would tell him that he sleeps with a bottle of Bourbon, his pride won’t let him. Stefan then says that he sees nothing to stop Nikolas from claiming the family legacy.

Luke counters by telling Stefan that people have told him before that he should really try to assuage his clownish impotent pride and embrace humility, but it would be too much of a pleasure to see him lose the key to the kingdom and to watch his son spit in his face. He then tells Stefan that he knows how kids react when they walk into the closet and see the skeletons in there that belong to their father. Stefan counters back by telling Luke there’s a big difference between learning that your father is alive, at his side and always has been, than learning that he is a rapist. Luke tells Stefan that Stefan worships him, he has filled ever inch of his lonely miserable brain with graven images of him and in a way it’s really flattering to be the concept and icon that has kept Stefan going and trying to do better than Luke Spencer came in handy after Stefan's big brother went to his award, didn't it.

Luke then tells Stefan ever since he found out about that night between him and Laura 20 years ago, he's been like a man holding on to a life raft. He's taken that knowledge out and looked at it and let it's splendor feel the room and hoarded it like money and then he made his move and thought that by having Lucky call him a rapist was going to destroy him, but he's only partially bruised. He then tells Stefan let's see what happens when his son calls him father. A name that would make most men proud, but in Stefan's case, it's a curse, because as soon as he calls Stefan father the whole house of unsent father's day cards will come falling down and Stefan will lose everything, including the son in question. Stefan tries to confidently tell Luke that Nikolas will not turn against him. Luke says oh really, if his son felt betrayed, how does he think Nikolas is going to feel. Lucky felt betrayed because of one hour that happened along time ago that was none of his business, but Nikolas is going to have to deal with a whole lifetime of Stefan spoon feeding him fantasy and of Stefan feeling his veins of fake blood and making him celebrate bogus high holy days like this one. He then tells Stefan that of course Nikolas will hate his guts, but he can take comfort in the fact that knowing that his life expectancy will go way down as soon as Helena finds out that the kid she's been kowtowing to all these years is not her precious Stavros' son, he's none other than Stefan's spawn.

Nikolas is at the Spencer house with Lucky. He reminds Lucky that it was 18 years ago today that Luke killed Stavros. Nikolas tells Lucky about Luke's threats and Lucky agrees with Nikolas that Laura, Stefan and Luke are all headed for a disaster. Lucky and Nikolas agreed to distance themselves from Luke and Stefan's feud. Lucky then reveals to Nikolas that Liz is in Florida with her grandmother. Lucky then tells Nikolas about Tom’s sentence. They make awkward good-byes and Nikolas apologizes for saying what he did about their parents, they only know the versions that they were told, they didn’t see it first hand. Nikolas hopes that it won’t change the friendship they now have together. Lucky says why would it and then comments about how Nikolas has changed since he has grown. Nikolas corrects him jokingly that Lucky is the one who has changed. Nikolas then asks Lucky to say bye to Lesley Lu for him and makes a bee line to Katherine’s. Shortly after he is gone, Laura comes bursting through the door calling out for Nikolas, Lucky asks her what did Luke do now.

Laura is surprised to find Lucky baby-sitting Lu Lu instead of Nikolas. Laura tells Lucky that she just had a fight with Luke about Nikolas baby-sitting Lu Lu and that the two of them have never been so far apart. Lucky tells Laura that it is okay with him if Nikolas spends time with Lu Lu and that Luke would just have to get used to the idea. Laura says she is happy Lucky and Nikolas have come to an understanding. Lucky then leaves and goes over to Luke's club. Lucky tells Luke that Nikolas isn't Stefan, and that he isn't Luke. Luke responds that he will protect his family from danger by any means necessary, and that danger is the Cassidines. Also, he wont change just because Lucky has been duped into brotherhood with one of them. Lucky says to him that he wont hate someone just because Luke does. Luke responds by saying the Cassidines will give Lucky plenty of reasons of his own to hate them.

Nikolas tells Katherine that he sometimes imagines what it would be like to have a father, but Stefan is all the father he has ever needed. He says that Stefan has even brought his mother back to him. Katherine later reflects on this comment, and it triggers her memory of the night she fell. She flashes back to seeing Laura on the parapet, to learning that Stefan is Nik's father, to remembering the fall. Kat asks Nik, what if someone told him that his father never died? Nikolas then explains to Kat that he envoys Lucky because he has the freedom to do what ever he wants and doesn't have to answer to anyone. Katherine asks Nik if he would like it if someone could make his legacy disappeared. Nikolas says he couldn't walk away from Stefan. Nik and Kat share a kiss before Nikolas leaves.

Katherine then leaves to meet Helena on the docks. Katherine asks Helena if she cares about Nikolas as a person or just as the Prince who will inherit Stavros' wealth and title. Helena responds that she shares an agenda with Katherine; Stefan's destruction, and if Nikolas is a means to that end so be it. Kat responds that she isn't cultivating Nikolas' affections to get back at Stefan. Helena senses something's up and tells Katherine that Stefan would be destroyed if he los Nikolas to anyone. She then asks if Katherine has found a way to do that?

Luke comes upon Kat and Helena. Helena tells Luke that he was missed quite a bit while he was gone. Luke welcomes Katherine back from the dead. Katherine makes it known that she knows Luke was responsible for her fall. Helena joins in on the accusations and Luke tells Katherine she doesn't wear paranoia well. Katherine ends it by saying that at least she is now free of Stefan. Luke says whoever loosened the railing did her a favor, she no longer has that glazed look in her eyes. Katherine answers that her eyes are wide open now and her peripheral vision has been restored. She brings up the forged will and how she really did leave everything to Stefan and how Luke was the only one that knew. Luke reminds her the forgery is what got Stefan acquitted, so why would he, Stefan's archenemy, want that? Luke wanted to frame her and to cover for Alexis. Alexis and Luke are the ones that had plotted to lure her to the parapet and force her against the railing, only Katherine got there before they had a chance to work out their plan. Luke tries to laugh it off. Katherine reassures Luke that she is not going to the police because she wants Luke free to torture Stefan.

Katherine leaves and Helena and Luke have a little private chat. Helena wants to know what Luke has in store for Stefan. She tells Luke that watching him destroy Stefan may go a long way in making up for his killing of her Stavros. She tells Luke that Stefan has only two weaknesses, Nikolas and Luke's precious Laura. She threatens Luke that if he harms Nikolas, she will have to retaliate by hurting someone very dear to him (implying Lucky). Luke tells her to watch it. But Luke doesn't need to worry, Helena wants to keep the children out of it. Luke questions why? Helena tells of her devotion to Nikolas but that Stefan has poisoned Nikolas against her. She says the only reason Stefan has any influence over Nikolas is because Luke killed Nikolas' father. Luke slyly says he doesn't remember killing Nikolas' father. Helena thinks that Luke is trying to say that Stavros is still alive, but Luke tells her that he was talking about the legacy. Helena decides to attack Luke from a different approach. She brings up Laura and how she has ensconced herself in the household of Spoon Island. Luke reassures Helena that it's just the time of the year that attracts Laura to the island, she loves the cold and fog at this time of the year. Helena gets real cozy with Luke and invites Luke back to her yacht for a nightcap, but Luke declines. Helena kisses Luke good-bye and tells him that she is depending on him to wipe out Stefan.

Nikolas visits Stefan in his study and Stefan consoles Nikolas about his unfortunate run-in with Luke on the anniversary of his father's death. Stefan urges Nikolas not to be careless around Luke. Stefan thinks that once Luke realizes he is about to lose his family, he will harm those that he thinks may be responsible and that includes Nikolas. He cautions Nikolas and tells him he wants Nikolas to stay away from Lucky. Luke resents their relationship. Nikolas says he can't do that; he and Lucky vowed to band together to look after their sister, to keep her from harm from whatever is going on between Luke, Laura and Stefan. Stefan is not pleased that Nikolas has taken Lucky as a companion. Stefan ends up consenting to the relationship but warns Nikolas that what is going on in this triangle does involve him more than he knows. Nikolas responds that it sounds like there is something he is not telling him. Stefan denies the statement. They get back to talking about Stavros' death and Nikolas admits that he spent the day with Katherine. He tries to explain how Katherine helped him get through the day by just listening to him and seeing him as someone who lost their father at an early age and not about the Cassidine lineage. Stefan reminds Nikolas that Katherine's loyalty is with Helena now. Nikolas agrees but wants to spend more time with her in hopes that Katherine will get out of Helena's grasp. Stefan is curious about what Nikolas told Katherine about his father. Nikolas gets upset. He never knew his father, never missed him because he always had Stefan. Nikolas reassures Stefan that he wasn't just a stand-in father. He was the father Nikolas couldn't have. They share a very tender moment and hug.

Liz is taking pictures of Lucky, practicing with Nikolas camera. They wonder what is keeping Nikolas, Emily and Lulu. Lucky is running around the room making sure everything looks right. Liz is wondering what he is so nervous about. He tells her that Lulu has never been to her room and he doesn’t want her to think that her brother is a slob. Liz understands and smiles to herself and then starts taking pictures of the tree, she tells Lucky that she thinks something is missing. She shows Lucky some stockings that she tried to knit, but they have thumbs and didn’t come out right. She then explains that they were mittens, but she never finished them. Lucky thinks they are still okay and he and Liz hung the Christmas stockings Liz had made on the headboard. There is a knock at the door. They open it to find Lesley Lu standing there all dressed up. She immediately runs into her brothers arms. Lucky is thrilled to see her and asks if she came by herself, just then Nikolas and Emily step into the doorway and say they are escorting Miss Spencer. Liz prepared to take Nikolas, Lesley Lu and Lucky's photograph to give to Laura as a present. The girls are getting Lulu ready for the picture. Liz sets them up with Lulu in the middle and the boys on either side. The girls try to loosen the guys up, but it doesn’t seem to be working. Emily thinks they need some music so she grabs Lucky's boom box and turns it on. He and Elizabeth quickly go to turn it off when Lucky’s voice comes over the speakers and the song "Elizabeth" started to play. Nikolas and Emily look at them strangely, but decide to let it go and Nikolas suggests some more upbeat music. There is some hiphop music playing and Nikolas and Lucky are playing with Lulu on the bed. Lulu is dancing on the bed and Lucky drags out the jelly beans to have with Lulu, while Liz keeps taking pictures. She ends up taking some very nice pictures of Lucky, Lulu and Nikolas as a family.

Up in Katherine's room, Luke pays a visit to Katherine to fish for answers to why she thinks he was the one responsible for the parapet incident. Katherine doesn't recall him being invited. Luke asked Katherine if anyone else knew that he was responsible for her fall and tells her that he never meant for her to fall. Katherine tells Luke that she has no intention of pressing charges against him. Still, Luke wants to know if there is anyone else. Katherine tells him that Mac and the police are the only people she has talked to and they don’t know he is responsible other wise he’d be in jail about now. Luke still wants Katherine to think is there was anyone else who she may have talked to. Katherine is refusing to play 20 questions with Luke and tells him so. Luke calls her a stubborn little wench and says that they both want Stefan gone, why can't they work together. Katherine looks like she may warm to that idea and tells Luke that Jerry Jacks had been asking questions about him. Luke says Jerry Jax and Katherine tells him that Jerry came asking questions because he thought someone was trying to frame him or something. Luke tells her he’ll look into that and Katherine says she has an appointment, and tries to kick Luke out. She gets up and leaves him. He sits with a smug look on his face, because he is onto the fact that Katherine and Nikolas have become lovers. When Katherine rushes him out of the suite, Luke realizes that Nikolas is on his way and arranges for Stefan to become suspicious of Nikolas and Katherine by setting up a little trap. Outside Katherine’s suite, while Luke peers around the corner, he finds out that Katherine has ordered caviar for herself and Nikolas. When the bellman leaves with her order, Luke smiles to himself out in the hallway and then calls Wyndemere saying that he is the concierge at the hotel, and that he has an urgent message for Stefan from Master Nikolas to meet him in room 819 (Katherine’s room).

As Nikolas arrives at Katherine's door, his cell phone begins to ring. Stefan is trying to reach him. Katherine opens the door and grabs the cell phone out of Nikolas' hand and tells the person on the other end of the line that the party he is trying to reach is unavailable. She throws the phone on the bed and pulls Nikolas into the room. They start kissing passionately. Stefan is clearly confused by what he just heard and Luke is in the hall outside Kat's hotel room smiling wickedly. Mrs. Landsbury comes into Stefan's study and tells him that she heard on the news that there was a shooting at the Outback. Stefan is concerned that Nikolas is unprotected. He makes arrangements to go to the mainland. Luke is sitting outside of Katherine's hotel room waiting for Stefan to show up. Nikolas and Katherine are inside the room. They make a pretense of talking about the fundraiser while they undress each other. A shirtless Nikolas says between kisses that working with Katherine has aroused some sort of passion in him. He thinks he is going to make fund raising an ongoing event in his life. Katherine says that they should keep their goals in mind, the GH fundraiser. As Nikolas pushes Katherine down on the bed, he says that he agrees that planning the fundraiser will take a lot of time. Stefan shows up outside Katerine's hotel room, and a knock is heard. Kat and Nik jump, Nik tells her not to answer it. She worries that it could be the maid with a room key, and asks "Who is it?" It is room service needing her to sign her last bill. She jumpily opens the door and is relieved it is indeed the hotel staff.

Nikolas has arrived at Wyndemere. He finds Stefan in his study waiting for him. He tells Nikolas about the shooting at the Outback and says that he was concerned about Nikolas. He is relieved that Nikolas is home safely. Nikolas tells him that there is nothing to worry about. Stefan says that he is worried with the hours Nikolas has been keeping and his working companion. Katherine is not the woman she used to be. Nikolas seems to have forgotten that Katherine has an agenda with their family. Nikolas defends Katherine saying that her only agenda is the bachelor's auction. He is really enjoying his work and he plans to continue his fund raising efforts with Katherine even when the auction is over. Stefan is clearly not pleased with this news. Nikolas wishes him goodnight and leaves. Once he has gone, Stefan makes a phone call. He tells the person on the other end of the line that he needs to see him/her immediately. It's about Katherine Bell.

Luke is alone in his office. He pours himself a drink. He is laughing hysterically as he toasts romance, "Long may she wave." It's Laura's birthday. Stefan remembers and gives her a huge bouquet of daisies. Her children give her the framed photo of the three of them. Laura is very touched by the gift. Luke consoles Felicia and Robin after Mac's shooting, he offers if they need anything to just let him know. Felicia asks for him to let her know if he hears anything that links Marino to the shooting. Audrey invites Lucky to join her and Elizabeth for Christmas dinner. Luke arrives, and is happy to see Lucky. Lucky asks about his leg, and Luke cracks that he has been cleared to pole fault again (one of Tony's famous ad libs as the viewer can tell by the look on Jonathan's face as he struggles to stay in character and not laugh).

Stefan stops by to wish Laura a happy birthday, and she invites him in. She flatters Stefan on what a wonderful job he did raising Nikolas, a generous and patient young man. She thanks him for bringing them all together. She opens his gift to find a picture of Nikolas when he was six. Stefan tries to get Laura to come with him to his castle for Christmas but she says no.

Luke went to Bobbie's place to confront Jerry about working for Stefan. Luke points out that he has kept Bobbie in the dark about one too many things over the years and won't do it again. Luke tells Jerry that if he doesn't tell Bobbie the truth that he will and Luke warns him that if Luke is the one that tells her that Jerry will lose her for sure. Its up to Jerry. Luke arrives home. Laura asks him to tell her that he has come home. He tells her that he has come to say good-bye. She says that her and Leslie Lu have been waiting for him. She is shocked. She starts to cry and talks about love, love over the years past the flowers and chocolates. Luke points out that people always thought they were making a colossal mistake. She tells him that she has always loved him and she still does. She insists that she knows he still loves her. She says that they are not a mistake. She says if he has made up his mind to walk out, that she can't stop him. She doesn't want him to tell the truth about Nikolas. She begs him to think about what it would do to Nikolas, but also what Helena would do if she found out that Nik isn't Stavros' son. Laura worries how Lucky would react, they are just now learning to be a family. She asks Luke to leave it alone, and let them be brothers.

**The End**

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