Spencer vs. Cassadine #20  December 8, 2000 - March 19, 2001 - 8 hr original edit

DVD #20A  Luke was on the phone with a collection agency for Nantucket Nights, a brewery. They told him he owed $2000 and he ruffled the papers on his desk and told them he found the bill but it had been paid and he guessed that his old and feeble friend, Mr Dilucca, had screwed up. Alexis showed up and asked what he was doing that night. He asked why, did she want to work off her pre-wedding jitters. She told him she would rather stick pokers in her eyes. She said she was inviting him to a party, a bachelor party for Ned. She told him no one there liked her and she wanted Luke to tell them good things about her. Luke said no, but changed his mind and told Roy when he came by that they were going to a party and he was taking the playing cards because the Quartermaines thought they could play poker and he was going to take their money.

12/11 Felicia and Luke are down by the docks scheming on how to enter the County Clerk’s office to steal Cassadine records. Mac is listening in the shadows. Unbelievably, he actually steps out from his hiding place and warns Felicia that she needs to stay clear of Luke and other illegal activities.

Laura and Carly discuss their concept of the new face of Deception. They agree that they want someone beautiful, untapped and accessible. Laura thinks she has the perfect idea, Elizabeth Webber. Carly, of course, strongly disagrees and is back in old form with plenty of insults before she storms out of the room.

12/12 Scott came by Deception to see Laura at her request. She told him Carly Corinthos was turning out to be more of a challenge than she expected. Scott said that a simple solution would be to buy out Bonnie and Clyde. Laura laughed and said she wasn't ready to buy them out yet and she knows she wouldn't Scott to do it for her. He said that he thought she had come to her senses. "So, you're having a little trouble with Carly?" he asked. "That is an understatement," Laura answered. "I was told Carly was impulsive but she is reckless; this is all a game to her. We are trying to launch a new ad campaign and all she can do is whine about who decorated the office," she added.

She told him they had called an ad executive to discuss starting up the "Face of Deception" campaign again. She saw him look at a picture of Dominique on her desk and asked if it would bother him for them to do the campaign. He said he was okay with it. She said she had never met Dominique and he told her about how they met and married and that she had given him a daughter. He had some bad years after Laura dumped him, but Dominique brought him back.

Mac came across Felicia and Luke on the docks and told him he could probably haul him down to the station as he was either about to commit a crime or he just had. Luke asked what made him jump to such an unpleasant conclusion. Mac asked Felicia how she fit in when they.

12/13 Nikolas went to visit Stefan who invited him to breakfast. Nikolas agreed to stay. He asked Stefan a few questions about his father. Did he think that he would like his dad, Starvros? Was his dad a good person? Stefan did his best to answer these questions in a positive light. He told Nikolas that his dad had good qualities, it was only Helena’s bad influence that made Starvros an odd person. Nikolas was pleased with Stefan’s response.

A little later, Stefan decided to tell Nikolas the truth about Helena’s plan to put him in a mental institution. Nikolas was startled and could not believe that his Grandmother would do such a thing to him. Stefan said yes anything is possible with Helena, and she would had he not squashed her attempt. Nikolas was terribly upset by this news. Helena appeared and Nikolas blasted her for her actions. Helena then tried to clear herself by saying she did it to protect him from people like Luke. Gia then jumped in and took her shot at Helena. Afterwards, Helena left the pier and went off in the other direction.

12/14 Luke was rehearsing his Darius Cassadine persona when Felicia came into his office. She said she would come with him to the courthouse. He thought she meant she would come to Istanbul. She thought he had decided against that. He said he had to strike while Helena was otherwise engaged with Stefan being back from the dead. She wouldn't notice any bogus Cassadine relatives like nefarious Darius or the beautiful Olga. She was skeptical about him going to Istanbul as Darius. He said it would be a cinch, as soon as he could get some information to fake credentials. He would go to Windermere and snoop around. She asked about the launch and he said he had his own boat. He went later to the mansion and was trying to get the safe open when he heard voices. He quickly ducked into another room.

12/15 Luke came out of hiding after they left and tried to open the safe again. He still didn't have it open when he heard someone come in. Someone was telling Stefan that the Ice Princess had been released to Helena in Istanbul. Stefan said that he would reclaim it after he became trustee of the estate again in a few days. They left and Luke finally got into the safe, helping himself to a bundle of cash, a piece of paper he wanted, and Stefan's family crest ring.

Laura went to Kelly's to see Elizabeth. Elizabeth told her she had been thinking of her make as they were launching the face of Deception ad campaign and she wanted Elizabeth to be the new "Face of Deception". She told Elizabeth she would be perfect for the job. Liz said she would make a fool of herself. Lucky came in and Gia, who had been listening to Laura and Elizabeth, told him to talk some sense into his girlfriend before she passed up on a chance of a lifetime. Lucky asked Liz what this chance of a lifetime was and Laura told him that she was trying to talk Liz into being the model for Deception. Lucky thought it was a great idea, she should go for it.

Liz said she would freeze up when she had to do personal appearances. Lucky asked didn't she used to want to be a model. Liz said yes, when she was 12, but this is the real deal Laura was offering. Laura said because she could really do it. Liz said she was flattered by the offer but no, she couldn't see herself doing it. Laura said the deal was there if she changed her mind. As Laura was leaving she saw Scott and asked him and Serena if they wanted to come to a tree decorating party. He agreed and said maybe he could even find an ornament to bring.

12/18 Though Laura looks forward to a splendid Christmas, Leslie cautions her daughter to tread lightly with Scott during the holiday season. Scott brings Serena to Laura's place for a tree-trimming party. Bobbie advises her brother not to break Lulu's heart by vanishing again without a word just before Christmas. Luke goes to see Lulu and is annoyed to find Scott on the premises.

12/19 As Scott helps her top off her Christmas tree with the traditional angel, Laura recalls a similar scene from years ago. Reporting that he hasn't placed a bet in several weeks, Mike asks a beaming Tammy to join him for dinner that night. Laura tries to entice Scott into coming aboard at Deception as legal counsel. Egged on by Amy, Laura and Scott demonstrate for Lesley Lu and Serena how mistletoe works.

12/21 As Laura preps Elizabeth for her first photo shoot, Carly arrives with her own hand-picked candidate for the new face of Deception. After asking Elizabeth and Gia to wait outside in the reception room, Laura blasts her business partner for trying to show her up. Laura softens towards Carly after learning why the young woman is so out of sorts.

12/22 Laura tries to let Gia down gently by telling her that Carly only asked her to test on a whim and because Carly doesn't like Elizabeth. Laura tells Gia that Laura wants Elizabeth, but because Carly is her partner, Gia will still get her test shoot for the "Face of Deception". Laura explains to Gia why she's so sold on her original concept of using Elizabeth as the new face of Deception.

Scotty goes to see Laura on the pretense of legal matters regarding Deception, but finally runs out of legal mumbo jumbo and wishes her a happy birthday and hands her a gift. It is an engraved nameplate that says LAURA SPENCER, President and CEO. She is pleased and thanks him for remembering her birthday and he tells her that he remembers her birthday every year. They kiss passionately but are interrupted by the arrival of Liz, Lucky, Nik, Leslie, Lulu enter her office with a huge bouquet of balloons yelling "surprise". She is indeed surprised with her birthday party.

12/26 Mac and Felicia run into Laura at the hospital and neither Felicia or Laura look very comfortable. Laura gently explains to a hopeful Lulu why her daddy won't be home for Christmas.

12/29 Scott objects when Mac questions Laura about the hit on her business partner's husband. Laura offers a grateful Carly some words of comfort. 

1/4  Scott went to see Laura and found her answering phones that were going crazy. He told her this was what she wanted, things were really taking off. "Be careful what you wish for," she replied. Scott tried to help her but wasn't much help. They were talking about her needing help and Scott said he hated to suggest Amy helping, but maybe she should call her. 

Just then, Elton showed up and Scott asked if he had been listening at the door. Elton was affronted and said he had seen Nikolas and it was mentioned she could use help. He told her Nikolas and him had worked on a project together. Scott was suspicious, asking what kind of project. "A social event," Elton sniffed. The phones started ringing again and Elton answered. He helped out and Laura told him she couldn't really offer him a job without her partner's okay. She finally agreed to a trial till Carly came back to work. Scott wasn't too pleased when he returned later. 

1/5 The ever-efficient Elton dazzles Laura with his expertise as he quickly settles into a comfortable routine at Deception.  Laura stifles an ironic smile when Amy warns her sister that Elton is a terrible gossip. 

1/8  Stefan was telling Helena that he enjoyed being "dead", he was free of her. Helena scornfully asked if his tastes never changed. He said that Chloe's dreams were a useful talent. He only regretted that he hadn't had time to frame Helena for the kidnapping. Helena complimented Stefan on the way he had framed Luke for his murder. 

Laura went to pick up an order at Kelly's. She exchanged Happy New Year’s with Bobbie and asked about Sonny. Bobbie said he had been upgraded to stable. "What about Carly?" Laura asked. Bobbie said Carly was camped out at the hospital and acting like a wife. Laura asked how Roy and Bobbie were and Bobbie asked if she had time to talk as she wanted to ask her something. She wanted to know if Roy had ever talked about his past to Laura while he lived at her house; especially about a woman named Melissa. Laura said he hadn't and wanted to know what was going on. 

Bobbie told her some weird things had been going on, she thought she was losing her mind. Roy thought that Larkin was behind it as Roy had been responsible for him being kicked out of the FBI. Carly came in then and Bobbie hugged her and said it was nice to see her out and about. Carly asked Laura if she had signed Elizabeth Webber as the face of Deception and Laura told her she would wait till Carly came back as promised. Carly told Bobbie that Sonny still didn't trust her. He had overheard her talking to Benny and called them both in. He told Benny that he didn't take orders from Carly. Carly was not involved in his business at all. She decided to leave for awhile and get some fresh air.

1/10 Laura and Bobbie are getting along beautifully these days. They were at Kelly's and sharing good conversation. Laura confessed to Bobbie that she did remember Roy talking to her about a particular case, from his past, involving a woman. Roy specifically mentioned that he wished he could make it up to her and how much this bothered him. Bobbie was grateful for this information and wished that she could help Roy. She admitted to being a little jealous. Bobbie told Laura that Melissa was a problem that she can't solve right now. 

Bobbie lightened things up a bit by telling Laura she was waiting on her invitation to the new Deception offices. Laura told her to drop by anytime. She proclaimed that she loved working on her own. It was challenging, exhausting, and exciting too. You never know what will happen from day to day. Bobbie then asked if Laura was over Luke. Laura said that if being separate and moving on is being over then yes she was. Bobbie replied that she was happy for Laura. Felicia arrived at Kelly's and she and Laura passed. Felicia spoke first and said hi. Laura then gave a brief hello and left. 

1/11 At Deception, Elton was on the phone when Carly walked in. He put the person on hold and greeted her, asking about her husband. She said he was fine and asked if he was filling in. He told her he worked at Deception now. Laura stepped out of her office and saw Carly. Carly asked if she had made any other business decisions without her besides Elton. Laura assured Carly he was only on a trial basis until she came back. Carly said she didn't want to fight as soon as she got back. 

Elton handed Carly some information he had researched on the internet about post-surgery care. She thanked him and asked to see Laura in Laura's office. They went in and Laura told her again that Elton was only on a trial basis until Carly approved also. She didn't want to bother her at the time since she was by Sonny's bedside and the phones had been ringing off the hook. Elton showed up just at the right time. Carly agreed that Elton was okay but what about the face of Deception, had she finalized that. She wanted to be there for the test shots and Laura assured her she would be; she had pushed them back till Carly was ready.

Mac took a bottle of champagne to Laura and congratulated her on being in business. He handed her the business license and she told him she didn't think it was the Police Commissioner's job to deliver business licenses personally. He said it wasn't but he made an exception in her case. She asked if he wanted a tour of the offices and he said he would, but Scott burst in and told Mac to quit harrassing Laura about Sonny. Laura told Scott that Mac had just brought by the business license. Scott apologized and Mac told Laura he would come for a tour later and left. Scott said he was an idiot, etc. and asked her for lunch. She said she would, encouraging him to call himself names for jumping to conclusions about Mac.

1/15 Stefan went to see Alexis and she greeted him with "If it's not the kidnapper of my best friend." Stefan requested she not say anything to Nikolas. "You don't want me to tell him how you faked your own death; endangered Chloe's life and set-up Luke Spencer?" she asked. He said he just wanted to protect Nikolas from Helena. She asked him how many times he was going to lie to Nikolas and, more importantly, ask her to lie. She said he should be the one to tell Nikolas because he will find out. He said he would never hurt Nikolas, he loved him. 

Ned came in and commented on Stefan's nerve, that most kidnappers wouldn't show up on their family's doorstep. Stefan told Alexis this was none of Ned's business, it was family business. Ned retorted that Stefan had kidnapped his friend and Alexis was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, so it was his business. He asked if Nikolas had, or was about to, find out what Stefan did. Alexis told Stefan if he didn't tell Nikolas, she would. He left, telling her he thought she would have more family loyalty. 

1/16  Carly  kissed him and went off to meet Laura at the office. 

1/17 Laura tells Carly about a cosmetic crisis at Deception and she needs to go to Europe on a last minute to take care of it. Carly is all for Laura going and handling the problem without her. 

Helena tells Nikolas about Stefan kidnapping Chloe and faking his own death. Nikolas doesn't want to believe her, but Helena tells him enough to make him question what was going on. Helena tells him if he has any doubts he should talk to Stefan. Helena tries to convince Nik she has always been there for him and Stefan just poisioned his mind against her. Nikolas acuses Helena of turning Stefan, the man he loved, into someone just like her. Helena tells him that the Cassidine heir has to do without love and it is time for him to face his responsibilities as the next Cassidine heir.

1/18 Nikolas comes to Wyndemere and icily informs his uncle that he will never again be trustee of the Cassadine estate. Forced to confess how he faked his own death, an emotional Stefan entreats Nikolas to understand that he only did it to protect his beloved nephew. 

1/19 Stefan begs an angry Nikolas to give him a chance to explain why he staged his own death. Describing Helena's cold-blooded attempt to kill him, Stefan tells his nephew he knew he had to disappear in order to save them both from the murderous matriarch of the Cassadine clan. Unmoved by his uncle's pleas, Nikolas icily informs a distraught Stefan that there is nothing between them any more. 

1/23 Helena called Stefan a twisted manipulator incapable of loving or being loved. She proudly told him that she hurt Nikolas to free him of you Stefan. I love and care about Nikolas and his pain, but in your pain not the slightest concern because it is so richly deserved. Stefan replied and stated that Helena had made a bad move. Helena told Stefan that he was acting as if there was something left. The game was over and you were completely defeated. Stefan put on his black leather gloves and said do you really think so mother. After he shut the door, Helena pondered. You are not as lethal as you think you are my son. You adore me and always have. You could not possibly kill me. 

1/24 Laura returns from Paris just in time to give Elizabeth's flagging morale a boost.  Laura promises Gia she's still in the running for the new face of Deception. 

1/25 Nikolas glumly informs his mother that Stefan faked his own death, then is surprised when Laura reveals how she suspected it from the start. 

1/26 Elizabeth went to see Laura and was greeted effusively by Elton. He advised her to let him know if there was anything she needed. He said Laura had been singing her praises all morning and the photographer couldn't wait to meet her. He then let her into Laura's office and Laura introduced her to Theo Minelli, the photographer. He was the one that was going to turn her into the face of Deception. Theo studied Elizabeth's face and said he knew exactly how he was going to shoot her. Laura said she knew he would and told Elizabeth to wait and see how she would look, she would have fun. 

Carly came in then and introduced herself to Theo, saying she loved his work. She told Elizabeth to go have a catnap, because she looked a little puffy-eyed.  Laura rescued Elizabeth and took her out to the reception area. She asked Elton to give Elizabeth the address to the photographer's studio and assured Elizabeth that she looked gorgeous. When she came back into her office Carly was showing Theo a picture of her choice, Gia. Theo said he was confused, wasn't he just to take pictures and see who comes out looking the best. It wasn't up to him to make their decision for them. Laura reassured him they just wanted to take the pictures objectively and they would decide. Objective is something he could do. After he left Laura and Carly had their usual argument about the face of Deception. They agreed that the pictures would decide who should be the next "face".

Later Elton came in and informed Laura that Paris had called and were sending the first batch of perfume samples overnight. Laura thanked him and asked if Carly was ready to go the studio for the shoot. He said she had left to go see how her husband was doing, that she would meet Laura there. Laura was glad, she could get there and calm Elizabeth down before Carly came. Stefan showed up then and told Laura she had to talk to Nikolas, get him to forgive him. Laura laughed and said he must be kidding. 

They were going through the evidence when Felicia received a call from Luke, who was in Istanbul. He told Felicia he would have the Ice Princess by the end of the week. "Then he would be coming home?" she asked. He asked if she missed him. After she hung up, she noticed Mac looking at her and she said that was Luke and he told her he knew by the look on her face.

1/29  Istanbul: Luke (as Darius Cassadine) was rehearsing the speech that he hoped would get him to the Ice Princess when a knock came at his door. He opened the door a little and asked who it was. The guy identified himself as being a Vice President from Worldwide Bank and Luke would have to deal with him if he wanted into the Cassadine vault. He told Luke he had to see credentials before he could discuss the Cassadine holdings. "You come to my room asking for credentials when you haven't shown me yours, but obviously I"m of better breeding," Luke said haughtily. He looked over Luke's credentials and said they were fine. Luke said he had wasted enough of his time and started to usher him out of the room. The banker stopped and told Luke he had to ask him some more questions. "On top of all this, you dare to question Darius Cassadine?” he asked. "If you are in fact Darius Cassadine," the other guy nervously laughed.

Stefan told Laura she had to help him convince Nikolas to give him another chance; Nikolas was in danger. He reminded Laura of what Helena did in his absence; firing her and gaining control of the trusteeship. Laura said she wouldn't trust him again after he framed Luke for his murder; she wouldn't help him. Stefan grabbed her arms and said he needed her help. She told him to let go of her. He said she would help him and, when she asked if he was threatening her, told her he had nothing left to lose.

1/30 Elizabeth was having a rough time during the photo shoot. Nothing seemed to help her loosen up. She looked stiff and not comfortable at all. Carly was pleased, but Laura was worried for her candidate. Lucky showed up and Elizabeth's eyes brightened. Laura finally called a break and asked everyone to give Lucky and Elizabeth a moment. Lucky started to play around and the next thing you know she was comfortable in front of the camera. The crew returned and Elizabeth was able to finish her shoot with confidence.

2/1 Luke tried to break into the Cassadines' safe deposit box but is foiled before getting to the goods. Laura, Nik, and Liz are at Kelly's talking about the photo shoot. Gia comes in and is tense,  Laura goes home. 

2/2 A pensive Stefan stares across the water. He is interrupted by Helena. Stefan attempts to leave, but Helena informs him that she has a plan for Nikolas. Stefan warns her to stay away from him. "Or what? You'll be cross with Mommy?" Helena responds. Helena asks why Stefan still pretends to care about Nik. Stefan is confident that Nik will forgive him in time. Helena mentions Nik's living situation and says that someone needs to remind him how to be a Cassadine. "Not you. Never you," Stefan responds, walking away. Andreas appears out of nowhere and asks what Helena is planning. "I am merely goading my unfortunate son to get rid of Gia. Then Nikolas will hate Stefan and not me," she says.

2/5 Laura went by to book Gia's photo session and told Theo she would like to have another session for Elizabeth too but it could wait. They booked a day and time and she noticed his set-up for another session. He said his assistant had booked a session but he didn't know who for, only that they were paying top dollar.

Luke was throwing papers around in an attempt to clean when someone knocked at the door. "The cheque is in the mail," he yelled. Roy announced himself and Luke greeted him by dropping a box of cleaning supplies in his arms and telling him to make himself useful. Roy looked around and asked if the maid had quit. Luke said yes, she ran  away with the butler. He cleared a space on a table to lay the box on. Luke kept rearranging the mess into Roy's arms as they shared their usual banter, mostly about Luke's trip to Istanbul. Luke said he was close to getting the Ice Princess but he hadn't given up. He was going to get onto Helena's yacht to get the safety deposit box key. Roy asked why he didn't get the key in the first place.  Felicia went to see Luke later. 

2/6  Mac ran into Laura. He asked her how the cosmetics business was going and told her she deserved a huge success. Mac tells Laura that Luke is home. Laura asks, "Is Felicia with him?" Apparently, Laura still cares for him, but she says that she is trying to let go of Luke and move on.  She sees Luke, they talk, listen to oldies and dance. She kisses him vigorously. 

2/8 Bobbie welcomes Luke back and explains her dilemma with Melissa and Roy. Luke confides that Roy once talked about his past but Luke was too busy to listen. 

2/9 Elton came into Laura's office with some photos and asked Laura if she had seen them. She assumed they were Elizabeth's and told Elton she had been nervous and they were redoing them. He said they were of Gia. She asked where they had come from and he said Theo's assistant had dropped them off. Laura said Gia's test shoot wasn't till the following week. "Whoops," Elton said. She told him to get Theo on the phone and to get hold of Gia. She asked if Carly was in her office and he hold her Carly had gone for lunch. She told him to track her down as they were going to have an executive meeting right now. "I don't know when you turned into Joan Crawford, but I love it!" Elton exclaimed. 

Carly came in and was looking at Gia's photos. Laura asked her when she was going to tell her that she had set up a photo session at Theo's studio with another photographer. Carly told her Lucky had taken the pictures and Laura was surprised. Carly said he had a real talent. They argued and Laura said this partnership was a disaster and Carly agreed. She said she could handle it alone and she would buy Laura out. Laura didn't agree with that and they argued some more before Carly left. Stefan came and begged Laura once again to help him with Nikolas. He insisted Nikolas needed his protection against Helena.

DVD #20B  2/12 Nikolas asked Stefan why he was badgering Laura. Stefan told Nikolas it was because he wouldn't listen to him; he refused to let him give into his worst impulses. "That would be me, right?" Gia asked, entering the room. Stefan told her it was none of her concern.

"You know who you sound like, Stef?" Gia asked. "Your mother," she continued. Laura looked liked she was trying not to laugh. Gia asked Stefan if he didn't have a life to live and couldn't he and psycho granny go bother someone else. He said he didn't have to listen to this. Gia asked why not; because she was unsuitable, because she was black. She continued to rant to him about his failings where Nikolas was concerned. He told her she knew nothing about Nikolas and even less about him. Nikolas told Stefan to leave. "You can't see the truth, can you Nikolas?" Stefan asked. 

"I'm beginning to," Nikolas replied. Stefan left and Laura, smiling, asked "psycho granny"? Gia said she tended to go off sometimes. Nikolas asked if they had seen Stefan's face. They all laughed and Laura said she was impressed with both of them. Nikolas asked if Stefan had been there before and Laura said she could handle him. Nikolas said he had just brought Gia over and didn't expect to run into fireworks. Gia told Laura Elton had called and asked her to come. Laura handed her the proofs from her shoot and Nikolas and Gia sat down and looked at them. Laura said they were great and she didn't realize Lucky could do that. She wanted to get him to take some of Elizabeth and Gia agreed it was only fair. Laura said she would set up Gia's shoot with Theo and let her know when it was. Nikolas told Laura to let him know if Stefan bothered her again. 

2/13 Carly went to work from the park. She met with Laura and discussed their situation. She informed her that Sonny would not side against her and he wanted them to work things out alone. Carly admitted to hiring Lucky and doing the secretive test shoot for Gia, but only because Laura was fighting so hard for Elizabeth. They both conceded that they were not being open and very communicative. Laura and Carly both agreed to try again. Laura even admitted to Carly that Gia's pictures were good and that Lucky is a great photographer. Carly asked to look further at the pictures of Gia. 

2/15 Lucky walked around the docks taking pictures. Luke stops by and they talk for a while. Lucky admits he isn’t seeing Dr. Collins anymore. Lucky explains to Luke why he's no longer concerned about Helena exercising mind control over him.

2/16 Luke and Felicia discussed strategies on how to get on to Helena's yacht to steal a safety deposit box key. Luke was going to dress as Darius Cassadine and introduce himself to Helena but Felicia objected; she said Helena would recognize Luke. They decided to go on and she would keep an eye out while he looks around. He did ask if she would wear a tight black cat suit and she agreed. 

2/19 Luke and Felicia got on to the yacht. Luke got into the safe while Felicia kept an eye out. There was no key in that safe and they had closed it and were trying to right the picture covering it when Helena and Andreas walked in. She moaned to Andreas about what that tedious son of hers and what he wanted. Stefan walked in and wished her good evening. She said it would have been a few minutes ago. They traded barbs about Nikolas and the trusteeship. Stefan mentioned Lucky Spencer and asked if he wasn't just an experiment for the real thing. "Don't pretend to be smug, Mother, I'm onto you," Stefan said. She told him he was his own worst enemy, she was a distant second. She said Nikolas hated him for his silly island escapade. 

He admitted it was silly and he regretted the effect it had on Nikolas. "But when Nikolas hears about the magnitude of mind control you used on his brother" Stefan started to say. "What's the relevance of that?" Helena interrupted. "Nikolas wants Alexis as trustee." Stefan said that she could probably control that though since Lucky was just an experiment; he was expendable; a test case for the real thing. Helena said he had a good imagination. Stefan agreed he did, better than Helena ever thought. Luke and Felicia had heard the whole thing, and after a comment about what they heard, they continued with their search for the safety deposit box key. They never did find it and Luke said he would come back. Felicia said not without her.

2/20 Luke asked Roy to come to his office a little early today. Luke asked Roy if he was interested in helping him to retrieve the Ice Princess. Luke told him he had to do this job to start wiping out Helena and liberating his son. Roy told Luke that he was in on this deal.

Amy visited Laura on this busy day too. Amy was in rare form. She was making innuendoes about Scotty and the fact that Laura wasn't following through on her chance. Then Amy moved on to Carly and just berated her over and over about her not being at work and her lack of ability. Amy told Laura that she should run Deception by herself 

2/21 Luke comes to GH to ask for Gail but first gets an earful from Amy about her sister's rekindled romance with Scott. Gail assures Luke that his son seems perfectly normal again. 

2/22 Laura hits the roof when Amy reveals that she's taken it upon herself to arrange a romantic rendezvous in the park for her sister and Scott. As the citizens of Port Charles enjoy an evening at WinterFest, Gia is crestfallen to overhear Laura confiding to a thrilled Elizabeth that she will be the new face of Deception.

2/23 Lucky and Elizabeth were in Laura's office and she was telling them she would officially announce Elizabeth as the face of Deception at the Launch Party and they should have the first shoot done by then if possible. "I'll be taking the pictures?" Lucky asked. "Who else?" Laura agreed. She said they had to keep it completely confidential. Elizabeth asked if Carly knew yet and Laura said she couldn't get in touch with her; the last time she talked to Carly, Carly hung up on her. She said they were going ahead with the campaign with or without Carly. 

Later, Nikolas came storming into Laura's office, and seeing Elizabeth's picture, demanded to know why she was the face of Deception. He asked why Laura didn't have the decency to tell Gia herself. Laura admitted she handled things badly. Nikolas showed Laura Gia's picture and said Gia was born to do this. Laura agreed she had the sultry, sexy look of Brenda Barrett but she wanted the innocent look like Dominique. Nikolas said he respected Laura's taking over the company and he never interfered, in fact she had never once asked for his advice, considering he had done PR work for Deception before. She said she didn't have to justify her decision and he said the innocent look wouldn't sell cosmetics. He left in a huff.

2/26 Felicia and Luke were in Helena's bedroom to try to find the safety deposit box key. Felicia was supposed to be the lookout and Luke caught her looking at him instead. He told her she was supposed to watch the door, not him. "Or maybe you're wondering where I got the safecracking equipment; it was 'spies are us'", he added. She said she was curious, how did he know his way around Helena's bedroom so well. He said he had slipped in a time or two to hold a knife up to her throat. He said she had begged him to kill her, but it's still possible. "Luke," Felicia warned. He said it would be doing her a favor; all her best friends are in hell mixing cocktails. Luke was trying to get the safe open and Felicia begged him to let her try. He said he could get it and he did. Felicia kept hearing noises and kept saying someone was coming. He warned her about the boy who cried wolf.

Finally, someone was coming so they dived under the bed. Luke had taken some stuff out of the safe. They heard Helena tell Andreas she was ready for her massage. Andreas came in and announced that her son was there. She told him to send him away, she wasn't in the mood to have her evening disrupted. "That's too bad," Stefan said on entering the room. He said they had matters to discuss. She told him if he meant that speech that Nikolas had given to the hospital board, take it up with Laura Spencer. Stefan asked if she was using mind control on Nikolas and she said he was lost to both of them; he was too busy with that simple job and that simple girl. Stefan said that Gia wasn't as simple as she appeared. He warned Helena to stay away from Nikolas or he would bring her down. He left and Helena told Andreas she decided she wanted a nice warm bubble bath instead. After she left, Luke and Felicia got from under the bed and Luke said he had the key. He went to open the safe to put the other stuff back while Felicia watched out anxiously.

Amy came to see Laura and Laura complained that she was late. Amy said she couldn't control being late and she couldn't control Laura's PMS again. She asked what was wrong and Laura said she had made the call; that Elizabeth was the new face of Deception. Amy said that was good news wasn't it. Laura said it was the best thing for the company but Gia was very upset; she had overheard Laura tell Elizabeth and swearing her to secrecy. Amy said to tell Gia to get over it. She said it was all Carly's fault for bringing Gia into it just because she had a personal grudge against Elizabeth; now she has to choose between her sons' girlfriends. Amy asked where Carly was with the fallout. Laura said she was out of town, she didn't know where. Maybe she would know if Carly hadn't hung up on her last time she called her.

2/27 Felicia and Luke were celebrating their victory in his office. They were successful in obtaining the key to the safe deposit box. Right as Luke went to kiss Felicia, he put his hands around her waist and felt a vibrating. It was her cell phone. She answered and it was Maxie saying that Mac needed her right away. She told Luke she had to go, but he had to have a kiss first.

2/28 Fed up with her business partner's prolonged and unexplained absences, Laura suggests to Bobbie that Carly resign from Deception. After hearing the tail end of the women's conversation, Tony encourages Laura to follow through on her threat to knock Carly off the payroll if she doesn't agree to turn in her resignation. 

3/1 Luke tells Felicia he and Roy are headed to Istanbul that night for another crack at purloining the Ice Princess. As they grow closer, Felicia promises Luke that she isn't looking for any commitments. An incensed Carly confronts her equally irate partner at Deception. When Laura shrilly insists that her decision is final, Carly vows to shut the company down before she'll let Elizabeth become the new face of Deception. 

3/2 Laura and Elton were getting set up for the Deception launch party. Elton told Laura that Miles Shafer would be covering the party. "How did you do that?" Laura asked. "Incessant pestering," Elton replied. "Incessant pestering would not sway Port Charles' top feature photographer," Laura said. Elton said his contacts were better than ever. He asked if they shouldn't wait for Carly to get her input. Laura said they were going ahead as they planned.

Later, Elton told Laura that Mrs. Corinthos had called in with some last minute additions to the menu. "So I gathered," Laura said. He said he scanned the suggestions and only added those that were most appropriate to the tone Laura had set for the evening. Laura told him he should have been a diplomat and asked if he would continue to be one for the evening. He promised the evening would be pure perfection. 

Mac arrived and complimented Laura on her outfit. He said she had just the right look for a CEO of a successful cosmetic company. She had thought so too but she felt like a little girl trying on dress-up clothes. Mac helped boost her morale and she said to remind her to invite him over more often. He said he accepted all future invitations and then handed her a present. She opened it to find an Emergency Road Kit. Mac said it was to help her on the road to success. She thanked him and asked if she broke down tonight would it work on her. Scott showed up and asked what in the sam hill that was for, referring to the present. "Unruly reporters," Laura replied. 

She said she should circulate as people were arriving. Mac said he should follow her around and maybe get a lead on a job opportunity. Laura said she couldn't quite see him in the fashion business. Scott was watching them and commented on the shared jokes; he wasn't sure what was going on. Mac told him he had resigned as Police Commissioner. Scott said that it must be a stressful job but it was a little drastic. Mac said he didn't think, he just did it. "Act first, think later, I like that about you," Laura said. She said that's what she had done, just jumped into the business world; no planning, no experience, no anything; it was the best thing she had ever done. "What about that nutty partner of yours?" Scott asked.

Amy came over with Lucky and Elizabeth in tow. Laura told Elizabeth that she looked gorgeous. She told them all that Lucky was going to be the new photographer. Mac said he didn't know Lucky was interested in photography. Laura said he was a wonderful photographer. "Of course, my mother isn't the least bit prejudiced." Lucky broke in. He said he had a great subject. A guy interrupted and introduced himself as Brian Carver from DFS and asked if that subject happened to be the face of Deception. Laura told him he would have to wait like everyone else for the announcement.

Laura asked Elizabeth how she was and told her she would signal her when she was ready to make the announcement. She wanted Elizabeth to come up and say a few words. Elizabeth didn't like that idea, she didn't know she was going to have to talk. Laura said just a few words off the cuff. She wanted them to have a chance to photograph her. Laura and Lucky reassured her and Laura told her not to let anyone ruin her big day. 

Gia and Nikolas arrived and Gia congratulated Elizabeth on winning the job. Elizabeth said hi and Gia went on to say she loved her outfit, it was so sweet. Laura told Gia she was glad she came, she had been meaning to call her; she had been busy but that was no excuse. Gia said it was okay, she gave her a fair chance and she appreciated it. Laura said she supposed Carly invited her and Nikolas said Gia was his date. Laura said she better start circulating again and told them to have a wonderful time, enjoy the food.

Laura asked Carly if she could get the photographers away from Sonny. Carly very snidely commented that Laura picked the food, the guests and the "face", deal with it herself. Laura said she would and started to walk away. Carly said okay, Laura was right, the reporters were here for Deception, she would see what she could do. Laura thought they should get the reporters together and make the announcement. Carly persuaded her to wait, keep them in suspense. Laura agreed and decided to make an announcement that there would be an announcement. While she was doing that Carly asked Gia if she still wanted to be the face of Deception. Gia said yes but isn't it a little late. Carly said it wasn't if Gia wanted to work for it. She told Gia to make sure Laura went up to the roof and then leave her stranded there for about half an hour.

3/5  Deception:  Laura made the announcement that in about half an hour or so she would name the new face of Deception.  "Are you crazy?" Gia asked Carly. She wanted to know how she was supposed to lock Mrs. Spencer on the roof. Carly said no problem, she paid the maintenance man a bundle to make sure the door was unlocked. She told Gia she had half an hour to get Laura on the roof or she was going to announce "Miss Muppet", referring to Elizabeth, as the new face of Deception. 

Carly had arranged for a sample of perfume to be spritzed on guests and Laura asked why she didn't tell her. AJ and Hannah arrived and Carly asked Laura if she invited them. Laura said she invited all the Quartermaines. Carly said she could have run AJ by her. Laura said she gave Carly a copy of the guest list; it wasn't her fault if she didn't read it. Laura commented to Mac that so far, so good. Mac asked why she didn't make the announcement then. She said Carly was right, once the announcement was made, the party was over.

Gia told Mr. Shafer, a reporter that wanted to talk to Sonny, that Mr. Corinthos would meet him in the lobby. He asked why she was giving him the message. She said isn't Sonny the only reason he's there. He left. Later she asked a waiter to tell Laura Spencer that Mr. Shafer wanted to meet her now on the roof to discuss a photo for the new face of Deception; he wants the city in the background, go figure. He wants everything set up before the official announcement is made. She said he was waiting on the roof now.
Alexis came over and told Sonny the annoying man was gone, can she go home. Carly told her she was being paid to party, so party. 

The waiter went to Laura and told her Mr. Shafer wanted to see her on the roof. "Excuse me?" Laura asked. She looked around and didn't see Mr. Shafer. Mac said that didn't mean he was on the roof. Laura asked Mac if it was her imagination or was Gia staring at her all night. She said Gia had guts showing up there tonight. She asked Mac if it was possible Mr. Shafer really was waiting for her on the roof. He thought it sounded kind of odd. She said if he was she didn't want to risk alienating the most important feature photographer in all of upstate New York. She said she would go up for a minute and check. Mac said he would go with her; he needed some fresh air.
 
Laura and Mac climbed up to the roof to find no Mr. Shafer. They talked about the party for a few minutes, then Laura said she was cold and wanted to leave. Unfortunately for them, Gia had been there to lock the door, leaving them stranded on the roof. Laura wondered how they could have gotten locked out, then her eyes narrowed as she thought about it.

Gia told Carly she had Laura locked up on the roof but there was a man with her, Mac. "You locked her up with Mac Scorpio?" Carly asked. Carly told her Mac had been a P.I. as well as a Police Commissioner, he could pick a lock. "You expected me to know that?" Gia asked. She asked why Carly just couldn't make the announcement now. "So they can walk in halfway through, do you want that?" Carly asked. She spied a container of glue and told Gia to put glue in the lock. 

Laura told Mac that this had Carly written all over it. Mac said it was no problem, he always carried his lockpick with him. They made bets how long it would take him to get the door unlocked. They didn't forsee Gia putting glue in the lock before he could try. He told Laura it looked like someone put glue in the lock, they were stuck. Neither one had their cell phone on them. Mac asked why Carly would do this and Laura said she was probably downstairs announcing Gia as the Face of Deception.

3/6 Carly's plan worked. Laura was stuck on the roof unable to make her announcement about Elizabeth. Nikolas and Lucky wondered what happened to their mother. Scotty and Amy compared notes and concluded that Carly must have had a hand in this. Meanwhile on the roof, Mac and Laura assumed that Carly was behind this situation too. Lucky and Nikolas confronted Carly. Everyone started to raise his or her voice. Sonny immediately came to Carly's rescue. Lucky told Sonny he would talk to his wife any way he wanted to talk. Alexis interjected and suggested that they all do this another time. All agreed. Sonny and Carly left.

Scotty was still searching for Laura. He went up to the roof to discover the lock was glued shut. He yelled for Laura, but she was unable to hear him. Laura and Mac was dancing now to stay warm. Scotty went to get the maintenance person to help. Scotty had to offer $100 to the guy to get some real work done. Finally the door opened and Scotty went flying through only to find Laura in Mac's arms dancing Everyone was so happy to see him although at this time Scott was ever so jealous. They all left the roof and went to the main office. Laura's sons immediately run over to her to find out what happened. She accused Carly of locking her out of the party. Then Laura told the girls that Carly was hurting not only Elizabeth but you two Gia. Gia was so guilty she looked it, you just knew she had something to do with it. Nikolas, Gia, Lucky, and Elizabeth decided to go home. Scotty stayed with Laura and convinced her to let him help her in the battle with Carly. She agreed.

3/7 Scotty and Laura got a big surprise when they confronted Carly at the Penthouse about locking Laura on the roof. When Laura began ranting and called Carly "crazy" and "psychotic", Sonny stepped in and told her to stop. Laura told Sonny she wanted Carly out of Deception. Sonny shocked Laura when he told her to resign or figure out a way to work with Carly, otherwise he and Carly would buy her out.  Laura and Scotty ended their evening on a better note back at Deception with a dance and a kiss. Laura was still upset over the events that took place and said goodnight to Scotty even though he was reluctant to leave.

3/8 Luke and Roy strategize about how to bust the vault and reclaim the Ice Princess. Roy saves Luke's skin during a botched heist at the Turkish bank. Helena warns her irritated nephew that he cannot place any trust in Stefan. Helena presses Alexis to withdraw her application for the Cassadine trusteeship. 

3/9 Laura was having the first shoot with Elizabeth as the Face of Deception. Everything was going well until Carly came and ruined things. She made fun of Elizabeth and the whole shoot; they argued, again, about what was right for Deception, with threats on both sides to buy the other one out. Finally Elizabeth got fed up and left, telling them to let her know when they had everything settled. 

Istanbul: Luke and Roy got into the safety deposit box but no Ice Princess. Instead there were some discs that Luke proceeded to confiscate. They got out of the bank before they could be caught and headed for home. Luke said what was on them must be important, otherwise why put them there. He said he still wanted the Ice Princess, it was his. 

3/12 Carly and Laura argued about Deception and Carly told Laura that Sonny would sell their dream out from under them if they didn't come to a truce. She finally agreed to sign off as Elizabeth as the face of Deception and told Laura that maybe she would compromise on some other points. They agreed to try again. Scott went to see Laura and they talked and Scott was just kissing Laura when Sonny walked in. "This explains a lot," he commented.

3/13 Roy and Luke are on their way back to Port Charles. They reminisced about their adventures in Turkey. Luke gloated as he was proud to had put one over on the Cassadine Queen, Helena. The only thing stopping the glory was the fact that neither he nor Roy knew what the CD's meant. Roy told Luke not to under estimate Helena. Luke said he would not but this feud had been going on for years now and he had to get the Ice Princess back and it was Helena's time. Roy suggested a truce with the Cassadines for Lucky's sake. Luke told Roy that since he had killed Helena's husband and her first born Stavros, a truce was highly unlikely. Besides Helena is bent on revenge and the only thing that will stop her is to shut her down permanently. 

Luke thanked Roy for all his help and support. Roy informed Luke that he helped him for Lucky's sake and he wished Luke would let go of this feud. They started to joke around. Roy said he did not want to hear anymore of Luke's plans because he was getting in the mood for love and felt it would be an excellent idea if Luke did the same. Just wash out the Helena vibe. Upon their arrival, Luke headed off for Deception and walked into the photo studio and found Laura and Scotty in a deep kiss. 

The banker notified Helena that someone had tried to rob her safe deposit box. She knew it was Luke immediately. Her main concerns were the CD's. The banker confirmed that the CD's were still there, even though they were jazz music CD's. This relieved Helena because she knew that Luke would be devastated to return empty handed. Helena confided in Ari that she was ready to start Phase Two of her Lucky plan.

Sonny walked in on Laura and Scott kissing. Sonny actually was visiting to give a counter-offer to Scott's proposal. Laura however informed him that she and Carly had reached an agreement and were working fine for now. Sonny was in disbelief. He was wondering why Scott offered him 5 million dollars if everything was okay between her and Carly. They danced around a while, but Laura confirmed that she was not giving up Deception and she and Carly were working ahead. 

Sonny left but he did let them know that he was not buying the story that Laura knew about the offer Scott made. Laura blasted Scott for jumping in her affairs without consulting her. She told him that he had betrayed her as a friend and as an attorney. Scott tried to explain why he did it. He just could not stand to watch her get stomped on by Sonny and Carly. She respectfully asked him to stop or else this would cause her to take drastic action and make difficult choices regarding their relationship. Scott eased her mind and told her he would try.

3/14 Although Scotty protested, Luke reunited with Laura to talk about the CDs he stole from Helena. Luke was concerned about Helena and her effect on Lucky. Laura got angry and told Luke that he was living in the past. "What if Lucky isn't as together as he wants us to believe?" Luke shouted, just as Lucky walked into the room. Luke told Lucky that the problems with Helena won't end until she is dead. Lucky admitted he ran into Helena on the dock, but that he was able to walk away from her without any trouble.

3/15 An awkward moment ensues when Felicia barges in on a private conversation between Luke and Laura. Later, Laura offers to act as peace negotiator for her ex and their son. Elizabeth tenders her resignation to a puzzled Laura. 

3/16 Elizabeth tells Laura that it was torture being in front of the lights. Laura said she would bar Carly from any further shoots. Lucky said Elizabeth had been trying to tell him for weeks how she felt, but he hadn't listened. Both Lucky and Elizabeth tried to tell Laura that Elizabeth didn't want to do it, Lucky even getting real heated about it. Laura asked Elizabeth if she got her a coach would she reconsider? Elizabeth agreed to give it a try to then told Lucky she would try, it was okay. She left and Laura and Lucky talked. Lucky told Laura he had to change his attitude. He had told Elizabeth and Jason they couldn't be friends and he shouldn't have. Laura agreed he shouldn't. He said he would go see Jason and explain.

Helena was looking at something, looks like the Ice Princess. She said whoever owned it could control Lucky Spencer. She told Andreas it was past time for her ultimate revenge. Anger is the fuel she could use to turn Lucky into an instrument of revenge. She said she had the power to turn every drop of Lucky Spencer's anger into a murderous torment of rage.

3/19 Luke was trying to decipher the code from the discs he pilfered from the Cassadine vault but not having much luck. Bobbie came by to see him and seeing the disc, asked what it was for. He said it was very important family business, but didn't mention whose family. She talked about Roy and about their days at the Campus Disco. She wasn't sure if she trusted Roy with Melissa in town. Luke mentioned all the other jerks that had let her down. She left and he was working some more when Felicia came to see him. He told the person to go away till he found out it was Felicia on the other side of the door. His attitude changed immediately. She asked if she could try to break the code so he let her try. They weren't having much luck. He said he was going to go to Helena's yacht. Felicia asked to come too but he said this time he needed to go alone. She said she could be the lookout again. He said he loved that cat suit but he had a different approach this time. She said she would stay and try to work on the computer. They kissed and he left.

Helena was telling Andreas about using the Ice Princess to control Lucky and make him angry enough to do serious harm. Later when Helena came back to the yacht she found Luke waiting for her. He greeted her and said that this, referring to the container she had kept the Ice Princess, looks like something that could contain said Ice Princess. She just laughed.