Part 19: Hostilities Venus sat in the living room with her father. Luke was in the dining room. Venus: We're alone… So what did you want to tell me? Manny: Well, as you know, you blocked most of the event out. Understandably, you didn't want to remember. I didn't have any idea what happened, until your aunt visited me, asking if your mother was all right. Venus: Aunt Veronica, I remember her. What ever happened to her? Manny: I told her never to come back. Since she flat out asked if Christen was all right, I knew she had reason to know she was dead. I demanded her to explain and… she did. Your mother was having an affair with… Venus: Mikkos Cassadine. Manny: You know? Venus: I was at his mansion in Greece, looking for something Jerry… my Friend… could use against her to be sure his daughter would be safe. So, I was looking around and I found pictures… I found a necklace… the same kind that was in mom's jewelry box. Manny: Oh, honey, I am so sorry about this… Venus: Well, nothing that can be done about it now. Manny: What are you going to do? Venus: I don't know. Manny: Do not tell the Cassadines about your relation to them. You shouldn't trust any one them. Venus: I've heard that song before, dad, by a bunch of different people. I'm a Cassadine, though, they're my family. Manny: No, the Ardanowskis are your family. Venus: Of course, you are my father, but I can't ignore the fact that they are my family… Manny: Why the hell not? Venus: *stunned* Why are you acting like this? Manny: I'm sorry for startling… but please don't tell *anyone* about yourself. It might only get you killed, you have to know that. Venus looked at her hands, sad. Venus: I'll do what I have to do, dad, that's all I can tell you. Manny: I suppose your right. I don't like it, but whatever you feel you have to do, please don't hesitate to ask for my help. Venus was almost crying when she went over and hugged him. Venus: I won't. *^* Carly was sitting on the back porch with Sonny, looking at the beautiful scenery of the beach, the sea and the sun setting. Carly: It's pretty. Sonny: I know. I never get tired of that view. Carly: Sonny, may I ask you a question? I mean, it's kind of personal but… Sonny: What is it? Carly leaned back a little in her chair and asked, "Was it hard?" Sonny: Was what hard? Carly: Leaving Port Charles. Sonny looked away, saddened. Carly: I'm sorry, I had no right to ask… Sonny: No, it's okay. Carly was silent as Sonny took a deep breath. Sonny: Yes, it was hard. Not leaving Port Charles, but everything there. Mike, Luke, my other friends and… Carly: Brenda? Sonny: Yes, she was the hardest of all of them to leave. I left letters for my good byes, I tried to say something to Mike… that was one of the worst things I've gone through, next to when he left me. The funny thing is that when I was trying to find some way to say good-bye, it was the closest we've ever been. Carly: And Brenda? Sonny: Brenda… I screwed up with her big time. I keep wishing that I could have left her differently. Leaving her at the altar, was the stupidest move I ever made. I kept telling myself for months that it was what I had to do, but that was bull. I was a coward. I should have faced her, but I couldn't. Carly: We all make mistakes, Sonny. You can't do anything about it now, so you might as well move on. Sonny: Yes, but there is nothing for me to move on to. Carly: Sonny, you have a whole life ahead of you, a fresh start, use it. Sonny was desperate to get out of this conversation. Sonny: Would you like me to get you a drink? Carly: Sure… I'll have some more lemonade. Sonny: All right. Sonny got up and went to the kitchen. Carly looked back out and saw the sun one last time before it completely sunk into the horizon. She reached into her shirt pocket and looked at a small picture of Jason holding Caitlyn. She started tearing up as she made on little prayer to God to keep them safe. Something inside her, was telling her they were going to need it. *^* Edward entered the room to see Alan and Monica sitting on the couch, Lila by the chair, Ned at the table reading over some papers and Justus by the liquor talking with Linus. Linus: Now, really, Justus, what are you doing with the old man. Justus: Well, let's see… None of your business. Linus: Now, that's cold Justus. Edward's face turned sour as he went to them. Linus: Howdy, Uncle Ed. Edward: All right, Linus, so you're a board member… now. Enjoy it while it lasts because it won't be for long. Linus: Oh please… Jason arrives. Jason: Sorry if I'm late. Alan stood right up. Alan: Jason, could you please explain to us how you had a daughter and yet failed to mention it to the rest of us? Jason: I didn't consider it any of your business. A.J. walked in. A.J.: Hello, everybody, sorry I'm late. Jason: A.J.? A.J.: Hello, Jason. Monica stood up. Monica: What are you doing here? Edward: I asked him to come. Alan: Hello, A.J. Guess what, did you know your brother happened to have a daughter, but he failed to mention it to the rest of us? A.J. looked at Jason, just a tad bit astonished. A.J.: You didn't tell them? Monica: You knew? A.J.: Uh… well, yeah. Alan: So you told your brother and not the rest of us? A.J.: Well… he didn't exactly tell me. I found out he was the actual father from someone else. Linus, a little annoyed, jumped in, "Could we continue this conversation another time? We have a board meeting to start and I have some people I would like for you to meet." Alan: Shut up. Monica: A.J., does this have anything to do with what Carly did to you? Alan: What did she do to him? A.J.: Well, honestly, it has everything to do with it… even though it turns out it was for nothing. Alan: Could someone please explain what the hell your talking about? Jason: A.J. and Carly had sex, he blocked it out, she got pregnant, worried he might be the father, drugged him so he'd think he was drunk and skip town to that rehab center, blah, blah, blah, I'm the father and that basically brings you up to date. Everyone was a little stunned by what they had just heard. A.J.: Well, gee, thanks Jason. Jason: Look, could we just get this meeting going and done with? Linus: Yes, let's move… Lila: Jason, may I ask you a question? What is your daughter's name? Jason: Caitlyn. Linus shrugged. He didn't care about any of this crap… Then, as if sent from heaven, Reginald came in. Reginald: Some guests here to see Linus. Linus: Yes, finally. Linus went over by the door. Edward: Guests, what guests? Stefan and Charles entered the room. Everybody was silent and shocked, while Linus got a big grin on his face. Linus: I believe you guys are familiar with Mr. Stefan Cassadine. Edward: What the hell… Linus: And this other guy is Mr. Charles Silver. Meet out new business partners. Edward: Outrageous! Out of the question! Linus: Well, your opinion doesn't really effect this, Uncle Ed, so you might as save your breath. Edward was angry, Justus was, in a weird sort of way, impressed, Alan and Monica were surprised, Ned didn't know how to react, but Jason and A.J. were just happy to have the attention taken off of them. Charles: Now, shall we get down to business… *^* Venus entered kitchen to see Luke sitting at the table. Luke: How you holding up? Venus: I'm still in one piece… We better get back to Port Charles now… Your wife will be waking up soon and wondering where you are. Luke: All right. Luke headed out the door while Venus took a look around the room. She grew up in this house with her family, and they weren't even really her family. She hoped she could make sense of this soon. *^* Lucky and Lizzie were sitting on the couch at her house watching a movie on TV and eating popcorn. Lizzie: We walked out of that store with a romantic comedy on the label, right? Lucky: Correct? Lizzie: Then how did we end up with Scream? Lucky: They probably just mixed it up. Lizzie: I know, but I wanted to see something kind of romantic… this is a horror movie. Lucky: Well, there's some romance in it. Lizzie: Like when? When Steve gets his stomach slashed, when Neve's boyfriend turns out to be the killer or when she's stabbing him with an umbrella. Lucky: Yeah, there. Lizzie smiled as she rolled her eyes, then took some popcorn and flung it at him. Lucky: Hey! Lucky started tickling her. Lizzie: Lucky… *giggle* Luck… *giggles* sto. *starts laughing uncontrollably* *^* Alexis was having dinner at the Outback when she heard a familiar voice. Scotty: Dining alone? Alexis looked up at him and smiled. Alexis: Scott, hello. Uh… Yes, I am alone. Scotty: Mind if I join you? Alexis: No, I don't mind. Scotty sat down across from her. Alexis: So, you are without an acquaintance as well? Scotty: You are correct. Serena's on a trip with a friend of mine, Lucy Coe. Alexis: Kevin's fiancé? Scotty: Yeah, you know Kevin? Alexis: Yes, he was working for Cassadine Industries for a while. Scotty: What happened to that? Alexis: Well, I'm not sure, all I know is that he and my cousin discussed it before he left… my cousin was pretty vague on the details. How have things been with you? *^* Jason was in the front of the mansion looking at the stars, thinking about Carly and Caitlyn, when Stefan joined him. Stefan: Hello, Mr. Morgan. Jason turned to him. Jason: Mr. Cassadine… I want to thank for what you did this morning. Stefan: I did what any other person would do. Jason: You'd be surprised. Stefan: Not really… How is Carly? Jason: Carly is all right… *changing the subject* You made quite an entrance tonight. Stefan: Thank you. Mr. Morgan, there is a great matter of which I must discuss with you. Jason: What is it? Stefan: You may already be aware of this, but my mother has allied herself with you enemy, Mr. Moreno. Jason: What? When? Stefan: Last night. Jason: Crap, thanks for the warning… Stefan: Wait, I wanted to discuss an alliance. Jason: You mean, you want us to join forces? Stefan: Correct. Considering we have common enemies and common interests, I think it would be an appropriate course of action. Jason: What do you mean "common interests"? Stefan: Keeping our loved ones safe. Jason thought about it for a moment, thinking about Carly and their daughter. *^* Helena was sitting at the table, waiting for dinner to be brought to her, when she heard the door open. Helena: Donald? Helena turned to see that she was wrong. Charles: Not quite. Helena: *smiles* Charles. To what do I owe this pleasure? Charles: I came to warn you. Helena: Warn me? Charles walks by the table. Charles: I am here on Alexis' behalf. If you do anything to harm a hair on her, you will greatly regret it. Helena: Charles, so daring, so… obtuse. Charles: Don't under estimate me just yet. Helena: Charles, you have no power. You never did. Charles: Not that you know of, anyway. Helena: Oh please, you have no resources what so ever, besides Stefan. And this ELQ stock you now have, but that won't get you anywhere. Charles: Oh, you've been checking up on me, how flattering… but no, that's not what I was referring to. You see, I have a weapon where money need not apply. Helena: And what would that be? Charles: A little scary thing called… truth. Helena: *laughs* Truth? What kind of truth could you possibly be talking about? Charles: The kind of truth that could knock you and your brat off your little thrones. Helena frowned and looked at him coldly. Charles: Surprise, Helena. Your little secret isn't as dead as you thought it was. Helena: I have no idea what you're implying… Charles: Cut the crap, Helena. I know why you killed my mother. She left me with the truth and if you dare harm Alexis, then I'll use the truth to destroy you and the kill you. Helena: Get out of here this instant! Charles: Fine, just remember, you've been warned. Enjoy your meal… it may be your last. Helena: Did you poison it? Charles stares at her, coldly. Charles: And let you die painlessly? Not in a million years, Helena, you know that. Charles walked off the yacht. Helena looked like she was going to spit, she was so angry. Helena: I should have killed you along with that whore… no matter. I shall deal with you after I'm finished dealing with your friend. Helena picked up the phone and dialed. Helena: Mr. Moreno, have the arrangements been made?… Good. May tonight mark a new turning point in our lives… and an end to others' lives… *^* Brenda walked off the elevator to see Johnny by the door. Brenda: I need to see Jason. Johnny: He's not here right now, but he should be here shortly. Brenda: Okay, can I wait inside. He was unsure for a minute, but then decided it was all right. Johnny: Sure, Ms. Barrett. Johnny opened the door and let Brenda in. She looked around and wondered how long until Jason got there. Her mind drifted back to the last time she was in there. ^-^-^-^ Brenda followed Jason into his office. She sat in the chair at the front of the desk and put her feet up on the desktop. Brenda: Just tell me what you have to tell me. As you already know, I have one other major problem on my hands. Jason: I have to talk to you about Sonny. Brenda: I know, you told me on the phone. Jason: It's about why he left you. Brenda stood up on her feet. Brenda: I don't think I wanna listen to this… all you're gonna do is give me some sugar coded reason for his leaving me for his own selfish reason… this is a waste of time. Brenda started to walk away. Jason: He didn't leave for himself… he left for you. Brenda stopped dead in her tracks and slowly turned around. Brenda: What? Jason: There was a contract out on him and he was afraid they'd use you to get to him. Brenda: Oh please, do you really expect me to buy that? We were going to run away so why did he have to dump me at the altar? Jason: Before you and Sonny were supposed to be married, this Reese guy showed up and threatened to kill the both of you. There was a contract on both of you, the risk was too high to take you with. The best thing he could think of to protect you was to break it off with you. Make everyone believe he didn't love you so they could never hurt you to get to him again. Brenda listened to all this and took a moment to let it all sink in. Tears started to form in her eyes. Brenda: I have to go. Brenda turned around and walked out. ^-^-^-^ Brenda went to the kitchen and got herself something to eat. She figured it might take him awhile to get there and she hadn't eaten much all day. She wondered why she came here exactly. How Jason was supposed to help her with her current situation. She wasn't entirely sure, but he was one of the few people she knew who probably could help her. She knew she could tell him he owed her. *^* Sonny picked up a picture of Brenda off his table. It had been around 8 months since he left her. Sonny: Brenda… if only it could have been different. He put the picture back on the table and went to the back porch where he sat next to Carly. Carly: When Jason talked to you, did he give any indication of if he was closer to finding Caitlyn or anything? Sonny: No, he didn't, I'm sorry. Carly: When do you think he'll call again? Sonny: Not for awhile. We need to keep our conversations few and far between… safety reasons. Carly: Oh… Okay. Carly thought it could be an entire week until she could hear his voice again. She hated this so much. At least Sonny was pleasant company. Sonny: Carly, don't worry, everything is going to work out for the best. Carly: It didn't for you. Sonny: *sad* Well… Carly: I'm sorry, I didn't think before I spoke, I do that… Sonny: No, it's okay. But Carly, trust me, Jason will not stop until he can bring you home and he can get your daughter back. *^* Linus exited the mansion to see Jason and Stefan talking. He wondered where Charles was… He just disappeared during one of the more dreary parts of the meeting. He slightly eavesdropped on their conversation. Jason: All right, it's a deal. Stefan: Good, I'm glad we could come to an arrangement. Linus went over to them Linus: Hey, guys, what's up? *^* Emily was coming down the stairs from her bedroom. She wanted to say hi to Jason quick before the rest of the family sent him running. She had been doing homework for hours, she hadn't realized the meeting would be pretty much over by now. She hoped she didn't miss him. She got to the bottom of the stairs when she heard gunfire from outside. She let out a scream as she dodged for the ground. When the firing stopped, she went to the door and opened it to see two bodies lying on the ground.