Chapter 2 Brenda, Lois, Luke, Sonny and Maslow are all standing in front of the door. Brenda literally is frozen, a glazed blank stare has come across her face. Maslow is staring at her, Sonny is too, Luke and Lois are trying to figure out what to do. Maslow: Brenda dear, you can't even say hello? (She just looks at him) Sonny: Brenda, I need to talk to you. Lois: (to Sonny) I told you, this is not the time or the place. Maslow: (to Brenda) So, are you going to introduce me to your friend here? He seems adamant about talking with you. You are the popular one, now aren't you, (stroking her hair) Sonny: (noticing the fear in Brenda's eyes and the fact that she hasn't moved) I am an old friend of hers. And I don't think she wants to talk to you right now. So why don't you just leave her alone? (He goes and puts his hand on her shoulder) Luke: Maslow, I told you, no trouble here, or I will throw you out on your arrogant, self-centered head. Maslow: I am just talking to my beautiful friend Brenda here. Luke: She doesn't want to talk to you. Get that through your head. Maslow: Brenda always has time to talk to me. (He places his hand on her face and strokes it. Sonny now is glaring at him) Sonny: (turning to Brenda) Brenda, (rubbing her shoulder) hey, (she doesn't flinch) Lois, I think you need to get her out of here. Lois: Come on Brenda. (She pulls her away from both Maslow and Sonny and gives Luke, that do something fast look) Luke: (yelling over to Julia and Jax) Yo, blondies, (they both turn) I don't care which one, would you get this decayed maggot away from my door. He is turning the customers away. Julia: Maslow, we have business to discuss. You can talk to Brenda later. (At this, Brenda does turn to look at Julia, she sends a piercing, stab at Julia…if looks could kill) Maslow: All right, I'm coming. (Looks at Brenda) I'll be seeing you soon, real soon darling. Sonny: I don't think so. Maslow: I am sorry, I didn't get your name. Sonny: All you need to know is that you bother Brenda, you bother me. (Looking towards Lois) Lois, can I please talk to you later? Lois: Fine, whatever. Come on honey, we're leaving. (Her and Brenda walk out) Maslow joined Jax/Julia at their table. Sonny and Luke walked back to the bar. Luke poured Sonny another drink. Luke: God, I hate that guy. Sonny: Who the hell is he? Luke: He makes me almost as sick as Count Vlad. Sonny: Is he another Cassadine? Luke: No. He does come from the same spawn of the night. He came to town a few months ago to work with Jax and Julia. Actually, I think he came to their wedding and just stayed. Lucky for us. Sonny: Jax and Julia are married? What about candy boy going after Brenda? (He thinks to Brenda and remembers the look of fear on her face and the fact that when he touched her, he felt nothing but cold fear) Luke, what the hell is wrong with Brenda? I have never seen her look so, I don't know, so… Luke: Frozen? Sonny: Yeah. Luke, what happened while I was gone? Luke: You still love her. Sonny: More than life itself. Tell me… Luke: Partner, I wish I could. All I know is that she was a mess, she broke down man, it was bad, real bad. If it wasn't for Robin and Lois, I don't know if she would even be here right now. Sonny: She tried to…(his voice trails off, and tears begin to form in his eyes) Luke: No, I don't think she tried killing herself, at least not quickly. She stopped eating, sleeping, we would find her wandering around the docks at night by herself. It was awful. But, she was getting better, building herself back up again. Then, boom, the wedding came and Maslow came to town, then, she just, went all quiet, every time that creep was in the room. Sonny: Who is he to her? Luke: I don't know. Over to Jax/Julia/Maslow. Maslow: (looking over at Sonny) Who is that guy? Jax: That's Sonny Corinthos. Maslow: The guy that Brenda was engaged to? Julia: The one and only. Maslow: I thought he left town, left her at the altar and nobody thought he was coming back. Jax: Well, when it comes to Brenda, Sonny has the control. He thinks he can leave, break her heart and come back for more anytime he wants. Honestly, he probably just wants some… Julia: Jax…there is no need to do that, especially when we are talking about my sister. Jax: I'm sorry, but that is the way I see it. Anyway, can we just talk about business, all this about that bastard is putting me in a bad mood, can we just talk about the takeover. Julia: I'm in agreement. Maslow, what do you know about the Cassadine empire? Maslow: More than you can imagine. Out of Luke’s, over to Brenda's apartment. She is living in the apartment next to AJ. They walk in and Brenda sits down on the couch, while Lois is talking to her. Lois: (sitting next to her) Bren, Bren, we are home now, just you and me here. Please talk to me. Bren: He can't find out. He can't find out. Lois: Who, Bren, who can't find out? (Brenda just starts rocking back and forth) Honey, I'm calling Robin, okay, I'm going to call Robin. Brenda is still rocking… back and forth. There are no tears, just shear panic and fear in her eyes. Robin: Hello? Lois: Rob, its me. Listen, are you busy right now? Robin: Well, Jason is here, we were going to get some food. What's up? Lois: Honey, I think you better get over her to Brenda's. Robin: Is she okay? Lois: We were at Lucks and she was talking about Sonny. Then, out of nowhere, Sonny walks in. Brenda turned around and they just… Robin: Connected? Lois: You got it. But that's not all. Maslow walked in with Julia and Jax right after. Jax and Sonny were at it and Maslow, he wouldn't let Brenda go. Robin, she froze. Luke helped me get her out of there, but, Robin, she is not talking. She is just frozen. And Sonny, oh Robin, the look on his face, he touched her and she literally did not flinch. Robin: I'll be right there. I'll send Jason to see Sonny and tell him to keep him there for as long as possible. I'll see you in a few. Lois: Thanks Robin. (They hang up) To Robin and Jason… Robin: Jason, I'm sorry, but I can't go to dinner with you. I have to go see Brenda. Jason: Why? Robin: That was Lois on the phone. Sonny is back in town and Brenda saw him at Luke’s. Jason: Sonny's back? Robin: You didn't know? I mean, he didn't call you? Jason: No. Robin: Well, he is at Luke’s. I have to go see Brenda. Jason: Cause she saw Sonny? Robin: Yes and because Maslow, Jax and Julia all walked in too. Jason: Oh man. Robin: Lois said she isn't speaking. Jason: Why does Maslow have that affect on her? Robin: I can't tell you, you know that. Look, please, go to Luke’s, keep Sonny there and don't let him know where I am or where Brenda is. She can't talk to him now, make him understand that. Jason: I'll do my best. But you know Sonny when he thinks Brenda is in pain. Robin: I know. I'll call you later. Jason: Bye. (They both leave) Back to Sonny and Luke. Sonny: Luke, why do you hate him? Luke: He's shady and I don't trust him. He comes to town and who is the first person he meets, Laura. He came on to her. She told him she was married, he still, proceeded with some rather rude comments. But, I know my wife and I know she can handle slimes like that. Sonny: He had to have done more. Luke: He hangs out with Cassadine, that Vlad, the other one. Sonny: The lawyer? Luke: You got it. Something is going down there, Sonny, I know it. Maslow has been sneaking around, asking all sorts of questions about the club, about my family, about you even. He even started hanging out at Ruby's to talk to Lucky. He stinks Sonny, something awful. Sonny: Why is he with the golden surfer and who is that blonde woman? Luke: That's Julia, Brenda's sister. Golden boy brought her here after you left, he thought he was doing something good for Brenda. I don't know the whole thing, but somehow, they were all getting along, then, out of nowhere, Jax and Julia are engaged and Brenda has not spoken to them since that announcement. Sonny: Why? Her and Jasper were friends? And I know Brenda and Julia didn't get along, hey, was Brenda back together with Jax? Did that bastard cheat on her? (Sonny getting all excited and looks like he is going to pop someone) Luke: Hold on there. No, Brenda does not want Jax. She hasn't been seeing anyone since you left. Like most of that stuff, I am not sure what happened. I do know that Jax/Julia somehow got Lucy to fire Brenda and hire another model. Apparently, our beautiful Miss B was not too happy with that. Sonny: She loved that job. She is so beautiful. I would buy all the magazines I could find with those ads in them, I had every one. And then, I did notice that she wasn't in them anymore, I didn't know what happened. Luke, I have to find Brenda, do you know where she is living? Just then Jason walks in. Jason: Sonny. Sonny: Hey. Jason: (sitting next to him at the bar) What are you doing back? It is too dangerous. Sonny: I came to talk to Brenda. I want her back, I want to take her with me. Luke: I have to go in the back for a while, would you guys hold down the fort? Jason: Sure. Sonny: Jason, where is Brenda living, I need to see her. Jason: Not until we talk. Sonny: Jason, I saw her before and she was, she looked so fragile and scared. I need to see her. Jason: You'll have to wait. You are not who Brenda wants to or needs to talk to right now. That is the way it is. Now, tell me, what the hell are you doing back. Sonny: You have gotten better with giving orders. Jason: Sonny. Sonny: Okay. I was in Puerto Rico, you know that. Then, I met up with that Reese and Marino in Spain. We came to an agreement of sorts. Jason: What kind of agreement? Sonny: I told them that I would spot the money needed for a legitimate business in Puerto Rico, providing the outs they needed for their organization and they agreed to take the contract off of me and of Brenda. Jason: They are running drugs through the ports. Sonny: I know that, along with the prostitution. Jason: You hate that stuff. Sonny: I had to, Jason. I left to protect Brenda and I swore that I would come back when it was safe and I would try to get her back. We are safe for the time being, but you and I both know, more people will be looking for us. I came to get her and to ask if she would leave with me. Jason: You think she will do that? You hurt her bad Sonny. She thought you hated her. She thought that she did something, again, to push you away. Sonny: She thought…(tears welling again, his voice lowers) she thought she did something? Jason: Yeah. Sonny: What did you tell her? Jason: Nothing. She shut me out. Sonny: have you had guards watching her? Jason: 24 hours a day. She doesn't know about them. Sonny: I have to see her Jason. Where is she? Over to Brenda's apartment, Robin is now there. Robin: Brenda, big Sis, hey, what's going on? Lois: It's just us Brenda, just us. Brenda: (through tears) Sonny can't know about Maslow and Maslow can't know about Sonny. Robin: Why, Brenda? You know that Sonny will understand, he more than anyone. Lois: Yeah Bren, you know that. Sonny loves you, he wouldn't walk away from you. Brenda: He did walk away from me. Robin: We don't know why Brenda. Did you talk to him at all? Brenda: No. I wanted too, I did, but Maslow came in with, Jax and Julia and I couldn't. I just couldn't. Lois: (to Robin) Sonny came up to us as we were leaving and kept asking to talk to her. Brenda: (getting more hysterical) If Sonny finds out the truth, he will kill Maslow. And I don't know, I don't want to think about what will happen to Sonny if Maslow knows who he is. I couldn't bear it, if I caused Sonny any more pain. I just couldn't… (Trails off) Robin: Sweetie, Jason is with Sonny now, nothing will happen. What do you want us to do? Lois: Oh man, Sonny stayed. Maslow was with Jax and Julia, I am sure they told him who Sonny was. Brenda: No, he can't know. He can't know. Lois: (trying to calm her down) Bren, it's all right. Hey, maybe its time you talked to Luke. You know that Luke loves Sonny like a brother and he would do anything to protect him and you. Robin: Lois is right Bren, besides Luke hates Maslow almost as much as you do. Brenda: You think that would be right? Oh… but I don't know if I can tell him. I just don't know. Lois: Hey, you told us. And we'll stay right here with you, holding your hand. Robin: What are sisters for? Brenda: Could one of you call him. And make sure he doesn't let Sonny know where I am. Robin: Lo, why don't you call Luke and I'll call Jason, that way they both know what's up. Lois: Okay. Bren, hang on. (They both make their calls) The phone rings…Luke is back at the bar and Sonny and Jason are talking. Luke: Luke’s. Lois: Luke, its Lois. Luke: Hi there. Lois: Sonny still there? Luke: Yeah. Lois: Luke, listen, don't let Sonny know that it is me. Look, Brenda is a mess. Robin is with us at Brenda’s, she is ready to talk to you about Maslow. Can you come over here? Luke: Why me? Lois: She wants to protect Sonny. Look, you'll understand once you hear the whole thing. Luke, she's scared, I mean, really scared. This is nothing like before. Luke: I know. I'll be there in a few. (They hang up) Luke: (to Jason and Sonny) Hey, I need to take off for a few hours. Stay, go, do what you like. Pat will be in managing tonight, so, go do what you need to do. Sonny: Will I see you later? Luke: If not later, tomorrow. Hey, where you staying partner? Sonny: I don't know. I came right here. Luke: You can stay up in your old place, Mike is no longer there. The furniture is all still there. You can help yourself to the kitchen. Sonny: Thanks. (Luke leaves) (Jason's phone rings) Jason: Morgan. Robin: It's me. Jason: Is everything all right? Robin: She is going to talk to Luke. Lois just called him. Jason: I know. Robin: He just left? Jason: Yeah. What do you want me to do? Robin: Keep Sonny busy. (Sonny is suspecting something) Jason: I will. Robin: Thanks. I'm going to stay here with Lois and Brenda. I'll talk to you later on tonight, at the bridge. Jason: I can't. Robin: Fine. Thanks. Bye. (They hang up) To Brenda's… Lois: Luke is coming. Robin: Jason will keep Sonny busy. Brenda: Robin, what's wrong? (Has relaxed a bit) Robin: It's Jason. Brenda: Did I mess something up between you two? (Getting upset again) Robin: No, no, it's me and it’s him. It has nothing to do with you. Don't worry, okay? Brenda: I love you guys, I don't know what I would do without either one of you. Lois/Robin: We love you too. A knock at the door. Lois answers, it's Luke…. Back to Luke’s… Jason: So, why don't we get out of here for a while. Sonny: What's going on Jason? Jason: Nothing. Sonny: Don't lie to me. Jason: Nothing, Sonny. Sonny: I need to find Brenda. (He takes off…Jason follows. Maslow stops Jason at the door) Maslow: So, Jason, I see your boss is back. Jason: He is not my boss. He is my friend. Maslow: Tell him to watch his back and to stay away from Brenda. Jason: I think you should take your own advice. (Jason leaves) To Jax/Julia… Jax: Maslow, tell us what you have on Cassadine. Julia: We need to move on this fast, if it is going to work. Maslow: It will work, don't you worry. Sonny is walking around. He wanders down to the docks, remembering all the times he spent there thinking of Brenda, being there with Brenda, thinking… Sonny: Baby, where are you, I need to talk to you. Jason: Sonny, she doesn't want to talk to you. Sonny: (turning to him) You don't know her. You didn't see her tonight. I have to see her. Look, if you are not going to help me find her, then just leave me alone. (Sitting on the bench) Jason: No. (sitting down next to him) Sonny: I don't need a babysitter. Jason: I know that, but I am your friend. Sonny: You were supposed to watch her and make sure nothing happened to her. Jason: Nothing happened Sonny. Sonny: How can you say that? This guy, Maslow, he has her shaken, more so than anyone else ever has. Jason: I know. But I don't know why. Sonny: Jason, I have never seen her like that. I am scared Jason. Something happened, I know it, I can feel it. Jason: She won't tell you. Sonny: I have to try. Over to Brenda's…. Luke: Hey ladies. Robin: Thanks for coming Luke. (He walks over and sits down next to Brenda) Luke: Anything for my favorite model here. (He smiles at Brenda) Brenda: Luke, I need your help. I need for you to protect Sonny. Luke: Protect Sonny from what? Brenda: From Maslow. Luke: Why would that creep want to hurt Sonny? Brenda: Luke, there is something you don't know about him. Luke: Besides the fact that he makes Vlad look sane? Brenda: Luke, Maslow is my uncle. He was my mother’s sister. (She stops, gets up and walks around) Luke: Okay, so he is family. But, sweetheart, why would he be after Sonny? Brenda: He hates him. He knows what Sonny did to me and he, I think he works for a part of Rivera's organization. If he knows who Sonny is, he'll be after him. Luke: Why am I sensing that there is more to this. Lois: Bren, you have to tell him. It's going to be okay. Really. Luke: Take your time Brenda. Brenda walks around some more, trying to gather her thoughts together, before starting. Finally, she begins… Brenda: My mother left me when I was two years old. She left me in the hands of my father. I guess she thought I would be safe with him, I mean, he hated my mother, so he would hate their daughter too. Well, she was right on that. When I turned four, Julia told me that my mother had died. But, she never told me how. I didn't understand what Julia was talking about because I had seen my mother every night that week, in my room. Luke: Were you dreaming? Brenda: no, she was there. I know I was young, but I knew who my mother was because she would sing to me. She would hold me in her arms and she would sing all these beautiful songs. She came to my room every night until I was 7 years old. She would sneak through the back and take the servant steps to my room. It didn't really matter because Harlan never came to my room, not once. Except… Robin: Keep going Brenda. Brenda: One night, my mother came up and she was reading to me. I fell asleep. She put the blankets over me and kissed me. Before leaving, she went and took a shower. I know, because the sound of the water woke me a little, but, that was something she did sometimes. Then, this awful sound came through the door. It was a shuffling of feet, heavy feet, banging down on the cold floor. I woke up and saw them, but I was too scared to move. I heard them walk towards the bathroom. (Her voice starts shaking and the tears started forming) I heard the shots… one right after another. I heard the glass shatter, and I heard my mother scream. I couldn't move, I sat there, frozen, just hearing my mother scream. One man came out of the bathroom and he walked over to me. He sat down on the edge of my bed and wiped the tears away from my face. Luke: Maslow? Brenda: (nods yes) he said to me, don't worry beautiful girl, your uncle will take care of you from now on. Your mother, she was bad, though my sister, she was nothing but a, well, she was nothing. But you, you are sweet and I am going to take care of you always. Luke: Did you tell anyone about your mother being shot? Brenda: I told Julia. She didn't believe me. She never believed me. Luke: What else Brenda? Brenda: Instead of my mother coming to the room every night, he came. But he wouldn't read me stories, he would tell me stories. He would tell me stories of this little girl and this older man. And how they had this very special relationship and that nobody was to know, not ever. Then, he would hold me in his arms. I thought it was okay because my mom did that, except it wouldn't end at that. Luke: Brenda, you can stop there. I think I am getting the picture. And you don't want Sonny to know because if he did… Brenda: He would kill him. And the madness would start all over again. I can't let anyone hurt Sonny again. I don't care why he left, I don't want him to know any of this. Luke: Okay, calm down. What do you want me to do? Brenda: You have to keep him away from me. You have to make sure that he never finds out, that he never finds out that Maslow is my uncle and that he, he, had sex with me. (Begins to cry uncontrollably, Robin goes to her and takes her to the bedroom and sits with her) Lois: Luke, it’s not going to be easy to keep Sonny away. Luke: I know. Brenda's right though, if he found out, he would kill him. Lois, how long did that creep do that to Brenda? Lois: It started when she was seven and it lasted I think until she was 12 or 13. It stopped when Harlan sent her off to boarding school. I actually think that is the only thing that Brenda was grateful to him for. Luke: Poor girl. She told you when he came to town? Lois: No. She didn't tell us until two weeks ago. I don't think anyone knew. She held it in all to herself. I guess that after she tried telling Julia and she didn't believe her, she just stopped. Luke: All right. I'm going to go and figure out what I can do. Brenda: (comes out of the room) Luke? Luke: (he walks to her) Yeah honey? Brenda: Thank you for protecting Sonny. I love him more than anything. Luke: I know that sweetheart. And you, come here (he hugs her), you are a beautiful, smart and special young lady, and I am not going to let that maggot hurt you anymore. I promise. You call me if you need anything. Luke leaves. Brenda: I need to go out and get some air. Robin: Do you want us to come? Brenda: I need to be alone for a bit. Thanks for staying with me. Lois: Anytime girlfriend. (They all leave the apartment…Brenda heads to the docks) At the docks… Sonny: She is hurting Jason. And I know it is not all because of me. Jason: I know, but she is not going to let you in. She talks to Robin and Lois. Sonny: What about Mike? Jason: Not about this. Sonny: She shut everyone out? Jason: She closed down Sonny. Sonny: (with tears in his eyes) That’s my fault. Just then, Brenda appears at the docks. She sees Jason and Sonny sitting there. She stops in her tracks. Sonny, looks up and their eyes meet. Sonny: Brenda, are you okay? (He runs over to her) Brenda: Sonny, I… (She walks away) Sonny: Brenda, please don't walk away from me. Brenda: Jason, how are you? I haven't seen you in a while. Jason: Good. How are you? Sonny: Jason could you give us some time? Jason: I don't want to leave you alone. Sonny: I don't need a babysitter. Now, please just go. Jason: (looks at Brenda to see if it is okay) I'll talk to you tomorrow. Sonny: Yeah. (His eyes have never left Brenda) Brenda: Thanks Jason. (She has gone to sit down on the bench) Jason leaves. Sonny and Brenda are alone, like they have been so many times on these docks. Brenda: (with Sonny walking towards her) I didn't know you would be here. Sonny: I have been looking for you, but nobody would tell you me where you live. Brenda: Why are you looking for me? Sonny: (sitting next to her) I was worried about you. When I saw you at Luke’s, you just, you just had so much pain in your eyes. I mean, I know that I caused much of it, but there was more to it, more distance, especially when that creep came up to you. Brenda: (standing) You know what, I have had a long day and I am very tired. I'm going to be going. Sonny: (grabbing her arm) Please don't go. Please. I really, really just want to talk to you. I just want to look at you and just spend some time with you. We don't have to talk if you don't want to. Brenda: (she's shaking) I don't think that is a good idea. Sonny: Baby, you are shaking. (Goes to her and wraps his arms around her. She fights him at first, but then crumbles in his arms and just holds onto him) Sonny: It's going to be all right, baby…shhh… He just holds her in his arms, trying to comfort her, knowing how much pain she is in, feeling it himself. He doesn't want to let go. Just as Brenda begins to feel more comfortable, she hears a voice… Maslow: Well, well Brenda, isn't this cozy?? Brenda jumps away from Sonny and the same paralyzed look of fear comes into her eyes. Maslow: Oh, don' t let your lover go on my account. Oh I mean ex lover. Brenda: This is man is not my lover, he never has been. Sonny: (looks at her in shock, then turns to Maslow) Who are you anyway and why do you keep bothering Brenda. She obviously doesn't want to talk to you. Brenda: (not looking at Sonny) This is not my… Maslow: Save it Brenda, your sister and Jax told me this is Sonny, the man who left you at the altar. Brenda: And you believe them? They hate me and they hated Sonny even more. This man, this man right here, (now looking at Sonny, pleading him with her eyes to go along) he is my friend Jagger. He is just here visiting his wife Karen. Sonny: That's right. Sonny knows not to show his face here, not after what he did. Maslow: Is that right? How dumb to you think I am Brenda? I saw the way you looked at him at Luke’s, and I saw the way he was looking at you. He wanted a lot more than just a hello. As I remember correctly, he was very eager to talk to you. Brenda: Yes, Jagger wanted to talk to me about a surprise he was planning for Karen. Her birthday is coming up. Isn't that right Jagger? Sonny: Yeah, my wife, she loves surprises. (Looking into Brenda's eyes) the way her eyes light up, the glow that just radiates off her body, it makes me just want to take her in my arms and tell her how much I love her and then, how much I ache to show her. Maslow: (looking at Brenda) I guess nobody will ever feel that way about you huh Brenda. (Walking closer to her and wrapping his arms around her waist) Nobody except me of course. Brenda: (pulling away) I told you to never touch me. Now, it has been a long day and I have a lot of work to do tomorrow, so I'm going home. Sonny: (to Brenda) But Brenda, what about Karen, we still have stuff to talk about. Brenda: It will wait until tomorrow. (She begins walking away) Maslow: Brenda, the next time I see you, you will do what I ask. Brenda: Never. Maslow: (looking at Sonny) So, you are Jagger. Why would Julia and Jax lie about that? Sonny: (Brenda is still listening, hoping that Sonny will play along) Like Brenda said, Sonny knows that to show his face around here. Everyone in town hated him, with a few exceptions. And the one person he claimed to love the most, hates his guts. Maslow: That would be Brenda. Sonny: He devastated her. Maslow: Well, like every man in Brenda's life, I am sure that he just thought she was good in bed. Sonny: (trying to control his anger) I wouldn't know. Maslow: (smiling) But, it appears as though you would like to find out. Brenda saw the look of anger on Sonny's face. She knew he was about to do something crazy. But what could she do? Maslow could not know that that was Sonny and Sonny could not know about Maslow, he couldn't. Brenda: (walking back towards them and placing her hand on Sonny's arm) Jagger, could you walk me home? You know, the streets aren't very safe these days and we could use this time to discuss Karen. Sonny: (taking her hand and squeezing it tight) Sure Brenda, lets go. They begin walking away, just as Jason comes running down the steps…yelling… Jason: Sonny, wait, I saw… (He stops when he sees Maslow and Sonny and Brenda standing there) Brenda: (pulling Sonny's arm) Come on, we have to go. Maslow: (Yanking Brenda away from Sonny) Oh no you don't. You lied to me and you know what happens when you lie. (He slaps her across the face, tears come streaming down her face and Sonny pushes Maslow out of the way) Sonny: Don't you ever hit her. (He pulls Brenda away) Jason: Brenda, are you all right? (She is standing there shaking) Sonny: Jason, watch him. (Jason goes and stands over Maslow, Maslow tries getting up, Jason just places his foot on his stomach, holding him down) Jason: I wouldn't if I were you. Sonny: (wrapping his arms around Brenda) Baby, talk to me. You know you can tell me anything, please, talk to me. I won't let him hurt you, I promise, I won't. Brenda: (looking at Sonny through her tears) You have to let me go Sonny, please, just let me go. Sonny: No, I won't let you go again. (Whispering through his own tears) I love you and I want to make all this up to you. Baby, I can feel the pain that you are in, please, don't shut me out. Brenda: (pulling away) You can help by leaving me alone. Sonny: No, I know you don't want that. I can see it in your eyes. What are you so afraid of? I know how much I hurt you and that I have so much to explain, please, just, let me. Brenda: (wiping tears away) It's over Sonny. (She runs away from him, up the steps, Sonny chases after her, they both run into Luke at the top) Brenda: Luke please, Maslow is down there with Jason, and he knows about Sonny, please keep Sonny away from me. Luke: Okay sweetie, you go home, I'll stop by later. Brenda: Thanks Luke. (She leaves, just as Sonny catches up) Luke: (Stopping Sonny) No partner, let her go. Sonny: Luke, she needs me. She's upset, I know she wants me with her, she's just scared, scared of something. Luke, I have to go after her. (He tries to leave) Luke: Buddy, I know, but she needs to be alone right now. Come on, let’s get Junior and we'll go home. Sonny: No, I have to go. (He has tears in his eyes and just stares off looking to see where Brenda went) Sonny/Luke walk back down to where Jason still had Maslow pinned to the ground. Sonny: Jason, let him go. (Jason took his foot off of him and Maslow got up) Maslow: So, where is the little tramp? (Sonny goes after him, but Luke holds him back) Luke: Why don't you take your venom and spew it in some other town? Maslow: Sorry to disappoint you Spencer, but now that Mr. Corinthos is back, my business has just begun. Luke: (thinking back to the conversation he had with Brenda) B: If Maslow knows who Sonny is, he will kill him. Luke, please, don't let Sonny get hurt. Luke: You know, I am so bored with your arrogant and obnoxious threats. You are starting to sound more and more like Vladd everyday. And you should know, you mess with my partners here, and if you mess with my beautiful babe Brenda, you will have more trouble than you ever thought possible. Maslow: (looking curiously at Luke, suspecting something) Could it be Mr. Spencer, that Brenda, has shared her secrets with you? Jason: (looking at Luke) I think it would be best for you to leave now, unless you like lying on the cold ground. Maslow: I'm going. As for your threats, you have no idea what you are getting yourself into. Sonny: (Maslow is walking away) Stay away from Brenda. Maslow: You should take your advice. (He leaves) Sonny: (looks at both Jason and Luke) Tell me right now, what the hell is going on. Luke: Sonny, we should get out of here. Jason: Let's go, Sonny, we'll talk somewhere else. Sonny: No, (walking away) I'm going to find Brenda. Sonny storms off before Luke and Jason could stop him. What Sonny didn't know was he was being followed. As soon as there was some distance between Sonny, Luke and Jason, three men jumped Sonny from behind and knocked him out. They threw him into the trunk of a car and took off. Jason and Luke saw the car speeding off. They went running after, but knew they couldn't catch up. Luke looked into the corner and saw Maslow at the corner, lighting a cigar. Luke: Come on Jason, we need to find Brenda. Jason: Luke, you have to tell me what is going on. Who is this Maslow creep and what does he have to do with Sonny and Brenda. Luke: Junior, Brenda has to tell you that one. Look, she just asked me to protect him and to keep him away from her. If you are wondering about whether Maslow is in the mob, no, this has nothing to do with that. This is Brenda's past coming back, not Sonny's. Jason: Sonny doesn't know anything about it, does he? Luke: No. Come on, we have to get moving. To Jax and Julia's… Julia: Isn't Maslow coming over tonight? Jax: He should be here any minute. Julia: Good. I want to get this over with so we can get out of this town. Jax: I know sweetheart. It is has been a long road. Julia: I wish that we didn't hurt Brenda like we did. Jax: She deserved it. Julia: How can you say that? She loved both of us, and then, like Sonny, we ripped her heart out. Jax: You know very well what she did. She went behind our backs and she let Ned know our plans to overtake ELQ. She ruined everything. And as far as you and me, we always had that, you know connection, since we met in London all those years ago. Besides, Brenda has always loved Sonny, never us. Julia: She never loved me, but she did love you, in a way. Jax: Brenda loves herself. You and I both know that. Julia: I can't believe she went to Ned. I am her sister, she should have been loyal to me, to me over anyone else. Jax: There's the fighting spirit I love. (He inches closer to her… and yes, they are on the couch) Julia: How long do we have until Maslow gets here? (Smiling) Jax: We have enough time. (He kisses her…you know what happens from there…couch sex, dif't sister) To Maslow…who is in his car talking on the phone… Maslow: You got him Johnny? Johnny: Yeah, he's still unconscious. Maslow: Good, make sure his hands are tied. The second he wakes up, beat him so that my lovely niece won't be able to stand the sight of him. Johnny: When is Brenda going to be here? Maslow: Arthur should be getting her in a little bit. He'll call and let you know. When she comes, make sure Sonny is in a different room. But, make sure he can hear the entire conversation. I don't want him to miss anything. Johnny: You got it boss. You going to set Cassadine up? Maslow: I'm on my way up now. I'll be leaving the Jax's in about an hour. Brenda should be with you by then. Johnny: Julia/Jax, they know anything? Maslow: No. And they don't have to. Besides, they hate both Sonny and Brenda, so it doesn't really matter. Johnny: We'll see ya soon. They hang up. Maslow goes upstairs to see Jax/Julia. Jason and Luke have arrived at Brenda's apartment. They knock, there is no answer. Luke: Brenda, baby, its Luke, open up. (No answer) Jason: You want me to open the door? Luke: We'll pick the lock. If she is in there, then I don't want to scare her. Luke goes to open the door… as Lois and Robin round the corner. Robin: Luke, what are you doing? Lois: yeah, what is going on? Jason: Have either of you seen Brenda? Robin: No, is she okay? Luke: Maslow knows who Sonny is. Brenda took off, Sonny went after her, but Jason and I saw some guys in black suits throw Sonny in a car. They took off before we could catch them. Lois: Oh no. Brenda will freak when she finds out. Jason: But we don't know where she is. Luke: Do you have any clue as to where she could have gone? Robin: The farm, maybe? Jason: I'll go check it out. Where else? Lois: The bridge? Robin: I'll go there. Luke: Lois, why don't you and I just drive around, and we'll see if we can find her. Why don't we meet back here in two hours? If either one of you finds her, call us and call each other. And whatever you do, do not let her out of your sight. They all leave, looking for Brenda. Brenda has gone to the caves, where her and Sonny had made love after almost two years of being a part. To herself… Brenda: Oh Sonny, I wish I could tell you. It felt so good being in your arms tonight. I wanted to stay there forever. I don't even care why you left me, not anymore. You came back and that is all that matters. But, we can't be baby, we can't be together. I sometimes wish we were still in that cave, we were alone. No interruptions, just you and me. And making love to you was so amazing. It always was. I'm leaving Sonny, I can't stay in this town anymore, not with Maslow, and Jax and Julia and just so much pain. I just need to go. She sits on the ground and holds her head in her hands. She is crying. She doesn't hear the two men behind her. They hit her on the back of the head and threw her in the car. What the men didn't see, was that Lois and Luke were driving by. Luke: Lois, they have Brenda too. That car over there, it is the same car Jason and I saw them take off with Sonny. Lois: Follow them Luke. Luke: All right. Call Jason and Robin, let them know we are tailing these guys. Tell them to go to the club and wait for us. Lois: You got it. Lois calls and lets Jason and Robin know. They follow the car with Brenda in it way out of town, then, out of nowhere, the car just disappeared. Lois: Luke, where did the car go? Luke: I don't know. Do you have any idea of where we are? Lois: No. Why don't we go back to your club, and we'll figure out from there what we are going to do. We are in the town of Quissiter… or at least on the edges of it. Luke: Let's go. Lois, I've got an unsettling knot in my gut about all this. Lois: Me too. They head back to the club. Sonny meanwhile has woken up. Johnny does what Maslow ordered, tied Sonny's hands and feet and beat him senseless. Sonny was defenseless. He flashbacked to when Deke beat him as a little boy, except this time, he couldn't even put his hands up. He just had to take it. When Johnny was done, Sonny's face was cut, bloody and bruised, but he was still conscious. He said one word… Sonny: Brenda… Johnny: She'll be here soon enough. (Johnny left the room. Went into the next room and saw that Brenda had arrived, she was still out) Johnny: Call Maslow. Tell him we have a full house. Arthur does what he is told. He calls Maslow, who is in a meeting with Jax/Julia. Jax: So you have everything here that will allow us to reclaim the corporations in Greece and Spain? Maslow: Everything is here. Cassadine won't know what it him or that cousin of his. Julia: What about Luke? He is already suspicious of you and your dealings with Cassadine. Maslow: Spencer thinks that Cassadine and I are friends and are working together against his family, he won't be a problem. The phone rings…for Maslow… Maslow: Speaking. Arthur: Corinthos has had his beating and your niece is here. Are you done? Maslow: I'll be there in a bit. You know what to do until I get there. Arthur: Got it. They hang up. Maslow: So you two know where to move from here? Jax: We know what to do. Maslow, it was a pleasure meeting with you. Maslow: You two. Julia, have you seen Brenda lately? Julia: You know she doesn't speak to us. Maslow: Right, well, I do hope things work out there. Jax: I'll see you out. Maslow leaves. Jax and Julia, begin their takeover attempt, that will eventually lead them back to ELQ. To Luke's… Jason: What happened? Robin: Is Brenda okay? Luke: It's looks like Maslow's men got both of them. Lois and I followed the car Brenda was in way out of town. But, the car literally disappeared in front of us. Lois: We were somewhere near Quissiter. Robin: Quissiter, why do I know that? (Thinking… and then remembers…) Guys, Quissiter is not a town, well, it may be, but one of Brenda's father's houses was called Quissiter. From what I remember, it was a secretive place and nobody knows where the entrances or exits are to the estate. Luke: Jason, get some of your guys on this. We've got work to do. Lois: What will Maslow do to them? Luke: I don't want to think about that. Robin: Me either. They go to work… Maslow walks into the room where Brenda is. She has opened her eyes… and sees him. Brenda: What do you want from me? Maslow: Glad to see you awake my dear. Brenda: Cut the bull. Maslow: My, my, my, you are a feisty one. What happened to the sweet girl I used to visit at night? Brenda: She grew up and wised up. Now, what do you want? Maslow: I want to talk to you and Mr. Corinthos. Brenda: Why do you think Sonny would come here? He left me on our wedding day. He left because he hated me and used me for what he needed and wanted at the time. He is done coming to my rescue. Maslow: Funny, you see him as hating you and yet, when I saw the two of you together, he didn't have any sign of hate in his eyes. Brenda: You don't know him. He can lie better than anyone, even you and daddy. Maslow: Oh, he can lie all right I think it is time I tell you a little story. Brenda: I don't want to hear anymore of your stories. Maslow: Oh, this one you may find to be very interesting. It involves why your fiancé left you at the altar. The real reasons why. Brenda: How would you know that? Maslow: You need to ask that? I suggest you listen my dear, you are not going anywhere fast. Brenda: People will look for me. Maslow: They won't find you. Brenda: You don't know them. Maslow: (walking up to her and grabbing her face tightly in his hands) You are going to listen to every word I say. And don't speak until I am finished. And then, who knows what will happen. Brenda sits silently. Maslow: You always will a good girl with me. And of course, I know why Sonny loved you so much, if only he knew how good you were at such a young age. (Brenda's face turned shear white) Sonny, was just in the other room, he heard that last comment. To himself… S: What is that man talking about Brenda? Back to Maslow… Maslow: Well, my dear, Sonny didn't leave you because he didn't love you, he left because of some trouble he stirred with my good friend Reese. Brenda: (To herself) The guy who called on our wedding day… Continuing on… Maslow: Davis Reese works for a guy named Marino, an independent organization that is run out of Hong Kong. You see darling, after Sonny killed Hernando Rivera, the contract he put out on both of your lives was picked up by who you called, or the moron, called Tin Man. Brenda: The Tin Man died in Tiger Key, along with that monster Rivera. Maslow: (smiling) You always were a naïve girl. No, my dear, Tin Man did not die in Tiger Key, he got out. And he came to Port Charles to finish the job he was hired for. He wanted to kill each of you one by one, starting with Jason, then a Mr. Corbin, and finally, you and Sonny. But, our dear Tin Man wasn't to smart in the way he went about this. Brenda: What do you mean? Maslow: Your fiancé was on the docks one night. The Tin guy followed him there and killed Sonny's bodyguard. Brenda: (Quietly) Joseph. Maslow: He and Sonny fought, the gun went off and Tin Man died, for the second time. It seems he set Jason up, thinking Mike wanted to talk to him about Sonny. Anyway, Jason made it down to the docks after the gun went off. They disposed of the body, and that was that. Brenda: So, who is this Reese person? What does he have to do with any of this? Maslow: Reese and his co-workers were furious at the way loverboy handled Rivera. So, they planned on carrying out the contract. Reese approached Sonny the night before your wedding, telling him that if you got married, you would both be shot the second you left the church. The rest, I believe you know. Brenda: (sitting in shock, but thinking to herself) They had no idea he was leaving the organization. He didn't leave me because he hated me, he just wanted to protect me, and oh God, I said so many horrible things about him. Sonny loved me, he still loves me. And he came back, he must have come back to tell me all this. (Out loud) How do you know all this? Maslow: I know everything about you my dear. I knew that Sonny left you on your wedding day. I know all about his past dealings and mistakes, including how much he has hurt you, so now, he is going to pay for it. Brenda: I already told you, Sonny does not want me anymore. Whatever that story is about, it may have happened, but he still left because he did not want to be with me. Now, I want to know, why the hell are you holding me here? Maslow: (laughing) My dear, I hate Mr. Corinthos, but I despise you even more, if that is possible. Brenda: What did I do to you? I kept all your secrets, nobody knows anything. Maslow: Oh really? That is why Mr. Spencer, Lois and that little girl Robin, know all about our past. Our nights in your room. To Sonny, who is listening very closely… Sonny: What is he talking about? Nights in your room, secrets? What does Luke, Robin, Lois know? Back to Brenda/Maslow. Brenda: They don't know anything. Luke hates you for his own reasons. Maybe because you hang out with the creature of the night, Cassadine. And as far as Robin and Lois go, they know you helped Jax and Julia got me fired from Jax Cosmetics. Maslow: They know a lot more. You just couldn't keep your mouth shut, could you? Well, my question is, you were so quick to share our little secrets with them, why haven't you told Sonny? Brenda: Sonny is out of my life. He doesn't need to know anything. Maslow: Still trying to protect him, huh? Well, your silence won't do a bit of good my dear, he's going to pay for his deeds no matter what, as are you. I told you to keep quiet, but you didn't. You are causing me great strain Brenda, and I know that you don't want what happened to your mother, to happen to you too. To Sonny… Sonny: Your mother? Oh baby, what is going on. And yes, yes, all he said was true, that is part of why I left. I want to explain to you, there is so much more. So much more, hang in there Baby, we'll get through this too. Back to Brenda/Maslow Maslow: Are you afraid that Sonny will despise you even more than now? Well, you know what, I think it is time we get all this out in the open. Brenda: Even if I told Luke and Lois, and Robin, they have not done a thing to you, nobody knows. So, why do you care? What do you get out of all this? Maslow: Stop acting dumb please, it depresses me. I know that you told Julia about all this when it happened. Brenda: Julia didn't believe me. Maslow: Yes, she did. You see, that dreadful night, when your shower was blown to bits, she saw the whole thing happen. You told her, and yes, she said she didn't believe you, but she did. Harlan told her to never believe a word you said because you were a snotty, selfish, uncaring and cold child, just like your mother. Julia, wanting her father's love and support, followed everything he instructed her to do. But, when your father died, Julia took what she knew and ruined me. She made sure that I lost everything. And I damn near did. But, with some creative work on my part and Cassadines part, we fixed everything. Brenda: So why aren't you going after Julia? She did this, not me. Maslow: Julia, no, you are the one at fault. You told. She used what you said to her to get me and it almost worked. Julia has always been wonderful, you have always been the conniver. But, out of you and your sister, you have always been the sexier, more desirable one. You may not be very intelligent, but you sure are smart in other ways. Brenda: So, what? You are going to tell Sonny what you did? You are not going to accomplish a thing you know. I am already alone and empty and cold hearted, just like you and dad always said I would be. You can't make Sonny change his mind anymore about me. He does not love me and all this stuff from my past will make him want me even less. To Sonny… Sonny: Nothing, NOTHING, would make me not want you. What are you saying? Do you really believe all that? Baby, I love you, I love you so much it literally takes my breath away. What is this monster talking about, what? Back to Brenda/Maslow Maslow: I want to see you squirm. I want to see the look on his face when he knows what kind of a whore you are. And I want to see him walk out, really turning his back on you. And then, I want you to see me kill him, right in front of you. I want to watch your face in horror. A pleasure I missed when I killed your mother. And, then, I am personally going to see that you never, ever, hurt another soul again. Brenda: So why don't you just get to it, I am tired of waiting. Maslow: You always were impatient too. Brenda: Just do whatever it is you have planned. I obviously can't go anywhere, so why don't you just do it. Maslow: Fine. (Sits down) It all started that terrible night when your mother was killed, didn't it? Brenda: (confused) We are the only ones in the room, why the hell are you just repeating this story to me? Maslow: (smiles) Arthur, show our guest in.