“The Course of True Love...” Part Five 

“The course of true love never did run smooth.” William Shakespeare

It’s later that morning, about 6:30am. Katherine is in a car she called to pick her up. Earlier, she 
left a note thanking Jerry for his kindness, because she didn’t wish to wake him. She has told the 
driver to drop her off in the parking garage of the building where Deception has it’s offices.
K: I will need you to drive me to the docks later.
Driver: Sure thing, Ms. Bell. The security office said they opened your office for you, and 
someone should be waiting to let you in the building.
K: Thank you.
Katherine exits the car and heads for the door. As she reaches the door someone quickly 
approaches her. It is Alexis, and she is looking over her shoulder.
K: (startled) Oh...What the hell  are you doing here?
A: I’m sorry if I scared you. We need to talk.
K: (angrily)I have *nothing* to say to you. And YOU...
A: (interupting) I know you are VERY angry right now, I don’t blame you. My family has 
brought you nothing but heartache - For that I am *truely* sorry, but this concerns Nickolas.
K:(taken aback) How?
A: Please, if we could go up to your office. I avoided being followed, but we don’t have much 
time until they find me. 
K: So?
A: (looking around) If Helena knew I was talking with you she would have us both killed, 
immediately.
Katherine looks panic stricken for a moment, remembering last nights dream. She regains her 
composure.
K: Fine. But I suggest you make it quick.
They enter the building, and get on elevator.
As they enter Katherine’s office they both are stopped in their tracks. They see Laura waiting 
there. Alexis and Laura exchange worried looks, while Katherine glowers at both of them.
K:(exasperated) Oh, goodie - NOW, not only do I get to start my day with a lecture from the 
cousin/sister. I get to hear a round of whining and pleading from the *long, lost love*. So, who 
wants to go first, or should we draw straws?
 The women remain standing. Katherine is next to her desk, facing Alexis and Laura. Laura nods 
at Alexis, knowing she will be much better at handling Katherine’s hostility.
A: Katherine, you... we all have been used by Helena.
K: Start telling me something I DON”T already know.
A: (trying to remain calm) Helena will stop at nothing to get to Nickolas. If she has him, she will 
be in control of the family and all it owns.
K: (still seething) What do you want from me? It’s not as if I can stop her.
A: But you can. Helena knew you would find Laura and Stefan together. The bulk of her plan 
relies on the fact she thinks she can predict what you will do next. I am here to ask you not to let 
it happen.
K: And just what does she think I will do next?
L: Tell Luke you saw Stefan and I together. She knows that will enrage Luke, and he will go 
after Stefan. Try to kill him.
A: If Luke and Stefan go after each other, one of them will be killed. The other will go to jail, or 
on the run. And she doesn’t care who gets killed, because either way Helena will make her move 
on Nickolas. She will play the part ofthe concerned grandma, and Nikolas won’t know what hit 
him for years. The only thing I can do to assure her plan doesn’t work is to ask, beg if you want 
me to, that you not tell Luke.
K:(tears starting to well up in her eyes) Even if I don’t tell Luke - Helena will.
L: He won’t really believe her. Oh, he will ask me if it’s true. (sadly) And I’ll *will*  lie to him. 
Then he *will* ask you. Hopefully, you’ll lie to him, too. To protect Nikolas and Stefan.
Katherine is looking down at the floor, fidgeting with the papers on her desk.
A: It’s not as if you’ve never lied before. And this is LUKE we’re talking about. I know I’d 
relish the idea of lying to him.
K:(choking up) That’s funny, ‘cause I’d think I’d rather see him in as much pain over this as I 
am  now.
A:(softly) I know ,you know, I don’t think much of you, I never have. The only redeemable 
quality I’ve seen in you is your love, and care, and concern for Nickolas. Because you care for 
him - don’t tell Luke. And if Luke asks - lie.
K:(on the verge of tears) So Luke gets to live in ignorant bliss; keep *his*  wife, *his* family, 
while I lose the man I love, and our future together?
A:(angrily) For God’s sake Katherine - for ONCE in your life think of someone else besides 
*yourself*!
Katherine’s head snaps up, there is anger in her eyes. Laura feels the need to say something.
L: You haven’t lost Stefan. I really don’t want him - he’s all yours(a pained expression crosses 
her face as the last word falls from her lips).
K:(barely able to contain her rage) Well, thank you for that! Glad to know you’re done with him 
- I’m sure your husband will be happy to hear that, too.
Hoping to calm Katherine down, Alexis and Laura end up talking over each other.
K: THAT’S IT. BOTH OF YOU GET THE HELL OUT OF MY OFFICE - NOW!
They both are slightly taken aback, but turn and leave.
As they exit they pass Jerry, who has been standing outside the door. Katherine is still standing 
next to her desk, the tears are now rolling down her face. Jerry enters tentatively.
J: Lois? Are you O.K.?
K: (furiously) Does it look like I’m O.K.?....(sounding dispirited) I’m sorry. This just keeps 
getting worse and worse. Why are you here? How long were you out there? 
J: You’re forgiven. I came by to give you this ( he hands her the pearl ring Stefan had given her 
for her birthday) You left it in the bathroom.
K: Thank you.(she puts the ring on)
He sits in one of the chairs near her desk. She sits on the front edge of the desk.
J: I was out there long enough. So, what will you do, Lois? Not an easy decision.
Katherine doesn’t know why, but she trusts him.  
K: (crying)I don’t know.
J: Well, let’s analyze the situation. If you don’t tell that woman’s husband - who stands to lose 
the most?
K:(thinking) Me. 
J: Alright. If you tell her husband - who stands to lose the most?
K: Nickolas. He’ll lose the uncle that raised him....(a thought takes hold of her mind)like a son.... 
(she shakes it off) And be forced to live with his wretchedly evil grandmother.....It’s not fair. 
Luke will not only have everything he wants, while I lose what I wanted most - He’ll gloat about 
how dumb I am for believing in and trusting Stefan. When his own wife is not to be trusted, 
either. Why should I be the only one hurt by what they did?
J: Lois, I know misery loves company, but if you really do love this Nickolas.....
K: (her voice breaking) I know.
J:(thoughtfully) I’ll make you a deal Lois.... If you take the high road on this - I’LL be your 
company while you’re miserable.
K:(half laughing) Why? Why would you do that for me?
J: Two reasons Lois; one - there’s something about you I like. What it is exactly, I don’t know 
yet. Two - besides my brother, you’re the only other person I know in this town. The second 
reason is self-serving to be sure, but I’m going to have to go with it. So, is it a deal?
K:(bemused) Yeah - Why not? Of course, you have no idea how *miserable* a human being I 
can be when I’m upset.
J:(happily) Well, I’ll find out - won’t I? Let me give you my phone numbers, so anytime you 
need company in your misery....(handing her a card)
K: Thank you. I don’t know how I’ll repay you.
J: Not a problem. So, are you going to try to work today?
K: No, I need to go get my things....(her voice breaking)and...find a place to stay.
J: If you need any help - let me know.
He reaches over and rubs her arm, then turns and leaves. Katherine goes around her desk, sits in 
her chair, sighs deeply and starts making phone calls.