Chapter 1
 

The waitress took my order as I sat peering out the fingerprinted window of the diner.  I have no idea why I am waiting for something that isn't going to come my way again.  I just am hoping that by some small miracle she may turn the corner and see me.  It has been so long since I touched her soft supple skin and looked into her velvet brown eyes.  I haven't been home in quite some time, my only connection to home is my mother who still resides there.  I've been thinking quite alot lately about home.  What has changed, what hasn't.  Is home the same as I left it 5 years ago?  And do I have the strength and courage to face the town I once called home.

I sipped my cup of coffee and pondered my options. Things were going well for me here in New York.  A good job, a nice apartment, great friends.  I had all I ever wanted, except for true love.  I never found another love after her.  She was my one true love, my life.  I left home to save her from me.  She deserved better than me.  But I made something of myself now.  I have an education, a good job at the firm, and a nice apartment on the upper East side.  I have things to call my own.  Everything but the most important thing...love.

As I watched the city traffic drive by slowly outside the window, I noticed a beautiful young lady enter the diner by herself.  I often wondered if she looked the same as I remember.  Beautiful skin, amazing eyes, and a sexy smile.  Her smile lit up the room when she walked in, everyone noticed her as she walked by.  Her hair, beautifully long and sometimes curled.  Her velvet eyes, so amazingly sensual.  She just took my breath away.

The young woman took a seat at the booth next too me with briefcase in hand as I smiled in her direction.  She smiled in return and removed her overcoat.  Only to reveal a spiffy blue pin stripe business suit with a white lace collared blouse.  I noticed her ashe blonde hair tidied in a braid that accented her oval face.  Her piercing blue eyes certainly set off by her suit and her figure was certainly giving me chills as I sat and stared.  She was just an amazing sight.  I knew I had to introduce myself to her, if only to find out her name.

Before I got a chance to say hello she noticed me coyingly staring at her.  She smiled at me as my eyes focused her beautiful crimson lips.  Tastefully done and beautifully cured.

To my surprise she rose from her seat and came forth with her hand extended to me.  "Hi, I'm Katherine...Katherine Stevens.  My friends call me Kat.  And you are?"  I shook her hand as I felt myself getting flustered like a school boy on his first date.  "Hi....my, uh, I'm, uh Alexander....Alexander Cassadine.  My friends call me Zander."  I offered her a seat at my table and she genuinely accepted as she took a seat across from me.  We exchanged looks momentarily as we looked each other over noticing everything about one another.

"Uh, you live here in the city?" she asked as I took another sip of my black coffee.  "Yeah, I've lived here for a few years, you?" I replied as I noticed no wedding ring on her left hand.  "Born and raised." she answered quickly as the waitress brought her the cup of tea she had ordered.  "I haven't seen you here before..." she asked as I couldn't keep my eyes off of her.  She was stunningly beautiful and I wondered why she wasn't attached to someone.  "Yeah, I had an appointment close by and just came in for a cup of coffee before heading back to the office." She looked surprised at what I had said.  "Oh, so you work...." her words drifted off as if for me to finish her thought.  "Oh, yeah I work for a law firm uptown, not far from here. I'm an attorney. You?"  She smiled as if an attorney was an acceptable position for her liking.  "What a coincidence...me too!  Not the same firm I'm sure, but I'm an attorney too."  We smiled at each other as now there was most definitely a reason for us to have friendly relations with each other.

"You said you lived here for a few years....where did you live before and why did you decide to come here to the city?"  I wondered the same thing.  What brought me here?  I didn't rightly know, exactly.  I just knew I couldn't stay in Port Charles.  It was painful and I just needed to leave.  I hesitated at answering her as I sipped once again from my cup.  "I moved to the city about 5 years ago.  Got my degree and had a position lined up before I even graduated.  I, uh would like to keep the reasons for my leaving home to myself for now, if that's alright."  I was hoping to search for the answers for myself sometime soon.  "Quite alright, I can understand believe me.  If it's anything like what my life has been like...I completely understand." she replied as she reached for her coat pocket.

She removed a pack of cigarettes from her coat and placed one between her crimson lips.  She searched for a light as I took my lighter out of my pocket and lit it for her.  She smiled graciously and said thank you.   I nodded as she offered a cigarette to me.  I accepted her offer and lit my own as she flicked her ashes in the ashtray already on the table.  Smoking had become a very bad habit that I picked up in college.  No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't seem to break the habit of lighting one up.

We sat a few hours just talking.  She was so gracious and charming.  Very articulate and intelligent.  Her beautiful smile kept my eyes focused on her every word.  I met her and within 5 minutes she had me mesmerized.

She talked about how she had landed a job in the public defenders office when she graduated and had decided to move into a firm after she got a call from a friend who offered her a better placement with his firm.  She accepted the offer and has been defending the criminal element ever since.  She like me wanted to do good but knew that becoming a lawyer wasn't always going to be easy.  Moral issues always come into play with clients and can I as an attorney defend someone who has done wrong.  It's always an issue, no matter what the crime.

A few hours later we had to say good bye.  I had to pick up papers at the office and she had to get home.  She asked if I needed a lift to the office, and I told her no that I'd take a cab.  She insisted as I paid the waitress for the coffee we drank.  I reluctantly agreed, not knowing what exactly she wanted as we headed out the door of the diner.

I followed her to her car that was parked along the curb not a few feet from the door.  As a gentleman, I assisted her into the car and quickly went around to the other side and got in.  I gave her directions to my office as she pulled out onto the busy street.  In a few short minutes we were parking out in front of my office.  I asked her in and she declined saying she'd wait for me.  As I got out of the car and walked across the street, I could feel her eyes watching every stride I made.  She was as much interested in me as I was in her.

As I reached the elevators to go up to my office, the guard at the desk nodded a hello.  I returned the nod as I stepped onto the elevator and pushed the button.  I noticed as I stepped off the secretary had already gone home and no one was left but the lonely janitor.  I reached my office door as the phone was ringing it's 2nd ring.

I fumbled with my keys and by the time I was able to answer it, it had stopped and the machine had picked it up.  I decided to let it play and to have the person just leave a message.  Katherine was waiting and I didn't know how long a phone call would take.  As I grabbed up the papers I needed, a familiar voice came across the answering machine.

"Zander, it's me.  Don't be mad, but Alexis gave me your number.  I need your help.  Call me.  555-2201."  As I stood and listened to the message, I just froze in my tracks.  A voice from my past that I wanted to forget was asking me for help.  I thought a few moments and turned and walked out the door.
 

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His machine, that's all I got.  I wanted so badly to talk to him again.  It had been so long since I had seen him.  Things were not going as well as I expected since I moved back to Port Charles.  Grandfather had given me a position with ELQ and I was doing very well.  Graduated from college with high honors and doing fairly well for myself considering.  It had been quite a few years since we broke it off but I was still hoping for a future with him.

I thought about him everyday.  He was in my thoughts each morning and each night when I went to bed.  The memories we shared just didn't fade away.  I kept a piece of him with me in my heart always and as time went by I knew that he was the only one I wanted to be with.

I sat at a table for one in a quiet corner at the PC Grille working on a proposal for ELQ as I noticed patrons filing in for a Friday evening dinner.  As I sipped my drink, I felt a presence standing close to me.  I looked up and noticed a familiar face staring back at me.

"Hi Emily...how've you been?"

As I stared at the familiar face staring back at me, my heart raced and palms suddenly became clammy, it was like he never left.  I quickly jumped up out of my seat and took him into my arms, held him so tight never wanting to let go of him ever again.

"Whoa, whoa..Emily....What's all this?" he said as he returned the embrace.  "Oh God it is so good to see you...I guess you got my message.  I hope your not mad that I tracked you down, cause I really needed to see you." I replied as I broke the embraced and looked into his eyes of velvet.

She caught me off guard with her embrace and I didn't quite know what to say, actually I couldn't believe I was here.  I wasn't even sure I wanted to come home, and I wasn't sure she would want me home.  But if I didn't take the chance, I surely wouldn't be able to answer the what ifs.  She seemed glad to see me though, the warmth of the embrace proved that to me.  I'm just hoping I can live up to her expectations of me, it has been such a long time since I had seen her.  But she looked as beautiful as ever.  I guess I never really knew how much I missed her till right at this moment.

"Please sit, we have alot to talk about..." I offered as I sat back down at the quiet table in the corner.  "Thanks...." I replied as I took a seat across from her and eyed a waiter to get a drink.  Right about now I needed one.  What am I doing here....I swore to myself not to come home on false pretenses and Emily was certainly a reason I should of just stayed away.  I can't take anymore pain and hurt, we have been through enough.  But as I look into her eyes, I can't help myself but care and remember the love we shared.  It feels like I never left, like we never had been apart.

"So, how are things going in NY?" I ask as I sip my drink.  I can't believe he actually came home.  I had wanted this for so long and now the moment had finally arrived, my one true love was sitting across the table from me and my heart skips a beat.  I never felt like this with anyone else.  Not Nikolas, not Juan...no one.  Zander was the love of my life and I was glad to have him back home where he belonged.

"Things are good..." I answer as the waiter came over to the table and took my order for that drink I so desperately needed.  "Are you happy there in NY?"  She asked as I can't seem to focus on anything else but her.  I don't know quite how to answer her.  I am happy in NY, but I'm not.  I miss her and I want to tell her that, but it just doesn't seem to want to come from my mouth as I just sit and stare.  I have to say something, anything...."I miss you Emily....I miss you everyday.  I think about you every second and I'm sorry..." Geezsh where did that come from!  I can't believe I just said that.   Zander you are such an idiot!  Why did you have to go and say that! I say to myself as she smiles her beautiful smile at me.  She still has what it takes to make my heart do flip flops.  After all these years, Emily still takes my breath away.

"Zander, no I'm the one who should be sorry....I'm the one who made this mess...I'm the one who was wrong.." she explains as the waiter brings me my Jack and Coke.  I gotta make him know that I was wrong....I'm the one to blame for this separation..not him.  I need him in my life and I know I was wrong for ever doubting him... He certainly still has the smile that I fell in love with, and the eyes that look deep into your soul.  Zander hasn't changed....he still makes me melt.

"How have you been?" I ask as she fidgets with her ring.  I can't believe I still wear it.  It has been 5 years and I never took it off...I guess hoping and wishing that one day he would return to me and make me his wife.  I see he noticed it too, as I see him stare blankly at it.  "Fine....I've, uh, been fine." I reply as I can't seem to stop twirling the ring around my finger.  Maybe habit or maybe I wanted to get his attention.  Either way, he noticed.  "So, I see you are still wearing the ring I gave you..." I ask as she looks up at me surprised that I noticed.  Quite a few weeks before our separation I gave her an engagement ring of sorts, a family heirloom from my mother.  I never thought she'd still be wearing it.  "Uh, yeah.....I guess wishful thinking..." she answers which gets me thinking of what could of been.  "I didn't ask for it back, did I?" He asks as I stare at the diamond thinking of days past.  "No, you didn't...and I guess that's why I wear it....cause it symbolized something we shared.  Something I knew could never be broken.  A connection."  She was right.  We did have that.  A connection.  We knew each other's thoughts, what we were feeling, and how we would react to certain things.  I only wonder if we still have it.  If we are as connected as we think we are.  Alright Zander, here's your chance to prove it.....ask her!  I say to myself trying to get up the courage to ask for another chance with us.

"Emily, would, uh you be willing to give us another chance to find out...." I ask as she smiles with much happiness almost jumping out of her seat with glee.  Oh my God, he asked!  He asked!  Emily calm down, girl.  Calm down.  Can't seem to over anxious about getting back together.  In due time.  I say to myself as I can't believe he asked.  I can't turn him down.  He came all this way for me.  I miss him so much and I want him in my life.  If I say no, he'll turn right around and head back to NY...something I don't want.  This could be our second chance at happiness.  Sorel is no longer a threat, the family is not a threat anymore....there is nothing standing in our way anymore.  This could be it.  Say something.  "Sure, Zander....we can try again.  I'll be willing to give us a second chance."  I can't believe this...finally something that we both want...at least she seems to want this....I hope she wants this as much as I do.  God, I missed her.

I take her hand in mine and kiss the palm of her hand like I used to do.  She rose from her seat and so do I as we fall into each others arms.  God, it feels like I never left.  Things have not changed.  She still is beautiful and she still has my heart.  I take her face in my hands as I can feel her breath on my lips.  We are close enough I can feel her breathless in the moment.  "I love you, Emily.  I always have and I always will...." I say to her as I can see her eyes welling up with her warmest tears.  God it is so good to have him home.  I can feel a stray tear trickle down my cheek as he wipes it away with his thumb.  I lean into his hand with my cheek as I wrap my arms around him even tighter.  "I love you too, Zander.  You know you have my heart, you always have and always will."

God, it is so good to be in her arms.  I'm glad to be home.  Right where I belong.

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"Where is that boy! Gosh darn it Zander....where are you?!"  Alexis hangs up the phone as she tries to get in touch with her son for the fourth time today.  He's not in court and not at the office....where could he be?  Alexis paces across the hardwood floor as she hears a knock on her door.  Knocking a second and a third time before she answers it.

As the door opens Alexis finds her son standing in the hallway.  No words are spoken just an embrace between a mother and son.  "Where have you been?!  Don't you believe in telephones?" She starts already and I have only been home two seconds.  "Mom....please.  I've only been home two seconds and you already grillin' me." I reply as she leads me into the living room as she closes the door behind her.

We take seats on the couch in front of the fireplace as she seems to overwhelmed to see me.  "What in the world are you doing here?"  Not knowing if I should tell her about Emily and I, but she's gonna find out soon enough.  "Emily.  She's the reason I came home."  Alexis surprised as to my answer as she pulls me into a hug.  "Okay, we gotta hurry if she wants a Fall wedding, cause you know that planning something of this magnitude is a huge deal.  We need caterer, minister, flowers, cake, invitations...."  I gotta stop this....and fast before my mother has Emily and I married before we can blink an eye.  "Mom....breathe mom, breathe.  No, mom...we're not getting married.  Well, not just yet." I reply as I try to calm her down.  Things like this can certainly bring on one of her famous panic attacks and I can't have that.  "Oh, than what did she say that brought you home?" Which is a question I rightly don't know how to answer.  It was just something that clicked inside of me.  When I heard her voice on the answering machine, I just knew it was time to come home.  "She didn't say much of anything, just that she needed my help.  And actually that wasn't the reason I came home.  It was just something in her voice that brought me home.  I just knew it was time. That's all." I reply as she stares at me with a smile.  She knows that our love couldn't fade away, no matter how far I ran.  Emily and I are connected.

"So do you have a place to stay?  You know you are more than welcome to stay here if you want.  Jax is away on a business trip and I don't expect him back for a few more days.  I'd love to have you stay here with me...." See you give your mother an inch and she takes a mile.  I left her go out on one date with Jax and she ends up in Vegas again and married to the bum.  I smile a stupid grin as I think to myself how I got her hitched again and she returns a strange look to me.  But Jax is by far a bum.  Quite wealthy business man, who is fairly prominent corporate raider and who has tried many times to take over ELQ....with not much luck.  But I gotta give him this....he is persistent.  And he loves my mother....and she loves him.

"Thanks for the offer, but I think I got my accomodations already taken care of, mom.  I'll be staying at the GateHouse with Emily."  I knew that would make her happy.  Emily offered and I jumped at it.  I looked down at my watch and noticed it was getting late and that I should be heading home to Emily.  Home to Emily.  It's nice to say that again.

Mom kissed me goodnight on the cheek and gave me one last hug for the road as I headed out the door.  All I could think about was what was waiting at the GateHouse for me.  Ah, it was nice to be home.

Things are starting to feel strange as I pull the car into the Quartermaine drive and peer out the front windshield at the large mansion that stands before me.  I bear off to the right towards the GateHouse and as I approach I can see her standing in the door way waiting for me.  I smile as she waves at me.  I park my car behind her SUV that is already parked in the driveway and gather my things from the back seat.  As I get out of the car she runs into my arms to welcome me home.  She doesn't know how good it feels to have her so close to me.

"Hey, baby...what took you so long?" she asks as she releases the embrace and we walk hand and hand into the cottage.  I wrap my arm around her as I throw my stuff on the couch and I pull her close to me once again.  "Do you know that my mother was ready to marry us tomorrow.  She's happy for us.  And she wanted me to tell you how happy it makes her that we decided to give us another chance." I explain as I hold her close against me.  Her body feels so good as she leans into me.  I never thought I would be here, right now at this moment...a moment I have dreamed of for the last 5 years.  "I'm glad too...I think we deserve a second chance, Zander..." she answers as she leans her forehead against my chest.

As I turn around I see a stack of blankets and a pillow lying on the edge of the sofa.  My expression gives away what I am thinking as she gives me a smirk.  "What?...you didn't think you'd be sharing my bed tonight, did you?"  she replies as I give her a look of confusion.  "Zander you just got home and we are gonna take this slow....okay?" she adds as I nod in agreement.  God, this is gonna be difficult.  To live in the same house and see her everyday without getting close enough to her so I can feel her skin against mine.  Damn I should of took my mother's offer...at least then I'd have a few miles between us...but I gotta respect her wishes.  And she's right...we need to take things slow.  I did it before....I can do it again.  What's not helping is her standing against me in a red silk robe and what looks to be not much underneath as she kisses my cheek goodnight and heads for the stairs.

I stare at her in awe as she climbs the stairs towards the bedroom.  She disappears in the darkness as I fall onto the sofa spread eagle and sigh.  I don't know how she does it, but she does.  She gets me everytime as I grab my chest close to my heart.  I hear her footsteps upstairs as she walks from one room to the other and finally hear the bedroom door close shut.  I get up and double check the door making sure it is locked and turn off the porch light.  She has a dim light on over the desk as I begin to unbutton my dress shirt and remove my tie.  I slip off my shoes and drape the tie over the desk chair.   As I move towards the sofa, I unbutton my pants and slip them down over my legs and sit on the edge of the cushion.  I get up and place my pants and shirt across the desk chair and proceed to arrange the blankets on the couch.  Trying not to fall over the furniture, I turn out the desk lamp and move towards the make shif bed I made.  As I climb underneath the covers I slip off my socks and lay them next to me on the floor.  My head barely hits the pillow and my eyes close shut.

It has been a long day, and I am thankful for a restful nights sleep.  I can only imagine her sleeping alone in the large bed upstairs as I drift off to sleep.

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I awake to the smell of freshly brewed coffee and the smell of eggs and bacon.  As I lift my head off the pillow and take a look around to get my bearings, I notice her standing at the foot of the sofa holding a tray in her hands.  "Morning..." she says as she moves closer to me.  She sets the tray across me as I move my legs closer to my body and make room for her to sit.

I look down at the tray and find a well prepared breakfast with eggs, bacon, toast and a glass of orange juice.  She has made breakfast in bed for me as I smile at her for the generous gesture.  "Come on, eat up." she says as I take a sip of the orange juice.  She sits and watches me eat my breakfast as I enjoy the meal she has prepared for me.

"So, did you get a good night's sleep?"  She asks as I take my last bite.  "Mmmm...hmmm.mmm" I answer...if you call it that.  "What kind of answer is that?" she presses as I empty my mouth and swallow.  "Sorry, yes I did get a restful night's sleep...for once."  Since moving to NY city, a restful night's sleep is few and far between for me.  Late nights and early mornings are not my idea of a good night's sleep.  It was so peaceful last night and I slept like a baby.  Knowing that she was directly above me helped, just knowing I was home has helped me.

"I must say, Emily...this was delicious.  Thank you so much for this wonderful breakfast." I said as I took the last sip of orange juice from the glass.  She giggled a little and then confessed.  "I can't take credit for this, Zander.  This was Grandmother's idea.  She had Reginald bring down breakfast at the crack of dawn."  I smiled and knew that my Emily was not the type to play happy homemaker on my account.  "I should of known...." I reply as I smile and give a little chuckle at the thought of Emily slaving over a stove making me breakfast.  I remove the tray and place it next to me on the coffee table as she moves closer.

To my surprise she is quickly lying on top of me with her auburn hair draping over our faces.  I wrap my arms around her and draw her closer.  She doesn't resist, quite the opposite.  She entangles her fingers in my hair and flirts with the few strands at the nape of my neck as I caress my hands along her back.  Her smile catches my eye as I look deep into her eyes.  "I love you, Zander Cassadine..." she says as she pulls herself closer to me.  I can feel her warm breathe on my lips as I resist the temptation to kiss her.  "I love you too, Emily Quartermaine..."  We laugh with each other as a spontaneous moment has a hold on us and she leans and I feel the touch of her warm lips on mine.  A sweet and innocent kiss turns into something more as I hold her tight.  A feeling of passion overwhelms me as she releases her lips from mine.

"Wow...." is all she can say as her body is closer than ever to mine.  "Yeah, wow..." I reply as she wipes her bottom lip with her index finger not quite knowing what to think of what just happened.  "I'm sorry..." she says as she rises from her position and sits at the end of the sofa.  I prop myself up against the arm of the sofa and run my hands through my hair.  "No need to be sorry, Emily....it was nice..." I reply hoping to set her mind at ease that the kiss was something I enjoyed and certainly would like to enjoy again.  "Yeah it was, wasn't it.  But I swore we'd take things slow..." she answered as she became worried as to how fast we were progressing at the second chance.  "Emily, there's nothing wrong with what just happened.  Really..." I reply trying to calm her worries.

Just then the phone begins to ring.  She gets up to get the phone as I reposition myself and sit up against the back of the sofa.  A concerned look comes across her face as she hangs up the phone.

"What's wrong?" I ask as she sits down next to me.  "We gotta go....come on..." she answers as she pats my knee and heads upstairs.  "Where we going?" I shout as she disappears up the stairs.  "I guess I'll find out soon enough...." as I answer myself and begin getting dressed.

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She doesn't say much as we head down into the town of Port Charles.  I still have no idea on where we are going, but she seems to know.  As we turn the corner, I take notice we are parking out in front of the PCPD.  I begin to get worried on why I am here and what type of help she is in need of.

"Emily, are you in some kind of trouble?" I ask as I turn to face her.  Oh, my...I guess I gotta tell him.  Now, how can I put this delicately without getting him upset.  She seems a little nervous and a little anxious as she looks at me with concern.  "Oh God no...I'm not in any trouble..." she replies as I become confused as to what we are doing here at the PCPD.  "Then why am I here.  I assume this has something to do with the message you left me saying you needed my help." I explain as she wrings her hands around the steering wheel.  "A mutual friend needs our help, Zander."  Now she has me intrigued as to what this all about.  Who is this mutual friend?  "Who, Emily....who needs our help?" I ask as she turns to me ready to explain herself.

"Your brother, Zander....your brother needs your help." Her words hadn't even left her lips and I was out of the car and half way up the steps before she knew it.  "Zander, wait!" she shouted as she got out of the car.  I hear her, but don't turn around as I swing open the front door of the PCPD and proceed towards the desk sergeant on duty.  I hear her behind me as she grabs my arm and pulls me aside before I even get a word out.

"Why didn't my mother tell me?" I ask as I become overwhelmed with worry and concern.  "She didn't want to worry you....she has it all under control.." she explains as I hear her, but am more concerned about my brother and what has happened.  "So tell me....why does he need our help?  What happened?" I ask forcefully as she pulls me away from the others who are standing around us.

She can see that I am getting anxious and want to know what is going on.  "All right, I will fill you in....but you need to calm down." she says as she tries to calm my nerves.  Oh God please tell me how I tell him his brother is sitting behind bars for murder.

Emily wasn't the only reason I left Port Charles 5 years ago.  I was told that my mother hadn't died, that she was living and breathing right here in Port Charles.  I was told that my mother was Alexis Davis....the woman that I had trusted, that I grown very fond of, and that cared about me as a person.  The woman who took me in when no one else would, one woman I counted on.  She had told me a story about a part of her life that she had buried for many years, because it had been to painful to remember.  I was a part of her, she was my mother.  A mother that I had never known.  I didn't know what to do but take some time away from the life I knew and try to rebuild a new life someplace else.  I needed time to comprehend and understand what I was told by my new found mother.

Without a good-bye, I split town and headed for the city, hoping to find myself.  It didn't take me long to realize just how much I missed Alexis and how wrong I was by leaving.  Upon calling her, she didn't waste any time getting to me in NY...bringing along more news about a long lost brother....a twin.  Alexis didn't know about him until she found out about me and then the documents of another son came to light.   Alexis had told me that Helena had her hands in burying the past so well.  Helena had taken us, my brother and I and skipped the country.  Leaving Alexis to believe we both had died in childbirth.  I couldn't blame Alexis for not knowing that I was her son or that I had a brother.  It wasn't her fault.  She was told we were dead and for all she knew that was the truth.

Now my twin is in trouble with the law.  I'm not sure just how much Emily knows about this situation.  But because of her association with Nikolas and myself, she is in danger.  I have to keep her safe.  I have to protect her from Helena.

"Zander...?"  I ask as I nudge him out of a daze.  "Huh...." he says as he looks at me blankly.  "Where did you go?" I ask as he seems to be coming back to me.  "Oh, uh...just remembering.." he answers as I am hoping Alexis comes through those doors before I have to explain why his brother is in jail for murdering someone.  "So, what's going on with Darius.  Emily, I need to know...." he pleads with me to explain.

As she begins to explain, I hear my name being called from behind me.  As I turn around to see who is calling my name, I notice my mother standing in the doorway of the PCPD.  I rush to her side as we embrace a hello, so concerned about what is happening with our family.  "How did you know to come down here?" she asks as I glance over towards Emily.  "This is reason I was called home.  Emily left a message for me on my answering machine that she needed my help.  She didn't explain why, just that she needed me.  We got a call this morning at the GateHouse and we rushed right down here.  Now what is going on around here?" I ask becoming frustrated with not knowing the answers.

"I haven't had a chance to talk with Darius yet.  Evidently he was just brought in for questioning and charged last night.  So let's go talk to him together and see what he has to say."  I agree with her request as we head back to the interrogation room.  When we open the door of the room, Darius is surprised to see me there with our mother.  He is leaning back in his chair with an attitude as big as the chip on his shoulder.  Also sitting in the room is Captain Taggert, whom I know all too well along with an older gentleman I hadn't had the pleasure of meeting.  Alexis closes the door behind her as the two gentleman get up from their seats as she enters the room.  I make a step forward to introduce myself to the gentleman that I don't know.

"Hi, I'm Alexander Cassadine.  I'm Darius's brother.  And you are?" I say as I extend my hand to him.  "Hello, I'm Commissioner Robert Scorpio.  It's nice to meet you. You probably know my brother, Mac." he explains as I nod.  "Yes I do...very well." I reply as I take a seat opposite Darius.  "Alexis...." Scorpio says as he extends his hand to her.  "Commissioner, Captain...." she replies as she greets both of them.  "Can we get down to business?" she adds as she takes a chair next to my brother.  "Let's do that, counselor...." Taggert replies as he opens up the file folder in front of him.

"How bout we start with how Darius came to know the victim?  Darius, would you like to explain how you knew Lucky Spencer?"  A shocked look came over my face as Taggert mentions Lucky's name.  Darius still with the attitude slides back down on the chair and brings it down on four legs as he glances towards Alexis for approval to answer.  "Uh, Taggert...can I have a few moments alone with my client.." Alexis asked as she removed a legal pad and pen from her attaché case.  "Sure...we'll be right outside.." he replies as he and Scorpio get up and leave the room closing the door behind them.

"Lucky Spencer?!  I'd like to know the answer to that one myself..." I ask as Darius glares at me from across the table.  "Don't you worry about it big brother....I got all under control.." he answers.  "Obviously you don't..or you wouldn't be sitting here charged with his murder!" I shouted as things were becoming heated.  "All right you two...knock it off!" mom broke in as she rose from her chair to separate the tension between Darius and myself.  I hadn't known Darius that long and already we were fighting like brothers.  "Now, I want to know what happened with Lucky, and Darius...I want the truth." she asked as he looked at her and then glanced back at me.

"All right!  You don't have to give me the third degree....I'll tell you what I remember.." he answered as I thought to myself great, he don't remember...this should be good.  "I remember coming out of the Grille after eating dinner and having a few drinks at the bar.  I wasn't ready to go home just yet, so I headed to Luke's."  "Yeah, great place for a Cassadine to hang out at..." I break in as he stares back at me almost threatening.  "And...go on.." mom replies as Darius wrings his hands.  "Unfortunately for me, Luke was tending bar that night.  And he seemed to have a few drinks in him already, taunting me with words about the family and how I came to be.  None the less, Lucky was in the back shooting pool with Nikolas and some friends...well, one thing led to another and Lucky and I took it outside.  A crowd gathered and patrons started to come out of the bar as I had the advantage on him.  Till Helena showed up.  Something happened to him mom.  Something strange.  It was like I wasn't fighting Lucky anymore.  I don't know what I was fighting against.  But it sure wasn't the person I started with.  After he pretty much left me on the blacktop of the parking lot and the crowds dissipated back into the bar...I got up and headed for somewhere else to get a drink.  I'm pretty sure I ended up at a place called Jake's.  It was not a place for our type of people....not too many patrons but plenty of whiskey and vodka.  Which I drank the rest of the night.  I must of passed out or something cause the next thing I knew I was on some boat with a couple of not so friendly goons.  They drug me off the boat and left me in the alley behind Luke's club.  My clothes were torn and stained with blood...who's blood I have no idea.  I certainly don't remember attacking anyone with such force to get me splattered in blood like that.  I hit Lucky a couple of times and he had a bloody nose but that's it.  And that's about all I remember till Taggert found me wandering the streets and asked what happened.  Unfortunately I guess he found enough to charge me...cause here I am." he explained as my mom and I sat and listened to his story.

"Well, you do see this as a frame up don't you?  A precise execution of a plan hatched by your grandmother." she said as she took a few notes on the legal pad in front of her.  "And uh, one more thing....I wasn't alone at dinner." he added as we both looked at with surprise.  "Oh, what a shock...a witness to boot!" I exclaimed as another threatening look came from Darius.  "No, no witness..I hailed her a cab who took her home..." he corrected me as mom said "And this person is .....?"  Darius looked at me as I glared at him waiting for an answer.

Darius was hesitant in answering as there was a knock on the door to the room.  Taggert peered in and asked how much longer we needed....evidently they needed to get going with the paperwork.  "A few more minutes, Taggert....thanks." mom answered as we both waited to find out who Darius was having dinner with.  Taggert nodded and closed the door.

"Now, who were you having dinner with?" she asked as Darius moistened his lips as he rolled his tongue across them and sunk back into the chair.  "An acquaintance..." he replied still hesitant on revealing the name of the person.  "Darius, please!  I need to know....now tell me who you were having dinner with the other night at the Grille." mom pushed as I looked on wondering myself.

"Her name....uh, her name is Katherine Stevens."  With that I felt my heart in my throat as the mere mention of her name.  The expression on my face must of told the story, because both my mother and Darius looked at me both shocked that I knew the name.  "Zander...you know her?" mom asked as Darius seemed to be interested in my answer as well.  I stared blankly at both of them not knowing what to say.  Do I dare tell them that I met Katherine Stevens no 24 hours prior to coming to Port Charles and how attracted I was to her.  All I had to think about was Emily....my sweet Emily....the young lady who I was madly in love with.  Oh God, she cannot know about Katherine Stevens...no matter how innocent a cup of coffee was....in my mind it wasn't innocent.

Damn!  How do I get myself out of this one?  Think Zander, think!

"What?!" I ask as both of them stare at me like I'm a stranger or something.  "Zander, how do you know her?" mom asks me as it is now I who is wringing my hands together.  Oh boy, now comes the joy of telling them that I spent the last 3 hours of my time in NY city with the woman my brother spent the evening with.  Funny, Darius and I never shared anything, and the first thing we share is a woman.  Man....I am relieved that I only had coffee with the woman and nothing more...unlike Darius...I wonder just how much time he spent with her eating dinner.

I hesitated at answering her question leaving them hanging on my every breath in anticipation of an answer.  "Yes, I know her.  I just met her the day I came back home.  I had coffee with her that afternoon at a coffee shop a few blocks from my office.  And that's it." I explained as they listened intently.  My mom taking notes as I told her what happened with me and Katherine that afternoon.  "Well, guess what.  We need to find Katherine Stevens.  Zander....find her."  I roll my eyes at the thought me tracking down the young woman and why me.  I nod in agreement and decide to give her a call.  I at least can try the phone number on her business card....I'll see what I can come up with.  "And Zander...." I turn and glance back at my mother as I head towards the door of the interrogation room.  "I want you to sit at co-counsel...this may get a little more than we bargain for...I could use all the help I can get."  "Sure, mom....I'll let you know what I find out..." I agree with her as I head out the door.

Now where do I begin.  I guess I call Katherine and see where she leds me.  As I turn the corner I notice Emily still sitting near the window and wander towards her.  She rushes me and falls into my arms as we embrace in the middle of the PCPD.  I take her by the arm and lead her outside and toward the car.  "Zander, what's wrong.." she asks as I assist her into her car."  I ignore her question and ask for the keys. "I'll drive..." I say as I extend my hand out for her to give me her keys.  She does and I quickly get in on the driver's side and start the vehicle.  "Zander where are we going?  What happened in there?" she asks again as I pull onto the busy street.

Silence overcomes the vehicle as I am in a mindset as to how I'm going to free my brother from these murder charges and I can see that she will not give up on the questions.  I pull the car off into an alley and shut it off.  As I turn to her I can see the concern and worry in her eyes and I know that I can't leave her in the dark at what was asked of me by my mother.

"Why did you stop?  What happened in there, Zander?  What's going on?" I ask him as he turns and looks at me.  "There are things you have to know, but now's not the time nor place to talk about them...so, I'm gonna give you the short version." I reply as I take her hand in mine.  "I gotta go back to the city..." I began as she looks at my confused as to why.  "No, you can't....why? Zander, was it me...was it something I said or did..."  Great now she feels she is the reason I am leaving.  "No, God no...it's not you....you have done everything right..." I began as I gave her a light kiss on her lips.  "I have to go back to the city to find someone....someone my brother had dinner with the other night...the night of Lucky's disappearance." I try to explain without giving her too much information.

"Zander, take me with you...I can help." What a big mouth I have.  I can't take her with me..although I want to...but I don't know what Katherine might say or do when I see her again...with Emily along it increases the risk of Katherine detailing our meeting in the diner.  Not that anything happened other than sharing a cup of coffee, but certainly there was more that I wanted to happen that day.  So much more.  Zander, how do you get yourself into these messes.  I say to myself as Emily is already on the cell phone call off from work so she can have time to go with me.  I grab the phone from her hand as she gives me the strangest look.  "No, Emily...you can't come with me." I say as she gives me the look.  You know the look.  The puppy dog eyes and the beautiful pout that she makes.  The look that makes me melt.  The look that does me in.  "Alright....you can come with me.  But you are gonna stay with me at all times.  We are going to get some information...not shop till your heart's content." I give in and she gives me a giggly smile like she's won my heart.  She nods in agreement and gives me a kiss on the cheek as a thank you.

"Well, what are we waiting for...let's go..." She is so demanding sometimes.....but that's what I love about her.  I smile and start the car again to back out onto the street.  We head back to the GateHouse to pack 2 duffle bags for our weekend trip and head for the city.  She excited.  I can see it in her eyes.  I'm hoping not to get myself caught in something that I only had wished happened.  But I can't think about that.  I have enough to worry about with Emily, Darius, and figuring out how my mother and I are going to get the charges dropped.

As pull up in front of the building that I had just left a few days prior, Emily looks up at the tall building before her.  "Your place?" she asked as I looked up at myself.  "Uh, yeah...14th floor." I reply as I park in my assigned spot.  I get out and run to her side to open her door.  I assist her from the vehicle and reach in back to grab the bags.  She's already in the lobby and heading for the elevator before I can ask her to wait.  I catch up with her as she steps onto the elevator and presses 14 on the button pad.  The doors close shut and I pull her into my arms as she laughs cause I caught her off guard.  I draw her close as I can feel her sweet breath on my lips.  I brush her hair from her cheek and away so I can see her beautiful eyes.  Our mouths meet in a kiss so tender and so sweet.  She wraps her arms around my waist and holds on tight as I surprise her again and take her into a dip.  God I love her laugh.  We laugh and smile at each other as the elevator reaches the 14th floor.  We step off the elevator hand and hand as we walk towards my penthouse.  Being paid well at the firm, I can afford so much now that I had before.

I reach for the keys in my pants pocket and fumble to put the key into the lock as she wraps her arms around me from behind.  We walk in unison as I lead her into the apartment.  I throw my keys and the duffle bags on the chair and take her in my arms yet again.  She leans her head back so her hair falls free and laughs as I hold her close to me.  In the moment, I pick her up and spin her around the room as we just enjoy being together once again.  I set her down as I look into the softest eyes and express to her my feelings of having her here with me.  "I love you, Emily.  And I'm glad you are here with me..." I begin as she places her index finger across my lips to quiet me.  "Shhh...just kiss me..." she asks as I don't think twice about her request.

The kiss lingers for a while as it grows deeper and more passionate then before.  It's almost dark and there is no sense in spending a perfectly good evening searching for another woman who I know will not be home on a Friday night.  "How bout dinner?" I ask as she nods in agreement.  "Yeah, I'm starved.  Got any suggestions?" she asks as she falls into the large plush sofa.  I just stand admiring her beauty and her smile that I had missed for many years.  "Italian, Chinese or ...." she interrupts my train of thought.  "How bout just burgers and fries?"  I smile and agree with her as I walk closer to her.  "Sure...burgers sound good.  Come on...I know the place...." I say as I extend my hand to assist her from the couch.  We grab the coats and the keys and head back out the door for dinner.

We only walk a few blocks to the little restaurant on the corner for a bite to eat as she takes my hand in hers and looks up at me.  Our eyes meet and I smile as she does the same.  I take notice of the corner store opposite of the restaurant and ask her if she minds to make a pit stop.  She shakes her head no and I slip into the store with her behind me.  Once in the store, I tell her to wait right there.  She does so as I walk down the 2nd isle towards the back of the store.  She browses while I grab what I was looking for and pay for it at the counter.  The employee smiles and nods in agreement with my purchase.  I come up behind her and wrap my arms around her as I extend my one hand in front of her with my gift to her.

"Oh Zander...grape...my favorite! I can't believe you remembered!" she expresses her joy to her most favorite food group.  "Now come on .... do you think I'd forget your favorite food?  You should know that I have a case of these back at the apartment just waiting for you."  We laugh and she smiles with a kiss on the cheek for remembering that pixie sticks makes her smile.  We laugh and remember the times we shared together as we walk across the street to the restaurant with grape pixie sticks in hand.

The place isn't full but it isn't empty as an employee greets us with menus in hand.  "Mr. Cassadine...nice to see you again.  How are things?" she asks as she shows us to a table by the window.  "Fine...things are just fine..." I reply as I pull out the chair for Emily to sit.  "And who says chivalry is dead..." she says with a smile as I take my seat across from her.  "What can I get you this evening to drink?" the waitress asks as she hands us the menus.  Emily and I exchange glances as I ask her if she'd like some wine.  She agrees with me and I ask "How 'bout a bottle of Merlot?"  Emily smiles as the waitress turns away.  "Zander, this is not just a burger joint.." she says as she takes a look over the menu.  "I know.....but we can have burgers and fries at Kelly's...this is New York....its the ambiance, Emily. I can't have your first night in New York eating burgers and fries." I reply as I take her hand in mine from across the table.  She smiles and peers out the window at the bustle going on outside.

"So, who are you suppose be looking for here in the city?"

"Can we not talk about this, Emily?  I just want a night to be with you...no Alexis, no Darius, no murder charges...just us. Okay?"  As she gave me a look of appreciation that I wanted to spend the night with her as music filled the room.
 

There was a time
We thought our dream was over
When you and I
Had surely reached the end
Still here we are
The flame as strong as ever
All because we both kept holding on
We know we can weather any storm
 

I noticed she was listening to the words of the song as I saw her eyes well with tears and I wiped a stray away from her cheek.  I listened to what she heard and I couldn't help but caress her face with my hand as she grabbed it with hers and held it against her skin.

We had been through so much together but it didn't too much to break it apart.  We didn't think we would ever split and go our separate ways or ever imagine that we could get a second chance to make things right.
 

As time goes by
We've learned to rediscover
The reason why
This dream of our survives
Through thick and thin
We're destined for each other
Knowing we can reach the other side
Far beyond the mountains of our pride
 

Baby, that's what love is all about
Two hearts that find a way, somehow
To keep the fire burning
It's something we could never live without
It it takes forever
We can work it out
Beyond a shadow of a doubt
Baby, that's what love is all about
 

I noticed that she was far away and emerged in memories of the nights we shared.  The love I could see we still had for each other reappeared in her eyes as she looked deep into my soul.  I never stopped loving her, never forgot the good times we shared and always believed we would some day be able to find a solution to the problem her family created.  I knew in that moment...we had come full circle.  It was time that we moved on with our lives together, as one.
 

Ridin' the good times is easy
The hard times can tear you apart
There'll be times in your heart
When the feelin' is gone
But ya keep on believing
And ya keep holdin' on
 

Call it fate, call it destiny....Emily and I found each other again.  There was so much we needed to rediscover about each other.  I know I had changed since the last time we were together and there was so much going on in her life...but the moment I saw her at the Grille, it was meant to be....we were meant to be.
 

Baby, that's what love is all about
Two hearts that find a way, somehow
To keep the dream from dying
It's something we could never live without
If it takes forever
We can work it out
Beyond a shadow of a doubt
Baby, that's what love is all about
 

As the song came to an end, our eyes met once more and I couldn't help myself as I leaned across the table and brushed her lips lightly with mine.  I sat back down as the waitress brought us the wine and filled the two crystal glasses already on the table.  Emily smiled as she gently slide her index finger across her bottom lip as if to be embarrassed by the kiss she received.

"Are you ready to order your dinner, Mr. Cassadine?" the waitress asked as she reached in her pocket for her order pad and pencil.  "Could you give us a minute or so.." I politely asked as she nodded.  "Thanks...." I added as she turned and walked away.

"Takes you back, don't it?" I ask as she took her napkin and wiped the tears from her eyes. She sniffled back the tears "Yeah, it does..." and smiled.  "Me too...." I add as she places the napkin back down on her lap.  "Zander, there is so much I want to tell you...so much I need to explain." She begins as I speak up.  "No need for explanations, Emily...all I want is to start over...just you and me....we don't need to worry about anything anymore.  Emily, we have grown past all of our mistakes...I just want to be with you.  Ya know, there hasn't been a day that went by that I didn't think about you or miss hearing your voice." She smiled and put her head down and away as I reached over and took her chin in my hand and pulled it up so she would be looking into my eyes.  She took my hand from her chin and held it in her own.  "I know, baby...there hasn't been a day that I haven't thought about you either.  The nights are especially hard cause I dream that you are there with me, holding me, making love to me....." her words drifted off as if she said something she shouldn't of.  I just smile and kiss the palm of her hand.  "We can have that again, baby..." I reply as I notice a familiar car pull up outside the restaurant.

"I want that so much, Zander.....I want to be close to you again.  I know it's been a long time since we have been together, but I can feel that we are still connected."  I look back at her trying to keep my composure.  Emily notices my attention has drifted away from our conversation as I follow Katherine and the young man with my eyes as they are seated in the other part of the restaurant.  "Zander...." she nudges me and looks towards what she thought I was looking at.  "Oh, sorry...I thought I noticed someone that I knew..." I reply trying to cover my butt.

I try to focus all of my attentions back on Emily.  I have to...at least for tonight.

"Can we order now?" she asks as she opens her menu and looks over what's on special.  "Sure...." I reply as I do the same.

As we sat and looked over the menu, I hear a familiar voice say my name.  "Mr. Cassadine....it's nice to see you again..."  I cautiously look up over the brim of the menu and see her standing before me.  "I'm sorry, we haven't met...." she says as she directs her words towards Emily.  Emily looks up and extended her hand to the young woman.  "Emily Quartermaine....and you are.....?"  The young woman smiles and shakes Emily's hand..."Katherine...Katherine Stevens."

"Katherine...it's nice to see you again. Uh, this my uh...girlfriend, Emily from Port Charles." I say as I try to calm my emotions and figure out what Emily has been think since Katherine introduced herself.  "So, how do the two of you know each other?" Emily asked as Katherine looked to me for the answer.  "We, uh just met a few days ago at a diner a few blocks from here..." Kat replied as I finished her thought.  "....for coffee.  Ya see I was there and Kat came in and we just started talking about work...ya know..stuff like that."  "Oh..." Emily said as she took a sip of her wine.  I could see Emily's demeanor changing as I sat across from her.  Her mind was working overtime putting the wrong two and two together.

"You, uh have a habit of sleeping with Cassadine men or is just those who have fiancee's?" Emily said forcefully as she took the napkin that was on her lap and threw it down on her plate.  I gave her a look of disbelief.  "Emily I don't believe that was called for." I reply as Kat was also taken back by Emily's harsh words.  "No...wasn't called for...You know Zander, I came to NY to help you find the woman who could help your brother and I find out you were with her too...I guess call me a fool again...cause I believed every word you said on the drive up here." she replied sternly as she pointed her index finger at me.  It was apparent that Emily was making a scene for no reason as I rose from my chair and escorted her outside.  Kat peered at us through the window as did everyone else in the restaurant.

As I push our way out the front door of the restaurant, and she yanks her arm away from me.  "Zander, let go!" she says in disgust as I back away and give her space.  "What was that in there?" I shout as I point back in towards the restaurant. "And how did you know that Katherine was the person we needed to find?" I added as Emily paced along the sidewalk.  She froze at the mention of my question.  "You told me, Zander...on the way up here..." she said hesitantly as if she was hiding something and hoped that I didn't catch on.  "No I didn't.  Truth, Emily...how do you know about Katherine and Darius?"  I ask as I take hold of her arms at the elbows snuggly.  Her big brown eyes are now filled with a touch of fear and worry as I look at her sternly.  "Alright!  I know cause I saw them together at the Grille.  Happy now." she said softly as she pulled away from me again.  She turned walked away from me and stood underneath the lit streetlight.

I came up behind her and wrapped my arms around her as she turned her head and looked up at me.  "Why didn't you just tell me, Emily.  I believe you." I said softly in her ear as I leaned in towards her.  I felt the moistness of her tears on her cheek as I turned around and held her close.  "Aw, baby...you know I hate it when you cry..Shhhh.  It's gonna be alright."  I add as I caress her back and hold her head against my chest with my other hand.  I can feel her gasps on my chest as she mumbles some words against me.  She pulls away from me and slaps me in the chest.  "Uh, what was that for?" I ask with a little grin.  "For not telling me about your connection with Katherine..." she replied as she walked back towards the restaurant.  I quickly catch up with her as I pull her in towards me again.  "Nothin' happened.  Honest.  We had an innocent cup of coffee the other day at a diner...we talked worked...nothing more, nothing less." I explain as she reveals to me a shy smile.  "Really..." she smiles.  "Really..." I nod as I pull her in closer.  "Good...cause if I know that you had relations with another Mr. Cassadine...boy are you in t-r-o-u-b-l-e." she adds as she pulls back and looks up at me.  "Oh really Ms. Quartermaine..." "Yes really." she replies with a grin.

We walk back into the restaurant hand and hand as the host asks me if everything was all right.  "You know I think you owe Katherine an apology..." I suggest as we see Katherine standing near our table talking with someone else.  "Good idea..." she replies as we approach Kat.

"Katherine....." Emily interrupts the other conversation.  "Yes...Emily.  It is Emily, right?" she replies as she smiles as if nothing happened.  "Yes, it's Emily.  Uh, look....I'm sorry about blowing up at you like that..." Emily explains as I stand behind her caressing her shoulders and down her upper arms.  "That's quite all right...I understand."  "Good, now can we get back to having dinner..." I exclaim as glance at Kat and back at Emily.

Emily takes her seat at our table as I pull Katherine to the side to speak with her.  "Listen...I need you to help me out, here." I begin to explain the situation.  "Oh really, Mr. Cassadine."  "Now look, my brother is sitting back in Port Charles on a murder rap and I need your help..." I explain as I try to keep my voice low so the entire restaurant doesn't know the family business.  "And who might this brother be, Zander..." she asks as if she doesn't know who I'm talking about.  "My brother, Darius.  You spent the evening with him at the Port Charles Grille a few nights ago...?" I reply with question.  "I'm sorry Zander...but I wasn't in Port Charles a few nights ago...as a matter of fact I've never been to Port Charles. Nor do I know your brother..." she explains to my astonishment.

"Well, if it wasn't you...then who was it..that was using your name and spending time that evening with Darius?" I ask as we are both confused as to the story Darius told me.  "I'm sorry Zander...but it sure wasn't me." she answered as she walked back towards her table.

I walk back to Emily with confusion and concern.  If it wasn't Katherine then who was Darius spending his evening with and why was this person using Katherine's name.  I explain the story to Emily as we put our heads together and try to come up with an explanation.  "You know, Zander there is probably more than one Katherine Stevens in New York City....or anywhere for that matter.  How do you know she's from the city?"  "Good point...and no I don't know that this Katherine Stevens I am in search of lives here....she could be anywhere by now.  Damn!"  I exclaim as the waiter comes to take our order.

"Are we ready now to order?" he asks as Emily and I glance at each other.  "Emily....?" I ask as I am hoping that she is still as hungry as I am.  "Whatever you want Zander...I'm game." she replies as I take a once look over the menu again.  "You don't have burgers and fries, do you?"  I ask as Emily and I laugh at the question.  "Sir?"  the waiter asks.  "Nevermind....we'll just have the special tonight..." I reply as I hand him the menus.

"So what do you suggest we do now....about finding this woman?" I ask as I stare at her from across the table.  "Well, don't you have guys at the firm who can track her down?"  she suggests.  "Emily...have I told you lately just how much I love you!" I reply as I give her a kiss on the cheek.  Surprised by the response to her idea.."Gee...I should come up with good ideas more often!" she replies as we laugh together at what she said.

I take a look at my watch and notice that it is still early...I can still get a hold of the one PI I know will find her.  I take out my cell phone from my pocket and quickly push speed dial.  It rings a few times till he picks up.  "Hank, it's Zander. Listen buddy...I got a job for you...interested?" I answer as he picks up the other end.  "Great...why don't you meet me at my place in about an hour.  I'll explain then.."  "Wonderful...see ya then." I reply as I flip the phone closed.   "I guess that takes care of tonight..." she pouts I guess hoping for a little TLC from me later.  "Not to worry Hank will be in and out of there before you know it.." I reply with a grin.

After dinner, we walk back towards my place and I can tell she is getting excited about spending the evening with me tonight.  She's a little more anxious and nervous then she was before.  Anticipation I guess.  A smile comes over my face as we reach the elevator and head upstairs.

As we exist the elevator I can feel a presence of someone watching as I put the key in the lock.  I keep her close to me and hurry her inside as I double check behind me looking down towards both ends of the hallway.  Many years on the run I get paranoid fairly easily.

A few minutes later there is a knock on the door.  "That must be Hank." As I open up the door it is rushed open by two men dressed in black tailored suits.  They push their way in and one goes for Emily as the other restrains me.  I try to wrestle away from him as I can hear and see Emily's fears coming true.  "Zander!..." she screams as I can't do anything to stop the other one from grabbing hold of her.  "Emily!..." I bellow as the large brut of a man grabs her and restrains her.  She's fighting and kicking in fear for her life as I am.  "What do you want?!" I yell as the one that is hold me leans in towards me as if to tell me something.

"What we want Mr. Smith...is you and the girl..." the brut replies.  My mind races as I try to think of something to get us out of this before they kill us.  I know that it has to be one of Sorel's goons..cause anyone who knows me knows that I am now a Cassadine....not a Smith.  I can see from where I am that she is afraid and is becoming hysterical as to what is happening.  I try to get one of my hands free if not to knock this one on his ass so I can save Emily.  He has a pretty strong grip on me as I wrestle and wiggle with him and free on of my arms.  I throw one punch and knock him into the dining room table as a chair breaks in pieces on the floor.  I lunge towards the other as he releases her and she runs towards the door.  The guy practically catches me in mid air and we fall to the floor.  I throw a few body shots and a shot to his face as I begin to get up as I think I knocked him out.  I turn and run towards the door as the other guy seems to be gaining his composure.  I notice Emily is ahead of me and I try to catch up to her as she heads for the stairs.

"Emily!  Not the stairs!" I shout as I turn and look back to see if the guys are behind me.  They are with their guns drawn and aiming at me.  She hops on the elevator and holds the door for me.  As I step on the elevator I hear gunshots ring behind me as the doors close.  We fall into each other's arms as we are relived to be alive and together.  "Helena?" she asks as she looks up at me with fear in her eyes.  "Sorel!" I say sternly and with confidence.

"Zander I don't know how much more of this I can handle...I thought Sorel was dead!" she asks as if I know the answer.  "Emily....he is...he is..." I reply trying to reassure her.  "Zander, how do you know?  I mean....what if..." she begins as I cup my hands around her face.  "Emily...Sorel is dead.  I know...cause I killed him!"

Emily looked at me with astonishment as I confessed to killing Sorel.  I backed away from her and into the corner of the elevator as she pushed the stop button on the panel.  "You what?" she questioned as I felt the need to tell her everything.  "You do know that you just confessed to murder..." she added as she stepped towards me.  I stood in the corner of the elevator my back against the wall...and hadn't said a word.  "Zander....say something!" she demanded as she grabbed my arms and shook me out of the daze I was in.  All I could do was pull her to me and hold her in my arms.  "I'm sorry, Emily....so sorry...." I began to weep in her arms as she tried to console me.  Never say that a grown man can't cry, cause I did.  And it was such a relief to get the guilt off my conscience.  I never thought I could tell anyone after the case was closed without a killer charged.

"Zander, you have to go back and confess....." she pleads with me as she pulls back away from our embrace.  I wipe my eyes feverishly and run my hands back through my hair.  "I don't have to confess to anything..." I reply sternly.  "Zander I heard you....you said you killed Sorel..." she answered as she stepped one step closer.  "Well, you heard wrong..." I reply trying to deny what I had just blurted out.  "Don't lie to me!  Zander, please....it's me...It's Emily....just tell me the truth..."  she says as I can tell she is getting disgusted with this game I am playing.  I push the stop button again to get the elevator to start back up again.  She gives me a look of confusion as she I'm sure wonders why we are headed back down to the lobby with Sorel's goons looking for us.

As the doors open up we step off cautiously as we make a run towards the front doors.  I grab her arm and led her to the car.  "Get in..." I shout as she does what I tell her.  I quickly hop in on the other side and start my car.  "Where are we going?!" she replies as she puts on her seatbelt.  I sit calmly behind the steering wheel and wringing my hands around it trying to get my bearings as she is asking a million questions about what I am planning.  "Emily, please! Let me think!" I reply forcefully as she looks out the front windshield and crosses her arms in a huff.  I pull out onto the quiet street and just drive into the night.

After a few miles of silence only the radio playing, she turns to me with an attitude already to fire the questions.  "So...Zander talk to me! Was that a confession back there or what?!"  I keep checking behind us making sure we weren't being followed as I speed us out of town heading back to Port Charles.  I see a clearing ahead and decide it was safe enough for us to pull over so we can discuss the situation rationally.  I park the car off the road and turn off the headlights.

"Okay...yes that was a confession back there in the elevator.  I killed Sorel.  I did it.  I did it for us, Emily.  I did it all for us." I confess as I release my guilt in front of her.  I hang my head and take her hand as she takes hers and brushes the side of my jaw line.  She lifts my head by my chin so now I'm looking into her eyes.  "It's all right, Zander...it's gonna be okay, baby..." she says as she tries to reassure me.  I can feel my eyes begin to well with tears as she wipes a stray one from my cheek.  She has been so wonderful and so strong through everything and now I bring her back into my troubles once again.

"You gotta tell Alexis....Zander, you have go back to Port Charles and confess."  she says as I hear those words and I know that it has to be done....but I'm not sure I can.  I have lived the last 5 years with this burden and I'm just not sure I am ready to own up to the punishment.  I know, a cowardly way out....but I just can't put her through the pain and hurt again.  I did it once before and I don't want to do it again.  I lost her once...I am not losing her because of my wrong doings.  "I know I have to at some point, but my mom has alot on her plate right now with Darius and he comes first.  We gotta get him off this murder rap." I try to explain as I am growing more and more worried about her well being.  When Sorel's people find out that it was I who killed their boss, I am as good as dead.

"Okay...I will make this one time only deal with you, Zander.  Let's go back to Port Charles, help with Darius and after that ordeal is over....then you tell your mom about Sorel...."  I look at her amazed that she is so willing to go along with an idea like that.  "I can't let you do that.  If the PCPD find out that you knew before I confessed, you will be in more trouble and could be brought up on obstruction of justice charges and quite possibly an accomplice after the fact."  I explain to her as she just nods in agreement.  "Baby, I know....You know I would do anything for you....anything." she whispers as she pulls me close to her.  As we embrace in a tender moment, I can hear my cell phone ringing in my jacket pocket.

"Zander Cassadine...." I say as I answer it.  "Yes, mom....we didn't find much of anything but the Katherine Stevens that I met is not the Katherine Stevens that Darius had dinner with." I explain as Emily caresses my hand.  "Yeah, we are on our way back to Port Charles now....we should be home in a few hours." I answer as I continue with a good bye and flip close the phone.

"Sorry 'bout that...." I apologize as I can see it in her eyes the hurt and pain of my confession.  As I look into her eyes I know this isn't what she or I bargained for.  I just wanted us to be happy.  As always I am wanting to turn the car around and drive...drive anywhere, anywhere but back to Port Charles.  It has always been a way for me to deal with the problems that I had to face.  I ran.  Ran away from problems and the people who made my life miserable.  But I grew up...I knew if I took responsibility for Sorel's murder I was sure to end right back where I started from....jail.  Some where I don't want to be.

"So....do we have a deal?" she asks as she entangles her fingers in my hair.  I hesitate with my answer, cause I know she will be in deeper than ever if I agree.  Taking a deep breath and as I look into her eyes once more she shows me just how much she will do for me.  Reluctantly I agree with her and "we have a deal..."  I pull back out onto the highway and head back towards Port Charles.  I look over towards her and I can see her mind is already working out a plan to keep my sorry butt out of jail....again.  "How do you put up with me....?" I ask as I keep my eyes on the road ahead.

"Cause Zander....I love you...always have and always will...." she says as she smiles and takes my hand from the shifter and holds it tight.  "I love you too, baby.....more than you know."  I reply as I know realize that even with our long separation she still believes in me and loves me unconditionally.

A few hours pass as I am weary of the headlights coming up from behind fairly quickly.  I slow my speed as I hope I am right in the car being a police officer and not Sorel's goons.  As I drive along, I take notice that Emily has fallen asleep next to me and is unaware of the possible danger that has come upon us.  The car follows fairly close for a few miles and quickly slides over in the other lane to pass.  I watch it cautiously as it pulls up along side and whizzes by without hesitation.  I breathe a sigh of relief now knowing that it was neither a police officer or the men sent by Sorel's orders.

Even after Sorel is dead and buried his orders still stand.  Emily and I are both in danger and our lives depend on what we do next.

Emily begins to stir as we reach the city limits of Port Charles.  A police officer sits in wait about a mile into town as I pass it slowly.  A little nervous of knowing that Emily now knows that I killed Sorel has really got me a little jumpy.  I know she would never say anything but I still do not like anyone else knowing what I had done.

As we wind through the streets of Port Charles, I think about what I need to do.  I love her so much and I don't want any harm to come to her because of me.  It seems that we really hadn't come that far in our relationship, cause she is still in danger because of what I had done.  Nothing had changed.  I made something of my life and had moved on from my life in Port Charles, but still nothing had changed.  I was still putting her in harms way, and I was still as impulsive as ever.  My mind is reeling with many thoughts about the past, the present and what the future holds for us.

Still holding my hand as tight as ever, I come to a conclusion to my problems.  As we pull up in front of the Harbourview Towers I make a life changing decision.  I need to talk with the one person who can give me the answer I am looking for.  The one person that can make all of our problems just go away.  Emily and I are still on Sorel's hit list, my murdering of Sorel and I'm sure the backlash from her family.  The one person that I should of talked to about this a long time ago....I gotta talk to Sonny.

Emily wakens as I turn off the car and look at the apartment building we are parked in front of.  "Awh...home finally..." she says as she yawns and stretches in her seat.  "Yeah, we are..come on..." I answer as I get out of the car and peer through the open car door.  She unfastens her seat belt and waits for me to open her door.  I assist her from the car and we head upstairs to my mother's apartment.

She is quiet as we take the elevator up to the penthouse floor.  I lag behind as she walks towards my mother's penthouse.  "Are you coming?" she asks as she turns around and sees that I am reluctant.  "Yeah in a minute...I, uh..."my words drift off as I look back towards Sonny's door.  She knows that that's who I wanna have a talk with and gives me a nod and a roll of the eyes.  I give her a quick kiss on the cheek and a thank you before I turn and head towards Sonny's door.  I look back as she waits for an answer to her knock as Johnny announces my presence and allows me to pass.  I give her one more quick glance before Johnny closes the door behind me and she gives me one of her "whatever" looks.

Emily was not to happy with the idea of me going to Sonny again for help.  She was never too keen on the idea of me working for the man let alone asking him to help me out of the messes that I created.  As I enter Sonny's place he is sitting at his desk working and I don't notice anyone else being at home.  "Come on in Zander....how have you been?  I haven't seen you in a while...." he asks as he closes the folder and rises from his chair to greet me.  We shake hands and offers me a drink.  "Well, I'm still breathing...if that's what you mean." I reply as I turn down his offer.  "Okay...what happened?"  he asks as he freshens his glass of bourbon.

I explain the details about tonight and how Emily and I were greeted by two of Sorel's men as he listens intently to my recollection.  "I'll take care of it...." he replies as he walks towards the phone.  "Sonny...I need you to do more than take care of it....I need you to make it go away."  He takes a sip from his glass and picks up the phone to dial.  I leave him to his phone call and take a seat on the couch hoping that one phone call from Sonny will just make this all go away.  Emily deserves to live without fear and with the standing order from Sorel...she will never be at peace and we can't get on with our lives together.

"Done."  Sonny says from across the room as I turn back towards him.  "Are you sure...cause this has really gotten Emily shaken up..." I reply as I get up from the couch.  "Zander....it's taken care of...." I know that I have heard those words before but I have to trust Sonny...although I'm leery about how he's gonna make this disappear and want no part of it.  "Thanks...I really appreciate the help and I hope this does take care of this...." I reply as I head for the door.  I know in the back of my mind that this ordeal will never really be over.  It's been quite a few years since Sorel has been dead and the list is still out there.  They will eventually find Emily and I and they will eventually put this list to rest.

"You take care of yourself and Emily...." Sonny says as he shakes my hand and gives me a nod.  "I will...thanks." I reply as I open the door and see Johnny standing guard.  He nods a good bye as I walk across the hall towards my mother's penthouse.  The door opens as I take the last step before I knock as Emily stands in the doorway with open arms.

"Can we talk?" she asks as I step inside.  "Sure, baby....let's go upstairs..." I reply as I point in the direction of the stairs.  I notice that my mother is not alone and that she and Jax are wrapped up in their own conversation to even notice that I have come through the door.  "We'll...uh...." I say as I notice they are oblivious that Emily and I are about to sneak up the stairs.  "Never mind..." I add with a chuckle.

I lead Emily to my old room and close the door once we are inside.  She takes a seat on the bed as I walk towards her.  "So...what do you want to talk with me about?" I ask knowing full well this has something to do with my confession of killing Sorel.  "First, I just want to say that the past is the past.  And I completely over re-acted when you told me what happened with Sorel.  I just want to put the past behind me and move forward with you in my life." she says as I take her hand in mine.  "Me too...I want that so much.  I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Emily." I reply as she gets up from the bed and distances herself from me.

"I want to know the truth, Zander.  This ordeal with Sorel isn't over...is it?  We are still in danger no matter how far we run or where we try to hide...." I can tell she is scared and feels so unprotected from a dead man.  "Yes, I'm afraid so...but I will protect you..I promise.  Come here......" I reply as I walk towards her and she falls into my arms.  "We'll get through this...we will.  But Sorel is far from finished even from the grave...you are safe with me Emily and I will do what I have to make sure of that..."  I know she has heard this before and many times over as I try to reassure her that I will keep her safe as I always do.  "I know, Zander.  And I do feel safe with you...I know you will protect me at all costs."

Just then we hear a knock on the door and my mother calling from the other side.  "Zander...Emily..." Alexis says as she stands with Jax in the hallway.  "Maybe we should give them some space, huh?" Jax replies as he tries to pull from the doorway.  Emily and I are standing quietly waiting to hear footsteps back down the stairs as our eyes are focused on the door.  "But Jax....I wanna know what is going on....." she replies as I can hear the footsteps heading away from the door.  Emily and I look at each other and smile.  "Remind me to thank Jax for giving us more time to be alone......" I request as Emily pulls me closer to the lonely bed only a few feet away.

"Well we do having alot of catching up to do..." she says with a flirtatious smile and giggle.  "Yes I believe we have so much to time to make up for..." I reply as I gently lay her down on the bed.  Her mouth finds mine as the kiss turns more passionate and our mouths open to each other as we explore the warm moistness.  My hand moves slowly across the curvature of her body as I can feel her hands caressing the strong muscles in my back.  The passion between hasn't disappeared, we seem to be closer than ever as she breaks the kiss that leaves her breathless.  Without hesitation her mouth finds mine again as I can feel her fingers flirt with the buttons of my dress shirt.  I am hesitant to her advances although I want more than anything to feel her soft skin against me.  It has been so long since we had been together like this, it feels so right, and we are so connected.

As she slips the shirt from my shoulders I can feel her hands touching my bare chest and I have no doubts of what is to come next.  I remove the shirt that inhabits me from feeling her sweet kisses on my skin as I give it one last tug and throw it to the floor.

"Emily, are you sure you want this...?" I ask as I release the kiss we had been engulfed in.  "Shhh....." she whispers as she places her index finger across my moistened lips.  "I've wanted this for so long...I need you baby...make love to me, Zander..." she whispers to me as we gaze into each other's eyes.

In the darkness of the night, Emily and I explore each other with every soft touch of our finger tips.  I slowly remove her blouse and then her slacks that reveal to me her smooth as silk skin of her long and slender legs.  As she moves her hands slowly along my abs and unbuttons my dress pants I nuzzle against her ear and whisper an "I love you..."  She glides the pants down my legs as I can now feel her legs intertwined with mine as the pants slip to the floor at the end of the bed.  She wiggles from my caresses as she lays her head down as her auburn hair falls so effortlessly on the pillow.

She is amazingly beautiful in the moonlight that has now touched the glimmer in her eyes.  She waits for me as I take in every inch of her form and hover above her as she opens her body to me.  I begin to descend upon her as I kiss her lightly across her navel.

Our bodies intertwined with each other as we discover each other once more.  She senses my every need as her hands caress my body and I do to her her every desire.  There is passion with every kiss, with every touch of our hands and with every beat of our hearts.  We have found what we were longing for for so long.  We were finally together as one.

I awoke to the morning sun peeking through the window of my old room as Emily lye peacefully next to me.  Still curled up against me she began to stir as I kissed her lightly on the forehead.  She looked up at me with her sleepy eyes as she took her hands and brushed them over her face and followed through back across her hair.  She laid her head on my chest as I held her closer to me so I could feel her heartbeat with mine.  We laid together our bodies intertwined underneath the soft flannel sheets.  I was expecting my mom to soon  call for breakfast as I looked at the digital clock on the other side of the bed.  Emily stretched and wiggled to wake herself up and sat up against the head board propped by 2 pillows.  She held the sheet tight against her chest as her fingers flirted with the hair at the nape of my neck.

"So....I take it we are all right...? she asks as I prop myself up on my elbow.  "Baby, we are more than all right...." I reply as we hear a knock on the bedroom door.  We both look at each other startled and not wanting to get caught in bed together.  "Zander, dear...are you up?"  my mom shouted through the door.  Luckily I had turned the lock last night so we were at least safe until I went to open it up.  I groaned at the sound of her voice not wanting to leave my bed with Emily still laying against me in nothing but a sheet.  "Yeah....we'll be right down..." a little slip of the tongue from me and I'm sure she caught it.  I soon heard footsteps going away from the door and down the stairs.

"Awe, Zander...do we have to?  Can't we stay here like this?" Emily asked as she snuggled closer to me.  "I wish we could...believe me.  But we have a busy day today and we gotta work on getting Darius cleared of murder."  I reply as I swing my legs over the mattress and sit on the edge of the bed.  She moves closer to me and wraps her arms around me as she lays next to me alluring me back to bed.  I lean in and hover over her to kiss her lightly on her sweet lips as she moans with pleasure.  She pulls me closer to her as she persuades me to make love to her once more.  Without hesitation I comply with her request of me as I take her in my arms and kiss her more passionately.  My fingers entangled in her auburn hair as our mouths open to the pleasure of each others touch.  I support her head with my hand as I lift her head towards me and kiss her more forcefully and filled with desire.

As we explore each other's curves and crevices I hear the footsteps come up the stairs as I try to ignore the knock that will soon be at the door.  I release her from the kiss and look towards the door as I know my mother is standing right outside.  "You do know she is not going to give up...." Emily says as I look on focused on the door.  We giggle for a moment and decide we better go down for breakfast.  There will be plenty of time love....Emily and I were together...we had all the time in the world to rediscover each other.

I quickly jump out of bed and pull on the black boxers that lay at the foot of the bed since last night and rummage through the linen closet for a bath towel.  "Shower?" I ask as Emily still lay in my bed with sheet draped across her naked body.  She nods with a devilish grin.  "Do we dare?" she teases.  "We won't know till we risk it...." I reply as I turn towards the bathroom with a quick glance back I take notice she is following.  The silhouette of her curves against the sun lit room has my sensations aroused once more as we both enter the bathroom and I close the door.

I turn on the hot water to start the shower as she wraps her hand around mine and we pull open the lever as the water sprays in a stream against the back wall of the shower stall.  I step out of my boxers as she steps into the white tiled shower stall and allows the water to roll off her beautiful body.  I stare for a moment as she turns her back towards the water stream and allows the water to soak her hair.  I step in and close the shower door as the hot water has now sent steam upward towards the ceiling.

She turns back around and faces me as her hands glide across my bare chest.  Water droplets glisten on the tip of her nose as I lean in and kiss them away.  She giggles and smiles as she wraps her arms around my waist.  I notice the bar of soap that sits in it's holder attached to the wall next to me.  I take it in my hand and begin to bring it to a lather as she kisses water droplets away from my chest.  Her mouth finds my hardened nipple as her tongue plays with the hardened area.  My hands lathered with soap find her perky breasts as I caress them softly.  I can feel that she is aroused by my touch as her mouth moves across my chest and finds the other hardened nipple.  I take my hands and entangle my fingers in her hair as I grasp tightly and pull her head back as I lean in and kiss her passionately.  She moans with pleasure as the hardness between my thighs finds her moistened area in between her legs.  She opens up to me as I grab one of her legs and I pull it upward so it bends at the knee as I enter her.  Her moans of ecstasy arouse my senses as I thrust in and out.

With my free hand I begin to caress down along her back and towards her buttocks as I give the one side a gentle squeeze and draw her closer to me.  She wraps her arms around my neck and begins to nuzzle against me.  The warm water of the shower is more rejuvenating and arousing as I feel her coming to the point of orgasm.  Her quiet moans of pleasure are becoming more frequent and more intense as I can feel her contract against my hardened shaft.  I thrust inside her at a quicker pace with stronger and more powerful thrusts against her.  As she reaches her peak I release the juices that had filled inside of me into her as she falls limp in my arms.

"Ahhh...mmmm..." she moans as she licks the water droplets from her lips and I release her leg from my grasp and hold her close to me.  She looks up at me as the water droplets fall from her cheeks and she runs her hand through her wet hair.  "I love you....Zander..." she states as our eyes are locked on one another.  "I love you too, baby..."

We laugh and joke as we return to the bedroom wrapped in towels and I close the bathroom door behind me.  She falls effortlessly on the bed as I wander towards the closet in search for clothes to wear.  I notice as I rummage through the closet a few sets of clothes.  For the third time, my mother calls from downstairs and we quickly change into the clothes we found and head down stairs for breakfast.

As we reach the landing of the stairs I notice Jax sitting at the table reading the morning paper and a cup of coffee in hand.  He looks up and smiles as Emily smiles a goofy smile in return.  "He knows..." she whispers as we walk passed.  "I think so..." I answer as my mom has already filled the plates and has them setting on the counter.  "Jax cook this morning...." I ask with a chuckle.  "Yes he did....so eat up..." mom answers from behind the comics section of the paper.  "Thank God...." I tease as I take a seat at the dining room table.  Jax flashes a grin and a chuckle of his own as mom shoots a look at both of us.

"So....how was your night?" mom asks as she gets up to refill her cup.  "Uneventful I hope...." Emily and I glance at each other as we take a few more bites of breakfast.  "I wish...." I mumble as my mom walks out from the kitchen and takes a seat next to me.  "Tell me...." she says as I bite my upper lip.

"I wasn't planning on coming back last night.  I had planned on staying the weekend in NY with Emily but we were surprised by two gentlemen who were not there to borrow a cup of sugar." I begin to explain as her and Jax listen intently.  "Helena...?" Jax asked as I take one more bite.  Alexis looked towards him and shakes her head.  "Sorel..." she answers with concern.  "Sorel...." I reply as I can see that the mere mention of the man's name has Emily frightened.  I place my hand on her knee to reassure her as she looks at me and I can see the fear overcome her.

"Did they hurt you?" my mom questions as I take a sip of coffee.  "No..but certainly put the fear back in us..." I reply as I get up from the table.  I give her a kiss on the cheek and wander over towards the couch to take a seat.  Emily follows and sits next to me....not wanting to be much more than a few feet from me.  I can feel her hand gliding along my back to let me know that she is there.  "Needless to say we got out of there and came back to Port Charles."  I try to continue but my mother has decided to play twenty questions with me.

"But I saw you go in and talk with Sonny last night when you guys came back...what was that all about?" she asked as Jax seemed to be buried in the business section.  I could tell he is listening intently to the discussion but is trying to play it coy with me and pretending to be caught up with the stock market.  "Mom....Sonny took care of it..." I reply as I see her give me the roll of her eyes.  "Zander you know that better than to ask Sonny for anything....he always wants something in return...you know that." she replies as I try to defend my actions to going to the major crime boss of Port Charles.  "Sonny only does favors for people if it benefits Sonny...hasn't been charged for murder, slapped in jail, and shot....taught you anything..." she replies forcefully.

"Well, I guess it hasn't because I went to him and asked for help.  Mom, I am tired of running.  I am tired of having to look over my shoulder and I'm tired of allowing a dead man run my life! Emily and I deserve a life together filled with happiness...and with this hit list still out there....we can't have that.   Both of us are still in danger...serious danger...and as I found out...no where is safe."

 I sat staring into the midnight sky as a foggy mist rolled in across the murky water of the Port Charles Bay.  It had been a few days since Emily and I had returned home and I felt she could use some time to spend with her family.  I didn't feel at all comfortable in the Quartermaine mansion even after the long separation from the tirades of Edward, so I left Emily with her family so they could come to the realization of the serious danger she was still in.  He was hoping that she was hold on to what they had shared and realize that they belonged together.  Even after so many years apart, we still had the connection with each other that other couples only dream of.  The majority of the family was behind Emily's decisions, but a select few still thought of me as a deviant and would never change their ideas about the way I had lived my life.

The cool air had a hint of mist as I could feel it in my bones, it was about to give a storm.  As I noticed the darker clouds roll in, I began to remember the times Emily and I shared at the barn and the night of that thunderstorm that kept us from coming back to town.  We had spent many a nights in the barn, we felt safe there and we shared so much together....it was our special place.

Mom and I had made some progress with Darius and the murder rap that was hanging over his head, although we hadn't found any more information about this Katherine Stevens he had been involved with that night.  One of them is lying, but why would Darious lie about this...it just didn't make any sense.  Mom and I couldn't make heads or tails of the statements taken by the PCPD and we were getting desperate for the truth.  Someone out there knew what happened that night that Lucky Spencer disappeared, and right now I'm betting any money Helena is behind this.  She has done it before and I'm don't put it past her to do it again.

My mind is racing with concern about Sorel, Emily, Darius, and how I'm gonna fix everything.  Sonny had promised to take care of the Sorel situation....but I know in the back of mind that Sonny is not the cure all and I need to be on my guard at all times while here in Port Charles.

Just then I see a shadow from the corner of my eye, but as I look down the pier I don't see anyone or anything, just the blackness of the night.  I dismiss it and just try to relax...I am way to paranoid and I'm jumping at every little thing that moves.  Even with Sorel dead, I still have to be leery about anyone who approaches....as Sonny told me once....Trust no one.  Looks can be deceiving and that someone can become someone that you don't even know.  Sonny should know...after Carly's betrayal he found love again with Angel but it was a rough start to a wonderful relationship.  Since Sorel was Angel's father it was quite difficult to swallow for Sonny.  But he knew in his heart that he fell in love with her.

The same shadow moved once more and I had felt another presence near by.  On the run from many people certainly made me aware of my surroundings and who was hiding in the darkness.  I got up from the bench and walked down the pier in the opposite direction, hoping that who ever it was would follow and I would be able to see who it was.  It could be all my imagination and be one of Sonny's guards, but I wasn't taking any chances.

The faster I walked the faster the footsteps behind walked.  I just couldn't shake the feeling I was in danger of these footsteps as I approached Kelly's.  I shuffled myself inside the diner and leaned back against the door afraid to turn around to see who it was following me.  As I turned around quickly I saw a dark figure quickly turning the corner of the pier and I followed.  Now I was following the shadow that was before following me.  Still afraid at who I might find at the end of the pier, I continued to follow at a safe distance.  His pace quickened as we reached the warehouse district and I figured it was one of Sonny's men coming to check in with him.

I looked down for a split second to check the time and when I looked back up the shadowy figure was gone.  Being aware that I was in the wrong part of town, my old stomping grounds, I quickly turned and headed back the way I came.  While thinking I was going on a wild goose chase and not noticing where I was going, I bumped into a familiar face.

"Good evening, my dear..." the voice said as I noticed Helena standing before me.  "Helena..." I replied as I also noticed the larger of her goons come up behind me.  "What can I do for you?" I ask as I keep my eye on him.  "I heard you were back in town....come home to help out your brother?" Helena asked as she glared right through me.  Hesitant to answer her question and wondering why she would ask it.  "What do you care?" I ask as I become more aware that her goon is closing in.  Trying to keep my cool with her, cause I know from the stories my mother and uncle have told me...she is deadly.

"Alexander, dear....there is no need to answer in that tone.  I'm not your enemy you know....no dear, I'm family now." she replied as I tugged on my overcoat as I felt a chill in the air.  "Family....yes I know how much you love your family.  What murder not on the menu tonight?" I reply with a devilish grin.  "Oh, dear the night's still young....the night's still young." she replied as she walked passed and her goon followed.  I could hear her evil laugh as she walked down the pier.  It just sent a few more chills up my spine as I tugged on my overcoat yet again.

I walked away and back towards Kelly's where I was in definite need of some coffee.  Port Charles hadn't changed much over the last 5 years many of the same faces still hung out at the old diner.  Many faces who didn't have a nice word to say to me before I left this town and who didn't know what to say now that I have made something of myself.

Elizabeth now co-owned Kelly's with her husband Lucky, however gossip around town was that the marriage wasn't as solid as one may think.  Gossip had it that the baby she was carrying wasn't her husband's but Jason Morgan's and that she and Jason were just waiting for the right time to leave this foresaken town for parts unknown.  Now I am one not to believe everything I hear or read, but this was way to good to pass up and believe.  I hadn't known the two of them that long before I left town myself.  But I knew Jason and he had it bad for Elizabeth, it wouldn't surprise me one bit if he and she were making plans we speak.

With Lucky now missing, it would provide motive and opportunity for both of them to have Lucky disappear into the night and never be heard from again.  Although I don't think Elizabeth would do such a thing, but Jason on the other hand...well, he is in pretty deep with Sonny and has done the deed before.  Interesting twist in this murder case against my brother...nothing that comes in this case surprises me.

As I enter Kelly's I notice Emily sitting at the counter with Elizabeth involved in a deep and serious conversation.  As I take a seat at one of the empty tables, I watch the two girls converse and wonder just how much Emily knows about that night....and just how much Elizabeth would tell her if she was involved.  I highly doubt Emily would tell on Jason, her and Jason are very close and always have been.  She looks up to him for some strange reason and she always has.

I sit a few moments before Elizabeth notices that I am watching from a distance as she nudges Emily that I am here.  Emily excuses herself from their conversation and rushes over to my table as I get up to greet her.  She falls into my arms and smiles one of her smiles that makes my heart just melt.  "What are you doing here?" she asks as we take seats at the table.  "I just came in for a cup of coffee....what are you doing here?" I ask as the waitress comes to see if I want anything.  "Hi, can I get you anything?" she asks with a flirtatious smile.  Emily notices her advances and answers for me.  "Just 2 coffees...Thank you." she replies with her jealous attitude.  "So are you gonna answer my question?" I ask as I remove my overcoat.  "Oh, yeah...I just came in to see how Elizabeth was doing.  I try to check in on her every day just to be sure she's doing all right." she answers as the waitress comes back with our coffee.  She smiles in my direction as I return a smile.  "Ouch!  Whatja do that for?" I yelp in pain as I felt Emily's foot kick me in the shin.  "Hey, we're back together now...none of that!" she replies with a laugh.  "I was just trying to be friendly..." I reply as I gave her a smirk.  "Mmmm...friendly...I'm sure." I can't believe she doesn't believe me.  "Emily, you know me better than that.  I wouldn't flirt with someone else...you're the only one I need." I whisper as I lean in closer and give her a quick kiss on the cheek.

As we sit and talk about our day, I hear the bell above the door ring.  I turn and notice a very pretty blonde in a black trench coat walk in and up to the counter.  I also notice that she looks very familiar from behind as I take a once over to notice the great legs underneath her coat.  I could never forget those legs.  I whisper to Emily that Katherine Stevens just walked in and order a coffee to go as she quickly turns around to see who I am talking about.  "Do you always do what I don't want you too?" I whisper as Emily shrugs and smiles.  "Why do you think she's here in Port Charles?" she asks quietly.  "I don't know, but I'm hoping she doesn't notice we're here...come on.." I reply as I grab her hand and whisk her out the door.  As we stand underneath the Kelly's sign that hangs out front it brought back many memories for both of us.

I gently push her back into the shadows because I don't want Katherine to know that we know she's in town.  "Zander, what are you...." her words drift off as my mouth finds hers and she wraps her arms around my neck.  "Shhh..." I tell her as I lean in once more.  Wrapped up in her arms feels so wonderful and it's so nice to feel her against me once more.  As the kiss becomes more passionate, I can't help but remember our first kiss underneath this sign and how I was hoping that I didn't scare her away.  To my surprise she felt the same way I did and that both of us were afraid to be feeling what we were feeling....but we knew it to be true and that we were falling hopelessly in love with each other.

The distinct ring of the bell told me that Katherine left the diner as I pulled away from the kiss and left Emily breathless.  She sighed as I looked back at her standing there taking in all the air she could.  "Well, I see I haven't lost my touch...." I reply as she falls back into my arms.  "No...no you haven't ."  Another quick kiss and we were on our way to find out why Katherine Stevens was in town as we quickly followed her into the darkness of the night.

"Where is she going?" Emily questioned as we followed at a safe distance.  "I don't know...but shhh...." I replied as we approached the skids for the many yachts docked along the pier.  As Katherine drew closer to one of the yachts, I noticed the name on the boat.  "The Ice Princess"....something tells me I am not going to like who Katherine is seeing here in Port Charles.

Emily and I lag behind as we observe Katherine get aboard Helena's yacht.  I can't believe it's still here, with the on going Cassadine/Spencer war I figured someone from the opposing side would of blown it to bits by now.  Emily and I occupy our stake out time in the shadows of a doorway as Katherine meets with whomever on the boat.  Heavily guarded by quite large men, the boat is literally a fortress on water and there is no way the guards are going to leave their posts peacefully.  Between ear nibbles and the quiet giggles, we take notice that Katherine finally disembarks the boat and is walking towards our hiding place.  I turn Emily towards the door and deeper into the shadows so Katherine doesn't get wise to us watching her every move.  After she has walked a safe distance from us, we emerge from the dark corner and follow her back into town.

Emily and I walk hand and hand as Katherine turns the corner towards the Port Charles Hotel, where I assume she is staying for the duration of her visit.  As she enters the hotel, I reach for my cell phone and call my mother to tell her what we have discovered.  She of course is not happy with this news and tells me to meet her the next morning for a meeting of the minds so we can figure out what to do next.  Since both of us are tired and about ready to collapse, Emily and I decide to call off our stake out of Katherine and head back to the Gate House.  I leave my car in town and we take her SUV back to the Quartermaine estate where we find company waiting for us.

As we pull up in front of the Gate House we take notice to a certain Quartermaine waiting to pounce.  I park the car in front of the garage and get out as Emily releases her seat belt.  I quickly go and assist her from the car as she storms over to the person who is waiting by the front door.  "Grandfather, what are you doing here?  Do you know what time it is?"  she asks sternly as he glares at me from across the drive.  I slowly approach them and feel for the front door key as Emily grabs my arm as I pass by.

"More to the point...what's he doing here?" Edward replies as he points in my direction.  I just roll my eyes and figured round 1 was coming my way shortly.  "Never mind what Zander's doing here, I asked you a question Grandfather...and I want an answer." she replied as I could tell she now was reaching her limit with him.  Edward didn't have much of an answer and really it was a lame excuse to be away from the main house.  Emily dismissed his excuses and shuffled me inside.  "You didn't answer my question, young lady...What's the deviant doing here?" he bellowed as she closed the door behind me and stayed on the front porch with Edward.  I knew she was gonna let him have it just by seeing her wave her index finger in his face.  I had to laugh to myself cause she knew just how to push his buttons and knew she'd put him in his place right quick.

"First, it's none of your business why Zander is here.  And second he's not a deviant.  I wish you would quit calling him that.  He has turned his life around and made something of himself...unlike some people who live in this town!" she spatted back at him as he stood with his hands in the pockets of his soft velvet king like robe.  "Oh so I guess that means Juan...huh?" he asked as I listened and watched out the side window of the door.  "If the shoe fits!  Look, Juan had a life that was going good...and he had to go follow the wrong crowd to get some attention from me.  Sorry to say that it turned sour for Juan and for us.  I am not sorry for turning him in.  What he did was wrong and I am not sorry that he is sitting his criminal butt behind bars....he deserved what he got!" she replied as I began to wonder why she hadn't said anything about this to me.  "Emily, dear...you didn't have to turn him in...you could of..." his words were cut short as she interrupted.  "Could of what?  Could of lived knowing that the guy I was seeing was not the person I thought he was?  Could of lived with him knowing that I was pretending to love someone I didn't?  What Grandfather would of happened if I'd of married Juan?  You certainly wouldn't taken him under your wing and made him CEO of ELQ!  I cut my losses when I found out what kind of person Juan was.  And that's the end of this discussion.  Now I am going to bed and Zander is staying here in the Gate House for as long as he wants.  Period.  You got that!"  she shouted as Edward was shocked to hear her talk to him like that and didn't quite know what to say.  For once Edward Quartermaine was speechless.  Emily opened up the door and slammed it behind her as she stormed into the living room leaving Edward outside still considering what had gone wrong with the upbringing of his granddaughter.

"Oooh that man!  He drives me crazy sometimes!" she shouted as she began to pace the floor.  "You sure told him, from what I heard of the conversation." I reply as I took a seat on the couch.  Emily paced for a few minutes taking a brief look outside to see if her Grandfather was still lurking about in the darkness.  "You know what gets under my skin with him?!" she asked as she began to pace trying to relieve her frustrations.  "No, what?" I ask trying not to get her all riled again.  "That he can see all the good in a piece of dirt like Juan Santiago, but sees nothing but a loser in a good man like you.  Why the hell is that? Huh?!" she questioned as I sit forward and just watch her swing her arms around in frustration as she yells to get out of her system.  "Emily, I don't know.  And right now I really don't care.  I am home because of you and all I want to do right now is be with you.  Just you.  Not your Grandfather or you family...just you." I reply as I get up and approach her with open arms.  She sighs and goes limp as she falls into my arms.  "I'm sorry, Zander.  I really am.  I shouldn't dump all this on you now.  It's just, Grandfather really gets to me sometimes, ya know." she replies as she rests her head against my chest.  I hold her tight against me and I can feel her hands caress my back.  "I know...Shhh.  It's gonna be all right.  I promise.  We're together and nothing else matters."  Kinda lame I know but it's the truth.  If I'd die tomorrow, I'd die a happy man.

I reassure her and calm her down enough to get her to sit with me on the couch.  She lays across my lap as I brush back the hair from her face and run my fingers through it's softness.  Trying to relax and enjoy each other's company but the happiness this night can't last forever as there is a knock on the front door.  "Now what?!" she blurts out as she gets up to get the door.  "Who is it?" she asks as she only sees a dark figure on the stoop.  She turns on the porch light to get a better look at who is standing at the front door.  "Zander, do recognize this man out here?" she asks as I make my way to the door to take a peek at the figure of a man.  "Yeah, it's Hank.  What the hell is he doing here?" I question as I cautiously open the front door.

"Hey, man...what are you doing here?" I ask as I shake hands with the man whom I invited in.  "Hey, Zander...I'm sorry to drop by so late but I saw the lights on and I figured I'd stop and give you a report on what I found out about Ms. Stevens."  Hank replies as we stand huddled near the door.  Emily clears her throat as she sits on the couch waiting for me to introduce them.  "Oh, sorry....Hank this is Emily Quartermaine.  Emily this is Hank Foster.  He's the guy I hired on to dig around about Katherine." I explain as I take Hanks coat and hang it on the rack near the door.  "Nice to meet you Emily.." Hank says as he extends his hand to her.  "Nice to meet you too..." she replies as she shakes hands with him.  She invites Hank to sit with us as I take a seat next to her on the couch.

"So what did you find out about Katherine?" I ask hoping that Hank found something we could use.  "Well...let's see..." he began as he took out a little notebook from his coat pocket.  "You do know that she works for a law firm in the city and she holds a fairly high position there." I nod as I know this from our conversation we had at the diner.  "But what you don't know is your friend and mine was and still is for hire."  I am in shock at what Hank said while Emily looks a little confused.  "You do mean bought and paid for?" I ask as Hank nods in agreement.  Emily still hasn't got the gist of this conversation as I try to explain who and what Katherine is.  "Oh, you mean a call girl?  Katherine's a hooker!" Emily replies as me and Hank laugh at her finally getting it.

After the laughter subsides Hank continues with what he found out.  "So what else you got?" I ask as Hank flips through his notebook.  "Well, it seems she has some major players here in Port Charles.  Uh, let's see maybe you guys know some of these clients that I have here....uhmm, a Stan Higgins?" Emily and I both shake our heads no and Hank continues.  "Okay, how bout Jonathan Sounders?"  Again it doesn't ring a bell with either of us.  I was hoping to find some connection with Helena and Katherine...anything.  "Okay not him either, huh?  How bout...uh Juan Santiago..he's supposed to some big musician or something right?"  Emily is astonished that Hank pulled Juan's name from his list as I sat there wondering if she knew, from the look on her face I guessed not.  "Let me see that...." Emily said as she grabbed the notebook from Hank's hand.  "Sure..." he said as soon as the book slipped from his fingers.  "Did I say something wrong?  Do you know this person?" he asks not knowing Emily's history with Juan.

I lean in and tell him that she and Juan were once an item.  "I can't believe that he'd do that to me!  Me!  The supposed love of his life!  That son of a bitch!" she shouted as anger overcame her.  "Damn him!  How could he do this...?!  We were supposed to get married!  I loved that bastard!" she ranted as she began to pace the floor behind the couch.  She began to mumble threats under her breath as she flung her arms in anger.  I suggested to Hank he go now cause I knew Emily was not in the right state of mind to continue this Katherine discussion.

Hank and I said good night and he left.  As I close the door behind him and turn around just in time to duck as a glass pitcher crashed against the door behind me.  "Was it something I said?" I ask in a playful tone.  Emily stood across the room wincing in anger and then began to grin trying not to laugh.  "I'm sorry Zander.  I just needed to do that." she apologized for throwing the pitcher at me as she couldn't hold it in any longer and just burst out laughing.  "Well, good thing I got quick reflexes." I answer as we laugh together and I met her half way as she fell into my arms and debated on who was gonna clean up the pieces of glass that was once a water pitcher.

As I get up to go to the kitchen to get the dust pan and brush she pulls me back to her as we fall back on the couch.  "Never mind the mess, we can clean that up tomorrow..." she says as I can feel her whispers on my lips.  "Well, then what do you have in mind, Ms Quartermaine?" I ask as I brush away a few strands of her hair away from her face.  "Why don't you follow me upstairs and find out?"

She heads for the stairs as I double check the front door and turn out the porchlight.  "Coming?" she asks in a whisper.  "Right behind you...." I reply as I wrap my arms around her and we head up the stairs.  She leads me to her room as I open up the door she then leads me inside and closes it behind her.  I stand watching her float across the hardwood floor lighting the candles that line the dressers.  The soft flame of the candles flicker as she takes my hand and leads me to the queen sized 4 poster bed.  Before I know what is happening she is unbuttoning her silk blouse and she has tossed it on the chair that sits in the corner of the room.  With the removal of her blouse her soft glowing skin is revealed to me as I gaze at her beauty in the soft candlelight.  I had never seen anything more beautiful than she looked right now, standing before me in her lacey bra as she slowly unzips her black skirt.  It drops to the floor and she steps out of it and she kicks it away from her.  She now stands close as I all I want to do is take her in my arms and kiss every inticing inch of her.  She blocks my advances and begins to unbutton my dress shirt as I feel the soft touches of her finger tips against my skin.  She slowly removes my shirt from each of my shoulders and pulls at it to remove it from the waistband of my pants.  I assist her as I wiggle it from my body and let it drop to the floor.  She can't resist touching me as her hands caress my chest and she leans in and nuzzles against my neck as she begins to kiss me softly with her sweet lips.

Her hands roam down to unbutton my pants as I can feel her unzip them.  They slid down my legs and I step out of them only to kick them aside.  Now standing in only my black boxer briefs she sends tanalizing sensations up and down my body with only a touch of her finger tips.

I can't help but scoop her up in arms and carry her to the bed.  I lay her down gently and hover over her just soaking in all she offers to me.  Her auburn hair lays softly across the white lace pillow and her beautiful eyes shimmer in the glow of the candlelight as my fingertips flirt with the soft skin of her navel.  Her eyes close as I can feel her quiver with every touch.

Following up on a few leads of my own, I headed back to New York to check them out.  While I was gone, Emily stayed behind in Port Charles assisting Alexis with a few details in town.  I was a little leery about leaving Emily behind but she assured me that Alexis had things covered, and I trusted that it was so.

The bed was lonely those few nights I stayed at the apartment, but I had to stay to find out what had been going on with Katherine.  Why did she lie to me?  Why the cover up about Darius?  I met with Hank at the corner diner to go over details of what he found out since his visit with me in Port Charles.

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While Zander was in NY, Alexis hired on the aide of Emily to snoop about Port Charles.  With one of Sonny's bodyguards following her a safe distance, Emily began her search for some answers.  Alexis had given her a few leads to follow up on, and she got started with the first one.  Nikolas.

She didn't think she'd have any problems with this assignment and was glad to help out with the investigation.  Though not a professional at this, she figured she'd be safe with Nikolas, so she duped the bodyguard for an hour or so and headed to the Cassadine yacht where Nikolas had been staying.  Being cautious, Emily hollered for Nikolas before stepping aboard the vessel.  She noticed movement within the cabin and figured Nikolas had heard her calling him.  There was no answer so she decided to check out the yacht on her own.  She stepped aboard carefully and peered in the windows of the cabin hoping to see any sign of life.

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It had been hours since an updated report had come in from my mom, so I called home to see what was happening on the home front.  "Mom, how are things going?"  I asked as I slipped off my loafers and unbuttoned my blue silk dress shirt.  "Good...Emily's not back yet, but I would think I'd hear from her soon." she answered as I began to slip the suspender straps from my shoulders.  "Well, when she does get in would you have her call me.  I'm a little worried about her being there and I'm here." I reply as I sat on the edge of the bed.  "Sure, hon I'll tell her.  Love you...and becareful." I switch positions with the phone as I slip off the other suspender strap.  "I love you too, Mom...and I'll be home in a few days."  With that I hung up the phone and decided to order in.  It had been a long day...too long and I needed to get an early start tomorrow.

"Room service."  "Yeah, can I get a turkey on rye and an order of fries.  Apartment 613. Thanks."
 

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It had gotten way passed the time Alexis expected Emily home.  She now was worried that something had happened to her.  First instinct wa to call Sonny and check on the bodyguard he had assigned to watch over Emily.  Sonny had told her that the bodyguard was given the slip and that he wasn't sure where Emily had gone to.  Alexis now terrified that something had happened to Emily, she began to backtrack Emily's steps that day to figure out who she may have been in contact with.  Starting with Nikolas.

Alexis made her way down to the docks and found the slip where the Cassadine yacht was kept...it was empty.  She quickly called Stefan to find out where the yacht might have been sailed to.  He hadn't heard from Nikolas in days and had just assumed he and Gia went away together.  Not panicking yet, she called on Jax to help her in the search.  She didn't want to alarm the police hoping she'd find Emily before she had to do that.  Alexis stood on the docks as the fog rolled in and a chill filled the midnight air.  She looked out across the water in a daze and didn't even realize she was being watched from a distance as a dark shadow moved slowly in the light of the street lamps.
 

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Bound and gagged, Emily sat quietly in the corner of the living room aboard the floating vessel.  She never saw it coming as the person who had did this too her came up from behind her and grabbed her.  Holding his hand over her mouth, she was unable to cry for help.  He dragged her into the lavish living room of the yacht and tied her up.  She became very vocal, so to silence her, he gagged her with a white handkerchief from his pocket.  She knew she had been nabbed by Helena and the reason would be because Zander and Alexis were getting closer to the truth about Darius and Lucky Spencer's mishap.

She was hoping that Alexis had called Zander and he would find her soon.  She wriggled her wrists and tried to free them from the rope but to no avail.  She heard footsteps approaching and quieted down.  Any sudden moves or resistance and Helena wouldn't think twice about killing her.

"Well, my dear...I do hope the accommodations are adequate." Helena asked as she glided across the floor towards her.  Emily smirked underneath the gag and tried to speak her mind with her eyes.  "Come now, must we really use the gag, or are you gonna be quiet?" her captor asked as Emily tried to wiggle out of the restraints.  "Let her go, she ain't going anywhere.  We are quite a few miles from shore, no one's gonna hear her all the way out here." Helena ordered as one of her goons loosened and freed Emily's bound hands.  Once he removed the gag, she could finally could catch her breath and began to breath normally again.

"What do you want from me, Helena?"  Emily asked as she rubbed her wrists with her hands trying to soothe the stinging sensations of the bound rope.  "My dear, in due time....in due time."  With that Helena left the room and Emily seemed free to roam if she wished.  Guards and goons everywhere.  There was no way she was getting off this boat.  Many miles from town and it looked like heading for no where, Helena had thought of everything.  Not quite.
 

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After dinner, I headed for the shower.  The hot water felt good after a long day's work and I couldn't get enough of it.  The steam began to rise from the heat of the shower as the mirror steamed up and I grabbed the towel from the rack on wall.  I ran my fingers through my black hair and wrapped the towel around my waist.  Dripping wet, I stepped from the bathroom to the bedroom with the cordless shaver in hand.   Emily never liked the beard, so I had a habit that the first sign of stubble, I'd shave.  It's always been that way and forever will be.

Still in a towel, I sat on the bed and spread out all the information that I had gathered from today's search.  It was like trying to find a needle in a haystack.  Helena had covered her tracks very well.  I figured as much, this was a Cassadine, a cold hearted Cassadine who had others do her dirty work.  Unbelievable that she could be my grandmother, my own flesh and blood.  How could someone like me come from a family such as this?  I wasn't going to think about how...but why?
 

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"Alexis, you have to call Zander.  He needs to know that Emily is missing." Jax always the voice of reason tried convince Alexis it was time to make that phone call.  "I know....I know.  I just don't know how to tell him, Jax.  He's my son." she cried.  "Alexis, you have to.  He needs to know."

"Alright....I guess it's time."
 

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As I was going over the pictures and information I found, the phone rang.  As I got up to answer it, I had a feeling of desperation and helplessness.  I knew something was wrong even before I heard the words.  I hesitated picking it up, but knew I had to.

"Hello...." I answered as I tried to keep it together.  "Zander, it's Mom.  I have some disturbing news."  My heart sank as I heard her voice quiver.  I knew it was about Emily.  I felt a lost connection with her and I have never felt like that before.  Something was wrong.  "Mom....what happened?" I asked as I began to panic.  "Emily....Zander, she's missing."
 

Chapter 14 coming soon

Emily had to think, and think smart.  She needed to get off Helena's boat.  There was only one way off and that was jump and swim for shore.  However the waters were quite frigid this time of year and she'd probably freeze to death before she'd make it back.  She walked the deck and looked out towards the city of Port Charles.  The city lights glistening on the calm waters of the bay as the moonlight filtered through the clouds.  She looked up into the sky and saw the most brilliant star.  She could feel Zander's presence within her heart as she closed her eyes and prayed he'd find her soon.  She wasn't left alone too long before Dirk, one of Helena's men came for her.  "Madam would like to see you..." he said as he approached her and took her by the arm.  Emily didn't resist figuring it was no use to object.  There was no way off the boat, and perhaps if she were to comply, Helena would take her back sooner then if she'd resist.

Her and Dirk entered the cabin where Helena was waiting for them.  "Thank you, Dirk...that'll be all." Helena remarked as Dirk nodded and did what he was told.  Helena looked at Emily and offered her a seat.  "Please sit down, Miss Quartermaine..." she offered as Emily did what Helena wanted.  Emily sat on the sofa holding on for dear life to the locket around her neck hoping that by connecting with it, Zander may feel her need for him.  He had told her once before that if she needed him, she could feel his heart beating for her through the locket.  It had worked before, and she prayed it would work again.
 

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Zander didn't waste any time once he knew Emily was missing.  He quickly made his return to Port Charles and began the search for her.  With the help of Jax, he found that she and Nikolas were to get together, but after speaking with Nikolas and a few others, he found that Emily never showed.

He met with Nikolas on the docks near the slip where Nikolas's yacht was docked.  Zander arrived early and paced the length of the pier praying for a sign that Emily was all right.  "Hey, find anything...?" Nikolas asked as he approached.  "Nah, you?"  Zander thinking the worst and hoping his fears weren't about to come true.  "Nothin'...it's like she just vanished without trace."  Nikolas could see that Zander was panicking on him and decided to head to his yacht to see if Emily left any clues.  "Come on...let's see what the yacht can tell us."  Nikolas suggested as the two of them headed down the docks towards Nikolas's slip.  As the two of them approached, Nikolas quickened the pace and noticed the yacht was gone too.  "What the hell?!  She was docked here an hour ago..." he shouted as Zander came up on the empty slip.

Zander grabbed on to Nikolas shoulder and turned him around, his eyes filled with frustration and worry.  "What do you mean she was here an hour ago?  Where's your damn boat, Nikolas?"  he shouted as Nikolas pulled away from Zander's grasp.  "I don't know, Zander!  She was here and now she's gone....just like Em..."  he began as he stood his mind racing with possibilities.  Zander groaned with frustration and ran his hands back through his hair as he began to pace the dock.  "Helena..." Nikolas said as he looked back at him.  "Helena has Emily!" he repeated as Zander's worst fears had now become reality.  "Tell me Nikolas...how do we get her back?!"  he cried not knowing what else they could do but wait and hope that Helena wouldn't hurt her.  "I don't know, man...I don't know.  We'll think of something...we have to save her before Helena decides that she is not useful to her anymore..."  Zander's eyes widened as he knew what Nikolas said to be true.  "and we're running out of time...." Nikolas stared out into the darkness of the calm waters as Zander cried out into the nothingness hoping that Emily would return his call.  "Emily!"  Zander's heart sank as he fell to his knees and cried for her.  He couldn't believe this was happening.  How could he let Helena take the most precious thing he had.
 

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Back on Nikolas's yacht, Helena was already playing her head games with Emily.  Helena began to pour herself a cognac as Emily sat concentrating on bringing Zander to her.  "Drink?" Helena asked as she offered Emily a cocktail.  "No thank you....." she answered as Helena noticed she was caressing the silver locket around her neck.  "A gift?" Helena asked as she motioned to the Emily's necklace.  "Yes...it was a gift.  A very precious gift.  A gift given out of love...something you know nothing about!"  she spatted at the elder Cassadine.  "Oh my dear, I do know what love is.  I love my family very much...Nikolas is such a sweet young man, he's a friend of your's...no?" Helena replied calmly and so confident.  "Nikolas, yeah he's a friend.  A very dear friend.  I don't think he'd like it very much that you have me held prisoner aboard his boat." she answered as Helena cocked an eyebrow at her observations.  "Come now, Nikolas doesn't even have to know we spoke.  Besides, you can leave any time you wish, my dear..." she replied as she extended her arm towards the door as if to offer Emily her freedom.

Emily rose from her seat and walked cautiously towards the door as she could feel Helena's eyes watching her every move.  She peered out around the corner of the door and saw no body guard standing post and took her chance to leave.  As she made her way on deck she noticed that during her stay in the cabin the yacht reappeared back in the slip just where Helena had found it.

As her head emerged from below, she heard Zander's voice calling for her.  "Zander!" she called as she stepped up onto the deck.  Zander heard her call for him and rushed towards the slip to find that the yacht had returned.  He rushed aboard and found her wandering about deck.  "Oh thank you God!" Zander said as she fell into his arms.  "Are you all right?  Did she hurt you?" he asked as he could feel Emily trembling against him.  "I'm fine...no she didn't hurt me." she replied through the tears.  As he and Emily stood on deck, Nikolas came aboard and approached them.

"Where's Helena?!" he asked as Emily pointed to down below.  "She's down there....but becareful, she has her goons with her.." Emily warned as Nikolas turned and headed down to the cabin.  He cautiously approached the cabin and peered in to find the room empty.  "Damn!" he shouted as his fist hit against the wall of the cabin.  Nikolas turned and went up on deck to find Zander and Emily standing on the dock with Alexis.  "Did you find her?" Emily asked as she held onto Zander's waist.  "Helena's gone. No sight of her anywhere."  he replied as he stepped off the boat.  Nikolas embraced Alexis and then Emily as the four of them were just glad that Emily made it back safely.
 

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Now at Wyndamere, Helena and Dirk entered the darkness of the mansion.  "I want you to keep me informed of what Zander, Emily and my grandson are up to.  I cannot have them finding Lucky Spencer." She ordered as Dirk nodded and poured her a cognac.  "May I ask Madam, why you took Miss Quartermaine out on the yacht tonight?" he asked as he handed her the snifter.  "A test my dear Dirk.  See Emily is Zander's point of weakness and I just wanted him to feel what it would be like if he'd dig any further into the whereabouts of Lucky Spencer." she explained as she took a sip of her drink.  "From the looks of his pain and anguish on the docks, I don't think he will be a problem anymore, Madam." Dirk replied as he stood stiffly next to her.  "Don't underestimate Zander.  He is quite resourceful and he is a Cassadine.  He does have instinct and the determination to pursue this.  I must keep him at bay and right now, Miss Quartermaine and Alexis are the key."

As Helena began to refill her drink, her phone began to ring.  "Dirk, would you get that for me?" she asked and Dirk obliged.  "Cassadine residence..." he said as he answered the phone.  Without saying a word he passed the receiver to his Madam.  "Helena Cassadine..." she replied as she figured this was the phone call she had been waiting for with a report on Lucky Spencer.  "Lucky Spencer must stay alive and I want to meet with him tomorrow.  Make sure he is comfortable and for goodness sakes do not tell him that I am involved.  I want to tell him myself."  she responded to the voice on the other end.  "I promise you,  you will  see results and you will have what you wanted.  Trust me."
 

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Lucky awoke to the stench of mold and a musty oder that apparently emanated from the mattress he had been sleeping on.  Unaware of his whereabouts, he rose from the cot and still groggy with a large bump on his head stumbled to his feet.  There were no windows, not much light but a small lamp that was lit in the corner, but from what he could tell he was somewhere that he surely don't remember being invited to voluntarily.

He went to the door and banged on it with his fists.  "Hello, anyone hear me?!  Is anyone out there?!  Someone please help me!"  he yelled but no one came.  After a few times, he gave up the fight of being released any time soon.  He sat back down on the cot with his back against the cold cement wall and hoped that someone would realize he was missing and come for him.

A few hours had passed he guessed and he noticed the door knob of the steel door begin to turn.  He jumped up and rushed the door hoping it was someone who would save him from the hellish accommodations.  As he reached the door, his momentum was stopped cold as he stood face to face with his captor.

"Mr. Spencer.  So nice to see you again.  I do hope you are comfortable."  Lucky's eyes widened as he recognized the person who stood before him.  "You!  What could you possibly want from me?!"