***************

Chapter 21

***************

 

Daniel Jackson sat in a booth at Kelly’s, chewing the end of his pencil. He absently listened to Luke and Roy argue over a liquor delivery at the counter. Things had been different between the two men since his release from the hospital two days ago. He wasn’t certain exactly what it was. He just knew that something had changed between Luke and Roy. And between Luke and himself. Spencer had been nothing but kind and considerate to him, but often Daniel had caught the man looking at him with an intent stare. It was almost like he knew.

“How was your first day back at school?” Roy interrupted his thoughts, moving back to the booth.

“It stunk,” he admitted. “I’ve got a ton of work to make up and now I have to re-write this stupid report on Hamlet. I don’t suppose you two can help me out here, can you? ”

“Hamlet,“ Luke repeated, handing him a glass of soda. “He’s the guy who killed himself over the girl.”

“No. That was Romeo, wasn’t it?” Roy disagreed. “Hamlet was the dude who got his head chopped off in the end?”

“You’re thinking of MacBeth,” Daniel corrected. “Hamlet’s the man being haunted by his dead father.”

“Sorry, kid,” Luke sighed. “We can’t help.”

“In fact,” Roy stated pointedly. “We have a liquor shipment to meet.”

“It isn’t for another two hours,” Luke insisted. “But, just to humor you, let’s go back to my bar and I’ll prove it. You ready, Danny?”

“I think I will stay here and work on this,” he insisted. “Besides, I’ve already ordered. I’ll see you guys later.”

“Yeah,” Luke agreed, his eyes softening a bit. “I’d like you to swing by later.”

“Sure,” he nodded, watching as the two men left. Yes, Luke was treating him differently. It wasn’t his imagination.

He turned his attention back to his schoolwork. He heard the door open, but didn’t look up until a voice spoke:

“*Hamlet, Prince of Denmark*. An excellent choice.”

“Mr. Cassadine,” he nodded. “How are you?”

“I am fine,” Stefan assured, sitting down across from Daniel. “And you?”

“I’m good,” he answered, rubbing his weary eyes. “So, what brings you of all people to Kelly’s? It doesn’t seem like your kind of place.”

Cassadine laughed, admitting, “I suppose not. Actually, I am here to check on you.”

“Me?” the teenager stated suspiciously.

“You did save my life in that explosion,” Stefan reminded. “I wanted to ensure myself you were still recovering.”

“I’m fine,” Daniel assured.

“You look well,” he smiled in pleasure. “I was quite worried for you. And I see you are back in school. ‘Hamlet’ is an excellent tale. One of Shakespeare's best. Are you enjoying it?”

“Not really,” Jackson admitted. “We had to write a paper on it and I failed miserably. The teacher is giving me a second chance, though. Not that it is going to do me much good. Roy never read it, so he isn’t much help. Neither is Luke.”

Cassadine chuckled at the mere mention of Luke Spencer reading some of the world’s greatest literary works. He reached for the previously written report, stating, “Then I suppose this is your lucky day. What do you need to know?”

“You’re really going to help me with this?” Daniel asked in surprise. “I confessed to stealing your wallet, remember? I’d think you would want me arrested, not passing English.”

“You saved my life. And I forgave you for the wallet,” Stefan reminded. “I owe you. Helping you ‘pass English’ is the least I can do to repay that debt. Now, what about the story confuses you?”

“I don’t know. Hamlet in general. I mean, the guy was so uptight. I think his main problem was--” he paused as Liz moved to the table, setting his burger and fries in front of him. “No ketchup.”

“Hamlet lost his life because he didn’t have ketchup?” Stefan asked in confusion.

Daniel released an irritating sigh, decreeing, “She never puts ketchup. Even when you ask for it. How are you supposed to eat a burger without ketchup?”

“I wouldn’t know,” Cassadine confided, scanning the report.

“Anyhow, like I was saying. He needs to loosen up. He’s really uptight. Sure, his life sucks and all that but--Do you want some fries?”

Stefan shook his head, asking in confusion, “What are we talking about?”

“Hamlet,” Daniel reminded, taking a bite of his burger.

“Of course,” he nodded. He bit back a smile as he read aloud the boy’s report, “Hamlet was a momma’s boy who went postal after his old man croaked, his girl dumped him, and his mom and his uncle starting. . .Interesting analogy there.”

“My paper is pretty bad, huh?” he asked.

“You have the general idea, but your wording could use some improvement,” Stefan instructed. “How about: ‘The premature loss of his father and his mother’s abrupt remarriage put great distress on the young prince’.”

Daniel reached for a blank sheet of paper, scribbling down the words as they were dictated.

“You’re a really smart guy, you know that? You understand all this Shakespeare stuff,” Daniel complimented. “You must think I am the world’s biggest dummy.”

“I think you are a brave young man,” Stefan disagreed. “I grew up studying this ‘Shakespeare stuff’. You obviously had a much different upbringing. I think you must have had a very difficult childhood.”

“It wasn’t that bad,” he shrugged, trying to lighten the mood. He turned his attention back to the paper he was reading, chewing the end of his pencil in the process.

Stefan’s eyes narrowed at the small gesture. Again, he was over-whelmed by the feeling that he knew this boy. He looked so familiar. And even his simple gestures had a measure of nostalgia to them.

“Who is your family?” he suddenly asked.

“No one you would know,” Daniel insisted.

“You might be surprised.”

“In that case,” Daniel stated, “how much time have you spent in slummy bars on Bourbon Street?”

“No time at all,” Cassadine admitted.

“Then you never met my family,” he assured. “Besides, you don’t really seem like the blonde bunny type.”

“Excuse me?” Stefan asked in surprise. How often had Helena used that phrase to describe his former love interests?

“Blonde bunny,” the teen repeated, shrugging off the innocent comment. “It was an expression my mom us to use. Before she died, that is.”

“I am sorry to hear she is gone,” he sympathized. “And what about your father?”

Suspicion touched Daniel’s blue eyes as he asked, “Why? What makes you wonder about him?”

“You talked about him a little,” Stefan reminded. “After the explosion, you mentioned him several times.”

“What exactly did I say?” he demanded.

“Nothing of consequence. You said you regretted not telling him something, and then you passed out. I got the impression that he was still living.”

“I thought I told you to stay away from him,” Luke Spencer angrily stated as he walked back through the door of Kelly’s. He had proved Roy wrong about the liquor shipment. And had returned to the sight of this?! Cassadine harassing his kid.

“I was merely checking on the boy’s health.”

“He doesn’t need your concern,” Luke angrily snapped.

“I think I can choose my own friends,” Daniel quickly assured. Luke Spencer may be his father, but the man had never been there for him in the past. He had taken care of himself for a long time, and Luke certainly wasn’t going to start ruling his life now. “Besides, Mr. Cassadine kept me alive. For that, he deserves my gratitude. And a little respect, from both of us.”

Luke felt his anger rise. No kid of his would ever suggest that he “respect” Cassadine. “You listen to me and you listen good,” he began. “This man is not your friend. He is not a friend to anyone but himself.”

“If you expect me not to defend myself in the face of such accusations,” Cassadine began.

Spencer turned his anger to the man, hissing, “You will stay away from my s--”

“Friend,” Roy DiLucca interrupted. “Stay away from our friend.”

Daniel stood rooted in place, a combination of both anger and disbelief and surprise in his face. He knew, he realized. Luke knew the truth. And only one person could have told him. He turned flaming blue eyes to Roy, the accusation clearly there. When the man looked away, he knew he had his answer.

“Let’s take this outside,” Roy suggested, noticing the stares they were getting from the other customers in Kelly’s.

“I will not reduce myself to such petty arguments,” Stefan decreed. “Daniel, I am glad that you are recovering.”

“Thank you,” Jackson replied. “For everything.”

Luke rolled his eyes, watching as Stefan left the restaurant. He turned his attention back to Daniel then, who softly accused, “You know.”

“I told him after the explosion,” Roy explained.

“You had no right.”

“He was worried about you,” Luke defended DiLucca. “And I have every right to know.”

“Let’s go outside,” Roy reasoned, pleased when both of them nodded and followed him out into the crisp, cold air.

“Daniel,” Luke began when they were outside. “I want you to know that I. . .I didn’t. . .I mean, Melanie never--”

“I know,” Daniel reassured. “She told me that she didn’t tell you. But you do admit that you knew her?”

“Yes. She, uh, she and I were. . .friends,” Luke struggled for a proper explanation. “Your mother was--Well, she was--”

The ringing of a cell phone cut him off then. With a grumble, he quickly answered it.

“Saved by the bell,” Daniel muttered sarcastically. He patiently waited as Luke argued with the person on the other end, finally hanging up.

“That was the bar. It looks like we were both wrong, Roy,” he admitted. “The shipment is there now and they need someone to come over and check the invoices and sign for it.”

“Luke, I can’t,” he stated apologetically. “I promised Bobbie I would pick Lucas up from soccer practice. Both she and Tony are working today. What about Claude?”

“He went to New York to visit his sister today.”

“Go,” Daniel insisted. “Maybe it is for the best. We could both cool off a little before we talk about this.”

Spencer hesitated then, resting a hand on the boy’s shoulder before promising, “We will talk this out.”

Jackson nodded, watching the two men leave. He released a frustrated groan, moving to one of the outside tables and sitting down. He rested his head in his hands. The events of this day were starting to give him a headache.

“Daniel?” a soft voice inquired. “Are you sick?”

He looked up to see Laura Spencer standing beside him, concern in her face. “No. I’m just tired, I guess,” he reassured, nodding to the older woman with Laura and smiling at Lulu.

She was his sister, he suddenly realized. So he had a little sister. And an older brother, as well. He had already met Lucky Spencer. He seemed very nice and had tried to make Daniel feel welcome and included while at Kelly’s.

“Should you be out here?” Laura pressed on. “You just got out of the hospital and you should be resting. And this cold air isn’t good for you.”

“On the contrary, it helps clear my head.”

“Still--”

“Laura,” Lesley Webber scolded, interrupting. “Don’t hound him.”

Laura laughed at that, stating, “Why don’t you take Lulu inside and get her something to eat, Mom. I’d like to talk to Daniel.”

He sat up straighter in his chair then, suddenly nervous. He couldn’t help but wonder what Luke had told his ex-wife. Laura sat down across from him then, smiling a very friendly smile.

“You look just like your mother,” she decreed. “It is amazing. I don’t know if you knew this or not, but your mother and I were very close friends.”

“You’re kidding me?” he blurted out before he could stop himself.

“No. I met her when Luke and I were living in Texas.”

“You and Luke were married at the time,” he whispered as realization dawned on him.

“Of course we were. We only signed our divorce papers a few months ago,” she assured, concerned over his strange comments. “You don’t know any of this, do you?”

“Mom never talked much about her past,” he evasively stated.

“Well, I can see why. She didn’t have the happiest childhood,” Laura tentatively began. “She was adopted. And her adopted parents split up and then they both died. By the time Luke and I met her, she was working at a bar her stepfather owned. She and I became good friends. She was such a sweet girl.”

*She was sleeping with your husband behind your back,* he thought, sighing heavily.

Laura watched him lean back in his chair, the sunlight glittering off the necklace he wore. “Oh my God,” she exclaimed in recognition.

Belatedly, he realized he was wearing his mother’s locket. He usually kept it inside of his shirt, but today it was outside. He moved to tuck it under his shirt, but wasn’t quick enough. She stopped him. Taking the locket in hand, she turned it over and read the inscription on the back:

“‘To a special friend. Happy Birthday. LS.’ She kept it,” she smiled in pleasure.

LS. Laura Spencer, he realized with a sick twist in his gut. Not Luke. Laura. Melanie’s “best friend” had given her this necklace. “She wore it all the time,” he forced himself to reveal. But why? None of this made any sense to him anymore.

Or maybe it did. His mother had insisted that this necklace was the key to finding his father. That man just happened to be the husband of the woman who had given it to Melanie.

“I gave her this as sort of a thank you and birthday present combined. She helped Luke and I through a difficult time,” she revealed. “He and I had a terrible fight one night and he went to the bar where she worked and got terribly drunk. She let him sleep it off on her couch that night. And then the next day she encouraged him to go home. She later told me that she realized that night just how much Luke loved me and Lucky, but he had so much pride. He needed a little encouragement to return to us,” she smiled at the memory. “I bought her the necklace to show my gratitude for her friendship. She left Texas three weeks later. Just out of the blue. She announced that she had a friend who had invited her to come to New Orleans. And--Daniel, you are sick. You look so pale. I am going to--”

“No,” he interrupted, speaking past the tightness that welled up in his chest. “I’m fine.”

“Are you sure?”

*No,* he silently replied. Clearing his throat, he asked, “You still love Luke, don’t you?”

“We’ve been through a lot together,” she began, looking embarrassed. “We have two children.”

“You sound just like him. Why not just admit it? You still love him.”

“Yes,” she nodded. “All this talk about Texas has brought back so many good memories. We were completely and totally happy there. Aside from that one night he spent on Melanie’s couch, we were never apart. It was the best time of our marriage. But who knows? Maybe we can get that back again.”

“I have to go,” he suddenly announced, standing to his feet. “Thank you, Laura. You’ve made me see things much clearer. I. . .I hope everything works out the way you want it to.”

“Thank you,” she nodded, perplexed by his strange attitude. “Can I give you a ride somewhere?”

“No, I think I will just walk,” he assured. It was best she not know what he was about to do.

He and his father had to clear the air, once and for all.

***************

Chapter 22

***************

“Sorel is denying that he put the hit out on Sonny.”

Luke Spencer looked up to see Jason Morgan standing in the door of his office. He lay his pencil and invoices down, replying, “Of course he’s denying it. He’s not a fool.”

“He’s not denying it to the cops,” Morgan corrected. “He is denying it to his own people.”

“So Corinthos has more enemies than one. That doesn’t surprise you, does it?”

“Every man at that table had enemies,” he hedged. “Sonny. Me. Roy. . .Even Daniel. The bomb was strapped to the bottom of *his* chair.”

“I don’t like what you are suggesting,” Luke replied, fear tightening his stomach.

“Daniel knows too much. If the cops ever get a hold of him and he starts telling them things--”

“Then Cordova wants him dead.”

“No,” Jason disagreed. “If James Cordova wanted him dead, he would never have left New Orleans all those weeks ago. But James does have friends and business associates who don’t like knowing that there is a loose end out there. One that could turn into a noose around all of their necks if the cops get him.”

“I thought the cops were backing off of Cordova?” Spencer reminded.

“They have for now, but if Danny gets arrested, then all bets could be off. And the attention that the bombing is bringing down on him could expose his true identity.”

“Then what do you suggest be done about it?” Luke demanded. “And why are you even telling me this?”

“Because he likes you and Roy and will listen to both of you. Cordova is spitting nails he’s so mad,” Jason revealed. “He asked Sonny to look after the kid because he wanted to keep him safe, not involve him in Sonny’s wars, if that is what the bombing attempt was really about. Luke. . .Cordova wants Daniel back in New Orleans by tomorrow night. He wants him sent underground.”

“Ain’t gonna happen,” Luke insisted.

“Are you listening to me?” Morgan suddenly demanded. “Danny could be in serious danger! Someone might be trying to kill him. And, even if that isn’t the case, Sonny blew his cover to Tony Jones. That could get him arrested. Now Cordova was adamant with me earlier. He wants him back in New Orleans now.”

“And he wants me and Roy to convince Danny to go back?”

“He doesn’t give a damn what you and Roy want. Or what Daniel wants right now. This is about protecting him--”

Jason broke off suddenly at the sound of footsteps coming in their direction. Daniel appeared in the doorway then, asking, “Am I interrupting something?”

“No. Jason was just leaving,” Luke stated insistently. “Now.”

“This isn’t over,” Morgan insisted before leaving the office.

Luke watched the kid for several moments. Daniel moved to the door, closing it behind Jason. He then paced for a moment. Spencer’s heart went out to him. This wasn’t easy for either of them. But the kid had obviously come here because he was ready to talk.

“Go ahead,” Luke encouraged. “Yell at me. Cuss me. Demand the whole story. You’ve earned the right.”

“Was it a drunken one-night stand?” Daniel asked softly.

The question threw Luke for a moment. When he didn’t immediately reply, Daniel pressed on, “I talked to Laura today. Don’t worry, I didn’t tell her anything. She approached me outside of Kelly’s and wanted to talk about my mom. She talked about how my mom let you sleep off a drunk one night at her place. Was that how it happened?”

Luke sighed, rubbing his eyes. Damn, he had known this would be hard. But he hadn’t expected it to be *this* hard. He didn’t want to hurt this kid. But he owed him the truth.

“Yes. I knew your mother had a crush on me. She was such a sweet girl. Young and pretty and so shy. She didn’t have many friends, so I tried to be as nice to her as I could without encouraging her crush. Laura and I had a huge fight and I went to the closest bar. Melanie’s stepfather owned it. I got very drunk, and she took me back to her place.”

“And you slept with her,” Jackson angrily accused. “You knew how she felt about you and how you didn’t feel about her, but you did it anyway.”

“I guess so,” he admitted.

“You ‘guess’?” the teenager snapped in disbelief. “What do you mean. . .Oh, God, you don’t remember.”

“No, I don’t,” he stated honestly. “I don’t remember anything past Melanie offering to give me a ride that night. When I woke up the next morning, I asked her what had happened, and she swore to me that nothing had taken place the night before. She said that she drove me back to her place to call Laura. I asked her not to, and then I passed out on her couch.”

Daniel turned away from him then, bracing a hand against the wall and leaning against it. He wanted to hit something. To smash something into a thousand pieces. So this was the story of his life. . .His mother loved a married man who only took note of her when he was wasted. He could only imagine how much it had hurt her to realize that Luke didn’t even remember their one night together. As a child, she had once told him that his father was the *only* man she had ever loved. The only man she would ever love. She had kept his birth a secret out of that love. She wanted Luke to be happy and, apparently, that happiness could only be found with Laura. She had kept him a secret to protect Luke.

To her credit, she had tried to make everything work out for the better. She had tried to be a good mother and protect them all in the process, but there was a lot to be said about the best laid plans and how they always seemed to backfire.

“What did you think it was, Danny?” Luke gently but honestly asked. “Some great love affair? That we were so happy and in love that she simply forgot to mention she was pregnant?”

“I didn’t come here to hurt you. Or Laura,” he insisted, turning back to face his father.

The pain Spencer saw in the boy’s eyes made him ache. “I know, Danny. I believe you never meant to cause me or her any harm.”

“But I will. Just my presence here will,” he admitted, blinking back tears. “I wanted to be your son, Luke. I can’t be your mistake. It hurts too much.”

“Don’t say that,” Luke pleaded. “Mistake is such an ugly word. I don’t think of you like that.”

“Don’t you?” Daniel challenged. “What else would you call what happened between you and Mom? Certainly not something you planned or wanted. Let’s face it, I am the mistake that could ruin your life.”

“Daniel,” Spencer sighed, hating the entire conversation. Mainly because he knew it held a grain of truth to it. What happened between he and Melanie could only be described as an error in judgment on his part. But it had produced a child. And that child shouldn’t pay for the sins of his parents. But would Laura see it that way? God knows, he certainly had not seen Nikolas in the same light that he wanted her to see Daniel.

“Laura won’t forgive you for this,” Jackson spoke, reading the other man’s thoughts. “She will hate you for this. And you will lose everything you have been trying so hard to regain. You will lose her and your son Lucky. Maxie told me about you two. She told me that you and he are just starting to get past your problems. If the truth about me ever came out. . .”

Spencer ran a frustrated hand through his hair, sighing, “He will be angry. So will Laura. Angry and hurt, and justifiably so. But this concerns your life, too.”

“It has to be your decision,” the youth insisted. “I am leaving it up to you. Do you think I am worth losing your other family over?”

The question took Luke by surprise, rendering him silent. Daniel watched him with unguarded eyes. All his hope and fears lay in those deep blue depths. He so wanted his father to say he was worth it. To say he wanted him to stay and to hell with the consequences.

But there were things that Luke knew that Danny didn’t. He knew that there could be someone out there who wanted this boy’s life. Someone connected to Cordova. And Cordova wanted Danny sent underground for his own protection. He could do that, he suddenly realized. One harsh word would send his son back to Cordova and into some means of safety.

Luke was unable to say those words, though. Instead, he turned away without answering.

Daniel winced as if he had been physically struck. Heaven knew, he felt like he had. No, on second thought, he almost wished Luke had punched him in the gut. That would have hurt less than this.

He had asked if he was worth it. His father had not been able to say yes. So that meant the only other logical answer was no.

He cleared his throat then, praying his voice didn’t break as he forced himself to ask, “So what happens now? I go back to Roy’s and we avoid each other? Pretend like we’re just barely acquainted in public? Maybe we have a father/son chat on the side when Laura isn’t around to overhear?”

Luke heard the underlying bitterness in those words and he hated it. He hated feeling responsible for it. But, damn it, how would be feel if the next bomb claimed Danny’s life? How could be live with himself if he asked the kid to stay and a bullet took him tomorrow? Or a cop recognized him and he got pulled back into Cordova’s problems? Only there would be no easy way out this time.

“That isn’t fair to you. You deserve better,” Spencer finally stated. “I feel I have to tell you that Cordova wants you back in New Orleans.”

“I see,” he stated. And he did. Luke was making a choice. And that choice was Laura and his other two children. His father viewed even his presence in Port Charles as a danger to that choice and wanted him gone from sight.

Perhaps it was for the best, though. He had came here for answers and he had gotten them. He hadn’t like them, but that had been a risk he had been willing to take. He had no one to blame for this but himself.

But James cared, he silently reassured himself. James cared about what became of him. So he would go back. He would reclaim his job with a mobster and make the best of it. It wasn’t what he had wanted, but it would be enough. It had to be.

“I will be on a buss back to New Orleans by tomorrow,” Daniel assured. “Good-bye, Luke.”

“Good-bye, Danny,” he whispered, watching as the boy turned his back on him and walked from his life forever.

Neither saw the tears the other shed over their loss.

***************

Chapter 23

***************

“Daniel?”

Jackson whirled around, quickly wiping the last of the moisture from his eyes. He had come to the docks in the hopes of being alone, and he had been for awhile.

“Mr. Cassadine,” he nodded, watching as Stefan strolled down the stairs and towards him.

“Are you okay?” Stefan asked in concern. “You look upset. Did Spencer give you a difficult time?”

“No,” he lied. He seemed to be doing that a lot lately. A cold wind ripped through him then, and he shuddered. He had left his jacket in his locker at school. Besides, he would never use to the cold this far North. All the more reason to be thankful he was headed back South, he tried to assure himself.

“You must be freezing,” Stefan realized, tugging off his long overcoat.

“You don’t have to do that, Mr. Cassadine,” he insisted. “In fact, I should be getting back to Roy’s. He is probably wondering where I am.”

“Call me Stefan,” he invited, wrapping the warm coat around the boy’s shoulders despite his protests. “Stay and talk to me for awhile. I want to assure myself you are not too upset.”

Daniel considered lying again, but changed his mind. Stefan had been surprisingly nice to him since the explosion, especially considering that he had confessed to stealing the man’s wallet. With a tired sigh, he admitted, “I came here to think some things out.”

“I often do the same,” Stefan admitted. “The sound of the water is soothing.”

“I love it. I use to listen to it all the time as a kid.”

“So did I,” Stefan stated.

“But this isn’t the same. Not like I am use to.”

“It makes you homesick,” Cassadine sympathized with the boy. “I understand that. I grew up on an island in Greece and sometimes I miss it.”

“My mom and I had this small apartment close to the water when I was a kid,” he revealed. “It was different than this, though. There is such a hard glow to this water. It seems cold and bitter. Give me the Gulf anytime.”

“I thought you grew up in Detroit,” Cassadine suspiciously stated.

“Do you believe everything people tell you?” Daniel asked.

Stefan smiled at that, glancing over his shoulder to the empty bench. “Sit with me and talk awhile. Tell me what is troubling you.”

“I don’t think you would understand,” Daniel stated, but he took the opportunity to sit down anyway, pulling the coat closer for the warmth it offered.

“I might surprise you.”

He laughed at that, but it was a bitter, hard sound. What would a rich and powerful man like Stefan Cassadine understand about him? What could he honestly know about feeling like your world was falling down around you? No, he wouldn’t understand pain or fear or the anguish of being rejected by a parent, the one person who was suppose to love you, but did not.

Choosing to test him, he inquired, “Have you ever wanted something so bad? And you were close to it. I mean, so damned close you could almost feel it. And then. . .Then it just slips away, and all you can do is let it go.”

“Yes.”

The simple, heart felt answer surprised Danny. He saw something in Stefan then. Something dark and haunted. Sad. Very, very sad. Perhaps Cassadine did understand. And he needed that understanding right now. He needed the wisdom and knowledge that he felt Stefan possessed.

“Then you tell me what you are supposed to do now?” he employed. “You explain to me how you let it go and move on. I mean, what do you do when every decision hurts?”

“You trust the people who love you,” Cassadine stated, trying to erase that horrible sadness he saw in the boy’s face. He, too, had haunted eyes. No one that young should have eyes that old and full of pain.

“And if there is no one who does love you?” he asked

The words pained Stefan. He knew that feeling all too well. He had lived it everyday of his life. His mother Helena had gladly taught it to him. But it didn’t have to be that way for this boy, he decided. Someone would ensure that it wasn’t, even if that someone had to be him.

“Then you trust me,” Stefan requested. “You can trust me.”

Daniel opened his mouth to reply, but broke off at the sight of Police Commissioner Mac Scorpio and Detective Taggert walking in their direction. Cassadine followed his gaze, standing and stating, “Commissioner. Detective. How are you this evening?”

“Oh, I am just fine,” Mac insisted, staring pointedly at the boy. “And I am about to get much better.”

Daniel didn’t like that look. He knew all too well what it meant. He stood then and considered breaking and running. But Taggert read his thoughts and moved to block his escape.

“I will ask you to explain yourself, gentlemen,” an outraged Cassadine demanded.

“We received an anonymous phone call that we had someone on the docks who needed arresting,” Taggert replied, eying the boy.

Anger suddenly filled Daniel’s eyes and he turned that wrath to Cassadine. Trust him? Yeah, right! It had been a ploy. His pretense to care and his insistence that he “stay and talk” had been a ruse to keep him here for the cops.

He took the overcoat and none too gently threw it back at Stefan, hissing, “You forgave me for the wallet, right?”

Cassadine winced at his bitter sarcasm. “Daniel, I know nothing about this.”

“Oh, I am sure you don’t,” he mocked. “You son of a--”

Mac cut him off by whirling him around and twisting an arm behind his back. Daniel grunted in protest when a handcuff was snapped around one wrist and then the other.

“Daniel Ryan Jackson, you are under arrest,” Scorpio stated with smug satisfaction. “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. . .”

***************

Chapter 24

***************

“This is ridiculous!” Sonny Corinthos exploded, pacing the floor of his penthouse apartment.

Jason Morgan, Luke Spencer, Roy DiLucca and his attorney Alexis Davis were there with him.

“Calm down, Sonny,” Jason insisted. “Alexis can work something out, right, Alexis?”

“No,” she answered honestly. “The charges against Daniel are real and there is nothing I can do about them.”

“What exactly is he being charged with?” Luke demanded.

“Unlawful detainment and assault and battery,” Alexis sighed.

“That is ridiculous,” Roy repeated his friend’s words from only a few moments ago. “He locked a social worker in his closet back in New Orleans. How is that a serious crime?!”

“Because she pressed charges at the urging of the FBI, of course,” Alexis sighed. “A warrant was issued for his arrest the day he left town.”

“They set up a nice trap for him, didn’t they?” Luke spat. “If he stayed in New Orleans, he would be placed in a foster home and they would watch him like a hawk until he did something wrong to charge him with. Then they would start bargaining with his freedom for information on Cordova. Only he ran.”

“Locking the social worker in his closet was the only way he could get away from them,” Roy repeated what Daniel had told him. “And it gave them a ‘legitimate’ crime to charge him with. Damn, they’ve got him cornered either way.”

“Yes. And the judge is refusing bail,” Alexis revealed. “They say he is a flight risk, and technically he is. We all know he will run the minute they let him out. So he stays as a visitor at the PCPD until he goes before a judge the day after tomorrow. They are really pushing this through fast. At that time, he will be extradited back to New Orleans to face the charges.”

“There has to be something you can do,” Luke demanded.

“They have their legal ground covered,” Alexis admitted. “Under normal circumstances, this would hardly be a big issue to the courts. He’s a minor, it is his first offense, and not nearly as serious as the charges make it sound. He should receive a slap on the wrist, maybe probation and community service.”

“But this isn’t normal circumstances,” Jason added. “They will throw the book at the kid to force his testimony.”

“The only hope Daniel would have to fight this is if someone spoke up for him. Someone other than a mobster,” she stated pointedly. “Sonny, you or Cordova would only make a situation like this one worse. And Roy would have no credibility with the courts because he hid Daniel for all these works. No, we need a family member to step forward and plead his case.”

Roy turned hard eyes to Luke then, inquiring, “What could a family member do for him?”

“For starters, his closest living relative will have the right to petition the court for custody of him, getting him away from social services and the FBI. With me representing that relative, we would go before the court and beg for leniency. But, according to Daniel, his mother was adopted. She never knew her real parents and her adopted parents are both dead. She is dead. There are no other living relatives and his father isn’t in the picture. So no one can legally make a case for guardianship of him. Which means they have him right where they want him.”

“This gives them a way to re-open the investigation against Cordova,” Sonny stated.

“Cordova’s associates won’t take that chance,” Jason softly stated. “They will see Daniel dead first.”

“There is nothing I can do legally,” Alexis sympathized.

“Get out Alexis,” Corinthos stated.

“Excuse me?”

“There is nothing you can do legally,” Sonny reminded. “So get out so we can discuss all the ways we can help him *illegally*.”

“I see,” she stated with a knowing smile. “Just don’t get caught.”

With that plea, she turned and left the penthouse. She moved to her own apartment across the hall. She opened the door, stopping dead in her tracks as she breathed in surprise, “Stefan?”

Her brother turned to face her then, nodding, “Hello, Alexis.”

“What brings you by?” she inquired.

“I come in need of your legal services,” he evasively stated.

“What kind of trouble have you gotten yourself into now?”

“Not me,” he assured. “I want to hire you to represent Daniel Ryan.”

The revelation stunned her for a moment. Finding her voice, she corrected, “Jackson. Daniel Jackson.”

“Excuse me?”

“See, you don’t even know who he really is!” she pointed out. “So why would you want to help him? What is he to you?”

“He saved my life,” Stefan reminded.

“A fact that your family deeply appreciates,” she assured. “But you don’t need to be involved in this.”

“Are you refusing me?” he asked in surprise.

“No,” she sighed hesitantly, unsure of what to reveal. “I am already looking into his case. At Sonny’s request.”

“Corinthos?” he questioned. “What connection does he have to Danny?”

“They have. . .friends in common. Listen to me, Stefan,” she insisted. “Legally, my hands are tied. There is nothing I can do. The charges against him are legitimate and I can’t help him. He will be extradited back to Louisiana in a few days.”

“Louisiana?” he asked in confusion. “I thought he was from Michigan?”

“No. I guess it is no big secret anymore,” she sighed. “He is not who you think he is, Stefan. He was a dark past and a lot of people breathing down the back of his neck right now. And some of them are not very nice people. Please, stay away from him. I don’t want you to get caught in the crossfire.”

Cassadine paused a moment in silent contemplating, but then stated, “I can’t let it go. I have to help him.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know,” he admitted. “I just feel that I have to. Someone has to care about him, Alexis.”

“And it might as well be you?” she questioned. She studied her brother for a long moment, finally stating, “I think I understand. He is you, isn’t he?”

“Excuse me?”

“Daniel,” she explained. “When you look at him, you see yourself at that age. Defensive. Scared. Deeply hurt. You want to do for him what Helena and Mikkos never did for you.”

“Maybe I do see myself in him a little,” he admitted. “I would like to see him not make the same mistakes that I did.”

“He isn’t yours,” Alexis tried to reason one last time as she watched him move to the door.

“He could be,” Stefan stated, confusing her. “He could easily be mine.”

***************

Chapter 25

***************

“Your blood pressure is good,” Melissa Bedford praised, placing her medical equipment back into the black medical bag Tony Jones had let her borrow for her trip across town.

“I bet you wouldn’t have a hacksaw in there, would you?” Daniel replied, only half joking.

“Don’t say things like that,” she scolded, glancing around the small visiting room at the Port Charles Police Department. “If anyone overheard you, they might not let me back in to check on you. Now, are they giving you your medication?”

“Yes,” he assured.

“And are they letting you keep your inhalers close by?” she inquired. At his mere nod, she sighed in irritation, “Do you realize how serious your asthma could be if left untreated? It was foolish of you to--”

“Why do you even care, lady?” he rudely interrupted.

Melissa felt her heart go out to him in the face of his angry outburst. She had been saddened by the news of his arrest, especially every time she thought of her conversation with Roy. The FBI had already done to her brother what they planned to do to him. And it had cost Leo his life. It sickened and appalled her that it could happen again.

“I just wanted to make sure you were taking care of yourself,” she admitted.

“I am,” he nodded.

An officer bumped on the door then, announcing that visiting hours were over. Melissa reluctantly left the room. A part of her wished there was something she could do to help him. She didn’t want to see him--or anyone, for that matter--end up like her brother. It would simply be too much of a waste.

Daniel watched her leave, ashamed at his angry outburst. He was frustrated with this whole mess. Damn Cassadine for calling the cops on him. After he risked his neck for the guy, the least he could have done was let him leave town peaceably.

The officer moved to him then, taking his arm to lead him back to his cell. He felt the piece of paper being shoved into his hand. He took it quickly so none of the other guards would notice. He waited until he was back in his cell before carefully unfolding it.

A smile touched his face at the sight of the words scribed across the paper. “Relax and be patient. You will be out soon.”

James, he thought with a relieved sigh. Cordova would see him out of this mess. All he had to do was wait a few more days. . .and then it was the sunny beaches of Mexico.

There was a light at the end of the tunnel now. And he just prayed it wasn’t a train.

***************

Chapter 26

***************

“I told you, Cassadine,” the angry voice of Mac Scorpio carried across the police department and greeted Melissa Bedford as she stepped from the visiting room. “Visitation hours are over. You want to see the kid, come back tomorrow.”

Melissa stepped towards the man, waiting until Scorpio walked off before inquiring, “Are you here to see Daniel?”

“I was hoping to,” he admitted. “Did you visit with him? Is he ill?”

Melissa assured, “I did see him, and he is fine.”

Stefan started to reply, but the sight of an officer drew his attention elsewhere. He met the man’s eyes and the guard nodded. So his note had been delivered successfully. Now he was waiting for phase two to play out. Turning back to Melissa, he smiled and extended his arm, “Would you let me buy you dinner?”

She hesitated a moment, but then slipped her arm into his. “Sure.”

***************

Chapter 27

***************

“When you said dinner, I never expected such a fancy restaurant,” Melissa Bedford admitted, nervously smoothing her napkin across her lap.

“This place will do, I suppose,” Stefan decreed. “I usually dine out at the Grille, but it is still being repaired. But next time I will take you to Wyndemere for dinner. My chief has a much better menu selection.”

“Next time?” she questioned, smiling. “That is a bit presumptuous.”

“Yes, it is,” he agreed, leaning back in his seat and smiling. He didn’t apologize, however. Perhaps because he intended to ensure that there was a “next time”.

Melissa felt her breath catch. Oh, he had a devastating smile. She imagined many a woman had lost her heart to that. Steeling herself against his charm, she pointed out, “You remind me of Daniel when you do that.”

“Do what?” he asked innocently.

“Show your charming side.”

He laughed then, admitting, “Perhaps it is my intent to charm you this evening, Melissa. I was hoping you would tell me more about Daniel’s medical condition.”

Her eyes narrowed in suspicion and she reminded, “You know I can’t do that. All medical records are confidential.”

“I don’t mean for you to break any rules,” he quickly assured. “My fear is for his health only. And what could it possibly hurt to inform me more on the condition of asthma?”

“I suppose it wouldn’t hurt,” she admitted. “Asthma is very serious. He had a milder case of it, but he still needs to take medication daily and be under the care of a doctor.”

“What about his being locked away? Will that make things worse for him?”

Melissa sighed heavily, admitting, “Yes. Much worse. A prison is hardly the type of environment that would keep him healthy. Then you toss in his young age and his good looks. . .it will be hell for him to be locked away with those other men. My brother died in prison. I know that there are some very sick monsters in places like that.”

“He won’t go to prison,” Stefan readily assured her. “Besides, can it not be pleaded that being incarcerated could make his health worse? Forgive me, I know so little about his medical problems. I am not even sure what causes him to have asthma.”

“It varies from every case, of course,” she explained. “But for him it was his premature birth.”

“He was premature?” Stefan inquired.

“Yes. I saw it in his records. He was born nearly two months early. Of course, his lungs weren’t as developed as a full-term baby. I think so few people understand the long-term affects something like that can have on a child. There is so much more they can do for premature children now than they could when he was born sixteen years ago. Plus, add in the fact that his mother was poor and had no insurance. Sadly, children like that slip through the cracks all the time. The doctors kept him in the hospital until they were sure he was strong enough to live and then sent him home with her. He had no follow-up treatments. No one to really keep an eye on him medically. Really it is no surprise that he developed asthma that went untreated for a long time. Did you know that he was nearly eight years old before he first saw a doctor for his--” Melissa broke off in the middle of her tirade, looking embarrassed. “I am so sorry. You didn’t come here to listen to me rant about the problems of the medical profession.”

“Nonsense,” Cassadine disagreed. “You are very passionate about your job. And you also seem to care for Daniel. I admire that.”

“You are a charmer,” she mumbled mostly to herself. “What is your connection to Daniel? I mean, aside from the explosion?”

“He saved my life. That is enough for me to care what happens to him from now on. I intend to be at his hearing in two days. I think he would appreciate your support, as well.”

“I will think about it,” she offered. She had not been inside a courtroom since her brother had been sentenced. She didn’t know if she could take seeing another innocent soul being sentenced to a lifetime of hell.

She was about to comment when a furious young woman appeared at their table, her angry stare fixed on Cassadine.

“I see that they let all kinds in this place now,” Chloe Morgan declared. “Wining and dining another of your victims, I see.”

“Chloe,” Stefan warned, “you will be civil to my friends, regardless of how you feel about me.”

Melissa eyed the young woman up and down, instantly disliking her. Turning back to Cassadine, she asked, “A jealous ex-girlfriend, I take it?”

“How dare--”

“Excuse me,” he politely requested, standing and taking Chloe’s arm and leading her out of the main dining room and into the foyer. “You shouldn’t make a scene in such a public place.”

“I am not a child,” she decreed, snatching her arm away from his grasp. “And someone should warn that poor woman about you. Before you convince her that you care for her like you did to me!”

“I did care for you,” he insisted. “I still do.”

“Save it,” she ordered. “One day, you will get what is coming to you. And I just hope I am there to see it happen!”

“Is there a problem here?” Mac Scorpio inquired, stepping from the shadows to approach the two.

“Amazing,” Stefan shook his head. “You are never around when needed, and when not, one can’t get rid of you. No, there is no problem, Commissioner. Now, if you two will excuse me, I have a friend I have left unattended for too long.”

He turned on the two of them and walked back to his table. Melissa watched him sit down and reach for his glass of wine as if nothing out of the ordinary had just happened.

“Well?” she hedged. “What was that about?”

“Just some unfinished business,” he evasively stated. “Tell me more about yourself, Melissa.”

She laughed softly at that. Indeed, he was charming.

***************

Chapter 28

***************

“This thing is chocking the life out of me,” Daniel complained, tugging at the tie around his neck.

“Stop that,” Alexis scolded him then. “You need to look respectable when you go before the judge.”

“Oh, sure,” he grumbled. “Nothing like being respected by the guy who is about to send me to prison. That is real high on the list of things I wanted to do with my life.”

“He isn’t sending you to prison today,” she corrected. “He is just sending you back to the people who are going to send you to prison.”

“Thanks,” he barked at her comment. “Last time I wore a tie, someone tried to blow me up.”

“An event I remember quite well,” Stefan Cassadine decreed, joining them in front of the doors to the courtroom. “Give us a moment, Alexis.”

She nodded then, stating, “I have to go and confirm the time we go before the judge, anyhow.”

“Come to see it though, huh?” Daniel spat, anger in his eyes.

“I did not call the police on you,” Stefan insisted then.

“Yeah, right.”

“Would you remove that chip from your shoulder and use your head for a moment,” Cassadine snapped. “If I had called the police, then why aren’t you being charged with thief? Is there any mention of me and or the thief of my wallet in the charges against you?”

“No,” Danny hesitantly admitted. “But you could have known the charges wouldn’t stick. So you just turned me in for something else.”

“You are suspicious of everyone,” Cassadine shook his head in bewilderment. “But I intend to prove to you that you can trust me.”

“Forgive my cynicism,” the teen snapped, “but I will believe it when I see it.”

Stefan accepted the answer without rebuttal. Reaching out, he began straightening the boy’s tie. “There. Much better,” he decreed, resting his hands on Daniel’s shoulders. “You will believe me soon enough.”

“What does that mean?” he suspiciously asked.

“You will see. But first there is something I must do,” Stefan announced, excusing himself and walking away.

Daniel watched him leave, shaking his head in disbelief. He leaned against the wall with a tired sigh. The Port Charles jailhouse was not a place for peaceful resting. But this was almost over. He would be sent back to New Orleans, and James would get him out of this mess. He could vacation in some nice, non-extradition country and forget about his crummy experiences in this town.

“Daniel,” Luke Spencer called, hesitantly taking a step in his direction.

His eyes opened and flew to the man as he demanded, “What are you doing here?”

“I. . .I want to help,” Spencer insisted. “Just tell me how.”

“Stay out of it,” Jackson coldly suggested.

Luke took his anger without question, knowing in part that he deserved it. He wanted to claim this boy as his own son. He sincerely did. But not if the cost of that could be Daniel’s life. Still. . .what type of life would it be if the boy spent it in prison? Especially when all he had to do was claim him as a son and challenge for custody of him.

“I don’t want to see you go to jail,” Luke insisted. “Not if there is something I can do to help.”

“I won’t go to jail,” Daniel assured, thinking of the note that had been slipped him the other night. “James is seeing to that. We’ve made our choices, Luke. Let’s stick with them now.”

“Daniel,” Alexis called to him, “it’s time. Come on.”

Luke stepped aside and let the boy pass, sighing sadly. If he worked things so Daniel could stay, there would always be the threat from Cordova’s associates. If he let him go, then Cordova would see to it that he disappeared and Luke would never see him again. Either way, he lost.

Luke turned then, groaning silently at the sight of Laura Spencer moving towards him.

“What are you doing here?” he demanded on a rougher voice than he had intended.

“The same thing you are,” Laura replied. “I want to support Danny. His mother was my friend, you know.”

“I know,” he sighed, the weight of the world settling on his shoulders then. Heaven help him, he knew. “Go home, Laura. There is nothing any of us can do.”

“You don’t know that,” she insisted. “Come on. Let’s get seated.”

Luke grudgingly fell into step behind her. He took his seat in the courtroom just as the judge entered. With a heavy heart, he listened to the legal talk between the lawyers and judge, finally ending in Alexis’ plea for leniency.

“Miss Davis,” Judge Grant sighed, chewing the end of his glasses as he studied Daniel with thinly veiled dislike, “you ask me to see a boy with a troubled past who just made a mistake. I don’t see that. I see a future, hard-core criminal in the making. A sixteen year old who already has ties to a mobster. He worked for a known criminal, for pities sake. He has no regard for the law or authority. If so, he would never have locked Miss Gray of Social Services in his closet for hours so he could run away. I see no call to--”

He broke off as his court services officer suddenly approached him, whispering something in his ear. Visibly distracted, he ordered, “Take a five minute break.”

In confusion, Alexis watched as the judge hastily left the courtroom and disappeared into his chambers.

“What is going on?” Daniel asked her.

“I don’t know,” she admitted, her eyes following the judge. “It must be something big, though.”

“Great,” he sighed. “Maybe they found evidence to link me to the downfall of Adam and Eve. What will I get for that? The electric chair?”

“Be serious,” she scolded.

“I am,” he sighed, glancing around the courtroom. Luke was still there, he realized. But now Laura was here, as well. Roy DiLucca and Melissa Bedford sat in the back row, both offering him sympathetic smiles.

Stefan Cassadine wasn’t here, anymore, he belatedly realized. So much for the man’s promises. Not that he had believed them anyway. He had been made a lot of promises in his life, and most of them had been lies. So why should Cassadine be any different?

***************

Chapter 29

***************

Judge Grant raced into his chambers, looking around frantically. The chair behind his desk slowly turned and he gawked in disbelief at the man sitting there.

“Who the hell are you?!” he demanded. “I was told there was a family emergency!”

“There isn’t right now. But there will be,” the man threatened, tossing an envelope towards him. “Tell me, what would your wife think if she saw those?”

Grant reached for the envelope, opening it and pulling out several photos. He mentally groaned at the pictures of him and his mistress. There would be no denying to anyone that this was him. The photographer had gotten too many clear shots of his face. And that of the other woman.

“I think your wife would probably leave you,” the man continued. “You would lose all creditability amongst your peers. You might even lose your job. Could you possibly be disbarred for this?”

“What do you want?” Grant sighed.

A cold smile touched the lips of Stefan Cassadine as he decreed, “I want you to do exactly what I tell you to. . .”

***************

Chapter 30

***************

Luke Spencer moved towards the front of the courtroom, taking a seat behind Alexis and Daniel and inquiring, “What is going on?”

“I don’t know,” Alexis answered again. “It could be something that has no barring on this case.”

“Uh, Alexis,” Luke began, “you mentioned something once about how a family member could stop this whole process by petitioning for legal custody of Daniel.”

Jackson turned then, his blues eyes shooting a clear warning to Spencer to keep his mouth shut.

“Do you just happen to have one of his family members in your pocket?” she inquired.

“No, he doesn’t,” Daniel readily assured. “He’s just talking to hear his teeth rattle, aren’t you, Luke?”

“You need to learn respect,” Spencer scolded.

“I will be sure to tell James to teach me that when I blow this country real soon,” he countered.

“Watch what you say,” Alexis barked, glancing around the courtroom. “For starters, *I* don’t need to hear that. And someone else might be listening.”

The bailiff stood then, calling that court was back in session and everyone should take their seats. Luke stood then and moved back towards Laura. He saw the courtroom doors open and stilled in surprise as Stefan Cassadine strolled in.

“Smug as ever,” Spencer drawled to himself, reclaiming his seat.

Judge Grant returned, calling the court to order. He took his seat, fidgeted nervously for a moment, but then began, “Mr. Jackson, I believe I owe you an apology. During our short recess, I took a moment to look over your file again. I see that you have never been in any serious trouble before this little incident with your social worker. It was also brought to my attention that you have a serious medical condition that could cause your health to be placed in jeopardy if you were incarcerated.”

Daniel shook his head in disbelief, trading a confused glance with his lawyer. He had just gone from the next Al Capone to an innocent teen that had a “little incident” with his social worker?! Something was definitely in the air and she was as confused about it as he was.

“Up until recently, the major problem I had was that you had no one to speak for you. A guardian, shall we say. Now that has changed. It was just brought to my attention that a highly respected member of our Port Charles community has filed for guardianship of you. Of course, you are not completely off the hook here. I am ordering you to do a hundred hours of community service at General Hospital. Your new guardian will oversee your progress--”

“No,” Daniel burst out, turning furious eyes to Spencer.

“Young man,” the judge began in anger, but stopped when Cassadine shot him a warning look.

“No,” Jackson repeated, turning back to face the judge. “I am guilty. I confess! I locked my social worker in a closet and I ran on purpose. I demand to be sent back to Louisiana to stand trial.”

“I have already signed off on this,” the judge insisted. “You will be staying here in Port Charles. Mr. Cassadine, he is all yours.”

A surprised gasp echoed from nearly all the occupants of the courtroom. Stefan stood then, assuring, “Thank you, Your Honor. I will see to it that he stays out of trouble.”

“Good,” the judge nodded. “I hereby grant you--”

“Over my dead body!” Luke Spencer declared, rising from his seat so fast he knocked the chair over.

“Mr. Spencer!” Judge Grant exclaimed. “This is my courtroom and you will sit down and--”

“There is no way in hell I will let Count Vlad over there get his blood-sucking hooks into that kid! Not while I am alive.”

“You have no say-so in this matter,” the judge decreed.

“But I do,” Luke insisted. He took a deep breath, glancing back and forth between Laura and Daniel then. Laura looked shocked and confused. And Daniel. . .well, the boy’s eyes literally begged him not to do this. But he had come too far to stop now. “Your honor, Daniel came to Port Charles looking for me. I am his father.”

“Luke,” Laura breathed in stunned disbelief.

Cassadine turned to him as well, looked as equally blown away by the news. “Your honor,” his voice was laced with an underlying warning. “This man and I have been enemies for a long time. He is doing this just to spite me. I insist that you give his words no credit.”

“It is true,” Spencer insisted. “Ask Daniel if you don’t believe me. I-I am petitioning the court for custody of my son.”

Grant hesitated visibly, glancing towards Cassadine.

“What are you looking at him for?!” Luke demanded. “I am the one talking to you!”

“Your honor,” Alexis spoke up. “Need I remind you how this must be handled legally? You should appoint a temporary guardian for Daniel until Mr. Spencer’s claims can be investigated.”

Grant glanced briefly at Cassadine again, who gave him a small nod to do just that.

The judge nodded then, stammering, “The court will appoint Mr. Jackson a temporary guardian while the claims from Mr. Spencer are being investigated. Until then, I have no choice but to return Daniel to his cell--”

“Your Honor,” Melissa Bedford spoke up then. “Forgive me for interrupting, Sir, but Daniel does have a serious medical condition and I am a registered nurse. . .Would it be permissible by the courts to name me his temporary guardian?”

Grant dared a glance at Cassadine again, upon received another slight nod, he stated, “In that case, I hereby name Ms. Bedford your temporary guardian, Daniel. This matter will come before my court again in two weeks. At that time, Mr. Spencer will present the court with proof of his claim. Or my original ruling will stand. Court is adjourned.”

“Luke,” Laura urgently whispered as people began filing out. “I understand that Melanie was a friend to both of us, but you can’t claim her child as your own! You heard the judge. He expects proof in two weeks.”

Spencer looked down into her beautiful eyes, his gut twisting with the pain he was about to cause her. He didn’t want to hurt her. He had never wanted to, but he couldn’t go back on this now.

“Laura,” he groaned, “please understand, honey. I couldn’t let Cassadine get his claws into Daniel--”

“Yes, I know that you hate Stefan. But he would never hurt an innocent boy. He was just trying to stop him from being sent to jail! Luke, you have made this worse with your ridiculous claims. When you can’t provide proof that he is your son--because he is not--then--”

“I can get proof,” he forced himself to admit to her. “He is my son, Laura. He really is.”

“But that would mean. . .” her voice trailed off as realization slowly dawned on her. “Oh my God. You and Melanie. . .Oh, I don’t believe this . . .”

Luke reached for her, but she jerked away from his touch. The hurt he saw in her eyes nearly ripping his heart out. He watched her turn and walk away from him then, and he forced himself to let her go. Turning his eyes to the front of the courtroom, he met the furious glare of Daniel Jackson.

Belatedly, he wondered if he was doing the right thing or not.

***************

Chapter 31

***************

“Felicia, you don’t know how much I appreciate this,” Luke Spencer spoke into the receiver of the phone. “I will be looking forward to you getting back to me. Thank you, again.”

Roy watched him hang the phone up, asking, “Any news?”

“Felicia says she has a lead,” Spencer smiled in relief. “By the end of the day, she could have rock solid proof that Daniel is my son. And get him as far away from Cassadine as possible.”

“I can’t believe Felicia flew all the way to New Orleans just to check this out for you,” he hedged.

“Mac has the kids for this week. And she is a private investigator and I did hire her--”

“And she is in love with you,” Roy provided. “She has her own agenda for proving Daniel’s paternity. If he really is yours, then Laura will never forgive you.”

“You don’t know that,” Spencer disagreed.

“It has been nearly a week since the judge’s ruling,” Roy reminded. “Has she agreed to see you, yet? Has she returned a single one of your phone calls?”

“I will make her hear me at some point,” he insisted.

“Then how about this one: What if he isn’t yours?” Roy challenged. “What if Daniel does not belong to you? Then what? If you can’t prove your claim, then the judge has already said his previous ruling will stand. Daniel will go to live with Stefan Cassadine. Will you let that happen?”

“I’d like to hear the answer to that one, myself,” Lucky Spencer announced, walking into the bar and eying his father with visible anger.

“I will leave the two of you alone,” Roy offered.

“If you have come here to read me the riot act--”

“I haven’t,” Lucky interrupted. “I just came here for a few answers. Like why you are willing to break Mom’s heart over some stray that wanders in? Is this sorely about keeping your little friend away from Cassadine or is there a chance he really is yours?”

“There’s a chance,” Luke admitted. “A very good one.”

“I got part of the story out of Mom,” he admitted. “You got drunk one night and slept with her friend and never bothered to mention it.”

“It wasn’t like that,” Luke snapped. “I don’t remember anything that happened that night. The next morning, Daniel’s mother swore to me that nothing had happened between us and I believed her. But she left town, and exactly nine months later, Danny was born in New Orleans. And I never knew until he showed up here.”

Lucky shook his head in disbelief, admitting, “You know, I have started to lose track of all the lies between you and Mom. But the one thing I always thought was real, the one thing I never thought was a lie, was Texas. I honestly thought that was real. I thought we were a real family then.”

“We were,” he insisted.

“No. It was just another lie. And now you have a bastard son to prove it.”

Anger sparked in Spencer’s eyes and he decreed, “You are angry at me, and that is fine. I deserve it. Be angry, but be mad at *me*! Do not take it out on Daniel. Like it or not, he could be your brother.”

Lucky mumbled something under his breath then, standing and walking from the establishment. Luke leaned back in his chair with a groan, running a hand through his hair. Roy approached him then, setting a shot of whiskey in front of him.

“What if you have put yourself on the line for nothing?” Roy forced himself to ask the question that was on both of their minds. “What if Daniel really isn’t yours, after all? What if you lose Laura, alienated Lucky, and Cassadine still gets custody of Danny anyway?”

“Let’s just wait and see what Felicia finds out. It’s in her hands now.”

***************

Chapter 32

***************

“Felicia!” Chloe Morgan squealed when the front door to her friend’s home swung open.

Felicia Jones hugged her tightly before insisting, “Come in.”

“I was so surprised when you called,” Chloe admitted, stepping across the threshold and into the house. “You must have just gotten back.”

“My plane landed and I rushed home,” she admitted. “I haven’t even called Mac or the girls yet. Or Luke, for that matter.”

Chloe sensed the trouble in her friend. Taking a seat on the couch, she indicated for the other woman to do the same. “How was your trip?”

“I was away longer than I intended,” Felicia began. “Who would have known it would take so long to track down a few birth records, huh?”

“Felicia,” she pressed. “What is wrong?”

“I need you to help me make a decisions, Chloe,” she sighed. “I have done something. . .or I am about to do something. . .”

“What?”

“I love Luke,” she admitted. “And you were the one who told me recently to do whatever I could to hold onto that love. It was for him that I went to New Orleans to help him out with Daniel. I was starting to think I would never get answers for him. It wasn’t hard getting a copy of Danny’s birth certificate, but it didn’t tell me anything. Just name, weight, birthday, mother’s name. You know, the usual.”

“His father wasn’t listed?”

“He was listed as ‘Unknown’. Then I tried to get some background on Melanie Jackson, and that is when I hit a wall. She changed her name after she left Texas. She started using her middle name and her stepfather’s last name. It took me quite awhile to realize that I should be investigating Ann Norris, not Melanie Jackson. She used that name for several months while she lived and worked in New Orleans. Then she changed back to Melanie Jackson just before Daniel was born.”

“That is odd,” Chloe commented.

“Yes, it is. But something about Daniel’s birth certificate was starting to bother me. His weight was extremely low. You see, Chloe, he was born exactly nine months after Melanie left Texas. . .But he was born two months premature.”

Chloe gasped at the revelation, stating, “Then that means. . .”

“It means that Melanie did not get pregnant until *after* she left Texas. She had been living in New Orleans for two months before Daniel was conceived. There is no way Luke is his father.”

“But. . .but she sent him here. She gave him the locket. . .”

“She was dying and she knew it,” Felicia tried to rationalize. “Maybe she hoped Luke would look after him.”

“Or maybe his real father is in Port Charles, after all,” Chloe pointed out. “Melanie never told him his father’s name, just that he lived here. Daniel just assumed it was Luke because of the locket and the picture he found. His biological father could be anyone.”

Felicia refused to meet her eyes then, shrugging, “What are the chances of that? I mean, both Melanie’s old friend and her ex-lover landing in the same town all these years later? Besides, according to Luke, she told him that the key to finding his father was inside the locket.”

“But the inscription is on the outside,” Chloe reminded. “He assumed it was Luke because of the inscription and the initials. I wonder what is on the inside?”

“Luke says nothing but an old picture of Melanie and one of Daniel as a baby. Besides, like I have already said, Melanie was dying. She was probably talking out of her head at the time. Now she has put poor Luke and Daniel in this situation. This will devastate Luke.”

“But it also changes things for you, doesn’t it?” Chloe hedged. “This proves that Luke never betrayed Laura. This could give them all the push they need to get back together.”

“And this could stop them,” Felicia revealed, tugging a document from her purse and handing it to her friend.

“What is this?”

“It is a new and revised version of Daniel’s birth certificate. It lists Luke Spencer as his father.”

“You forged an official document?” Chloe stated in disbelief.

“I not only forged it, but I also replaced the original with this one. As far as the world is now concerned, Luke Spencer is officially Daniel’s real father.”

“You can’t do this,” she insisted. “This is wrong. Daniel and Luke both have the right to know.”

“Luke wants to claim this boy. And Daniels wants to be Luke’s son, as well,” Felicia argued.

“And Laura and Luke might reunite,” the other woman pressed.

“If she loved him half as much as I do, she would forgive him for anything. Even Daniel. Besides, you seem to be forgetting one other fact. If Luke is not named Danny’s legal guardian, then Stefan Cassadine will be. Do you really want to see a monster like that get his hands on an innocent boy?”

“Of course not,” Chloe shuttered. “He is the last thing Daniel needs.”

“This is a tender lie, Chloe. I am doing this for Daniel and Luke. And myself. I admit that. Put yourself in my place for a minute. . .If you had a chance to go back in time and stop Jax from leaving you, would you?”

“Yes,” she admitted. “If I could, I would probably play every dirty trick in the book to make him stay.”

“Then you understand,” Felicia stated. “I am going to call Luke.”

She stood then and moved towards the phone. She had not told Chloe the entire truth. She would never tell *anyone* the rest of what she discovered in New Orleans.

Felicia tried to convince herself that she was doing the right thing, even as her own conscience mocked her. If she told the identity of Daniel’s real father, it would destroy everything. Luke would get back with Laura. She would be left alone. And Daniel. . .well, he would be in for one eye-opening experience.

No, she silently vowed, no one would ever find out the secret she alone held.

***************

Chapter 33

***************

“Congratulations, Luke,” the mocking words of Laura Spencer carried across the hall of the courthouse. “I hear it is a boy.”

Luke turned then, warily eying his ex-wife. The judge had ruled only moments ago, giving him full custody of Daniel Jackson. Now all that waited was for Alexis to have a few official documents signed, and he could take his kid home. His kid. . .He had known it was a possibility, but to actually have the proof that Felicia had delivered to him had still been something of a surprise.

“Where is the little bundle of joy, by the way?” she mocked.

“He is saying good-bye to Melissa Bedford. He became quite fond of her these last two weeks when he was staying at her place. Laura, please, listen to me. I know you are angry at me and you have every right to be. But be mad at me, okay, darlin’? Don’t take this out on Danny.”

“Oh, you mean like you *never* took out your anger on Nikolas?” she snapped. “Tell me, Luke, what would you say if I asked you to make a choice now? Me and our children. . .Or Daniel.”

“That is not fair,” he snapped.

“Exactly. Now maybe you understand how I felt when you did the same to Nikolas. I guess we are finally seeing how the other one felt, huh?”

“Fine! You want me to apologize. You want me to say I was wrong about Nikolas--Well, okay then. I was *wrong* Laura,” he insisted. “I was wrong to ask you to choose between me and the kids or Nikolas. And I am sorry.”

Laura blinked back tears, forcing herself to admit, “Too little, too late.”

***************

Chapter 34

***************

Daniel eyed Luke and Laura from across the courthouse hall. He was too far away to hear what they were saying, but he could tell it was definitely an argument. This was the last thing he had wanted. He had not come here to make Luke’s life worse, which was all he seemed to be doing anymore.

“All the papers are signed, Danny,” Alexis popped up at his side, smiling broadly. “You can go with Luke now.”

“I thought I would give him time to finish talking with Laura,” he offered.

“I believe fighting is the appropriate word,” Stefan Cassadine corrected, joining them. A dark frowned had marred his face since the ruling.

Jackson cleared his throat nervously, finally stating, “Uh, listen, Mr. Cassadine, I wanted to apologize for my attitude towards you these last few weeks. You were trying to help me, and I get that now. I don’t understand it, but I get it.”

“I am just sorry I couldn’t do more--”

“Daniel!” Luke’s shout interrupted Stefan. “Let’s go home, kid.”

Jackson moved away from them then and fell into step beside Luke as they walked from the courthouse. Cassadine watched them leave, a dark anger in his eyes. Alexis eyes him warily, finally asking, “A few weeks ago, you said that Danny ‘could be yours’. What did you mean by that?”

“Not what you are thinking,” he assured. “I only meant that I intended to file for guardianship of him.”

“Yes, but we both know that Luke would rather eat rat poison than see you raise his son,” she suspiciously reminded. “And he and Laura were so close to reuniting. Had you not intervened, Danny’s ‘friends’ back in New Orleans would have him Underground by now. Never to interfere with Luke and Laura’s lives again. Did you do this on purpose, Stefan? Did you file for custody of him knowing that Luke would oppose you and that it would drive Laura away?”

He gave her a startled look, reminding, “How could I have known he was Luke’s child? I am not psychic.”

“No. But you were trapped for a long time with him after that explosion. He thought he was dying. He might have mentioned something. . .”

He ignored her pointed comment, asking instead, “Why wasn’t Judge Grant allowed to make the ruling? It was first brought before him.”

“I would like to know that myself,” Mac Scorpio stated as he and Taggert joined them. “Grant would have demanded a little more proof. Judge Edwards just takes things as they come and rarely questions them.”

“Yes, but Judge Edwards handles custody cases. Judge Grant does not normally do that,” Alexis explained.

“I think it is a shame,” Mac insisted. “Jackson should have his butt in a jail cell right now.”

“You don’t like him because Maxie does,” Taggert stated with an amused smile.

“I don’t like him because he’s a punk,” Scorpio insisted. “And maybe because Maxie had a crush on him.”

“Who would have ever guessed it would end up like this?” Taggert sighed. “I would never have thought that Spencer had a long lost kid living in New Orleans for all this time.”

“I think it surprised Spencer as much as anyone,” Mac laughed. “On the other hand, New Orleans is a beautiful city.”

“When were you there, Commissioner?” Stefan curiously asked.

Mac shrugged, calculating mentally before he replied, “I went there for Mardi Gras about, oh, close to seventeen years ago, I guess.”

“Really?” Cassadine inquired. “I’ve been there myself on business before. Now that you mention it, the first time I was there was around seventeen years ago as well.”

“I guess it really is a small world then,” Mac pointed out.

Stefan sighed, agreeing, “And it just continues to grow smaller and smaller. . .”

***************

Chapter 35

***************

Daniel Jackson had been living under Luke’s roof for nearly two months before it all began to fall apart. Later, Luke would look back and declare this night the start of all his problems. First, he had had a rather uncomfortable encounter with Laura at Kelly’s. Then Daniel had come in from school in a terrible mood. They had argued about his grades again. Then he had to call the cops to arrest two drunks fighting in the parking lot of his bar. And, finally, *he* had walked in at closing time.

Luke knew Danny had a shady past, but even he had not been fully prepared for this. Things had been a little strained between him and his son since the first night he had moved in to Luke’s small apartment above his bar. They had not discussed the past or his relationship with Melanie. Sometimes he thought they should, but he had just never found the right time to bring it up.

They argued constantly over his grades. He was a smart kid, Spencer knew. Well. . .street smart, at least. No one had ever cared enough to teach him the value of a decent education. Luke knew he could do better if he just tried. But who was he to lecture? He himself didn’t understand half of what they were teaching these days. What parent did?

Then there was his rebellious attitude. Daniel had been taking care of himself and his mother for so long that being in charge was the only thing he knew. He didn’t relinquish control without a fight. But neither did Luke. They butted heads on everything from how much “say-so” Luke had in his life to curfew to what flavor of ice cream they should stock. Raising Daniel was like pulling teeth sometimes.

But then there were the good moments. Like when Luke realized the kid was a damn fine poker player. He could out-bluff even Roy! He had good taste in music, too. And then there were the nice talks they had from time to time. Like when the kid couldn’t sleep and would come downstairs to help him clean up after closing time. Or when they would catch a game on TV together. Being a single father had its ups and downs, but over all, he wouldn’t trade it for anything.

He knew he had Felicia to thank for that, mostly. She had been a rock to him through this mess. She had been supportive and understanding. She had listened to his complaints and had given him great advice.

He had started to feel that he and Daniel were finally on the right track. . .And then Danny’s past walked in.

Luke had a bad feeling about the guy from the moment he laid eyes on him. He was pressed and polished until he shown. The suit was expensive, as was the ones worn by his bodyguards. But Spencer knew what the man was even from this distance. He was a thug. Dressed to kill, perhaps, but still a thug.

“Sorry, Partner,” he called. “We’re closing.”

The man gave him an irritated look before glancing around the bar in obvious distaste. “I am not here for you, Mr. Spencer. Just send Danny outside.”

“No,” Luke replied. “The kid’s upstairs. Doing his homework.”

“I don’t think you heard me,” the man stated, his voice taking on a threatening tone. “I said--”

“Hey, Luke! There is a stretch limo parked--” Daniel’s words broke off suddenly as he strolled into the bar, stopping in his tracks. His eyes clung to the other man in disbelief. “James?”

“Danny Boy!” James Cordova exclaimed, walking the short distance and hugging him. “You look good, kid.”

Much to Luke’s chagrin, Daniel returned the hug, laughing as he stated, “I can’t believe this! What are you doing here?”

“I am here for you, Danny Boy,” he proclaimed. “Why else would I come to this dirt town?”

The teen noticed his father’s angry stare then and began, “Uh, Luke, this is my old friend James Cordova. James, this is my father, Luke Spencer.”

Cordova dismissed him with a shrug, throwing an arm around the teen and insisting, “Come with me. We’ve got some catching up to do.”

“Like hell you do!” Luke snapped. “You’re the clown who nearly got him sent to prison.”

“I would have never let that happen,” Cordova spoke the words to Daniel, not Spencer. “Besides, the cops are off my back now. For good this time. So, likewise, they are not paying you no mind these days either. Let’s go.”

“Luke,” Daniel spoke softly as he moved to the bar and confided, “James wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t important. We will just go outside and talk.”

“I don’t like it,” Spencer decreed, seeing the stubborn streak in his son rise up then. It would be a useless argument now, but he still had to try. “He almost got you killed. And, when that didn’t play out, you nearly went to prison for him.”

“I am not going to argue with you,” Jackson hissed. “If it weren’t for James, I would have died on the streets years ago. I would have starved to death. . .or worse. And, believe me, there is worse out there. James took me in and he gave me a job and a place to stay. He was there when *you* weren’t.”

Luke winced at the reminder. With a disgusted sigh, he watched as his son walked away from him and out of the bar. Cordova lingered behind for a moment though, warning, “Don’t ever try to come between me and Danny again.”

“You don’t frighten me,” Spencer assured. “I know a little old lady named Helena who is scarier than you are, pal. Daniel is *my* son. You don’t ever forget that.”

Something flashed in Cordova’s face then. Surprise, perhaps. Disbelief, even. An all too knowing smile spread across his face as he suggested, “Do not push me on that one. You will regret it.”

“It’s a school night,” Luke stated, pointedly ignoring his comments. “He has a curfew. See to it that he makes it.”

***************

Chapter 36

***************

“I told Luke we would talk outside,” Daniel reminded as the stretch limo rolled down the streets of Port Charles. “Let’s go back so he doesn’t worry.”

Cordova ignored his request, pouring himself a glass of brandy and offering, “You want some?”

The question surprised him. James was offering him alcohol to drink? That was unusual.

“No. Luke would kill me if he smelled that on me when I went back. Speaking of which, I should be getting back. Curfew and all,” he mumbled. The truth was, he had been rotten to Luke earlier and was sorry for it now.

“Don’t worry about it. I cleared it with your old man. He says stay out as long as you want. And have some fun,” Cordova insisted, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a rolled cigarette.

In stunned disbelief, Jackson watched him light the marijuana joint and take a deep drag from it. He blew the smoke out slowly.

“That’s a joint,” Daniel stated the obvious.

“I know,” he assured, extending it. “Care for a taste?”

“No,” Daniel stated simply, almost angrily. He had seen drugs destroy his mother. James knew that, so why was be baiting him now?

Cordova laughed then, admitting, “Do you know what I always liked about you, Danny Boy? You weren’t the strongest or the toughest or the best fighter. Hell, you weren’t even the smartest. But you were the survivor. You knew the streets like the back of your hand. You knew how to survive there. Not many people have that ability. The first time I met you, you had this intensity in your eyes. No one messed with you. Nice to see you haven’t lost that edge.”

“Why are you doing this?” Daniel asked in genuine confusion.

“Do you remember George?”

“Of course,” he assured. “He was your right hand.”

“He was a traitor,” Cordova sighed. “After you got arrested, my associates started to get nervous. They were afraid of what you might tell the cops. Some of them stated loyal to me. But others jumped ship. George was one of them. He decided to buy into the Fed’s line of amnesty. He was going to sell me out.”

“What happened?” Daniel asked, even though he really didn’t want to know.

“I took care of it,” Cordova stated simply. “Without him or you, the cops had nothing on me.”

“Get rid of all your liabilities,” Daniel realized. “Are you here to kill me, James?”

“Good God, no! Don’t be foolish, Danny Boy. You aren’t like George. You didn’t turn on me when the chips were down. You proved yourself to me and to my associates. Now that George is gone, I need a new right hand.”

“Me?” he realized in surprise.

“You showed me loyalty. You could have turned on me, but you didn’t. You’re smart to our ways. Resourceful. I could take you to the top. You were wise not to take this from me,” he stated, indicating to the drugs in his hand.

“So that was a test?”

“Yes. But you were smart for another reason. This is junk, kid. Total crap. Someone in South America is shipping me this garbage. Now, I have been so tied up getting the Feds off my back that I have let my operations slip. It is my duty to go back and tighten the screws.”

“But won’t the Feds be all over you again if you go to South American now?”

James shook his dark head, insisting, “After their failures with George and then you, my lawyers started screaming harassment and entrapment. It has backed them off permanently. I am free to over see my South American operations now. I want you to come with me, kid. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. You could learn it all from me on this trip.”

Daniel sighed, running a hand through his blonde hair. He knew he owed this man his life, but he had never agreed with his business. In fact, he had hated it and had been grateful in some ways to be away from it.

“I don’t run a half-ass operation like Corinthos does,” he interrupted Jackson’s thoughts. “Mine is all top-notch. Lots of power, Danny, but no loose ends.”

“Do you consider me a loose end? Is that what this offer is really about?”

Cordova tapped a finger to the side of his head as he grinned in approval, “Always thinking ahead. I like that. Yes and no. I want you back working for me regardless. But some of my associates are still a little leery of you. They were impressed that you didn’t talk to the cops, but they would still feel better if you were back under my employment.”

“Did they give you an ultimatum about bringing me back?”

“They strongly suggested it,” James admitted. “I told them if any one messed with you, I would kill them slowly. They know I mean it. . .but South America is a long way from here. I can’t promise that you will be safe if you stay.”

“It’s a chance I will take,” Daniel decided. “I’m no threat to them. I’m sorry, James, but the answer is no. I’m staying here.”

“Why?” Cordova demanded. “It’s too risky. I am offering you the world here, Danny Boy. All the power and wealth you could dream of.”

“I don’t want it,” he admitted. “What I have got right now is more than enough. I mean, I know Luke is a pain sometimes, but he is my father.”

“Danny. . .” James sighed, his eyes reflecting confusion. “My God, you actually believe that, don’t you?”

“Of course,” Daniel laughed. “Why shouldn’t I? I have seen the proof. Luke is my dad.”

“And what if he wasn’t?” Cordova stated. “Would you stay or go with me if he wasn’t your real father?”

“If I wasn’t his son, I would have no reason to stay,” he admitted. “It would just cause him more problems. But I am, so why are we even talking about this?”

“No reason,” James shrugged, the light of knowledge burning in his eyes. “I’ve got a poker game lined up for the night. You in?”

“I should get back,” Daniel reminded.

“I told you I cleared it with Spencer,” he lied. “You can stay out as long as you like.”

Daniel hesitated then, a half-smile revealing one of his dimples, “I guess one game wouldn’t hurt. . .”

***************

Chapter 37

***************

“One game” had a way of becoming two and then three and then four. . .It was nearly dawn before Daniel Jackson found himself back in front of Luke’s bar with the feeling that he was going to be in hot water. And rightfully so. Luke had given him permission to stay out according to James, but he probably should have called anyhow.

He pushed a hand into his jacket pocket as he entered the building, fingering the three grand he had won the night before. He stopped at door when he heard angry voices.

“You are not helping me right now, Roy!” Luke shouted.

“Me?! I am not the one who let him leave here with a mobster!” DiLucca shouted back. “Don’t blame me if he is lying in an alley right now with a knife in his back. Or a bullet through the head. I mean, what where you thinking, Luke!”

“Daniel!” Felicia exclaimed when she saw him.

“What’s up?” Jackson asked as he walked into the room.

Luke reached him first, hugging him briefly before exclaiming, “I don’t know whether I should kiss you or beat the living--”

“I hit back,” Daniel interrupted, something dark flashing in his eyes. “I learned to a long time ago.”

“That’s enough,” Roy broke in, separating them. “Luke didn’t mean he was literally going to hit you, Danny. He was just worried. We both were.”

“Why? He knew where I was and who I was with.”

“Like hell I did!” Spencer shouted. “I knew you were with that mobster, but I didn’t have a clue where you were. And I couldn’t very well call the cops and tell then you were cruising around with the criminal--”

“James is my friend,” Daniel snapped. “For crying out loud, you said for me to stay out last night. And now it is suddenly *my* fault?”

“Are you out of your mind?” Luke argued. None to gently taking his chin in hand, he forced to kid to look him in the eye. “You look wasted and your eyes are blood shot. What have you been doing?”

“Luke,” Felicia began, but was cut off by Roy.

“What is that smell?” DiLucca accused, sniffing his jacket. “That’s marijuana.”

“Are you on drugs! Did he give you something?!”

Daniel groaned inwardly. No, he was neither high nor hung over. He was just tired from staying up all night. James had had the pot, but he hadn’t smoked any of it. Not that they would believe him, though.

“Answer me,” Spencer demanded.

“Why? So you can call me a liar? No, I am not using anything. Not that you would believe me. You know what, Luke? South America looks pretty good right now,” he decreed, turning his back and walking from the establishment.

“Hey!” Spencer shouted. “Don’t walk away from me when I am yelling at you!”

“Luke, that is enough,” Felicia stated. “You’re just going to push him away if you keep making accusations.”

“Then what else am I suppose to do?” he sighed in defeat. “Tell me what the hell I do with that kid now! Damn. . .sometimes I wish. . .sometimes I wish he wasn’t my--”

“You’re angry,” Roy butted in. “Don’t say something you will regret.”

“Right now, I don’t regret it,” Luke hissed in anger.

Felicia flinched at his words. Maybe, just maybe, she had made the wrong decision in lying about Daniel’s paternity.

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