The dock by the launch on Spoon Island. Luke is spying on the house when someone hits him with a gun on the back of his head. He falls to the ground.

{Next Scene}

Luke: Owww.

Alexis smiles.

Luke: (slowly getting up into a sitting position) Was that you, counselor? Didn't anybody teach you in all your education that it's rude to come up behind people and club them on the back of the head with metal objects?

Alexis: (smiling) You should be grateful I didn't shoot you. (she pulls the gun on him) You're trespassing.

Luke looks shocked. He slowly stands up, still holding his head.

Luke: So when did Steffen start using attorneys as security guards?

Alexis: Cuts down on foot traffic.

Luke: Couldn't you at least have fired a warning shot?

Alexis: (taunting) I didn't want to scare you.

Luke: (laughing) Thanks. That was...sweet.

Alexis: You have a very serious history of violence towards Cassadines.

Luke: So I killed a few family members -- cut a guy some slack.

Alexis: What are you really doing here, Mr. Spencer?

Luke: I'm bird watching. What's your excuse?

Alexis: I don't need one. I'm one of those (crinkles her nose) pesky family members. (Luke is shocked, Alexis is amused) You didn't know? We're everywhere. Now why don't you tell me the real reason that you're here?

Luke: Searching for Helena?

Alexis: Oh my! You are several thousand miles off course. She's in a sick bed in Greece.

Luke: No. I don't think so. My sources tell me she's disappeared. So I figure she's either visiting Steffen or maybe she croaked.

Alexis: You've gotta be human to die.

Luke: So she's inside?

Alexis: Helena's whereabouts are none of your business.

Luke: Well, as long as I'm here I think I'm gonna pop in and say hi to Steffen.

Luke turns to leave and Alexis puts her gun to his back.

Alexis: He's not available. (the launch is audible in the background) That sound you hear? That'll be your escort taking you back to the mainland.

{Next Scene}

Alexis: Who said I hate her?

Luke: You have to be human to die?

Alexis: That was just a quip.... (pause) ...Mr. Spencer.

Luke: Oh. It's a good one. (pause) Born of painful experience, I think. (he tries to read her)

Alexis: You think you know everything, don't you?

Luke: I think I know what I know.

Alexis: I think you can't even imagine. (long pause) Or can you? Okay. All right. Try this on for size. Take everything you think you know about the Cassadines and then imagine being born female into that family. Following me? (Luke nods) Good. Now try to wrap your mind around the idea of being raised to believe that because you're a girl that the only power you'll ever have in this world is what some man chooses to give you -- sorry -- allows you to have. Now, Helena, she did, she had power. She made sure of it. Mikkos' body was barely cold before she was wearing it like her favorite suit. And once she got a taste of it, she was more possessive of it than any male Cassadine ever was. And she made damn sure that no other female ever had that same opportunity.

Luke: You seem to have done all right.

Alexis: (softening) Because of Stefan. He cared about me. He saw my passion and my talent and he opened up the doors and he set me free. He made it possible for me to be independent and a Cassadine woman with a mind of her own.... (starts to laugh sardonically) Well the very thought of that is just plain sacrilegious. So if you wanna know why I'm here -- I owe him. (suddenly blustering) On the other hand, I don't owe you a thing, including this very tedious, rambling account of "Alexis: The Early Years."

Luke: (seemingly softening to her) No.

Alexis: Forgive me.

Luke: No no no. Alexis, it was fascinating.

Alexis: (business-like again) You're learning.

Guards approach with the justice of the peace for Stefan and Bobbie's wedding.

Alexis: Judge Rhodes. So good to see you. Welcome to Wyndemere.

Judge: Thank you, Alexis.

Luke: Well, Judge Rhodes, it must be important to bring you out on a foggy night like this.

Judge: Mr. Cassadine and I have important matters to discuss.

Luke: Gonna fix his parking tickets?

Alexis motions for the guards to take Luke away. The guards grab his arms.

Alexis: Mr. Spencer, it was so nice chatting with you. Next time you get the urge to visit, do call first.

Luke: And what? Miss the opportunity of being slapped around by a beautiful woman? (Alexis actually smiles) Nah. (to guards) Come on boys. Take me home.

They haul Luke off as Alexis watches after them, her curiosity piqued.

```````````````````````````

12/--/96

PCPD. Lucy is bailing Luke out after he's been arrested for Katherine's shooting. Alexis stumbles across them.

Alexis: Luke Spencer.

Luke: The Cassadine mouthpiece. I'd love to hang out and catch up on all your family business, but my friend and I were just leaving.

Alexis: Clearly, I've missed the punchline.

Lucy: The punchline is: Luke did not shoot Katherine and I would be happy to back that....

Luke: (interrupting) Okay. Sweetheart, save your breath right now. (he kisses Lucy's head) We have places to go.

Luke and Lucy leave, and Alexis can't call Stefan fast enough.

``````````````````````

2/--/97

General Hospital.

Luke: Can I get you a cup of coffee?

Alexis: If you must.

Luke: Did your cousin tell you how he got the family nest egg back?

Alexis: He mentioned it had been returned.

Luke: It wasn't returned. He lied to you like he lies to everybody else.

Alexis checks her watch.

Luke: Or does he just tell you what he wants you to hear?

Alexis: (looking up) Oh, I'm sorry. I wasn't listening.

Luke: You're too wise and too smart not to know what's going on. Everybody else does. Even little Nikki and devoted Barbara Jean. Now you don't strike me as much dimmer than those two.

Alexis: That I don't strike you period is simply a matter of manners.

Luke: Your manners ain't that good. You whacked me over the head. Don't you remember? Of course, that was before you liked me.

Alexis: So is this.

Luke: Okay this priest, this rabbi and this Russian sword swallower walk into a bar.....

Alexis: Heard it.

She leaves briskly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

2/##/97

Alexis walks into Luke's Club.

Luke: Ahh, good evening, Counselor. May I suggest a table right near the speakers of the jukebox?

Alexis: I know what you are doing, Luke, and it has to stop.

Luke: You're going to have to back up because you lost me right after I said 'good evening counselor'.

Alexis: Your son brought Nikolas a letter from Lesley Webber. I would like to know why.

Luke: Because Lesley is the kid's grandmother, and my son was doing him a favor.

Alexis: And that's a crock.

Luke: Well, you could ask Lucky yourself, but he just left. He'll be back soon.

Alexis: Lucky isn't going to do any favors for Nikolas, or anyone else named Cassadine. You've made sure of that.

Luke: The only thing that I have made sure of is that my son makes his own decisions and lives his life the way he sees fit.

Alexis: I need you to stay away from Nikolas. I don't want you or Lucky contacting him for any reason.

Luke: You and Stefan have made it very clear that that kid is a precious, delicate flower, and if a big, bad Spencer comes within a five-block radius his petals will wilt. What the hell are you afraid of?

Alexis: For heavens sake, Luke -- will you just do what I asked you to do?

Luke: You know, Alexis, I'll give you a secret here. This is not the way to get what you want from me.

Alexis: Forgive me, Sahib. Why don't you tell me what I should do.

Luke: Well drop the poor, pathetic little Nicki stuff and tell me what this is about.

Alexis: Nikolas may like you to think that he is invulnerable, but in fact, he is a very sensitive young man who has been through a lot in the past few months. I have lost track of the amount of times his mother has abandoned him and you and Lucky throwing that in his face will continue to torment him. I'd like to spare him that. Any questions?

Luke: One thing doesn't fit here.

Alexis: What? That I care about my cousin? Do you find that strange?

Luke: No. Defending/protecting Nikolas has always been Stefan's job. So what's up? Are you seizing the Cassadine reigns?

{Next Scene}

Luke escorts Alexis to a table and holds out her chair.

Luke: Please.

Alexis sits down reluctantly, her coat still on.

Alexis: Am I wearing black?

Luke: No

Alexis: Do I have a goatee?

Luke: (looks closely) No

Alexis: Have you ever heard me use the words "heretofore", "consequently", and "notwithstanding"?

Luke: I don't think so.

Alexis: Well, then, what would possibly induce you to think that I would be Stefan's stand-in for anything?

Luke: "Induce" -- that's a Stefan word. And here you are flaring your nostrils. See that's his job -- to flare his nostrils at anyone who looks sideways at the dubious progeny, but here you are... flaring away.

Alexis: Like most families, there is no heirarchy when it comes to protecting each other. See, I just don't want Nikolas being led around by the nose -- or the heart strings. That's all.

Luke: Where is "nonwithstanding" hanging out these days?

Alexis: And if I were going to be anyone's stand-in, I would be your sister's. She is the real head of the household now and tough as nails when it comes to defending... let's just call him her stepson. For lack of a better word.

Luke: Touchy, aren't we? What's the matter? Afraid I might tell Stefan that you're out about town in his big, black-jack boots. I mean, because, you're everywhere these days and he's nowhere, especially since Bobbie has been off on her little business trip. You seem to be taking over the really important jobs, like being in my face about "buster brown." I wonder what it could be keeping Bobbie's benefactor from being around here. Maybe he has found another hospital to ruin and rescue?

Alexis: No there are still a few GH nurse's that we haven't turned into Satan worshippers yet.

Luke: Well don't fret. You can always kidnap one and pump her full of brain pickling drugs.

Alexis: No. We'll have to wait for Lucky to attract a bride and hope that she doesn't come from a test tube.

Luke: Or maybe you could find another hoodwinked woman to pounce on -- one that can't run away.

Alexis: Poor baby. You're just starved for attention aren't you?

Luke: I seemed to have gotten yours.

Alexis: But it's Stefan's you want. I bet you pictured Laura's time away as one big showdown -- bull mooses lock horns, one doomed to limp away in defeat, the other left to run the herd and nip at the females' hindquarters.

Luke: Turn around. I'll nip at your hindquarters.

Alexis: But Stefan isn't cooperating, is he? So you reach into your vast treasure-trove of experience and figure that it can only be because someone prettier has his attention.

Luke: Hey, I never said Katherine Bell was prettier than anything.

Alexis: (feigning ignorance) Who?

Luke: Oh, come on. Come on, who do you think we're talking about here. We both know the Count has a major jones for that partially paralyzed perfume princess.

Alexis: Obviously the Cassadines have a much higher opinion of your sister than you do. She is a very formidable woman and a very wifely-wife, and Stefan is quite content in his marriage.

Luke: Well, of course he is content. That very "wifely-wife" Barbara Jean has put a Spencer down and a Cassadine up on the scorecard. But what is he going to do about the woman he was really made for? Ms. Bell is beautiful, buxom, bright as a box of hair, and she can't run away. I'd say that is the perfect woman for a perverted control freak, wouldn't you?

Alexis: Have you slept at all since Laura left for Switzerland? Or are you usually this overheated? Because you know something? That was a really ugly accusation...even for you.

Luke: It's not ugly. Guys sleep around on their wives all of the time. Unless the wife has ruined them for ordinary sex like mine did. The saving grace of some of those poor duped wives is that they have a friend who whispers something into their ear, at just the right time. You consider yourself Bobbie's friend, don't you?

Alexis: I don't even know how we got on to this ridiculous non-topic!

Luke: You brought it up. Pay attention.

Alexis: No. I brought up Nikolas, and the letter he received from his grandmother. What purpose did that serve, Luke?

Luke: I don't know. I don't read his mail.

Alexis: It keeps Nikolas in a constant state of suspension between our family and yours. Not that I for one minute expect you to give a damn about his feelings.

Luke: That's a relief.

Alexis: But do you really need this last thread to connect the Spencers and the Cassadines? I mean, why drag out this whole tangled mess into another generation? You and I don't have much in the way of common ground, but I would have thought that we would have agreed on at least this one thing -- that your clan and mine are much better off if they have nothing to do with each other.

Luke: Yes, we do agree. As for Lesley and her pen pals go, I have no interst in that, nor control over it. But when it comes to my sister sleeping in the viper's nest, that's another matter, and if you want to put our heads together and come up with a way to solve that, I'm yours.

Alexis: You pride yourself on being offensive, don't you?

Luke: It's a gift. I like to help other people feel superior.

Alexis: All right... good. You know what? I have obviously come at a bad time -- or the wrong lifetime, possibly. I care about Nikolas -- as laughable as that may seem to you. He doesn't deserve your contempt; he didn't ask to be born into this life; he didn't choose to inherit hell. And he is just as much your wife's son as Lucky is -- just as tough on the outside and just as easy to hurt. You probably know what that is like. Maybe the problem is, you still do.

Alexis gets up and leaves, having the last word.

~~~~````````````

2/--/97

Run in at General Hospital by the Nurse's station.

Alexis: Stefan's busy, not lost. But it looks like you may be. I do hope security gave you a once-over with those hand held metal detectors.

Luke: I haven't touched a gun... ooh, since that one I dropped that your cousin picked up and shot Katherine Bell with.

Alexis: But you could still be packing explosives. I imagine you don't leave home without them.

Luke: (holding out his arms) Wanna search me? Come on. You kinda like me.

Alexis: You can turn off the twinkling, Mr. Spencer.

Luke: Oh come on. You know you do.

Alexis: Oh, all right. You got me. I guess amoral, manic-obsessives amuse me.

Luke: Oh, now you're talking sweet to me, Baby. See you're crazy about me.

She shakes her head and leaves.

{Next Scene}

Later, they run in to each other again at the elevators.

Alexis: As delightful as chatting with the enemy may be, is there a point to your being here?

Luke: Your animal magnetism.

Alexis: Besides that.

Luke: Promise not to tell Stefan?

Alexis: (patronizing) Word of honor.

Luke: I got this fleet of hauling barges with big hooks in Spoon Island and by dawn they'll have dragged it all the way up to the Canadian border.

Alexis: Well, what if Canada doesn't want Cassadines? (pause, conspriatorilly) We'll be boat people.

Luke: Not you cuz you'll be here with me. I need you. You're the warm, fuzzy Cassadine, the one I can tolerate. I knew that the first minute you cold-cocked me.

Alexis: I'm sure you can find dozens of volunteers to knock you unconscious on a regular basis. Unless there's something else you needed me for.

Luke: (contemplating) My wife's outta town.

Alexis: I don't do laundry. But I understand your sister... it's just a habit she refuses to be broken of. Is all this joviality a way to find a new link to Bobbie?

Luke: A link? I'm her brother. That's a link. I don't need third parties.

Alexis: It's my understanding that you're barely on speaking terms.

Luke: Oh. No. We don't SPEAK to each other, but the rest of it's there.

~~~~~~~~~~

7/12/97

Bannisters Wharf near the launch to Spoon Island. Luke is watching Wyndemere through binoculars -- Bobbie is drugging Stefan to try to get his medallion while he "sleeps" -- when Alexis comes upon him.

Alexis: What deep, dark, Cassadine secret are you on the trail of tonight?

Luke: Well actually I'm a devoted bird watcher. Hasn't anybody told you that? And currently Spoon Island is the nesting spot of the rare, but deadly yellow-bellied bloodsucker.

Alexis:"Keep watching the third floor windows. You may get to see Mrs. Lansbury take out her teeth. She thinks no one knows.

Luke: Well, actually, I can't see the House of Usher very well from here, but I can smell the rot and mildew. I imagine that's why they can't sell those pricey condos. Who wants to live downwind of Wyndemere?

Alexis: Well, keep fiddling with the focus. I'll wave to you from the front stoop. How's that?

Luke: That'd be great. A hand is kind of a small target though. Could you moon me?

Alexis: Good night, Luke.

Luke: (trying to stall her) What's your rush, Alexis?

Alexis: I'm tried, the launch is waiting, and as fascinating as you are, I'd rather be unconscious.

Luke: Even if I had a scintillating proposal that would be to our mutual benefit?

Alexis: I know I'm going to regret this, but what the hell -- what's the proposal?

{Next Scene}

Alexis: Not to rush you, but I would like to get home to bed sometime before daybreak.

Luke: Did you see that movie "Bride of Frankenstein"?

Alexis: (patronizing him) Mm-hmm.

Luke: Mm-hmm. You did? You know it was Elsa Lanchester who played the bride of the monster with that thing on her head -- that beehive from hell. Every time the monster went to touch her she would go (he makes a screeching/hissing noise). She would have run from him except she had on those big shoes and her joints were stiff from regeneration. Now my question to you is how do we get Bobbie to want to run from the monster?

Alexis: Excuse me?

Luke: Now don't rev up your indignation engines, Miz Davis. Now come on now. Hear me out. Bobbie in the Master's master bedroom is no good to you and it's no good to me and they say two heads are better than one. Unless yours is only good for tossing your hair.

Alexis: So you're inviting me to what? Plot the breakup of my cousin's marriage?

Luke: I wouldn't call it a marriage. It's a variation on all those years that my mother-in-law spent. You know when Steffen drugged her? She literally drooled into a dribbling glass. You see that's the prototype for all his relationships with women. See right now the drug he's pumping into Bobbie is green and it's got portraits of dead presidents.

Alexis: Speaking of drugged, you might want to have that cigar checked at a reputable lab. You don't know the first thing about your sister's feelings, for Stefan, her happiness or lack thereof, and how could you? You washed your hands of her, didn't you? You barely speak.

Luke: I may have...uh...given up that battle just a little early.

Alexis: Listen. If you're lonely with your wife away, you should try talk radio. Your opinions will be very important to them.

Luke: Aren't you supposed to be the Mistress of the Manor? Isn't that what you were groomed for? It's gotta be hard on you. Everytime Bobbie puts bean salad and tuna surprise on the menu. Every time she wonders if the Elvis on black velvet looks better at the top of the stairs or over the fireplace. Why do you play second banana to such a low rent peasant?

Alexis: I don't think of myself as a number. Or a tropical fruit. And you don't think of your sister as a dimwitted bimbo with bad taste.

Luke: No, but I know how you people look at her. Because you prefer your intimates like your Faberge Eggs -- ornate on the outside, inside... no yolk. Bobbie, with her big heart and her guts and her goofy dreams -- it's like she's been abducted by aliens.

Alexis: (her curiosity piqued) You love your sister very much.

Luke: What makes you think you know how I feel?

Alexis: Well there's what I've been told, and then there's what I can see with my own eyes. It's been a hoax all along. This public rejection. "Never darken my door. She's no sister of mine." You two are as close as ever and just as a much a team.

Luke: You don't know Spencers at all if you think my sister or me are forgiving souls.

Alexis: Really? Because that's exactly what she is.

Luke: Well then you haven't crossed her yet.

Alexis: Forgiving, trusting, maybe a little too easily led.

Luke: Well THAT'S true. She did marry Steffen.

Alexis: Or misled.

Luke: God, and they say I'm paranoid. I swear you people.... Sure that there's conspiracy in the air. Go over to Wyndemere and tell Count Vlad. Tell him his wife is a liar, and a cheat, and a whore. We'll see which one of you washes up on shore tomorrow morning.

Alexis: Speaking of things nautical, my ride is waiting. Unless, of course, you have another endless, meandering topic you have an urgent need to pursue.

Luke: Nah. I'll meander you to the boat.

Alexis: I'd rather not wind up on the front page tomorrow. At least not floating face down. ÔNight-night

Luke watches her leave. Then he goes back to his "watch".

Luke: (through binoculars) Oh, Barbara! Where are you?!

~~~~~~~~~~

10/17&20/97

The Outback. Luke had been dining with Katherine and Alexis had been dining with Stefan, but after a "scene," Katherine and Stefan left, separately. Alexis had just left an embarrassing message on Ned's voice mail and was preparing to go when Luke sits down at her table.

Luke: Evenin', Cousin! How's life? Delivering everything your ambitions little heart desires?

Alexis sighs.

{Next Scene}

Luke makes an unintelligible comment. Alexis: Is that what Katherine said?

Luke: What's the matter? Forget your listening devices?

Alexis: I think it's commendable. I do. It shows your good heart that you've taken her under your wing. And she does seem happiest when somebody's feeling sorry for her.

Luke: But I think she had someone shorter and darker in mind. Taste.

Alexis: You can turn her head. (she smiles) Isn't that what that display was all about? I think you should have an affair with her. I think it would do her a world of good. Now Laura may not like it, but if it annoys Stefan than it's all for a good cause, isn't it?

Luke: Mm-hmm. Bu then again if I started sleeping with every woman he short-changed, how busy would I be? And who's at the top of that list?

Alexis: "Was that an invitation?"

Luke: "If only huh. But last time I looked hey. I'm married." Points to his ring. "Very married. And I think I told you once that Laura has ruined me for ordinary women."

Alexis: "What makes you think that I'm an ordinary woman?"

Luke: "Just testing your reflexes. You're a fascinating woman. I'll tell you that. How do you take it? This present situation I mean. Dipwad says jump and you say off which cliff. You're smarter than he is. You're a Cassadine through and through. You're more efficient. It must be really hard. Why are you not the general in this international war effort? Why are you a lowly foot soldier?"

Alexis: "If you want to play games with someone's head, I suggest you stick with the one with more air in it." She looks to the table where he and Katherine were sitting. "But I see Katherine walked out on you."

Luke: "Yes...but it's that whole woman scorned thing. In fact, I would warn my cousin if I were you. That blond bombshell is ticking."

Alexis: "And if she blows up?"

Luke: "This time somebody else might get paralyzed."

Alexis: "And the nature of this threat that you're dangling would be?"

Luke: "Threat? Who said anything about a threat?"

Alexis: "You suggested that you may lob an exploding blond our way."

Luke: "Our way? Now which way would that me, Miz Davis? You ever notice how you can't have a conversation without using the first person plural? Our way. We want. We like. We don't like. Blah blah blah. Why do you go to such an extensive effort to prove that you're a lackey? It isn't true. You're not that united we stand, divided we fall kind of person that your try to make people think you are. Why do you do it?"

Alexis: "I've got a feeling you're going to tell me why."

Luke: "I'll tell you why. Because you're tied to a crumbling ivory tower. And you think your only hope in life is to make nice nice. To make Steffen think that what he wants is what you want, but it ain't true. Take that blonde who just swiveled her way out of here. You can't stand her."

Alexis: "Neither can you. For that matter, neither can Stefan. Aren't we the in crowd?"

Luke: "Yeah. How'd that happen? When I left Port Chuckles earlier this summer, Steffen and Ms. Bell were making some kind of beautiful music together. I expected to come back to having her swept up in some whirlwind wedding like the one that spun my sister's life out of control."

Alexis: "Luke, save your breath. I've been asked these questions by Katherine. I've been accused of various indecencies and if I am guilty of something, I really don't know what to call it. All I know is that I gave away a lot more than I got. Now I realize that you and I aren't playing our usual cat and mouse game right now but I am really very very tired and I don't know what you want. I only know that I don't have it."

Luke: "Your cousin never surprises me, but you do. How do I reconcile that?"

Alexis' phone rings.

Alexis: "Alexis Davis."

Alexis: "He's not home?"

Alexis: "I'm sorry, then I don't know where he is."

Alexis: "I pass by the hospital on my way home. I will come over there and I will sign for him."

Alexis: "Yes, I have power of attorney. I AM his attorney." She slams the phone shut and turns back to Luke, who is gone.

{Next Scene}

Later that night at Bannisters Wharf. Luke is bending down to untie is boat.

Luke: "Lake's calm. 3 minutes out. 3 minutes back."

Alexis: (Approaching from behind him) "Oh dear. Not those binoculars again."

Luke: (Standing) "Don't you have papers to sign?"

Alexis: "I majored in signing. I'm very fast." A pause. "Last time I saw you with those I went home and found that your sister had almost poisoned my cousin. What are you plotting this time?"

{Next Scene}

Alexis: "I'm going to be very disappointed if YOU'RE at a loss for words."

Luke: "The only thing that's going on right now is hurt feelings. How can you think that I'd poison your family? What a waste of toxic substance."

Alexis: "Speaking of wasted efforts, what would you call this last year with you chasing back and forth between here and Switzerland although it really wasn't entirely futile, I'm sure you racked up quite a few frequent flyer miles. But int he end here you are, back on the dock, watching us through a pari of binoculars, which in my definition would be a wasted effort, but you know some people need hobbies."

Luke: "And what's yours? Spit shining Cousin Stiff's penny loafers? And what about all the time you have to be the one scrambling around doing the damage control for whatever world domination plot he's blown this week while he goes of and stalks his favorite dimbulb? That must really get on your nerves. Whatever went south between Blondie and the Count, there were enough cow-eyed, moony looks in the Outback tonight to give me motion-sickness."

Alexis: "Try Dramamine...or hemlock. Whatever you prefer."

Luke: "Poison again, huh? Are we developing a theme? Or are you...uh...floating some ideas on how to get rid of Blondie? I know that you see through those big teary eyes and the quivering lip she always gives whenever the Count flies into the room. You think that she's after his money and you want to get rid of her. Now the question is: What would you DO to get rid of her? Most of your family is willing to kill for what they want, how Ôbout you?"

Alexis: "Congratulations! In a stunning piece of detective work, you've managed to discern that I don't like Katherine Bell. Of course, I think I mentioned that to you just a couple of hours ago at The Outback. I still don't understand why that would come as a surprise to you. From what I can gather, most people don't."

Luke: "Your cousin does."

Alexis: "That's funny. I thought that was all some sort of evil plot to.... I'm not sure. You know the details."

Luke: "Your cousin shot her and framed me and I bet at the time you may even have been bothered by it, but I bet anymore you'd like to shoot her yourself if you could get a Spencer to blame it on."

Alexis: "Are you volunteering?"

{Next Scene}

Alexis: "Don't you have somewhere to go?"

Luke: "What? And risk running into to. Death? No thanks. I'd rather stand here and trade insults with you. Easier on the eyes."

Alexis: "I'm sorry, but if you're not going to take the fall for Katherine's murder, I really have nothing further to discuss."

Luke: "Careful. I could be wearing a wire. I mean if something terrible happened to Blondie. She fell down an elevator shaft or something. I'd have you right where I want you."

Alexis: "IF you were wearing a wire."

Luke: (Raising his arms and leering) "Search me."

Alexis: "I have to go home. But thanks just the same. Listen you're welcome to sit here and visualize if you like. Oh and by the way, if you DO set foot on the island, you'll be shot for trespassing."

Luke: "Yeah, that happens a lot out there doesn't it? Well if I'm wheelchair bound, will you promise to fall in love with me?"

Alexis: "I'd rather be shot myself."

Alexis' phone rings.

Luke: "I'll wait."

Alexis moves to the back of the dock, into the shadows, for privacy. Luke eavesdrops.

Alexis: "Alexis Davis."

Alexis: "When was that?"

Alexis: "How long has he been there?"

Alexis: "Are you sure she's even home?"

Alexis: "Fine. Thank you." She hangs up and returns to the main part of the dock.

Luke: "My my. Talkative wasn't he?"

Alexis: "Nobody asked you to wait. Or listen."

Luke: "I don't mind. I got nothing better to do."

Alexis: "That's obvious." A pause. "It's cold and elliptical conversations, while diverting, never solve much, so I'm going to bed."

Luke: " ÔNight! Thanks for playing."

Alexis: (From the stairs behind him) "It's not a game, Luke. It's an endless, idiotic war of attrition. And since the side with the most resources usually wins, why don't you do yourself, your family, and most of all my cousin, a favor, and go home...to Switzerland." She leaves.

~~~~~~`

10/24&27/97

The Port Charles Grille. Stefan, Alexis and Elliott Butterworth are "celebrating" the fall of ELQ Jakarta. The three toast as Luke walks in with Katherine. Stefan stares. Alexis turns around and attempts to disregard them.

Elliott: You know, last time I was in France I picked up three cases of 1978 Chateau de Min de Francois. Have you heard of it?

Stefan: (to Alexis) We own it, don't we?

Alexis nods. Elliott looks embarrassed. Alexis' cell phone rings.

Alexis: That's me. Excuse me. (she answers the phone) Alexis Davis.

Luke: (from the seat behind her) Luke Spencer. Is this a bad time?

Alexis: How did you get this number?

Luke: Can't tell you that. It's a trade secret.

Alexis: You're probably one of those cellular bandits. What do you want?

Luke: Well, babe, my date deserted me and I'm lonely.

Alexis: As you should be. (she hangs up; to Stefan and Elliott) Sorry.

Stefan: Who was that? Leo?

Alexis: Yes. Nothing that can't wait until morning, which will arrive long before I get my paperwork done, so if you gentlemen will excuse me, I'm going to say good night.

Elliott: I should get going, too. I have an early plane to catch and about 200 e-mails to answer. May I fetch your coat?

Alexis: Thank you. (Elliott leaves)

Stefan: Good man, Elliott. We should think about giving him more responsibility.

Alexis: Why don't we talk about it on the way home?

Stefan: Perhaps in the morning.

Alexis: You're staying?

Stefan: I have a few things on my mind. Perhaps I'll sort them out... here.

Alexis: Business?

Stefan: Several weeks ago we discussed leaving Port Charles and returning to Greece for good. The idea is making more and more sense to me everyday. We have no ties here. (his look and remark are pointed to Alexis regarding Ned)

Alexis: I'll see you in the morning. (she leaves)

~~~~~~~~~~

11/10/97

Outside the Outback. Alexis has just left after having a run-in with Ned (from whom she's currently estranged) and Edward. She's already run into Kat outside and had ...well...a Kat-fight. She's not in a pleasant mood. As she tries to leave again, she runs into Luke.

Luke: (referring to her Katfight) I'm amazed at your self-control.

Alexis: I can understand that. Considering that you have none. (she's exasperated)

Luke: I've been waiting for your phone call.

Alexis: I have absolutely nothing to say to you. (she turns to leave)

Luke: Well, that means you're not interested in these.

Luke waves the papers he uncovered that reveal Alexis was behind the "Kat is Nat" rouse. Alexis stops, turns around, and grabs them.

Luke: Your reflexes are a little slow. Anything look familiar?

Alexis: (trying to play their usual sarcastic game) Numbers? (condescendingly) I recognized them right away. I'm also very good at spotting letters. (gives the pictures back to Luke and turns to leave again)

Luke: Well, maybe your cousin will be more interested in them.

Alexis stops and turns back to him. He now has her attention.

Luke: I thought that might grab ya.

{Next Scene}

Alexis: You are even more ridiculous than I ever imagined. Now, you tell me -- why would Stefan be interested in numbers on a page?

Luke: Oh, come on, Miz. Davis. I heard you were a killer litigator before you became Stefan's factotum. Show a little street smarts here.

Alexis: (leaning in to him, all seriousness) Whatever you think you know, you're wrong.

Luke: Okay. I'll spell it out for you (mocking her) in those big, block letters you're so fond of. These are photographs of some documents that I "acquired" the other night.

Alexis: Well, I1ll take that as an admission of guilt that you broke into Wyndemere. Not that I had any doubt.

Luke: Ummm. I didn't say that.

Alexis: Then what? You were taking a nice little stroll and those papers just leapt into your hands?

Luke: Well, see, (making an obvious game of denial) I'm interested in geology, and I found a rock wall that was very curious in a secret passageway, and there was a crack in it, and in the crack were these documents. So, it appears that somebody attempted to hide them.

Alexis: (cool, but defensive) I could have you brought up on charges for what you've just said.

Luke: Yeah, yeah, but you won't. Because even though I don't know what these numbers mean -- yet -- my theory is they have to do with bank accounts and, uh, financial transactions...

Alexis laughs

Luke: What? WHAT?

Alexis: My goodness, you have a fevered imagination. You really do. (shaking her head almost at disbelief but really just patronizing him) I strongly suggest you take up a nice little hobby.

Luke: (strongly) You're my hobby, Miz. Davis. (Alexis looks annoyed but slightly beaten) Now, who do you think would do such a thing -- hide documents in a crack in the wall? (leaning in as if he's conspiring with her, and not simply goading her) And why would they do it? And do you think if I ask Cousin Stefan, he might have an idea?

Alexis: (trying to recover) This is truly very entertaining. It is. Unfortunately there's just a minor crack in your logic, Mr. Spencer. Do you remember you left those papers scattered all over the place? (strongly back at him) Stefan's already read them.

Luke: Yes, but, ah, he didn't know that they were squirreled away like next winter's nuts. And if I tell him that, he's going to want to take a closer look at them, (feigning an alliance with Stefan) and I always try to give Stefan exactly what he asks for. But don't get me wrong. I'm on your side. I truly am. All the way. I've got this soft spot in my heart from when you clubbed me over the head.

Alexis: (throwing her head back and seeming to ask the gods, but sarcastically) Why on earth didn't I just shoot you when I had the chance?

Luke: Well, sometimes that works. Ask, ah, poor, pathetic Katherine Bell. An innocent trespasser -- Bam -- and she's, ah, six months... Alexis: (totally at her wits end, having lost patience with he and Katerhine both; yelling as she never has before while she flails her arms) WHAT IS YOUR POINT???

Luke: (actually taken aback by her strong reaction) Well, my point is, if you want the keys to Cousin Stiff's wacky kingdom, don't alienate me. I can be a big help to you.

Alexis: (calmer now; just utterly dumbfounded by Luke's suggestion) Do you honestly think that I would betray my own cousin?

Luke: (equally dumbfounded by her question) Why else would we be having this conversation?

~~~~~~~~~

12/3&4/97

Bannisters Wharf. Alexis is staring across the lake at Wyndemere, remembering her recent Banishment some of which show up in flashbacks. She is devastated. Luke comes down the steps behind her.

Luke: If you need a lift to fantasy island, Ms. Davis, I'd be happy to row you over.

Alexis jumps at the sound of his voice. She halfheartedly rolls her eyes and turns to face him. Luke smiles.

{Next Scene}

Alexis: I wouldn't share an ocean liner with you, let alone a rowboat across the lake. (her voice is a forced monotone -- it is obviously still a struggle for her to speak and she looks like she could cry at any moment

Luke: Hm. Don't trust yourself?

Alexis: That's certainly part of it. One on one, no one to stop me. It would be all I could do to keep from beating you with an oar. (she is trying to be witty, to play their game, but she is failing)

Luke laughs.

Luke: Well you always hurt the ones you love.

Alexis: (snapping) If it's all the same to you, I'd appreciate it if we could NOT communicate in song titles this morning.

Luke: Okay, let's talk straight. I hear the House of Cassadine's about to fall, because of self-interest...on ALL sides. I'm here to see what I can do.

Alexis: To hasten the fall?

Luke: No. To help. To help you, Ms. Davis. I'm on your side. You've always been my favorite Cassadine.

Alexis actually smiles, but sardonically.

Alexis: (waving her hand) Aww.... You're ridiculous. (pause) And delusional.

Luke: Really? I'm delusional? Then why is it that YOU'RE standing here staring off at Castle Catacomb like you'll never smell it's dank halls again?

Alexis: I came here to THINK. You should try that sometime.

Luke: My sources tell me that...uh...there's big trouble between you and...the Big Feta. Things have turned sour. What say you?

Alexis: I say you should get new sources.

Luke: The trouble is nobody seems to know what the battle's about.

Alexis: If there WERE a battle between Stefan and me, I can assure you, it would be...PRIVATE.

Luke: Uh-huh. Like his breakup with Blondie? That was a brass band marching right down Main Street.

Alexis: That was different.

Luke: Have you noticed how your cousin has trouble hanging onto female companionship? Bobbie, Blondie... (he clicks them off on his fingers) You, even his own mother, Helena. Eventually, every woman of note, takes a powder on this guy.

Alexis: I'm not companionship to Stefan. I'm family.

Luke: Yeah? Then how come Lord of the Flies is alone on the dung heap and you're ordering room service from Port Charles Hotel?

Alexis: (angry) Are you watching me?

Luke: Like a hawk.

Alexis: (angrier) Why?

Luke: You're my hobby. Some watch birds.....

The conversation is growing more intense.

Alexis: (interrupting, furious) Knock it off or I will get a restraining order!

Luke: I'm worried about you. (his voice is gentle, almost sincere)

Alexis shakes her head and rolls her eyes.

Luke: Little Bird, you're standing alone against two vultures that, of course, assumes that my wife's big mistake IS standing with his uncle.

Alexis: This has nothing to do with Nikolas.

Luke: WHAT has nothing to do with Nikolas? (long pause) Come on. You need a shoulder. I got two.

Alexis: Thanks, but I have all the shoulders I need right now.

Luke: Well, if you're hoping Ned Ashton will ride in and save you at the last moment, take a look at his record. He's not very impressive on that front.

Alexis: I came here for a nice, quiet walk on the waterfront. Now either you move or I will. (she's becoming agitated)

Luke: I'm tossing you a life preserver, Ms. Davis. Grab it.

Alexis: You're deranged. (she walks towards the stairs, leaving)

Luke: Why is it every time it gets interesting between us, you walk off...little sister?

Alexis slowly turns around, terrified.)

{Next Scene}

Alexis: Did you just call me "sister"?

Luke: That was me.

Alexis walks back over to him.

Alexis: Why?

Luke: (nonchalantly) Affection. Brothers, sisters. You know, that whole Family of Man thing.

Alexis: In the future, I would appreciate it if you would address me as Ms. Davis. (she walks towards the stairs again)

Luke: Ms. Davis, if I were a suspicious man, I would suspect you were afraid of me.

Alexis: Well, I would love to stay and disprove that theory, LUKE, but I'm late for the office.

Luke: Well see I don't think so cuz I called Cassadine Industries yesterday to try and find you and they said you were no longer with the firm.

Alexis: (angry) Not that it's any of your DAMN business, but we are restructuring! I have resigned as Stefan's counsel in order to be available to do some other things.

Luke: Like find a new place to live?

Alexis: (indignantly) Like my work at General Hospital.

Luke: Well what happens when Dr. Death decides to restructure that? Where are you gonna go then?

Alexis: (exasperated) I have always maintained my own practice, Luke, and if it's necessary, I will...for God's -- why am I even having this conversation with you?

Luke: Same reason as always. You think you can learn something from me.

Alexis: (seriously) Can I?

Luke: Well I do have some FAMILY news, but I think I'll save that for next time.

Alexis: Your family or mine?

Luke: I never talk about my family with Cassadines -- even the pretty ones.

Alexis: (defeated) All right. What?

Luke: (with great joy) Well for one thing, while you're standing here gazing wistfully off, pining for Cousin Stiff, he's found comfort in the arms of another.

Alexis: (nonchalantly) Really?

Luke: Could care less, huh?

Alexis: Not at all. (a pause) Obviously, Stefan's personal life is of more interest to you than it is to me.

Luke: You think? He's with Katherine Bell. Isn't that interesting to you? I mean he doesn't love HER like a SISTER....

Alexis: (through clinched teeth) If you have something to say to me, for God's sake, Luke, just say it.

{Next Scene}

Luke: Cousin Stefan has disowned you, hasn't he, Ms. Davis?

Alexis: (monotone) That's none of your business.

Luke: You're like a stray puppy with nowhere to snuggle. (pause) Don't cry any more tears.

Alexis: (still monotone) What makes you think I've cried any?

Luke: You haven't? Good.

Alexis: Stefan wasn't merely part of my family. He WAS my family. And I miss him.

Luke: He's bacteria. You can get over him like a bad cold.

Alexis: Right. Like you would get over your family? Stefan and Nikolas are all I've ever known.

Luke: Then get even.

Alexis: (annoyed) YOU are not the player here, Luke. No matter how they treat me, I will ALWAYS remain a Cassadine.

Luke: Well let's stop here for a newsflash, Ms. Davis. YOU are more a Cassadine than anyone knows.

Alexis looks at him, rattled.

{Next Scene}

Luke: See how nicely we get along once we put our petty differences aside? I think maybe we should make this a weekly event. We can meet here on the docks. Discuss the issues of the day. Maybe we get little code rings made up, but first we'll have to have dues. (his voice has a singsong quality to it You'll have to pay your dues.

Alexis sighs in exasperation.

Alexis: You'll have to forgive me if I don't find you half as clever as you seem to find yourself. Actually, half the time, I'm not even listening to you and the other half..... (yelling) I haven't a clue what you're saying!

Luke: (calmly) Uh-huh. Well that's all right. I understand. My mind works very rapidly. Many people have trouble keeping up. Don't feel bad.

Alexis: (yelling) All I wanted was some well-deserved solitude and instead I get your pathetic, transparent attempt to enlist me as your ally, while you make wild assumptions about my family. Now in case I haven't made this perfectly clear, I find your presence here an ENORMOUS imposition!

Luke: It's a public dock, baby.

Alexis: I'm talking about your presence on Earth. (she turns and storms off)

Luke: (his back to her) Nice talking to you... Natasha.

Alexis slowly turns around, terror evident in her eyes.

{Next Scene -- Next Day}

Alexis: (turning back around) What did you call me?

Luke: You heard me.

Alexis: (trying to be nonchalant and failing) Who is Natasha?

Luke: I thought you were flouncing off in a huff?

Alexis: (afraid, closing her eyes) Who is Natasha?

Luke: I didn't know... until just now. (pause) And I don't think you've known very long. Your paper trail is as warm as this morning's road kill.

Alexis: (completely rattled) Who is Natasha?

Luke: (softly) Well, I guess it's sad that I'm the only one left to tell you. I can't give you all the pieces of the puzzle, but I know a few.

Alexis is quietly on the verge of tears. Luke gently lifts Alexis' necklace with the sapphire ring on it up.

Luke: Where did you get this?

Alexis: (shaken) It belonged...they... (pause)... They said it belonged to my mother. (she is trying not to cry and can barely speak)

Luke: Natasha was the daughter of the murdered woman who used to wear this ring.

Luke still holds the ring. Alexis looks up at him with wide, teary eyes.

{Next Scene}

Luke: I've been on this for quite a while. I told you, you were my hobby. This summer, while I was in Switzerland with my wife, some information came to me which caused me to pack Laura and my baby girl up and go for a little vacation up in Stockholm, Sweden. Charming city. The weather was beautiful this summer. We attended the opera. None of it made sense to me until I spoke to a caretaker É a caretaker of your favorite cemetery, upstate. I asked him about Natasha Nillson and why people wanted other people to think that she was dead, if she wasn't, and was she really?

Alexis is trying to remain strong, stoic.

Luke: I have some friends who can find out information. You know, the kind of information that other people can't... find. They've been looking for a long time, and they find nothing about Natasha, the little tyke. But there is a glut of information, or you can actually call it theater lore, about her mother. The beautiful, mysterious and very gifted, celebrated Kristin Bergmann.

Alexis: (her eyes damp) Nillson.

Luke: (sympathetic) Is that as far as you got?

Alexis is on the verge of tears.

{Next Scene}

Alexis sits down on the bench.

Luke: I still don't know when or how Kristin Bergmann met Mikkos Cassadine.

Alexis: She was very young...working as a governess.

Luke: Ah, then he seduced her.

Alexis: He built a villa for her.

Luke: How romantic. No wonder Helena hated her worse than his other mistresses.

Alexis: You said "celebrated." But she was only a governess. (she looks at him, longing for information of her mother)

Luke: Oh no, she was much more than a governess, Alexis. Her career in the public eye lasted only about a decade. And she never achieved the global fame of, say, Maria Callas. But Kristin Bergmann... she was big. In fact, anyone who ever saw her perform never forgot it. (pause) Now, why did she change the name from Nillson, you might ask? Well, one of the reasons could be that there was a famous opera soprano at the time named Beergette Nillson. But I tend to think the real reason is that Mikkos was doing everything he could to try and hide her from Helena. And he was successful for a while. (pause) Now this is the cool part. In the 1950s, in Stockholm, there were these hand, passed out circulars, and also dropped from by-planes there were, all these circulars. And they read something like, "You are cordially invited to a performance of Tosca at the Royal Swedish Opera House. And the dates were September 14th through the 20th. One week only. And the admission was free. (pause) Well, I mean, it was fantastic. The art community of Stockholm and also, you know, most of northern Europe was very suspicious. I mean, apparently, some unknown producer had, in effect, rented the royal opera house for a week, and he was presenting a production that had never been seen before with a lead actress that no one knew. And he wasn't charging anything for it. It was outrageous. It looked like exactly what it was: a very wealthy, excessive, old psycho in love with a beautiful, talented young woman. And he wanted to give her a great stage to sing some great tunes on.

Alexis listens, completely enthralled by the story.

Luke: He may have not even known how talented she was. But the critics did. And the art world stood up and took notice. And in fact, the lore is, they say, that opening night of Tosca, just before the final curtain, when she sings her aria and then throws herself off the parapet, people actually jumped up screaming because they thought she had... she had really killed herself. This is the kind of spell she had woven. And when the curtain came down on the audience, there was... they went nuts. It was like a riot erupted, until the curtain went back up and people saw she was okay. And she took her bow. She was fantastic! And, you know, after that her career soared for about ten years. She was on every major opera stage.

Alexis nods, her face enthralled, sad, and terrified, at the same time.

Luke: I've seen a handful of photographs of her and in every one of them she wears that ring. Now, what happened to her? Well, everybody thought it was that she retired, to have the illegitimate child of her patron.

Alexis is again on the verge of tears, her lip almost quivering.

Luke: In fact, she was murdered. And when she was found with her throat slit....

Alexis shuts her eyes to stop the tears.

Luke: ...and her vocal cords ripped out -- that ring was gone. And so were you.

Alexis opens her eyes and looks at Luke, her face flooded with vulnerablity.

{Next Scene}

Luke: Do you remember your mother? You would have been about 4.

Alexis: (quietly) No.

Luke: What do you remember?

Alexis: Stefan, Stavros, Mikkos and Helena.

Luke: How did you come to live with them on the Island?

Alexis: (looking up) I don't know.

Luke: They told you your parents were what -- dead?

Alexis: (nodding, wiping away tears) Alexei Davidovich and Sofia, born Cassadine.

Luke: Who changed Davidovich to Davis?

Alexis: I did. After law school, Stefan said the best firms would look on an immigrant with a Russian name as a security risk. He was right. (she bows her head and fingers the ring on the chain around her neck)

Luke: So you were raised like the poor relation... dependant on Mikkos' charity until I turned him into an ouzo-flavored popsicle -- happily -- and then you were dependent on the rest of the family's charity. (pause) Well, you have to hand it to the old boy. He managed to pull the wool over Helena's eyes enough to keep her from ripping your throat out, too. (brief pause) Did you know that the knife that killed your mother was found in her own hand?

Alexis looks up, surprised.

Luke: It was called suicide. People actually believed that this great opera diva would rip out her own vocal cords. (he slides his hand across his throat. Alexis looks down again, fighting back the tears) There were some, though, who suspected murder... for that ring. Alexis continues to hold the ring.

Luke: You and I know it was jealousy. (pause) What do you know about the ring? Do you know the legend?

Alexis shakes her head in the negative.

Luke: It happened in Berlin or Paris.... (he stands) One of the major cities in Europe. And it was after her performance in some opera. Kristin Bergmann was meeting art patrons and dignitaries and devoted fans. And this one gentleman who turned out to be a professor of medeival history at Cambridge fell to his knees in front of her, kissed her hand, and then recognized from the cut and the shape and the color of those stones that this was a sacred artifact and he announced that to the room. (pause) Now, I mean it sounds nuts, and there's a lot of hoo-ha about it, but it's in all the papers in Europe. You can look it up.

Alexis: (desperate to know) Go on.

Luke: All right, this is the interesting part 'cause it's the history. When the Persians invaded Jerusalem in the 7th century, they burned to the ground a church that was built by the emperor Constantine. (he sits down on the arm of the bench) It was the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Everything was destroyed except the Tabernacle, which some religious people rescued. Now, they took the tabernacle and they adorned it with twelve sapphires in the shape of a cross. (he makes the sign of the cross in the air) Each stone was said to have the power to protect from harm whomever possessed it. So, maybe that's what Mikkos had in mind when he had those stones put into that ring for Kristin. (yelling to ring) Yeah, nice try sacred artifact. (pause) Does Stefan know this?

Alexis: No.

Luke: Are you sure?

Alexis: (quickly) I'm sure.

Luke: So, why were you leading him to Natasha's fake grave? Were you just trying to break it to him gently, that you're not his cousin, you're his sister?

Alexis: It was something else.

Luke: Cousin, they not only robbed you of your birthright -- which may have been a blessing -- but they murdered your mother and they robbed the world of a great artist. And they royally messed up your life. Now, what would you like to do about it?

Alexis: (standing) What would you plan to make me do about it?

Luke: I don't plan to make you do anything. I'm just being a nice guy.

Alexis: (scared) You and I both know what Helena will do.

Luke: Yeah, if she finds out that she raised Kristin Bergmann's child? She'll probably ventilate your vocal cords.

Alexis: (softly) I never wanted another living soul to know about this.

Luke: (softly) I'm sure. I understand. But I know... (a pause as his voice becomes harder) ...so I think you'll agree that now you won't be so quick to ignore me, or walk away from me, or peeve me in any way. (pause) It's nice meeting you, Natasha.

Luke leaves. Alexis' face shows her terror, as her eyes fill with tears.

~~~~~~~~~~

12/5/97

Luke's office. Luke is sitting at his desk when Alexis comes in.

Luke: (rudely, not looking up) Put the receipts on the chair and get out, I'm busy.

Alexis: I beleive the man at the front is taking care of that.

Luke : (Stands up, smiling) Well, counselor, nice to see you.

Alexis: I came to decline your invitation with regrets. (hands Luke the invite)

Luke: Oh that's a shame. You are the first Cassadine I ever invited anywhere, except to hell.

Alexis: All the more reason to refuse. (starts to leave)

Luke: Oh don't go away. I mean, you made the trip and everything. Why don't we play one more round of family history. Would you like to take obscure grecco russian aristocrats or would you like to have murdered divas...

Alexis:(livid) Did it ever occur to you that the woman's death you are talking about is my mother?

Luke: Did it ever occur to you that her throat was slit by someone you know? Do you want to get even?

(BREAK)

Alexis: (snidely) Get even? With Helena? You see, I'm not a murderer, but even if I was, she is surrounded by guards.

Luke: So you've considered it?

Alexis: I'm too busy trying to figure out how to stay alive myself. You see if Helena killed my mother...

Luke: IF?

Alexis: WHEN Helena murdered my mother, there was a good chance she was looking for me. The child....the THREAT. The only one who could interefere with Stavros' inheiretance.

Luke: Which now belongs to NIkolas. (amused with himself) See, I'm getting this dynastic thing down.

Alexis: The title, and the entailed go from eldest son to eldest son and there are attached holding that can be assigned at the discretion of the heir.

Luke: Yeah, which is a convoluted way of saying what?

Alexis: Helena would kill to ensure that Nikolas inherits the entire Cassadine fortune.

Luke: Well that puts you in a very tight spot, my darlin' (Alexis is tense) And even tighter if Cousin Stiff finds out about all this.

Alexis: He'd protect me.

Luke: You think? My experience is that Vlad the Impaler doesn't like it when someone sticks it to him.

Alexis: Which is why I never intended to tell him about this in the first place but you have taken that decision right out of my hands. I will not let you use me against him.

Luke: (leans toward her) You don't got a choice.

~~~~~~~~~

12/9/97

Luke is at the hospital, blood on his clothes. Alexis spots him and comes over.

Alexis: Luke.

Luke: (turns to face her) Oh, who called you?

Alexis: (seeing the blood, concerned) Nobody called me. What happend to you?

Luke: Nikolas was shot. (Alexis is stunned) He's breathing but he's serious. He's in there.

Alexis: Where... where is he?

Luke: In emergency -- in there.

(Bobbie approaches)

Bobbie: Where's Stefan? We need him now.

Alexis: He's not here, Bobbie. What's going on?

Bobbie: Nikolas has a gunshot wound in his neck. We are not sure how extensive the injuries are. The bullet passed through, but it damaged the left corrotid artery which carries the blood to the brain. He needs surgery and he needs it now.

Alexis: Then do it.

Bobbie: We need Stefan to sign the consent form.

Alexis: (grabs papers from Bobbie) Here, you need a family member?

Bobbie: Yeah.

Luke: (to Bobbie about Alexis) She'll do.

Bobbie: (while Alexis signs the form) Luke, they say you and Jason Morgan saved his life. (Alexis looks up at Luke)

Luke: It was Jason.

Bobbie: Alexis, I know what you are thinking, but my brother has nothing to do with Nikolas being shot.

Alexis: (handing back the form) Then you don't know what I am thinking. Save him, please.

{Next Scene}

Stefan and Katherine appear and Stefan immediately slams Luke against a wall.

Luke: Get your hands off me!

Stefan: (being restrained) Murderer!!

Bobbie: Stefan! What are you doing? He didn't hurt Nikolas.

Stefan: He is wearing the boy's blood!

Katherine: Stefan, stop!

Stefan: Barbara, what happened?

Bobbie: Nikolas has been shot.

Katherine: Oh my God.

Stefan: Where is he?

Bobbie: He's in surgery. But Luke helped him get there.

Luke: No thanks necessary.

Stefan: Who did this?

Luke: It was a drive-by.

Bobbie: It happened in front of Luke's Club. Nikolas was wounded in the throat.

Kat: How bad is he?

Bobbie: Pretty serious. We might have lost him right there on the sidewalk if Jason hadn't performed an emergency medical procedure.

Stefan: What sort of medical procedure?

Bobbie: A tracheotomy. He cut open his throat to let some air into the airway.

Stefan: You mean he cut Nikolas open? With what?

Bobbie: With a switchblade. But it stablized his airway enough so we could move him. Luke was with him in the ambulance and then when he got here, we rushed him right into ER.

Kat: Do you have any ideas or any word on how he's doing?

Bobbie; He's with a wonderful surgeon. He's very lucky Dr. Jordan was on duty.

Alexis enters.

Alexis: Stefan, I'm glad you're here. I signed for the surgery. I assume that's what you would have...

Stefan glares at her.

{Next Scene}

Stefan: (cold to Alexis) How dare you involve yourself in this?

Luke: He would have prefered you let the kid die, Ms. Davis.

Stefan: (to Luke) Stay out of this!

Luke: (pissed to Stefan) With pleasure. Tell me where to send the dry cleaning bill (he walks off)

Stefan: (to Alexis) As for you -- stop interfering in our affairs. There is no future in it for you.

Luke: (angry) You can sign for surgery anytime for me, Ms. Davis. I'm not nearly so picky about who saves my life!

{Next Scene}

Alexis: Was Nikolas in much pain?

Luke: No more than he could handle.

Alexis: (upset) Must be very bad indeed.

{Next Scene}

Alexis approaches Katherine in the waiting room, her head down.

Alexis: Katherine? I thought the policy was for family only.

Katherine: It is. But don't worry -- I'll let you know how Nikolas is.

She turns and walks off smugly, leaving Alexis sad.

{Next Scene}

Luke walks out into the waiting room and sees Alexis there alone.

Luke: (looks at his watch) It's late.

Alexis: Too late. Lucky you don't have to sit here. Why don't you just pretend I'm invisible. It's really not that difficult. You should watch the way everybody else does it.

Luke: You didn't do anything wrong. You signed a paper so the kid's life could be saved. Now if your brother's got a problem with that where are his priorities?

Luke gets up and leaves Alexis alone as the camera pans to a long shot of her sitting by herself in the waiting room, from above.

~~~~~~~~

12/19/97

The Suite. Alexis is at her desk, taking on the phone.

Alexis: I'm Nikolas' first cousin. All I'm asking for is an update on his condition. (pause; frustrated) I will get clearance from Mr. Cassadine, then, if that's what you need.

Alexis hangs up and begins to get ready to leave when there's a knock on her door.

Alexis: Who is it?

Luke: (taunting from the other side of the door) Santa's tallest elf.....

Alexis rolls her eyes and opens the door.

Alexis: Please. Not you. Not now.

Luke: Oh-h-h. Yeah.

Alexis: Well, turn's out -- I'm leaving. (she tries to walk past him)

Luke: What is it? Business at the little kingdom that thought it could but maybe it can't?

Alexis: Make it quick.

Luke: Okay. (he walks in) How you feelin'...Natasha?

Alexis: You didn't come here to inquire about my health, so whatever it is buzzing around in that mangled circuitry you call a mind, then let's hear it. Quickly.

Luke throws open his coat to reveal a cassette with a red bow in his shirt pocket.

Luke: It's an early Christmas present. You like music?

Alexis: Depends.

The following exchange is unlike their usual quick repartee -- without the antagonism, goading, and annoyance.

Luke: This is your mother, Natasha. (Alexis' expression softens) I thought after all these years you might like to hear her voice.

Alexis: (takes the tape, mesmerized by it): Where did you get this?

Luke: I have friends in the record industry.

He hands Alexis the tape, and she examines it with awe.

Alexis: (reading the tape cover) "Il Travotore." Featuring the voice of Kristin Bergmann.

Luke: They told me it was her last recording before her death.

Alexis: (in a biting tone now but not necessarily toward Luke) You mean before Helena found out she bore her husband a bastard daughter and slit her throat?

Luke: I didn't read that in the liner notes. But...yes.

Alexis: (whispers almost to herself) I...I never heard her sing....

Luke: That's why I'm giving it to you.

Alexis: (returning from her reverie) No it's not, Luke! You want something from me, so you can cut out the Luke-bearing-gifts-routine and tell me what it is.

Luke: Why do you always think that I want something from you?

Alexis: Because I'm an experienced observer of human nature, and you're about as easy to read as a flare gun.

Luke: Okay. Well, sure -- I might call on a favor or two sometime... (he looks almost hurt) ...but not now. That tape is a gift.

Alexis: There's no such thing with you, Luke. You're trying to ingratiate yourself to me because your think it will help you win your war without end against Stefan.

Luke: Will it?

Alexis: Never! No matter what has happened between the two of us, he is still my family.

Luke: More than he knows.....Unless you told him -- did you?

Alexis: No.

Luke: (resuming his usual goading tone with "Natasha") Well, be careful...Natasha. Now that your family history is buzzing around in the air, you never know who's going to take bug spray to it.

Alexis: If that's a threat, you need to be more specific!

Luke: That's a warning. Like take off your dark glasses before you enter the tunnel. (pause) Are we going to listen to this, or not?

Alexis: (trying to cover how badly she wants to listen to it) I remember that Mikkos used to listen to opera in his study. He had a very large collection, and... sometimes I would sit against the door and listen to the music..... It's possible, I suppose, that I heard Kristin Bergmann and didn't know she was my mother.

Luke: (softly again) If you'd like to listen to this alone, just say so.

Alexis: (almost too quickly) Consider it said.

Luke: Consider it done.

Luke hands her the tape and walks away.

Alexis: I suppose I should thank you.....

Luke: Oh...why spoil a perfect record... Natasha.

He leaves. Alexis puts the tape in and listens to her mother sing with a haunting smile on her face. She sits down and looks intensely proud that she is somehow connected to this heavenly voice. Then she looks deeply sad and reaches for the ring on her necklace which she holds close to her while rocking back and forth....like a child being rocked by her mother.

12/22/97

Alexis' Suite. Luke had arrived and bantered with Helena. Helena has just left. Luke and Alexis are alone.

Luke: She makes you nervous doesn't she?

Alexis: (tense) I could hardly breathe.

Luke: That's because she burns all the oxygen out of the room.

Alexis: She let me negotiate for my life.

Luke: God, she's in a good mood.

Alexis: (annoyed) Do you have any idea of what she's capable of, yet you toy with her?

Luke: Of course I know what she's capable of. I'm not intimidated by her. She's pathetic. What kind of deal did you make with her?

Alexis: What makes you think I made one?

Luke: You're alive, aren't ya?

There is a knock at the door.

Luke: Oh is that room service, I'm so hungry (walks to door) Do you mind? (opens door to find Stefan)

Luke: (in best Bela Lagosi voice) Good Evening.

Stefan: (walking in, to Alexis) Well, you continually justify my decision to exile you. Where's Helena? She's been here.

Luke: She's not under the couch, I checked.

Alexis remains silent.

Stefan: Don't be coy, Alexis, I have no time for this (begins to look around)

Luke: (enjoying himself) Help him, Alexis. He's lost his mommy. (Stefan goes in the bedroom)

Alexis: (angrily to Luke) Would you stop antagonizing him? He's your enemy, not mine.

Stefan: (returning to living room) Obviously she's been here and gone.

Alexis: Stefan, please. How's Nikolas?

Stefan: (cold) He's fine.

Alexis: May I see him?

Stefan: We've settled that. (walks out the door)

Luke: B-RRRRRRR. Not even a fond farewell. What was that about?

Alexis: He wanted to see his mother.

Luke: Uh-huh. Why?

Alexis: (angry and sarcastic) Because he misses her! Do you have something to tell me? If you do, do it.

Luke: He was trying to find out if Helena had recruited you against him.

Alexis: And if she had?

Luke: Then he will kill you.

Alexis: Stefan is angry with me -- and with good reason -- but he would never go that far.

Luke: (in her face) Then I am going to start to measure your box -- you know the wooden one they are going to bury you in? Because if you think you can cross Doctor Death and not have him strike back, you're so stupid you deserve eternal rest.

{Next Scene}

Luke brings a cup of coffee to Alexis and sits next to her on the couch.

Alexis: Helena made it clear that she wants to regain control of the family. Stefan will fight it. Either way I lose.

Luke: Talk to me.

Alexis: If I side with Helena, you're right, Stefan will kill me. Or he'll make me wish that he had. And if I refuse to help Helena, she will slit my throat. Those are my options.

Luke: (munching on a cookie) Choose another one.

Alexis: (small laugh) Change my name to Sonya and start a new life giving pedicures.

Luke: (serious) No. Throw in with me and take control of the Cassadine Empire for yourself

`````````````````

12/23/97

Alexis is in her Suite. There's a knock at her door.

Alexis: Who is it?

Luke: (on outside of door) Don't shoot!

Alexis throws up her hands in disgust and then goes and answers the door.

Alexis: (opening the door) Specializing in firearms is your thing.

Luke: No no no..that's not true. I do my best work with my bare hands. It's your cousin that's trigger happy, remember? Has he taken aim at your pretty little behind lately?

Alexis: No bullet holes so far.

Luke: (Luke enters the suite) Well don't worry about it. (Alexis closes the door) Don't feel left out. There will be soon enough. He's been kinda distracted with the kid in the hospital and all. But once he gets back to transylvanian turf and has nothin' to talk to but that dim blonde, then Igor the Coffin Sweeper will come lookin' for ya. Murder is a nice way to spend the time ya know while you are trying to figure out another hairbrained scheme to take over the world.

Alexis: Stefan is not going to kill me.

Luke: That's not what you said yesterday.

Alexis: Well, who could get a word in edgewise -- you were so busy predicting this certain doom unless I...what was that again? That's right...unless I turned on my family and threw in with you.

Luke: You ain't got no family, Natasha. Your daddy's been cold a long time. Your mommy had her throat cut by you know who. What you've got is a death sentence over your head. You're stuck between two rocks and a graveyard.

Alexis: Helena wants me alive.

Luke: Yeah, she wants you alive to use against Steffen. And if he finds out, he'll kill ya. And she'll kill ya if you don't let her use you. And she may kill you anyway. You have three choices...death...death or an alliance with me.

Alexis: I think I'd prefer death.

Luke: Oh well, let the games begin. Choose door number one or door number two. Either way, you are a lonely dead woman.

{Next Scene}

Luke is in the living room, comfy on the couch. Alexis comes out of the bedroom, with her coat and purse.

Alexis: (snooty) Oh Goodie. You've waited .

Luke: I'm a gentleman. We weren't through with our conversation. My God, you spent a lot of time on the phone.

Alexis: Well, you know something, hospital co-counsel is a full time job. And Lee Baldwin is away on a family crisis.

Luke: Oh yeah. Are his relatives trying to kill him too?

Alexis: You know, I might be touched by your concern if you self interests weren't so disgustantly blatent.

Luke: What do you care what I get out of this as long as you stay alive?

Alexis: What exactly are you offering, Luke -- a solution? Because so far, all I hear is your usual hyperbole about Stefan and a few admiring remarks about the woman who murdered my mother, which I find grossly offensive. Now neither one of them have tried to kill me but they surely will if they know I've thrown in with you.

Luke: They don't need me as an excuse, baby. They've got each other. Look, Pollyanna! The wicked stepmother knows that you are King Harrod's bastard daughter. The Prince of Punishment is next in line for the information. Once he finds out, you're not only his betrayer, you're also his rival. That makes you the big bad boogy man, princess. And the dark won't be safe til you're eliminated from it.

Alexis: Stefan is angry at me and he has good reason. But he is my family, I grew up with him, I know him and he will get over it. He would never let me die at Helena's hands -- no more then he would kill me himself.

Luke: (smiles and laughs) You refuse to be as smart as I know you are. All that time you spent with cousin Steffen and you don't even know what makes him tick? He's as transparent as a bullet proof windshield. He's about the kid. He's about protecting the kid, he's about controlling the kid, he's about taking on all challengers. That means Helena. That means you.

Alexis: So just how would I threaten Stefan's hold on Nikolas?

Luke: Just imagine Grandma Grimm is out of the the family portrait. Cousin Stiff suddenly becomes incapacitated and unfit to be guardian. It suddenly falls into Aunt Polly's hands.

Alexis: That would never happen.

Luke: You would be astounded as to what I can accomplish when I'm motivated.

Alexis: Your motivation is the destruction of my family and you don't have my blessing or my participation.

Luke: After all I've done for you...HMPH.

Alexis: You told me the truth about my mother and for that I am grateful. Okay? But that's as far as it goes. I'm not going to let you use me against my family.

Luke: That's what you say now. But we'll see what you say next time. That is, if you are alive next time. And if you're not, then I was wrong: you are stupid. Good luck, kid.

Luke leaves. Alexis reaches for her mother's ring and holds it.

~~~~~~~~~~

1/9/98

Takes place in GH. Michael is a newborn. Luke is looking through the window at Michael and Bobbie. Alexis walks up behind him.

Alexis: I didn't know you had such an interest in premature babies.

Luke: You should pay attention to this one. He could teach you quite a lot.

Alexis: For instance?

Luke: For instance, survival ain't as easy as it used to be.

They walk away from the window.

Luke: Which reminds me, you never gave me an answer to my offer to throw in with me against you know who.

Alexis: Thanks, Luke, and I really mean that. But I've decided that I am going to handle this family situation all by myself.

Luke: Well, then its been fund. Make sure they sprinkle your ashes upwind of my club so I can toast you as you blow by.

Alexis: That's very poetic. Helena is not going to kill me and neither is Stefan.

Luke: Why not?

Alexis: Because I am going to find a way to get them both to accept me and even regain Stefan's trust eventually.

Luke: If you're lucky, maybe he'll kill you fast and you won't suffer. This death wish of yours, its confounding.

Alexis: Aww. (whispers) I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not going to die. You see, I spoke with Stefan and (deep breath) here I am, still breathing, my limbs are accounted for, vocal cords attached.

Luke: You've spoken to Stefan?

Alexis: I told him I was his sister.

Luke: Oh my God you are naive. Why? Why would you give up your only ace in the hole?

Bobbie walks out of the nursery, curious. Alexis begins to walk away.

Luke: Don't bother to stock your refridgerater!

Bobbie: (to Luke) Hm Hm Hm Hm Hmm. What was that all about?

Luke: Nothin'.

{Next Scene}

Luke walks out of the hospital and finds Alexis waiting on a bench.

Luke: Well, are you hiding out from your family or what?

Alexis: (gets up) I was waiting for you.

Luke: Why?

Alexis: I never feel a discussion is quite over until I have argued my side.

Luke: Fair enough, let's hear it.

Alexis: You suggested I was doomed because I told Stefan I was his sister, and I am here to tell you that you are wrong.

Luke: Why? If you are so happy in this family portrait, what does it matter what...

Alexis: (interrupting) Will you let me finish? Stefan and I have been allies our entire life. Families fall apart, they move back together again. Didn't that what happened to you?

Luke: You mean with Bobbie?

Alexis: You were angry with Bobbie for a long time and you got over it, right?

Luke: Yes, I got over it when she walked away from the murkey swamp you're trying to submerge yourself into. And Bobbie never tried to hurt me, she only hurt herself.

Alexis: And if she had?

Luke: And if she had, I don't know. Maybe I would have forgiven her, maybe I wouldn't. But I wouldn't have killed her. That's the difference. Big hearted Lucas Lorenzo, you see. Your last best bet. Your last chance. But you prefer to turn your back on me and throw in with the family name and the dynasty, both of which you will never be a part of, until Stefan and Helena are both buried face down, with silver bullets in their head. Now I've tried to offer my assistance to you, you've rejected it. Good-bye, Natasha.

Luke walks away.

4/23/98

Alexis is sitting on a bench on the docks, reviewing the file Helena gave her during Tony's trial. Luke sneaks up and sits right next to her.

Luke: Little hearts with arrows through them. Are you writing love letters to me again, you sweet romantic fool?

Alexis: (gets up, annoyed) The perfect ending to my day has arrived.

Luke: You're troubled, Natasha. Could it be that you are having second doubts about defending a baby snatcher?

Alexis: A man is innocent until proven guilty.

Luke: Some of us are just guilty. Why did you do it? Why did you jump on that white horse and ride to Dr. Jones defense? Money?

Alexis: Not that it is any of your damn business, but I happen to have done legal work for him before. I handled his custody bid and now that I am back in town I am handling his case.

Luke: (smiling) That's bull and you know it. Helena wants him out of deep water. Why?

Alexis: I don't ask Helena her reasons for things. They are ususally not very nice.

Luke: Well, can I take a stab at it? Could it be that Dr. Jones was married to my sister? Could it be that she's reeling him in so she can gut him and scrape his insides for any information about my family? That is the Cassadine way, isn't it?

Alexis: I really don't know that. Helena is usually much more direct. For example, I understand your son is one of her very best errand boys. I have reason to believe that he acquired the research that Helena gave me to use at this trial.

Luke: He is more than an errand boy. And that research he acquired was from skills that I taught him. Look carefully, you've seen it, I'm sure. Have you used it yet?

Alexis: (bites lower lip) No.

Luke: You will. But one day, one day Helena is going to ask you to do something that will turn your stomach.

Alexis: (very quietly) That day has already dawned. (she turns around and leaves)

5/5&6/98

Alexis' Suite. Her mother's opera is playing in the background. There's a knock at the door. Alexis goes to open it and finds Luke.

Alexis: And I thought my day couldn't get any worse. Come in, I'm too numb to feel anything anyway.

Luke: (entering) Thank you. Pardon me, as much as I love opera and your mother's golden condensas, you and I have business. (he shuts off the stereo) Helena laid these on Lucky. (hands her an envelope with photos)

Alexis: Why? (takes photos and looks at them)

Luke: They are doctored up photographs. Fake. Supposedly taken by the police of a beating I never gave my wife.

Alexis: (thoroughly disgusted, ripping up the photos) That woman is a monster. (throws the pieces of the photos aside) If death had a face, it would be hers.

Luke: Funny you should mention death. It's just what I had in mind.

{Next Scene}

Alexis: If you came here to rail against Helena, I really don't have the strength.

Luke: No, I came here to give you something that you lost.

Alexis: (looking at her necklace and touching it) What's that?

Luke: Your edge, your passion. That certain gun-slinger mentality that I found so utterly irresistable when we first met. It's gone now. You've sacraficed it to... I don't know what. Natasha, Helena has sliced the fight out of you.

Alexis: (still fiddling with the necklace) You're right... you're absolutely right. I bow and I scrape. I scurry around like a scared little kitten. I can't live like that anymore. (she walks away from him)

Luke: Something's gotta give, missy.

Alexis: (turns around to face him) Will you help me?

Luke: Help you do what? Come on... I'm a romantic, I need to hear the words.

Alexis: (determined) Help me kill Helena.

Luke: (smiles) Oh, Baby, I thought you'd never ask.

{Next Scene}

Luke: Unless I'm wrong -- and stranger things have happened although rarely -- this is your first rodeo. You've never planned a murder before.

Alexis: I'm ready.

Luke: You say that now, but will you be when the critical moment arises?

Alexis: I want her dead.

Luke: Why?

Alexis: How can you ask me that, knowing what she's done to my mother and what she's doing to me?

Luke: Well, yeah, that's nasty business. But Natasha, it's been that way all your life. You've put up with it this long, when did you change your mind?

Alexis: About an hour ago. Helena clarified the terms of our relationship. And my life is hers to do with as she pleases, or to do away with entirely til one of us dies. Now, I may not have her appetite for cruelty or your thirst for revenge, but I do have a strong attachment to an affection for my own survival, and if I am going to live, she has to die.

Luke: Oh, WOW. How long I've waited to hear those words!

Alexis: Oh, well, great Luke, that's just great. You were right. Is that what you want me to say? You were right. There, now are you going to help me or not?

Luke: Nope.

{Next Scene}

Alexis: You're the one who told me to think about it.

Luke: And did you?

Alexis: Obviously.

Luke: I don't think so. The dead stay with you, Alexis, especially if you push them there. Now do you really want to go through with it -- get rid of Helena? Think about if you could live with it. Personally, I rest very easy with dead Cassadines on my conscience. But you, I think you should think about this more than a half an hour and then get back to me anytime. (goes to leave)

Alexis: How 'bout now?

Luke: (turns back around) That was fast.

Alexis: I'll put up with whatever hell awaits me after she's gone because it can't compare to the one I am living as long as she's alive. Do you know that at night I have nightmares of that woman standing over my mother with a bloody knife in her hand? And the day I sit here and wait for her to walk right through that door and do the same thing to me (getting angrier) so I don't have anthing to lose. I will argue my self defense with a clear conscience.

Luke: Now, hold it right there. If we are going to do this, let's get one thing straight: If I plan it and we do it right, you ain't gonna get caught.

Alexis: But we have to be prepared for the possibility, don't we?

Luke: If we do this, give me the cold mind of Alexis and not the wounded heart of Natasha.

Alexis: FINE. You have it.

Luke: I have my own reasons for doing this.

Alexis: And I have mine. My life and the lives of the people that I love.

Luke: You mean, like Stefan?

Alexis: No. He can manage by himself. But Nikolas, she's made him her special project because he is going to be head of the family. But he'll stand up to her and she will handle it with her usual generosity and spirit.

Luke: Well, you know, one more dead Cassadine means very little to me but apprently to you it does. But then again, you are a lawyer aren't cha? And you can argue your case and make people believe things that aren't true. I've seen you do it, and you're very good at it. (smiles)

Alexis: Not to the people who matter to me.

Luke: Where does that leave Ned Ashton?

{Next Scene}

Alexis: I did...I do care about Ned very much. (sits on sofa)

Luke: (laughs and joins her on the sofa) I heard "did" which is done. What about now?

Alexis: Now doesn't matter -- it's useless. She couldn't keep Kristin away from her man, she'll be damned if her daughter is going to have one moment of happiness. She ended the affair. (referring to Helena ending Alexis' affair with Ned)

Luke: How, by making you look foolish in town defending Dr. Jones?

Alexis: Yes. Everyone thought Tony was a prize for her. He wasn't. You see, I've never told that to anyone.

Luke: (looks fascinated) Thank you. (smiles) You ought to be careful though. Maybe you're starting to trust me. That's a committment and we both need that.

Alexis: You're going to be my partner in crime?

Luke: No baby, your partner in hope. (leans back on the couch and folds his arms) We just might make a very good team.

Alexis: You know, suddenly, I'm not so sure anymore. In fact I think I might have made a big mistake.

{Next Scene}

Luke: Excuse me...wha...what? Now you are turning me down?

Alexis: It's a question of trust.

Luke: So now you don't trust me?

Alexis: No, YOU don't trust ME.

Luke: Well, I'm making the effort.

Alexis: Yeah, it is an effort, isn't it? You don't have faith in anyone but yourself, so why should I trust you?

Luke: WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT, WOMAN? You think that at the end of this thing I am going to leave you with a murder rap like a bag of day old donuts?

Alexis: Well, if one dead Cassadine doesn't make any difference, one behind bars should matter much less.

Luke: That's true, but I have a reaon of my own to want to see Helena on ice, laid out in the morgue on a slab, dead as a doornail.

Alexis: Because she hired Lucky?

Luke: No just on general principal. She's a meanace. Most recently because of these damn photographs which makes it look like I beat the hell out of my wife. (picks up photos then puts them back down)

Alexis: (looking at photos) And now Lucky thinks you did that. How did he take that?

Luke: How do you think? I want her dead Alexis, it's my heart's fondest wish. Your's too. And what I'm offering you is considerable experience in making these kinds of dreams come true.

Alexis: We have to make it look like an accident.

Luke: I agree. An ugly, bloody, nasty freak accident.

They look at each other and smile.

5/7/98

Alexis is standing on the docks, waiting for Luke. He approaches from behind, with a knife sticking out of his stomach.

Alexis: (hearing him) You know something, I like a water view as much as the next person but the next time we call a meeting I'd really prefer (turns to face him and sees the knife and blood) Oh my god. Oh my god what happened?

Luke: Helena (starts to fall) GET OUT OF HERE, you're next.

Alexis: (pulls out her cell phone) I'll call an ambulance.

Luke: No time, She knows you're here. Go! (falls face down)

(Alexis starts to leave but changes her mind. She kneels down next to Luke and dials the phone)

Alexis: Operator, I need an ambulance. At the pier...(Luke leans up and grabs the phone)

Luke: Operator, yeah hi. Look nevermind that, it was a false alarm.

Alexis: (starts hitting him with her bag, yelling) YOU MORON! WHAT ARE YOU, AN IDIOT? YOU'RE INSANE. You think this is funny, a joke (yanks the phone back) YOU IDIOT! (puts the phone back in her purse)

Luke: (clearly amused) It was no joke, I ain't laughing (gets up on knees) I just had to check something out, you know, up front. (stands)

Alexis: (still sitting) How, by scaring me half to death?

Luke: (standing, holding fake knife in stomach) Come on, you and I made a pact didn't we, we decided we were going to exterminate Helena. I have to make sure we trust each other.

Alexis: (annoyed) Great. And this proves what exactly?

Luke: It proves that, ah, that in extreme circumstances like this, you can keep your head.

Alexis: (leans up and hits him again) Are you satisfied? (kneels back down)

Luke: Oh for now.

Alexis: I told you, I want Helena dead. Do you believe me now?

Luke: Good. (pulls fake knife out of stomach and walks toward bench) Let's get to work.

Alexis: (under her breath) What a jerk.

(Next Scene)

Luke: You think people would stop falling for this old trick (draws knife across throat, then "stabs" himself) It gets em everytime.

Alexis: (lightly amused) Maybe it was the blood.

Luke: (cleaning knife) Could be. Biodegradable. Not tested on animals and it won't stain kakhi.

Alexis: (amused smile) You're funny really. It's really very amusing. (drops the smile) Don't you think its about time we begin making plans?

Luke: You know Helena's death has to look like an accident so let's decide where the accident occurs.

Alexis: I don't want this dragging on forever Luke. We have to set a date.

Luke: (sits on bench) With Helena, there is going to be alot of suspicion that it was murder so the accident has to be real, has to look police proof.

Alexis: (sits next to him) Any ideas? Luke: Yeah. Put a whole lot of people around when it happens.

Alexis: If there's people around, what's going to keep them from recognizing us?

Luke: Disguises. A fool proof way to hide in plain sight and no one will suspect us.

Luke: Ok we have got the basics covered. Now all we need is opportunity.

Luke: We better get movin', we shouldn't be seen together.

Alexis: I agree but before I go, I have one request.

(Docks)

Alexis: I want to see the look on her face when she realizes what we are about to do.

Luke: Why?

Alexis: So she will know I've exacted my revenge.

Luke: And what is your revenge for once again?

Alexis: For killing my mother. (Alexis leaves and Luke lights a cigar)

````````````````````````

5/13/98

Luke's Club. Alexis enters and walks over to the bar where Luke is.

Alexis: You wanted to see me?

Luke: Oh, yeah. What the hell is this? (He hands her a card.)

Alexis: (reading the card) It's an invitation to a Bacchanalia. It's a Cassadine tradition for engagements.

Luke: Bacchanalia? Engagements? And a tradition? Ok. Have you ever been to one?

Alexis: No. I was in school when Stavros got married, but I certainly have heard enough about it to know about it. It's a formal ball. The women wear gowns. Men wear white ties. Everyone carries a mask. And there's a guest list of hundreds.

Luke: (smiling) Well, that's fantastic. That's the perfect setup, isn't it? That's the night to put Helena out of our misery.

Alexis: If she's invited. Our tradition dictates that she should be. Attendance is mandatory. All family members are expected, internal conflicts notwithstanding. However, if Stefan were to fly in the face of tradition -- Cassadine tradition - this would be the time.

Luke: Why? What have you heard?

Alexis: Nothing yet, but I'm working on it.

Luke: Well, maybe I can provide you with a little inspiration. (he grabs her hand and leads her away from the bar toward the center of the room) Stand here. (she stops) Right there. (he walks over to a curtain) If this isn't reason to kill Helena, I don't know what is. (he pulls on the cord and the curtain opens to reveal a portrait of Helena, scantilly clothed)

Alexis: (shocked, but amused) Oh, my word.

Luke: That's her in her "Mata Hari" phase. Half the Turkish Army remember her like this.

Alexis: (closes her eyes, still amused) Cover her.

Luke closes the curtain and walks toward her. One of the waitresses points toward the door, signaling someone is coming.

Luke: Now come with me for another little surprise. (He leads her to the kitchen and shoves her through the door) Stay here. Keep your eyes and your ears open and your mouth shut.

Luke starts to walk away, but Alexis quickly follows him right back out.

Alexis: Why?

Luke: (shoving her back into the kitchen) Just stay here. (smiles) I'm going to make your day.

Helena enters the bar, pushing the waitress aside, and makes a bee line for Luke.

Helena: I received your message. Whatever you have of mine, I want it back immediately.

{Next Scene}

Alexis watches from the kitchen doorway.

Alexis: (totally jazzed) That was fun! That was so much fun!

Luke: Hear, hear. Calm down. (pours her a shot)

Alexis: Helena won't forget this. You know that. If there's any way that she can get back at you and your sister, you know that she will.

Luke: (whispering) Well, she'd better do it soon. Because after next Friday, Helena will be nothing but a bad memory.

Alexis and Luke clink glasses, down their respective shots of liquor and just look at each other with evil, but pleased, grins on their faces.

5/21/98

The grounds outside of Wyndemere. Before the party. Alexis and Luke approach a bench and sit down.

Luke: All right. You nervous?

Alexis: (sarcastic) A little -- it's my first murder.

Luke: Well, its very simple. All you gotta do is lure Helena up to the parapet and just watch as she does a header into the cement. I know its simple, straightforward, but it'll do the trick.

Alexis: All right, tell me again what you are going to do on the parapet.

Luke: (removes chisel from jacket pocket) You see this chisel? I am going to loosen the railing. All you gotta do is make sure she leans against it and let gravity do the rest.

Alexis: Now tell me again how there is no other way.

Luke: Alexis, you know there isn't. This is the only way and the only time. If we don't do this now, Helena is just going to continue her crimes against you, me, and everyone we love. Tonight she eats it.

Alexis: I'm ready.

Luke: Good...let's do it.

Luke puts on his mask, both get up and leave toward the party.

5/25/98

The launch on the grounds of Wyndemere. Luke is dragging Alexis toward the boat.

Alexis: (pulling herself out of his grip) Stop! I am not going another step until you tell me what's going on!

Luke: Get in the boat! We have to get off this island.

Alexis: (starting to panic) What's going on? Was it Helena, did she fall?

Luke: No!

Alexis: NO? No? (trying to contain herself) What happened?

Luke: I haven't got time for cross examinations, Counselor! (both look back toward Wyndemere) Something very wrong happend up there. Now just get in the boat. We have to get off the island. We can't fix it.

Luke's Club, the office. Luke opens the door and practically pushes Alexis in. She is disheveled. Luke takes his mask and jacket and puts it in a trash bag, then puts the bag in a drawer.

Luke: (turning to Alexis) Now, are you a drinking woman? This is a real good time to start.

Alexis: (slightly panicked) You dragged me off the island and you told me to keep quiet until we got here. We are here, and I want some answers.

Luke: Go.

Alexis: Why did we run?

Luke: Things didn't turn out as planned

ALexis: (getting upset) In what way?

Luke: Someone took the fall, but it wasn't Helena.

Alexis: (panic setting in, breathing heavily) Who?

Luke: Katherine

Alexis: NO!

Luke: Yes.

Alexis: (beginnig to cry) NO.

Luke: Unfortunately, yes. I have a radio here with access to the police scanner.

Alexis: (verge of hysteria) Oh god, oh god. (she starts pacing wildly) Oh god. We killed her.

Luke: HEY.. You don't know that yet.

Alexis: Did the railing give way?

Luke: I'm sure it did.

Alexis: (totally panicked) Then she's gone. (looks up, getting angry) No one could have survived that fall...no, no one could have survived that fall...

Alexis: (cont'd, screaming!) THAT WAS THE WHOLE IDEA!! YOU TOLD ME THIS WOULD WORK!! (she lunges at Luke, hitting him)

Luke: (trying to hold her still while she continues to scream) HEY...it was an accident.

Alexis breaks down in hysterics, screaming at him, and Luke holds her, telling her to "shh."

Luke: (yelling now) IT WAS SIMPLY AN ACCIDENT!

Alexis: (pulling away, out of control) I'm going to go see Stefan. I'm going to tell him....

Luke: (pulling her back roughly) You're not going anywhere, you hear that?? You do that, you blow any shot we have in getting out of this.

Alexis: (still out of control, screaming at him) I don't care..I DON'T CARE!

Luke: (trying to hold her still, yelling) I CARE. (she breaks down and he holds her)

Alexis is now sitting in a chair, deathly calm, staring at the ceiling. Luke pours two drinks and offers her one. She doen't move.

Alexis: This isn't going to work, you know. You can't keep me here forever.

Luke: I can keep you here until you stop talking nonsense. Until you come to your senses, you're not leaving.

Alexis: I won't reveal your part in what happened. Is that what you wanted to hear? There, can I go?

Luke: No, you can't go. That's a start but that isn't enough. I also need to know that you are not going to flip out in some hysterical attempt to bring blondie back because it won't work. There is not enough guilt in the world, Alexis. I also need to know that you aren't going to throw yourself on Steffen's pyre. Convince me you're not ready to burn.

Alexis: I don't have to convince you of anything. I have no idea what I am going to do. Isn't that apparent? I had no idea I'd become a murderer. I'm just like Helena, I'm no better than she is.

Luke: You ain't even close to her ball park, baby. Believe me.

Alexis: (bitterly ironic) She murdered my mother and I was about to murder her. You tell me what the difference is.

Luke: She deserves to die.

Alexis: Katherine doesn't

Luke: You're right. Katherine was innocent of everything but bad choices. It's unfortunate

Alexis: It's unfortunate? Don't you think its a little casual considering what we've just done? Surely you could come up with something more empathetic than unfortunate. (getting angry) How about it's devestating? (yelling) How bout IT'S TRAGIC? (leans up in his face) HOW 'BOUT IT'S CRIMINAL?!

Luke: (in her face) STOP IT! (she leans back and closes her eyes) What happened to Katherine was a mistake...a bad mistake, but a mistake pure and simple, nothing more, nothing less.

Alexis: (starting to cry) Oh.... what have I done?

Luke turns the radio back on. Radio announces that Katherine is still alive and en route to GH.

Alexis: (sits up) She's still alive.

Luke: Good. Good. And nobody suspects that we had anything to do with it or they would have been here by now. Good. Look, I'm sorry about Katherine, but she's okay. But this tragedy is no reason for you and me to turn ourselves in. That would be nuts.

Alexis: Actions have consequences. I made a choice.

Luke: Live with it. (pause) What happened anyway?

ALexis: I couldn't get her to the parapet. She kept walking away when I tried to set her up. Then I tried making her mad but she wouldn't follow me. She went to the cliff instead.

Luke: Why didn't you follow her?

Alexis: (crying again, remembering what "detained" her) I tried. I got...held up. This is all my fault. If I would have done what I was supposed to do she never would have fallen.

Luke: You don't know what happened and you sure don't know what might have happened. Look, this is no reason for you to go spill your guts all over Steffen. In a way, you saved him from certain romantic heartache.

Luke: (cont'd, sarcastic) He is such a sweet sentimental poetic soul and he's just unlucky in love, I guess. Now you need to forget Steffen and Katherine and think about bigger issues. It won't take long for Helena to figure she was the target. Now unless you throw something into her mix or you will be dead from her alot faster then you will from the grieving fiancee.

Alexis: rRising) Shut up! I can't think.

Luke: (also rising) Hey. That's what you got me for, baby. Now you listen and you listen very careful. The party was winding down, you were tired, it was a bust. So you decided to go home. You went to the docks to catch a boat. You may have heard a scream, but thought it was all part of the festivities. You went home, you went to bed, you went to sleep. Questions?

Alexis: No.

Luke: Good. I was here all night, going over the books in this office. Thanks to modern technology, I made a few phone calls. Claude watches my line very carefully, he must have seen it blink two or three times. So that's the end of the story. (Alexis has been staring off in space) Now, its late, the joint's closed, we're tired. It's time to go. We leave separately and we stay away from each other for about two weeks. Are you calm? Are you thinking clearly? Are you OK?

Alexis: (her mascara-streaked face looking haunted, and still fighting back tears) hmm

Luke: Good. (walks away) Stay here. There will be a cab at the back door in half an hour. Don't talk to anybody, don't go to the hospital. Get yourself together. (Alexis starts to cry silently) It was a good plan, Alexis. It's not your fault that Helena has more lives than a cat show. (he leaves)

5/27/98

Luke's Club. There is a persistent banging on the door.

Luke: (annoyed, yelling) Oh, we're closed!!! Til armegeddon!

Alexis: It's me! (furiously banging more) Open up!!

Luke: (rushing to open the door) Hey.

Alexis: (pushes past him and enters) Did you hear what happened? (throws her bag on a table and turns to him)

Luke: (quietly) She didn't make it?

Alexis: No.

Luke: Damn.

Alexis: (laughing sardonically) Hm. That's the best you can do?

Luke: Well, what do you want from me, Woman? I don't do show business.

Alexis: What do you do, Luke? You obviously don't plan murders very well; you don't take responsibility when they screw up, and you don't show grief. Big Deal! I do, and I can't live like this.

Luke: Oh, god -- what are we back to?

Alexis: I'm going to tell Stefan the truth.

Luke: And what exactly are you gonna confess to?

Alexis: The murder of Katherine Bell.

Luke: There was NO MURDER!! It was an accident. She was a causalty of war -- they call it friendly fire.

Alexis: (whispering, angry) What happened to Katherine wasn't very friendly.

Luke: Katherine Bell has been controlled and manipulated by Stefan since he first shot her in the back and convinced her to lie about it. Ever since she stood up out of the wheelchair she's been crawling back to him. What kind of a life is that, huh? And then she was gonna marry the guy?! Think about it, Alexis. (he holds his finger up to his temple in the guise of thinking) If you think about it objectively, she got the better part of the deal.

Alexis: (horrified) You are sick!

Luke: (yelling) All right, I'm sick, I'm sick! But snivelling about Katherine is not gonna bring her back. She's dead for one reason. She fell over your family into the tall grass. And some viper bit her and then she had the bad taste to fall in love with him. That's what happens when the living come in contact with the Cassadines. People tend to die. It isn't like she wasn't warned. (he walks to a table and picks up some papers)

Alexis: How compassionate, Luke! How sweet! Gee, thanks, I feel so much better now.

Luke: (as he shuffles through the sheets of paper) Good, good, good.

Alexis: (screaming) Stop fiddling with that!!

Luke: This is a letter from my wife. She has decided to come back unexpectedly. So, pardon me if Katherine Bell's swan dive into an empty pool is not top on my agenda! I've got my own day of reckoning to deal with! (Alexis looks at him, perplexed)

{Next Scene}

Luke: (calmer now) Go home, Alexis. Our limited partnership has reached it's limit. People shouldn't see us together -- they'll ask the wrong questions.

Alexis: And what do you suggest that I do? Should I go home and wait for Helena to kill me there, or should I just show up on her doorstep with a bulls-eye on my forehead?! (pause) She's going to kill me, you know. I tried to get her up to the parapet. I'm sure by now she's guessed why. I just can't fgure why she hasn't done it yet -- but I suppose it does take time to come up with the most GRUESOME way to kill someone!! (she looks pointedly at Luke and then starts walking past him, presumably to leave; almost under her breath as she passes him) I was thinking that she should thank me. I gave her what she wanted.

Luke: (intrigued) How do you figure?

Alexis: Ever since she came to Port charles, Helena wanted to break up Stefan and Katherine. And it was my job as her puppet to clutter Stefan's path to the altar with thoughts of another woman.

Luke: (no longer interested) Well, too bad for Helena that Stefan fell head over hooves in love with Ms. Bell.

Alexis: Yeah, well, Helena believed that Stefan was "head over hooves in love" with Laura. (Luke just looks at her blankly) Does anything move you? I'm talking about your wife.

Luke: (whisper) It doesn't matter.

Alexis: Really? (reaches into her pocket) This is a news photo of Katherine hours before her death. Recognize that dress? Stefan gave it to her.

Luke: (looks at the photo) Uh... no. But, then I'm blessed with fashion blindness

Alexis: All right.... (takes out another picture) This is a picture of your wife in Greece years ago -- wearing the exact same dress. Helena gave me that. (she waits for Luke's reaction)

Luke: Hmph. What are you saying? Cousin Stiff stitched up a copy of Laura's dress and stuffed Blondie into it?

Alexis: I'm saying that Stefan was trying to turn Katherine into Laura. Helena knew about it... she wanted Katherine to know about it... I'm surprised you didn't.

Luke: I don't give a dman. Katherine's dead; I'm sorry. So's the past -- good riddance. None of this means anything.

He hands the photos back to Alexis who is surprised he's not upset. Luke walks to the bar and takes a stiff drink.

{Next Scene}

Luke: Look, I have no doubt that Stefan has a rich, perverted fantasy life. And it's also no surprise to me that my wife would be the lead in one of his fantasies.

Alexis: Does it surprise you to know that Helena supplied the props -- the ring that Laura wore, the stone bench that was the same in Greece when she was there, the dress...

Luke: And what's in this? What does Helena get out of it?

Alexis: The one thing that she can never have.

Luke: Nikolas.

Alexis: Right. Now she can't remove Stefan from all of this, but she can add Laura to the equation and encourage someone else to do it.

Luke: Me. Ah. Good choice. I wish I could have obliged her. (changing pace) Well, go home. Lay low and stay sane. (quietly) It was a bad night for everyone, but it's over.

Alexis: (strong whisper) I'm getting very sick of you telling me what to do. And it's never over. Not as long as Helena is around.

Luke: Well, maybe Helena will have second thoughts when she sees the police looking elsewhere.

Alexis: According to what? That same crystal ball that showed you Helena falling to her death?!

Luke: This is not gonna come back and bite you in the butt! Have a little faith. Go home.

Alexis looks at him pointedly, then exits.

Luke's club.

Luke: What can I get for you?

Alexis: Mineral water. I'd like to keep my wits about me.

Luke: I thought we were agreed that you were going to keep your wits away from here.

Alexis: Helena's yacht is gone.

Luke: When?

Alexis: An hour ago.

Luke: You have any idea if she's actually on the tub?

Alexis: Aren't you're the one who's supposed to have all the answers? You think there's a possibility that this will make her look guilty of what happened to Katherine?

Luke: Yeah, it's possible.

Alexis: What is she up to?

Luke: I'd say two things. Number one, she's taking our mind on a ride, and as we can see, it's going right along. And secondly, she's being unpredictable so that we don't know when and where her next attack comes from.

{Next Scene}

Luke: Alexis, you got to stop going soft on me like this. That's not your true nature. You're not a babe in the woods. You're not innocent. And people who go soft in your family end up with their throat slit.

Alexis: You don't feel badly about this at all, do you?

Luke: No. It was fate.

Alexis: Fate is the railing giving way on its own, not by a man with a chisel. What did you do with that, anyway?

Luke: Don't worry about it. You'll never see it again. Look, Natasha, we have declared war. Like it or not, war it will be. Now, I need you ruthless, not soft. Otherwise, we're never going to make it through this.

6/2/98

Alexis storms into Luke's office.

Alexis: (angry) You son of a...

Luke: Come on in, Alexis.

Alexis: Framing my brother for murder was not part of our understanding.

Luke: No, that was something I understood I was doing on my own.

Alexis: So the night that we planned to murder Helena, you planned this all along, right?

Luke: No, no, I didn't. It was a generous gift of fate, and I would have been stupid and ungracious not to accept it.

Alexis: How dare you put that chisel in my brother's desk?

Luke: Dagger.

Alexis: WHATEVER!!

Luke: Would you have kept your mouth shut and gone along with it?

Alexis: Of course not.

Luke: Well, that's why I didn't tell you.

Alexis: You said that you were going to make Helena's death look like an accident.

Luke: Yes, I did.

Alexis: You lied to me.

Luke: Well, I didn't mean to. And it's unfortunate. An innocent person died, you know. But there's no polite way to do these things. And unfortunately, I can't ease your pain with a heart-wrenching display of guilt and remorse.

Alexis: You don't have any guilt or remorse. And I promise you I will not let Stefan pay for this.

Luke: Well, if he doesn't, you will.

Alexis: What is that supposed to mean?

Luke: Suppose Helena had been a little more cooperative and smashed her skull on the cement at Wyndemere. Now, because she was such a popularity queen, the cops would have no doubt suspected that maybe that parapet had a little help in giving way, and who would have been their first suspect out of the chute? You, baby.

Alexis: I get it now. You think that by incriminating Stefan you were doing me a big favor.

Luke: And me. I know you well enough to know that two hours of grilling by the cops downtown and you'd have been singing plea bargain like Flo, the lost Supreme.

Alexis: Yeah, well, you don't have anything to worry about now because everything worked out just perfectly. We killed the wrong person, my brother is in jail, and Nikolas is beside himself.

Luke: Well, there is that. And on the other hand, Kristen's daughter has everything she could ever want. Katherine's out of the way, Helena's on the lam, and Stefan's about to move you from the doghouse to the spare room. Hey, don't hijack this flight, Alexis -- not when you're about to be bumped up to first class.

{Next Scene}

Alexis: Don't try to sell me on my own life, Luke.

Luke: Well, babe, somebody's got to.

Alexis: A life, I might add, is worth absolutely nothing -- Thanks to you. Now that Helena's aware of an assassination attempt -- Well, that she was the target of one -- I'm sure she's going to return the favor anytime now.

Luke: Maybe. Maybe not. Not right away. You know, I mean, you did get Stefan out of the way for her.

Alexis: Just for a moment, So you can relax, because a sharp attorney's going to be able to get him off.

Luke: Yeah. But an even sharper one can bury him. You're a lawyer. You know how Helena thinks. I mean, with Stefan in the cooler, you're holding all the cards, aren't you? Concentrate on that. That means that little Nikki is going to need you. You starting to see the possibilities?

Alexis: You're revolting.

Luke: I like you, too. But I like you better when you're not playing the sniveling sap. Come on, Natasha. It's payback time. With all these people out of the way, here's the little Prince, right? But you have the possibility now of being the regent -- the real power behind the throne.

Alexis: Me?

Luke: Yeah, you. Look at it -- Mikkos and Stavros are worm food. Helena's on the lam. Stefan's in the cooler. The whole Cassadine enchilada is laying there right in front of you -- if you've got the stomach for it. So what's it going to be? Are you going to get Stefan off and then spend the rest of your life groveling and hoping for his gratitude? Or are you going to bury him and finally be your own woman at last?

{Next Scene}

Alexis: You're very clever, very pragmatic, very sensible. (pause) I'm so sorry that I ever met you, let alone joined forces with you. I knew -- I knew that I should never have trusted you.

Luke: Alexis, what we have is deeper than love and more valuable than trust. We have common purpose. We want the same thing.

Alexis: No, we don't. I want Katherine alive again. You could care less that she ever died.

Luke: Believe it or not, Katherine was ok with me. She wasn't very bright, but that wasn't her fault. She knew this town, she knew the measure of it and how to get what she wanted out of that. Until she met Stefan, of course. And I warned her. I told her one day he would get her killed.

Alexis: Let's get something straight, all right? You got her killed, Luke. You did.

Luke: Really? I don't think so. I didn't take her up to that parapet. She wouldn't have been up there if it weren't for Stefan. And unless you want to take a tumble, woman, you should realize that anybody who gets mixed up with Cassadine men is going to live to regret it -- if she lives.

Alexis: Are you talking about your sister or your wife?

Luke: You, partner. You. Stefan is an illness that you need to recover from before it turns terminal. And if you go all soft and gushy on me and you run in there and you try to save him, I'm telling you -- I guarantee you -- one day soon he will find out how Katherine really died, who was responsible. and then he will kill you.

6/98

Luke's office. Alexis barges into the office without knocking and throws her purse down on the chair across from Luke's desk.

Luke: Gee, that's funny, I didn't hear you knock.

Alexis: I didn't.

Luke: Why not?

Alexis: Stefan has appointed me to defend him. She looks pleased.

Luke stands.

Luke: Lovely! Good work! I got a bottle of fine Madeira wine that I've been saving....

Alexis (Interrupting): Not now Luke.

Luke: What's the matter? This is what we were waiting for. You defend him. You make sure he gets nothing short of a lethal injection. I live happily ever after. And you ascend the throne as the empress or the big feta or whatever you'd like to be called. He continues to pour the wine.

Alexis: That's not going to happen.

Luke: Well, Helena will be a problem. She's won't like it, but she can be erased from the picture and I'll be happy to help.

Alexis (Sarcastically): Oh goody! Good! Because you're really a BIG help! In fact, I've had enough of your help to last me a lifetime. I'm taking charge. Now, I'm going to clear Stefan of the charges against him, so you can count me out of your little plan to send my brother to jail.

Luke: What's the matter with you? I thought you were finally ready to seize the power.

Alexis: That's exactly what I'm doing.

Luke (Shaking his head): No, you're not. You're caving in. You're running scared. You're getting a bit hysterical.

Alexis: I'm taking care of my family.

Luke: Your family. The Kaborsches with attitude. Did you forget they slit your mother's throat?

Alexis: HELENA slit my mother's throat. Stefan didn't have anything to do with it. He's an innocent man.

Luke: And are you ready to pay the big price for this moral certitude? I'm telling you, if you get him off, sooner or later, all roads lead to you.

Alexis (Innocently): Me? I just went to the ball, because I was invited. She sits down. I didn't loosen the railing. I planted NO evidence in Stefan's desk.

Luke looks concerned.

Luke: We were partners.

Alexis: You had your own agenda, Luke. A pause. Now, I have mine.

Luke (Sinisterly): Let me explain something to you, Natasha. There are two things in life that I do very well. Be an ally. Or be an enemy. You can have it either way, but it lasts for a lifetime.

Alexis looks unimpressed.

{Next Scene}

Alexis stands.

Alexis (Mocking him): It would make me very, very sad not to have you as my friend anymore, Luke. But I can't do things your way anymore. I don't have the stomach for it.

Luke: Unless memory fails, you were practically foaming at the mouth to buy Helena that one way ticket to hell.

Alexis: Honestly, I really didn't think I could be pushed that far, but she tormented me for so long that I didn't think there was any other way.

Luke: And you were right.

Alexis: We killed an innocent person. Unlike you, I can't live with the guilt. She turns away from him.

Luke: Oh sure you can. Practice. It gets easier.

Alexis: Well, I'm not like you. Thank God.

Luke: Don't blame God for your failings. He stands and walks around the desk to stand in front of her. Sentimentality is mucking up your judgment, woman. Think about this. If this case goes to trial, ADA Dara is going to figure out that Steffen's house is like a shrine to my wife and that's going to support Mac's theory that he eliminated Katherine to make room for another woman. It's good. I think the jury will buy it. Court adjourned.

Alexis looks concerned.

Luke: You follow my drift?

Alexis: Maybe.

Luke: I have a suggestion.

Alexis: Alright.

Luke: Pin it on somebody else.

Alexis smirks slightly.

{Next Scene}

Luke: And pinning Katherine's little accident on Helena gives something to everybody. You get revenge for your mother's death. Poor, pitiful Steffen is off the hook. And you and I are in the clear.

Alexis: I've already suggested that to Stefan. He can buy believe that Helena would frame him for murder, but he has a little trouble believing that she would endanger Nikolas' life.

Luke: Well, I don't care what he has trouble with. It's the law that counts.

Alexis: I'm listening.

Luke: Alright. He sits down behind his desk. First, prosecution has to understand how the Cassadine clan works. That Nikolas is the heir and whoever controls him, controls the fortune. See right there it gives Helena motive for framing Steffen. Because if he's out of the way, she becomes Nikolas' sole guardian. That is enough reason for her to put the dagger in Steffen's desk.

Alexis: Good. Very complete.

Luke: So do you think you can convince Steffen to explain to Mac and ADA Dara how the family laws work?

Alexis: If he thinks it will help his case.

Luke: Good. And while you're at it, tell that blood-sucking rodent to stop pointing the finger at me.

Alexis smiles.

Alexis: I'll suggest to him that he's better served letting the police come to their own conclusions. She picks up her purse. Gotta go. I have to start laying some groundwork.

Luke: Remember who loves you, baby!

Alexis: Go to hell. She leaves.

Luke: She likes me.

7/8/98

Alexis walks into Luke's office extremely excited and energetic.

Alexis: Big night.

Luke: Come.

Alexis: Big night.

Luke: You look fevered. You didn't just come from ADA. Dara --

Alexis: Oh, ye of little faith. I didn't confess. I walked right up to her, I looked her in the eye, and I said, "boo." And she jumped.

Luke: She jumped?

Alexis: Uh-huh.

Luke: Who? Helena?

Alexis: Yes, sir.

Luke: Oh, it's great when she jumps!

Alexis: Oh, yes, I feel good!

Alexis: I feel adrenalized!

Alexis: Is that a word?

Luke: Sure. In this rush of adrenalized euphoria, you didn't drop anything sticky?

Alexis: Your name never came up. You should have seen me. I was --

Luke: Magnificent.

Alexis: Why, yes, I was.

Alexis: She threatened me.

Luke: Yeah.

Alexis: She said that she would go to Stefan, say that I tried to kill Helena but killed Katherine instead. And you know what I said?

Luke: "Just try it"?

Alexis: Yes, that's exactly what I said.

Luke: (opening a bottle of wine) This is a very fine bottle of madeira I've been saving for just this moment. So, I always knew you had it in you, Natasha.

Alexis: You want to lay that plan on me one more time -- the one about framing Helena? Oh, yeah.

{Next Scene}

Luke: If you think about this clearly, Natasha, Helena goes down for it, man, everybody's problems are over. We're off the hook, Count Vlad gets to go back to his family like a stake in their heart, and the old lady's out of commission for a while. Helena Cassadine slurping soup in a women's prison. There's a picture I'd like over my mantel. There's no downside, is there?

Alexis: Can't see one from here.

Luke: Hey, look at that. Who said the Spencers and the Cassadines can't agree on anything?

Alexis: You did. Come to think of it, Katherine died because Helena wasn't where she should have been. So this whole thing is really Helena's fault and she should pay.

Luke: Your thinking has merit, good logic, creative thinking. I like that. It's just throbbing in your fevered little brain. "Adrenalized" suits you.

Alexis: Thank you. Thank you very much.

8/6/98

The Suite. There's a knock at the door.

Voice through Door: Dry cleaning!

Alexis opens the door, not looking at the person who holds the dry cleaning in front of him.

Alexis: Just a minute. I need some change. (she goes to get her purse)

Luke enters carrying Alexis' dry cleaning.

Luke: Change? Don't you have a more personal way of showing your appreciation?

Alexis runs and looks into the hall and then closes the door.

Alexis: Are you insane coming here like this?

Luke: Oh nobody's going to notice us, bud. I'm just, you know, delivering the dry cleaning.

Alexis: I don't invite the help into my suite.

Luke: Well, I'm here to pick up a dress to be pressed.

Alexis: What do you want?

Luke lets out an exasperated sigh.

Luke: How'd it go in court today?

Alexis: Ducky. Dara put Helena on the stand as a surprise witness.

Luke: Yeah? Did Helena use the opportunity to serve Steffen on a stick to the judge?

Alexis: In a nutshell, she handed Dara a motive by implying that without Katherine leaving all her money to Stefan in her will, he wouldn't have a dime to his name once Nikolas turns 25.

Luke: And what was the reply?

Alexis: I turned the argument back at her, pointing out that if Stefan is sent to jail SHE would end up controlling the Cassadine millions, which gives her equal motive to kill Katherine.

Luke: That's good. That's good. When do you trot out the phony will?

Alexis: When I'm ready. See, revealing that the will is a forgery will only work if the person who does it has credibility.

Luke: Maybe you should put me on the stand.

Alexis: Take your dress and get out.

Luke: I resent your condescending attitude, woman. I went to a lot of trouble to press those clothes, not to mention to put Helena's cloven hoof prints on the documents.

Alexis: Well give me an hour and I'll let you know whether you can quit your dry cleaning job.

{Next Scene}

Luke: Who did you choose to reveal Katherine's will as the forgery?

Alexis: The lawyer who signed the document.

Luke: That's brilliant.

Alexis: Well it'll only work if Stefan buys that it's a forgery.

Luke: Why wouldn't he?

Alexis: Well I don't know. We'll find out. He'll be here any minute.

Luke: Well you can relax. He knows what his mother is capable of. All you gotta do is set the stage for him and we'll be off the hook.

Luke moves the dry cleaning and sits on the couch. Alexis grabs his arm and pulls him back up.

Alexis: Well, all righty then. We'll let you know. (she pulls Luke to the door)

Luke: (freeing his arm) Whoa. Whoa. What? Are you crazy? I'm not gonna miss this. I'll wait in here.

Luke heads to the bedroom. Alexis runs to the bedroom door in front of him and stands in front of it, her arms spread out to block his entrance.

Alexis: Well that's just not gonna happen.

Luke: Well then I'll wait in there. (he points to the other door)

Alexis: Get out! (she drags him by the arm to the door)

Luke: Whaddya mean? Uh.....

Alexis pushes him out the door.

Alexis: Out!

Luke: Wait!

Alexis: Out! Out!

Luke: You still owe me for the dry cleaning.

Alexis takes the dry cleaning out of his hand and closes the door in his face. Then she leans back against the door.

8/10/98

Luke's club. Luke is sitting in his office in a chair across from the desk with his feet up on the desk, watching his bourbon swirl around in his glass. He takes a drink. Alexis enters and closes the door behind her. Luke gets up.

Luke: You said an hour.

Alexis: Well I still get lost around here sometimes. Took a side road. Thought it was the main road..... Doesn't that ever happen to you?

Luke: No.

Alexis stares at him.

Luke: What are you looking at?

Alexis: Doesn't anyone ever just look at you?

Luke: (suspicious) No. Stop it! (he sits down on his desk) What's the good news?

Alexis: (handing him the envelope) The forensics report confirms that the fingerprints on the will belong to.....

Luke: (excited) Helena Cassadine!

Alexis smiles.

Luke prompts her.

Alexis: (forced) Good...work...Spencer.

Luke: Thank you! Thank you! It's nice to finally get some credit. Remind me to give you a list of things that you have yet to thank me for. (he hands her the envelope)

Alexis: Well.....

Luke: And what about the Count? Does he know about this or is he already sleeping in his pine box?

Alexis: I haven't had a chance to tell him yet, but he's suitably primed for it.

Luke: Is the judge?

Alexis: Why don't you let me handle things in the courtroom? I haven't botched things SO badly yet, have I?

Luke: No. Actually. You've held up your end. (a smile) This time. (he finishes his bourbon) All right, I'm properly braced. (a big sigh) Give me the bad news. When you called you said there was good AND bad news. Let's have it.

Alexis: Oh. Did I say that? Imagine that. There ISN'T any bad news. (she nods)

Luke: There's always bad news.

Alexis: So things with you are... good?

Luke: (standing) What the hell's the matter with you? You don't care how things with me are. You want me to fall down an open manhole! (he is noticeably nervous)

Alexis: Not all the time. I know that we only talk murder and death and guilt, but I DO think about other things... sometimes. I, sometimes, wonder about your son. Or your family.

Luke: (incredulous look) Okay." (a suspicious tone) Today was my daughter's birthday. He brother came over. We all had a little cake. Some punch. She blew out her candles. Nobody yelled at anybody. As days go these days, it was a keeper.

Alexis: (sincere) That's good. I'm glad.

Luke nods.

Alexis: Good. Good night. (she leaves)

Luke looks completely unnerved.

8/25/98

The Suite. Alexis is sitting on the couch with her feet up on the table, reading, when the phone rings. She answers it.

Alexis: Hello.

Luke is at a pay phone, dressed in a leather jacket and shades.

Luke: You've got such a way with words.

Alexis sits up, spilling her book.

Alexis: Where the hell have you been? I expected more contact from you.

Luke: You trying to tell me something, Tash?

Alexis: Don't flatter yourself. We still have a lot of loose ends to tie up with Helena.

Luke: Yeah, well you're gonna have to tie 'em up yourself, Babe. That's what I called to say. Keep fighting the good fight and finish what we started.

Alexis: And where will you be?

Luke: I'm hittin' the road.

Alexis: Who are you? James Dean? What do you mean "hitting the road"? Can you be anymore oblique?

Luke: The highway, Darlin'. The trail. The great beyond. I'm travelin' light. Don't bother to write.

Alexis: Are you all right?

Luke: Yeah. Sure I am. I'm just...uh...lookin' for a little fresh air.

Alexis: Do you really think this is a good time to do that with Helena?

Luke: Helena is no match for you. I'm flattered that you think you need me, but you'll be all right.

Alexis: I never said I needed you.

Luke: You don't have to. We're close that way.

Alexis: How long will you be gone?

Luke: 'Til I get back. I got no plans.

Alexis: Ooh. How odd. For a moment I thought I might miss you.

Luke: I'll take that. And I'll give you this one. You're royalty, Natasha. You don't need the Cassadines' crest, their backing, or their sanction to be who you are. You remember that.

Luke hangs up, checks his watch and leaves.

Alexis looks at the phone oddly and smiles.

Alexis: Hm. (she hangs up the phone)

11/30/98

Alexis walks into her suite after Ned leaves, post-heavy kissing in her doorway. She leans against the door and turns on the light, smiling.

Luke: (laying on the couch under a blanket, remnants of junk food surrounding him) Good evening, Hot Lips. Kill anyone while I was gone?

Alexis: What are you doing here?

Luke: Well, I was trying to get some sleep, but all that puckering in the hall woke me up.

Alexis: (surveying the food garbage on the floor) Look what you've done to my room! You pig. (picking up potato chip bag off floor and putting it on table) You vagrant. (Luke begins to light his cigar. Alexis pulls it out of his mouth and dumps it into vase on the coffee table) This is a non smoking room.

Luke: (sitting up) Do you know you are out of smoked oysters? And those little crackers with sesame seeds, they are really stale.

Alexis: If you don't like the accomodations check out time is right now. (she is pulling on one end of the blanket, Luke is pulling on the other. He pulls her down on the couch)

Luke: No, first tell me about your trip. (they are sitting next to each other) Regale me with stories about the rich and greedy.

Alexis: I know you are finding yourself very amusing, but (mock smile you would notice, I don't. (drops smile) You see, Ned doesn't know of our ....whatever it is.

Luke: Try relationship.

Alexis: Reluctant alliance. Do you know he could have walked in here with me?

Luke: Look, I was hoping he would. I'd love to see you improvise.

Alexis: Improvise this...

There's a sudden knock at the door.

Alexis: (trying not to panic) Who is it?

Voice: (from other side of door) Bell man.

Alexis: (panicking) It's Ned. (Luke lays back down) You have to hide, you gotta hide. Get up!

Luke: I can't get up. (holds up cane while Alexis covers him with blanket) Injury..Injury.

Alexis: Oh, God!! (Covers his legs and body with two pillows) Be right there!

Luke: It's only the bellman, Natasha.

Alexis: It's Ned! He fools me sometimes. He likes to do that.

Luke: Oh, yeah, and who are you - Fifi the chambermaid?

Alexis: (covers his face with a pillow...hard) Shut up. Just shut up!!! (Goes and answers the door, nearly breathless) Hi.

Bellman: Got your bags, Miss Davis. Where would you like them?

Alexis: (nervous) Oh, right here would be great...... All righty.

Bellman: (looking at the couch) Something wrong with your couch?

Alexis: (trying to steer him away, tossing garment bag onto couch... er... Luke) No, No. Its just the, er, naphaline. (pulling bellman to door) I like to keep it covered because it gives me a headache, I'm allergic. (grabs purse) Thank you so much. It's a lot of luggage. (takes money from purse)

Bellman: (sensing she's out of sorts) It's...my....pleasure.....(takes the tip offered) Is there anything else I can do for you?

Alexis: You know something? No. But thank you very much. I'll take care of these bags myself. (hurries him out the door) You've been terrific and I will let you know if I need any help. (shoves him out the door) No, that's fine. (slams door)

Luke: (popping out from under blanket and pillow) Naphaline?! That's good, that's rich.

Alexis: That's possible. (pointedly) What's wrong with your leg? (takes purse and deliberately throws it on his bad leg)

Luke: OWWWWWWW. Got it caught in a. (biting his tongue in pain).. wolf... trap.

Alexis: How appropriate. Do you ever give anyone a straight answer?

Luke: Not when I can say something funny.

Alexis: I am not going to ask you why you left. I am not even going to ask you why you came back. I just want to know what the HELL you are doing in my room?

Luke: I missed you. (smiles) What did I miss?

Alexis: Something interesting actually. (folds arms and sits on arm of couch)

Luke: Well, if you are talking about Blondie rising from the dead miracuously, I already know about it.

Alexis: Then you know that you and I are guilty of absolutely nothing.

Luke: Speak for yourself. And don't get too giddy. Ms. Bell's resurection is only good news to her, and maybe Stephen King.

{Next Scene}

Alexis and Luke are sitting on the couch. Luke is leaning forward, Alexis is leaning back with one foot on the table

Luke: My take is, Stefan's working overtime to find out who loosened the railing on the parapet. And unless he's already found out, he's going to settle on you and me.

Alexis: Framing Stefan was never part of our agreement. You did that all on your own.

Luke: Yes, I did. (standing up) But do you really think that subtle distinction is going to cause the Prince of Darkness to give you a little sympathy? (hits her leg with cane) Move your legs.

Alexis: (she kicks him back, he hits her again with cane, she hits his bad leg and gets up) You know, it's not going to be as bad as you think anyway. Stefan has been preoccupied with ....other things. (she suddenly realizes she hit a nerve in Luke without meaning to)

Luke: You mean, like my wife.

Alexis: I'm not going to deny that they have gotten friendlier, but it's strictly because of Nikolas. That's all.

Luke: Anybody who thinks its strictly because of Nikolas ain't looking close enough. Strap on your water wings Counselor - current's about to get swift.

Luke exits swiftly. Alexis is left with fearful food for thought.

12/3/98

Luke is at Kelly's, sitting at a table, with his back to the door. Alexis walks in the door, taps him on the shoulder and sits down accross from him.

Alexis: Alright, what do you mean I should watch my back? Do you know something that I don't know? Did Stefan say anything to you about that parapet railing or to Laura? You better tell me because I want to know.

Luke: He's got it about half figured out, I think.

Alexis: Which half?

Luke: My half. He's got photographs of me at the jolly Bacchanalia.

Alexis: Does he have proof that you loosened the railing?

Luke: I think so far he thinks that I was flying solo. But you know, if you remember the trial, the dragon lady was breathing fire in both our directions, so if he starts to believe that mother knows best, he is going to be on to you, too.

Alexis: That's bad. Do you know when he started to figure this out?

(Luke looks at her and shrugs)

Alexis: Do you? Alright, well it couldn't have been two weeks ago, because I've been in Monte Carlo for the last two weeks. I haven't had any contact with him. (pauses) And prior to that everything was fine. In fact, it was better than I had hoped. He had forgiven me for intervening with him and Katherine and anything I did with Helena he knows that I did out of fear and I would never do it again. Then again, Helena used every opportunity she could to accuse us during the trial and if she's right about you, then she's right about me, and I knew this was too good to be true. I'm going to just tell him.

Luke: (looks up in shock) What?

Alexis: I'm going to tell him everything.

Luke: Are you...what? No you're not!

Alexis: Oh, yes I am.

Luke: Oh, no you're not.

Alexis: I should have...

Luke: (leaning back) You said you....

Alexis: Yes I am and I should have done it right after it happened after you framed Stefan, that little detail that you neglected to mention to me. But did I listen to my own sound wisdom? NO I listened to you (pointing) my family's mortal enemy.

Luke: (loud whisper) Natasha, shut up!

Alexis: Do you know that...

Luke: Shut up!

Alexis: (puts her hand over his mouth) ...Stefan has never done anything but be my friend. (removes her hand) And now my brother. Do you know that after my mother died and they took me to that horrible island and housed me in this cottage on the grounds like a servant, he was the only soul on that rock that ever gave a damn what happened to me. And as soon as he was able to give orders and neutralize Helena, he got me a suite in the main house. And then he got me off that wretched island and that's why I got to law school.

Luke: Cue the violins, french horns, harps. I see halos. He's a saint. (leans in and whispers) Tell me, why is everything about Stefan?

{NEXT SCENE}

Alexis: I'm..I'm really sorry, truly I am because the last thing on earth I'd would ever want to do is to set you off. (sighs) Look, I'm sure my brother has been the subject of many a marital dispute between you and Laura...

Alexis: ...but at the risk of sounding terribly selfish, if Stefan doesn't already know about my involvement in this and my duplicity while he faced this horror during the entire trial, I'd rather that he not find out (bumps hand into sugar dispenser on table, which knocks napkin holder off table)..yet.

Luke: (leans over and picks up the napkin holder) I've never had a partner who's had as many twitches as you have. What are you afraid of? That I'm going to run out on you? What kind of co-conspirator do you take me for? (Alexis sighs) Look, Boris thinks he has me in the cross hairs and he thinks his object of affection is waiting in the trophy room. That's what's important. You probably make the Christmas list.

Alexis: If I were you, I wouldn't give up on your marriage. You and Laura are bound by a lifetime of experiences and more importantly, you are bound by your children.

Luke: (staring at her) What do you care about my kids? Natasha, the issue here is Nikolas...Nikolas CASSADINE. I always said that kid was a bastard.

(Alexis looks at him, pondering his words)

Alexis: (A little confused) If you mean that Stefan was the only father that Nikolas has ever known and in that sense, they share a son together, I guess that case can be argued. Certainly doesn't compare to what you and Laura have. (Luke has his head in his hands, rolling his eyes) You brought you own children into the world, you nursed them through sickness. You've stood by their side. You've faced death, more than once. Stefan may have raised Laura's son, but he doesn't hold her heart. You do.

Luke: PLEASE...don't tell me about my connection to my wife. You know nothing about that. Nobody does. Most of the time, we don't.

12/4/98

Luke is sitting on Alexis' couch with his feet propped up on the coffee table, reading a file. Alexis comes in.

Alexis: (sarcastic smile, standing in doorway) This is SO unacceptable.

Luke: What - my feet on the coffee table? Oh, come on, it's hotel furniture. (Alexis closes the door and walks in)

Alexis: You see, I'm a lawyer, so I know this. That I have a constitutional right of privacy that allows me to walk into my own place of residence and NOT find you helping yourself to my couch, to my files, or whatever you found to amuse yourself.

Luke: All right, all right. I'm just here to check up on you. You seemed so shaky the last time we talked. Did you get over that urge to tell Cousin Stiff everything like a bad rash?

Alexis: (annoyed smile) Thanks for caring, but I know you don't.

Alexis: Cassadine family harmony is hardly a priority of yours.

Luke: You know you are one hell of a co-conspirator. You are too excitable. And your conscience pops up at all the wrong times. But I'd hate to see you dead.

Alexis: Stefan is not going to kill me. (removes her coat and throws it on couch) He probably would never forgive me either which is why I am going to keep my mouth shut and hope that he is too furious with you to even think about me.

Alexis: All right? Are you reassured that I am self serving and amoral?

Alexis: Now get out.

Luke: No, why don't you get out? You know, Natasha, I can't figure out why you live in this hotel suite. Why don't you live out on the island with your beloved Stefan and the little prince? I mean - if you're so close? Could it be you're not welcome there? Could it be that after all your love and devotion, you're no more a part of that family than Mrs. Landsbury or the daushands? Don't you ever get tired of being on the outside looking in?

Alexis: (sits on the couch) Don't you get tired of trying to turn me against Stefan? It's not going to happen. I love my brother and, God knows, he is the only person who has ever loved and supported me.

Luke: Yeah? Then what did it get you - this hotel suite and a free trip to law school?

Alexis: (closes eyes) Do you have a point? Then if you do...

Luke: (interrupting) I got the same point that I've been trying to make for months now. Wake up and smell the danger. (softer, more concerned) Forget Stefan and take care of yourself.

Alexis: I'M FINE! Look at me...I'm safe, I'm solvent, I just came back from this very well deserved, wonderful trip in Monte Carlo and YOU clearly are here JUST to torture me relentlessly. I say...I have an idea...that we call it a draw and not reschedule a rematch...what do you say?

Luke: You refuse to see it even when it's right in your face.

Alexis: (annoyed) I'm going to give you a hint, Luke. Instead of seeking revenge on Stefan, instead of loosening balcony railings or, or slitting his throat or whatever it is you're contemplating at the moment - hold on to what you've got. (quieter) Go home. I mean it. Stop lurking around in everybody else's life and pay attention to your own. You want to get revenge on Stefan? Reclaiming your wife and your children will get it for you in spades.

Luke: Do you smell something bad in here? (Alexis rolls her head) Cheap sentiment maybe or good intentions. (Luke gets up and walks past her) Oh that's it, too much perfume. (she grabs the file from him and slams it on the table) Oh that's all right, you can keep that one. I have a copy.

Alexis: Oh, I'm sure you do.

Luke: (opens door) Is this interview over?

Alexis: IT's OVER!

Luke: Ciao.

Alexis: (picks up pillow and puts in on her lap) Get out!

He leaves and she leans back on the couch, exasperated.

4/1/99

Luke's Club. Jax has gotten up to make a phone call, leaving Alexis at thetable alone. Luke comes over and sits down, buttoning the cuffs of his shirt.

Luke: (big smile) Natasha.

Alexis: Hey.

Luke: Here with Lurch. Are you hatching plots or eggs?

Alexis: Plots. (smiles, leans forward, conspiratorially) And lots of them. Lots ofskullduggery and buried treasure, and it's really, really, really intriguing -- and I'm not going to tell you anything about it.

Luke: Well, should I order the brass plaque that says "She was sitting herewhen she plotted to bring her verminous family down"?

Alexis: Yes! Now go away.

Luke leans back, amused.

Alexis: You're an exhibitionist, and we plotters like to keep a low profile.

Luke: Yes, but without we exhibitionists, you voyeurs would have only themirror to look into.

Alexis: (smiling) Oh.

Luke: (suggestively) You care to spin around the dance floor?

Alexis: (mock serious) I'd rather die.

Luke: (hurt) You know, you're cold. Cruel, even.

Alexis just smiles at him.

Luke: And one day when you're old and gray, you're going to look back on thismoment and lament the fact you didn't lighten up and lindy hop.

Luke gets up and leaves.

Alexis: (barely audible) Lindy hop?

10/13/99

Luke's office. Luke is pouring a drink when the door opens. Alexis walks in, slightly annoyed. Luke looks up and smiles.

Alexis: Why did you call me?

Luke: (still grinning) I've missed you.

Alexis: (suspicious) What do you want?

Luke: (nonchalantly) How's that new husband treating you?

Alexis: (quickly) I was nowhere near Wyndemere last night. Were you?

Luke: God, you're defensive.

Alexis: (insistent) Were you?

Luke: (sitting on the edge of his desk) What?

Alexis: (louder) Near Wyndemere?

Luke: No.

Alexis: (folding her arms in front of her) Some say she was pushed.

Luke: I'll bet. What was she doing on that parapet anyway? (Alexis narrows her eyes at him suspiciously) I didn't kill her, Alexis. Did you?

Alexis: (indignant) No, I didn't.

Luke: I mean, if you did, you know your secret's safe with me.

Alexis: The only thing safe with you is your overblown opinion of yourself. (she takes a step closer) Now, Katherine was not a good friend of mine, but I am sorry that she's dead.

Luke: You always say that.

Alexis: Well, I really mean it this time. If we weren't anywhere near Wyndemere, we have nothing to worry about.

Luke: Right. I didn't do it. You didn't do it. So, who did it?

{Next Scene}

Alexis: We never set out to kill Katherine.

Luke: (walking toward his safe) No, we were trying to kill Helena. (he pauses) Imagine that. We can actually tell the police the truth. (he bends over to his safe)

Alexis: (amused) And why would I even discuss this with the police? (she sits on the edge of the desk, arms folded) I wasn't there last night.

Luke: Yep. You just keep saying that, baby. (he opens safe and pulls out a box) Besides, we both know who did it. (he stands and walks toward her)

Alexis: (quickly) No, he didn't.

Luke: You see there? I didn't even have to say his name.

Alexis: You would blame Stefan no matter what.

Luke: Yes. And?

Alexis: (stands, faces him) And he wasn't the only one who hated Katherine.

Luke: You got a list? Who's on it?

Alexis: Your wife, for one.

Luke: One in how many? I guarantee you, you and I are above her on that list, so let's don't even go there.

Alexis: (sighing loudly, rolling her eyes) Oh.

{Next Scene}

Luke: You're never going to change, are you? (opens box and pulls out a bottle) You're always going to be little Natasha, hoping to impress the Cassadines so you don't have to sleep under the stairs.

Alexis: (rising from the edge of the desk) The Cassadine card doesn't work for me anymore. Hasn't worked for a while. (she leans one hand on the table)

Luke: I hope not. We're probably going to face some stiff questions about last time.

Alexis: So, what do you think, I'm going to tell them everything because I want Stefan to like me?

Luke: You almost blew it before.

Alexis: But I didn't, and I won't.

Luke: And what makes you so sure?

Alexis: Because I've seen the stars in the desert and I know what really matters to me, and it isn't being a Cassadine. I've moved on.

Luke: Good. (he smiles) I saw those stars, I think. (he walks past her and stands behind the desk)

Alexis: (very formally) And just for the record, I have no recollection of the parapet's railings, Wyndemere, Cassadines, or any combination thereof related to prior events pursuant to Katherine bell.

Luke: (impressed) Oh, I love it when you talk dirty lawyer talk.

Alexis: (turning around, smiling brightly) Thank you.

Luke: (smiling and leering) I like it more when you do that dirty lawyer walk. You've missed me, haven't you?

Alexis: (haughtily) You had your chance.

Luke: (surprised) That was my chance? You got this game rigged.

Knock on door. Felicia enters.

Felicia: Luke, hi.

Luke: Hi.

Felicia: (noticing Alexis) Oh.

Luke: No --

Felicia: (looking back and forth between them) If you're in the middle of a meeting, I can come back at another time.

Luke: No, it's --

Alexis: (grabs her briefcase off the chair and smiles at Felicia) He's all yours.

Luke: Later, Natasha.

Alexis smiles, waves and leaves.

Felicia: (confused) Natasha?

3/2/00

Alexis walks into Luke's office and is visibly shocked to see him sitting behind his desk.

Alexis: (surprised) You're back.

Luke: (smiling) You're right. I'm back.

Alexis: I just said that.

Luke: You're awful glad to see me.

{Next Scene}

Luke: Come in. Close the door. Tell me what you're not here to tell me.

Alexis: (not moving from the door) I'm just -- just surprised to see you.

Luke: You're surprised to stumble upon me in my own office?

Alexis: I -- I thought you were out of town.

Luke: (slightly hurt) So, you only visit when I'm gone?

Alexis: (primly) I'm here to see Roy.

Luke: (sitting down) Oh, you know Roy.

Alexis: I'm his attorney, yes.

Luke: (suddenly concerned) Is he in trouble?

Alexis: Not at the moment. (wanting to beat a hasty retreat) And I would love to stay and explain the whole thing to you, but I can't. I got to run.

Luke: Well, not to mention that pesky attorney/client privilege thing.

Alexis: (backing to the door) And we're going to catch up real soon.

Luke: How's now?

Alexis: (smiling) Up to my ears.

Luke: Yeah, I can see that, and you seem all stressed out about it. You need to relax. (leering) Would you like a rub down? (Alexis does not look pleased) Come on, tell an old co-conspirator what's up, Natasha.

Alexis relents and walks over to the chair in front of Luke's desk, sitting down.

Alexis: Helena tried to kill me.

Luke: (eyeing her neck) I see no slash marks across your pretty neck. In fact, you show no signs of wear and tear at all.

Alexis: Well, my friend does -- Chloe Morgan. In the hospital. She mistook her for me.

Luke: (unable to contain his disbelief) Because the two of you are twins?

Alexis: It's a long story.

Luke: How did Stefan take it?

Alexis: What?

Luke: (rolls eyes) Stefan. Ste-fan. How did he take his mother's botched murder attempt? How did he react?

Alexis: I don't think anything she does surprises him.

Luke: So Count Baklava is hard to shock?

Alexis: By now, he'd have to be. (she rises) It's great to see you.

Luke seems disappointed that she's leaving. He gets up from his desk and follows her to the door.

Luke: And it's great seeing you, but don't worry about my sensitive feelings.

Alexis: (turning to him) I don't.

Luke: (obviously hurt) Oh.

9/20/00

PCPD interrogation room. Alexis has just entered. She drops her briefcase on the table in front of Luke and sits.

Alexis: (smiling) I see they found you. Your sister tells me that you've been begging for me and would grovel for my help.

Luke: Well, that depends. Do you think I murdered your brother?

Alexis: (leans forward, serious) No. I know that Helena did it. I just can't prove it.

Luke: Well, then it looks like you got yourself a groveling client. (he reaches forward and grabs Alexis' hand, holding it with both of his) If you're willing to take on an accused murderer with every shred of evidence stacked against him.

Alexis: Don't even get me started on that. (seemingly worried) There is something that you should know first.

Luke: Well, if you're going to talk about possible conflicts of interest here, just know that I won't bring them up if you won't.

Alexis: (hesitant) Well, that eventually will be something that we need to consider. I have a confession to make.

Luke: (leering, instantly intrigued) Oh. Something lurid, I hope.

Alexis: (nervous) Close.

{Next Scene}

Luke: (smiling widely, looking toward the ceiling) Wait, wait. Just let me enjoy this for a moment. I'm -- I'm just sort of picturing this. This big picture of you over a bar in a teddy.

Alexis: (very much annoyed at his amusement) Are you enjoying this?

Luke: (dirty thoughts running through his mind) Yes, I'm loving it. I'm loving it.

Alexis: Well, that just warms the cockles of my poster. I'm just warning you that it could be risky to have an attorney --

Luke: Who's better known for her unmentionables than her litigation.

Alexis: (still annoyed) Do you want my help or not?

Luke: (grinning) With or without the rose in your teeth!

Alexis: Then zip it because the court might object to this. They don't need a potential reason to throw this case out of court or have it overturned on appeal.

Luke: The only reason to throw this damn case out of court is the fact that there's no evidence to convict me.

Luke peers over Alexis' shoulder and notices that Felicia is out in the squad room talking to Mac. Alexis follows his gaze and see's the same scene. She turns back to Luke.

Alexis: (voice low, very serious) If Felicia Scorpio asks to see you, refuse the visit.

Mac and Felicia are still in conversation while Luke and Alexis watch. Felicia then leaves the PCPD arm-in-arm with Mac.

Luke: (obviously dejected) Well, looks like a visit from Mrs. Scorpio is not going to be a problem.

9/21/00

PCPD Interrogation Room. Alexis enters after having a spirited discussion with Dara about Carly and Sonny. Luke had been watching through the window.

Luke: I take it that conversation was about me.

Alexis: Not everything is about you. However, this part is about you. I have good news. (she sits)

Luke: Well, I'll take it.

Alexis: Mac may have made a mistake that will blow his whole case. He got a search warrant for your office by himself. Now, we both know we won't have any trouble proving that he's prejudiced against you.

Luke: So the judge could throw out the warrant.

Alexis: Along with all the other evidence against you, at which point I see no reason why you shouldn't be cleared of all charges.

Luke: Neither do I. (smiling, impressed) I knew I picked the right attorney.

{Next Scene}

Dara walks into the interrogation room after throwing Roy out.

Luke: All the visitors leave the zoo?

Dara stands across the table from Luke, silent. Luke stands up, facing her.

Luke: If that's a yes, I'd like to go back to my dank little cell, please.

Dara: Not yet.

Dara walks around the room and removes the gum Roy had used to cover the listening devices while Luke stands quietly.

Dara: I want this to be on the record.

Alexis enters the room, obviously irritated.

Alexis: (to the policeman holding the door) Thanks a lot. (to Dara) Whatever the news it, it had better be good.

Dara: (eyes on Luke) Depends on your perspective. The judge has banned you from Luke's case due to conflict of interest.

Luke: (visibly shocked and upset) What?!?

Alexis: (angry) Well, then I'll fight it.

Dara: Fight it all you want. (finally looks at Alexis) You know it won't do any good. (looks back at Luke again) The judge's decision is final.

Dara leaves, feeling triumphant.

Alexis: (slams briefcase on table) Damn it!

Luke: She's bluffing.

Alexis: Afraid not.

Luke: (desperate) Well, then do something about it. You're the only lawyer I trust. I may not even dodge this bullet without you

Luke: (leering just a tad) How about you slip into that notorious teddy of yours, create a disturbance, and I'll make a break for it.

Alexis: (not amused) Go ahead, keep joking about this, because your last escape made you a flight risk, which is why you have no bail.

Luke: Explain to me why I got no justice, why this is not going to be a fair trial. Explain that to me. You know I'm being railroaded here. This is insane. I'm wanted for murder. There's not even a body. The police commissioner has taken out his own warrants, there's evidence planted in my safe, and now the only attorney that I know who might even have one shot in hell of getting me off is being pulled away from me. Now you're off my case. Whoever set me up did a damn fine job of it.

{Next Scene}

Alexis: You knew from the onset that I could be removed as your attorney. The court wants to make sure they give you a fair and impartial trial so that you can't be removed on a technicality.

Luke: Oh, please. Don't -- don't try to tell me the system works.

Alexis: (not sounding all too sure) It can.

Luke: If you got a shark in the water who knows what she's doing, and that's you.

Alexis: Cut the sweet talk. I'll find you another attorney. I'll make some phone calls.

Luke: (sincere) Well, can you at least consult?

Alexis: I'll see what I can do.

Luke: Well, warn this new attorney, whoever it is, that they're going to be up against a D.A. in collusion with a police commissioner who's got a vendetta.

Alexis: (rising) I will make sure whoever it is knows exactly what's going on, (on her way to the door) including how having a client like you can be painful.

Alexis opens the door and steps through, stopping when he calls after her.

Luke: Painful? Get me a good attorney, or I'll show you pain.