Chapter Twenty One Lucky was released from the hospital a week later. Everyone was rushing around making plans, some were good and some were bad. Luke had set up a party at Kelly's for him. He thought about having it at the club but because of Lucky's problems, he thought the diner would be better. Ruby had a new helper and Luke was glad that Tammy had taken him up on his offer. Ruby closed the dinner and all people Luke could think of were invited to the party. He had asked Emily, Lizzie, and Sly to ask some kids from school, but he knew none of them were going to show. Luke realized that Lucky was right and it was time that he got a new life. He just didn't know what yet. Luke had a few ideas and he was going to run them by Sonny the first chance he got. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mac called V, Taggert, and Garcia into his office for a meeting. "Okay, Lucky is being released and we aren't ready to take our case to the D.A. just yet. I know Sonny's men will be close to him but Luke still doesn't know who the real danger to his son is. I don't want the news to come out just yet but I don't want anything to happen to Lucky either. So, any ideas?" Mac asked. "We could arrest the kid until we are ready to tell the truth. He did sell liquor to minors on school property," Taggert said. "No!" V said. "We can't lock him up just to keep him safe." "You got a better idea?" Taggert asked. "Yes. Mac and Felicia are now living in his place and her old place at the brownstone is vacant. I could move into the brownstone to keep a closer eye on Lucky," V suggested. "You sure?" Mac asked. "Yes, I'm sure. Mac, Lucky isn't the type of kid that did this for money. I talked to the kids at his school and his friends. I think I know a lot about him and he is in more pain than anyone knows. Locking him up would do more damage to him than good," V said looking at Taggert coldly. "Okay, I do think we should call Sonny," Mac said. "Why?" Taggert demanded, thinking it was dumb to even suggest the idea. "He could warn his men and they could protect Lucky better. Sonny won't go out and kill the person that threatened Lucky's life like Luke would. He would at least let us handle it," Mac said. "I don't like it," Taggert said still not convinced it was a good idea. "I don't either but if it comes down to Lucky's life and my personal feelings about Sonny. I will choose Lucky's life," Mac said, "I'm not going to lose one more person in this war and if it costs me my pride, then so be it!" "Do we have another choice?" Garcia asked. "Beside taking Lucky away from his family until we get the proof we need to arrest the criminal and telling Luke the truth about all of this? I don't think so," Mac said. "I'll go talk to Bobbie and start moving right now," V said getting up and leaving the room. "Mac, why not tell Luke the truth?" Garcia asked after V left the room. "You don't know Luke Spencer's temper. He loves one thing in this world and that is his family. He would do just about anything to protect them. He finds out who tried to kill his son and he wouldn't stop to ask any questions. He would just react. I want the truth behind all of this and I don't think we have it all. So, I want you to start digging deeper and find out what is going on," Mac ordered. "Okay, you're the boss," Garcia said and him and Taggert got up and left. Mac picked up the file and started to look it over. He knew he was missing something but what? The problem was that Spencer's past was so secretive that finding the truth would be almost impossible. He decided it might be wise to ask for outside help. He picked up the phone and called an old friend of both of theirs. He might have the contacts to help dig into the past for him. Mac waited and hoped Sean was well enough to do him this favor. "Donely’s," Tiffany's voice came over the line. "Tiffany, its Mac. How you and Sean doing?" Mac asked. "He is getting around nicely. How are things in Port Charles?" Tiffany asked. "Not so great. I need a favor from Sean, can I speak to him?" Mac asked. "Sure, he is right here," Tiffany said handing Sean the phone, wondering what was going on. Sean knew she wanted to know what was going on, so he pointed to the phone down the hall. Tiffany went to it as he said, "Hi, Mac. What's wrong?" "I need a favor and you might be the only person that can help me. I better start from the beginning and then you'll understand everything. A few months ago, Luke and Laura's marriage ended," Mac began. "What?" Tiffany explained. "Tiffany, let him speak," Sean warned her, surprised himself of the news. "Sorry, but I just don't believe it," Tiffany said sitting down in the chair in the hall. She had a feeling it was going to one of those phone calls. "None of us did but it happened. Luke found out that Laura and Stefan had been lovers on the island and that Nikolas is their son. He didn't take the news very well. He burnt down their house and went to confront her. If it weren’t for Sonny, Luke would have killed them both without a second thought. The divorce has been final for a few months now but that isn't all of it. Prom night was tragedy here, eight kids died and Lucky Spencer was almost the ninth. He is getting out of the hospital today and with little more surgery he should be all right. The problem is someone tired to kill him by placing a bomb on the van that he rented. But instead of him taking the van, he lent it to his friends. He was supposed to be in it, but Sonny let him use his limo and that is the only reason, that some of the kid's survived. I have been trying to find out who put the bomb on the van and I did, but now I have a problem. I need to know why," Mac said. "Who?" Sean asked wondering why Mac was telling him all of this. "Laura Spencer," Mac said flatly. Tiffany dropped the phone she was holding and Sean had to grip his a little tighter. "Mac, are you sure about this?" Sean asked, after getting his voice back. "Yes, but my problem is a motive. Why would she try to harm her own child? This isn't adding up right. I know she bought the parts of the bomb and messed with the van. I still don't know why," Mac said. "Are you digging for the truth to make a case or to get answers for yourself?" Sean asked. "Both, " Mac said. "What do you want from me?" Sean asked. "I found out that Laura has been acting weird for a long time. I started asking around when all of this came to light and I found out she has been using an alias, Trixie, and she has been taking customers," Mac said still trying to make since of all of this. "You are not saying what I think you are saying?" Tiffany asked, looking at Sean with a disbelieving look on her face. "Yes and I'm having trouble believing it myself. I think there is something really wrong with Laura and I need to know what happened to the Spencer's while they were on the run. I have been trying to talk to Leslie but she has been putting me off. I even tried to get Cassadine to talk to me about Laura's life on the island. Something happened to her that caused this. Laura isn't the Laura we all know. I think she is in a lot of trouble, but I'm not willing to risk Lucky's life to save her. If it comes down to it, I'll arrest Laura and let someone else figure this out but right now I don't see any danger in waiting a little longer. Luke has bodyguards on him and the custody hearing isn't until next week. I have sometime. What I want from you is a favor from the WSB. Do you think they could look into the Spencers’ past on the run and see what comes to light?" Mac explained, still trying to figure this mess out. "I'll call the WSB. They have had people on them ever since they left Port Charles. We're also coming home. It sounds like you need a little help keeping things from getting worse. Besides, Luke and Laura are our friends and I want to help them as much as I can. Do you think Lucky's life is still in danger?" Sean asked. "Yes, I do. I'm doing everything I can to protect him without telling Luke the truth," Mac said. "You're smart to keep this from him for now. He would just react to protect his son and that is it. He wouldn't kill Laura but he might vanish until this is over with," Sean said. "He started planning that when Laura filed for full custody of Lucky and Lu. I need this mess figured out before then or I will have no choice but to arrest Laura for the murder of eight kids. I still think there is more to this then what I all ready found out," Mac said. "Normally, Laura would be in jail all ready but this was just to clean cut for my taste. I smell a set up and I don't like it." "We are on our way. I'll make the call before I leave and we should have an answer soon," Sean said and hung up the phone. "Sean?" Tiffany said in a worried voice. "I know Tiff. I don't believe it myself. Something is going on back in Port Charles and I don't like it," Sean said. "Go pack, I have some phone calls to make." Tiffany went to pack their things while Sean made some calls. They left their home a few hours later and headed back to Port Charles. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Helena was in her living area on her yacht when Ari walked in, "I have news for you madam," Ari said. "What is it?" Helena asked coldly. "The bug you had placed in the commissioner's office just went into affect. The staff has relayed to us that he knows about Laura's little problem and has called for help," Ari said. "Who?" Helena asked turning her attention completely to Ari. "Sean Donely and his wife, Tiffany. They are due to arrive by the end of the day," Ari said. "Very interesting. My guess is that Scorpio doesn't know all that is going on or he would have arrested Laura by now. I think it is time we enlightened him just a little. Call Laura's doctor and explain what is going on. I want Lasha stopped before she does any more damage. I was wrong into letting her run free for so long, " Helena ordered. "As you wish. What about the other little item?" Ari asked. "I want to wait until this mess is cleared up and then I'll make my next move. If Laura has hidden the truth from me about who fathered Lucky and Nikolas, I will clear this mess up and get my hands on the real heir. I don't care if Stavros fathered a child or not, the next in line of the Cassadine fortune will be mine," Helena said and turned her back on Ari. He bowed his head and slowly walked out of the room to do her bidding. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke arrived to take Lucky home and found him sitting on the edge of the bed with his arm strapped to his chest. "You ready to go?" Luke asked, as he walked into the room. "I was ready a long time ago," Lucky said, getting up and heading for the door. Amy showed up with a wheel chair and Lucky looked at her and asked, "What is that for?" as he pointed to the wheel chair. "It is hospital policy, get in," Amy demanded as she set it up. "I can walk. I don't need that thing any more," Lucky said trying to get past her but she wouldn't have it. "No, get in," Amy said pointing to the chair. Lucky looked at Luke who just grabbed Lucky's bag and shrugged his shoulders. "I spend two weeks listening to everyone tell me that I should walk more and when it comes to going home, you force me back into a wheel chair? Nothing makes sense to me any more," Lucky complained as he got into the wheel chair. "Cowboy, they make everyone do it," Luke said as they headed out of the room. Lucky shook his head and didn't say anything until they got down stairs and out the front door. He arrived at the hospital it first of May and now it was a second week of June. The sun was hot and it looked like a great day. "I forgot what it felt like to feel the sun," Lucky said as Amy stopped in front of Luke's pink Caddy. "I even have the top down," Luke said, dropping the bag into the back seat and then helped Lucky to his feet. Amy kissed him on the check and said, "I will see you when you come in for your check up at the end of the week." "I hope to see you sooner than that and not in the hospital," Lucky said. "I hope so too, but if not take care of yourself," Amy said and she winked at Luke as she left. Johnny climbed into the back seat and Luke helped Lucky in the front seat. They soon were driving down the road. Lucky watched the things flash by him and tired not to think about all the things Chris was going to miss now that he was dead. Luke spilt his time watching the road and Lucky. He noticed Lucky wasn't saying anything and wondered what he was thinking about, "What's wrong?" Luke finally asked him. "Chris and the others. I keep feeling guilty about being alive," Lucky said. "I know kiddo. I felt that way when Roy died. He tried to do the job that Frank want me to do," Luke said. "Does it ever go away?" Lucky asked. "In time," Luke said. Luke soon pulled into the parking lot of Kelly's and Lucky asked, "Why we stopping here?" "Aunt Ruby has a meal waiting for us. She thinks you haven't been eating enough and wants to start you off ‘right’," Luke said getting out of the car. "Okay," Lucky said getting out of the car and wondering what was going on. He knew there was a party set up somewhere. He just had to act surprised and enjoy the day. Lizzie was the first to greet him at the door. She read his face clearly and kissed him on the cheek and whispered in his hear. "You had this pegged all along." "I won't tell, if you won't," Lucky whispered back, kissing her on the cheek. Lucky and Liz walked into the restaurant hand and hand. Steven watched his little sister with a big brotherly attitude. He knew from the sessions with Gail how Lizzie felt about Lucky but he was worried his problems were a little much for her to handle. He just didn't know how to warn her and not upset her doing it. "About time you got out of the hospital," Bobbie said kissing Lucky on the cheek as she walked up to the teens. "I'm glad to see you, too. I was beginning to think the only reason you wanted to see was to take my temperature or draw blood," Lucky said with a smile. "I just wanted to make sure you would get better," Bobbie said and then left the teens alone and went to find Luke. "Mom. Dad. This is Lucky," Lizzie said and the teens approached the couple. Luke who was not too far behind Lucky moved a few feet closer but Ruby pulled him back and whispered. "They aren't going to hurt him," Ruby said. "I just know what Rick has told me and I don't want Lucky hurt not right now anyway," Luke said moving back a few steps to keep a closer eye on Lucky. "No one here is out to hurt Lucky and he has to learn to deal with life some how. You can't go from not being around all the time to smothering him. Lucky wouldn't like that either," Bobbie said joining the two of them. "I wasn't smothering him. I just want to make sure he doesn't get hurt," Luke said in his own defense. "You are just trying to make up for not being around more before all of this," Bobbie said kissing her bother on the cheek. "I know I was never around and my kid paid for it. I was so worried about Lulu that I forgot Lucky, just like Laura did," Luke said still watching the group from a far. "Lucky, what is your favorite subject in school?" Jeff asked. "Anything that has computers in it," Lizzie said with a laugh. "Liz!" Lucky said feeling a little taken back being surrounded by her family. He also noticed how his father kept on glancing over in his direct every now and then. He was beginning to feel a little closed in of a sudden. "Computers?" Jennifer asked. Finally, she understood her daughter’s new interest in computers lately. Bobbie notices a figure standing in the doorway and went outside to talk. "Nikolas, you can come inside," Bobbie said as she closed the door behind her. "I don't want to cause any trouble," Nikolas said talking another look inside the dinner. "I can deal with Luke if that is what you are worried about. Besides, Lulu would love to see you and I think Lucky has something to tell you," Bobbie said putting her arm around him and gently guided him inside. Everyone looked up when they entered and Lulu ran to Nikolas, jumping in his open arms. Luke took one step forward when Lucky grabbed his arm. "I want to talk to him," Lucky said, to his father placing his hand on his arm. "You sure?" Luke asked looking at Lucky with a surprised look on his face. "Yes, I'm sure," Lucky said and walked up to Nikolas trying to figure out what to say to him. Ruby grabbed Luke by the arm and said, "You will just make Nikolas and Lucky nervous. How about helping me in the kitchen?" Luke reluctantly went with his aunt. "He doesn't like me," Nikolas said to Lucky, watching as Luke walked away. "He is protecting me," Lucky said looking over his shoulder at his father, "I have been hoping to see you. I found out what you did for me and I wanted to thank you," Lucky added, as Bobbie took Lulu from Nikolas' arms and left the boys alone to talk. "You would have done the same for me," Nikolas said, still feeling a little uncomfortable about all of this. "I don't know," Lucky said. "Can we go outside. I'm beginning to feel like a side show," Lucky pointed to the door and they two walked outside. "Okay," Nikolas said. He noticed that Johnny stepped outside with them. "I see you have a bodyguard," Nikolas pointed in Johnny's direction. "Yes. Until they find out who tried to kill me," Lucky said, "I'm getting used to having someone follow me around." "I know people think the Cassadines did it and if they did, I want to help make them pay. I haven't talked to Stefan or Grandmother since this happened, but if you think it would help, I'll give it a try," Nikolas said. "Why?" Lucky asked wondering what Nikolas wanted from him. "If they killed all those kids just to get to you, then that proves what true monsters are. Lucky, I'm sick of the fighting and the lost of innocent lives. Can we end it between us, at least?" Nikolas asked him. Lucky had been thinking the same thing, because of Chris and the others. "Sure. I was going to suggest the same thing. I just don't know where that leaves us." He was a little uncomfortable, not knowing where he and Nikolas stood. "What ever happens between the adults in our lives, stays with them. Let's just start out as friends and take it from there," Nikolas suggested. "Okay, as long as you don't mention Laura to me. You and I could at least be friends." Lucky held out his left hand. "I promise," Nikolas said shaking his hand. "How's the arm?" he asked. "I don't feel it. So, I guess that's a plus," Lucky said. "I'm sorry about all of this. I feel responsible for all of this," Nikolas said. "Don't worry about it. You didn't put the bomb on van and you tried to help," Lucky said. "Come on, let's go inside before the party decides to join us out here." Lucky had noticed that everyone had moved closer to the window and were taking turns glancing outside every now and then. They went inside and rejoined the party. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ On the way home, Lucky noticed his father hadn't said one word to him since they got into the car. "You mad at me?" Lucky asked. "No. I just want to know why?" Luke asked. "I don't know myself. Nikolas tried to save the others and me. He also would have died too if he hadn't gone for a walk," Lucky said. "He might still be using you," Luke warned. "I know and I promise to keep my guard up, but if he isn't, can you live with the war ending with you? I can't do it any more. I don't want to hate Nikolas for something his family MIGHT have done to me," Lucky said. "He’ll gave you that chance. I'll just stick close to make sure it isn't fatal," Luke said. "You don't ever change, do you?" Lucky asked. "I'm too old to change, now," Luke said and they pulled up at the brownstone. He heard from Bobbie that V had taken over Felicia's lease because living about the Outback had been too noisy. He saw Garcia and Taggert helping her move. He knew this was Mac's way of getting someone close to Lucky. Lucky helped Lulu out of the car and Johnny grabbed the bag. "You could call Valentine," Johnny said, pointing to the moving van. "No. At least this way, we know where they are," Luke said taking the bag in one hand and picking up Lulu with the other. Luke walked up the stairs just as Taggert exited the doorway. "Hello, Spencer," he said, as nice as he could. "Move it," Luke ordered. Taggert moved aside and watched as the group went inside. V had walked up beside Taggert and said, "You're not making this any easier." "He isn't dumb. He knows why we are doing this. So, why pretend to like him?" Taggert said and he headed down to get more boxes. V shook her head and carried the box up the steps. Lulu stood at the door watching the commotion. V smiled at the girl and said, "I'm you new neighbor." "You got kids?" Lulu asked in a low, shy voice. "Lu?" Luke said as he opened the door. "Come on inside and leave the nice lady to her moving," Luke picked the little girl up and carried her inside not even bothering to look in V's direction. Lucky was lying down on the couch and his sister jumped on top of him. Lucky started to tickle her. Luke let them play and checked the answering machine. "Luke, this is Valentine. I have news for you on the custody suit. The judge wants a report for social services. So, expect a visitor soon. He also wants a report on Laura spending time with both kids. I tried but he will not budge. Lucky has to spend the day with his mother, at least while the social worker is around." The machine cut off. Luke looked up at Lucky, who had heard everything. He was holding Lulu, who didn't understand what was going on but realized her brother was very upset. "NO," he said in a clear voice. Luke held up his hand and picked up the phone and called Valentine. Lucky looked at his sister, who's eyes were beginning to water. "What's wrong? Don't you want to see mommy?" Lulu asked him. "I know mommy misses you. She even got a room ready for you, so you could come live with us. I wouldn't be so lonely if you would come with me to see her," Lulu said, as tears fell from her eyes. Lucky looked at his sister and his heart broke. For months now, Lucky had been doing what he wanted but he had forgotten about his sister. "I'll spend one day with her for you," Lucky said kissing Lulu on the cheek. "Dad, put down the phone. I'll go see her," Lucky said, behind his shoulder to his father. Luke slowly hung up the phone and said, "You sure?" "Sure. Besides what can she do? It's only for one day," Lucky said. Lulu started to jump up and down. Luke grabbed her and pulled her into his arms. "Lucky isn't that well. You can't use him as a jumping bag but I do know he's very ticklish. You want to have fun?" Luke asked her. "Dad?" Lucky pleaded, sitting up and trying to get off the couch. "Yes!" Lulu said very excited and the two of them pounced on Lucky. "Help! Please, stop," Lucky begged in between his laughing fits. Sean and Tiffany arrived at the door and heard the commotion. Sean opened the door and found Lucky being tickled by his father and sister. Tiffany tip toed into the room and turned the tables on Luke. She started to tickle him while Sean stood back and watched. "Tiff, stop," Luke said as he tried to get way from her. "You shouldn't pick on a kid that just got out of the hospital," Tiffany said not backing down. “I'm warning you Tiff. If you don't stop I'm going to get even," Luke said and grabbed her and started to tickle her back. "Okay, Spencer that's enough. Get your hands off my wife," Sean said. Luke let her go and Tiffany gave him her best ha look and got to her feet. "What brings you two back to Port Chuckles?" Luke asked getting to his feet. "You," Tiffany said and wrapped her arms around him. "We heard about you and Laura. I thought my old friend might need me." "Thanks, Babe but I'm doing fine on my own." Luke said, but he did pull her closer. "Who's that?" Lulu asked Lucky, as she climbed onto his lap. "I'm a good friend of your daddies and I also know you," Tiffany said as she let go of Luke and sat down beside them on the couch. Sean took one chair and Luke grabbed the other. "How come I don't know you?" Lulu asked. "You were just a little thing when they left town," Lucky said, "Hi, Tiffany. Hi, Sean." "How are you feeling?" Sean asked. "Glad to be out of the hospital," Lucky said. "I bet," Tiffany said. "Who called you?" Luke asked wondering which of his friends got in touch with them. "Mac," Sean said. "Mac?" Luke and Lucky said in surprised tone of voices. "Is there a problem with that?" Sean asked. "No, just surprised," Luke said. Sean knew he was lying and Lucky looked like he would jump out of his skin. He wondered what they were hiding.