There had been a shift change since lunch, and a different officer approached Stefan's cell. He was not alone. Standing behind him looking beautiful and aloof was Stefan's new attorney.

"Miss Griffin," he acknowledged, turning away from his study of the walls, "has there been some progress?"

"You are being released," Jessica informed him. "On condition." She waited as the officer unlocked the cell and then stepped back to allow her entrance.

"Will ten minutes be long enough, Ma'am?" the policeman asked politely.

"You needn't leave," Jessica replied. "My client knows that he is to keep his mouth shut unless I direct otherwise." She looked pointedly at him.

Slightly amused, Stefan nodded his acquiescence. His attorney was in her element. She had control of the situation and expected complete obedience from him. For a moment, he thought, Miss Griffin reminded him of Alexis. Perhaps it was part of the training involved in becoming an attorney.

"There are some loose ends to tie up," Jessica explained as they walked toward the squad room. "And your personal belongings will be returned to you. So while I am finalizing things, you should be free to arrange transportation for yourself, or contact your family."

Reluctantly entering the public restroom, Stefan looked around with distaste. Careful not to touch any of the surrounding surfaces, he removed an object from the plastic bag in his hands. He clasped it tightly in his grip, drawing comfort from its nearness.

Carefully he balanced the bag on top of his shoes and then proceeded to return his Cassadine medallion to its rightful place. As if it had life, the medallion slid down the fine chain and settled itself upon his firm, well-developed chest. The cool metal was a welcome sensation. The absence of his medallion, above all else, had been the worst part of the entire fiasco. Despite Stefan's every protest, Mac Scorpio had been unyielding and the medallion was removed.

Retrieving the bag at his feet, Stefan removed his suit jacket and pulled it on. It was somewhat wrinkled from having been stuffed inside the small plastic bag in which the officer had placed his possessions. The local constabulary have no appreciation of handwoven linen, he thought. Peasants. He stood before the restroom mirror, adjusted his jacket and straightened his tie. Bending slightly, he took the opportunity to reinforce the creases in the legs of his still immaculate trousers. A quick pass of his fingers through his hair coaxed an errant lock of hair into place.

Satisfied that his appearance was superior even under the circumstances, Stefan exited the dimly lit room and returned to the squad room. He sat on a bench in the far corner of the room, away from all its occupants and reached into his jacket pocket. Quickly he dialed a number from memory.

"Hello?" came the answer after just two rings.

"Hello, Lucinda."

"Stefan, darling, I am glad to note that Jessica has secured your release. I knew that she would."

"Thank you." He paused. "I do not wish to appear ungrateful, Lucinda, but I am unsure as to your reasons for sending your employee to my aid." Stefan explained, "Alexis would have handled things per usual."

"It was a sudden decision darling. Our conversation ended rather abruptly. And I did think, however, that in this case your sister might have been unwilling to move with her usual haste." Lucinda hurried to correct him. "And darling, Jessica Griffin is not my employee."

"Miss Griffin isn't an attorney?"

"Oh, yes. In the past, she has done some legal work for Worldwide. But she came to your aid as a favor to me. You know, darling, I have become quite fond of her. Despite her flaws," Lucinda added.

"Flaws?" Stefan was intrigued.

"You must have sensed some coolness in your dealings," Lucinda began. "I am afraid Jessica doesn't approve of any dealings that aren't completely above board."

"Personally or professionally?"

"Either. I am sure," she continued, "that your disappearing act has upset her on several levels."

Stefan spoke almost to himself. "That explains many things."

"Don't worry, Stefan. No matter what Jessica thinks of you, she won't let it hamper your defense."

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