“Oh, I don't know if that is such a good idea, Stefan.”

“You can trust me, Lucinda. May I count on your cooperation?”

“Very well," she agreed.

“Good. I must go now. My attorney is approaching. Goodbye.”

Lucinda hung up the phone slowly. Stefan Cassadine had called as she'd requested. He was out of jail thanks to Jessica. No surprise there.

What was surprising was the request he'd made of Lucinda. She had finally agreed to the request after presenting every manner of reservation she could think of.

Lucinda threw her head back and laughed. She wasn't surprised at Stefan's request, merely that it had come so soon. It confirmed that her plan was ahead of schedule.

"You're free to go, Cassadine," Mac Scorpio said. "But don't make any plans to leave town."

"I have no intention of leaving Port Charles, Commissioner. This is my home - for the time being."

"Whatever." He turned to Jessica. "Counselor, advise your client. I am sure you know the drill."

"Thank you, Commissioner." she shook hands, then turned to the Assistant District Attorney. "Miss Jensen, I am sorry that we didn't meet under more positive circumstances."

"Maybe we will find ourselves in opposite corners for the trial."

The smile Jessica gave was polite. For whatever reason, it was obvious that her defense of Stefan Cassadine had instantly put her on an unfavorable list with local law enforcement.

"If there is nothing else, my attorney and I shall be leaving," Stefan declared. He steered Jessica from the room by a hand grasped firmly on her elbow. She allowed the familiarity until they reached the elevator.

"Our association is ended, Mr. Cassadine," Jessica declared, pulling away from his touch. "For your family's sake, I hope we have no further reason for contact.”

“I thought,” Stefan began, “that you would allow me to show you the hospitality of my home. Since you will not accept recompense, that is.”

“Thank you, no.” Jessica pushed the elevator's call button. “As soon as Lucinda's pilot is ready, we will be returning to Oakdale.” The elevator doors opened and she stepped inside.

Stefan followed without comment. When the doors closed he shook his head. “I am sorry to inform you of this, but your stay in Port Charles will, by necessity, be extended until morning.” Jessica looked quickly toward him. “In my conversation with Lucinda moments ago she advised me to make you aware that her jet would be unable to travel before morning.”

Noticing the attorney's skeptical expression, Stefan reached into his jacket and extended his cell phone to her. “Would you have me dial for you?”

Jessica's response was forestalled by the opening of the elevator doors. As soon as she exited, however, she turned to Stefan. “No need. It is unfortunate that the jet is unable to depart. But I do thank you for informing me.”

She removed a tiny phone of her own from her bag and began dialing. “Nonetheless, my decline of your offer remains the same. Now if you will excuse me, Mr. Cassadine, I must make arrangements for accommodations.” Jessica extended a hand. “Goodbye, and good luck.”

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