Excerpt from Shards of Light & Darkness Book 3 Chapter 16

“I did say I’d be back for your first dance, pumpkin,” said Sean.

“It’s not that big a deal, Daddy,” said Belle. “We’re staying for a half hour tops.”

“Oh, you can’t! You’re supposed to dance the night away, giggle at all the cute boys and remember it for the rest of your life,” said Tiffany. “And where is your dress?”

Belle sighed. “I decided to wear the dress I wore to the police Christmas party last year. It’s frilly enough.”

“Frilly enough? You were switched at birth. You are NOT my child!”

Sean choked on his laughter. “Sw-sw-honey, give-“

“Give her a break? Not this time,” said Tiffany. “How do you expect people to come to you and be friends if they don’t know you exist? Put on your best for one night and shine, baby. You’re going to be the most GORGEOUS thing there! And with Andrew by your side, you will be BLINDING! The press will be there I’m sure ‘cause the boy is news!”

Anna laughed. “I am not.” She put the pitcher on a tray and began rummaging through cabinets looking for glasses. “Eve organized this place but I still don’t have a clue where anything is.”

“Did Eve decorate, too?” asked Robin.

“A bit yeah. She had a strong nesting drive. Don’t you like it?”

“I do and I find that … disturbing. I mean were our tastes naturally the same or was it her pretending to be me?”

Anna looked with concern at her daughter. “She was you all the time until the weeks before she died. She was extensively programmed to be you. I’m not surprised that you like the decor.”

“But it’s like I’m walking in another person’s shoes, Mom. I can’t explain it better than that. It feels right and wrong at the same time. Wasn’t there a part of her that was just hers and not mine?”

“Patrick and Emma,” said Anna quietly.

Excerpt from Shards of Light & Darkness Book 3 Chapter 14

The other man stepped inside. He was dressed in a trim dark suit like any other Parisian businessmen. But his eyes were remarkable - a deep, vivid arctic blue. He said in flawless Russian, “You are Sergei Dombrovski.”

The head of DVX operations in Paris had not ascended to his present role by being a coward. Dombrovski faced the other man. “Yes. What do you want?”

“Do you remember a boy named Andrei Chernin?”

“No. Get out of here!” Dombrovski tried to push Andre out the door. Andre did not budge.

“As a new control officer one of Sergei Dombrovski first acts was to order Andrei Chernin be trained as a sleeper agent and sent to the West. Andre was removed from the only home he had ever known and placed in a cold and regimented school to learn to be a Westerner.” Andre moved behind Dombrovski and grabbed him by the neck with a gloved hand. “I never had a choice in the matter. I do now.”

“Wh-what are you doing?”

Excerpt from Shards of Light & Darkness Book 3 Chapter 13

Connie’s phone display began to flash. There was an incoming text message. She ended the call with Edwin with one push of a button. The message read:

CK8 - Heads up. 55-45-08N:37-36-56E

“Sean and Robert - my lucky day,” said Connie. She headed back to her office double time. She knew the coordinates by heart. It was Moscow.

She tried a number overseas. The operator at the consulate in Vladivostok put her through to Ambassador Philip Coughlin immediately.

“Connie, I take it this is not a social call,” said a sleepy ambassador Coughlin.

“I need a favor.”

“Let’s hear it.”

Excerpt from Another Season Chapter 40

Robert sighed and made towards the door of the cell. “I wanted to see if there was something I could do for you. You don’t want my help so-“

Dacosta shook his head. “You can’t even help yourself. They’ve played your for years. You think you know what goes on in this town? You don’t have a clue.”

“If I were you, I’d be worrying about what happens to those you love and care most about.”

“I say nothing and my wife and kids stay safe. I got nothing to worry about,” said Dacosta. “Do your worse.”

“It won’t be pleasant for a cop. Can your friends protect you on the inside?” asked Robert.

“I’ll do just fine.”

Robert locked the cell behind him. He paused outside the cell and looked at Dacosta. “Will your boy do fine at school when he’s heckled for having a bad cop father? Or your daughter? It’s going to be all over the papers and the television. Reporters are going to be camped out in front of your house. Your wife is going to be miserable.”

Dacosta’s armor of bravado cracked. Fear shone in his eyes. “I can’t say anything. I can’t.”

Excerpt from Shards of Light & Darkness Book 3 Chapter 12

“I don’t think so. This is for the best,” said Patrick. “Emma can stay in the nursery when she stays overnight and in the EMZ during the day. She loves that place.”

“Belle and I did get carried away with it,” said Andrew. “But nothing is too good for little Emma.”

“If you spoil her this much now what is it going to be like in a year or two?” asked Anna.

“There are more than enough aunties to keep Emma grounded and one ferocious grandmother to keep everyone else in line,” said Andrew. “Uncles, grandfathers and one father spoiling her rotten won’t make a difference.”

“I do not spoil her,” protested Patrick.

“Oh, yes you do,” said Anna. “But you can’t help it.”

Patrick gave Emma’s head a kiss. “Yeah, she’s got me all wrapped around her little finger for life. I kinda like it that way. Before I forget, I wanted to let you know about Emma’s christening.”

Anna smiled. “Oh, when and where?”

Excerpt from Shards of Light & Darkness Book 3 Chapter 11

Anna turned to face Luke. “For your information, Helena is MY cross to bear. Did you know about her plan?”

Luke was horrified. “No! When Sean, Mac and Robert came into Wyndemere, I thought it was the usual cops and robbers games - pose like you mean business, intimidate the perp. They all looked so damed serious. They gave me the straight lines and I went for it. I didn’t know there was something real going on. I swear I didn’t know anything had happened to Robin until after Alfred told us.”

“Then why not say anything?” Anna’s eyes flashed. “If we’d known earlier, maybe we could have done something for my daughter. Did you think about that?”

“Helena said Nikolas was there when it went down. I couldn’t risk his life. What … what are you going to do about him?”

“Nothing. You really think that Robert or I would harm Laura’s child or yours?”

Excerpt from Shards of Light & Darkness Book 3 Chapter 10

Frisco’s head snapped up and he tensed, “What about Tony?”

“Maxie, don’t,” warned Bobbie.

“Carly? She’s the one who broke up your marriage? Your own daughter, Bobbie?” asked Frisco anger rising.

“I didn’t know who she was and-“ began Bobbie.

“She knew exactly what she was doing,” said Maxie.

Bobbie glared at Maxie. “You are not being tactful.”

“I don’t have to be. We’re all family here,” said Maxie. “RealDad might as well know the good, the bad and the Carly if he’s here to stay.”

“Video surveillance then. I need to get my mini-camera from home,” said Sean.

“And I have to get a wig and different clothes,” said Anna. “Let’s meet behind your warehouse, Sean, in forty minutes. It’s a short walk from there.”

“You can’t go back to your house. We can’t risk anyone seeing you,” said Sean.

“I’ll go get what you need, Mom,” offered Robin.

Anna entertained the idea for a full five seconds before saying, “No. I’m trying to discourage you from this sort of work, remember.”

“But I’m the best person to-“

“You are staying here in seclusion mourning your mother,” said Anna. “That is enough playacting for you.”

“Acting is all fake. I want to help for real like I did with Mr. Sinclair that time,” insisted Robin. “You know I can do it.”

Excerpt from Tweet Me Not Chapter 12

A few minutes later ...

NascarForever: CNN said that Harem site is now a fertility resort called the Venus and Mars Health Spa.

JustAMommy: If U are not here, U are moving to guest room 4 life.

Beauty4Life: $20 on two girls.

MacTheKnife: Traffic snarled due 2 gang war. R held up.

PianoPlayer: $20 on one of each.

JustAMommy: Where R da DRUGS?? ROBIN????!!!!!!!!!

PradaGirl: $20 on two boys.

NascarForever: Anyone who stays there gets pregnant.

BondWho: If U cleaned up this town Bro I’d be there by now.

Excerpt from Shards of Light & Darkness Book 3 Chapter 9

Booted feet up on the desk, Anna reclined in the chair in the study and sighed. The team meeting had been a grueling one. There were so many balls being juggled and some of those balls were invisible to those not in the Club.

“I can’t even write down a cheat sheet,” said Anna. The energy she’d gotten from being around baby Emma had largely dissipated. She was inching closer to exhaustion. She put her note pad down and rubbed at her eyes. “Dinner, a hot bath and bed. How glamorous my life has become.”

BUZZ!

SIMON’s voice came over her IPhone. “Cesar Faison wishes to contact you. Do you accept?”

“My newest ally. Oh, joy of joys.” She sat up and tried to seem alert. “Put him through.”

Faison’s face appeared. He was sporting the beginnings of a scruffy beard. “Anna? What a pleasant surprise.”

“It’s late. What do you want?”

Excerpt from Shards of Light & Darkness Book 3 Chapter 8

“From what I’ve read, you’ve had this process for some years now but you know so little. Rather poor return on a project that I know cost us a bundle to start originally,” said Sean.

Arnold bristled slightly. “Look, we’ve taken a failed project and turned it into a raving success. We have operatives planted and hiding in plain sight in over one hundred companies and agencies. That’s not a bad tally in my book.”

Sean said coolly, “Operational excellence is fine and good. True knowledge is power and control of that knowledge is-“

“… the key to winning the game,” said Chase, Arnold and Natalie in unison. It was one of the oft-repeated Donely guidelines.

Sean smiled. “Nice to know you remember some things.” He crossed his arms. “It seems to me that you’re still missing some vital parts. Would you mind telling me who this expert is?”

“His name is Doctor Peter Sinclair,” said Chase. “My father was clued in on his research - the amnesia drug - and thought that it should at least be tried. It was and, based on the results of the first trial, it was decided to take Project Minerva out of mothballs.”

Excerpt from Shards of Light & Darkness Book 3 Chapter 7

Frisco strode inside. “Felicia’s on her way over to pick me up.” He saw Emma and grinned, “Is this the cutie you’re nuts about?”

Anna smiled proudly. “Yes.” She held out Emma towards her longtime friend. “Miss Emma Grace, this is Uncle Frisco.”

Frisco accepted Emma with some awkwardness. “It’s been a long time since I’ve held a baby. Hopefully it all comes back.” Emma cooed and with rapt eyes studied this new stranger. Her lips quirked. “Look, she’s smiling at me!”

The hidden door to the lower levels slid open on soundless tracks. Giles came up the stairs.

“Anna, Andre has checked in. He said to expect Robin and Vincent to arrive within the next twenty-four hours,” said Giles.

Anna’s brows furrowed in concern. “What’s happened?”

“Details are vague. Andre intercepted a surveillance team targeting Robin and Vincent. He has, um, sent them on their way with a warning to stop or else.”

Excerpt from Another Season Chapter 38

"Our work is crazy. We meet crazy people. We have crazy hours. We live and breath our work. Your father more than me but you know what I mean."

"But, Mother," wheedled Robin.

"Oh, I'm mother now am I?"

"You do help people every day. Sometimes you even save a whole lot of people. You and Daddy make a difference. That's what I want to do."

"You don't have to be in the WSB or criminal investigations to do that. You should do your own thing. Don't be like us. Be your own person," advised Anna. "You are so talented, beautiful, intelligent and-"

"Oh, Mom, please," protested Robin.

"And willful and manipulative and cunning."

"I get it all from you and Dad."

Anna sighed. "Sometimes I wish you'd gotten less."

"I don't. I like who I am."

"I kinda like you a little bit, too. Come here!"

Robin bounded to the sofa. Anna enveloped her in a fierce hug.

Eexcerpt from Shards of Light & Darkness Book 3 Chapter 6

The saleswoman was undeterred. Bespectacled and in a navy blue suit, the woman seemed very businesslike. She held a clipboard close to her. She smiled at Connie. “We like to make sure that all our customers have what they need.” She leaned in closer and whispered. “I take it you were expecting someone else.”

“Actually, yes,” said Connie. “Where’s Robbie?”

Anna lifted a medium sized case from the stand and said. “For your trip, this size may be suitable. It has just enough compartments but not too many if you know what I mean.” She added, “Busy elsewhere. I’ll be your contact going forward. I’m Anna.”

“I never thought I’d get to meet you.”

“Why not?” Deftly, Anna unzipped the front flap and placed a folded piece of paper inside. She handed the bag to Connie. “But weight may be an issue. Do you want something more lightweight?”

“Because Robbie’s always made sure you weren’t involved. Protective. Has something changed?” Connie played along. “I’m not sure. Let me see.” She hefted the bag and in smooth movement, took the note out.

Excerpt from Shards of Light & Darkness Book 3 Chapter 5

Luke laughed. “Does Dino watch old time mafia movies a lot? The last traditional boss in this area was Victor Jerome. I didn’t know him but from what I’ve heard, I’m glad I didn’t. He’s gone and times have changed. And traditional values? You have to be kidding.”

“Mr. Venturi values loyalty, personal honor and discretion.”

“I don’t know about loyalty these days but money talks.” Luke looked at Franjo. He was having a terrible time reading this man. He was too intelligent to be a mere bodyguard. It seemed to Luke that Franjo had Dino’s trust. Therefore, it was in Luke’s best interest to stay on his good side.

“Some of us still value what money cannot buy,” said Franjo. He placed the list in front of Luke and took out a thick envelope and placed it on top of the list. “There is the ships’ manifest, the list of destinations and dates and an advance of one third of the full payment.”

Luke’s eyes lit up at the unexpected windfall. “That’s very generous.”

Excerpt from Shards of Light & Darkness Book 3 Chapter 4

For the first time, Helena’s hauteur slipped a little. She flinched at the open revulsion in Nikolas’ eyes. “Too weak. So much like Laura,” said Helena under her breath.

Thanos glanced at Helena. “All valid and pertinent testimony has been presented. The testimony of the late Pompey Valakos reveals your participation and influence. As such, the charges against you stand. By right, the accused must have his or her say. The accused may respond to questions or comments from the Peers should there be any.” He nodded at Helena.

Helena stood up. Silently, she scanned the assembly then said, “As calumny and scorn pour upon my head, I say this - your judgment today seals your fate! All of you and especially YOU!” Helena stared hard and long at Thanos. “Truthteller? Slander pours from your lips! YOU are the pretender here! I am Helena Valakos Cassadine, and I always will be. Pass your judgments but who among you would have done differently to save their house? There are some here who have certainly done worse!”

Excerpt from Another Season Chapter 37

Anna looked at all their faces. There was something they were hiding. "The water wasn't just tainted was it? Was it poisoned?"

"You asked about Bettina before, luv. She collapsed at the ball. Her champagne was spiked with a strong drug. She's in a coma right now," said Robert. "Monica doesn't believe she'll make it."

"Oh,no," said Anna. Unconsciously, she wrapped an arm around Robin and held her close.

"Gets worse. The day after the ball Cassandra disappeared. Before we found you today, we found Cassandra locked inside her car. She was dead," said Robert. "The lab has confirmed that the same drug that was in the Bettina's glass was in the water we found in the car."

Anna gasped. "That ... that could have been me!"

Excerpt from Another Season Chapter 36

Wakefulness tugged at Anna but she resisted afraid to lose the feeling of warmth and safety she was currently enjoying. Another tug. She groaned out loud. "Um, no."

"All right, sleeping beauty, have it your way," said Robert. His voice seemed to be near and far at the same time.

Cold air hit her face and her eyes fluttered open then closed again. "Robert?"

"Hush. We're going home," said Robert softly.

A little smile tugged at the corners of Anna's mouth. "Home ... "