Emily's Blackmailed  June 9 - November 10, 1998 - 8 hour original edit
This edit contains every Emily scene during this time frame. I began with the Nurse's Ball as Nik & Em have a confrontation with Liz & Lucky and that sets up the conflict that is later resolved when they work together during the blackmail storyline and shows how far the Nik & Lucky relationship has come, and how much animosity the two have to get over in order to work together. I included all of the Nik and Emily scenes at the Nurse's Ball, including Emily's performances, and the LIz & Lucky number. I then included all of Emily's scenes over the summer as she is offered a modeling job, does a test shoot, and begins working as a model.
     Over the summer months, Nik's storyline is mostly involved with Stefan/Laura and is on the Spencer vs. Cassidine #10 so I didn't duplicate that storyline on this edit though I did include all of his scenes with Emily are included but not his separate storyline with the Cassidines. Around mid September or so, I began including all of his scenes as he began entering Emily's storyline more and more and this continues through the end of the edit.

Emily's Blackmailed Edit #1A and Emily's Blackmailed Edit #1B

DVD #1A  The Q's are stunned when Emily showed up with a sparkling new navel ring and crimped hair. Edward accused Ned of being a bad influence, and when Monica entered, was disappointed that she doesn't immediately send Emily up to her room or back to the cosmetologist. Monica was totally unfazed, brought Em out to the patio, and told her it's understandable that the girl would do something wild on the anniversary of her biological mother's death. Em said it wasn't that at all, she just wanted to be different, and Monica gave her the patented "of course you're special" parental speech. They ended up talking about Paige. After a pull-in hug, Emily grabbed her neck; Monica noticed and asked if she was in any pain. Nope, says Em, just studying too hard. Alan arrived and whigged out over his daughter's new appearance. Monica put the kibosh on his speech and Emily left. She later came back out to the patio and he apologized. Emily made plans to head down to the water with Monica, and then, after experiencing a twinge of neck pain, she too popped a hyrdrocodone.

Robin arrives and invites Emily to join her at Brenda's photo shoot in New York City. The next day, the girls are at the shoot in NY. Brenda thinks it would be cool to have Emily made up and the make up and hair people get to work on her as a favor to Brenda. Emily looks gorgeous and Brneda then suggests that Tom, her photographer take some shots.  Emily is embarrassed, but loves it. She lounges on the car and has fun with the shoot. The photgrapher is impressed and tells her the camera loves her.

At the Q's, Edward's in his usual bluster, complaining that they'll be late, and worrying over his upcoming number with Emily. Alan and Monica appear, with Alan looking slightly dazed (he is on prescription pain killers at this time).  We then go into a musical montage, showing off the various outfits the Ball-goers will be wearing. The song is "Celebration" by Kool and the Gang.  The couples we see are: Brenda and Jax, Lucky and Liz, Justus and Robin, Taggert and Dara, Nik and Alexis, Mac, Felicia and Georgie, and then, a solo Luke and Jerry. Lucy makes her opening speech, as Brenda asks Robin about Jason. Robin appears worried about the fact that he isn't there.  Back to the speech, Lucy says the theme for this year's ball is 'hope'.  It's a celebration of everything they've achieved, yet they need to remain mindful of all the work that still needs to be done. Lucy introduces the first act, "Jailhouse Rock" starring Dara, Taggert, Lucky and Liz.  It's a cute role reversal with Dara and Marcus playing the inmates and Lucky and Liz playing the cops.  After they're through, Lucy acknowleges the sponsor, but first gives a tribute to Katherine Bell, whom this evening is dedicated to.  Just as she mentions Stefan Cassadine's name as the sole sponsor for the event, Stefan appears at Nik's side.  Lucy then talks a little 'ball business'.

Nik throws a compliment at Emily, and then launches into his own agenda, "Where's your brother?"  he asks, indicating Jason's empty table Alan is popping the SuperPotent pills.  AJ sees him and asks if he's okay? Apparently the Alan Q Cover-story of the Day is that he has the flu. Lucy introduces Alan and Robin as Doctor and HIV patient performing "Someone to Watch Over Me".  Alan appears distracted and then starts to falter.  He misses a dance cue and Robin falls.  Alan stops singing and blames Robin for the misstep.  He continues to fail, and then blames the band and leaves the stage.  Robin is mortified until Ned picks up where Alan left off and they finish the number. The audience applauds while Monica and Emily look embarrassed.  Emily leaves to find Alan.

Backstage, Taggert helps Alan sit down and asks how many pills he's taken?  Emily walks up (not overhearing what Taggert said) and asks how Alan is?  AJ arrives next and they all urge Alan to let AJ take him home.  AJ and Alan leave and Taggert asks Emily if she's okay? "As if you care," she says. Emily overhears Robin and Nikolas talking about Alan, and what a disgrace it was to have him show up drunk at the ball. Lucy asks everyone to be seated and tells them that the show must go on, with or without electricity. She tells the audience that candlelight is more appropriate for the next part of the program, the reading of witness statements. She likens the candlelight to people, that one candle by itself give off a little light, but a whole group of candles can light up a whole room. That collectively, we can find a cure for AIDS/HIV. Then several people read witness statements: Edward, Bobbie, Jax, Ellen, Audrey, Nikolas, Monica and finally Robin.

Lucy then thanks Jax, Stefan and Scott for funding the NB this year. Lucy introduces the next act in the program, Ned and Emily. She tells the audience that the song was first performed for Stone Cates. Ned and Emily sing  “Power to Believeâ€�. Lucy tells everyone that even though Stone is gone, he  still  touches many people's lives. She announces the new Stone Cates  Memorial AIDS Wing,  donated by Sonny. The musical number “Thank Heaven for Little Girlsâ€� performed by Scott (with Serena and Karen), Edward (with Emily) and Mac (with Robin and Maxie). This number segues into the next one, “Girls Just Wanna Have Funâ€�.  This time it is Robin  and Emily (singing “lead vocalsâ€�), accompanied by Maxie, Karen and Serena. Mac, Edward and Scott are standing off to the side of the stage, watching their “girlsâ€� proudly. Then the girls bring the men on stage and dress them up in hats and feather boas as they finish the song.

Nik is outside getting some air, as Emily joins him. He complements her on her singing and she tells him that she thought he did a good job on his witness statement. Nik then asks Emily if she has ever been in a situation where she felt so connected to someone, if given the chance, she knew she could be important to them. Emily says yes (talking about Nik, of course). Then he asks her what she would do about it. She gets a bit flustered and tells him that she did something, but that the person (Nik) doesn't know about it. Nik decides that what they should both do is take their chances and tell these people how they both feel. Emily thinks that is too risky, but Nik comments that, sometimes,  the only way to get something that you want is to take a chance. So Emily decides to do just that, only before she can really tell Nik anything, Liz and Lucky come walking out to the terrace and interrupt them. Their interaction begins with Lucky saying hello to Emily and Nik saying hi to Liz and complementing her on her singing. He tells her it is too bad that Sarah isn't there to see her performance. Liz is angered by his sudden interest in her sister, since he did break up with her.  Nik can't understand where Liz's attitude has come from, all of a sudden, and Emily jumps to Nik's defense, telling Liz that Nik was just trying to be polite.

This only angers Liz more. She wonders why he wants to be polite now?  He treated her sister badly, in spite of his wonderful “mannersâ€�. Now Emily is very upset, "Well , maybe if  the two Webber girls hadn't thrown themselves at every guy in this city, Nikolas would have realized that he didn't want to date your sister in the first place.â€�  Now Lucky is angry at Emily's attack on Liz and yells at her to back off, that she is starting to sound like Nikolas - a spoiled rich kid. Then Nik jumps in to defend Emily. He tells Lucky, “ I don't care what your girlfriend has been through, Lucky. That doesn't give you the right to insult Em.â€� Just then Nik's first sentence registers in Lucky's mind and he physically goes after Nikolas. Jason comes outside with Robin just then and breaks up their fight. Jason asks Em how she is and then tells Lucky that this isn't the place to fight with Nik. Nikolas then goes back inside with Emily.  Lucky collects himself and he and Liz leave the NB.

Emily leaves a message for Tom, Brenda's photographer. He took a couple of photos of her at Brenda's photo shoot and had said he would send them to her. Edward, Ned, and Monica discussed Alan becoming an addict and then Emily came in. They told Emily she should offer her father all of her love and support. Later, Emily finds Alan still in his tux from the night before. She asks him if he thinks the pills are making him act crazy?  A few days later, Emily comes downstairs, sees Alan holding his hand and inquires about his pain. He acknowledges it but rebuffs her attempts to get him outside. She leaves. Emily and Ned are glancing over her faux-modeling shoot photos when an agency representative calls with an offer Emily doesn't want to refuse. She asks Ned to be her personal agent.  He sets up an appointment for a test shoot. Emily squeals with delight. Edward re-enters and says something about some photos hanging on Emily's wall and what kind of parents would allow their daughter to pose like that?

Lucky visits Nikolas and asks how Nik knows about Elizabeth? The blinking neon "Rape Survivor Group" sign at the hospital was his first clue.  Nik says he won't say anything about it. Nik goes to see Liz and tells her that he does know about the assualt. She tells him that she doesn't want to discuss it with him. He just wanted to assure her that she has nothing to fear from him and if there is every anything she needs. Lucky interrupts, furious to find Nik there, believing he worst of his motives. Nik tells Lucky that his agreement with him is cancelled, that he now has an agreement with LIz and walks off.  Liz stops Lucky from going after Nik and tells Lucky that Nik was being nice and made her feel better.

Emily comes in all excited from her photoshoot.  She talks to a chair pretending it's her grandfather and Ned joins in on the fun. Emily worries, what if she photographs like a chipmunk? Ned quips, "Then you'll have to sign up for promos for national parks."   Emily doesn't like that idea, "Then I'd be taking pictures with squirrels instead of surfers." Emily describes how exciting it is.  She can pretend, "then I don't have to be me anymore!"  Alan comes in, "What are you SHRIEKING about? You sound like a herd of magpies!" Ned, always helpful, inserts, "Actually, I think magpies travel in flocks." AJ comes in and admires Emily, and Emily ignores Ned's frantic signals and tells aout the fashion shoot. Alan explodes. What med school will ever take Emily seriously?  AJ and Ned try to protect her.  "Are you trying to make a mockery of the Quartermaine standards?" 

Edward comes in, "No, you're doing that quite well by yourself. What's the crisis now?"  AJ informs, "Dad's in meltdown."  Alan tells Emily that she, "is on the road to Sodom and Gomorrah and Ned has packed her bags."  Edward finds out this is a photo shoot and tells Emily congratulations. Alan says, "The Brenda Barrett road to destruction.  First a manikin, then a gangster's moll, then total mental collapse."  Emily, stunned, leaves. When Alan moves to follow her out to the terrace, AJ and Ned step in from of him. AJ warns Alan that he is going through withdrawals. Alan warns him to get out of his way. Edward warns AJ not to move away from Alan, and Ned agrees. AJ goes out to a weeping Emily.  "Shoot me."  Emily says she's by gosh going to model if they like her.

Ned receives a call from an agency with a job offer. Ned insists to AJ that they also need to tell her about Alan's addiction. AJ thinks it should be left up to Alan to tell her but Ned is very opposed to that idea as he doesn't trust Alan to do it. When Emily returns home, Ned tells her that a modeling agency wanted her for an entire campaign with four location shots. She is thrilled and wants to immediately call them. Ned tells her they first have to get approval from her parents. Ned suggests that she will need an adult to go with her. She suggests her father, that he won't be as paranoid being on the set with her and he can tutor her during breaks. Ned stops her and tells her that Alan is addicted to drugs. AJ comes in and is upset that Ned told her as he wanted to be the one to do it. Alan enters and Emily runs into his arms and tells him that she knows about his drug addiction. An angry Alan then lashed out Ned and  AJ.  Emily was unable to convince Alan that he had a  problem. AJ then attempted to stop Alan from leaving the  house to purchase more drugs.

AJ confronts Alan about his drug addiction and they get in to a nasty argument. AJ is only trying to stop Alan before he's responsible for causing the brain damage of someone he loves. AJ calls Alan an addict and Alan hits him, in front of Emily. Emily tends to AJ. Monica returns from London and is quickly brought up to speed. Emily decides to go to Jason's to spend the night. When Emily arrives at Jason's, she finds Brenda and Jax there. She tells Brenda about being booked for a two week photo shoot. She tells Brenda that she owes it all to her as she helped her get started. She tells Brenda that Ned is her agent and he is going to go with her. Brenda laughs at this idea and offers that perhaps she can go with her for the first few days. Emily loves the idea and tells that the first shoot is in New Orleans. Later, Jason and Emily talk about her trip. Just because modeling isn't something Jason would do doesn't mean he won't support her. Emily tells Jason about Alan and about the accident they had. He promises not to tell any of the Q's. Emily tells Jason how grateful she is that she has somewhere to go. Jason tells her she can always call him or come stay with him. Robin looks on as they hug.

Emily is in her room, packing for her trip. Monica comes up when she hears about Emily's trip. Emily tells her about modelling. Monica is dubious but supportive, if it's something Em really wants. Emily walks by Kelly's and sees Nik inside. She shakes out her hair and "accidently" runs into Nik. He asks her what she has been up to all summer? She says she has gotten a "gig". He doesn't understand. She explains it is a job. He thinks it is at the hospital. She gets all sophisticated and tweaks his curiosity. She tells him she is going to be modeling. He asks isn't she a little young? She tells him she's a Junior, if you count the credits.  Emily kept almost bursting out into shrieks and giggles, then remembered she was a "woman of the the world."  As she walked away, she tripped and looks back at him, grinning.

Ned returned home with Emily, fresh from her photo shoot. She was thrilled and most of the Q's were supportive of her new career, except Edward. Emily came back downstairs all diva'd up for the Edward and Lila anniversary party, this time Edward was more approving.  At the restaurant we are treated to a great tribute to Lila asEdward sings, "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face," complete with espression shots of everyone at the table and flashbacks to Lila over the years.

Emily sees Nik.  She babbles, and "accidently" drops her pictures from the photo shoot.  He keeps asking if she sees Robin, what Robin's doing.  Nik asks Emily for advice on Lulu's present.  At first she thinks he's still thinking of her as a child, but he explains she just might know more about little girls.  Helena comes up and wants to be introduced.  Emily leaves.  Alan takes pills.  Emily comes by and they talk.  She's proud of him for kicking his drug problem.  It was so hard for her.  All Alan has to do is ask, if he has troubles. She missed him and is glad he's back.  She leaves, and Alan looks bereft.

Emily comes downstairs, dressed for the party. Monica comes in and says they started the party without her. Emily asks where Alan is? AJ starts making some phone calls to the police to see if Alan has been admitted to any hospitals or anything like that. He gets a description about a man involved in a car accident. Tall, over 6 feet, 50-ish, dark hair. AJ says he's going to go see if Alan is still at the meeting and is about to leave when Alan comes in. Emily had given Monica a framed photo of Michael. Alan says it's a wonderful gift. He also tells them he's late because he got so caught up in telling pepole at the meeting about his family, and his anniversary. He says there wasn't a dry eye in the place at the end. Emily tells him that it's an even better gift that he's going to NA meetings [which of course he's not]. Reginald takes some pictures. Then Emily and AJ split to leave their parents alone.

The next day, Emily tells Monica that she has some presents for Michael and she's going to go to Jason's later. Em says that's pretty cool to be able to say that because before Em and Grandmother were the only ones Jason trusted. Monica says they've been getting closer. Em says she's glad, because Jason is a great guy and he just wants what's best for others.

Edward is at Emily's shoot at Cafe Matisse.  He dithers because he's really proud of her.  "Here I am just holding the towel while you take the plunge."  Emily is dismayed that he's had the street closed off though she is soon delighted when Nik comes by. Edward asks Nik to take her out of this.  An insensitive Nik asks if Robin still comes to watch?  Emily goes off to have her picture taken and Edward and Nik discuss her modelling. Edward has changed his mind about Emily, though not about her modelling. Then they argue about Jason and Michael.  Nik offers to give Emily a ride to Jason's, so he can see Robin. 

Jason, Emily, and Nikolas all come out of Luke's club. Nikolas walked Robin to the car, Nik kisses Robin’s hand and bids her good-bye. As she continues walking towards the car, it was a remake of the Lily go boom scenes. The same music, everything was in slow motion, the pink dress. Robin waves to Nik as Emily is trying to explain to Nik that she will get a ride with Robin and Jason. Nik tries to protest, since he promised Robin he’d take Em home. Jason looks over at Robin and smiles at her, she waves to him, as Robin approaches the car, Jason waves back. Jason is looking at Robin, she looks uneasy as she get close to the car. Jason sees this and starts to run to her. Robin sees him running, looks worried and starts backing away from the car. Jason reaches her, picks her up and starts carrying her away from the car, when it explodes and they fall to the ground, Robin in Jason arms, his body shielding hers from the force of the blast.

Mac comes running toward them, Jax, Brenda, Ned and Alexis come out of the club after hearing the explosion. Em is screaming for Jason, Brenda is freaking out. Jason carries Robin over to the front of Luke’s. He is visibly shaken; she is still unconscious, but is breathing. Ned calls 911. Mac wants to know how Robin is; Jason tells him not to touch her until the ambulance arrives. Jason asks Em to call the penthouse and check on Michael. The find out Michael is safe. Jason is crying , and begging Robin to wake up. Nik comforts Emily. Robin wakes up and asks what happened? Jason tells her that she didn’t die. Nik takes Emily home. A few days later, Emily arrives at Jason's and tells him that Edward is once again trying to get Micheal from Jason. Emily and Robin give Michael pictures they drew to help him feel  like he is outside in the park.

Lila and Emily come in, then Edward arrives, bubbling. Reginald yells that he won't carry Katherine's stuff. Edward presents Katherine to the family. Edward announces to the rest of the Quartermaines that Katherine will be living with them. They are not pleased with this news though Alan and Emily seem to like the idea.  Monica, on the other hand, threathens to throw Edward out.

Emily is having lunch at Kelly's. Liz serves her and after a few minutes they each apologize for their behavior at the Nurse's Ball. Liz tells her that she picked the fight because Nikolas had made her angry. Emily explains that she was defending Nik. Lucky arrives just as the two girls are laughing over dodging each other at school. He asks if this is a bilateral treaty or can a third party join in. Emily makes a toast to ever lasting peace at Port Charles High. Liz tells her to hold that thought and goes inside Kelly's. Liz, Lucky, and Emily are all discussing their classes when Emily mentions Mr. Murty. There is a tense moment until Liz explains she almost flunked his class but he helped her out with a few extra sessions. Lucky goes inside to get more fries and Nikolas arrives while the girls are talking. Liz asks if he wants anything, a drink or fries, but he says no. Lucky comes back and Nikolas stands up and says he was leaving anyway. Liz pulls Lucky away but Nikolas stops him. He tells Lucky he has been seeing Lesley Lu a lot lately and every other word she says is Lucky. Nikolas tells him she really misses him. Lucky says if he wants an update on his sister he won't be needing it from Nikolas.  After Liz and Lucky leave, Nikolas and Emily talk about Jason and Robin. Nikolas says it is dangerous to even know Jason, let alone live with him. Emily reminds him that Jason once saved his life. Later, she tells Nikolas that Katherine is moving in with the Quartermaines. Nikolas drives Emily home so that he may talk to Katherine but she isn't there. Before he leaves, Emily tells him to come back any time he feels like it. After he leaves, the delight on Emily's face is obvious for all to see.

Nikolas arrives just in time to witness the usual Quartermaine argument. Just as everyone is throwing barbs at one another Jax arrives. He kneels by Lila and gives her the sad news of Brenda's untimely death. He also tells her Brenda respected her more than anyone and he tells all of them that Brenda thought of them as family. Edward asks exactly what happened but Ned stops him. He doesn't want Jax to go into the details just yet. The devastation and sadness on Ned's face is heartbreaking. Emily is shocked and very hurt. Nikolas comforts her as Katherine quietly walks over to her birthday cake and puts out the candle.

Emily comes to the photo shoot and sees a picture of Brenda on the mirror. The photographer apologizes and offers to take it down. Emily tells him to leave it there. She tells him she has to leave by 1:00 because Brenda's memorial service is today. Nikolas arrives and Emily tells him working on the day of Brenda's memorial service doesn't feel right. She wants to put it off for one day but the magazine has a deadline. She asks the photographer what she will be wearing today and he tells her today she will be a bridesmaid. Emily later tells Nikolas it isn't fair. Brenda will never have the wedding she dreamed of with Jax. She breaks down into tears and says she wants to go home. Nikolas holds her as she cries. Nikolas talks to her and asks her what Brenda would say if she were here. Emily says in all of Brenda's photos she always had an amazing smile. She wonders if Brenda ever felt exactly as she does right now, looking at the photos you would never know. Knowing she has decided to finish the photo shoot, Nikolas tells her he will be right here for her. She then finishes the shoot.

Emily and A.J. talk about Brenda's death and he asks if Em is okay? She says that memorials are always hard. He asks if she is thinking about her mom. She is holding a photo spread that Brenda did in central park. She tells AJ of how Brenda helped her get started in modeling.  A.J. tells Emily she should take a little time off from modeling but she is determined to continue. Brenda was a big influence on her and she plans to be so good that when people see her they think of Brenda. She is later shocked when she receives nude photos of herself in the mail. Emily received another envelope with the same picture in it and a note demanding $20,000 to keep the photo off the internet. Then Emily went to Jason's and he told her that he had left the organization.

Em was happy to see Nik there when she came home, but disappointed to see it was Kat who he was visiting. She had a little problem to discuss. Nik finished his Kathy-chat and met with Emily on the terrace. Emily hemmed around and told Nik she was short on cash, but didn't want the family to think she was immature; he took the hint and offered, but demanded to know the whys of it when she said she needed $20,000. Emily finally confides in Nikolas that she needs money. She doesn't want to ask her family because she doesn't want them thinking she will run to them every time she has a problem. He says he will loan her the money and takes out his wallet. She then says she needs $20,000. After some prompting Emily finally confides in Nikolas that she needs the money because she is being blackmailed. Someone sent her a photograph of her head on someone else's nude body. If she doesn't pay the money the photo will be put on the Internet. If she tells her family they would never let her model again and she is afraid of what Jason would do if she told him. Emily says she can't go to the police, she would die of embarrassment. Nikolas says if she pays this person he will only ask for more money. Nikolas will help her get to the bottom of this.

Nikolas and Emily go to the photographer's studio to look for information on Emily's blackmailer. Emily says that she hates to think that anyone she has worked with would do this to her. She says that her grandfather warned her about what could happen if she went into modeling. Not the blackmailing specifically, but that people would only hire her to take advantage the Quartermaine money. Nikolas disagrees and tells her that she is good at what she does. Emily asks how she can know that Nikolas isn't just being nice to her too. Nikolas jokingly replies that he doesn't have to lie to her because he has more money than the Quartermaines. Nikolas and Emily then go talk to the photographer on the pretense of doing research for a school project. Emily explains to the photographer that her English teacher wants her to write a paper on the process of modeling to make up for all of the school she has missed. The photographer asks Emily if modeling is really worth it to her and she says yes. The photographer is glad because he thinks she is very good at what she does. He then tells Emily and Nikolas everything he knows about the whole process.

Emily and Nikolas find out that the pictures taken of Emily were sent to an outside processor and that copies are sent to her agency and to the magazine. Emily is more distressed than ever when she realizes how many people had access to the pictures. She asks Nikolas for the money again, but he says no for all the same reasons as before. He does agree to get on the internet and see if he can find out if anyone has tried this before. Emily thanks him for all of his help and tells him he is the best.

Emily and Nikolas go to Liz's house looking for Lucky. Emily tells Nikolas that she would understand if he doesn't want to do this. Nikolas graciously says that if Lucky can help, he won't let their personal problems get in the way. Liz opens the door and is surprised to see Nikolas and Emily. They tell her that they are looking for Lucky. Lucky turns around and is happy to see Emily, but is unpleasantly surprised that Nikolas is with her. Lucky tells Emily to remind him to give her a little advice about choosing her friends. Emily says that they aren't doing that today and that they are there because Emily is in trouble. They tell Lucky and Liz about the photograph and the blackmail.

Emily explains to Liz and Lucky about how she received the two envelopes, the second with the demand for $20,000 or the picture will be posted on the internet. She swears that she would never pose for these types of pictures, that someone transposed her head onto someone else's naked body. Liz tells her that they know she would never do anything like that. Lucky tells her that he knows first hand from Nikolas' grandmother how easy it is to doctor photographs. Lucky asks to see the note, but Emily doesn't want him to see it. Nikolas explains that all they need are some codes for breaking into information banks. Wouldn't that be wrong, Lucky asks sarcastically. Nikolas replies that that was why they came to him. Nikolas then explains what he has done so far and they discuss where to go from there. Lucky thinks that the person has probably done this before, maybe even using the same body. If they can find the body with a different head, then they will be that much close to finding the blackmailer. The only problem is that he needs to see the picture. Emily reluctantly agrees and then goes outside because she is toto embarrassed to stay. Liz goes along to comfort Emily. On the porch, Emily tells Liz how bad it will be if the picture ends up on the Internet. Liz assures her that Lucky and Nikolas will never let that happen.. Emily tries to explain to Liz how she feels violated by the pictures even though she knows it's not really her. She says Liz probably can't understand. Actually, Liz says, I know exactly what you are going through because something bad happened to me too.

Liz proceeds to tell Emily everything about her rape. How she lied about having a date for the valentine's dance and went to the movies by herself. She then tells how she was attacked in the park on the way home. Emily is shocked and asked what she did. Liz replies that she crawled out of the bushes and Lucky found her and helped her. Liz says she was pretty freaked and that she was too humiliated to leave the house. She says that only a few people knew besides Lucky, including Nikolas who saw her coming out of a rape support group meeting, but he promised not to tell. Emily replies that if Nikolas promised not to tell, he definitely wouldn't. Liz says she knows he won't because he is honorable, like Lucky. They laugh about how alike Lucky and Nikolas even though they are always at each other's throats. Meanwhile, Lucky and Nikolas are inside arguing over the best way to search for Emily's blackmailer. Nikolas asks Lucky if he wants to work together to help Emily or does he want to turn this into a battle wills. Feeling this person had probably done this before,  Lucky and Nikolas decided to try to find the same body on the Internet

Emily tells Liz that she doesn't know how she survived. Liz says that for months she was falling apart and would never have gotten through it without Lucky. She tells Emily how Lucky used to sleep on the floor of her room when she was afraid to be alone. Anything she needed, Lucky provided and she doesn't know where she would be without him, just that it wouldn't be good. Emily agrees that Lucky is an amazing person. Emily tells Liz how she didn't know what to do when she got the blackmail letter in the mail and how she asked Nikolas for the money. Liz says that they were smart to come to Lucky, because if anyone can find this guy, Lucky can. Meanwhile, Lucky successfully breaks into the police information bank and he and Nikolas start the search, commenting that it will probably take all night!

Nikolas has been searching through the police information bank, but asks Lucky to take over so he can rest his eyes. Emily and Liz continue their heart to heart talk over pizza. Emily says that she feels a lot better after talking to Liz. She asks if they should go in and Liz says that they should probably stay outside because Lucky does better with Nikolas when no one else is around. Emily says that she knows Lucky pretty well. Liz replies that she should because they spend almost every day together. Emily asks if they are friends or are they in love. Liz is saved from answering because Lucky yells for them to come inside, he found something. They found the body on the Internet and Emily and Liz recognize the model, Samantha Shades. She was very popular in a lip gloss commercial. Lucky  and Nikolas trade barbs but continue to search for the model's agency.  Nikolas and Lucky talk about Nik's computer while Emily and Liz discuss a  book they have both read. Emily says Liz is the complete opposite of what  she thought. She wishes she had known that when Liz needed a friend. Liz tells her if she is still interested she may just have an opening.

Nikolas says there is something they need to clarify. He wants to make  sure Lucky doesn't plan to say anything about Emily being blackmailed. Lucky  says that goes without saying but Nikolas says nothing goes without saying  between them. He also reminds Lucky of his behavior when he found out Liz  was raped. Nikolas comments that Liz seems happier. Lucky says she is incredibly strong, not as in tough, she's like no one else. She's totally there. They decide there's nothing more they can do tonight, and Emily and Nikolas leave but leave the laptop for Lucky to work on. 

Nikolas takes Emily home and offers him a drink. He tells her not to  bother. She says it's no bother, a bother would be him slaving over a  computer screen all day. He says it was mostly Lucky but she disagrees,  saying he spurred him on. Nikolas says okay, if irritation inspires her. She says without him she would have never went on this mission. She says her life would be completely destroyed, well she would be. Nikolas puts his finger to her lips and says he knows what she means. She's scared and he promises to do what ever he can to take that fear away. They will find  the people doing this. She says she really appreciates this. He says  it's nothing compared to what she has done for him. He will never regret  her  helping him regain his speech. He kisses her forehead and tells her to go  to bed, they have a long day ahead of them. He leaves and Emily sits down on the couch with a huge smile on her face.  Emily is lying on the couch when Monica walks in. Emily asks her if she  has ever felt that really horrible things can turn into something good. Monica says yes, she thinks it is nature's may of balancing things out. Monica tells Emily not to stay up too late. She walks out saying, sweet dreams. Emily says no question about it.

Lucky, Liz, and Emily run into Nikolas at Kelly's. He tells them he found the name of the person whose face the blackmailer used before. He checked  with some agencies to see if anyone recognized her. It took a while but he  finally got her name, Maggie Christian. Lucky asks Nikolas several  questions about Maggie and is surprised after spending the whole day on the  phone all he got was her name and that she was supposedly represented by the Platinum Triangle Agency. According to them, however, she never worked  for them. Lucky sits down with the laptop and gets to work. Ruby calls Liz back to work and Emily goes inside with her. Emily worries  that maybe she shouldn't have asked Nikolas and Lucky to help her. They  are already arguing and putting each other down, she just doesn't want to  make things worse. Liz thinks maybe working together will help them get  along better.

Back outside, Nikolas tells Lucky he can't let the computer do his thinking  for him. Lucky says he has been doing his own thinking his whole life. He  then sits back and says, "got it!" He got into the Platinum Triangle  Agency files. Emily feels bad for going on about the photograph when Liz is the one that  something really bad happened to. Liz assures Emily that whatever feelings she has are real and what happened to her has nothing to do with  it. Emily asks her if she was always strong and confident. Liz says after  she was raped she felt completely powerless. Emily asks how she fixed it. Liz says she finally started letting people help her.

Laura sees Nikolas and Lucky working at he laptop. Lucky explains he is  using a search engine he installed. Nikolas doesn't know what he means so  Lucky explains that most people use the search engines you can install for  free but there are some you can buy that are better. Laura watches them  and smiles. She walks over and asks if this is a private conversation or  can she say hello. Nikolas stands and says, "actually we were..." but Lucky interrupts and says actually they aren't doing anything she should  know about. Lucky tells her, "In case you're getting any ideas about the  prince and me, it's not a Brady bunch moment." Nikolas says he is sure  their mother has no delusions about what is going on between them. He then  looks at Laura and tells her to remind him to ask her who the Brady bunch are. Laura smiles and excuses herself. After Laura is gone, Nikolas asks Lucky if hurting his mother is fun for him.

Laura walks up to the counter in Kelly's where Liz and Emily are talking.Emily tells Laura this has nothing to do with her walking in but she really  has to go make a phone call. Laura laughs and says she will try not to  take it personally. Laura asks Liz if she has seen Nikolas and Lucky working together. She says it seems a little mysterious. Liz tells her  they are helping a mutual friend. Laura smiles and says well, they aren't fighting, that's a step in the right direction.

Outside, Nikolas and Lucky get into an argument about Laura. Nikolas tells  Lucky he would be a little dangerous if he had a clue about anything. Just  then, Emily walks out and asks if they have made any progress. She then  says she doesn't think looking for the blackmailer is a good idea. They ask  her why  she would jeopardize her career when she is just starting out. She says  it's because she doesn't want to see them fighting any more. Lucky says she should just let him find this guy because Nikolas is no help on the  computer anyway. The two brothers begin trading barbs again but then they  notice something on the computer. He has accessed the payroll records of  Platinum Triangle Agency for the last three years. Lucky says it could  take a day or a week but they will have the blackmailer.

Nikolas calls Laura out of the blue and invites her to lunch on the island. He asks her to come alone. Laura asks if there is a reason, and Nikolas asks if there has to be. Laura says no, of course not and that she is on her way. Nikolas tells the maid that his mother is on the way and that he wants everything to be perfect. Laura arrives on the island. Nikolas is concerned that she had a rocky trip out, but Laura assures him that she is fine. Laura walks into the dining room and is stunned by everything Nikolas has done for their lunch. She comments on the beauty of the china and the food that was her favorite. Laura asks how he could have known that she liked it. Nikolas explains that everything he knows about her is a hand me down from someone else. Laura says she feels the same way about his childhood. Nikolas says that its about time they started finding out about each other for themselves. Laura smiles and gives him a hug.

DVD #1B  A tearful Laura tells Nikolas how sweet it was of him to arrange such a nice lunch. Nikolas says that it wasn't meant to upset her. Laura says that Nikolas hasn't done anything wrong now or ever, that he is the worst victim of the war between their families. He deserves so much better than a mother and son meeting as strangers, trying to decode other people's memories of her. Nikolas says that Laura made a choice to look at it as a chance to begin building their own memories. He gives her a gift of a photograph that he took when he was small. She comments on how he captured the mediterranean sunlight perfectly. Laura says that Stefan told her that Nikolas was a very serious boy. Nikolas replies that he was lonely and that he had to use his imagination to keep himself company. He would imagine being with her in different places on the island. He used to look at her portrait for hours and then avoid it for months, he was so confused. He tells Laura that he loved her anyway, but sometimes... Laura cries and tells him to say it. Nikolas says that sometimes he hated her more than anyone in the world. Laura and Nikolas discuss how Laura had to choose between Nikolas and her other family. She did the only thing that she could do and hoped for a moment like this where she could look him in the eye and tell him that she loves him, that she always has and that she never wanted to leave him. She never stopped being his mother. As they stand up and hug, Stefan enters the room.

Stefan clears his throat as he enters the room and apologizes for interrupting. Nikolas invites him to join them, but Stefan politely declines. Nikolas goes to tell the cook that they are ready for the main course leaving Laura alone with Stefan. Stefan comments that it looks like he walked in on quite a moment. Laura thanks Stefan for raising their son so well. Stefan replies that Nikolas became a remarkable young man all on his own. Stefan asks if things were quiet while he was gone. Laura says no, that Katherine paid her two cordial but awful visits. Stefan asks if she said anything about Nikolas. Laura replies that she doesn't think Katherine remembers finding out that Stefan is Nikolas' farther. Laura says that she doesn't trust her and Stefan agrees. Stefan thinks she has a plan and that she is just waiting to put it into motion, if she hasn't already.

Alan tells everyone that he stayed away last night to give everyone a chance to cool down. He tries to cover what's going on, but Emily tells him that she knows. Alan is shocked that they told her, but Edward defends the decision and accuses Alan of having made Lila physically ill. Emily is  appalled that Lila saw the drug den. Alan tries to cover that he was really there to dry out and that the woman he was with was helping. When they point out that she was only wearing a sheet, a shocked Emily asks if he's been cheating on her mom.

Later, Nikolas asks Emily if the blackmailer has contacted her again, because she's so quiet. He assures her that the pictures will never go out on the internet. Emily tells him that's not it, there's a family problem and she was glad for the distraction when Liz called. Nikolas knocks on the door, knocking the 'A' off the door. A defensive Lucky says, "That's right, I live here." Liz rushes to tell them their plans for cleaning and painting the apartment, which even has it's own bathroom. Nikolas says there's allot to be said for having a place of your own. Lucky tells them that his search of the company's files didn't come up with Maggie's name, but the files weren't computerized until 1995. They'll have to check the files at the head office. Liz is excited about sneaking around, like in a John Grisham movie. Lucky tells them that first there's a bigger problem, the head office is in Manhattan. Nikolas wants to know what's the problem?

Nikolas and Lucky clash over Lucky's reluctance to go to Manhattan. Nikolas says that money is no problem and that Lucky's Luke Spencer pride should stay out of the way since they're trying to help Emily. Nikolas tells him that Lucky has computer skills the rest of them lack and Nikolas has money. Lucky vows to pay him back and for Elizabeth too. Nikolas tells him to add interest if it makes him feel better. Emily asks if Liz has ever been to Manhattan? When Liz responds, only in my dreams, Emily replies, one dream coming true tomorrow.

Lucky, Liz, Emily and Nikolas arrive in New York to try and find Maggie Christian. As they ride the elevator to the Platinum Triangle Agency, Emily comments that she loves New York. One more hour here and she could forget Port Charles forever. Port where? Liz jokingly replies. Liz then thanks Nikolas for paying for the trip. The ever practical Lucky reminds the girls that this isn't a pleasure trip, they have a job to do. They go over their plan as arrive at the Platinum Triangle agency. Lucky points out that the agency is denying any knowledge of Maggie Christian, which is of course a lie. If they want her address, they will have to take it. This will require a little ingenuity. Emily recaps the cover story which is that she is a model in New York for the day with friends, one of which is Nikolas who is also considering a modeling career. Emily has agreed toshow him around. Emily and Nikolas will distract the receptionist while Liz and Lucky search for Maggie Christian's file. Emily and Nikolas go into the agency and introduce themselves. At first, the receptionist ignores them, but when Emily explains who she is the receptionist apologizes saying that so many hopefuls come in every day. Emily explains that Nikolas is a friend who is interested in a modeling career. When the receptionist takes a look at Nikolas, she is suddenly very interested.

Liz and Lucky are anxiously listening at the door of the Platinum Triangle Agency waiting for a sign that they are clear to sneak in and look for Maggie Christian's file. Lucky says that he knew  Nikolas couldn't cut it and he meant what he said about paying him back for the trip, right down to the sidewalk hotdog. Meanwhile, Nikolas is sweet talking the receptionist who agrees that he certainly has all of the required physical attributes. He asks for a tour so he can see how things  work. The receptionist is reluctant, because she isn't supposed to leave her desk. Emily volunteers to stay in case anyone comes so the receptionist agrees. As soon as Nikolas and the receptionist walk away, Emily opens the door and tells Liz and Lucky that the coast is clear.

While Lucky and Liz are still in the file room, Nikolas and the receptionist return from their tour. Emily comments on how quick they were and that their friends probably didn't even have time to do what they wanted to. Taking her cue, Nikolas distracts the receptionist by thanking her profusely for her time while Liz and Lucky sneak out the door. Emily and Nikolas leave and join Liz and Lucky in the hall. Liz and Lucky tell Emily and Nikolas that they have the file and that Emily's agent used to represent Maggie Christian. Emily asks if they think that is her blackmailer.  Lucky says he doesn't know but that he got Maggie's address so they can ask her. As they get in the elevator, Emily tells Liz and Lucky how brilliant Nikolas was and that the receptionist was falling all over him. Liz teasingly says, "oh, she thought Nikolas was hot did she" to which Emily replied, "well she has eyes". Emily and Liz laugh while Lucky looks unamused.

Liz, Lucky, Emily and Nikolas are having lunch at Café Matisse in New York, which they have discovered form a roommate, is where Maggie Christian is now employed. Emily comments that it is just like the one in Port Charles. Nikolas asks if they came all the way to New York to eat what they could have had at home. Lucky says that they aren't here for the dining experience, but for  information. The waiter arrives to take their order. Emily goes first and stumbles over the French pronunciations. Nikolas offers to order for them both and proceeds to order in perfect French, while Lucky looks on in disgust. Liz orders quiche and Lucky orders a side salad and water. They  ask the waiter if Miss Christian is there and he leaves to find her. Liz says she could get used to lunch in French in New York. Emily says that she could too and that she even had dreamed of lunch in Paris with friends, but now it could all go up in smoke if they don't find the blackmailer. Liz says that they won't let that happen. Maggie Christian arrives at the table and asks if she knows them. Lucky says no, but that they know her. Nikolas explains that they heard that she was the victim of a blackmailer. Maggie is clearly uncomfortable and replies that everyone in New York is a victim. She asks who they are. Lucky asks what she can tell them about the photos. She says that they are ancient history and starts to walk away. She stops when Liz tells here that the  blackmailer is trying to do the same thing to Emily. Emily says that all she wanted to do was model and now her career is in jeopardy. She asks Maggie for help. Maggie says that she'd like to, but she can't. Nikolas asks why she won't help. Maggie says that she is sorry that the sleaze bag is at it again, but she never found out his identity. She wishes them luck and walks away. Emily is dejected and says so that's it. Liz says no that's not it, we'll just come up with another plan. She looks at Lucky and says right? Lucky agrees, they will find this guy. Emily asks how and Lucky says that this time they will start from the inside.

Nikolas and Stefan are discussing Laura. Nikolas tells Stefan that he resented Laura for so long that it never occurred to him until the trial that he knows next to nothing about Laura and his father. If you take away the lies that were told to keep him from being curious about his mother,  the only thing he has left is what Laura and Stefan have told him, that he was conceived in love.  Stefan is surprised and asks if Laura said so. It's true, but it's not something he thinks she would want her family to hear. Nikolas says that no matter how his father treated everyone else, he loved Laura, right? Stefan said that he did from the moment he laid eyes on her. He tells Nikolas of the  first time Nikolas' father (really Stefan) saw Laura. He didn't meet her until one night in the garden when she appeared out of the trees with her hair flying. She was running and she ran into his father's arms. His father's heart stopped, and in that moment, it seemed that without knowing  it, he had been waiting for her for a long time. Nikolas asks if Stefan knows this from his father. Stefan says yes, with a very far away look in his eyes. Nikolas says that he is glad Stefan remembers.

Nikolas is visiting Katherine at the Quartermaine mansion. He can't believe that Katherine thinks she needs someone to be excited for her when the Q's like her enough to let her buy 10% of the Company. Katherine says that only Edward was excited. Ned and AJ were very angry and she never would have done it if she thought it would make matters worse. Nikolas asks why she would want to live there if practically everyone, including the butler, is mean to her., and why go into the business with them. Katherine says that they are family and she lost hers. Katherine tells Nikolas that she is such a fool by thinking she could get a family by bulldozing her way into the Quartermaines. Nikolas says that she isn't a fool and that there are plenty of people who love her. Katherine says that when it comes to love, she is unlucky. Nikolas says that that just isn't true, and he is honored that Katherine considers him a close friend. Katherine says that if the room was full, he would always be the best of the lot for her. They hug as Katherine brushes what look like real tears from her eyes.

Nikolas tells Katherine he's sure Helena loosened the railing. She asks him if he knows if  Stefan's ever lied. When Nikolas questions why she's staying at the Q's mansion, Katherine tells him that it was Stefan who prevented them from being a family. As she's about to explain, Emily interrupts. Katherine leaves, and Emily shares another blackmail note with Nikolas. The blackmailer wants the money tomorrow night, all of it. Nik tells Emily to call Lucky and Liz and he'll come up with some of the money. In the meantime, they've got to think of a plan. Later, Nikolas finds Laura on the docks. When Nik asks why she's upset, Laura tells him how much she's regretted the past and all the time spent away from him. He tells her not to think about  it and that she should focus on their time together now. He invites her and Lulu to lunch on  Friday. She happily accepts. Back on Spoon Island, Nik asks Stefan why Laura was so upset. Stefan says that they were reliving some of the past and it always makes Laura uncomfortable. Nik tells Stefan about his lunch invitation and Stefan is surprised that Laura is returning so soon.

Liz is in awe of Wyndemere. Nikolas offers to show them all the guest house, since there's a tunnel connecting the two places. Lucky calls a halt to that idea, saying he thought the whole idea was for Nikolas to get the money for Emily's blackmailer. Lucky has no intention of being there any longer than he has to, it gives him the creeps. Nikolas apologizes, saying that he's sorry it  doesn't live up to Lucky's standards - paling in comparison to park benches and boxcars. Everyone looks at each other uncomfortably. Lucky congratulates Nikolas for being so sensitive,  using a nice choice of words. Nikolas realizes what he's said and apologizes to Liz, but she won't let him. Lucky asks again if it's okay, but she tells them all that she can't go through life falling  apart every time someone says "park bench." Emily tells her that nobody would blame her if she did. Liz explains that if she did, where would it stop, "park", "bushes", "night", she doesn't want her friends editing themselves because of what happened to her. Lucky steers the conversation back to Emily's blackmail. He's not sure that Emily's agent is behind it, after all, he makes money on the success of his clients and if Emily is ruined, he won't make any more. Liz asks if Emily thinks he's capable of it. Nik wants to know if Lucky suspects anyone else. Lucky suggests that they look for other connections between Emily and Maggie. Nik figures that Lucky wants to use Stefan's computer to check payroll records of Downtown Faces (Emily's agency) and Platinum Triangle (Maggie's). Em and Liz sit down to write a letter to the blackmailer, copping a plea.

Lucky asks Nikolas why Stefan has such a powerful computer, which you could use to run a small country. Nikolas explains that it's because every couple of years the Cassadines feel compelled to take over the world. They both laugh. Emily and Liz are surprised to hear laughter from the brothers and go over to read them the letter. When she gets to the line about the amount, Nikolas goes over to a drawer and rummages around and he comes up with $5,000. Liz and Lucky share a look of surprise. The drop off is the Elm St pier, which is perfect because nobody knows the docks better than Lucky. He suggests that he find a hiding place and when the blackmailershows up, Lucky will get him. Liz exclaims, "No!" Lucky is surprised  and so is Liz.

Liz tells Lucky that he can't stake out the docks alone, she knows that they have to catch the blackmailer, but Lucky might get hurt. Lucky knows what she's thinking, but he only wants to get a good look at him, to see if it's the blackmailer or just a runner he can follow. Liz is still against it. Emily suggests that they all go together for protection. Lucky thinks he'll be safer alone. Liz tells him if he gets hurt, she'll kill him. They have a match on the computer, the agent's assistant. Liz suggests that they use the school intern program to get a job at Downtown Faces. Liz asks Emily if she want's to spend the night. They all leave, but Emily goes back for the money -she grabs an envelope off the table.  Liz admits to Emily she's the first girlfriend to sleep over. She and Emily commiserate over not having many friends. In Arizona her mom was her best friend. Liz explains that she's not that close to her family. They both hope that Nikolas and Lucky will realize how close they are and that they'd become friends. They start a pillow fight. Nikolas surprises Lucky with coffee. Lucky wants to know why Nik is there. It's his money and he wants to know where it goes. The two bicker over the cramped space.

Liz and Emily are having a sleepover, and Emily does Liz's makeup for her. They talk about  how Nikolas and Lucky don't get along. They then get into a conversation about Liz and Lucky sharing deep secrets with each other. Liz makes Emily promise she won't spill what  she's about to tell her, and Liz gets up and goes to get something. She pulls out the tape of  Lucky singing, Emily is in happy shock. Emily then talks about her dreams, about finding her "prince". (We all know she's talking about Nikolas ) Liz shares her story of her first real kiss with Lucky.
 
Lucky and Nik are hiding behind some crates on the docks waiting for the blackmailer. Nikolas is about to sneeze, but stops it and Lucky gets annoyed that the blackmailer could have been around and Nikolas might not have stopped his sneeze. They then see someone walk onto the docks. It's Helena, and she sits down on a bench. Alexis arrives on the docks waiting for the  boat, Helena talks with her. Says she has a new assignment for her. Meanwhile, Lucky and Nikolas look on. Alexis tells Helena she won't take anymore jobs from her. Helena mentions her opinions about how both Luke and Alexis tried to kill her that night on the paraphet. Nikolas and Lucky think Helena is lying about Luke and Alexis. Helena tells Alexis to get the net worth on Nikolas' estate and give it to her. Nikolas is about to jump out from the hiding spot in rage, but Lucky stops him just in time.

Helena then mentions a "plan" against Laura. This causes both Lucky and Nikolas to jump from their spot and head down to where Alexis and Helena stand. Lucky demands to know what Helena meant, and Nikolas makes Helena apologize to Alexis. Helena tries to get out of what she said about a "plan" against Laura, but nobody buys it. Alexis enjoys her apology. After Helena leaves, Nik and Lucky ask if and when Alexis finds anything out about a possible plan, that they want to be notified. Alexis thanks Lucky and Nikolas and leaves on her launch. They then remember about the money (for the blackmailer) that was left in a bush, they look and it's gone. They missed the blackmailer or someone assisting him. Lucky and Nik arrive at Liz's house (via window, also scaring the life out of Emily when Lucky knocked on the window). They talk about how they didn't see the blackmailer. They  have an idea of what to do next.

Nikolas, Emily, Lucky and Liz break into the photo studio to try to find clues about Emily's blackmailer. As they are looking for the particular shot that was used. Liz finds the folder with the proofs and then she and Emily start looking through them. While the guys look through the dozens of contact sheets, Liz spots a Cinderella like gown and Emily persuades Elizabeth to try on one of the elegant gowns from the models' rack. Liz is hesitant, but agrees to try the gown on. Emily then fixes Elizabeth's hair and with her all dressed up, she looks very glamorous. Emily comments on how Liz's style has changed from dressing really "hot", to now hardly dressing up at all. Liz acknowledges and tells Emily that the rape has change a lot about the way she carries herself now. The guys come to find them because they think they have found the picture and Lucky stops short, when he sees Elizabeth all dressed up. Lucky and Nikolas are impressed by the transformation especially Lucky who can't seem to take his eyes off of Liz. Emily has Nikolas teach Liz how to formal dance and as she gets the steps down, Lucky cuts in and they start to dance. Emily and Nikolas watch as Liz and Lucky dance and Lucky can't seem to get over how beautiful Liz is. As they continue dancing, Lucky jokes about them turning back into pumpkins once the dance is over. While Nikolas lets Emily know that he thinks he has found the picture.

Emily, Liz, Lucky and Nikolas arrive at Liz's house. Emily thanks everyone for helping her find the photo (#106) that was used by the blackmailer and for making the connection with her agent's assistant. According to the invoice, Emily's agency received a copy of the photo. Lucky wishes that they were able to make a copy of the contact sheet, at which point Nikolas pulls an envelope out of his coat. It turns out that Nikolas stole the contact sheet with the photo. Lucky is concerned that the photographer will miss the sheet, but Nikolas disagrees saying that the place was a mess and he probably won't even notice. Lucky and Nikolas start to argue over the photo, but Liz stops them saying that they have almost made it through the whole day and both of them are still alive so they should get back to the matter at hand. The teens discuss what to do next. They all agree that they need someone working on the inside, so Liz is going to ask Mr. Murty to arrange an internship at Emily's agency as part of the PC High internship program. Emily is concerned that Mr. Murty will find out why Liz wants the internship, but Lucky and Liz assure her that Mr. Murty will be cool. Lucky and Nikolas decide to go to Wyndmere so that Lucky can use Stefan's more powerful computer to trace the website where he found the similar photo. As they leave, Lucky asks Nikolas what will happen if they get all the way out to "spook island" and his Uncle won't let a Spencer use the computer. Nikolas says not to worry, that he can handle his Uncle.

Audrey has to work late so Emily calls Reginald to pick her up. As they wait for Emily's ride, Emily and Liz discuss their strategy with Mr. Murty, whom Liz has left a message for. Emily is adamant that Mr. Murty not find out what the internship is really about. She is afraid that he would think about it every time he saw her if he knew or that he would report it. Liz promises to tell Mr. Murty only that she wants the internship for Business Ed. Credit and that she picked Downtown Faces because Emily is her friend and she works there. Liz emphasizes to Emily how important it is to get someone on the inside. Emily agrees but wants to do everything they can to keep the details between the four of them. Emily can't believe that the others are so willing to do anything to help her. Their conversation is interrupted by the doorbell. They think Reginald has arrived, but are surprised to see Mr. Murty who got Liz's message and decided to stop by while out for his jog. Mr. Murty asks for the details of the internship because the school doesn't seem to have anything set up with Downtown Faces. Liz and Emily explain that it is a very reputable modeling agency, which just happens to represent Emily, and Liz really wants to work there. They have an office in Port Charles, but it is a very popular place to work so she thought it might be easier if Liz used the school to get in. Mr. Murty asks about Liz's job at Kelly's. Liz asks if they can just play it by ear until they find out if Downtown Faces is willing. Mr. Murty agrees to make the phone call just as Reginald arrives to take Emily home. Both girls thank Mr. Murty and Emily leaves.

Lucky and Nikolas arrive at Wyndmere and find Stefan at home. Stefan is somewhat surprised to see Lucky, but Nikolas explains that he and Lucky need to use the computer room for a few minutes. As Stefan explains that the phone lines are out, Laura, unaware that Lucky and Nikolas have arrived, comes down the stairs barefoot and dressed in the clothes she changed into while her own were drying. She is clearly uncomfortable to be caught in her present condition. Nikolas and Lucky are shocked to see Laura and look at her questioningly. It is clear to Laura by the looks on the faces of Lucky and Nikolas that they didn't expect to find her there. She explains how she came for her lunch date with Nikolas and was stranded by the storm. Stefan leaves to check on Laura's clothing. Laura continues to explain and Nikolas is listening, but Lucky clearly doesn't buy her story. Laura says that she never received Nikolas' message canceling their lunch date. Lucky abruptly says that he has to go. Nikolas reminds him of their "project" but Lucky says that he will find another way. Laura begs Lucky to just wait while she changes he clothes, but he refuses saying he is in a hurry and walks out. As Stefan returns with Laura's dry clothing, Nikolas apologizes for not calling her himself. Laura, realizing that Stefan purposely delayed giving her the message, tells Nikolas that it is all right and that mix ups happen all the time. The look she gives Stefan as she goes upstairs to change makes it clear that she is on to him and she is not happy. Laura prepares to leave Wyndmere and asks Nikolas to check and see if the launch is back. After he leaves, Stefan tells Laura that Nikolas accepted the situation as she described it. Laura angrily replies that Lucky obviously didn't, not for a second. Laura accuses Stefan of purposely not giving her Nikolas' message so that he could get her alone. He slickly denies it and changes the subject as Nikolas returns to report that the launch is back. She says goodnight to Stefan and Nikolas walks her to the dock.

Emily is back at home and is looking at the photos. She is interrupted by Katherine who is searching for tea. She asks how Emily's day was. Emily says that it was busy and that she saw Nikolas. She asks Katherine if it was fun living with Nikolas. Katherine says that she could tell stories, but she really shouldn't. She will though, if Emily will help her out with something. Emily comments that Nikolas changed a lot after he started living with Katherine. Katherine agrees and tells a story about Nikolas discovering the wonders of take-out food. She wishes Nikolas could see more of the world, she wishes she could help him. Emily tells Katherine that after her "death", Nikolas seemed very sad. Katherine says that Stefan can fool you, but Nikolas is 100% genuine. Emily agrees with a smile. Nikolas asks Stefan if today was just a mix-up with Laura. Stefan says that it was, but seeing the look on Nikolas' face, asks if he has something else to say. Nikolas says that it isn't wise to trick or manipulate Laura, he doesn't want to lose her. Stefan says that he didn't force Laura to spend the afternoon at Wyndmere, she is only forced by Luke.

As Emily arrives home, she is greeted by Katherine who is acting suspiciously nice. She asks Emily to tell her about her day. Emily is surprised but proceeds to tell Katherine about school, a pop quiz, etc. Katherine continues to be nice leading up to asking Emily if she "borrowed" something of hers without permission. Emily, not realizing that Katherine is referring to her evening gowns, looks guilty and apologizes. She didn't know when she took them that they were Katherine's. Katherine asks how she could not know they were hers since they were in her closet. A confused Emily replies that they were on the desk. Katherine looks confused as well and asks how her dresses could be on the desk. Emily says she was talking about the pens she took by mistake, she doesn't know anything about the dresses. Katherine is completely exasperated saying that there is a thief in the house and she will find out who! She turns to ask for Emily's help, but Emily has already left the room. The Q's are all assembled, minus Ned, in Katherine's bedroom. Katherine explains that she got them all together to find the thief who stole her evening gowns. Lila expresses shock that anyone in the household is capable of such an act. Monica suggests that Katherine made the whole thing up just to get attention. Katherine walks over to her closet and opens the doors to prove her point. She immediately sees that the "missing" gowns have been returned. Emily leaves saying that she has homework. AJ follows offering to help her.

Nikolas tells Stefan that he and Lucky overheard Helena tell Alexis she knows that Luke and Alexis are responsible for Katherine's fall. He also tells Stefan that Alexis had a plan to get rid of Laura. He asks Stefan if he loves Laura and Stefana denies it. Lucky storms into Laura's house and demands to know if she and Stefan are sleeping together. Laura tells him it's none of his business, and he has no right to ask her anything after ignoring her for months. After he insists a son has the right to know who his mother is sleeping with, she informs him that he hasn't been acting like her son. She eventually tells him that she has never been unfaithful to his father. Katherine entertains Nikolas in her room, and when Nik tells her about Laura barefoot at Windemere, she says that Stefan has always loved Laura, and no one has ever loved her. Nik says he loves her and they kiss.

Kat pulls away from kissing Nik and apologizes to him, explaining that she doesn't want her feelings of friendship to be confused with anything more. They reminisce a little about how they met and became friends. Nikolas once again warns Katherine about Helena, and she  leaves to have lunch with the Qs. Nik has returned to Windymere where he is talking to Stefan about his visit with Kat. Nik explains that he told Kat about how he and Lucky found Laura at Windymere, barefoot and traipsing down the stairs in her flowing Greek-flashback dress. Nik says that because his family has hurt Kat so much, that he and Stefan owe it to her to protect her from Helena's influence. Stefan asks Nik why he felt compelled to tell Kat about Laura's visit. Nik tells Stefan that because Kat still loves him that he owed it to her to tell her the truth about Stefan and Laura's relationship (at least how he perceives it). Nik feels that eventually Laura will choose his uncle over her husband. The prospect seems to disturb him; he doesn't like the idea of "winning" Laura (having her move in) if it means that Lucky and Katherine will lose.

Lucky is working on the laptop when Nikolas comes knocking. Nik says there's something theyneed to settle right away. Lucky asks what about their mother, or should he call her Nik's mother  now? Lucky and Nikolas discuss what they saw at Wyndemere, but Nikolas doesn't give Lucky any information. Nikolas tells Lucky that they already agreed that what Stefan, Luke and Laura do doesn't concern them. Especially with Emily depending on them, they need to go on like they have been. A web page comes up and Lucky says, "Oh no."

Emily is accosted by two guys outside the bar where Alan is. She starts yelling for her dad, but then gets frightened when Alan won't stop beating on the guys. Alan chases them off. Emily came to see him because he didn't come see her the last time he was at the house when he stole Monica's bracelet. She says if he gives it back to her she can return it without anyone knowing. Alan admits to hocking it, but Emily doesn't think he can get it back. Emily says that she thinks about Alan all the time. She understands that he can't help himself, but he has to help himself. She almost wishes that something terrible, like her friend who died of an overdose would happen that would make him realize that. Alan assures her that he's detoxing himself. His real problem is that he's running out of money. He tells her that he doesn't have food money and may have to beg. He asks Emily for money, assuring her that it's for food. Emily starts to cry as Alan begs her for money. She gives him her allowance and then leaves, crying.  Lucky tells Emily and Nikolas that he and Liz start at Emily's modeling agency tomorrow. He notices that Emily and Liz are very quiet. Lucky and Nikolas tell Emily they don't need to see what's in the envelope she brought, they already know. The website where the picture of Maggie was now has a photo of just Emily's face and a message telling browsers that "if you want to see more, to check back next week."

Liz, Lucky, Emily and Nikolas meet outside of Downtown Faces before Liz and Lucky start their  internships. Emily reminds them to be careful, she is terrified that something will go wrong, but everyone reassures her. Liz promises that they will call the cops if anything seems suspicious. Emily says that she doesn't want anyone to play hero, because that would be redundant, they are already heroes. Nikolas promises that they will find this guy and Lucky reminds them that they only have a week. Emily asks if they are sure there isn't anything she can do, but Lucky tells her that everyone at the agency knows her and it would be too big of a risk. Liz points out that Nikolas has been with Emily at a couple of shoots so his presence at the agency would also be suspicious. Right before Lucky and Liz go inside, Liz says one for all and all for one. Everyone looks at her funny and she smiles and says that she just always wanted to say that. Liz and Emily hug and Lucky and Nikolas shake hands as they all wish each other luck. After Liz and Lucky go inside and Emily and Nikolas leave, a suspicious looking woman walks up to the agency and stares at the door.

Mr. Yergin welcomes Liz and Lucky to Downtown Faces and asks if they know each other. Lucky says that they've seen each other around school. He then turns and introduces himself to Liz, who does the same. Liz tells Mr. Yergin how excited she is for the opportunity and how  happy she is that Mr. Murty was able to work something out. Mr. Yergin says that Mr. Murty was  very persuasive and that they are always happy to help out the local high school. He asks if they are interested in a modeling career. Liz asks who isn't, but Lucky says that he is more interested in  the technical end, like photography. Mr. Yergin says that they don't have a studio, but the best way to learn any business is from the bottom. He asks if Liz has any experience answering phones. Liz replies, in her best phone voice, "Downtown Faces, how may I direct your call". Mr. Yergin laughs as he tells her she'll do just fine and shows her to the reception desk. He then tells Lucky to follow him to the mailroom. Lucky stalls as Mr. Yergin walks out of the lobby and asks Liz if she is going to be okay? Liz says that she will be fine and not to worry. As Lucky turns to follow Mr. Yergin, the phone starts to ring. Liz answers, "Downtown Faces, how may I direct your call?"

Emily and Nikolas are at the Quartermaine mansion. Emily is still very anxious and Nikolas is trying to get her to calm down and relax. He tells her that her family will start to suspect something if she keeps acting so edgy. Emily says that noone is home. Nikolas suggests a movie  to take her mind off of things. Emily says no, what if Liz and Lucky call? What if Liz and Lucky  get caught and get suspended and it's all because of her and her dumb modeling career. Nikolas tells her that Lucky and Liz can handle themselves and modeling is not a dumb career. At least not for her, she is really talented. He's seen her work. It comes naturally to her, like she was born to do it. Emily laughs and says that she does love to be in front of the camera. It gives her a chance to pretend she is someone else, whoever she feels like being. Nikolas asks when her next shoot is? Emily tells him that it is on Friday and she is really excited because it is going to be a hip hop thing. She knows she isn't that good at hip hop, but she knows enough to get her through the  shoot. Nikolas asks her to show him a few moves. Emily happily agrees saying she should probably practice anyway and she wants to try a few moves that the choreographer showed her. She has Nikolas help her move the furniture to make room. She then puts up her hair, rolls up one  leg of her overalls and turns on some thumping hip hop music. She performs a short routine for Nikolas and then convinces him to let her teach it to him.  Nikolas joins Emily in the hip hop look complete with one pant leg rolled up. As they finish the routine, Emily teases him saying she can't believe he has never danced like this before because he's so good. They decide to take a break and have something to drink. Emily thanks Nikolas for helping to keep her mind off of her troubles
and then leaves to get the drinks. As Nikolas is fixes his pant leg, Katherine enters the room looking surprised to see him.

As Lucky watches from the hall, pretending to sort the mail, Liz is at the front desk of Downtown Faces when a famous male model walks up and starts to talk to her. She recognizes him immediately and compliments him on his work. He replies that she is obviously a woman of taste. He asks if she is going to be working there. Liz tells him that it is just an internship for a few weeks. He tells her that if she wants to make it permanent, he can help. He is the star model at the agency and if he tells them to hire her, they will. He goes on to say that Mr. Yergin could use  some help because he just fired his assistant. Liz asks why the assistant was fired. The model tells her that the agency party line was for performance reasons, but he thinks the assistant was most  likely running a scam, selling unauthorized photos on the side, it happens all the time. The model than asks Liz out for dinner on Saturday night. Liz politely declines saying she has other plans. As the model arrogantly tells her to cancel them, Lucky rolls through the lobby with the mail cart and deliberately runs in to the man's leg. He apologizes profusely, saying that it was an accident, but the model creates a huge scene that brings Mr. Yergin running to the Lobby. Mr. Yergin asks  what is going on. Lucky tries to explain that it was an accident, but Mr. Yergin is not happy. The model storms off threatening Lucky if he has any bruises.

Liz tries to defend Lucky saying that it really was an accident. Mr. Yergin asks why Lucky was there in the first place. Lucky says that he was delivering mail, but Mr. Yergin points out that there aren't any office near the reception area. He accuses Lucky of ogling all the girls, and then asks if he just have the hots for Ms. Webber. Liz defends Lucky again saying that he didn't mean any  harm. Lucky was just flirting, but now that he knows that she has a steady boyfriend, it won't  happen again. Lucky agrees, he would never move in on another man's territory. Mr. Yergin is still angry and sends them both home for the day. He tells them to work out their problems  between themselves before they come to work tomorrow.

Nikolas is surprised to see Katherine since Reggie told Emily that everyone was gone. He explains that he was helping Emily with a photo shoot and that Emily was showing him how to hip hop. Katherine says that Emily is lucky to have a friend like Nikolas and so is she. Katherine thanks Nikolas for not telling Stefan about the kiss. Nikolas says that he would never mention anything so personal to his uncle. Katherine says that she doesn't want to lose Nikolas' friendship. Nikolas asks why Katherine returned the ring to Stefan. Katherine says that the ring  belonged to Laura and that from what Nikolas told her, it still does. Giving it back was the right thing to do. Emily arrives with the drinks and is also surprised to see Katherine since Reggie told her no one was home. Katherine leaves saying that she isn't surprised because Reggie likes to pretend that she doesn't exist. Emily hands a drink to Nikolas and they toast to friends.
 
Liz and Lucky arrive at the Q's to tell Emily and Nikolas what happened. Emily asks why there are done so early, did they find anything. Lucky says that they have good news and bad news. Mr. Yergin fired his assistant, Fred, a few weeks ago for conduct unbecoming or whatever.  Nikolas asks if they think it has anything to do with the blackmail. Lucky says that from what they  heard, the circumstances sounded a little weird so he could be the one. Emily is surprised because  Fred was always so nice and Mr. Yergin told her that they had been friends for years. Nikolas asks how they can find him so they can talk to him. Lucky says that they didn't have time to find out. Nikolas says they can find out when they go back this afternoon. When they tell them that they got sent home early, and aren't going back until tomorrow, Nikolas immediately asks what Lucky did. Lucky gets defensive and asks how he knows it was him. Liz says it doesn't make any difference, they will go back tomorrow and Lucky can get into the computer and she can pump the model guy who gave her the information in the first place. Lucky tells her that she can't talk to the model, he's a sleaze bag. He won't be able to help them, he just wants to help himself to Liz.

Liz says that she isn't going to go out with the guy. Lucky walks away and tells her to just forget it. Emily interrupts asking who they are talking about. Lucky says that its just some guy who thinks he owns the world because his face is on a few magazines. Emily asks if he is tall with brown hair, brown hair and acts like he owns the place. Lucky nods and says that he is limping today because he bashed him with a mail cart. Nikolas says no you did not . Liz laughs and Lucky  says yes he did. Emily says that his name is Peter Turnbill and he is the most obnoxious guy she has ever met, but if Liz thinks she can get some information out of him, it might be worth a try. Lucky disagrees saying that all the guy wants is to put a move on Liz and he doesn't want her  anywhere near the jerk. Emily tells Lucky that he is the last person in the world that should be  feeling jealous. Liz says thank you to Emily. Lucky asks Liz if he is the one being the jerk. Liz smiles and tells him that she thinks he is being very sweet. Lucky tells her she is right, if she  wants to talk to the guy, go ahead, assuming that she can tear him away from the mirror. Nikolas  says that he hates to be the voice of reason, but won't Mr. Yergin be watching them like a hawk after today. Maybe someone else should try to talk to the Peter Turnbill.

Out in front of Downtown Faces, the mysterious woman is on a cell phone telling someone that she saw Emily, Nikolas, Lucky and Liz together and she thinks they might be on to them. She knows that Lucky and Liz are interning and she wants to keep on an eye on them or they could blow the whole deal.  Back at the Q's, Emily suggests that she take Nikolas to visit Mr. Yergin saying that he is interested in modeling. Emily and Nikolas will distract Mr. Yergin while Lucky and Liz snoop around his office for information. They agree it's a go and Liz teasingly says all for one and one for all again. They all laugh and Lucky gives her the thumbs up. They leave together to go to the  agency. Lucky has succeeded in getting into the computer at the modeling agency. He's well on the way to getting information when disaster strikes: the boss is heading back to the office! Liz, Emily and Nick go into overdrive trying to keep him out; even saying  that Nik is interested in a modeling career which piques his interest. He tells Nik to come to his office to close  the deal, but Nik does everything he can think of to stall. No luck: he walks in, and Lucky is pounding away at the keyboard! Lucky is truly his father's son. He tap dances out of this sticky situation by fixing the computer's problems. Now, he's a hero! He walks out of the office with the boss telling himto come by anytime.

Nik does a test shoot, and looks like he'd rather be eating glass. Tom the photographer is doing everything he can to get him to loosen up; even having Emily be in one of the shots withhim. Emily is thrilled when Tom tells Nik to look at her like the girl of his dreams. Things are finishing up when Tom's assistant walks in. Emily recognizes her as having worked at the other agency. The Assistant tells Tom that  she doesn't trust the kids, but he shouts at her to shut up. He holds up a picture of Emily and says "I'll have her to myself".
     
Lucky and Nikolas are at the police station hoping to try and pry out information from Fred about the blackmailer. As they wait to see if they'll be let in to question the guy, Nikolas and Lucky wonder if this is going to work. Nikolas can't believe that someone who was already arrested is going to admit to a new crime, but Lucky thinks he will. As the two discuss how they will question him, Taggert shows up and says well if it isn't Detective Spencer and Detective Cassadine. He then asks the boys why they are interested in questioning Fred. Lucky gives Taggart a story about  investigating a place a friend works at, and hopes that Fred can give them information. Nikolas tells  Taggert that its a modeling agency, and they want to make sure it is okay for their friend to work there? Taggart tells them that Fred is a serial liar. Lucky says they just want to ask him a few  questions and asks for 15 minutes. Taggert tells them 8 minutes only and as they go in to question  Fred, they leave their backpacks on the desk. As they leave, Nikolas's cell phone rings, it is Liz begging him to pick up. Inside the interrogation room, Lucky and Nikolas are talking to Fred and Lucky shows him the picture of Maggie Christian. Fred tells them that she wasn't into porn and is surprised to see that picture of her. He then recalls Maggie being friends with Tom while she worked there, which surprises Nikolas and Lucky. Liz is talking to  her boss, Mr. Yergin, who tells her that she would make a good model. She says  that she doesn't think she has what it takes to be model. He shows her other model's portraits, and tells her to find what they have that she doesn't. He then leaves the office to go take care of some business while Liz looks through all of the portfolios of different models that Tom has taken pictures of. Glancing through Tom's portfolio, Elizabeth spots a shot of Maggie Christian who was the other model that was blackmailed and is appalled to finally put two and two together. A horrified Elizabeth calls the photo studio to warn Emily, but gets the answering machine and hangs up. She then calls Nikolas and Lucky to tell them what she has found out, but can't reach them. Liz then leaves to go and warn Emily.

Emily has arrived at the photo studio and is calling out for Tom. She gets no answer, but does see a note with her name on it, with instructions for her to put on a slinky white dress. Emily feels a little weird and the photo studio's atmosphere is dark and moody. Nevertheless, she changes into the outfit and comes out to find Tom waiting on her. Tom compliments her and tells her that he has gotten a job offer to use her for another kind of shoot. Something different and daring. As Tom is  snapping pictures of Emily, he keeps talking to her about Brenda and about how models can screw themselves up. He then tells her to stay clean. Emily asks Tom about Nikolas's proofs and they talk about how the session went the other day. Tom tells her that shy can be sexy. He then goes off  to reload his camera. Emily is left alone. She wanders around and finds Nikolas's proofs and says to herself, "Tom is right, shy can be sexy". She then sees another picture of Nikolas in the pile,  naked. Tom comes back out and catches Emily gaping in shock at a nude photo of Nikolas and says, "Your smart, sometimes too smart". He then informs the frightened girl she now knows too much about his private sideline. Later, Liz shows up at the photo studio, calling out for Emily. Tom finds her, and says "Shhhhhh, Not a word." Liz then recalls the rape and remembers the rapist saying the same phrase when he attacked her in the park and makes a terrifying discovery.

"Not a word", Tom says to Liz as she starts asking questions. She stares in horror at him as he admits that he was the one who raped her in the park. She tries to run away, but he catches her and throws her in the darkroom with Emily. Liz tells Emily that Tom was the one behind everything. They try to escape, but the door is locked. Liz goes into a trance in the corner, crying and muttering to herself. Lucky and Nikolas sneak into the studio and are about to leave when they hear Emily pounding on the door. They unlock the door and Emily rushes out. She tells them about Tom and points to Liz in the corner. Lucky carries her out of the darkroom as she tells him that Tom raped her. The four of them start to leave, but Tom shows up--with a gun. He makes Emily get his keys and tells them all to get back in the darkroom. Lucky refuses and starts taunting Tom about how weak he is, preying on young girls. Nikolas offers Tom $50,000 to leave, but Tom refuses. It's too late for that now, he says. You should've paid me when you had the chance. Lucky jumps on Tom, knocking the gun out of his hand. Nikolas and Lucky are wrestling Tom on the ground when Liz picks up the gun. She points it at Tom's head. Lucky and Emily try to rationalize with Liz, telling her he's not worth killing. Liz starts railing on Tom. That was a night of filth, she says. You aren't a man. He's a man and he's a man [she points at Lucky and Nik], but you aren't. I want people to know what you did. I want you to go to jail. Then maybe you'll discover something about rape, she says. Nikolas hands her Tom's cell phone. She dials. This is Elizabeth Webber, and I'd like you to pick up a rapist, she says. Taggert arrives and takes Tom away.

Nikolas brings Emily home through her bedroom window. He talks about how he's always so closely-watched at Windemere. Neither one is looking forward to telling their families about what happened. Emily is disgusted to realize that both she and Brenda thought Tom was the best photographer. She told him private stuff. She is seriously creeped out and tells Nikolas about the fake nude picture she found of him. He tells Emily "it was a pretty good match" but fortunately the police didn't need it for evidence. She tells him what "a great team" he and Lucky make. He is forced to admit it. She points out that both of them would do anything for their friends. They talk some more about what happened with Tom, then Nikolas has to leave. He accidentally knocks down her journal and asks her what it is. She gets embarrassed, especially when he says her handwriting "looks awfully familiar". Nikolas tells her that he got mysterious letters of comfort after Katherine's death. She asked if they helped and he tells her they did. Emily has to admit it was her. Nikolas asks why she did it, so she explains that she had trouble expressing herself in person, but she wanted to sympathize with him in his loss. He holds her face and tells her that she's "very special" to him and that she's "more than a friend". He gives her a kiss on the forehead and says she's like his sister. (Probably not what she wants to hear...) After he leaves, Emily writes in her journal. She hopes to change herself into "someone Nikolas can love". Nikolas lets Stefan know he's home. Stefan is all worked up because he's been worried. Nikolas tells him there was an "emergency" but everything's fine and he'll tell him tomorrow. Stefan asks if it's because of his "friendship with Lucky" but Nikolas says he's not his friend--he's accepted him as his brother.

Emily steals Edward's newspaper to see if there was anything about the black mailer. Nothing was there, so she wouldn't have to tell her family. However, when she didn't show up to give her statement, Mac came to her house, asking for it. Since Em didn't tell her family, they were surprised. Emily was forced to tell them everything that happened. But, she left out the part  that Tom was also a rapist. Mac asked if they should do it in the other room. Then Monica inquired why, because she thought Emily had told them everything. Then Mac told her he was a rapist, and Emily gave him her statement. While Emily gave her statement to Mac, the rest of the family had decided that she had to quit modeling, she was very upset. 

Nikolas came home to an inquiring Stefan. He wanted to know where he was and why Nik suddenly claims Lucky is his brother? Nikolas told him the blackmailing story. Nikolas then claimed that Stefan hated the Spencers more than he loved him. Stefan told him that wasn't so. Stefan was very angry and insisted that Nikolas handled it wrong. Then Stefan told Nikolas about the party. Nikolas asked to invite Liz, Emily, Lucky, and Robin. Stefan had no problem with it.  Katherine came to see Nikolas. She asked if he was allright? She asked about his birthday. Nikolas told her about the party. However, he did not invite her. They agreed that next week they will have lunch to honor his birthday.

The teens arrive at Wyndemere, and make small talk as everyone settles in.  Funniest exchange-- Lucky refers to the house as the "Spoon Island Medieval Museum" and mentions "the moat." 
Nik replies, "Wait until you see the dragon." 
"I have." Then Laura and Lulu appear at the door, visions in their birthday party finery.  Laura looks fabulous in velvet, with her hair loose, bangs framing her face, no straight hunks of hair dangling, no fussy upsweeps. Laura embraces her elder son, and sees Lucky's mask-like face over Nik's shoulder.  She then sends Lulu over to hug Lucky, with a wistful "Give him a kiss for me."  Nik leads Lulu off to see Robin after a moment, gracefully giving Laura and Lucky a chance to talk. Lucky tells his mom about Liz's rapist being captured, without going into details. Robin and Nik are seated on either side of Lulu on the couch. Robin tells Nik that his little sister looked like both her brothers. Laura gets a chance to have a word with Liz, and says that closure must feel wonderful. Then Stefan appears, and Laura takes a deep breathe. He's waylaid by Emily, who thanks him for inviting her. The women are talk to Lulu about her pretty dress.  Lucky wants a word with Nik, "I ride you about being a Cassadine, which in my book means useless at best.'  But Nik handled himself well during their adventure, so Lucky  wants him to know that now he sees NIk as "a stand-up, regular guy."  Laura overhears their conversation, and she's thrilled. 

Later, Laura tries to use Lulu being tired as an excuse to leave Wyndemere, but Nik suggests Lulu nap in the study, so that Laura can stay for cake.  She agrees, good thing, since he hasn't even opened presents yet. Later, Alexis arrives at the party and has a talk with Nik. Then out in the garden, Nik and Kat talk.  She tells him how happy she is to be there, even if she did have to crash the party.  She hands him the gift she brought and utters a line I simply dare not touch in an update:  "If I were a witch," she says, "I'd wave a magic wand and make all your birthday wishes come true. But until I have that power, this will have to do."  He tells her he's glad she came, she says she'd walk through fire to wish him well, which emboldens him to move in for a kiss.  Just then, Laura appears at the door to tell him his cake is ready, and he throws Kat a sexy look as they follow Laura inside. Nik blows out candles on his cake, and they move to gift-opening. Emily insists he open hers first, it's a journal for recording his adventures. Then Kat pipes up, "Now mine."  It's a camera, "in honor of the one you tossed off the end of the dock."  Then he opens Laura's gift, it's the same camera, as everyone notices, and Laura looks resigned.  "In case you get the urge to dump the other one into the lake," she suggests, making the best of the situation. Then Stefan calls everyone together for a toast to the young prince.  When he says we are here to celebrate "my nephew's ascent into manhood," we get a shot of Katherine licking her lips.  As we hear Stefan's toast about Nik's family and friends being together "and may the bond we form hold forever," we get a parting shot of a figure on the docks watching Spoon Island.  It's Luke.