Kate pulled her coat more securely around her
The air had become more brisk around the docks as the sun had gone down
Kate stood with her eyes fixated upon Spoon Island...
He stood with his eyes fixated upon her...
He studied her every move, the way she concentrated, as if he could tell the way she would think just by watching her...
He was getting the last bit of information he needed... not information of who she was or where she had been or the whys or whats... but the last bit of information about the way she resembled Alexis. Her mannerisms, her movements, her long thin arms and legs, to the peachiness of her cheeks...
All the information he needed
He made his move
"You shouldnt be out on these docks at night"
Kate jumped, surprised by the sound of his voice and quickly turned to see him standing only feet in front of her
He pulled off his glasses to get a better look at her
Kate was frozen, well aware of who Stefan Cassadine was
He stood there glaring at her, staring at her dark eyes and familiar features, the resemblances were truly evident at such a close view
"Do you know that people prey on young women out here on these docks?"
Stefan watched as Kate blinked slowly as if he were to guess that she were hoping to re-open her eyes and he not be standing there in front of her
"Im fine, but thank you for your concern" she said trying to sound nonchalant and as if she had no idea who Stefan was
Stefan quickly caught on to her game
"Very well..."
Kate nodded and then turned her back to Stefan again facing Spoon Island, hoping he would go away
"Your pictures do not do you justice Isabella Katherine"
Kates blood seemed to turn cold as she could no longer seem to keep herself warm from the air and the company
"Excuse me?"
The question would at least prolong the obvious
"You obviously know that you are the spitting image of her... I am surprised the whole town is not aware of who you are much less the spies that Helena Cassadine have all around"
"I havent the slightest idea of what or whom you are speaking of"
"You believe me to be a fool Isabella?"
Kate turned around looking at her uncle dead in the eyes
"If I ask you politely will you go away?"
"Youre also feisty like your mother..."
"Would you stop comparing me to her as if you knew one thing about me"
Stefan took a breath of fresh air in as he refused to be angered by Kates tone
"I know that you are allowing your mother to think you have been safe at home with your father in London when in fact you have been... shall I say wandering from country to country..."
"Its none of your business what I do"
"Its my business to protect my sister and I will also protect you because you are family"
"You mean you will allow yourself to know my business because you are my family"
"Why do you covet such hostility?"
"Call it a bad taste in my mouth" Kate snapped back
"Do you not fear for your safety?"
"Why do I feel you are questioning why Im here to see my mother more than you actually caring about my safety"
"Your mother worries about you"
"Did she send you here?"
"She is not aware that I know you are in Port Charles"
"And why do you think that is?"
Stefan let a breath go between them
"Alexis sometimes forgets who is on her side" he said calmly
"Im sure Alexis remembers who can and has hurt her the most"
"You are quick to defend her... for a child she gave away you certainly are loyal"
Kate started to walk past Stefan when he grabbed her by the arm before she could get out of his reach
She quickly yanked her arm from his grip
"Isabella you are mistaken if you think Helena will not be after you as soon as she is aware of you, if shes not already, you and Alexis are being foolish if you think you can sneak around this town without any one having any suspicion of who you are"
"Are you always in fear? Are you always on edge? What kinda life is it to fear your own mother? I cant hide the rest of my life because of some woman who may or may not know I exist!"
Stefan took a step back allowing Kate room to be more at ease. He decided it would be best to change to a more pleasant subject
"Isabella... you are welcome at the family home. You are in fact family. Nicolas will want to know of you but with your blessing and of course I will speak with Alexis..."
"You will speak with Alexis about what?" Alexis said walking up behind him somewhat startling both Stefan and Kate
"Alexis?" Stefan said acknowledging her presents
"What is there to speak to me about?"
Alexis was well aware of what was happening, of what Stefan knew...
"Alexis, Isabella and I were discussing her staying at Wyndamere, she has no business staying at a hotel..."
"Were you?" Alexis simply said not questioning if Stefan had been spying on Isabella or how he knew she was in Port Charles
Alexis then slid herself between Kate and Stefan
"Did he threaten you?" Alexis said looking to Kate
"No" Kate responded letting the words between them go
Alexis turned sharply back to Stefan
"I appreciate your invitation, as Im sure Isabella does. But I am trying to keep her away from the Cassadines not plant her right in the middle... if she doesnt want to stay in the Port Charles Hotel she can stay with me, her mother..."
"Dont be absurd Alexis we have plenty of room you have a small apartment..."
"Stefan space is not the issue, the company is..." Alexis said boldly
Stefan looked at Alexis very displeased before tilting his head for his goodbye and walking away
Both Kate and Alexis watched as he disappeared into the dark
Alexis turned to Kate
"What are you doing out here?"
"I was minding my own business until Stefan came along"
"Isabella, you do understand this means hes been following you"
"He made it clear he knows more about me than I thought he did"
"He can be relentless whether you are his enemy or that he is trying to protect you..."
"He can also be really scary!"
Alexis let a smile come from the corner of his mouth
"He can be that too..." Alexis put her arm around Kate "We should get out here"
"Can I stay?"
"Here?"
"No... with you, with my mother, and not go back to the hotel"
"Baby of course you can. You didnt have to ask! I never pushed you because thought you wanted your space"
"I think weve had enough space" Kate said rolling her eyes...
End of Chapter 8
