4 p.m.

“Good afternoon, this is Tiffany Hill reporting live from the campaign headquarters of Ric Lansing. How are you today Mr Lansing? How do you think your chances are in this historic three person race?” Tiffany, clad in a navy blue suit, smoothly asked.

Ric, dressed in an Armani suit, answered with a polished smile, “Well Ms. Hill, I am feeling very confident in my chances today. I know the voters will pick the best candidate.”

Tiffany stuck her microphone in Ric’s face, “What about the grassroots campaign for Laura Spencer? Exit polls are saying that she is right up there with you and Mr. Baldwin. This could be a very tight race Mr. Lansing.”

“This is why, Ms Hill.” Ric smoothed down his suit and smiled, “I urge all the voters to go out and vote today. Vote for the best candidate, myself Ric Lansing.”

“Thank you Mr Lansing, and good luck today.” Tiffany said as Ric walked away. “Clear.” Tiffany said. “Let’s go see if we can find Scott Baldwin and get a few words from him.”

An hour later, Tiffany and her crew pulled up to Scott Baldwin’s campaign headquarters. She jumped out of her van and walked in. Up ahead, she saw Scott and approached him. “Mr Baldwin, may I have a few words with you?”

Scott turned around and faced Tiffany, “Hello Tiffany, I would be happy to talk to you.” He flirted, “How are you today?”

“I am well Mr Baldwin. Now, Mr Baldwin, how do you feel about your chances in the election tonight?” Tiffany coolly responded.

With a grin on his face, Scott replied, “Well Tiff, I feel that we all have an equal chance with the voters tonight. The voters will vote according to who they feel is the best for the job. I hope they see that with my background and experience, I will serve the people of Port Charles to the best of my ability.”

“Very good Mr Baldwin. What do you think are the chances of Laura Spencer? She has mounted an impressive campaign.” Tiffany asked.

“Indeed she has.” Scott smiled, “But I have to wonder, does she have what it takes in the cutthroat world of politics that make up Port Charles? Yes she runs a non profit organization and runs it well. But to run the large organization that is our city government is a large undertaking. I don’t think she can handle it.”

Tiffany asked, “And you think you are qualified?”

“As a former district attorney, I do. I know how this city runs. I ask all the voters to vote for Baldwin. You won’t be disappointed. If you will excuse me Ms. Hill.” Scott walked away.

“Great soundbites Tiffany.” Her producer said. “When do you want to go to the Spencer headquarters?”

“Let’s go when the polls close at seven. We may have a true underdog story here.” Tiffany brushed her hair back. “Let’s go get something to eat, it may be a long night.”

7pm

MetroCourt ~ The Spencer Headquarters

In the ballroom at MetroCourt, a large stage was assembled. On the stage, Carly turned on one of the large screen TVs that she had rented for the event. Hundreds of volunteers and friends were gathered there in hopes of a Spencer win.

Laura arrived and made her way through the crowd, shaking hands as she went. Luke followed behind, the proud husband. Tiffany stopped Laura. “Laura Spencer! How are you tonight?” Tiffany’s microphone was catching every word.

Laura beamed, “I am so happy by the turnout tonight. I can’t believe all the support that we have received! Thank you to everyone!” She shouted. The crowd shouted back their approval.

Sonny and Brenda, hands clasped, came up next to Luke. “Congratulations buddy. I hope she wins.” Sonny commented.

Luke couldn’t stop smiling, “Just look at her. Isn’t she amazing.” Luke asked rhetorically.

Tiffany stuck the microphone in Laura’s face. “Mrs Spencer, the polls coming back show that you have a slight lead over Scott Baldwin with only 5% of the precincts returning. What do you have to say about that?”

“Well, the night is still young. Scott Baldwin and Ric Lansing are formidable opponents. It could go anyway at this point.” Laura said as she turned to wish Robin and Patrick well and thank them for their support.

“This is Tiffany Hill, here at the Spencer Headquarters. We will be back when we have more results in this Mayoral Race.” Tiffany waited until she was clear and turned to Laura. “I know I am not supposed to say this, but I hope you win. In fact, I think you will.”

“Thanks Tiff.” Laura said as Monica came up to her. “Monica, how is Alan?” Laura asked, immediately concerned.

Looking very tired, Monica replied, “He’s had his set backs. But he is doing ok. Carly brought Michael by today to visit and that brightened his spirits. Jason has also brought Ava to visit, oh she is just precious.”

Laura clasped her hands, “I have been thinking of both of you.”

Robert sidled up to Luke, “Hey there Spencer. I hope she wins.”

“Look at her. She is incandescent.” Luke said proudly.

Carly and Bobbie were on top of the stage. Bobbie turned on the microphone and called for the Spencers and Nikolas to come to the stage. When Laura, Luke, Lucky, Nikolas and Lulu reached the stage, Bobbie announced, “Laura, there is a phone call for you.” Laura picked up the phone and listened.

Laura hung up the phone and turned to the microphone. “50% of the precincts are in and we have 48% of the vote. Scott Baldwin has 30% and Ric Lansing has 22% of the vote. That phone call was Ric Lansing, calling to concede the election!” Cheers erupted through the crowd.

Brenda turned to Sonny and said, “I am just going to run outside for a minute to call Leticia. I want to check on James.”

Sonny kissed Brenda, “Don’t be long.” Brenda threaded her way through the crowd and made her way outside. Once outside she opened up her cell phone and heard a noise. Looking up, she said, “Hey you look...” She was then hit on the head with the butt of a gun. Falling unconscious, Brenda slid to the ground as the person kept right on walking without breaking stride.

The TV behind Laura changed with 75% of the precincts coming back and Laura having a 50% lead. The phone rang and she answered. Again she hung up and hugged and kissed Luke. Luke announced, “That was Scott Baldwin, conceding the race for Mayor! Laura Spencer has won! Thank you everyone!”

Laura stepped to the podium and stated, “I want to thank first and foremost, my family. Luke, my husband. Oh, I don’t know what I would do without you urging me on. You are my reason for being. My two sons, Nikolas and Lucky, you bring such joy into my life. Lulu, with all my heart I love you.

“Thank you to all the volunteers who helped get my word out there. I want you to know that I appreciate all that you have done, this win would not have happened without you. I will work hard for the people of Port Charles. I am making this promise to the voters and I intend to keep it!” Laura, Luke, Lucky, Nikolas and Lulu grabbed hands and raised them high.

No one saw the person silently slip into the ballroom and stand at the back watching the Spencers. The person raised a gun and squeezed off four shots, one at Luke, one at Laura, one at Lucky and one at Lulu. Bodies fell, and the person slipped into the night.