NOTICE TO READERS: As previously stated, many of our chatters are looking to the future, looking to start or further the careers of their choice. Many are interested in signing on as assistants to well-known businessmen or women, learning the entrepreneurial skills that will launch their brilliant beginnings. Today's guest star is just such an individual-JackieM of Buffalo, New York.

"Miss Coe," begins JackieM, a lovely brown-haired young woman, with only the slightest hesitation. "They're here!"

"Outstanding, Jackie-bring them in. You stay, too. After all, this is your idea, and a good one at that. I'm sure I'd have thought of it myself if I wasn't so busy with Persuasion."

Into the office stroll The Masked Man and his sidekick, The Kid, a.k.a. the Smoking Gun.

"Gentlemen, sit down. I'm so glad that you could spare us a minute out of your busy days, but I have a proposition for you."

The Masked Man and The Kid look quizzical, so Lucy continues. "My assistant, Jackie, has had an idea that might well benefit all of us. Jackie, explain it please."

"You see, Mr. Uh Masked Man, you are the man of the moment. You've caught the imagination of Port Charles, -- no, the imagination of the whole country. In a few short days, you've created a sensation, and we'd like to take that and run with it."

"Exactly," interjects Lucy, "Face it-you drive a fancy car, do good deeds, and you aren't on the city payroll. You may be wealthy, but this has to be a negative cash flow situation. What we are proposing is to use you to promote our newest line of men's fragrances."

Jackie jumps in, intent on making the most of her chance. "Everybody associates you with the Smoking Gun-it's a winner for both of you. It's a great, macho scent, and we have an incredible line of products to go with it. I'm also planning to call L&B records for a tie-in as a marketing move."

"And, the best part," Lucy adds, "is that you'll be very rich. Very rich." She smiles, and continues. "You can either keep it, or give it to charity-or use it to finance your crime fighting business. Oh, and by the way, you'll be working with my supermodel, Brenda Barrett Jacks."

"What do you say?" asks JackieM, her brown eyes alive with excitement. "Is this a deal?"

The Masked Man looks at The Kid who shrugs. "What the hell?" The Masked Man grins, while Lucy looks on expectantly. "We're in!" Hmmmmmmmmmmm

"So, Lily," Robin asks, sounding very casual. "What do you want me to do?"

Lily smiles at her young friend, and says, "Robin, my child, what I want you to do is to help me get to know the Masked Man. You see, he's fighting crime-a noble thing, I'm sure, but he'll need help to get to Sonny, and we both know that Sonny runs the mob activity in Port Charles. And, we both know that I know how his operation works.

"Before he died, Harry, rest his soul, told me everything. Just think, Robin. With the right man, and a few well chosen words, we can put Sonny out of business, and maybe keep your friend Jason from getting in over his head."

Lily glances out of the side of her eyes, carefully taking in Robin's response. "I know you love Sonny as a dear friend, and, I did, too-I don't mean that we'll have him locked away, just make sure that he's out of the crime business. I know how much Jason means to you, my dear. You'll be doing him a favor. Now, can I count on you??" Hmmmmmmmmmm

Meanwhile, back in the catacombs, Giselle du Bois, a.k.a. Ryan is studying the vial of liquid that Eva de Struxion, a.k.a. Damian had taken from the drunk who'd pinched him. "What do you think it is?" he asked. "It's clear, sort of shimmery. I've never seen anything quite like it."

"Do you think that it might be the stuff that's on the street? The aphrodisiac??" Damian asks, thoughtfully. He opens the vial gingerly, and sniffs. "Smells like wintergreen. Must be a breath freshener," he grumbles. "Here, that garlic bread you ate earlier is a little strong."

"Thanks for telling me," Ryan spat. "You could have told me earlier, you know."

He takes the vial, and takes a quick sip. "Not bad, a little bitter, but I could get to like it." He looks at his partner in crime, and observes. "You know, you look lovely as a blonde. The curls are very attractive-alluring, even. There's something about you, my dear..."

Damian, hearing a decidedly different tone in Ryan's voice, turns around to see his bosom buddy approaching, a strange light in his eyes. "I've always been attracted to blondes," Ryan explains, flexing his fingers. "I just can't keep my hands off of their necks." Hmmmmmmmmmmm

Stay tuned!! Will Lucy make yet another fortune because of the quick marketing maneuvers of JackieM? Will our chatter make a bundle, too?? Will The Masked Man and The Supermodel have a thing going on camera?? Off camera?? Will Lily con Robin into helping her stick it to Sonny?? And, finally, just what is Ryan doing?? Dare we ask?? Hmmmmmmmmm