GH Fanworks/Fanfic/Fanart: We Do It Better

[cmahorror]

Chapter 22

 

“Epiphany?” Nikolas carefully approached the head nurse, trying not to appear too anxious.

 

“Yes Mr. Cassadine?” Epiphany smiled at the board member, trying not to lose her patience - she had work to do.

 

“Have you seen Dr. Scorpio? We were supposed to meet for lunch but she is not in her office.” Nikolas was worried that Marcus had come and taken Robin out of the hospital.

 

Unfortunately, he was right. “Dr. Scorpio left about an hour ago with Dr. Banks.”

 

“Damn it.” Epiphany raised her eyebrows at him. “I’m sorry – thank you.”

 

Nikolas walked quickly to the elevator – he needed to get back to Wyndamere as soon as possible.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Sit down Robin.”Marcus locked the door to his room after shoving Robin through the door. “We need to have a session.”

 

Robin glared at him but sat down in the chair. The reality was that he was in charge and she knew it. Her captor had made it clear that she would only get to stay in Port Charles if she listened to Marcus so she did as she was told.

 

Marcus sat down across from Robin. “Close your eyes.” Robin shut her eyes. “In a moment I'm going to relax you completely. In a moment I'm going to begin counting backwards from 10 to 1. The moment I say the number 10 you will allow your eyelids to remain closed. The moment I say the number 10, you will, in your mind’s eye, see yourself at the top of a small set of stairs.”

 

Robin did as she was told and imagined the stairs.

 

Marcus continued. “The moment I say the number 9, and each additional number, you will simply move down those stairs relaxing more completely. At the base of the stairs is a large feather bed, with a comfortable feather pillow. The moment I say the number one you will simply sink into that bed, resting your head on that feather pillow. Number 10, eyes closed at the top of those stairs. Ten ...”

 

Marcus watched Robin carefully – he could tell she was doing as she was told. “Nine, relaxing and letting go. Nine ...”

 

Robin’s shoulders began to sag. “Eight, sinking into a more comfortable, calm, peaceful position ...Seven .... Six ... going way down ... Five ... moving down those stairs, relaxing more completely.”

 

Marcus paused and, noting Robin’s calm, steady breathing, began to smile. “Four ...Three ... breathe in deeply ...”

 

Robin did as she was told. “Two ... On the next number, number one, simply sinking into that bed, becoming more calm, more peaceful, more relaxed ... One ... Sinking into that feather bed, let every muscle go limp and loose as you sink into a more calm, peaceful state of relaxation.”

 

Marcus took Robin’s hand in his and held it. “Robin do you hear me?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Good – where are you right now Robin?” Marcus spoke softly to her.

 

“The bed, it’s nice, soft, safe.” Robin smiled.

 

“Good – you know the only reason you are safe is because of me. I protect you, no one else. Repeat that to me please.”

 

“You protect me, no one else.” Robin’s voice wavered, almost like she was unsure.

 

“Robin,” he tried to sound more reassuring, “I love you and I will protect you – no one else.”

 

“You love me and protect me, no one else.” Robin’s voice was soft but surer.

 

“It is time for you to prove to me you believe it. Robin, I will be proposing to you tonight at dinner and you will say yes – do you understand me?”

 

Robin didn’t answer him at first. “No, Patrick…”

 

“Robin, if you do not say yes Patrick will be hurt. Helena will hurt him.” Normally, he wouldn’t threaten Patrick. He needed her to trust him but time was running short and he was hoping that if he just planted the idea in Robin’s subconscious than her response to his proposal would feel real to her and him. Marcus loved Robin so much and he would do anything to make her his forever.

 

“I will protect you and Emma but you have to marry me to do it. You love me Robin, you want to marry me and we will be happy together.”

 

“I love you, I want to marry you and we will be happy together.” Robin still didn’t sound sure.

 

“Say it again.” Marcus was gentle but firm.

 

“I love you, I want to marry you and we will be happy together.” Robin sounded like she was starting to believe it and they continued this for an hour until Marcus was certain that Robin would do exactly what he wanted.

 

As soon as he was certain, he woke her up and smiled at her. “How are you feeling?”

 

Robin shook her head. She hated these sessions – she couldn’t remember what happened during them and didn’t feel quite like herself after. “I have a headache – I think I am going to go lay down.”

 

Marcus smiled at her. “Why don’t we lay down together in here?”

 

Robin smiled at him. “Ok.”

 

Marcus helped her over to the bed and leaned over her as she laid down. He ran his hand through her hair and then kissed her. “I love you Robin.”

 

He laid down next to her and pulled her close and she finally said the words he had been waiting to hear. “I love you too Marcus.”

 

________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Nikolas came running in the house. “Alfred – where is Robin?”

 

“She went to Dr. Banks’ room with him, something about a session. Dr. Banks asked that they not be disturbed.”

 

“Son of a bitch.” Nikolas ran up the stairs and began pounding on Marcus’ door. “Robin!”

 

Marcus opened the door, his shirt off. “Robin is sleeping – we had a very long session and she is tired.”

 

Nikolas looked in the room and saw Robin in a deep sleep under the covers. “What did you do to her?”

 

Marcus pushed Nikolas out the door and shut it behind him. “Robin is perfectly fine, in fact she is wonderful. You on the other hand, I think you need to be a little more vigilant – I left the hospital almost two hours ago with our little bird and you are just getting here? I think your grandmother would be very disappointed in your efforts to protect her.”

 

Nikolas practically growled at the man. “What did you do to her?”

 

Marcus smirked at him. “Nothing she didn’t want to do. Now if you don’t mind, I would like to enjoy a little more time with the woman I love. We will see you at dinner.”

 

Marcus turned around and went back in his room, locking the door behind him.

 

Nikolas felt sick to his stomach. Robin took making love very seriously and Nikolas didn’t believe for one second that she would have slept with Marcus, at least not willingly.

 

Nikolas went back to his room and made a call. “This is Nikolas – we need to meet as soon as possible. It's about Robin.”

Edited May 31, 2015 by cmahorror

[cmahorror]

Chapter 23

 

Robin stood on the bluff overlooking the water and just stared, hoping to get some perspective. It had been 3 days since she had accepted Marcus’s proposal and she still had a hard time believing it had happened. She played with the diamond ring on her left hand for a moment before turning her attention back to the water.

 

Not that she wasn’t happy, she was, but it didn’t feel the same as when she had agreed to marry Patrick. When she had said yes to Patrick, all worry and fear had left her and she couldn’t wait to be his wife but a part of her was still scared that marrying Marcus was a mistake. Nikolas had disappeared immediately after the announcement leaving her alone with Marcus at Wyndamere.

 

And Marcus was just always there, pushing her on the wedding plans and keeping her at the house under lock and key. At times she almost felt like she couldn’t breathe – his love was so suffocating. She loved him but she needed a little time by herself so she took off for a walk, not even paying attention to where she was going.

 

She looked around her and shook her head, finally realizing where she had ended up. This bluff was where she and Patrick had reunited after Jerry Jacks had forced her to move into Wyndamere and pretend to be in love with Nikolas. She smiled at the memory, remembering how wonderful it had been when she had been able to finally tell him the truth about what had been going on.

 

 

Flashback

 

Patrick had just discovered the whole truth and stared at Jerry, known at that time as James Craig, with undisguised hate. His face was bloody from his fight with Jerry but he was alive and that was all Robin cared about. Jerry was leaving to give Nikolas the counteragent but stopped to say one last thing to the young doctor. “Welcome to the party Dr. Drake. I hope you can stay awhile. The only way you can go out is not really pretty.”

 

The two men left and Patrick grabbed Robin and pulled her into his arms, holding her tight for moment before stepping away. “We have to call the police.”

 

“No! No.” Robin thought Patrick understood what was going on.

 

Patrick didn’t comprehend how dangerous the situation was. “Robin, why are still protecting him?”

 

“Because everything he just said is true and I have seen Nikolas when the poison takes effect. If Craig is arrested, he leaves town, takes the counteragent with him and Nikolas dies.” Robin was upset that Patrick had been pulled into this mess.

 

“Okay, we’re, we’re doctors. We can, we can save Nikolas.” Patrick was desperately trying to find a way out of this for the both of them.

 

Robin tried to get him to understand. “I have tried already!”

 

He suddenly got it. “The tox reports.”

 

Robin calmed down. “Yes – I took a blood sample from Nikolas. I thought I could engineer the counteragent or at least isolate the poison but I have just hit a wall.”

 

Patrick shook his head. “Why didn’t you, why didn’t you tell me?”

 

“Because he said he was going to kill you and I believed him. So I did what he said – I pushed you away and told you that I didn’t want to be with you anymore.” Robin hoped he understood how hard this had all been for her. “I broke my heart because I broke yours.”

 

“I am so mad at you right now.” Patrick reached for her again and pulled her close.

 

“I don’t blame you.” She reached up and kissed him. “I don’t know how you can forgive me for the things that I said.”

 

Patrick pulled away from her and held her hands in his, relishing the feeling once again. “Well I didn’t believe most of the things you said. I just couldn’t figure out why you bailed on me,” he paused, “on us but you had no choice. You seemed so detached the last couple of weeks, like you honestly didn’t care…”

 

Robin interrupted him. “It was just a lie. Every time I saw you I wanted to tell you the truth.”

 

“Well I wish you would have. I mean I could have came here, I could have, I could have got you out of here.” Patrick hated that he had ignored his feelings about the situation so many times.

 

“No, listen, I love you but you are unpredictable and I couldn’t risk Craig killing you just because I couldn’t keep a secret.” Robin prayed she was getting through to him. “Now it’s your turn, okay. You cannot, cannot go crazy on this guy. We have got to keep it cool and work our way through this.”

 

Patrick wrapped his arms back around her and held her close. He could do anything now that he had her back.

 

End Flashback

 

 

Patrick hadn’t given up on her or them at that time, never truly believed that she would leave him. He had been the man who had agreed that walking out was acceptable, giving up was not.

 

But those days were long gone. Robin didn’t know what had changed but Patrick not only gave up on them, he completely ignored everything he knew about her and divorced her without a second thought. She knew Patrick was truly sorry for not helping her, not seeing the signs, but it was too late. Robin was marrying Marcus and she would be happy – she knew it.

 

Robin began walking through the woods back to the house when she heard a noise behind her. “Hello?”

 

She began walking towards the noise when she was grabbed from behind and a cloth was shoved over her face. She struggled for a minute before the chloroform took effect and darkness engulfed her.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 24

 

“Where is little Robin? I thought she was just taking a walk?” Jerry had been in hiding for days but he was tired of it. Marcus had controlled the situation for far too long and Jerry wanted to enjoy all the amenities Wyndamere had to offer. He took full advantage of Robin’s absence to sit in the living room and have a drink.

 

Marcus was pacing the living room. “I don’t know – she left to take that walk hours ago and she still has not come back. The launch hasn’t left since Nikolas disappeared yesterday so she has to be somewhere on this godforsaken island.”

 

“Because no one could come in another boat and sneak off with her, right?” Given who the man’s father was Jerry expected him to be smarter. “Her parents are spies and her ex-husband has a lot of friends who really do not care for you. Is it beyond the realm of possibility that someone snuck onto this island and took her off it?”

 

Marcus shook his head. “She wouldn’t do that.”

 

Jerry rolled her eyes. “I wasn’t saying that she would leave willingly but our little bird has the most interesting ability to get herself into the worst situations – I have never known anyone who has been kidnapped as many times as that girl.”

 

“Excuse me sir, this was left at the door for you.” Alfred walked into the room, handed Marcus an envelope and walked back out.

 

Marcus opened it and pulled out a note and Robin’s engagement ring. “No – she wouldn’t leave me.”

 

Jerry wasn’t surprised that things had turned out this way. “It seems our little bird has flown the coop. Helena will be thrilled. What does the note say?”

 

“I’m sorry, I can’t.” Marcus balled up the note and threw it across the room. “She couldn’t do this.”

 

“Sorry old boy but I could have told you this was the only ending to yours and Robin’s story. No matter what happens, she will always end up back with Patty boy.” Jerry smiled at him condescendingly and then left the room.

 

Marcus squeezed Robin’s ring in his hand. Patrick - of course it was Patrick, this was all his fault. He stormed out the door and headed to launch – he knew exactly where Robin was it was time to bring her home.

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Epiphany watched with growing frustration as Patrick threw charts all over the counter, looking for the right one. “Is there something I can help you with Dr. Drake?”

 

“Yes, please explain to me why it is so hard to find a chart when I need it.” Patrick gestured to the stack on the counter. “One chart, that’s all I want.”

 

Epiphany rolled her eyes. Ever since Dr. Banks had announced his engagement to Robin the other day, Patrick had been nearly impossible to deal with. She calmly walked over to the counter, reached under the desk and pulled out the chart he was looking for. “Is this it – the Metz chart? You set it down there earlier today so you wouldn’t forget where it was. Boy, are you even trying?”

 

Patrick took the chart. “Thank you.” He put his head down in the chart and ignored everything that was going on around him. He spent 10 minutes making notes and then handed the chart back to Epiphany. “Keep pushing fluids and I want his vitals checked every four hours.”

 

“Yes doctor.” Epiphany didn’t even try to hide the sarcasm in her voice. “Is there anything else I can do for you before I return to helping my other patients?”

 

Patrick was oblivious to her tone. “Not at this time. I’m going back to my office.”

 

He started to walk down the hall when he was grabbed from behind and shoved into a wall. Marcus pinned Patrick to the wall. “Where is she?!”

 

Patrick fought back. “What the hell are you talking about?”

 

Marcus continued to get in Patrick’s face. “Robin? What have you done with Robin?” Marcus raised his fist to try and beat the truth out of the man when he felt himself being pulled away.

 

Mac held on tight to Banks. "What the hell is going on here?"

 

Marcus ignored Mac and focused on Patrick. “I know you have her!”

 

Patrick straightened up and shook his head. “Thanks Mac.”

 

Mac held the still struggling Marcus back and looked at Patrick. “Do you want me to call the cops?”

 

“Go ahead.” Marcus finally slipped out of Mac’s grip and stepped towards Patrick. “Then I can have you arrested for kidnapping.”

 

Mac looked at Patrick. “What the hell is he talking about?”

 

“I have no idea. He thinks I know where Robin is but I don’t have a clue what he is talking about.” Patrick walked over to Marcus. “But I have to admit I am thrilled that she finally wised up and left you before she did something stupid, like actually marrying you. I don’t know where she is and, even if I did, I wouldn’t tell you.”

 

Mac watched both men carefully. “When was the last time you saw Robin Dr. Banks?”

 

“She took a walk this morning and hasn’t been seen since.” Marcus kept his glare on Patrick. He wasn’t about to tell them about the note or the returned ring.

 

“Patrick, where were you this morning?” Mac looked at Robin’s ex-husband and waited for his answer.

 

“I came in at 7 for an emergency surgery that lasted 6 hours.” Patrick ignored Marcus completely and spoke to Robin’s uncle. “I have barely had time to eat, let alone run out to Wyndamere and kidnap my ex-wife.”

 

Mac turned back to Marcus. “Maybe Robin just needed some time alone. It’s only been a few hours so why don’t you wait and see. If you haven’t heard from her by tonight give me a call and I will help you look for her.”

 

“The last thing I want is help from either one of you. If I find out you had anything to do with Robin’s disappearance I will make you pay.” Patrick and Mac watched as Marcus turned on his heel and stormed back to the elevator, determined to find his Robin.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Robin slowly opened her eyes and shut them again contentedly. She let out a big yawn and smiled, she hadn’t slept that well in years. She turned her head on the pillow and then sat up – where was she?

 

She was in a bedroom - a nice one at that. She got up and walked over to the window and noticed that she was on the second floor of a house in the middle of nowhere. Robin saw woods surrounding the house but no distinguishing landmarks. She attempted to open the window but it was sealed shut. She looked around the room at the door and walked over to it, trying to decide if it was worth even attempting to open it. It was probably locked but curiosity got the better of her and she turned the knob, surprised that it opened up immediately.

 

Robin poked her head out the door, looking carefully out into the hallway before venturing out of her room. Her captors obviously were not too concerned about her escaping which meant that she was literally miles from any sort of help. Robin wasn’t sure this made her feel any better about her situation. Sure, she could move around but the chances of getting help out in the middle of nowhere were slim to none.

 

She made it down the stairs and headed for the front door. She had just reached it when she heard someone behind her. “You know better than that.”

 

Robin recognized the voice instantly and turned around. “I should have known it was you.”

 

“Hello sweetheart.” Robert stepped towards his daughter and pulled her into a tight hug. “Daddy’s here to fix everything.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 25

 

Robin shook her head against her fathers’ chest. “I need to get back to Wyndamere. You don’t understand…”

 

“I understand more than you think.” Robert needed her to believe him. “You are not going back there Robin.”

 

“But Emma…” Robin couldn’t bear the thought of anything happening to her little girl because she wasn't doing what she was supposed to do.

 

“Emma has more guards on her than Fort Knox – did you really think Grandpa Robert would let anything happen to her?” Robin started to say something but

 

Robert stopped her. “Patrick too. Everyone is well protected from Helena and her minions.”

 

Robin stepped back and looked at him questioningly. “You knew?”

 

Robert could see she was misunderstanding what he was saying. “Not until a few weeks ago. Mac and I had no idea about what was going on with you and your, uh, situation until recently. We have been working together to get to the bottom of your disappearance and what happened to you in the months you were gone. To say we are both a little upset with your mother and ex-husband for keeping us in the dark would be an understatement.”

 

“They didn’t know.” Robin spoke softly in a half-hearted attempt to defend them but it still hurt too much. “I didn’t tell them anything.”

 

Robert led Robin to the couch and they sat down. “Robin, Patrick knew you were being blackmailed into helping Victor and he still ended things with you. Anna heard the desperation in your voice on that call and she ignored it. Neither one of them heard from you for months and still they did nothing and said nothing to anyone. Hell, Faison even told him that Victor caused the accident that killed Patrick’s son to keep you in line and still he assumed that you left him willingly.”

 

“Faison? How did he know that?” Robin was deflecting because she was hurt by what Robert had revealed. Patrick knew the truth and still didn’t look for her?

 

“He was working with Helena.” He patted Robin’s hand. “I wish someone, anyone, had told me what was going on because I would have searched for you and brought you home to your little girl. I love you sweetheart.”

 

Tears fell from Robin’s eyes and she hugged her father close. “I love you too Daddy.”

 

“We are going to figure this out but I need you to know that you can trust me.”

 

“Of course I trust you.” Robin wiped her eyes and tried to understand what her father was getting at.

 

“Good because I have something to tell you and I know you aren’t going to like it. Are you ready?” Robin took a deep breath and nodded her head so Robert continued. “Marcus is working with Helena.”

 

“No!” Robin stood up and began pacing the room. “Marcus was held with me and he made sure they didn’t hurt me. He has been protecting me.”

 

“No luv, he has been working with Helena.” He pulled out his phone and pushed a button.

 

Tears filled Robin’s eyes as she listened to what had happened during her last session with Marcus, the one before he proposed. Robert wasn't going to play the whole recording, just enough to prove what he was saying. Robin began looking around the room, looking more and more nauseated as the recording played. “Bathroom?”

 

Robert pointed at a door and Robin ran through the door and slammed it shut. She leaned over the toilet, unable to stop herself from getting sick.

 

Robert stood outside the door and listened, making sure she was okay. He gave her a few minutes and then knocked on the door. “Sweetheart? Can I come in?”

 

“Yes.” Robin’s voice was shaky.

 

Robert opened the door and saw her sitting on the floor, sobbing. He sat down beside her and pulled her into his arms. “It’s going to be okay.”

 

“There has to be another explanation – I can’t believe that he would do that to me.” Robin said the words but there was no conviction behind them.

 

“He’s obsessed with you Robin. Nikolas installed a recorder in Marcus’s room not long after you came back – he didn’t trust the man.” Robert gently rocked Robin in his arms as he spoke to her. “I have hours of recordings of him talking to Helena and Jerry Jacks…”

 

Robin turned her head and looked at her father. “Jerry?”

 

“He is working with Marcus and Helena. That is why we had to move quickly, we think Jerry is hiding out at Wyndamere. You already were in danger because of Marcus and Helena but add Jerry to the mix…” Robert smiled at her. “I already shot him once and I have no problems with doing it again, especially if you or Emma is in danger.”

 

Robin shut her eyes and then suddenly gasped in pain. Her head was pounding and she was nauseous again. A dizzy spell overwhelmed her and Robert quickly picked her up and took her out to the living room. He set her down on the couch and helped her lay down. “Robin?”

 

She didn't open her eyes but started whimpering in pain. Robert pulled out his phone. “Lucky – I need you in here now!”

 

Moments later Lucky bust through the door and kneeled down by the couch. “What is going on?”

 

“I told her about Marcus.”

 

Lucky nodded and looked at his old friend. Robin’s eyes were still shut but she was shaking her head and sweating, almost like she was caught in a nightmare.

 

“She is fighting with the suggestions he planted – it’s a rough process. The good news is that if she is already fighting it then it shouldn’t take too long to undo the damage he has done. She never really believed it. Do we have all her medications?”

 

Robert nodded. “She isn’t ready for her evening protocol yet.”

 

“Okay but we need to get her calmed down.” Robert got what Lucky was saying and went to retrieve the sedative while Lucky took Robin’s hand in his. “Robin, I know this is hard but you need to trust us. I have been through this before and if I can do it I know you can.”

 

Robert came back in the room and handed Lucky the syringe. “Robin, I am going to give you something to help you sleep.”

 

Lucky quickly injected the medicine into Robin’s arm and stayed by her side as she slowly stopped shaking. Minutes later she was in a deep sleep and Lucky placed her hand on her stomach. He stood up and looked at Robert. “How soon until Marcus tries to go after Emma and Patrick to get to her?”

 

“Not long enough. I’ve already talked to Frisco and we think it might be a good idea to bring Emma to the safe house.”

 

“And Patrick?” Lucky understood that Robert was still angry at Patrick but the man was in danger and Robin loved him.

 

Robert sighed. “Him too I guess. I’ll call Frisco and make the arrangements but I want him to give us at least 48 hours alone with Robin. Do you think that will be enough time to remove his suggestions?”

 

“Maybe but we have a lot more to deal with than that – we still don’t have a clue who this man is and that makes him more dangerous than Jerry or Helena. We don’t know how far he will go to get her back.”

 

Robert walked over and gently brushed Robin’s hair off her cheek. “That’s what scares me the most.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 26

 

“How’s she doing?” Robert sat at the kitchen table as Lucky entered the room. He had been unable to stay in the bedroom with Robin while Lucky helped strip away Marcus’s suggestions. Lucky felt it would be less stressful to Robin if it was just him and her, one on one.

 

“Remarkably well, all things considered, but Robin has always been resilient.” Lucky rubbed his neck with his hand. “Robert, the things he told her, the way they used Patrick and everyone she loves against her, it’s going to take a while to work through it all.”

 

Robert sighed. “Is she going to be okay?”

 

“Why don’t you ask me?” Robin walked into the kitchen and sat down next to him at the table. “I’m not made of glass Dad and I am not going to break.”

 

Robert smiled at her. “I know you’re not sweetheart – you’re a Scorpio.”

 

“Devane-Scorpio, thank you very much.” Robin’s face was streaked with tears but she still managed to put a brief smile on her face. “How soon until my little girl gets here?”

 

“We are actually expecting Patrick in a little bit. Anna and Emma will be coming up tomorrow – we wanted to break up the trips so Marcus wouldn’t know who to follow or where to go.”

 

Robin nodded in agreement. “She’s safe with Mom, I know that. Mom would die for Emma, especially after what happened with me.”

 

Robert’s heart broke as he saw the tears appear in her eyes again. “Robin, why don’t you lay down and get some rest?”

 

“And waste this time with you? I don’t think so. Besides – you wanted to know what happened and I am ready to tell you.” Robin took a deep breath. “First of all, I have no idea where I was – they did a good job of keeping me in the dark, both literally and figuratively. I remember being pulled off the plane and thrown in the back of a van. All the windows were blacked out, I couldn’t see a thing. The building we stopped at was an office building of some sort. I was dragged to the basement and thrown in a room.”

 

She stopped for a moment and Robert took her hand. “It’s okay – you don’t have to go on.”

 

“I want to.” She looked at Lucky and smiled. “I need to. Anyway, they didn’t turn on the lights so I just sat there in the dark, crying. I missed Emma and I knew that they wouldn’t let me contact her again. I hoped that Patrick and my mom would figure out what was wrong but …” Robin wiped away the tears and continued, “I was lying on the floor and I heard a knocking coming from the wall. It was Marcus. For the first three weeks he was the only person I spoke with. The guards brought me my meals and pills but refused to speak to me. He was there, promising to get me out of there no matter what. I would hear him screaming while they tortured him or at least while I thought they were torturing him.”

 

“You didn’t know Robin.” Lucky sat down across from her and gently patted her hand. “You were already emotionally weak and they took advantage of your kind nature. You could never turn your back on someone in pain.”

 

“Helena started coming in after that. She wanted me to help create a mind control drug, something more powerful than your basic brainwashing. I said no and they took it out on Marcus.” She shook her head. “No, they made me think they took it out on Marcus. I couldn’t, I couldn’t let that happen but I worked very slowly. I dragged my feet because I knew someone was coming – I mean you and mom found me when you thought I was dead, how could she not know something was wrong now?”

 

“Robin, if I had known…”

 

“I know Dad. Helena figured out what I was doing and decided to make it clear that no one was coming for me. Every day I was put in a room and shown pictures of how everyone was doing just fine without me; Patrick with Sam, mom with Emma, you with Ethan and Holly – everyone looked so happy. I tried to fight her, told her that she was making it up, doctoring the photos. That’s when,” she stopped again and looked at her dad. “Did I ever tell you that Dr. Keenan had ECT done on me the first time I was taken?”

 

Robert wrapped his arms around Robin and held her close. “That bastard.”

 

“Helena didn’t go that far – she didn’t want to damage my brain but she had a tazer. For weeks it went on, each time I insisted that Patrick or someone else was coming for me, I got hit by the tazer. Then one day Marcus came in and offered to take my place. Helena insisted that he was the reason I was still alive, he was protecting me and defending me and that, if I ever wanted to get home to Emma, I had to trust in Marcus.”

 

“So you did?” It was taking everything Robert had not to run out the door, go straight to Wyndamere and put a bullet in Marcus’s head. The man had been a party to psychologically, mentally, emotionally and physically torturing his daughter and he would pay for it – they all would but not today. Today Robin needed him here.

 

“It took one final push. There was a guard there, one that took an interest in me.” She didn’t look at her father as she spoke. “He was always just there, walking too close to me down the hall, leaning over me, reminding me that no one wanted me, especially not Patrick. He came in my room one night and,” Robin began breathing faster, “I fought him but I couldn’t, he was so strong…”

 

“Robin, I love you, no matter what.” Robert took a deep breath. “Did he…”

 

“No, Marcus stopped him. He came from out of nowhere and pulled the guard off of me.” Robin shook her head. “He beat the man up and promised that he would never let anyone hurt me again. He even offered to be my doctor so I could deal with my PTSD and that’s when the sessions started.”

 

“And he began planting suggestions.” Lucky hated that his friend had been put through so much.

 

“Apparently. How could I not see it?” Robin felt like a fool for trusting the man.

 

Robert squeezed Robin tight. “Robin, you are the victim. You were the one who was held captive, manipulated and tortured. You did nothing wrong but try and help a friend. If anyone is to blame, it’s me.”

 

“Daddy…”

 

“No, I am the reason the Cassadines are a part of your life. If I hadn’t gone after them years ago maybe you could have had a normal life.” Robert’s guilt overwhelmed him.

 

“Dad, if you hadn’t gone after Helena, millions of people would have died. Please don’t blame yourself. I love you and, despite everything that has happened, I don’t regret my life. After all, I have Emma and I wouldn’t trade her for anything. I just need to figure out a way to deal with what happened to me and move on with my daughter.” Robin’s tears finally stopped at the thought of her daughter. “She is all that matters now, keeping her safe.”

 

Robert’s guilt was replaced by pride that this strong and beautiful woman was his daughter. “And we will but right now I imagine you are hungry – ready for a little snack?”

 

Robin gave both men a weak smile. “Sounds great.”

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Patrick sank to the floor against the wall outside the kitchen door – he had heard everything and finally realized just how much Robin had been through and how much he had let her down. What those bastards did to her they did because he had been too blind and selfish to see what was really going on.

 

The worst part was that they had to work so hard to shake her faith and love in him – faith and love he didn’t deserve then and he certainly didn’t deserve now. But he would – he would do everything in his power to be the man Robin and Emma deserved to have in their lives.

 

Patrick slowly stood up and quietly went to the stairs – Robin had been through enough today and she needed to feel safe but, unfortunately, he wasn’t the person to do that - at least not anymore.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 27

 

Patrick stared out the window, replaying Robin’s entire story in his head. How could he have been so blind?

 

“I see you found your room.” Lucky had noticed Patrick walking away from the kitchen and gave him a few minutes alone before approaching the man.

 

“Upstairs, second door on the left?” Lucky nodded but Patrick barely noticed, he was still staring out the window. He finally turned around and Lucky saw that Patrick had been crying.

 

“How much did you hear?” Lucky knew Patrick was upset but he didn’t care about that – he just wanted to make sure he didn’t upset Robin and impede the progress they had made. He shut the door behind him so they could speak in private.

 

“All of it, I think.” Patrick shook his head. “She doesn’t deserve this, any of this.”

 

“I know she doesn’t but we will help her through it.” Robin needed everyone’s help to get through this.

 

“She deserves better than me.” Patrick was consumed with guilt and self-hatred.

 

“Yes she does.” Lucky saw no reason to pull any punches, he and Patrick had never really gotten along. The man thought he was God’s gift to women and medicine and Lucky truly believed that he was never worthy of his friend.

 

Robin had done so much for Lucky and his family. It was Robin who introduced them to Dr. LeGrasse, the man who brought his mother out of her catatonia. Robin was also the person who revealed the truth about his nephew Spencer and saved him from a life as Carly’s son. She was like Lucky and Lulu's big sister and he owed her so much more than he owed Patrick.

 

Patrick turned away from Lucky again. “How is she doing?”

 

“As well as can be expected but we’ve got a long road ahead of us.” Lucky pulled a chair from the corner of the room and sat down. “I have been in Robin's shoes before so I know what I am doing. What we have done here over the past couple of days is just the beginning. I have managed to help her figure out some of Marcus’s lies and pulled out some of the post-hypnotic suggestions but I have no way of knowing just how many suggestions he has planted in her and what their triggers are.”

 

“What do we do? Stay here or maybe start a new life someplace else – witness protection?” Patrick was willing to do anything to keep Robin and Emma safe.

 

Lucky gave a sarcastic laugh. “Patrick, we don’t even know who this man really is. He works with Helena, has unlimited resources and is obsessed with Robin. Witness protection and hiding would just be exercises in futility. The reality is that she will not be safe until he is dead. Our sources say that he has disappeared from Port Charles and my guess is that he is gone into hiding so he can regroup and come up with a new plan to get Robin back.”

 

Patrick shook his head. “This is all my fault. If I had paid attention, if I hadn’t been so hurt and angry, I would have seen how desperate she was for my help. Nothing I can ever do will make up for that.”

 

“I know you are upset but I need you to listen to me.” Lucky stared Patrick straight in the eyes. “This is not about you. You need to take everything you are feeling and deal with it on your own time because Robin needs you to concentrate on her right now. Look – she loves you, God knows why, and she wants you to be here with her. One of our biggest assets is the love you and Robin have for each other and Emma. You want to make it up to Robin?” Patrick nodded. “Then start by making her feelings and her a priority.”

 

Patrick thought about what Lucky was saying. As much as he hated it, Patrick knew that Lucky was right. Through all the revelations over the past few years he had been so worried about his feelings and his reactions that Robin’s had come second. He loved her, beyond reason, and it was time to prove it to her. “Okay, tell me what I need to do.”

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Marcus’s father pulled him into a hug the moment he walked through the door. “It’s going to be fine son, we just need to do a little regrouping.”

 

Once he realized that Robin wasn’t coming back, Marcus has fled Port Charles to meet up with his father and go over their plans. Helena had no idea where Marcus had taken his father after his escape from justice and this was not a country she would go to anyway. “Patrick took her – I know it. But he and Emma have both disappeared.”

 

“And they will reappear, as soon as they think it is safe. Until then, we will work together on a plan to get you your Robin back.”

 

The men sat down on the couch and continued their conversation. “You know Robin is a lot like Anna, determined, willful and very protective of the ones she loves. We have an advantage – we know what Robin’s Achilles heel is.”

 

Marcus looked at his father questioningly and then smiled. “Emma.”

 

“That’s right son – Emma is the key. You have Emma, you have Robin.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 28

 

Robin sat on the front porch staring out at the woods. Mac had taken Emma to a little pond on the property to go fishing and everyone else was in the house going over security measure for their return to Port Charles. Tomorrow they headed home.

 

It had been a long two weeks for Robin, going through everything that had happened to her over the past year. It had been good but difficult and, truth be known, she still wasn’t sure she was ready to head back home. What if Helena went after her again or, even worse, Marcus? They still had no idea who he was, the prints Patrick had gotten were a dead end, and now they didn’t know where he was. She wasn’t worried about herself, she was worried about Emma. Neither one of them would have any problems with using her little girl to get to Robin.

 

A coffee cup appeared in front of her and Robin looked up to see Patrick standing there smiling down at her. “Hot chocolate?”

 

Robin nodded and took the cup from him. Robin was amazed at how great Patrick had been over the past few weeks, always there with a helping hand or a shoulder to lean on, not pushing her or asking her any questions, just letting her do what she needed to do. They had spent the evenings together as a family: playing games, going for walks, doing schoolwork. After Emma was in bed, Patrick caught her up on what their little girl had been doing while Robin was gone. No pressure, just there for her as a friend. “Why don’t you have a seat?”

 

“Thank you.” Patrick sat down next to her on the swing. “You ready to head back to Port Charles?”

 

“I think so. It’s easier now that I know Marcus isn’t there but still…” Robin wondered, not for the first time, if it would have been better if she had stayed gone.

 

“Stop that.” Robin looked at him. “The best thing that has happened to Emma or me in the past year is you coming home.”

 

“How did you know that was what I was thinking?” Robin gave him a little smile as she spoke in an almost teasing tone. “Maybe I was thinking about the hospital.”

 

“Because I know you Robin. Don’t worry about Marcus or Helena, worry about coming to terms with what happened to you and returning to a normal life as Emma’s mom and a doctor.” Patrick wanted to say something about being his wife again but it was much too soon for that and he knew they had a lot to work through. “And since we are on the subject, I have a proposition for you.”

 

Robin gave him a questioning look. She had noticed he didn’t mention anything about them getting back together. She didn’t want to be hurt by that but she was. “A proposition?”

 

“I want you to move back home with me and Emma.”

 

Robin sighed. “Patrick…”

 

“Just listen to me.” Patrick took the cup from her hands and set it on the porch. He then took her hands in his. “I’m not expecting us to go back to the way we were. I’m not going to lie – I want to but I know we have a lot to figure out before we can even consider it.”

 

Robin felt tears come to her eyes but they were tears of relief. She was certain Patrick had given up on them. “How could you after what I did?”

 

“What did you do? Try to help a friend? Be the wonderful, caring and selfless woman I fell in love with? Robin, you have done nothing wrong and I hate that you think you did.” Patrick gently rubbed her hands.

 

“But Marcus, I was engaged to him.”

 

“Not by choice. Robin, he was manipulating you and abusing you. You never loved him, I could tell.” Patrick was trying to reassure her that he in no way blamed her for what Marcus and Helena had done. “Whatever happened, know I don’t blame you.”

 

Robin realized what he was saying. “Thank you.” She took a deep breath. “I don’t blame you either. I was gone, I signed the divorce papers, you had every right to move on. I, uh, I have to admit I didn’t think it would be with Sam but I don’t blame you either.”

 

“Well that makes one of us.” Patrick started but stopped, remembering Lucky’s words from when he first got to the safe house.

 

“But this isn’t about me – we have plenty of time to deal with that later. This is about what is best for our family. I really want you to move back in to our home Robin. I’ll even put a new bed in the master suite for you.”

 

“What about you?” Robin didn’t want to be an inconvenience to him.

 

“I’ll sleep in the guest room. This way we can both be there for Emma and it will be easier for the guards if we are under one roof. Your parents even had a state of the art security system installed. So what do you say Scorpio – you want to live with me?”

“I don’t know…”

 

“It’s fully furnished and clothing is optional, at least when Emma is not there.” Patrick gave her his best sexy smile and Robin laughed, remembering the first time he tried to get her to live with him. It seemed like another lifetime.

 

“I would love to come home. Are you sure?”

 

“I have never been surer about anything in my life.” Patrick squeezed her hand. “I have one more thing to discuss with you." He took a deep breath. "When we get back home I would like for us to go into counseling, separately and together.”

 

“Patrick, I don’t know. I have been through some pretty major counseling here…”

 

“Robin, this is deprogramming, not counseling. Yes, you have been discussing what happened to you but I can see the walls you have around you even if no one else can. This isn’t just about what happened with Marcus and Helena, it’s about my turning my back on you. It’s about your mom and I not noticing that something was wrong when we were talking to you. It’s about the hell you went through when you were presumed dead. We have a lot of issues to work through so we can at least be friends again.” Tears came to his eyes. “I want more, but we are not ready for that yet. I still love you, I never stopped and I want us to be a family again but only if you want to and at your pace.”

 

Robin’s tears flowed freely down her cheeks. “And I still love you, so much. Yes, I will move back home and yes, I think we should do the counseling.” Robin scooted over on the seat so she was next to him. “You need to know that nothing happened with Marcus. I couldn’t…”

 

“I wasn’t asking Robin.” Patrick didn’t feel it was his place.

 

“I know.” Robin smiled at him. “Do me a favor?”

 

“Anything.”

 

She picked up his arm and put it around her shoulder. “Hold me.”

 

Patrick wrapped his arm tight around her and Robin snuggled into his chest. He placed a kiss on the top on her head and smiled. “Always.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 29

 

“Well it only took three bedtime stories but our girl is finally out for the night.” Patrick came bounding down the stairs and spotted Robin sitting on the couch, a photo album in her hands. They had gotten home from the safe house hours ago and he had insisted she take it easy while he got everyone settled in. “Reliving the good old days?”

 

Robin stayed silent, gently rubbing her hands over a picture of her and Jason. “Robin, hey – you know you can talk to me about it. It must have been hard on you – not being able to save Jason.”

 

Robin started crying. For two weeks she had debated sharing the truth about what had happened at the clinic with the people at the safe house but she hadn’t been able to bring herself to do it. She had spoken to Nikolas earlier and he hadn’t made any progress in locating Jason yet. She knew she could trust Patrick but she wasn’t sure how he would react to the news. Patrick had never wanted her to save Jason in the first place and he had also been in a relationship with Sam.

 

Patrick put his arm around her and pulled her closer. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

 

“You didn’t, it just that I,” she made a decision, “I haven’t been completely honest with you and I need to be if we have any hope for a future together.”

 

“I told you before that you can tell me anything and I meant it.” Patrick rubbed her shoulder. “So come on Scorpio – what’s weighing on your mind?”

 

“I lied to you before.” Robin spoke softly.

 

“About Marcus?” Patrick worried that Marcus had brainwashed Robin into having sex with him.

 

“No.” Robin shook her head and took a deep breath. “About Jason. When you came to the clinic, I told I wasn’t able to save him.”

 

“I know.” He gently turned Robin’s face towards him and stared deep in her eyes. “You did it, didn’t you - you saved him.”

 

Robin looked away; she didn’t want to see the hurt in his eyes. “Victor didn’t want anyone to know that he was still alive but I didn’t wake him up until shortly before the explosion. I’m sorry I lied, but I didn’t want to put you in anymore danger. Victor had already killed Gabriel and if anything happened to you or Emma because I said something I shouldn’t have I couldn’t live with myself.”

 

Patrick pulled her closer. “I understand and it’s okay. I’m not mad just upset that you have had to carry this by yourself. Where is he now?”

 

“We escaped the clinic the night of the explosion and separated once we reached Port Charles. He was going to find Sonny and I went to my mom’s but you know how that turned out.” She had been giving him little bits and pieces of the story when they talked at night. It was too overwhelming to take in all at once. “I don’t know what happened to him after that.”

 

“We need to tell your dad and Lucky.” Robin began to protest but Patrick stopped her. “If Jason is out there than Sam and Danny deserve to know.”

 

“I know.” Robin leaned into him, feeling like the weight of the world was finally off her shoulders. “There is something else – I told Nikolas a few weeks ago and he has been trying to find him. I just wish we had a clue to where he was.”

 

“Don’t worry about that now. Robin – you saved his life and Sam will be so grateful to know he is still alive.” Patrick kissed the top of her head. “Not that I’m surprised – you are brilliant.”

 

“So what now?”

 

“I was thinking maybe a movie, some popcorn and a couple of glasses of wine. In the morning you can talk to your dad while I talk to Sam. We know when the explosion happened at the clinic so…” Patrick stopped talking and then jumped up, accidentally pushing Robin over on the couch, “oh my God – Jake!”

 

Robin gave him a questioning look. “Hey! What about him?” A moment later understanding washed over her. “You mean Liz’s Jake? You think…”

 

“The timeline matches – he was brought in the same night and he has had several different surgeries. He had to have a complete facial reconstruction and Jason’s memory wasn’t good before I worked my magic.” Patrick began pacing the floor.

 

“And the ET tube being ripped from his throat might have done permanent damage to his vocal chords. Has he even seen Sam since he came to Port Charles?”

 

Patrick got a sheepish look on his face. “He helped her move in and out actually. I wasn’t too fond of him.”

 

Robin giggled. “Some things never change.” She took his hand and pulled him back on the couch. “So you call Sam and I will check in with my Dad and Lucky. Where is this Jake staying?”

 

“Last I heard – he was staying at Liz’s. But Carly was thinking about giving him a room.” The truth was that Patrick didn’t really know where he was and hadn’t cared until now.

 

“Of course she was. You call Sam, I’ll call Lucky and Dad. Do you think my mom would come over and babysit?” Robin and Anna had spent some time together at the safe house talking about everything that had happened. She would never forget that her mother ignored her cry for help but she did forgive her – life was too short.

 

“Of course she will.” Robin got up and headed to the door. “What are you doing?”

 

“I’m going to go meet Jake – if he is Jason, I’ll know.” He started to protest but Robin stopped him with a quick kiss. “I’ll take a guard with me - just get everyone and meet me at Liz’s.”

 

“And Patrick?” Robin reached the door and gave him one last smile. “I love you.”

 

Patrick smiled back at her. “I love you too. Go – I’ll see you in just a little bit at Liz’s.”

 

Robin headed out the door as Patrick reached for his phone to begin making calls.

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Marcus’s father walked into the basement and the Doberman began growling. “Lucy stop.” The dog instantly quieted down and went back into sentry mode. “How’s it going son?”

 

Marcus looked around at the room they were decorating for Emma. “Perfect. I think she will like it here. I spoke to Jerry and he is still keeping an eye on things in Port Charles.”

 

“And how is Robin?”

 

“Doing well by all accounts. She is returning to work tomorrow.” Marcus was upset about the turn of events. "Helena has been neutralized by her grandson so the original plan is off which leaves me plenty of time to get things ready for Robin and Emma."

 

"She moved back in with Drake." Marcus looked at the stuffed animals lying on the bed and picked up a duck. “That bastard couldn’t even be bothered to look for her and…” He tore the head off the duck and threw it to the ground.

 

His father walked over, picked up the duck and laughed before tossing it to the dog as a new toy. “That is why we are doing this – to save Robin and Emma from him. We just need to be careful. Focus on what is important: that it won’t be much longer before you and your family will be together again.”

Edited June 5, 2015 by cmahorror

[cmahorror]

Chapter 30

 

“Coming!” Jake ran to open the door, hoping it was the pizza he had ordered. Liz was working the night shift at the hospital and the boys were at their grandma’s so he was having a nice night in. He opened the door and was shocked at who was standing there. “You?”

 

Robin walked in the door and studied his face. It wasn’t until she looked in his eyes that she knew the truth – this was Jason. She gave a little laugh and smiled. “It is you.”

 

Jake looked at her strangely. “I know you. Patrick swore it wasn’t possible but I know you.”

 

Robin nodded her head. “Yes, you do.” She reached out her hand, reached up and gently stroked his cheek.

 

Jake placed his hand on top of hers and pressed against it, there was something so familiar about her touch. He closed his eyes and stood there in silence as a thousand memories came flooding through his mind. Gently, he rubbed Robin’s hand and then opened his eyes. “It’s too soon to jump.”

 

Robin bit her bottom lip and laughed. “Yes Jason, it is.”

 

Without warning Jason picked her up and swung her around. “You did it – you saved me!”

 

“Welcome home Jason.” Robin hugged her old friend tight and smiled. Finally, they were both home.

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“I know you feel guilty for dumping me the way you did but this is ridiculous.” Sam sat in the car next to Patrick, still unable to believe a word coming out of his mouth. “You really expect me to believe that Jake is Jason?”

 

“Well it would certainly explain why I’ve never liked him.” Patrick shook his head. “Let’s face it Sam, you have been attracted to Jake from the moment he showed up at the hospital. You were drawn to him and now you know why.”

 

“If this is true, and that is a big if, why didn’t Robin say anything before now? Was she that resentful of your feelings for me?” Sam was still hurt that Patrick had left her for Robin.

 

“Robin has been the victim of physical, mental and emotional torture for years. She didn’t know Jake was Jason and she wasn’t sure who she could trust. We just figured out that Jake was Jason tonight and we immediately found you to tell you. If she had known the truth she would have told you the moment she got to town – no matter if we were together or not.” Patrick took a moment to glare at his ex-girlfriend. “She is not a vindictive person.”

 

Sam turned away from him and stared out the passenger window. The truth was that she knew Robin wasn’t that way, she had given up her life to save Jason for her and Danny after all, but Sam was scared out of her mind that they were wrong and she wasn't sure that she could handle losing Jason again.

 

There was no denying that Sam had been attracted to Jake from the moment she met him and felt a pull to him but she had pushed those feelings aside for a life with Patrick. While she had never felt the same passion for Patrick that she did for Jason, there was a comfort there she had never known. Patrick was safe and stable, good with Danny and had a nice, normal job. He was exactly what she needed at the time but, deep down, she was certain they both knew it would never last. As much as she hated to admit it, Patrick and her were the perfect example of two rights making a wrong.

 

Now that she had some distance from the situation, Sam knew Patrick had made the right decision in ending things with her. Robin and Patrick were meant to be and no one and nothing could change that. But Patrick still knew his old friend well and knew what she was afraid of. “He’s going to remember you Sam.”

 

“But he hasn’t yet – what does it mean if Robin brings back his memory and I couldn’t?” Despite her numerous denials over the years, Sam would always resent that small piece of Jason’s heart that Robin still had a hold on.

 

“It means that Robin was the last person he saw before the accident.” Patrick pulled into Liz’s driveway, parked behind Robin’s car and gently patted Sam’s hand. “They will always love each other but Robin is in love with me and Jason is in love with you. Trust in that.”

 

Sam took a deep breath and nodded at him. “Thank you. Let’s go.”

 

They got out of the car and made their way to the house. The guard let them in the front door and they saw Robin and Jake, no Jason, sitting on the couch talking. “Really? Emma was looking up chupacabras? Why?”

 

Robin laughed. “You know, Patrick and I still have no idea. Just you wait – Danny will be full of strange questions for you too someday.”

 

Sam’s breath caught in her throat as she heard him laugh and realized that it really was her husband sitting there. “Jason?”

 

Jason turned around and saw Sam standing there. He stood up and walked over to her while Patrick joined Robin on the couch. Jason stared Sam straight in the eyes and gently cupped her face in his hands, smiling at her. “Sam.”

 

“Oh my God, it’s true. How could I not know…” She was cutoff as Jason grabbed her and kissed her passionately.

 

“You know now and that is all that matters. I love you Sam.”

 

Sam hugged him tight, silently thanking the heavens for their refusal to take him from her yet. “I love you too Jason.”

 

Patrick wrapped his arms around Robin and held her close, watching the couple reunite. “You were right Robin. It may have taken me years to see it but you were right to go with Victor and save Jason.”

 

Robin wiped her eyes, her tears flowing from the moment Jason stood up. “I’m just sorry it cost you so much.”

 

“Hey,” Patrick turned her so she was facing him, “I will say it again, you are just as much a victim here as anyone. At least Emma and I knew you were alive. I have no idea what I would have done if I had thought you were dead again.” He gently wiped away a tear. “But we can discuss that later – right now, just enjoy the reunion you created.”

 

Robin nodded her head and leaned into Patrick, resting her head on his chest. He was right, tonight was about Sam and Jason’s reunion. Tomorrow they would begin to deal with the decisions, good and bad, that led to it.

Edited June 6, 2015 by cmahorror

[cmahorror]

Chapter 31

 

“Hey honey, I don’t think this is going to be enough pizza considering all the cars outside.” Liz had intercepted the pizza boy on her way in and carried it into the house. “If this is a surprise party you are doing a bad job of hiding it.”

 

She set her keys down and finally noticed who was in the living room with Jason. She looked at him and realized he was holding Sam’s hand. Trying to act nonchalant, she spoke to her guests. “Hi guys – what are you doing here?”

 

Jason looked at Sam and then at Liz. “We need to talk.”

 

Liz set the pizza down. “About what?”

 

“Something amazing happened tonight. I finally got my memory back, I know who I am.” Jason walked over and took Liz’s hands in his. “It’s me Liz, it’s Jason.”

 

Liz began shaking and then shook her head. “That’s not possible – Jason is dead.” She glared at Sam. “I know you are hurt that Patrick went back to Robin but to try and steal my boyfriend from me…”

 

Sam stepped over and stood by Jason. “Liz, this isn’t your boyfriend. This is my husband Jason. I know it’s hard to believe but it’s true.”

 

Liz’s stare hardened. “I don’t know what kind of sick game you are playing but it stops now.”

 

Robin joined the group and tried to get Liz to focus. “Liz, I need you to listen to me. Jason didn’t die that night on the pier. He was saved and put into a cryogenic stasis. I didn’t go to Africa, I went to save him. Victor Cassadine threatened to kill Jason if I didn’t help him revive Helena and Stavros. We escaped but Jason and I split up and he was hit by a car. Patrick and I just figured it out tonight and…”

 

Jason interrupted, “the minute Robin touched me all my memories came flooding back.”

 

“No, it’s not true.” Liz shook her head. “You are with me now.”

 

“Liz, I appreciate everything you have done for me but I love Sam.” Jason had hoped Liz would be happy for him.

 

“NO!” Liz began pacing the room. “This is not happening.”

 

Robin went over to her old friend and tried to comfort. “Liz, I am so sorry…”

 

Liz had had enough. “Sorry? Sorry for what – destroying my life? Taking everything I have built away from me? You have the love of your life back but that wasn’t enough – no, you had to take away mine. Why the hell didn’t you stay in Paris – everyone was happy until you came back.”

 

Robin knew Liz was striking out at the closest target so she just brushed off her comment. “Liz, no one is trying to hurt you.”

 

“Yes they are.” Liz turned around and looked at Jason. “Jason, please, we have a second chance – don’t walk away from it now.”

 

Everyone noticed how easily Liz said Jason’s name. Tears filled Robin’s eyes as she looked at her old friend. “Oh my God – you knew, didn’t you? You knew he was Jason.”

 

Liz looked at the group and briefly considered lying but decided to face it head on instead. “Yes, I did.”

 

Robin felt like she had been punched in the stomach. “Why didn’t you say something?”

 

Liz gave her a small sarcastic laugh. “Do you have any idea how much I have lost over the years? My son, Lucky, Nikolas, AJ, Ric, and finally Jason. Always being left behind to watch everyone else walk off with their happy endings, everyone but me. And then Jason came home and, finally, I was getting my happy ending. I was back with the man that I loved, Patrick and Sam were together and you were living it up in Paris. Everyone was happy, why destroy that?”

 

Silence engulfed the room as Liz finished her confession. Finally Robin broke the silence, yelling at the woman. “Living it up in Paris? Liz, I was being tortured. I was being told every day how little I meant to the people I love. If Jason had remembered who he was he could have…”

 

Liz cut her off. “He could have what? Did he know where you were?” Robin shook her head. “Then what could he have done?”

 

This time it was Patrick who answered. “He could have told us the truth about what happened so we could go looking for her. Liz, we could have, we could have told her parents so we could find her. ” He walked up behind Robin and pulled her into his arms, holding her tight. “How could you do that to Robin? How could you do that to Jason? You were supposed to be our friend.”

 

“If you’re looking for an apology, you’re not going to get one.” Liz looked at Jason. “I know you’re upset right now but you love me, I know you do.”

 

Jason shook his head. “Do you honestly think I could love you after what you have done? What we had was over years ago – I’m going home with my wife and my son.” Jason grabbed Sam’s hand. “I never want to see you again.”

 

“But Jason…” Liz started to grab for him but was cut off by a sharp slap to the face.

 

“You don’t ever touch him again!” Sam stood in front of her husband. “You want to know why you’re alone – this is why, the lies. Do you even know what the truth is anymore Liz?”

 

“Sam, let’s go. I want to see my son.” Jason gave Liz one last look. “You stay away from me and my family.” He grabbed his wife’s hand and left the house.

 

“JASON!” Liz started to go after him but Robin pulled her back.

 

“You have done enough damage – leave them alone.” Robin saw her father and Lucky walk up to the door. “Right now you have a few questions to answer regarding Jason and just how much you knew.”

 

Patrick took Robin’s hand in his and glared at their former friend. “You stay away from Robin and our family. We will never forgive you for what you have done.”

 

“Patrick, you don’t mean that.”

 

“I do.” A look of pure hatred filled his eyes. “What you have done I can’t forgive. You could have helped save Robin but instead you chose your own needs and wants over everyone else. You may not have known what was happening to Robin but you sure as hell knew that something was wrong and you did nothing to make it right. You knew Jason was alive and you chose to keep that knowledge to yourself. And why did you do it? Not because you were being threatened or you didn’t know better. No, you lied because you wanted Jason and you didn’t care who got hurt in the process.”

 

Patrick wrapped his arms back around Robin and began taking her to the door. “I hope it was worth it Liz.”

 

Liz sank to flooring, crying hard as Patrick and Robin left the house. Lucky shook his head and walked over to his ex-wife. “Liz, we need to talk.”

Edited June 7, 2015 by cmahorror

[cmahorror]

Hey guys - I really struggled with this chapter. I wanted to move the story ahead a little bit but still let everyone know what had happened during that time. I chose not to go into detail regarding their therapy sessions because I worried I wouldn't be able to do them justice.

 

Enjoy!
Cristina

 

 

Chapter 32

 

Patrick jokingly patted Robin’s butt as she finished packing their suitcase. “Come on babe, I want to get going.”

 

Robin laughed. “I’m almost ready.” She shut the suitcase and smiled at him. “Please take this down to the car and I will be down in just a minute – I just need to finish packing my medicine bag.”

 

Patrick picked up the suitcase and headed to the door. “5 minutes Robin, I want to get on the road.”

 

“5 minutes, I promise – now go.” Patrick headed to the car while Robin finished up the last of the packing. The couple were going away together for the first time since she had come back and Robin couldn’t be more excited. She had even agreed to let Patrick make all the plans, an effort to prove just how much she trusted him. They had been dating again for the last 6 months – movies, concerts, dinners out and picnics in the park. It was wonderful to get to know the illustrious Dr. Patrick Drake once again.

 

Finally, Patrick and Robin had found their way back to each other. Between counseling and living together, they had had a chance to really get to know the people they have become and realized that there was still hope for them as a couple and a family. It hadn’t been easy – the sessions had uncovered a lot of pain and long-standing fears for both of them. Robin had never truly gotten over Patrick’s womanizing ways and his ability to move on from her without a second thought and Patrick still held a lot of resentment over Stone and Jason. There were times that both were sure the other was going to walk out but the couple decided to go back to one of the most basic rules established at the beginning of their relationship – walking out is acceptable, giving up is not.

 

Robin placed her meds in the bag and then added one last item – condoms. The one thing they hadn’t done was made love and Robin had every intention of changing that this weekend. She loved him and wanted to be with Patrick and only Patrick for the rest of their lives. She missed being with him, the feel of his mouth on her, the feeling she got when they made love. She hoped that he felt the same way. So much had changed over the past six months.

 

One of the biggest changes was that Liz had left town and went to live with her brother in Louisiana. She decided she couldn’t stay in the same town as Jason and Sam and took off as soon as Robert and Lucky were done debriefing her. It was during that debriefing that Liz had revealed the Nikolas knew the truth about Jake too. Nikolas had confessed to knowing that Jake was Jason but swore he only kept it a secret to protect Spencer. In exchange for immunity for harboring a fugitive and obstruction of justice, he turned over Helena to the WSB. He was now back in Greece with Spencer, concentrating on his son and Cassadine Industries.

 

Marcus was dead – killed in a private plane crash three months ago. The news had been a shock but also a relief. Without the specters of Helena and Marcus standing over her, Robin could finally let go of her fear of them and move on with her life. The guards were removed and Robin, Patrick and Emma finally were able to settle into a normal life.

 

Jason was dealing with the after effects of the past two years. He was now Robin’s patient as they tried to gather information on the side effects of her treatment and to make sure he wasn’t relapsing. As it turns out, he not only recovered his memories as Jason Morgan, he was starting to remember things from when he was Jason Quartermaine and it was scaring him. Robin and Sam were working together to help him through it. Jason also ended his relationships with Carly and Sonny. Sonny had killed AJ and Carly had helped him cover it up, both acts he could not forgive.

 

Robin was back working at the hospital alongside Patrick. Obrecht had disappeared after finding out about Helena’s arrest so Dr. Tom Hardy Jr. had been brought back to General Hospital as the new Chief of Staff. Patrick and Robin both loved working with him and were thrilled when he helped Robin secure additional funding for her research into drug protocols for TBIs. They were once again the power team of Neurology and closer than ever as a couple.

 

“Robin – come on, we need to drop Emma off at your mom’s and hit the road.” Patrick hollered up the stairs at her.

 

Robin closed the medicine bag and went down the stairs, giving him a kiss when she reached him. “Impatient?”

 

Patrick wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close, deepening the kiss. “You have no idea – let’s go.”

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“I feel ridiculous.” Robin sat in the passenger seat with a scarf wrapped around her eyes.

 

“Do you trust me?” Patrick wanted to surprise her with where they were going and blindfolding her seemed the best way.

 

“More than anyone.” Patrick’s heart did a little flip when he heard her say that. “But I still feel silly.”

 

“Well you won’t feel silly much longer – we are almost there.” Patrick parked the car. “Just a little walk and we will be at our final destination.”

 

Patrick walked over to the trunk and pulled out their suitcase, then got Robin and her medicine bag. Taking her hand in his, they began walking down a path and Robin could smell the trees and flowers around her. “Are we in the woods?”

 

“No questions – just trust me.”

 

“You know I do. Lead the way Drake.” Robin squeezed his hand.

 

They walked a little bit longer and Patrick stopped. “There are a couple of steps.” She pushed her foot forward and felt the first step and then the second, followed by a third. “That’s it. Just wait a minute.” Robin heard a key in a lock and a door open. Patrick wrapped his arm around her waist and gently pulled her into the room. Reaching up, he undid the scarf and smiled. “Surprise.”

 

Tears of happiness filled Robin’s eyes as she saw where they were – Jax’s cabin. “I had hoped this was where we were coming.”

 

Patrick kissed the top of her head and the turned her around. “Are you sure you’re okay with being here?”

 

Robin smiled, nodded and pulled him down into a passionate kiss. “What do you think?”

 

Patrick picked Robin up, kicked the door shut with his foot and carried her to the bed. “Are you sure?”

 

Robin kissed him again. “If you don’t believe me, check my meds bag. I’m sure.”

 

Patrick set her down on the bed and laid down next to her. She saw him pull something out of his pocket and realized it a roll of condoms. “Maybe after we’re done with these.” He gently ran his hands through her hair. “I love you Robin, so much.”

 

“And I love you Patrick, so much.” Robin reached up and pulled him down to her. “So let’s stop talking and show each other just how much.”

 

Patrick stared in amazement at Robin and kissed her once more. After years of waiting, he and Robin were finally back together and nothing would ever tear them apart again.

[cmahorror]

Just a quick question for my several dedicated readers - who do you think Marcus's father is? I'm just curious lol.

 

 

Chapter 33

 

“Here – have another bite.” Patrick held up the fork with a piece of pasta salad on it.

 

Robin took the bite and moaned. “Ooh – that is so good but I am getting full.”

 

“I just want to make sure you have plenty of energy for the rest of the weekend.” It was late Saturday afternoon and the couple had barely left the bed since their arrival the night before. Hours had been spent making love, talking and just lying together.

 

“Good idea.” Robin bit her lower lip. “I missed this. Being with you like this.”

 

Patrick set the bowl of pasta salad down and gently placed his hand on her cheek. “Me too. Do you know how hard it was for me to not sneak into our room and ravish you every night.”

 

“Not that – although I have certainly missed that.” Patrick gave a questioning look. “Feeling close, just being in your arms. Just being with you. I never want to be away from you again – you are the love of my life and I need you to know that.”

 

Patrick gave her a smirk and shook his head. “And you are the love of my life and I never want to be away from you again.” Patrick got up from the bed and walked over to his clothes, pulling something out of his pocket before jumping back on the bed. “I wasn’t sure when I was going to do this but this just seems like the right moment.”

 

Patrick took Robin’s hands in his. “Robin, I am so grateful for everything that we have been able to do over the past 6 months. It isn’t just the counseling or working together again, it is the hundreds of little moments. A shoulder rub after a long surgery, cuddling with you on the couch, the look you give me over the operating table, Chinese food and banter, all things I love having back. No one has ever made me feel the way you do. I love you with all my heart and soul.”

 

Robin couldn’t help but cry but the tears fell down a smiling face. “I love you too. I missed the banter and the flirting too but, you’re right, it is the little things that matter the most. The way you pick up dinner before I ask you to, the way you look when carrying Emma to bed or the princess voice you have when reading to her, the foot rubs after a long day at the hospital, and the way you comfort me when a patient’s drug therapy hasn’t worked – not condescending but comforting. I feel like we are finally back to where we should have been all along and I don’t want to go back.”

 

“My thoughts exactly – it is time to move forward.” Patrick opened up his hand and Robin gasped when she saw the diamond ring nestled in his palm. “Robin Anna Scorpio – will you marry me?”

 

“Yes, with all my heart yes.” Robin leaned over and kissed him as Patrick slipped the ring on her finger. “This isn’t my old ring.”

 

“No – I decided we needed a new ring for a new beginning.” Patrick kissed her again. “You did say yes? I’m not imagining this?”

 

“I said yes – no need to ask me twice this time. I have never been so sure of anything as I am that I want to be your wife again.” Robin kissed him. “Maybe we could even think about giving Emma a brother or sister – after we get married of course.”

 

“Yeah – wouldn’t want you going into labor at the altar again.” Patrick wrapped his arms around her and held her close. “I can think of nothing better than having another child with you and since I plan on remarrying you as soon as possible, we’ll make an appointment with Dr. Galvan as soon as we get back to Port Charles.” Dr. Galvan was head of the OB/GYN department at Port Charles. “But for now, I think we should celebrate our engagement.”

 

“You do, huh?” Patrick nodded as Robin giggled. “How do you celebrate an engagement?”

 

“Like this.” Patrick slowly leaned over and kissed her, gently lowering Robin back down to the bed.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Everything was in place. He looked around the basement and smiled at Emma’s room. The bathroom was working, the bed was in place, the cage was up and there were plenty of toys for her to play with. It was time to make his move.

 

Tomorrow night he would go to Port Charles and get Emma. If all went well, her mother would join the little girl before the week was over.

 

He smiled at the Doberman sitting at the door. “Lucy – guard.” The dog instantly took a guarding stance at the door. The little girl would stay in her room – he had no doubt about that.

 

He went up the stairs and checked out the rest of the house, making sure all security measures were in place and that he had Robin’s protocol for when she joined them. Couldn’t have Robin getting sick.

 

He sat down in the chair in the living room and smiled. One more night.

Edited June 8, 2015 by cmahorror

[jennifer6973]

Before I thought it was Faison, now I think Russian Grant Putnam.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 34

 

“Hey sleeping beauty – we’re almost home.” Patrick gently nudged Robin as she napped in the passenger seat.

 

“Wow – I had no idea I was that tired. You wore me out Dr. Drake.” Robin smiled at her fiancée and took his hand in hers. “So my mom is bringing Emma home?”

 

“They should be there as we speak. I can’t wait to tell her that we are getting married.” Patrick kissed Robin’s hand and set it back down on the console. “Think she will be excited?”

 

“I think she will be thrilled, especially since we are doing it so soon.”

 

After celebrating their engagement, the couple had decided they didn’t need a big ceremony this time so they set a date – 2 weeks from Saturday. That would give them enough time to get a license, time off from the hospital, notify their family members and get the reception planned. Maxie had already been told to arrange a party at their house though she hadn’t been told what kind of party it was – just to plan for 20 people and they would give her the details on Monday. “So, who will be your maid of honor?”

 

“Emma of course.” Robin wanted their daughter standing beside them as they became a family again. “Best man?”

 

“I was going to ask your Uncle Mac if that is okay?” Patrick had been thinking about his choice ever since he made the decision to propose to Robin. “He has been with us through every crazy moment of our lives together and I just feel like he is the best choice.”

 

“Why wouldn’t it be okay?” Robin was genuinely confused.

 

“I didn’t know if you wanted him to walk you down the aisle.”

 

Robin sighed. “I love Uncle Mac and he is as much a father to me as my dad is but my dad is here and he will be walking me down the aisle. I am thrilled that Mac will be a part of the wedding party and that you thought of it. I love you.”

 

“And I love you.” Patrick’s phone rang so he hit the Bluetooth. “Drake.”

 

Epiphany’s voice came through the car speakers. “Dr. Drake – I know you aren’t on duty but we have an accident and we really need you to come in. There was a 3 car accident and we need a third neurosurgeon in ASAP.”

 

Patrick looked at Robin who nodded her head. They were doctors and this was a part of that life. “I’ll be there in 15; get the OR and patient prepped and have the scans ready when I walk in the door.”

 

Patrick ended the call and Robin smiled at him. “Just drop me off at home and I will see you later.”

 

“Are you sure? You could always come in with me and maybe we could squeeze in a consult later.” Patrick gave her his best sexy smirked but Robin just laughed.

 

“Nice try Drake but my mom is expecting someone to come and relieve her and you don’t need me in the OR anyways. I will consult on the post-op treatment.” She saw they were pulling up to the house so she gave him one last smile. “I will get the bags later.”

 

Robin leaned over and kissed him. “Be brilliant.” She got out of the car and headed to the house as Patrick headed to the hospital.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Patrick pulled up to the house an hour later ready to spend some time with his fiancée and their daughter. It turned out that the surgery he was needed for was actually a minor bump on the head and required nothing more than a review of the scans and admittance to the hospital overnight for observation. Patrick had happily given Epiphany his orders and then headed home.

 

This weekend had been perfect and things were finally right in his world. Robin and him were together and getting married. Emma was happy and healthy. Nothing was going to tear his family apart again.

 

He was surprised when he pulled up to the house to see Anna’s car still there but maybe she was so excited about the engagement she decided to stay and celebrate. He was happy that Anna and Robin were able to get close again. Patrick had worried that Robin would never forgive Anna for missing the signs that she was in trouble but Robin eventually realized that even her mother wasn’t perfect and that she would never knowingly leave Robin in that position. Once she realized that, forgiveness came easily.

 

“Okay you guys, not to be a…” Patrick’s heart stopped when he saw the mess his living room was in. End tables and lamps knocked over, shattered on the ground and, lying on the ground in the middle of it all, was Anna.

 

Patrick ran over to her. “Anna?” He felt for a pulse and found one quickly. Pulling out his phone, he dialed 911. “I need an ambulance and the police, there has been a break in and someone was attacked.” He quickly gave them his address as he looked around the house for Robin and Emma.

 

“Emma! Robin!” Patrick ran up the stairs and began to run frantically down the hall. “Emma!”

 

“Daddy?” Emma’s voice came from their bedroom and Patrick ran to one of the hiding places that Robert had added to their house after they had moved in. Robert wanted places for Emma to hide in given his and Anna’s pasts as spies.

 

Patrick ran to their closet and found the false wall in the back. “Emma, come here baby.”

 

Emma jumped out and climbed into her father’s arms. “He hurt Grandma.”

 

“Grandma is going to be okay – I promise.” Patrick gently rubbed his daughter’s back in a comforting motion as her heard the paramedics downstairs. “The ambulance is here and they are going to take Grandma to the hospital.”

 

Patrick carried Emma to the stairs and saw Mac and Robert come running into the house. “Robin! Patrick! Emma!”

 

“We’re right here. Robert - go with Anna to the hospital and we will meet you there.” Patrick started walking down the stairs, holding his little girl tight, as Robert left with Anna and the paramedics. “How did you know to come over? I was about to call you.”

 

“Police scanner. Where’s Robin?” Mac saw Anna and Emma but not his niece.

 

“He took Mommy.” Emma started crying as Patrick held her close.

 

Mac reached over and rubbed her back. “Emma honey, what do you mean he took Mommy?”

 

“He tried to take me but Grandma stopped him so he hit her and then Mommy came in and told me to hide. Now Mommy’s gone. I didn’t help her.” Emma started crying harder and Patrick held her tighter.

 

“You did exactly what you should have done Emma. Mommy and Grandma wanted you to get to safety.” Mac continued to rub the little girl’s back, his heart breaking at what she had been through. “Do you know who he was?”

 

Emma raised her face from her father’s chest and shook her head. “No, I’m sorry.”

 

Patrick looked at her. “You have nothing to be sorry for Emma. Grandma will be fine and Mommy will be home soon. The most important thing to Mommy and Grandma and me is that you are safe and you are. Now we are going to the hospital so you can get a check up and then we will go see Grandma Anna. Does that sound good?”

 

Emma nodded and Patrick looked at Mac. “Mac, could you…”

 

“I’ll take care of everything here – you take care of Emma and Anna.” He leaned over and kissed Emma on the cheek. “You did good baby girl. I love you.”

 

“I love you too Uncle Mac.”

 

Patrick carried Emma out the door while Mac went to talk to Dante. “So Detective Falconeri – tell me what we’ve got.”

[KerleyQ]

Just a quick question for my several dedicated readers - who do you think Marcus's father is? I'm just curious lol.

 

 

I've been thinking Faison, but I'm not completely sold on him yet. 

[cmahorror]

Chapter 35

 

He brought Robin into Emma’s room and set her on the bed. Moving quickly, he pulled her pills out of his pocket and set them on the dresser before walking out of the caged area and locking the entrance.

 

Looking at the dog he gave a command. “Lucy – guard.” The Doberman sat at attention by the door.

 

He took a few moments to watch Robin and smiled. She was so courageous and tough, so willing to do anything to protect her daughter. So much like Anna.

 

 

Flashback

 

He was hiding in the kitchen when he heard Anna and Emma come through the front door.

 

“How much longer until Mommy and Daddy get home?” Emma was practically jumping up and down with excitement. Patrick had called and told Emma that he and her mom had a surprise for her when they got home.

 

“Not much longer luv, I promise.” Anna started going down the hall. “I’m going to the bathroom and then we can play a game. Pick something out and I will be right back.”

 

Emma headed over to the cabinet to get a game. As soon as Anna was out of sight, he left the kitchen and grabbed the little girl. He picked her up as she began kicking and screaming, fighting him ferociously. Anna came running back down the hall only moments later. “Emma!”

 

He turned around and smiled at her. “Hello Anna. Long time no see.”

 

“You let her go you son of a bitch!” Anna was cursing herself for not having her gun on her. “There is no way in hell you are taking her out of this house.”

 

He struggled to hold on to Emma. “She reminds me of Robin when she was this age - so strong and willful. Do you think this little girl is as resilient as Robin was? What do you think she’d do if you went the way of dear Filomena right in front of her?”

 

Suddenly Emma threw her head back and knocked him in the chin. He dropped the girl and she ran over to her grandma. “Emma hide!”

 

Emma ran down the hall but didn’t get very far before she heard a fight break out in the living room. Worried about her grandma, Emma ran back out to the living room and saw Anna lying on the floor unconscious. “Grandma?”

 

He reached down and picked up Emma once again just as Robin walked in the door.

 

“Mom, I…” Robin saw a man holding a struggling Emma in his arms and her mother on the floor. Acting on instinct, she threw herself at him and he dropped her little girl. “Run Emma! Hide!”

 

“Mommy!” Emma was crying but Robin would not be stopped.

 

“GO! Don't come out until Daddy comes for you!” Robin continued fighting with the man as she watched Emma run up the stairs to one of her hiding places. He threw Robin to the side and she hit one of the end tables, momentarily getting the wind knocked out of her.

 

Robin was still getting her breath back when he ran back down the stairs and picked her up. “Where is she?!”

 

For the first time since she entered her house, Robin saw his face clearly and gasped in disbelief. “No, it can't be...”

 

“I will ask you again – where is your daughter!” He threw Robin again and she hit the other end table, crashing through it and hitting her head. He stalked over to her and saw she had been knocked out by the blow. “Damn it!”

 

He ran his hands through his hair and paced the living room for only a minute before leaning over Robin. “You know this actually may work out for the best anyway. You were the target all those years ago and you are the goal now. I’ll get Emma another time.”

 

Moving quickly he picked Robin up and took her out of the back of the house.

 

End Flashback

 

 

 

He smiled as he watched her slowly start to come to. Robin looked around at her surroundings and then noticed him standing by the door. “Grant? Grant Putnam?”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 36

 

Robert sat vigil at Anna’s bedside, anxiously waiting for his ex-wife to wake up. It had been 2 hours since she had been brought into the hospital and she still hadn't regained consciousness. “Come on Devane, you are stronger than this.”

 

The door opened and Dr. Hardy came through the door. “Mr. Scorpio?”

 

“Please, call me Robert. How is she?” Robert’s eyes stayed focused on Anna. “Is she going to be okay?”

 

“She has a concussion and some minor cuts and bruises but otherwise she should be fine.” Tom began his exam on Anna. “I am a little concerned that she hasn’t woken up yet but it’s not unusual given the severity of the fight she was in. I expect her to wake up soon, at least in the next 3-4 hours and if she doesn’t – then I’ll worry. Until then, just let her know you are here.”

 

Tom finished his exam and headed out of the room. Robert took Anna’s hand in his and sighed. “So here’s the deal luv – you wake up and I’ll let you tell me what a horrible human being I am for the rest of my life.”

 

“Promise?” The voice was weak but it was definitely Anna’s.

 

Robert smiled and squeezed her hand. “About damn time.”

 

Anna opened her eyes and looked around the room. “Where am I?”

 

“General Hospital. Apparently you aren’t quite as tough as you thought you were anymore.” Robert watched Anna start to get up. “What do you think you are doing?”

 

Anna started pulling off the wires attached to her. “Emma! I have to help her.”

 

Robert stopped her hands. “Emma’s fine – she is with Patrick in the waiting room. She can’t wait to see her grandma.”

 

“Thank God.” She sat back in bed. “We have to get them to a safe house. Robert, it was Grant Putnam – he tried to kidnap Emma.”

 

“Putnam?” There was a name from their past that Robert had hoped he would never hear again. “Bastard – 30 years have passed and but he is still up to his same old tricks.”

 

“That’s why we have to get Robin, Emma and Patrick to the safe house.”

 

Robert’s heart sunk as he realized that Anna didn’t know what had happened. “Anna, there is something I have to tell you.”

 

“What is it? You told me Emma was safe.” Anna stared at Robert. “Robert?”

 

“And she is but apparently Robin came in during the kidnapping attempt…”

 

Anna shook her head. “No, not Robin.” The tears began falling. “Not our girl.”

 

Robert put his arms around her and hugged her close. “We will get her back. I am going to call Mac and Frisco to let them know who took her. Meanwhile, your granddaughter is waiting to see you.”

 

She wiped her face and nodded. “I want to see her too. I’ll feel better if I know she is safe.”

 

Robert stood up and headed to the door. “We’ll find her Anna – we always do.”

 

“I know - I just hate that we always have to.”

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Robin shook her pounding head, praying that this was a nightmare. “No, this can’t be happening.”

 

Grant smiled at her. “Well of course it’s happening. What do you think of your new accommodations? Originally it was to be Emma’s room but I think you’ll still find it very comfortable, at least until Emma comes home.”

 

Robin leaped off the bed at screamed at him. “You stay the hell away from my daughter!” She shook the cage and the dog jumped to where she was, growling at her menacingly. She backed away from the cage and sat back down on the bed.

 

“Lucy heel.” The dog moved back by the door and Grant smiled at Robin. “She is well trained – as long as you stay away from the cage, she will stay by the door.”

 

Robin stared at the dog. “Lucy really doesn’t seem an appropriate name for her.”

 

“It’s short for Lucifer.”

 

“Never mind – it’s the perfect name for her.” Robin put her focus back on Grant. “I meant what I said, you ever touch my daughter again and nothing will protect you. Not this cage and certainly not that dog.”

 

Grant could hear the venom in Robin's voice. He had no doubts she meant every word she was saying. He thought about it for a minute and smiled. “Fair enough – you behave and do what you are told and I will leave little Emma alone. One misstep and Emma will be here before you can blink. Deal?”

 

Robin closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She had always known that she would make a deal with the devil if it insured her daughter’s safety but she never honestly thought she would have to – until today. “Deal.”

 

“Good.” Grant turned and walked away. He paused at the door and smiled at her. “Robin, I know you are going to love it here. I have so many plans and surprises in store for you.”

 

Robin watched as the man who kidnapped her and her mother, murdered her grandmother and attempted to kidnap her daughter walked out the door. She made sure he was gone before she laid down on the bed and cried herself to sleep.

Edited June 12, 2015 by cmahorror

[cmahorror]

Chapter 37

 

Patrick opened the door and gave Anna a small smile. “You ready for a visitor?”

 

Anna nodded her head and Patrick led Emma into the room. She jumped on the bed and hugged her Grandma. “Grandma Anna, are you okay?”

 

“Of course I am. How about you, my brave girl? Did that bad man hurt you?” Anna studied Emma carefully, looking for any problems.

 

Emma shook her head. “No but,” her bottom lip trembled and tears filled her eyes, “he took Mommy.”

 

Anna pulled the little girl close again and gently stroked her cheek. “Oh sweetheart, you did exactly what Mommy and Daddy and I told you to do. We will bring Mommy home, I promise you.” Anna looked at Patrick. “Could we have a few minutes alone for some girl talk?”

 

Realizing that his once and future mother-in-law might be able to get through to Emma in a way he couldn’t, he nodded his head. “I think that would be a great idea. I’ll be right outside talking to Grandpa Robert, okay Emma?”

 

“Yes Daddy.” Emma’s voice was filled with a sadness that broke both Patrick and Anna’s hearts.

 

Patrick stepped outside and caught the end of Robert’s call. “Thanks Frisco – I’ll have Mac call you as soon as they finish processing the scene.” He hung up and looked at Patrick. “Giving Anna and Emma some alone time?”

 

“Yes, I think it will help if she talks to Anna.” Patrick sat down in a chair by the door. “Anna was there and knows what happened. I’m hoping she can reassure Emma that there was nothing she could do. I can tell her until I’m blue in the face but I’m just a doctor. Grandma Anna…”

 

Robert sat down next to him. “Grandma Anna is a cop and a spy. If she couldn’t stop him than maybe Emma will realize that she didn’t do anything wrong. Makes sense.”

 

“Nothing about this makes sense. Robert, what the hell is going on? Is this Marcus or Helena?” Patrick ran his hands through his hair. “Who the hell has my wife now?”

 

Robert noticed that Patrick said wife, not ex-wife, but decided it wasn’t important right now. “No, it was a man by the name of Grant Putnam.”

 

“Who is Grant Putnam?” The name wasn’t ringing any bells.

 

Robert wasn’t surprised Patrick didn’t know about Grant. Robin had done her best to put the whole incident behind her. “Did she ever tell you about her Grandmother Filomena Soltini?”

 

“Yes, she wasn’t Robin’s biological grandma but she basically raised Robin for the first seven years of her life in Italy.”

 

“Did she ever tell you what happened to her?” Robert wasn’t sure how much Patrick knew.

 

“Briefly, years ago. We were on the roof here and it was not long after my dad’s liver transplant. Sam had been shot and we worked together on her surgery. Afterwards I found her on the roof.” Patrick hadn’t thought about that night in a long time.

 

 

Flashback

 

Patrick walked out onto the roof and saw Robin standing there. “Didn't realize you and Sam were so close.”

 

Robin looked at him and then looked back out over the city. “I don't really know her all that well.”

 

Patrick was confused. “Then what's wrong?”

 

“Momentary overload. I'll get over it.” She picked at something on the ledge, not looking at him.

 

“So the whole thing with Jason rears its head again, huh?” He tried to convince himself he wasn’t jealous but it wasn’t working.

 

Robin shook head and finally looked at him. “It's not how you think. It's just the look on his face when he brought Sam inside.” She gave a sad laugh. “Did I ever tell you that I don't like the sight of blood?”

 

Patrick watched her carefully. “Interesting career choice.”

 

Robin shrugged her shoulders. “It reminds me of when I was a kid. My parents, they were always in danger.”

 

Patrick could finally see where she was going with this. “Well, I would imagine that's a whole other world than what Jason lives in.”

 

“Bullets are bullets. They can't distinguish between the good guys and the bad.” Robin’s response was immediate. “I think you were right about me. I am a coward." She took a breath. "I remember crouching in a corner, feeling bullets go by me, hearing them. Have you ever shot a gun?”

 

Patrick’s response was simple. “No.”

 

Robin seemed almost lost in her own thoughts. “My grandmother was killed right in front of me. My stepfather was almost killed in a warehouse explosion. Those things stay with you. I guess I overcompensated - I got straight As, I became a follower of the rules. I just got so careful. What did my dad say to me? Right. He said I'm old before my time.”

 

Patrick was beginning to get a clearer picture of why Robin was the way she was. “Well, maybe you have good reason.”

 

End Flashback

 

 

 

Patrick pulled himself out of the memory, there wasn't time for that right now. “She told me that her grandmother was killed right in front of her.”

 

Robert nodded his head. “She died protecting Robin. Grant Putnam was attempting to kidnap Robin and Filomena tried to fight him. He threw the poor woman to the floor and she hit head and died right in front of her. Then Anna came in and stopped him. Robin hid and Grant took Anna instead.”

 

“So you’re saying that history repeated itself tonight?” Patrick couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

 

“No, this turned out much better. Robin was left catatonic by what she saw, it took us months to get through to her. Anna is alive and Emma is sitting on her bed talking to her. Plus, we didn’t know back then who took Anna but we know who has Robin.” Robert was hoping Patrick could see there was hope.

 

“Catatonic?” Tears fell down his cheeks as he tried to wrap his head around the hell the woman he loved had been through in her life – starting at such a young age. “So why now, why after all these years is he back?”

 

“That we don’t know but I can’t help but feel that there may be a connection between Grant and Jerry or Helena, maybe even Marcus. Once we find that connection, we will find our girl.”

 

Patrick looked at Robin’s father. “What did he do to Anna while he had her? Robin has worked so hard to get past her claustrophobia and manage her PTSD…”

 

Robert sighed. “He created a child’s room in his basement – it was where he had been planning to keep Robin. It was caged in and there was a guard dog who was trained to kill.” Patrick cringed and Robert put his hand on his shoulder. “Patrick, Robin is strong and has survived so much. She knows what she has waiting for her and she will fight to get back to you and Emma. Just believe that.”

 

“I’m trying to Robert but it is just so hard.” He stood up and began pacing the floor. “We need to get Emma someplace safe.”

 

“I’m already working on transportation for you and Emma…”

 

Patrick interrupted him. “No, I am helping you find Robin.”

 

“But Emma…”

 

“I’ll call my dad and have him go meet us at the safe house. She has been wanting to see Grandpa Noah and, once she gets settled in with him, I will head back.” Patrick was already pulling out his phone to make the call.

 

“Patrick, I understand what you are saying…”

 

“No!” Patrick took a moment to calm himself before continuing. “She went for months and months waiting for me to rescue her and I wasn’t even looking. I will not let her down again. You make the arrangements for the safe house and Emma’s protection while I call my dad.”

 

Robert nodded his head. Patrick was a man on a mission and Robert had two choices: help him and be able to at least control the situation or let the man go off like a loose cannon. “I’ll call Frisco.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 38

 

Robin looked through the bookshelf in her 'room' and sighed. It was obvious that Grant knew nothing about kids, especially her little girl. Emma had grown past Dr. Suess years ago and the other books were better suited for a three year old, not a school age child.

 

It had been two days since Grant had brought her here and she still had no clue what he had planned for her. He brought her three meals a day and her medication, always with that damn dog by his side. Sometimes he just came down and stared at her. Robin did her best to ignore him but she really didn’t have any place to hide. Yes, she had a bathroom and a shower but there was no door to the room so he could see her wherever she went.

 

But that wasn’t the worst part, she had spent years under lock and key so she was used to a lack of privacy. No, the worst part was she had no idea how her mom and Emma were. She remembered what had happened to her grandmother after Grant’s first attack. Her mom was much stronger and younger than Filomena had been but still Robin couldn’t get the sight of her mom lying there on the floor out of her mind.

 

Then there was Emma, her beautiful baby girl. Emma was strong but she had been through so much in her young life – far more than Robin had ever wanted her to go through. She had wanted Emma to have a normal life where her only worries were school and friends, who was getting her dance class and whether or not she was going to get in trouble for spilling juice on the carpet. Instead she had to deal with her mother’s multiple kidnappings, her father’s drug addiction, the loss of a brother, believing her mom was dead, and now this attack by Grant. Robin felt the tears coming as she cried over her daughter’s life and her own inability to protect her little girl from danger.

 

Robin heard the door open and quickly dried her tears. She decided to just ignore him but Grant wasn’t going to let her. “Hello Robin – how are you doing today?”

 

She didn't say anything so he rattled the cage. "Robin? I can do this all day."

 

Robin shook her head and turned around. “Great. I can’t tell you how many nights I dreamed of being kidnapped once again.”

 

“Have you been crying?” Grant noticed her red eyes. “What’s wrong? Oh, I know – you are worried about your mother and daughter.” Robin remained silent so Grant continued talking. “Well, I am bringing you some good news. Your mother and daughter are both fine.”

 

“Why should I believe you?” Robin stayed where she was and watched as Grant pulled an envelope out of his pocket.

 

“Because I had a friend of mine check up on them. Here.” He put the envelope in the space between the door and the cage side. “Go on – take it.”

 

Robin stepped forward and took the envelope. Cautiously, she opened it and smiled. Inside were pictures of her loved ones and the date stamp on them was for the day before. The first one showed Emma and Patrick meeting up with Noah. Robin was happy that Noah had come back to town to be with his son and granddaughter during this difficult time.

 

The next picture showed her mom, bandage on her forehead, sitting at Uncle Mac’s house with her dad, Mac and Lucky. Robin had no doubt that the group was working together to track down Grant and bring her home safely. She sat down on the bed and held the pictures to her chest, sighing with relief. They were alive and okay. “Thank you.”

 

Grant smiled. “I didn’t want you to worry. Now that you know that everyone is okay – you can focus on more important things.”

 

Robin looked up at him. “What things?”

 

“You’ll see.” He slid a small thin package through the same space he had pushed the pictures through. “Here is a little something to keep you occupied.”

 

Robin stood up and took the package. Inside was a small tablet. She looked at Grant questioningly but he just laughed. “No, no internet Robin. I’m not stupid. But there are plenty of books on there for you to read. I think you read at a higher level than the books in there.”

 

Robin turned it on. “Battery life?”

 

“I’ll bring the charger in with your next meal which I am going to go fix now.” Grant turned around and headed out the door, shutting it firmly behind him.

 

Robin sat down on her bed and resumed her study of her prison. Since she got here she had been trying to figure a way out but had not come up with a feasible scenario as of yet. She needed to clear her head and maybe some reading would help her do that. She began going through the various books, looking for something to read. She found that he had added a mixture of biographies, thrillers, romance and history novels. Going through her choices she finally settled on an old favorite, Bag of Bones. She certainly didn’t want to start anything new – she was hoping she wouldn’t be here long enough to finish it.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“I want to thank you again for sending me those pictures Jerry. I appreciate it.” Grant stood outside by the property line while talking to the man. There was no GPS in the burner phone and the SIM card had been destroyed as soon as Grant had printed out the pictures he needed.

 

“I trust my usefulness has come to an end and I can go about my life now.” Jerry wanted to be sure that Grant didn’t have someone watching him.

 

“Of course. Have a nice life Mr. Jacks.” Grant hung up the phone and then set it on the ground. Picking up his foot, he slammed it down hard on the phone and watched as it shattered into pieces before heading back in the direction of the house.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Jerry heard Grant hang up the phone. “Don’t worry Mr. Putnam – I plan to.”

 

Jerry walked up to the house and knocked on the door, waiting patiently for someone to answer it. Moments later the door swung open and Jerry smiled at the man standing there. “Well, aren’t you going to invite me in?”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 39

 

Jerry wasn’t expecting to be greeted with open arms but he didn’t expect a closed fist either. Jerry staggered back and rubbed his chin. “Very good but I would think you wouldn’t want to hurt those precious hands of yours.”

 

Patrick took a deep breath and then grabbed Jerry, dragging him into the house. “Where is she?”

 

Jerry didn’t even have time to respond when he heard the familiar sound of the safety being released on a gun. He smiled and turned around to Robert Scorpio standing behind. “Hello Mr. Scorpio – it’s been a long time.”

 

“Not long enough. Answer the doctor – where is my daughter?” Robert kept the gun trained on Jerry. “You know I’m not afraid to shoot you.”

 

Jerry unconsciously rubbed his leg, remembering the last time he had come up against the spy. “I am well aware of that fact Mr. Scorpio but I come with a bargain.”

 

Robert moved around so he was standing next to Patrick. He had stopped by to pick up Patrick and take him over to Mac’s to work on finding Robin. “What sort of bargain?”

 

“I give you information on the gentleman who has taken our dear little bird and you wipe my slate clean at the WSB. No more most wanted lists or threats of prison – I get a clean slate.” Jerry smirked at the men. “It is a one-time offer though. If you shoot me or arrest me I will not help you at all and, trust me, you need my help.”

 

“Why do we need your help Jerry?” Robert still hadn’t lowered his gun. “We know who has Robin and we will find him.”

 

“You only know part of the story.” Jerry shook his head at the man’s ignorance. “Did you really think Mr. Putnam was working alone? Of course not and, if you want to rescue your daughter, you need to know the whole story.”

 

Robert pulled out his phone while maintaining his stance. “Mac, bring everyone over to Patrick’s – we may have a new lead.”

 

Jerry sat down on the couch and smiled at the men. “Lovely home you have here Dr. Drake – very homey. I assume that is dear little Robin’s doing?”

 

Patrick glared at him. “How’s the jaw Jerry?”

 

Jerry rubbed his chin. “Fine Patty boy and I must admit I find your fist far preferable to the log you used the first time you hit me.”

 

Robert shook his head shook and looked at Jerry. “Would you just shut up for once in your life?”

 

Jerry leaned back on the couch and crossed his legs while Patrick paced the floor. Unable to resist, Jerry made one last comment. “And where is dear little Emma?”

 

Robert caught Patrick a moment before he hit the man again, pulling him away from the couch. “He’s not worth it Patrick.”

 

Patrick shook Robert off. “I know. I’ll be in the kitchen – I’ll come back out after everyone gets here.”

 

Jerry watched Patrick leave the room and then turned back to Robert. “Your son-in-law has quite the temper.”

 

“Can you blame him?” Robert sat down in a chair and stared Jerry straight in the eyes. “You have caused all of us so much pain through the years. You shot my daughter and made him save her life over the phone. You faked her death and almost killed my granddaughter with your damn poison. Let me be clear, the only reason you are still breathing is because you claim to have information that could help us find Robin. If your information doesn’t help us or something happens to my little girl while we sit here waiting for you to spill your guts, there will not be a safe place for you to hide in this world.”

 

Jerry considered what Robert was saying. “Understood.”

 

The two were still sitting there in silence when Mac, Anna and Lucky walked in the door minutes later. Anna’s response was immediate. She lunged at Jerry. “You son of a bitch! Where is she? Where is my daughter?”

 

Mac gently pulled her back as Patrick came flying through the kitchen door. Robert tried to reign in some of the chaos exploding around him. “Anna wait – he says he can help us find Robin. I may hate the man with every fiber of my being but he has some very unsavory connections that we can use.” He turned to Jerry. “What do you have for us?”

 

Jerry shook his head. “No no, Mr. Scorpio – I want full immunity from the WSB. Why haven’t you contacted your old buddy Frisco Jones?”

 

“Fine.” Robert made the call and within minutes had an immunity deal set up with Jerry. “Let me make this clear – if this information doesn’t pan out, the deal is off.”

 

Jerry thought about it for a minute and the nodded in agreement. “Fair enough. As you know, Robin was taken by Grant Putnam but he was not working with Helena. He just knew someone who was.”

 

Patrick was tired of the way Jerry was dragging this out. “Who?”

 

“Maksim Andrei Chernin – his son.”

 

Anna looked at Robert and back at Jerry. “His son?”

 

“Yes, although I believe you know him as Dr. Marcus Banks.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 40

 

“Robin.” Robin felt someone shaking her and speaking to her softly. “Robin.”

 

Robin opened her eyes and saw Patrick sitting next to her. “Patrick?”

 

“Hey sunshine. What do you say we get out of here?” Patrick barely got the words out before Robin kissed him. “There’s plenty of time for that later – your parents are upstairs. Let’s go.”

 

Patrick stood up and held his hand. Robin took it and let him lead her out of the cage and to the door. Lucy was lying on the ground and Robin looked at Patrick. “Just some chloroform, I promise. Cujo will be fine.”

 

Robin nodded and followed Patrick down the hall. They were just about to the door when Patrick stopped and Robin ran into his back. “Patrick?”

 

Patrick turned around and Robin saw a knife coming from his belly, blood pouring out of the wound. She tried to hold him up but he collapsed to the ground as she heard laughter coming from the doorway. “Come on Robin – you didn’t think it would be that easy?”

 

Grant reached down and grabbed Robin while kicking Patrick out of the way. “Time to go – we still need to pick up Emma.”

 

“No!” Robin shot up in bed.

 

A pair of arms quickly wrapped around her and held her close. “It’s alright Robin – I have you now and I will never let you go again.”

 

Robin tensed up as she recognized the voice. She slowly looked up and stared with disbelief at the man next to her in bed. “Marcus?”

 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“What do you mean Putnam’s son?” Robert found it hard to believe anyone would be with that man willingly. “And how the hell did he get mixed up with Helena?”

 

“Back when Putnam was still a spy for Russia he was involved with a woman. She got pregnant and had a son. After he was arrested for his crimes, she changed their names and moved to England to start over again.” Jerry really didn’t have time for this – he wanted to get going. “Foolish woman still allowed the child to visit Putnam and he, of course, filled young Marcus’s head with all sorts of ideas for revenge.”

 

“How does that tie into Helena?” Lucky was confused about the Cassadine connection.

 

“Years ago, Helena put out a request for all enemies of Robert Scorpio to contact her. She is a real enemy of my enemy kind of a woman. Anyway, Putnam’s son contacted Helena and let her know that they were both interested in working with her.” Jerry looked at Patrick. “Then plan was to take Robin away from Robert. As long as he got revenge on Robert for the years of separation from his father, Marcus was happy. What better revenge that to separate Robert from his beloved daughter? Falling in love with her was just a bonus.”

 

“Son of a bitch.” Robert had heard enough. “So where are they?”

 

“I don’t know.” Mac moved towards him but Jerry just shook his head. “If I knew I would tell you but I can give you the number of the phone he was using.” Jerry held out a piece of paper and handed it to Robert. “May I go now?”

 

Robert looked at the number and then back at Jerry. “Fine, but remember what I told you…”

 

“Yes, yes, ends of the earth – I understand.” Jerry stood up and headed to the door. “Believe or not, I want Robin found. After all, I may have need of her services again in the future and it would help me tremendously if I knew where to find her.”

 

This time Robert didn’t move fast enough and Mac landed a punch firmly on Jerry’s jaw. “You stay the hell away from her!”

 

Jerry stepped out of the door, rubbing his sore jaw. He took one last look in the room and, after briefly considering another smart remark, decided it was wiser to leave without saying another word. The door slammed behind him as he left the house.

 

Patrick smiled at Mac. “I don’t know about you but I certainly enjoyed punching him.”

 

“Me too.” Mac turned to Robert. “You want me to get Spinelli on that number?"

 

“Yes – he sees no need to go through proper channels and time is of the essence.” Robert handed him the slip of paper and looked at Anna. “Are we sure Banks is dead?”

 

“Dental records confirmed it but with this new information, I just don’t know. What are you thinking?”

 

Robert looked at Patrick and then back at Anna. “I think one of two things is going on – one, this is purely revenge on us and he will keep Robin prisoner for the rest of her life or…”

 

Patrick interrupted him, “or what Robert?”

 

“Or Marcus is alive and he is reuniting him with the woman he loves. Either way, we won’t be hearing from Putnam again because he has what he wants.” Robert hated being that blunt but it was necessary right now.

 

“What about Emma? I thought she was the target?” Patrick wanted to find Robin but he also needed to keep Emma safe.

 

“My guess would be that the goal all along was to get Robin. Now that he has her he will use the promise of Emma’s safety to get Robin to cooperate.” Robert wasn’t saying anything new – everyone in that room knew about Robin’s devotion to Emma.

 

Patrick felt sick. Robin would do anything to guarantee her daughter’s safety and if Marcus was still alive and with his father then time was of the essence. “Oh God Robert, we have to find her.” Patrick looked at Robert and Anna with pleading eyes. “No matter what it takes – we have to find her now. Before he...”

 

Robert understood exactly what Patrick was saying and pulled out his phone one more time. "Frisco, we need your help and we need it with no questions asked."

[cmahorror]

Chapter 41

 

Robin shook her head and tried to pull away. “No, you’re dead. You died in a plane crash.”

 

Marcus held on and reached for the syringe in his pocket. Moving quickly, he uncapped it and injected the contents into Robin’s arm. “Oh Robin, my poor confused girl – I am going to help you.”

 

Robin made one last futile attempt to break from his embrace before darkness overtook her once again.

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Let’s try this again. Robin?” Marcus rubbed her arms. “Robin – it’s time to wake up.”

 

Robin opened her eyes and looked around the room. “Where am I?”

 

“You know perfectly well where you are – at home. I brought you breakfast.” Marcus walked over the dresser and picked up the tray sitting there. “And your pills of course.”

 

Robin sat up and looked around the room. There were pictures of her and Marcus on the dresser and walls. “I want to know where I am.”

 

Marcus shook his head. “I was afraid of this. Robin, you are home. This is our home – we bought it not long after we were married.”

 

“No – I never married you.” Robin’s head was swimming but she was certain that she would only marry one man. “Patrick and I just got engaged again.”

 

He picked a picture up from the dresser and brought it over to her. “This is us on our wedding day.” The picture was one of her in a pale blue dress, holding a bouquet, standing next to a suit clad Marcus. “You said that since this wasn’t your first wedding, you didn’t feel white was appropriate. It was a small affair – just us, a couple of witnesses and the justice of the peace. You don’t remember any of this?”

 

“Because it never happened. You were manipulating me and my family saved me. It has taken me months of therapy to feel normal again. You are lying to me.” Robin glared at him but Marcus didn’t blink.

 

“Then why are we wearing matching wedding bands?” Marcus held up his left hand for Robin to see.

 

Robin looked down and saw a simple gold band that matched Marcus’s on her hand. “You put it there while I was sleeping.”

 

“My dear Robin, I know you are having a hard time accepting what happened but please don’t make me pay for it." Robin gave him a questioning look. "You still talk in your sleep and I caught bits and pieces of what you were dreaming about. I know you feel guilty for moving on after what happened but you need to stop this. We have survived so much together, including what Helena did to us, but we escaped together and we have built a life together. I’m sorry we weren’t able to get you back home before the accident but that is not my fault – please don’t make me pay for it.” Marcus tried to take Robin’s hand but she pulled away.

 

“What accident?” Robin didn’t have a clue what he was talking about.

 

“Robin,” he took her hand, “denying what happened won’t make it any less true. I know you miss Emma but we agreed that it was time to accept…”

 

“Oh my God – did Grant Putnam get her?” Robin had fought so hard to save her little girl.

 

“Robin, that was all part of your dream. I remember you telling me about that man’s attempt to kidnap you as a little girl and I understand you dreaming that you saved her, especially after what happened, but…”

 

Robin interrupted him. “What are you talking about? What happened?”

 

“The accident, Robin. The car accident.”

 

Robin shook her head at him. “The one that killed Gabriel? But Emma is fine, she and Patrick survived with just a few scratches.”

 

“Not that one, the one that happened six months ago. I know you feel guilty that you didn’t get to see her one last time but you cannot live in denial anymore.”

 

Tears filled Robin’s eyes. “No, you’re lying.”

 

“They’re gone Robin and they have been gone for six months now. It is time you accepted it so we can go on with our lives. I know how much you loved Emma and Patrick but that doesn’t change the fact that they died in the accident.” Marcus reached for her again but Robin slapped his hand away.

 

“My daughter and my – Patrick – are alive. I was just with them until a maniac by the name of Grant Putnam kidnapped me.” Robin was determined not to let Marcus mess with her mind again.

 

“I wish it were true but it’s not. Robin, I managed to convince the doctor to let me take care of you after your first breakdown but if you don’t get better soon I will have to have you committed.” Marcus stood up and walked to the door. “I need you to come back to reality and accept what happened. If you don’t then I won’t have a choice. Please don’t make me do that.”

 

Marcus walked out of the room and Robin heard the door lock swing into the place. She pulled the ring off of her finger and threw it across the room. Closing her eyes, she began to speak, almost like a prayer. “My name is Robin Devane Scorpio. I am the daughter of Robert and Anna, the fiancée of Patrick and my daughter is Emma. I just saw them a few days ago and they are alive and well and looking for me.”

 

Robin repeated this again and again, making sure this mantra was drilled into her head. Marcus had broken her once – it would not happen again.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 42

 

Patrick paced the living room of his house as he talked to Emma on the phone. “Really, I had no idea that Grandpa Noah knew how to fish too?”

 

“Well, he’s not as good as Uncle Mac but he does put the worm on the hook for me.” Emma giggled.

 

“That is great baby. I’m glad you are having fun.” Patrick felt a mixture of joy and sadness listening to his little girl. Joy that she was able to let go of what had happened for a little while and have some fun and sadness that she was in this position in the first place.

 

“Grandpa Noah said you are going to bring Mommy home.” Noah had spent some time talking with his granddaughter, reassuring her that her parents loved her and her safety and happiness were more important to them than anything. He wanted her to understand that she did the right thing by hiding the day Robin was taken. “He said I was a good girl because I listened to my Mom and did what I was told.”

 

For once, Patrick was grateful for his father’s need to butt in to his personal life. “That’s right and when I bring Mommy home she will tell you the same thing.”

 

“Promise?” There was a ton of hope and belief coming from her in that one word.

 

“I promise baby. Your Grandpa Robert, Grandma Anna and Uncle Mac are all working with me and they brought Mommy home to us before.” Lucky walked into the room with a folder and Patrick reluctantly got off the phone with Emma. “Sweetie, Lucky is here so I need to go but I love you and I will talk to you tomorrow. Have fun with Grandpa Noah and be good.”

 

“I will Daddy – I love you too.”

 

Patrick felt the tears he had been holding back fall down his cheeks as she hung up the phone. As silly as it was, he didn’t want to cry while he was on the phone with his little girl. He was certain that Emma would hear it and it would destroy all the progress that she had made.

 

Patrick turned to Lucky. “What do you have for me?”

 

Lucky sat down on the couch and Patrick joined him. “First things first – the GPS isn’t working on the phone and the phone itself hasn’t been used in days, not since we spoke with Jerry.” Jerry had walked out the front door of Patrick’s house three days ago and promptly disappeared. “The good news is that Spinelli has managed to track down the general area where the phone was last used thanks to cell phone records – somewhere near the Adirondack Mountains.”

 

“That makes sense – when Marcus told me about their engagement he said they were going to honeymoon there.” Patrick was convinced that Marcus was with his father and they working together to keep Robin away from her family.

 

“I know – it’s also where Grant took Anna the second time he kidnapped her. We already checked out the place where he took her and that was empty but at least we have narrowed down the search area.” Marcus opened up the file. “We have also proved that the Marcus Banks in the plane was not the man we met here in Port Charles. The new dental records proved that the Marcus who died was a loner who disappeared years ago. It looks like Maksim kidnapped him and stole his identity. He killed Marcus and then he faked the plane crash to give us a false sense of security so we would let our guard down.”

 

“Well it worked.” Patrick shook his head. “How could I have been so blind?”

 

“He fooled us all.” Lucky took a deep breath. “There’s more – turns out that Maksim Chernin really is a doctor.”

 

Patrick raised his eyebrows in surprise. “A doctor of what?”

 

“Psychotherapy.” Lucky pulled out some papers. “He was finally given his doctorate after submitting his doctoral dissertation to 6 different universities and being rejected by all of them over ethical concerns. An internet university finally awarded him his Doctorate 7 years ago.”

 

“Ethical concerns?”

 

“His dissertation was on using the Stockholm Syndrome to a positive effect in war time situations. It included uses of different drug protocols, hypnosis, post-hypnotic suggestions and negative reinforcement to make a person completely dependent on their captor.” Lucky felt sick telling Patrick this.

 

“Jesus Christ Lucky – are you telling me that he has been planning to do this to Robin for years? That his first attempt was just practice for what he is doing to her now?” Patrick needed a release for his anger so he kicked the coffee table, knocking it over.

 

“Look, I understand where you are coming from but the good news is that we are closer to tracking them down and Robin knows how to fight them. I don’t know what Marcus is doing to her but she is a fighter and she wants to come home to you and Emma.” Lucky stood up and headed to the door. “I’m going to touch base with Robert and Anna. We are planning on leaving for the Adirondacks in the morning, the WSB is already setting up a safe house for us there. I take it you are coming with us.”

 

“Just try and stop me.” Patrick walked over the door to show the man out.

 

“Ok – I’ll pick you up at 8.”

 

Patrick nodded and shut the door behind Lucky, locking it securely. After taking one last look at their wedding picture, he headed to their bedroom to pack for the trip.

Edited June 16, 2015 by cmahorror

[cmahorror]

Chapter 43

 

Robin kept reading her book as Marcus came in with her lunch. She had spent the last three days ignoring every attempt he made to communicate with her. His continued insistence that Emma and Patrick were dead just reinforced her belief that they weren’t. She wasn’t giving him an inch because she knew that the bastard would take a mile.

 

“Robin?” Marcus walked over to the bed. “Robin, please stop ignoring me.”

 

Robin looked up at him. “Fine – where is my engagement ring?”

 

Marcus pulled the ring she had thrown across the room three days ago out of his pocket. “Finally…”

 

“No.” Robin shook her head. “My engagement ring – the one Patrick gave me right before your cohort kidnapped me.”

 

“I know that the dream you had confused you but Patrick is gone.” Marcus went back to the tray and took a newspaper off it. Walking slowly, he headed back over to Robin and handed it to her. “I had hoped to spare you this.”

 

Robin looked at the paper. It was a copy of the Port Charles Press and the headline read ‘Local Doctor and Daughter Killed in Car Crash’. Under the headline was a picture of Patrick and Emma together. Robin read the story intently and, as soon as she was finished reading it, placed it on the bed and picked her book back up.

 

Marcus watched her carefully for a few minutes before speaking. “Robin?”

 

“Yes?” She didn’t look at him.

 

“Did you actually read the paper?” Marcus was confused by her reaction.

 

“Yes.” She turned the page and continued reading.

 

“Robin, I know you don’t want to believe it but there it is in black and white…”

 

Robin interrupted him. “Did you really think that sloppy fake paper was going to fool me? Please.” Robin set her book down, careful to mark her place. “The vehicle was wrong – Patrick got rid of that car months ago. The date was wrong – you said that the accident was six months ago but this paper is dated 4 months ago. There are several other small errors but what it all boils down to is that that" she pointed at the paper, "isn’t a real article. My husband and daughter are still alive.”

 

“Yes, I am here Robin but Emma is gone.” Marcus attempted to touch her hand but Robin pulled back on the bed.

 

“I have only ever been married to one man and I will only marry one man and that man is Patrick.” Robin picked her book back up. “Now I would like to finish my book. I'll eat in a little bit.”

 

Marcus grabbed the paper and stood up – frustration practically pouring off him. “Robin, if you don’t face reality soon I am going to have no choice but to have you committed.”

 

Robin looked at him and smiled. “Then do it. Take me to the hospital and have me committed. But we both know you won’t do it because you and I both know the truth.”

 

“And what truth is that?” He turned away from her as he headed towards the door.

 

“That Patrick and Emma are alive – just the same as I was for all those years when Jerry and Helena hid me away. You want me to believe that they are dead so I will agree to be with you but that is not going to happen. There is one thing I want to know though – why Grant Putnam?” Robin had been trying to figure out the connection between the two madmen. “I mean, Helena has money and connections but Grant is just a run of the mill psychopath.”

 

Marcus tried to control his anger. His father was a brilliant and misunderstood man and Robin only knew her parents side of the story. He clinched the door knob tightly as he prepared to leave. “I don’t know this Mr. Putnam but I’m sure that there is more to the story than you have heard.”

 

Robin rolled her eyes. “He kidnapped me and my mom in an attempt to get back at my dad. He murdered my grandmother and tried to take my daughter.” She stood up and started to cross the room. “He is insane and I hope he burns in hell for what he has done.”

 

Marcus lost it. He turned around and pushed Robin into a corner, roughly grabbing her shoulders as he shoved her. “You have no idea what you are talking about!”

 

Robin really stared in his eyes for the first time since this whole ordeal began and gasped. “Oh my God – of course, he’s your father. I can’t believe I didn’t see it before.”

 

Marcus released her and backed away. “I have no idea what you are talking about. I have never even met the man.” Needing to regroup, he quickly headed to the door. “I’ll be back later with dinner.”

 

Robin watched him leave and sat back down on the bed. Finally all the pieces were falling into place. It wasn’t just about Marcus’s obsession with her - it was also about revenge against her parents. Robin got up and did another search around the room. Somehow, someway she needed to find a way out of here and she was certain that there was something she could use in this room to help her – she just needed to find it.

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Marcus went into the kitchen and threw the paper in the garbage. All that time spent creating the perfect newspaper article and it was for nothing – Robin still was no closer to believing him than she had been three days ago. It was time to try a new tactic.

 

He walked over to the cabinet above the sink and started going through the different bottles stored there. He knew what he was looking for, he just needed to find where he put it. It took a minute but he finally found exactly what he needed – Mescaline.

 

Working quickly, he opened up the capsules and emptied them into a bowl. One of the best things about Mescaline was that it was a fine powder - the kind of powder that would mix easily into a drink. Plan A hadn’t worked so it was time to move on to Plan B.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 44

 

Patrick settled into his seat in the back of the SUV while Lucky and Mac finished getting the rest of their gear stowed. Robert and Anna had taken a helicopter out earlier this morning to meet up with their contact and make sure everything was in place to begin the mission while Lucky, Mac and Patrick were heading up with the luggage and all the equipment they would need to rescue Robin.

 

Lucky had given Patrick a folder a few minutes ago with Marcus’s full dissertation. Patrick was planning on taking full advantage of the 5 hour drive to familiarize himself with it so he could create a plan to help her deal with it. Robin was strong but she had been through so much and he just wanted to take advantage of every tool at his disposal to make sure she had the best care possible after they rescued her.

 

“Is this seat taken?” Patrick looked up to see Jason climbing into the vehicle.

 

Patrick was surprised. “You’re coming with us?”

 

“How many times has Robin saved my life? Of course I’m coming with you. Sam and Spinelli are going to stay here to do research and they will forward everything they find to us.” He sat down next to Patrick. “What are you reading?”

 

“That sick son-of-a-bitch’s dissertation. I am only through his thesis statement and I already want to kill him. The things he is suggesting…” Patrick stopped, getting choked up, “if he does any of this to her…”

 

Jason took the papers out of Patrick’s shaking hands. “Patrick, maybe you had better let me review it and tell you anything you need to know.”

 

Patrick appreciated Jason’s attempt to help him. Jason had slowly started to show everyone a more comforting side that surprised everyone, especially Patrick who had once referred to Jason as the least emotionally articulate man he had ever met. “Thank you but this is a medical dissertation, not exactly your field of expertise. How about I promise not to touch the guns and you leave the medical research to me?”

 

Jason considered what he was saying and grudgingly handed the papers back. “Fair enough but if you see anything that we need to know, tell us. I want to get Robin home to you and Emma too. She deserves to be happy.”

 

“We got engaged again.” Patrick didn’t know why he was telling Jason – no one else knew. “I proposed the day before she was taken and we were going to get remarried a week from Saturday. We didn’t want to wait.” Tears came to Patrick’s eyes. “We didn’t even get 24 hours to enjoy it. We didn’t even get a chance to tell Emma.”

 

Patrick put his head in his hands and leaned over, trying to regain his composure. Jason gently reached over and patted his back. “Don’t cancel those plans just yet. We are going to find her and bring her home.”

 

Patrick sat back up and leaned back into his seat as Mac and Lucky jumped into the front seat. Mac looked at Patrick and noticed how upset the man was. “You okay?”

 

“I’m fine Mac just ready to get Robin and bring her home.” Mac looked at Jason who just nodded his head and turned to look out the window.

 

“Okay then.” Mac turned back around and looked at Lucky. “Let’s go.”

 

Lucky started up the vehicle and the group hit the road. Less than 5 minutes into the drive Patrick picked up the papers and began going through the dissertation piece by piece so he could memorize every word while silently praying that he would not need any of it when they finally saved her.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Robin woke up feeling almost hung over, which was ridiculous because all she had drunk the night before was some water and juice. Her mouth was dry and her head was pounding. She sat up and her stomach began churning. She ran into her bathroom, relieving her stomach of anything that might possibly be in there. After taking a few minutes to lie on the floor, she stood up and looked at herself in the mirror. She turned on the faucet and that was when she noticed the bruising on her arms.

 

She held her arms up in front of her and studied the patterns. It was obvious that she had been held down and tied up but she didn’t remember it happening. Robin sank to the floor, her heart racing and fear overwhelming her. Scared at what she didn’t remember, she curled up in a ball and cried.

 

Marcus walked in the bathroom a few minutes later and found her there. “Robin?”

 

“What did you do to me?” Robin didn’t look at him.

 

“Robin, I didn’t…”

 

She glared at him and screamed. “What did you do to me?!”

 

“Oh darling, I didn’t do anything to you. You have been sick and I have been taking care of you. Last night your fever spiked and you became delirious.” He grabbed a washcloth and, after wetting it with cold water, gently placed it on her forehead. “I was so scared I was going to lose you. You said you wanted to be with Emma and grabbed a knife off the tray of food I had brought in. You brought the knife to your wrist and, Robin, I had to stop you.”

 

Robin shook her head. While some parts of the story sounded familiar, other parts didn’t feel right. “No, I would never…”

 

“I’m sorry I hurt you. I don’t have restraints here but I did the best I could and as soon as I felt you were out of danger I let you go.” Marcus picked the weakened woman off the floor and carried her into the bedroom. He set her down on the bed and covered her up with the blankets. He went over to the dresser and brought her a tray with a glass of milk, a banana and her protocol. “You need to take your medicine and then rest.”

 

Robin didn’t have the energy to fight him. She ate the banana and then took her protocol, emptying the glass of milk. “Thank you.”

 

“Just lay down and get some rest.” Marcus helped Robin lay down and then waited for her to fall asleep before taking the tray and leaving her to rest.

 

Walking into the kitchen, he took the Mescaline and ran it down the garbage disposal vowing to never use it on her again. The scene he described to Robin was almost the truth except she hadn’t tried to kill herself - she had tried to kill him. Taking advantage of her weakened state after the events of the night before, Marcus had slipped a small amount of Secobarbital into her milk so she could recover and he could come up with a new plan.

 

After last night he realized that he needed Robin weak so he could show her that he was the only one who could take care of her. A weak Robin could be his. He picked up the bottle of Secobarbital and smiled. Maybe it was time to revise his dissertation.

Edited June 18, 2015 by cmahorror

[cmahorror]

Chapter 45

 

Marcus was standing at the stove, fixing dinner, when his father walked in. “How is it going with Robin?”

 

“Not as well as I had hoped. I was sure that my methods would bring her back to me but Robin has proven that, once again, she is special and different.” Marcus looked at his father. “I think the sooner we get away from here the better. We need to be someplace where no one will ever find us again.”

 

“Well then it’s a good thing you have me in your corner.” Grant walked over to the stove and picked a piece of chicken out of the pan. “That’s good. You know Robin is very lucky to have a man like you in her life.”

 

“I just have to work harder to convince her of that. I was going to try hypnosis again but that damn Lucky Spencer has convinced her not to participate in our sessions anymore.” Marcus was still upset that Robert and Lucky had stopped Robin from marrying him.

 

“The Spencers do have a knack of butting in where they are not wanted. The mescaline?” Grant had actually worked with his son on his dissertation so he was well aware of his son’s brilliant ideas.

 

“She had an adverse reaction.” Grant raised his eyebrows at him. “She became paranoid and tried to kill me.”

 

“She does have a lot of her mother in her.” He sat down at the table while Marcus separated out the food into three separate plates. “So what are you going to do now?”

 

“I realized that I need Robin to be a little less aware of what I am doing so I can get the treatments started.” He took a medicine bottle off the counter and threw it at his father.

 

“Secobarbital?” Grant threw the bottle back at Marcus and thought about it for a moment. “Ahh, I see. By helping her lower her defenses, you can begin working with her again and showing her that she belongs with you. You are brilliant my boy.”

 

“Thank you – I get that from you.” Marcus set a plate down in front of his father. “How is Emma doing? Enjoying her visit with Grandpa?”

 

“She looks to have recovered from our meeting.” He took a bite and looked at Marcus. “Are you sure about leaving her there? Say the word and I can get Emma and bring her with us.”

 

“I appreciate the offer but no – it’s best if I can convince Robin that she is dead. That way we can start our own family and she won’t be constantly worried about what Emma is doing. I need her to focus on me and our future – not the past.” Marcus set up Robin’s tray between bites of food.

 

“I understand. Well, make sure you are both packed and ready to go tomorrow.” Marcus looked at his father questioningly. “My contact in Laos came through. We have a ride coming tomorrow and there is a house waiting for us. Plenty of room for you, me, Robin and my future grandchildren.”

 

“That’s wonderful news! I can’t wait to leave this country for good and get a fresh start.” Marcus carefully measured out a dosage of 50 milliliters of the sedative into a cup and mixed it into Robin’s juice. “It’s time for Robin’s supper and protocol.”

 

“And after supper?” Grant had a feeling he knew what Marcus was planning but he wanted to confirm it.

 

Marcus smiled at his dad. “After supper, it is time for Robin and I to begin our sessions again.” Marcus picked up the tray and headed upstairs, leaving a very proud Grant to plan the details of their trip to their new home.

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Patrick was driving everyone crazy with the way he was pacing around the living room. Anna and Robert were following up a lead about several different houses in the area while Mac and Jason finished going through their supplies. Patrick had read and reread Marcus dissertation and couldn’t look at it anymore. He was petrified that they would be too late to stop him from starting to use his methods on Robin.

 

Mac finally had enough. “Patrick!” Patrick stopped walking. “Sit down or go outside. I don’t care which you choose but the pacing is driving me crazy.”

 

Patrick sighed and sat down. “I’m sorry Mac but I don’t know what to do. I’m going crazy here.”

 

Mac leaned over and gently patted Patrick’s shoulder. “I know, me too. Are you sure you’ve learned everything you can from that psycho’s paper?”

 

“Mac, I can’t, I can’t look at that anymore.” Tears filled his eyes. “Just the thought of him doing that to her…”

 

Jason and Mac looked at each other and were hit with the realization that they were in no position to help him deal with what he had learned. The reality was that they were used to this kind of stuff, to seeing the worst in people, but Patrick wasn’t. Guns, rescue missions, chasing the bad guys and rescuing the girl – all of these were things they had dealt with in the past. Patrick was a doctor, dedicated to saving lives and unable to separate out his feelings for Robin from the mission. He was used to fixing what was wrong and it was killing him that he couldn’t fix this.

 

Mac thought about it for a moment and then smiled at Patrick. “You know, on second thought, I already kind of miss the pacing. It makes me feel like you are standing guard over me.”

 

Jason nodded his head in agreement. “Yeah – I miss it too.”

 

Patrick didn’t say anything – he just stood up and started pacing around the room again.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 46

 

Robin slowly woke up and shook her head, trying to regain her focus. She had eaten breakfast, taken her protocol and fallen right back to sleep. She was beginning to wonder if Marcus was right – Emma really was gone and she was in denial, sinking into a deep depression. That was why she was sleeping so much.

 

Her doubt lasted only a moment. She closed her eyes and shook her head. No, Emma was alive and waiting for her mom to come home to her and Robin would go home to her daughter and Patrick.

 

“My name is Robin Devane Scorpio. I am the daughter of Robert and Anna, the fiancée of Patrick and my daughter is Emma. I just saw them a few days ago and they are alive and well and looking for me.” Robin relaxed as she said the words. Lucky had taught her to do this every time she began to doubt what she was thinking – to fight whatever ideas Marcus was trying to implant in her mind. She wouldn’t let him win. “My name is Robin Devane Scorpio. I am the daughter of Robert and Anna, the fiancée of Patrick and my daughter is Emma. I just saw them a few days ago and they are alive and well and looking for me.”

 

Robin heard the lock click and focused her attention on the door. “Time for lunch.” Marcus came in with Robin’s lunch tray, smiling broadly. “Did you have a good nap?”

 

Robin smiled back at him. “Yes I did.” Marcus set the tray down on the bed and Robin reached for the juice, taking a sip before setting it back down.

 

Marcus watched her closely. “Is something wrong?” He had upped the dosage of the Secobarbital so he could get Robin to the helicopter without any issues. “Do you not like your juice?”

 

Robin laughed. “Of course not – I’m just starving and ready to attack that sandwich. What did you make me today?”

 

“Chicken bacon sandwich my dear.” Marcus picked up the plate and handed it to her.

 

Robin picked up the sandwich and took a bite. “That’s good but you know what would make it even better?”

 

Marcus raised his eyebrows at her. “What?”

 

“Some ranch dressing. Do we have any?” Robin gave him a pleading look that Marcus instantly gave in to.

 

“Of course – I’ll be right back.” He kissed her cheek and headed out the door. In less than two hours they would meet up with the helicopter on the bluff and leave the country for good. Reaching the kitchen, he grabbed the dressing from fridge and headed back to Robin’s room, whistling a happy tune the whole way back.

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Patrick was outside, staring at the mountains and trying to gain perspective. It wasn’t working near as well as staring out at the water but he needed to clear his head. It had been almost 24 hours since they arrived at the safe house and he was going crazy, worrying about Robin and what Marcus might be doing to her. He was scared that all the progress they had made over the past 6 months might be destroyed in just a few days by that psychopathic son of a bitch.

 

Marcus’s paper had been disturbing to say the least. His use of hypnosis, post-hypnotic suggestions and drugs were dangerous to a normal, healthy person – let alone someone who was HIV positive. Robin’s already weakened immune system could be severely affected by Marcus’s main drug of choice, Mescaline. There was no way of knowing what introducing a drug like that to her system would do to her – not enough research had been done on the effects of the drug on HIV positive patients – but it was a powerful hypnotic and had many negative side effects. Only a madman would even consider giving that to an HIV positive person.

 

But Marcus was a madman – a madman with an obsession focused on Robin. One of the main focal points of Marcus’s writing was what he called the isolation factor. Marcus believed that, once the subject was completely isolated, they needed to believe that those closest to them were dead. Dead meant no hope which meant that in the 4 days since Grant took her, Marcus had probably been trying to convince Robin that he, Emma, Mac and her parents were dead. Under normal circumstances, Robin wouldn’t even consider what he was saying but with the drugs…

 

“Patrick!” Mac yelled out the back door at him.

 

Patrick turned around to see Robin’s uncle smiling at him. “We found them.”

 

Patrick ran to the door and followed Mac out to the car, listening to every word he was saying carefully. “An old contact of Anna’s from her days with the WSB called with some news. Grant Putnam has got a safe house set up in Laos and he is taking Marcus and Robin there in less than hour.”

 

“Laos?” Patrick got into the car, more confused than ever.

 

“Grant was a communist spy – he contacted some of his old comrades and one of those men said something to the wrong person. Once that person realized that the woman being brought with them was Robin, he contacted Anna and gave her the time and place of the pick up. We can’t stop the helicopter from coming for them but we can grab Robin before they get her on it.” Mac slid in the back seat with Patrick. Jason and Lucky were sitting up front, ready to go. “Let’s go get our girl.”

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Robin?” Marcus had watched her slowly fall asleep after lunch and waited until he was sure the drug had taken effect before speaking. “Robin? Can you hear me?”

 

Robin made a little moaning sounding and then turned on her side. Marcus walked over to the door and poked his head out, looking for his dad. “She’s out. Are you ready to go?”

 

Grant nodded. “The helicopter will be there in 20 minutes. You double check the bags and get them to the bluff and I’ll get Robin.” Marcus started to protest but Grant stopped him. “You know what medications she needs and what items we might be missing. We will meet you at the helicopter – I want a little time alone with my future daughter-in-law.”

 

Grant smiled at his dad’s words. “Of course. I will see you both at the bluff.”

 

Marcus left while Grant went in to see Robin. Walking into the room, he smiled at the sleeping woman. “Robin – I think it’s time we got to know each other.”

 

Grant closed the door and sat down on the bed next to her, gently brushing the hair away from her face. “It is so strange how things work out. Years ago I tried to be with your mother but it wasn’t meant to be and now I know why. Because all of this was supposed to lead to you and my son getting together, to Marcus having the family he has always wanted with you. I cannot wait to see you and Marcus get married, to finally get to be a grandfather and play with my grandchildren. Robin, we are going to be the perfect family – no matter what I have to do to make it happen.”

 

He removed the covers from her and placed a pair of sandals on Robin’s feet. “Now let’s go meet up with Marcus – it’s time to go home.” Grant picked up the sleeping woman and carried her out of the room.

Edited June 20, 2015 by cmahorror

[cmahorror]

Chapter 47

 

Anna and Robert waved Patrick and the others over as they made their way up the path to the clearing on the bluff. The group hid themselves behind a group of trees near the path, watching the area closely. Sitting on the bluff was a helicopter and they could see that Marcus was already waiing inside it. Patrick began to panic. “Where is she?”

 

“We think she is coming with Putnam.” Anna reached over and gently squeezed Patrick’s hand in an attempt to calm him down. “We are not going to do anything to put her in danger. As soon as we see her, we will make our move.”

 

Patrick looked back out at the bluff and noticed a Jeep pulling up to the area, parking a little ways from the landing area. He saw a man get out of the driver’s side and instantly recognized that man as Grant Putnam. He watched as Grant walked over to the passenger side, looked around carefully, then opened the door and pulled Robin out of the vehicle.

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Grant looked around one last time before dragging Robin out of the car and carrying her over to the helicopter. She hadn’t moved once during the journey to the landing site and he was beginning to wonder if Marcus might have given her a little too much of the tranquilizer. He looked down at her and shook his head. “At least it will be a quiet trip.”

 

Once he was in view of the pilot he nodded his head and the pilot started the engines. Moving slowly, Grant carried his future daughter-in-law across the bluff, preparing to deliver her to his son. He was halfway to the helicopter when a fist connected with his chin. Shocked, he dropped Robin and watched as she darted off across the field.

 

Marcus saw Robin punch his father and started getting out of the copter but his father gestured for his to stay where he was while he chased after her. “Robin!”

 

Robin ran over to clump of trees and hid behind them, trying desperately to catch her breath. She had known she only had one chance to escape and she was scared she may have blown it. Looking around, she headed towards the edge of the bluff, hoping there was a safe way down from there. She had just reached the edge when she felt someone grab her hair and yank her back. “No! You are not going anywhere!”

 

Tears filled Robin’s eyes as pain flowed through her head from the power of Grant’s attack. She fought him smartly, letting him pull her close so she could jump up and use the top of her head to knock him under the chin. Once his grip loosened she turned around and kicked him in the stomach. Anger overtook him and Grant grabbed Robin and flung her to the ground, knocking her unconscious. He reached over to pull her from the ground when he felt someone slam into him.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Patrick saw Robin lying in Grant’s arms and felt his fear begin to consume him. She wasn’t even conscious and he had no idea what the two maniacs had done to her. He wasn’t sure what they were going to do to rescue her and then he saw Robin’s arm shoot up and, only a moment later, he saw Grant drop her. Robin hit the ground running and he looked at Robert.

 

“Patrick, you and Lucky go get Robin. The rest of us are going after that chopper.” Patrick and Lucky headed towards the bluff while Robert, Anna, Jason and Mac rushed towards the chopper. Patrick ran through the woods, Lucky nipping at his heels, and was almost to the bluff’s edge when he finally saw her. He saw Grant double over in pain from a kick Robin had administered and then he saw Grant throw her to the ground.

 

Acting on instinct, Patrick silently charged the man as he bent over Robin. The force of the blow caught Grant off guard and sent him stumbling backwards.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Marcus was about to get off the helicopter when he saw Anna and Robert charging towards it. He didn’t have time to respond before the pilot began taking off. “Shut the door and lock it now.”

 

“But my father, Robin…” Marcus was already shutting the door so he could keep Robin’s parents out.

 

“We’ll come back for them.” The pilot had the chopper a few feet off the ground as Marcus finished securing the door. Looking out the window he saw Robin lying on the ground and Patrick charging his father. He watched in horror as his father stumbled back from Drake’s blow and went over the edge of the bluff.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Patrick leaned over Robin and began checking her out as Lucky headed to edge of the bluff to see where Grant went. He walked carefully to the side, looked over the drop and sighed. It was at least a 100 foot drop and he saw Grant lying on the rocks below - dead. Shaking his head, he walked back over to Patrick. “How is she?”

 

“I don’t know. She isn’t responding to any kind of stimulus – we need to get her to a hospital now. Call in a rescue chopper, I know they have room to land.” Patrick turned to Lucky, tears filling his eyes. “Now Lucky!”

 

Lucky ran back to Robert and Anna. “We need a rescue helicopter here ASAP. Robin’s hurt.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 48

 

Mac made it to Patrick and Robin first and looked over Patrick’s shoulder at his unconscious niece. “Patrick! How is she?”

 

“I don’t know Mac – I need to get her to a hospital. How far out is the helicopter?” Patrick barely looked at the approaching people, Robin needed his complete focus.

 

“It’ll be here in just a minute – we had them on standby just in case.” Robert knelt down next to Patrick and gently touched his daughter’s face. “They need to know where you want to go.”

 

“How close is GH?” Patrick wasn’t sure about taking her to a hospital he didn’t know. If GH was a close enough flight than he wanted to go there.

 

“30 minutes from take off.” Anna had timed the flight out. “Is that close enough?”

 

Patrick nodded, never looking away from his fiancée. “I want to ride with her.”

 

Robert was ready for his request. “Of course.”

 

They heard the helicopter landing. Lucky grabbed Jason and headed over to get the medics and a cot. It seemed like only seconds they were back at Robin's side. “Patrick – let them help her.”

 

Patrick stood up and watched helplessly as the medics put Robin on a backboard and did a brief field exam. Within minutes Patrick and Robin were on the helicopter headed back to Port Charles.

 

Robert watched the copter take and off and turned to his friends. “Okay, they had to have been holed up somewhere close to here. We need to find where they were – there may be something there that will help us figure out exactly where Marcus went.”

 

He led a WSB agent to the bluff and looked over at the dead man lying on the rocks below. “You – take care of him.”

 

Robert walked back over to Anna and took her hand. “Grant is dead.”

 

Anna nodded but was obviously lost in thought. “Does Patrick know?”

 

Robert sighed. “I think he was so concentrated on Robin he doesn’t know the man went over the edge.”

 

“He’s not going to take this well.” Anna looked at Robert. “He’s not like us – no matter who that man was or what he was trying to do, Patrick would never intentionally kill someone.”

 

“And he still didn’t.” Robert couldn’t see what the problem was. “Look, he may have shoved the man but he wasn’t trying to hurt him – just get him away from Robin.”

 

“But he is still dead and that shove is the reason why, intentional or not.” Anna looked out over the edge. “He is going to feel a tremendous amount of guilt over this and now we have a new problem.”

 

Robert thought about it for a moment. “Oh my God – Marcus. The man was already obsessed with Robin but now…”

 

“Now it won’t be enough to take Robin, he will want to destroy Patrick too. Revenge for his father’s death.”

 

Robert pulled out his phone. “Frisco, get guards to General Hospital as soon as possible. Also, have someone get Emma and Noah and take them to GH to be with Patrick. Putnam is dead and Marcus is going to be out for blood.”

 

________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Tom Hardy was waiting on the roof as soon as the helicopter landed. He ran to the cot and walked by Patrick’s side and beginning his exam. “Is she responsive?”

 

Patrick held Robin’s hand as they moved swiftly to the elevator. “No.”

 

They got on the elevator and Patrick finally looked at Tom. “You need to screen for drugs. Dr. Banks apparently is a big believer in Mescaline.”

 

Tom shook his head and made a note on his glove. “Will do.”

 

The doors opened and they flew into the ER. Epiphany was standing by Trauma Room 1 and led the group into the room. “Dr. Drake – you need to leave.”

 

“What! No, Epiphany, I’m not leaving her.” Patrick still had Robin’s hand in his. “Not now, not ever again.”

 

“Don’t argue with Epiphany.” Her eyes were shut but Patrick would know that voice anywhere.

 

“Robin? Hey, you need to open those beautiful brown eyes for me.” He gently squeezed her hand. “Please?”

 

“Oh,” she started to open her eyes but quickly shut them again, “I can’t – it hurts.”

 

Tom leaned over Robin and began asking her questions. “What hurts Robin?”

 

“My head – it feels like it is going to explode."

 

Patrick began to panic – this could be the sign of any number of neurological issues, including a brain bleed. Tom continued his exam. “On a scale of 1 to 10, how bad is the pain.”

 

“5 if I keep my eyes closed, 8 if I open them.” She still sounded weak. “That could be a side effect of the drugs he was giving me though.”

 

“Do you know what he was giving you?” Patrick was afraid to ask but needed to know.

 

“Not sure – some sort of tranquilizer I think.” Robin squeezed his hand and Patrick relaxed a little – that was a good sign. “This is real right, I’m holding your hand Patrick.”

 

“Yes and Emma is with my dad fishing.” Patrick watched as the portable CT was brought into the room. “She was so good – listened to what you said and hid until I came and got her.”

 

“She’s okay?” Patrick saw tears falling from the corners of her still closed eyes.

 

“Of course she is – she’s your daughter. She’ll be even better when she sees her mommy again.” Tom nodded at him so Patrick reluctantly stood up. “They are going to do the CT scan so I am going to go in the hallway and wait for them to get done, maybe call everyone to let them know you are awake.”

 

Patrick leaned over and gently kissed Robin. “I love you, beyond reason.”

 

"I love you too."

 

Patrick walked out into the hall and sat down in a chair. He pulled out the phone and was getting ready to make the calls when the events of the day finally hit him and he finally began crying, releasing all the tension of the day. He had been crying for only a moment when he felt an arm wrap around him. “Go ahead Patrick, I think you’ve earned this.”

 

Patrick looked up and smiled at the woman next to him. “Laura? What are you doing here?”

 

“Lucky called me and told me what was going on. I thought you might need a friend and I wanted to check on my favorite doctor – no offense.” Laura smiled at him.

 

“None taken – she’s my favorite doctor too.” Patrick knew that Laura and Robin had a special connection and had been there for each other through many tough times. “She’s awake.”

 

“That’s good.” Laura gave him a motherly hug and then took his hands in hers. “I have known that girl almost her entire life and I know one thing for certain – Robin is a fighter. She is going to get through this and you will be together as a family again.”

 

Patrick smiled at her. “You’re right – she is a fighter. She fought for me, for Emma, for our family.” Tears filled his eyes again and he looked at the door to Robin’s room.

 

Realizing that he needed to think about positive things, Laura decided it was time to tell him some stories about Robin from when she was younger. “Hey - did Robin ever tell you about the time…”

 

________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Tom was happy to see Laura and Patrick deep in conversation when he walked up to them a little less than an hour later – anything to keep Patrick’s mind off of Robin’s exam. “She told me that she helped with Justus’s campaign but I had no idea she was that involved.”

 

Laura nodded. “I think it helped keep her mind off of things after Stone died. You know – busy work.” Laura saw Tom approaching and stood up. “How is she?”

 

Patrick looked at Tom. “Can you tell us?”

 

“Yes, Robin asked me to give you an update. She has a concussion and a few bumps and bruises but nothing significant. We administered some acetaminophen with codeine and that has helped with the headache.” Tom watched Patrick carefully and then continued. “We also discovered trace amounts of Mescaline and Secobarbital.”

 

“That bastard!” Patrick stood up and began pacing the floor. “Her viral load?”

 

“Everything looks good. We’re going to keep her here a few days to make sure but I see no reason why she can’t be home with you and Emma in just a couple of days.” Tom was happy to give Patrick some good news. “But for now, why don't you keep her company in her room."

 

"Thank you Tom." Patrick looked at Laura. "Would you like to come with me to see your favorite doctor?"

 

Laura smiled at him, relieved that Robin was okay. "I'd loved to. Lead the way Dr. Drake."

Edited June 22, 2015 by cmahorror

[cmahorror]

Chapter 49

 

Patrick sat by Robin’s bedside, just watching her sleeping. Laura had plans with Lulu and Patrick and Robin both had encouraged her to go once they had found out that Robin was going to be okay. Not long after Laura left Robin had fallen back asleep, needing extra rest to help her recover.

 

“Mommy?” Emma and Noah walked into the room and she ran straight to her dad. “Is she okay?”

 

Patrick picked up their little girl and set her in his lap, hugging her close. “Yes baby, she just needs a little rest.”

 

Emma carefully looked over her mother and saw the bruises on her arms. “He hurt her.”

 

Patrick looked at his dad with tears in his eyes and gently rubbed Emma’s back in a comforting motion. “Yes but not too bad. Dr. Tom told me the Mommy is going to be okay – I promise.”

 

The words had no sooner left his mouth when Robin began stirring. Emma jumped off his lap and onto the bed. “Mommy?”

 

Robin opened her eyes and smiled. “Emma? Oh baby, are you okay?”

 

Tears filled Emma’s eyes and she laid her head down on her mom’s chest and hugged her. “Yes Mommy.” Emma burrowed into her mom and Robin’s arms quickly wrapped around her. “I’m sorry.”

 

“Sorry? For what?” Robin looked at Patrick questioningly and he just shook his head.

 

“I didn’t stop him.”

 

“Oh Emma.” Tears filled Robin’s eyes and she could almost feel her heart breaking. “You did exactly what you should have done. He was a very bad man and there is nothing you could have done to stop him from taking me. Grandma Anna couldn’t stop him and she is a spy. I am so proud of the way you did what I told you to do. Nothing matters more to me than your safety so do not blame yourself for what the bad man did, okay?”

 

Emma nodded her head and slid in closer to her mom as Patrick and Noah watched the scene with tears slowly falling down their cheeks. Patrick finally spoke up. “Emma, I’m going to give you a few minutes with your mommy while I talk to Grandpa Noah. Is that okay?”

 

Both Emma and Robin nodded and Patrick walked outside with his father. He was surprised to see guards posted outside of Robin’s room and looked at his father curiously. “What is going on?”

 

Noah took Patrick over to a couple of chairs in the hallway and sat him down. “Anna and Robert thought it would be best if we were all together for now – easier to guard.”

 

“I understand and it’s only for a little while. They have Grant now so they…” Patrick saw Noah flinch at the mention of Grant’s name. “Dad, what is it?”

 

Mac had called Noah on their way to the hospital and told him the entire story of Robin’s rescue, including Grant’s death and the part Patrick had accidentally played in it. “Patrick, what do you remember about what happened on that bluff?”

 

“Dad I don’t understand…”

 

Noah interrupted him. “Just humor me.”

 

“Fine! He had Robin and she was fighting him. She kicked him and then he threw her to the ground and she wasn’t moving.” Tears filled Patrick’s eyes as he remembered that moment. “He was going to take her and I knocked him out of the way.”

 

“And after that?”

 

“I did a quick exam and made sure she was still alive – that was all I cared about.” Patrick suddenly sat up straight and looked at his father. “He went over the bluff, didn’t he?”

 

Noah shook his head and wrapped his arm around his son in an attempt to comfort him. “It was an accident Patrick – you weren’t trying to hurt him, you were saving Robin.”

 

“Is he dead?” Noah remained silent and Patrick stood up, pacing the hallway. “Is he dead!?”

 

With a deep sigh, Noah answered. “Yes son, he’s dead.”

 

Patrick leaned against the wall and slowly slid down in, his stomach in knots. “I killed him.”

 

Noah jumped out of the chair and to Patrick’s side. “No, you pushed him away from Robin. Patrick it is not your fault that Grant lost his balance and fell. He was attacking an innocent woman and you stopped him. This is all on Grant and Marcus – not you. Look at me.”

 

Patrick turned his head to look at his father. “What?”

 

“You did not kill that man. You didn’t shoot him or stab him or even hit him. Did you push him – yes, but he was going to hurt Robin. This was not someone you could reason with. Grant was a madman who kidnapped your, well Robin, and attempted to kidnap Emma. He was going to hand her over to his son, another madman, to do God knows what to her. You did what you had to do to save the woman you love and you need to understand that – for all your sakes.” Noah sat next to him and pulled him into a tight embrace. “I am proud of you son for saving her.”

 

“I want to believe you but…”

 

“Then do. I talked to Mac and he told me that Lucky confirmed that it was an accident. Right now, you need to focus on the fact that Robin and Emma are home safe.”

 

“Then why the guards? If Grant is dead and Marcus has left the country…” Patrick looked at his dad and a feeling of guilt overwhelmed him. “It’s because of me, isn’t it? Marcus knows what happened and he is going to go after my family for revenge?”

 

“Patrick, guards would be necessary no matter what. Marcus is still out there and obsessed with Robin and he will use you or Emma or anyone else she loves to get to her. Guards are going to be necessary to protect you all for a while.”

 

“And you too.” Noah began to protest but Patrick stood up and stopped him. “Marcus could decide that he wants to have an eye for an eye – kill you in retaliation for my killing his dad. You get a guard.”

 

Noah was touched by his son’s concern. Years ago, before Robin, Patrick wouldn’t have even cared but now it was one of his main worries. “Then I guess we better talk to Robert and Anna. Why don’t I call them and you spend some time with your family.” Patrick headed back to the room but Noah stopped him. “And son, I love you.”

 

“I love you too Dad.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 50

 

“Okay, let’s figure out where this bastard is hiding.” Robert led the way into Grant and Marcus’s place. They had been fortunate to find that there were only a few places near the landing site where they could have held Robin and only one that had no owners on file. Less than an hour after Robin was evacuated the group was entering where Grant and Marcus had kept her for almost a week.

 

The ground floor held nothing of interest. The rooms were basic and barely used except the kitchen. All cabinets were empty and they place had been completely wiped down. Robert saw a door in the corner of the kitchen and opened it to discover a set of stairs leading to the basement. He turned to the group, barking out orders. “Mac, Anna – come with me to the basement. Lucky, Jason – go upstairs and see what you can find.”

 

The group slowly made the way down the stairs, guns drawn and at the ready. Reaching the bottom step, Robert looked at Mac and nodded his head. Mac took up position opposite of Robert and opened the door.

 

The room was pitch black and Mac reached over to the right side of the door and found the light switch. Moments later the trio stared in horror at the sight before them.

 

“Oh my God, he was going to keep Emma here.” Anna felt like she had just taken a step back in time. The cage, the chain on the floor that had obviously had a dog attached to it at one time, the various items that were obviously for a child. Stuffed animals, books, the Frozen comforter and sheet set. “He was going to kidnap her to get to Robin.”

 

“You know what they say – those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it. He should have known that there was no way in hell you or Robin would let him take our granddaughter.” Robert was trying to make some sense of the scene before them. He looked at his ex-wife and could see she was shaken by the scene. “Anna, why don’t you go back upstairs…”

 

“No!” Anna took a deep breath. “I’m fine. Let’s see what we can find to stop this monster once and for all.”

 

Mac watched the two carefully. He hadn't been around during the time that Anna was kidnapped by Putnam but he had heard the story from Robert. This had to be bringing back horrible memories for both of them. "Are you sure?"

 

Anna blinked back her tears and smiled at Mac. "I'm sure. Robin and Emma are safe for now but if we want them to stay that way we need to stop Marcus."

 

She walked towards the cage but Robert stopped her. "I'll go in there."

 

Anna began to protest but decided he was right. "You know what, maybe we missed something on the main floor. I'll leave you two to investigate down here."

 

Anna went up the stairs and Mac turned to Robert. "This is what he had planned for Robin all those years ago - isn't it?"

 

Robert nodded. "Yes, it was."

 

Tears filled Mac's eyes. "And he was going to do that to Emma?"

 

"Yes."

 

"I hope he rots in hell." Mac entered the cage and looked back at his brother. "Come on - we need to find Marcus and make him pay for the hell he has put our girls through."

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Lucky and Jason made quick work of the upstairs. The bedrooms and bathrooms hadn’t yielded them any new information and they were wondering if Marcus had taken everything with him when he and his father abandoned the place. “Last room – what do you think – office?”

 

Lucky shook his head. “Could be – I just hope he left something behind we can use to track him down.”

 

The men entered to find a desk and some file cabinets. The desk had a computer and Lucky quickly walked over and turned it on. “I’m surprised he used a desktop – most people have a laptop or tablet now.”

 

The logon screen appeared and Jason looked over Lucky’s shoulder. “Can you get into it?”

 

“I may not be Spinelli but I have done some work with a computer crime task force.” Lucky stared at the screen for a minute and thought out loud. “What would your password be? Robin?” Lucky tried it but the computer quickly told him it wasn’t the correct one. “It has to be something to do with her, right?”

 

Jason was investigating the file cabinets but stopped for a moment to think. “Try little bird – it’s something I heard Helena call her.”

 

Lucky typed the suggestion in and was greeted was the Welcome screen appearing. “Yes!”

 

Jason continued going through the files but there wasn’t much there – Grant and Marcus had cleaned out all essential paperwork before they left. He was reaching for the last drawer when he heard Lucky cursing. “You bastard.”

 

Jason walked over and looked at what made Lucky mad. It was a newspaper with a story about Patrick and Emma dying in a car crash. “He was trying to convince her they were dead.”

 

“Why?” Lucky looked at Jason. “I understand making her think Patrick was dead but losing Emma would destroy her.”

 

Jason sighed. “And weaken her defenses, making her far more susceptible to his suggestions. With Emma gone Robin would have no reason to go home and she would stay with him.”

 

“That’s insane.” Lucky turned back to the screen. “I’m going to see what else I can find on this damn thing, you go back to the cabinets.”

 

Jason went back to the last drawer. Upon first glance it looked empty but he noticed something in the back corner. He reached in, pulled it out, smiled and quickly stuck it in his pocket. He closed the drawer and walked back over to Lucky. “Did you find anything else?”

 

“Apparently the man has mastered photoshop.” Jason gave Lucky a confused look so he opened up a folder to reveal dozens of pictures of Robin with Marcus. It was obvious that he had taken pictures from the internet and placed his and Robin’s heads on them. There were pictures that looked like they might be from a wedding, some from picnics and various other places. Marcus had created an entire fake life for himself and Robin.

 

“He is completely insane.” Jason leaned back against the wall. “He is not going to give up on getting Robin until he is dead.”

 

“No, he won't.” Lucky shut down the computer and unplugged it. He wrapped the cords around it and placed it under his arm. “That is why we need to do everything in our power to protect her and her family.” He moved towards the door and looked back at Jason. “We both owe her that.”

 

Jason nodded and pushed himself off the wall, following Lucky out the door.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 51

 

Patrick stepped back into Robin’s room and smiled at the sight that lay before him. Robin and Emma were lying together in her bed sleeping, Emma curled up against her mom’s chest. He slowly walked over and stood over them just taking in the sight.

 

“You could join us you know.” Robin opened her eyes and smiled at him.

 

“I think I will.” Patrick kicked off his shoes and slowly slid onto the bed, being careful to not disturb Emma or hurt Robin. He wrapped his arms around her and managed to reach the daughter as well. “This feels right.”

 

“Yes it does.” Robin sighed and leaned back against him. “Where’s Noah?”

 

“Making a few calls – letting everyone know that you are okay.” Patrick closed his eyes and pulled his two girls even closer.

 

“Did they catch them?” Robin could see the guards still standing by her door.

 

“Marcus got away.” Patrick took a moment to let the news sink in before continuing. He felt her tighten up in fear and kissed the top of her head. “Robin, your parents will find him and they will stop him.”

 

Robin relaxed a little bit. “And Grant?”

 

“He’s dead.”

 

“Dead? How?” Robin couldn’t believe she was finally free of him.

 

“Robin, I swear it was an accident.”

 

Robin shifted in the bed so she could see Patrick, slowly sliding Emma onto the bed. “Patrick, what happened?”

 

Patrick shook his head. “I saw him throw you to the ground and then you weren’t moving. He was going to grab you again and I…”

 

Robin reached up and gently cupped his face in her hands. “It’s okay – you can tell me.”

 

“I just pushed him out of the way.” Tears fell down his face and he recounted the story. “I just wanted to get him away from you. He lost his balance and fell off the bluff.” He turned away from her. “I killed him.”

 

Robin began crying, not for Grant, but for the hell Patrick was putting himself through. “Patrick, look at me.” Patrick did what she asked. “You did not kill him – it was an accident. You were trying to stop him from taking me away from you and Emma again. You didn’t shoot him or stab him, right?”

 

“No but he went over that bluff…”

 

“He went over that bluff because he was trying to kidnap me. If he had not been trying to take me, then you would not have had to push him away from me. Grant and Marcus caused this – not you.” Robin wiped the tears from Patrick’s face. “I know you – you would never willingly take a life. Hell, you couldn’t kill Rafe and he was responsible for Gabriel death.”

 

“I thought about it and I thought about killing Jason after the lab exploded.”

 

“But you didn’t because you are not that kind of man. You save lives, not take them.” Robin kissed him softly on the cheek. “Patrick, you weren’t trying to hurt Grant, you were saving me. You need to believe that.”

 

“You don’t understand.” Patrick stared her straight in the eyes. “Robin, now Marcus is going to come after me because of what I did and he will use you and Emma and my father to get to me.”

 

“As opposed to his using you and Emma to get to me?” Patrick looked at Robin in shock – he hadn’t made the connection. “If you are willing to stay with me through all of this, then I sure as hell am going to stay by you. You saved me today and you need to remember that.”

 

“But Robin…”

 

“I think you need to go to the counselor and talk about this but I need you to know that I do not look at you any differently than I did yesterday. You aren’t like my parents or Jason or even Mac who killed people by their own choice – this was an accident and it would have happened whether it was you or Lucky who pushed Grant. It was his time and not a moment too soon as far as I am concerned.” Robin looked at him once more praying that she was getting through to him.

 

Patrick waited a moment before leaning down to kiss her. She responded immediately and intensely, without a moment’s hesitation. Patrick pulled back and smiled at her. “You mean that, don’t you?”

 

“Of course I do. Patrick I love you, so much. We'll get through this the same way we have gotten through everything else we’ve dealt with – together.” Robin kissed him one last time then turned back around, wrapping his arms around her once again. “But now we need to sleep and just enjoy being together again.”

 

Patrick wrapped his arms tight around her and Emma once again and closed his eyes. Robin was right – they had gotten through so much together and they would get through this together too. He heard Robin begin to softly snore and allowed himself to fall into a deep sleep with her and their little girl.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 52

 

Jason quietly walked into Robin’s hospital room. He and Lucky had come back to Port Charles about an hour ago and Lucky had headed to the PCPD to begin work on the computer they had found while Jason had headed to the hospital to see for himself that Robin was doing okay. What he saw when he walked in the room made everything that had just happened worth it.

 

Robin was lying in her hospital bed, Emma in her arms and Patrick’s arms wrapped tightly around her, all three sleeping soundly. Jason watched them for a moment, debating whether or not he should wake them up. He made his decision and turned to leave when he heard Patrick say his name. “Jason?”

 

Jason stopped and turned back around to see Robin’s husband wide awake. “I’m sorry – I’ll come back tomorrow.”

 

Patrick moved slowly and deliberately, making sure not to jostle Robin or Emma, as he got off the bed. He managed to get out of the bed without disturbing the two sleeping ladies and walked over to Jason. “It’s okay, let’s step out of the room – I don’t want to wake them up.”

 

Jason nodded and followed Patrick out of the room. “I wanted to see for myself that she was okay. I’d hate to have to find a new doctor.”

 

Patrick smiled. “She is good, a little bruised but she will be okay. I think she is more worried about me right now.” Jason raised his eyebrows at the statement and Patrick clarified. “She knows what happened with Putnam – how he died.”

 

“Patrick, it was an accident.” Jason stared the man straight in his eyes. “You are nothing like I was – you are not a killer. Lucky told me what happened and I guarantee you that if Grant hadn’t gone over that cliff, then Lucky would have stopped him another way. The man was a psychopath and he was not going to stop until he turned Robin over to his son. You didn’t take a life Patrick – you saved one.”

 

“I hear what you and everyone else is saying and, in my head, I know it’s true but I still need time to come to terms with it. The most important thing to me is that Robin doesn’t look at me any differently and I know that she doesn't. As long as she is by my side and Emma is safe, I can get through anything.” Patrick looked through the window in the door and smiled at his sleeping family.

 

“Robin isn’t going anywhere, I promise.” Jason reached in his pocket and pulled something out. “There is one more reason I am here.” He grabbed Patrick’s hand and placed the item in his hand. “I found this and thought you might want it back.”

 

Tears filled Patrick’s eyes as he saw Robin’s engagement ring sitting in the palm of his hand. “Where was it?”

 

“In the back of a filing cabinet in Marcus's office.” Jason thought about it and decided to be honest with what they had found. “Patrick, we found something else. We think he was trying to convince Robin that you and Emma were dead and they had started a new life together. We found Photoshopped pictures of a fake wedding, a fake newspaper article on his computer about a car accident…”

 

“Of course he was – it was all part of his dissertation, not the fake life but convincing the subject that their loved ones are dead. But he didn’t count on Robin – he might have convinced her if it was just me but Robin would know if something had happened to Emma. She would have felt it. I have a feeling that is why he decided to start drugging her, he realized that the mind games he was trying on her were not going to work. Lucky trained her too well.”

 

“Of course he did. Speaking of Lucky, he is going to personally do a complete forensic analysis on the hard drive of the computer we found. Hopefully it will lead us to wherever Marcus is holed up.”

 

“Good because whether or not it was an accident, Marcus is blaming me for his father’s death which is only going to increase his desire for Robin. It will be the ultimate revenge, taking away the woman I love from me forever.” Patrick stopped for a second and looked at Jason. “I want a guard on my dad too. Marcus strikes me as a real eye for an eye guy.”

 

Jason walked away from Patrick, pulled out his phone and made a quick call. Less than a minute later, he hung up and turned to Patrick. “Done. I’m going to go home and spend some time with my wife and son, I suggest you do the same with Robin and Emma.”

 

Patrick opened the door but stopped before he entered. “I will and Jason, thank you.”

 

“You are welcome. I will see you tomorrow.”

 

Jason walked down the hall while Patrick went back into the room and carefully slipped back into bed with Robin. He saw her left hand lying on the pillow just above Emma’s head and put Robin’s ring back on her finger where it belonged. “Did Jason find it?”

 

“Yes, now go back to sleep.” Patrick kissed the top of her head. “Everything is back where it belongs.”

 

Robin nodded her head and fell back to sleep, safe in the arms of the man she loved.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 53

 

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. Patrick, you may kiss your bride.” The words were barely out of the preacher’s mouth before Patrick had Robin in his arms and was kissing her. “Ladies and gentleman, I now present Drs. Patrick and Robin Drake.”

 

The small crowd cheered as Patrick pulled back and smiled at his wife. Robin reached over and took her bouquet from Emma’s hand and the couple walked down the aisle together arm in arm. Mac picked Emma up in his arms and carried his great niece down the aisle, following her parents closely. “They finally did it – your mom and dad got remarried. I am so happy for them.”

 

“Me too Uncle Mac.” Emma was beaming as she looked at her Great Uncle. They watched as Patrick and Robin walked over to the rose trellis and started having pictures taken. Monica had insisted on throwing Robin and Patrick a small wedding in Lila’s rose garden as a thank you for bringing Jason back home to her. Robin waved at Emma. “I think mommy wants us.”

 

Mac couldn’t help but survey their surroundings as he made his way over to the trellis, making sure that the family was secure. It had been two weeks since Robin’s rescue and more disturbing evidence had come to light thanks to Lucky’s work with the computer lab at the PCPD. Marcus had great plans for Robin and his future including, apparently, children. There were email messages to and from a fertility specialist in Switzerland with details from Robin’s medical file, including her HIV status and what happened when she gave birth to Emma. They still hadn’t been able to narrow down where he might be but Marcus Banks, aka Maksim Andrei Chernin, was now one of the 10 most wanted criminals being sought by the WSB for kidnapping, conspiracy, and medical fraud. Normally, the WSB wouldn’t care about him but his connections to Helena, Grant Putman and Jerry Jacks made him a dangerous man.

 

After pictures were done, they headed into the Quartermaine mansion for the reception. After a wonderful dinner, it was time to start the party. Patrick went over the DJ and then headed back over to Robin while the DJ made an announcement.“Would the newlyweds please take to the floor for their first dance?”

 

Patrick took Robin’s hand and led her to the floor. Robin had told him to pick out their first song so she had no idea what they were dancing to. He pulled her into his arms and gently kissed her. “This is for you.”

 

 

Heart beats fast
Colors and promises
How to be brave?
How can I love when I'm afraid to fall?
But watching you stand alone,
All of my doubt suddenly goes away somehow.

One step closer

 

 

Robin leaned into him, melting into his embrace and swaying with him to the gentle rhythm of the song.

 

 

I have died every day waiting for you
Darling, don't be afraid I have loved you
For a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

 

Time stands still
Beauty in all she is
I will be brave
I will not let anything take away
What's standing in front of me
Every breath
Every hour has come to this

One step closer

 

 

Patrick began singing along with the song, singing softly so only Robin could hear him.

 

 

I have died every day waiting for you
Darling, don't be afraid I have loved you
For a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

 

And all along I believed I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me
I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

 

 

Robin leaned back and smiled at Patrick, tears of joy filling her eyes. She was so grateful that they had survived the hell of the past 4 years to become stronger and more committed to each other than before.

 

 

One step closer
One step closer

 

I have died every day waiting for you
Darling don't be afraid I have loved you
For a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

 

And all along I believed I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me
I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

 

 

The song ended and Patrick leaned down to kiss Robin once again. “I love you so much.”

 

Robin tightened her embrace on her husband. “And I love you so much.”

 

 

Song: A Thousand Years by Christina Perri

Edited June 26, 2015 by cmahorror

[cmahorror]

Chapter 54

 

Six months later

 

“I don’t want to hear it.” Robin stormed into her office, still upset over the consult they had just left.

 

“Robin, surgery is the best option. You can’t be mad because Mr. Wolf agreed with me.” Patrick followed her and locked the door behind them. This is going to be one of those fights, he could feel it. He knew Robin hated that the patient had chosen a high-risk operation over drug therapy but she was taking it a little harder than usual. “Robin, we are still going to need you to help with the post-operative treatment.”

 

Robin flopped down on the couch. “I know but I really thought that my therapy was the safer option.”

 

Patrick sat down next to his wife and took her hands in his. “I agree and I told him that but he wanted to take the high-risk, faster route and that is his choice. We both presented him with viable options – he just chose mine.”

 

“I know and I appreciate that you tried to help persuade him to go with the drug therapy even though I know you were dying to get your hands on his brain.” Robin felt tears coming. “I don’t know why I am taking this so hard.”

 

Patrick quickly pulled Robin close. “You and I both know why you are taking this so hard.”

 

“I guess we do but I appreciate your not saying it.” Robin put her head on his shoulder.

 

Patrick rubbed her back and then put his other hand on the little bump forming in his wife’s stomach. “Are you kidding? I don’t want to sleep on the couch tonight. I much prefer being in bed with my pregnant wife.”

 

Robin giggled and put her hand over his. A week after the wedding she and Patrick had met with her doctor to discuss artificial insemination. Since Robin hadn’t been on birth control and she was still healthy with an almost non-existent viral load, they were able to start immediately. It took 3 attempts but Robin was now three months pregnant with their second child.

 

Patrick was thrilled, not only that she was pregnant, but that he was able to be with her and enjoy the pregnancy from the beginning. When Robin was pregnant with Emma, she didn’t even admit that the little girl was his until he forced the issue after losing a patient during childbirth. He fought her tooth and nail to be a part of his little girl’s life and prove that he was no longer the skirt chasing dog who didn’t want children. They had fought long and hard but eventually true love won out and they became a family.

 

This time Patrick was there when she found out they were expecting, hugging her and screaming with joy when he saw the two lines appear on the pregnancy test. He was there when they had the first sonogram and they saw the little bean that was their child appear on the screen. He held her hair back when the first wave of nausea hit signaling morning sickness and sat by her side as they met with the doctor to go over the changes to her drug protocol to help keep Robin healthy and prevent transmission of the virus to their unborn child.

 

“I love how excited Emma is to be a big sister.” The little girl had already started coming up with names for her new sibling, coming to her parents with new suggestions every night.

 

Patrick laughed. “I know, I walked into her room the other day and saw her separating out stuffed animals into two piles – one the baby could have and one the baby couldn’t even touch. She is so much like her mommy.”

 

“I think there is quite a bit of daddy in there too. And our parents and Uncle Mac? They were so excited by the news, although I think they are using it as an excuse to increase our guards tenfold.” To say everyone was thrilled about the newest addition to the Scorpio Drake family would be an understatement. After everything that had happened, this baby was nothing short of a miracle and everyone was going to protect it with their lives. No one had forgotten that Marcus was still out there and gunning for the family.

 

Patrick had taken Robin’s advice and gone back to his counselor to discuss what had happened and the part he played in Grant’s death. It took some time but he was finally able to admit that what happened on that bluff was an accident. He still felt a little guilt over it but understood that he was the same man Robin fell in love with and the accident hadn’t changed who he was at his core – a healer.

 

Patrick pulled Robin back on the couch so she was lying on top him and kissed her. “So, do you have time for another consult? I promise you it will turn out much, much, much more to your liking.”

 

Robin shook her head and smiled. “I may have a few minutes for you Dr. Drake.” She leaned down and gave him a long lingering kiss. “I love you Patrick.”

 

“I love you too Robin.” Patrick ran his hands through hair and pulled Robin down to him again. This was going to be one long consult.

Edited June 28, 2015 by cmahorror

[cmahorror]

Chapter 55

 

“Stop it.” Robin was getting tired of Patrick drumming his fingers on the counter of the nurse’s hub. She reached out and stilled his hand. “You keep it up and you will not be performing surgery for a long time.”

 

Patrick took her hand in his and smiled. “Sorry – I’m just so excited to find out that we are having a boy.”

 

Robin threw her head back laughing. “You thought Emma was a boy too.”

 

“Have you seen her curve ball?” Robin shook her head as he pulled her close. “In all seriousness, I really do think that we are having a boy this time. You?”

 

Robin looked away for a moment and then back at her husband. “I have a feeling but, just like with Emma, I am not saying anything.”

 

“No fair – I told you.” Patrick stuck out his bottom lip, giving Robin a full pout. “How will I know whether you are right or not?”

 

“Because Robin told me what she thinks she is having.” Dr. Nord, Robin’s obstetrician, walked up to the couple and smiled. “I’ll tell you if she is right or not in just a few minutes. Ready for the ultrasound?”

 

“We’re just waiting for...” Patrick was interrupted by a set of arms wrapping around his legs.

 

“I’m here!” Emma hugged her dad and then went to her mom and hugged her belly. “I’m ready to see the baby.”

 

“Emma, you need to slow down.” Mac hurried up the hallway. “Your daughter is fast.”

 

“Yes she is.” Robin hugged her uncle hello and turned back to her daughter. “You need to go easy on Uncle Mac, he doesn’t move as fast as you do.”

 

“Hey – I can still outrun you.”

 

“Really not much of an accomplishment considering I am 5 months pregnant.” Robin lightly punched Mac in the shoulder and smiled at him. “I’m glad you’re here.”

 

Mac looked at Patrick and Robin, confused. “I thought I was just dropping off Emma.”

 

“Well, we thought that maybe you might want to find out with us.” Patrick smiled at Mac.

 

Tears filled Mac’s eyes. “I would love to. Thank you.”

 

Mac hugged Robin and she smiled at Dr. Nord. “Now we’re ready.”

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Dr. Nord spread the gel on Robin’s belly and slowly starting moving the wand over it. “There is the spine and the arms and legs.” He pointed out the different body parts on the screen to everyone.

 

Moving around Robin’s abdomen, Dr. Nord focused on the middle of the baby and smiled at Robin. “Well, this one is certainly not shy.” He smiled at Robin. “You’re two for two Dr. Scorpio-Drake.”

 

“It is?” Robin smiled and tears filled her eyes.

 

“Yes it is.”

 

Patrick couldn’t take it anymore. “It is what?”

 

Dr. Nord nodded at Robin and she turned to Patrick. “It’s a boy.”

 

Emma jumped up and hugged her Uncle Mac. “I’m getting a brother!”

 

Patrick stared in awe at the screen. “We’re having a son.” He kissed Robin’s hand and smiled at her.

 

“We’re having a son.” Robin bit her lip, smiled and turned her attention back to the screen.

 

“I love my girls but I’m glad to get to welcome another man into the family.” Mac held Emma tight and reached over and squeezed Robin’s shoulder. “Thank you for letting me share in this with you.”

 

“I’m just so happy we can share it with you.” Robin leaned her cheek on his uncle’s hand while squeezing her husband’s hand.

 

Dr. Nord smiled. “I’ll print out some pictures and leave you to enjoy your miracle. Congratulations.” He printed out the pictures and left the room.

 

Mac took his copy and looked at Emma. “What do you say we go get some ice cream while Mommy and Daddy finish up in here?”

 

Emma nodded and slid down from her uncle’s arms. She walked up to her parents and put her hand on Robin’s belly. “Does my brother want some ice cream?”

 

“Not right now baby. Why don’t you go with Uncle Mac and we’ll see you at home, okay?” Emma nodded and Robin smiled at her. “I love you.”

 

“I love you too.” Emma kissed Robin’s belly and hugged her dad before taking her uncle’s hand and leaving the room.

 

“You haven’t said much.” Robin looked at Patrick who was still staring at the screen.

 

“What is there to say – you have given me more than I could have ever hoped for. We already have a beautiful daughter and now we are having a son who I am sure will be extremely handsome, especially if he has your eyes.”

 

“I am willing to bet that we are getting a miniature version of you – right down to that dangerous dimple and devastating smile.” Robin reached over and cradled his face in her hands. “Hopefully, without the enormous ego.”

 

Patrick laughed as he cleaned the gel off her belly. “You love my enormous ego.”

 

“Sadly, I do - almost as much as I love you.” Robin tried to stifle a yawn as she began to get off the table.

 

Patrick quickly put his arm around her back to help her off the table as he picked up the pictures of their son. Keeping his arm firmly around her waist, he led her to the door. “I love you too but it’s time for us to head home. I think we’re all ready for a nap.”

 

Robin sighed and leaned into him. "I think you're right."

 

Patrick kissed the top of her head as they made their way down the hallway. "By the way, Dale is definitely on the list of baby names."

[cmahorror]

Chapter 56

 

“What have you found out?” Marcus sat in his house, no their house, talking to his associate.

 

“They remarried two weeks after they returned to Port Charles.” The man read his notes out loud to Marcus. “Robin has returned to work at General Hospital and is working on a grant proposal and has two patients – Jason Morgan and Laura Spencer.”

 

“Of course she has – it is so much like Robin to spend her time focusing her attention on two of her favorite patients. How is Mr. Morgan doing – any after effects from my beautiful Robin’s treatment?” Marcus stood up, walked over to the bar and poured himself a drink before strolling over to the large picture window, taking in the sight of the jungle around the house.

 

“He is getting back his memories from before the initial car accident. He is having some difficulty combining the two lives but Robin and his wife and working together to help him assimilate.”

 

Marcus chuckled. “Only Robin could work with the woman who, only a year ago, was sleeping with her ex-husband and is married to her ex-boyfriend. Anything else?”

 

The man hesitated. “One more thing. Robin is pregnant. They just found out it’s a boy.”

 

Marcus looked at the drink in his hand and shook his head. He took a deep breath and then threw the glass to the ground. “When is she due?”

 

“Two months.”

 

“Then that gives us time, doesn’t it?” Marcus smiled at the man and then nodded at the floor. “Clean up that mess and then come to my office – we have some plans to make.”

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Robert Dale.”

 

“Not going to happen.” Robin laid on the couch with Patrick after getting Emma to bed. “We already agreed no first names from the immediate family – we want him to have his own name.”

 

Patrick was hoping that this meant she had finally given in on Dale as the middle name. “Okay – Paul Dale?”

 

“No, Paul Drake - it's just, no.” Robin shook her head. Two months since they had found out they were having a boy and he was still trying to sneak Dale past her. “How about Gerard?”

 

“Just because you think Gerard Butler is cute is not a good enough reason to give our son his name. Besides, someone will want to call him Jerry and that is not happening.” Patrick gently rubbed Robin’s belly.

 

Robin shuddered. “Yeah, didn’t think that one through.” She thought for a moment. “Samuel?”

 

“Sam Drake – sounds like a private detective. I like it – it’s on the list. Chad?”

 

“Too OC.” Robin leaned back and smiled at Patrick. “How about Joshua?”

 

“Joshua? Joshua Dale Drake?” He rolled the name around his head. “I like that.”

 

“I was actually thinking Joshua Malcolm and before you say anything, I said no first names from the immediate family. Using Uncle Mac’s name as the middle name is within the rules and it would mean a lot to me. He has been there for me more than anyone else has in my life – no offense.” Robin placed her hands on top of her husband’s in a reassuring move.

 

“None taken – I let you down a lot in the past but I promise you that those days are over.” Patrick kissed the top of his wife’s head and sighed. “I hate to admit it – but I like that name. Joshua Malcolm Drake. What do you think – kick once for no and twice for yes.”

 

Robin laughed as their son kicked her twice. “I think you have your answer. Want to know the best part?”

 

“What?”

 

“The best part is that Emma picked out Joshua. She is going to be so excited that we are using it.” Reached around and pulled Patrick closer to her so she could kiss him. “Thank you. It means a lot to me that I will be able to honor my uncle this way.”

 

“Well, as long as Dale is still on the table for our next baby – boy or girl.”

 

“Of course.” Robin answered knowing that this was probably their last child. As much as she loved being pregnant, she wasn’t as young as she used to be and this pregnancy was a little more tiring than Emma’s. “Now, what do you say you help your pregnant wife off the couch and up to bed – carrying your son around all day is very tiring.”

 

“I’ll do you one better.” Patrick scooted over and then picked Robin up off the couch. “Let’s go to bed.” He kissed her one last time before carrying her up the stairs to bed.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 57

 

Six weeks later

 

 

Robin got off the stool and walked around the lab, trying to relieve just a little of the pain and pressure in her back. She had not had this much trouble with Emma’s pregnancy, more proof that Josh was going to be just like his dad. She finally gave up and walked down the hall to her office. She laid down on the couch and tried her breathing exercises but they didn’t help alleviate the pain. “Come on buddy, lighten up on me.”

 

Robin got back up and finally did the one thing she was dreading. Pulling out her phone, she called Patrick. “Hey, I’m in my office and my back is killing me – can we go home?”

 

Patrick walked in the door as she was asking the question. “Great timing – I was just going to suggest we head out of here.” They both hung up their phones as he walked over and helped her sit up. “Maybe I can give you a massage and help ease that pain a little bit.”

 

Robin gave him a weak smile. “That would be wonderful.” She leaned on him as she got off the couch. She was no sooner standing up than she doubled back over in pain and screamed.

 

Patrick put his arms around her and was about to help her back on the couch when he noticed a small pool of blood where she had been sitting. Robin continued to scream in pain, loud enough that Tom came bursting through the door. “Robin?”

 

“Get a gurney and call Dr. Nord, I think she has placental abruption.” Tom ran out the door yelling orders. Less than a minute later he was back with an orderly and a gurney. Patrick quickly picked Robin up and set her on the gurney as they ran out of the office and to labor and delivery.

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Robin, we need to get you into the OR now.” Dr. Nord met up with the gurney as soon as they got to labor and delivery. He noted the blood coming from between Robin’s legs and her obvious distress. They moved quickly down the hall and Patrick saw the surgical team running to the OR. Suddenly the gurney with his wife on it slipped out of his hands and into the room.

 

Patrick attempted to follow but was held back by Dr. Nord. “Patrick – you cannot come in there with us.”

 

“That’s my wife and son!” Patrick tried to push forward but found himself being held back by Tom.

 

“If this was a normal c-section you could be in there but I cannot have any distractions in there.” Epiphany came running down the hall. “Epiphany is scrubbing in and the anesthesiologist is putting Robin under right now.”

 

Tom put his arm around Patrick’s shoulder and pulled him away from the door. “We will be right outside Patrick. Is there anyone you want me to call?”

 

Patrick pulled away and watched as Dr. Nord headed into the OR, followed by Epiphany. “Mac and Robin’s parents.” He leaned against the wall and slid down it. “They’re going to be okay, right?”

 

“Robin is a strong woman. She has survived too much to leave you now and Josh,” Tom sat down next to Patrick, “Josh is part you and part Robin, two of the strongest and most stubborn individuals I have ever met. Neither one of them is giving up without a fight.”

 

“We have worked so hard to be happy again, to be a family again, that the thought of losing it…” The tears fell down his cheeks. “Emma! Emma needs to know that her brother is coming.”

 

“Is she at school?” Patrick nodded. “Then let’s call Mac and get your little girl here so that she can be here to welcome Josh into the family.”

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Her BP is dropping doctor.” Epiphany was watching Robin’s vitals closely as Dr. Nord performed the emergency c-section. “We need to get the baby out now.”

 

“We also need to make sure we keep his exposure to a minimum.” Dr. Nord understood why Epiphany was worried but he needed to do what was best for both Robin and her baby. A few minutes later, he successfully extracted Joshua from his mother’s womb. Everyone in the room felt a sense of relief when he let out a healthy yell. “Clean him up while I close Robin up.”

 

The room suddenly filled with noise as the machines hooked up to Robin began screaming like crazy. Epiphany looked at Dr. Nord. “She crashing!”

 

“She’s bleeding out – everyone clamps and suction now!” He nodded to the nurse holding Josh. “Get him out of here.”

 

The nurse rushed Josh out of the room as the rest of the team worked frantically to save his mom.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Patrick!” Mac ran down the hall and straight to Robin’s husband. “How is she?”

 

“I don’t know.” Patrick hugged Mac tightly. “They took her into the OR 15 minutes ago and I haven’t heard anything yet.”

 

“What happened?”

 

Patrick tried to speak but the words just wouldn’t come so Tom stepped in. “She had a placental abruption – the placenta started separating from the womb.”

 

“So they are doing the c-section and she will be fine – right?” Mac was trying to convince himself that it would be alright.

 

“The doctor is doing everything he can. Hopefully they caught it while it was still a partial abruption and not a full one but we won’t know anything until…” Tom was interrupted by the nurse walking in with a baby boy in her arms.

 

“Dr. Drake – would you like to meet your son?” The nurse set the blanket clad, minutes old newborn baby boy in Patrick’s arms.

 

Patrick couldn’t stop the tears when he saw his little boy in his arms. “He’s beautiful, he’s perfect.” He looked at the nurse. “And Robin?”

 

The nurse looked away. “Dr. Nord is still working on her. Why don’t you come with me and help me get your son cleaned up? Normally we don’t do that but since you are a doctor here I thought you might want to help.”

 

The three men watched the nurse carefully. Tom finally spoke. “Nurse Tyson – is Robin okay?”

 

“Sir, I really can’t say anything. I was sent out with the baby to get him cleaned up, draw his blood and get his shots. If Dr. Drake doesn’t want to come with me, I understand but I do need to do my job.”

 

Patrick kissed Josh’s forehead and then reluctantly handed him back to the nurse. “I appreciate the offer but I will see him after you do what you need to do. I know he is doing well so take care of him while I wait for word on my wife.”

 

He leaned down and gave John one last kiss. “Mommy and I will see you soon buddy.”

 

The nurse left and the three men began pacing the waiting room – the nurse’s refusal to comment on Robin’s condition had spoken volumes. Something had gone wrong. Minutes after Nurse Tyson left, Dr. Nord and Epiphany made an appearance. Patrick noticed them first and ran over to them. “How is she?”

 

“Let’s sit down.” Dr. Nord gestured to a couch but Patrick didn’t even move.

 

“No, I want to know what is going on with my wife.”

 

“Robin suffered a full abruption of the placenta. We were able to get the baby out and he appears to be perfectly healthy. Unfortunately, Robin began to bleed out.”

 

Mac put his arm around Patrick’s shoulder. “Is she…”

 

“No, but she isn’t out of the woods yet. She lost a lot of blood and started going into shock. We lost her for a few minutes but she fought her way back. We are monitoring her closely because she could develop DIC due to the abruption.”

 

Patrick and Mac both felt a sad sense of déjà vu – Robin had developed DIC following Emma’s birth and they had almost lost her. “Did you need to do a hysterectomy?”

 

“No. We are getting ready to move Robin to ICU and she will go into full isolation. I feel it is best considering her medical history.” Dr. Nord was erring on the side of caution. Robin’s HIV status made this a precarious situation.

 

“Is she in a coma?” Patrick stared Dr. Nord straight in the eyes, begging the doctor to give him some good news.

 

“It’s too soon to tell. We have to wait for the anesthesia to wear off before we can make that determination.” Dr. Nord put his hand on Patrick’s shoulder. “Patrick – I will do everything in my power to make sure Robin comes home to you and your children. Why don’t you go spend a little time with your son while we get Robin moved to her room? I’ll come see you in the nursery in a little while.”

 

Dr. Nord left the men and headed back to the OR. Patrick rubbed his eyes and looked at Mac. “Robin will kill me when she wakes up if I haven’t properly introduced you to your nephew. Let’s go spend a little time with the newest member of the family.”

 

Mac looked at Patrick. He knew Patrick was right and he also knew that this would pass the time while waiting for an update on Robin in a productive way. “Let’s go.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 58

 

Patrick held Joshua as he waited for Emma and Robin’s parent to arrive at the hospital. Mac was down in the lobby, ready to bring the group straight to the nursery so they could meet the latest addition to the family.

 

Joshua Malcolm Scorpio-Drake was sleeping contentedly in his father’s arms. 21 inches long and weighing in at 8lbs, 7oz, he was a healthy baby boy with dark brown hair and his father’s dimple. He had had his first bottle, burped and then had quickly fallen back to sleep, exhausted from his first few hours out of his mommy’s tummy.

 

“Daddy?” Emma was in the doorway, being held in her Uncle Mac’s arms. “Is that my brother?”

 

Patrick carried Josh out of the nursery and over to his sister. “Emma, meet the little boy who will be annoying you for the next 50 years.”

 

Emma looked down at the little boy nestled in her father’s arms. “He looks like me – he has mommy’s freckles.”

 

Patrick smiled at her as she leaned down and gave her baby brother a kiss. The smile quickly faded with Emma’s next questions. “Where’s mommy? Can I see her?”

 

Mac looked at Patrick and quickly answered for him. “She is sleeping right now – having your brother made her really tired.”

 

Emma’s little face fell at the news. “But I want to see her.”

 

“Me too baby, but she will wake up soon and then you can see her.” Patrick was trying to keep it together but he didn’t know how much longer he would be able to.

 

Mac decided it was time to step in and help out. “Why don’t you and I go have dinner to celebrate your new baby brother being here? Then we can go back to my house and watch movies so mommy and daddy can get some sleep. Sound good?”

 

“Can I get a bacon cheeseburger?” Mac nodded his head. “And a chocolate milkshake?”

 

“I think that we could definitely arrange that.” Mac smiled at her while watching Patrick closely. He needed to get Emma out of there before Patrick completely broke down. “Give everyone kisses and hugs and we will get going.”

 

Emma kissed her brother one more time and then gave all the adults kisses and hugs, saving her dad for last. She gave him two kisses. “The last one was for mommy – can you give it to her for me?”

 

Patrick took a deep breath, swallowing back his tears. “Of course I will baby. Go have fun with Uncle Mac.” He looked at Mac. “Thank you.”

 

“Just take care of her,” Mac looked down at Josh, “and him. We’ll call you later.”

 

Mac carried Emma down the hall and to the elevator. The three adults waited until the doors closed before Anna walked over and took Josh out of Patrick’s arms and handed him to Robert. She then wrapped her arms around her son-in-law and walked him over to a couch. Patrick collapsed into it.

 

Robert gently walked their grandson up and down the hall as Anna comforted the man. “Patrick, how is she?”

 

“I don’t know. They put her isolation…” he paused for a moment, “Epiphany said it was touch and go, they almost lost her.” Epiphany had stopped by to meet the latest member of the Scorpio-Drake clan and had told him exactly what had happened during the c-section – she felt he had a right to know.

 

“But they didn’t.” Patrick looked at Anna. “Our girl has survived so much and she hasn’t even seen her son yet. Trust me, she is not going anywhere, not for a long time. It’s like Mac said, she just needs a little sleep and she will be back to arguing with you in no time.”

 

She took his hand in his. “Robert and I are going to spend a little time with our grandson – you go and check on Robin.” Patrick looked at Robert and Anna could see he was torn about leaving the newborn – Joshua would not be allowed in isolation. “We’ll take care of him – go.”

 

Patrick sighed and, after giving Josh one last kiss, left the nursery and went to see his wife.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“He has your freckles and my dimple.” Patrick held Robin’s hand in his gloved ones as he told her about their son. “Epiphany said he let out a big scream when they got him out – probably pissed to be leaving you. He is definitely my son.”

 

Patrick waited for a response but none came. “Anyway, he is healthy and his first HIV test came back negative. We’ll do his protocol but the doctor sees no reason why he won’t remain that way.”

 

Patrick’s face mask caught his tears as he began to cry. “Come on Sunshine, you can’t give up now. We have survived so much, faked deaths, psycho stalkers, epidemics, kidnappings – you have got to stop doing that to me by the way, to get to here and you are not quitting on me now. I’m just playing by your rules. We agreed that walking out was acceptable, giving up was not. So don’t give up – not now.”

 

Patrick squeezed her hand and laid his covered head down on her bed, watching her closely. “I love you.”

 

“Love you too.” Robin’s soft voice was music to his ears.

 

“Hey, hey,” he sat up on the side of the bed and stroked her face, “welcome back.”

 

“Josh?”

 

“Healthy, happy and currently being spoiled by your parents.” Robin looked at him and he answered the question before she could ask it. “Negative.”

 

Robin let out a sigh of relief. “What happened?”

 

“Placental abruption but you are going to be okay now.” Robin touched his face mask as a look of disbelief crossed her face. “I swear – Dr. Nord is just being extra cautious. We are all going to be okay.”

 

Patrick pushed the call button. “I’m going to let the doctor examine you while I check on Josh.” It took all the self control he had to not rip off his mask and kiss her. Instead, he touched her face and then squeezed her hand. “Welcome back Adventure Girl.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 59

 

“She wasn’t supposed to deliver for another two weeks. What happened?” Marcus paced his office as he spoke with his contact.

 

“They called it a placental abruption.” He walked up to the hospital and waited before entering. “She almost didn’t make it – apparently she started bleeding out. From what I have been able to find out, she almost died on the table.”

 

“That bastard – he should have been watching her closer.” Marcus sighed and ran his hands through his hair. He sat down at his desk and started an e-mail to the fertility specialist while continuing his conversation. “How long until Robin is able to be released?”

 

“They moved her from isolation this morning but, because of the abruption, she is going to be spending a little longer than the usual time. Hopefully she and the baby will be released by the end of the week.” He looked around, making sure that no one was listening in to their conversation.

 

“The baby,” Marcus snorted in derision, “Drake’s precious son. How is he?”

 

“Perfect, HIV negative.”

 

“Okay – I’ll be in contact when I have finalized the next part of our plan.” Marcus hung up and the man took a deep breath before finally entering the building to start his shift.

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Gentlemen, I want to thank you for all your assistance in the past few days. Robin has been moved to a regular room here on labor and delivery and Josh was moved into the room with her so guarding the both of them should be easier. The nighttime guards are being pulled since the family is here at the hospital.” Jason looked at each of them as he was giving the men their instructions. The WSB had decided that the threat against Patrick and Robin wasn’t great enough to justify the use of guards anymore so he and Robert had taken matters into their own hands.

 

“Dennis, I want you and Kyle with Robin and Josh. Please post yourselves outside their room. If Robin needs to be taken anywhere for tests, I expect you to be there by her side, understood?” Robert had gotten their names from Frisco who had assured him that these were men he could trust. “Zack – you are Patrick’s guard, Ted – stay with Noah and Nick, you will stay with Emma. I imagine most of their time will be spent together but at least it will be here at the hospital for the next few days. Once we get them home we will revisit how the family is being guarded. Any questions?”

 

All of the men shook their heads. Jason gave them his best glare. “Good but let me make one thing clear – if anything happens to Robin or her family, you will have me to answer to.”

 

The men all nodded their heads in understanding and quickly dispersed to their assigned duties. Jason turned to Robert. “Are you sure we can trust them?”

 

Robert watched the men leave. “God I hope so.”

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Can I hold him Mommy?” Emma was sitting on the couch watching as her Grandma held Joshua in her arms.

 

Robin shook her head and laughed. “Let someone else have a few minutes with him sweetie. We’ll be heading home in a few days and you will be able to hold him whenever you want.”

 

Emma’s lower lip jutted out and Patrick sat down beside her. “Don’t pout – you know your mom is right.”

 

“I’m not pouting.” She leaned into her dad. “I just can’t wait until we get home. I’m sick of hospitals.”

 

“Well, your mom and I work here so you still have to come back and see us.” Patrick gave her a playful little shake.

 

Emma rolled her eyes. “I’m tired of mommy being sick in the hospital.”

 

Robin felt tears coming to her eyes. “But I wasn’t sick baby, I was having your brother.”

 

“But you got sick after you had him and Daddy wouldn’t let me see you.” Emma’s eyes filled with tears. “I just wanted to see you.”

 

“Patrick, could you please sit her on the bed?” Patrick picked up Emma and carefully set her down on Robin’s bed. Robin wrapped her arm around Emma. “Daddy didn’t stop you from seeing me, the doctor did and it was only for a little bit. I wasn’t awake and Daddy wanted to make sure I could see you and talk to you and,” she lightly tickled Emma’s side and the little girl laughed, “and tickle you. Believe me, I want to be home as much as you want me home. It is just few more days Emma, I promise.”

 

Emma hugged her mom. “Promise?”

 

Robin nodded as Mac walked in the door. “Hey guys, I was wondering if I could steal Emma away for a movie?”

 

“What do you say baby, want to go see a movie with Uncle Mac?” Robin said a silent thank you for Mac’s timing – she was about to cry and she didn’t want Emma to see her do it.

 

Emma leaped off the bed and ran to Mac. “Of course I do.” Moving quickly she gave her mom and dad kisses before jumping into Mac’s arms to say goodbye to her brother and Grandma Anna. “I love you.”

 

Emma left the room and Patrick quickly sat down by Robin as her tears fell. “Robin?”

 

“It’s not fair – I didn’t want this life for her.”

 

Patrick rubbed her shoulders. “What do you mean?”

 

Robin looked at him in disbelief. “What do I mean? Patrick, she is going to a movie with her uncle and a guard. She can’t go to school or dance class or the park or even to stay with a friend without someone constantly watching her. What kind of life is this for her?" The tears flowed down her cheeks as Patrick held her close. "She has seen so many terrible things and been through so much and I didn’t want that for her or you or Josh. It’s just not fair.”

 

Anna couldn’t help but cry along with her daughter. All of this was their fault – Marcus would have never even known about Robin if it weren’t for hers and Robert involvement with Grant Putnam. Not to mention the hell that the Cassadines and Jerry Jax had put their little girl through. She walked over and placed Josh in Robin’s arms then she leaned over and kissed Robin on the head. “You’re right – it’s not fair but I promise you that I am going to do everything in my power to end this nightmare. You and Patrick have created a wonder family and you deserve to live the rest of your lives in peace.”

 

“I wasn’t blaming you mom…”

 

“Oh sweetheart, I know you weren’t. I will be back later – just enjoy some time with your husband and this beautiful grandson of mine, okay?”

 

“Okay and mom, I love you.”

 

“I love you too.” Anna left the room and sat down in a chair in the hallway. Robin may not blame her but Anna certainly blamed herself. She took a moment to compose herself before she pulled out her phone and made a call. “We need to meet."

[cmahorror]

Chapter 60

 

Robin was in their living room, walking Josh around in a vain attempt to get him to fall asleep. She looked down at the wide-eyed, month old boy and shook her head. “You know, I appreciate the fact that you don’t cry a lot but I would really love for you to sleep for longer than two hours at a time.”

 

Josh just gave her a little yawn and continued staring at her. Robin decided to try a different tact. “You’ve had a bottle, you gave me a couple of good burps and your diaper is clean. It’s two in the morning and I swear you are not going to miss a thing if you close your eyes and go back to sleep.”

 

Josh decided he didn’t agree. He scrunched up his face and let out a healthy wail. “Oh Josh.” Robin quickly moved him from her arms up to her left shoulder and began patting his back. “Mommy didn’t mean to upset you, she promises.”

 

“Mommy?” Emma walked into the room rubbing her eyes. “Is Josh okay?”

 

Ever since they had come home from the hospital Emma had been keeping a close eye on her baby brother, making sure that every cry was attended to. “He’s fine baby, just doesn’t want to sleep.”

 

Patrick walked in right behind Emma and shook his head. “Someone is fighting sleep tonight, isn’t he?”

 

Robin nodded as Patrick went over to the computer and picked out a song. “Well, since we are all up, why don’t we have a dance?”

 

Patrick picked up Emma and walked over to Robin. Pulling her to his right side, the family began slowly swaying together while the song played.

 

Oh morning come bursting the clouds, Amen
Lift off this blindfold, let me see again
And bring back the water, let your ships roll in, in my heart, she left a hole

The tightrope that I'm walking just sways and ties
The devil, as he's talking, with those angel's eyes
And I just wanna be there when the lightning strikes
And the saints go marching in

 

 

Robin looked up at Patrick and smiled as she felt Josh go a little heavier against her, a sign that he was finally going back to sleep.

 

 

And sing slow it down
Through chaos as it swirls
It's us against the world

Like a river to a raindrop
I lost a friend
My drunken as a Daniel in a lion's den
And tonight I know it all has to begin again
So whatever you do, don't let go

 

And if we could float away,
Fly up to the surface and just start again
And lift off before trouble just erodes us in the rain
Just erodes us in the rain
Just erodes us and see roses in the rain

 

 

Robin nodded towards Emma and Patrick saw the little girl’s eyes were shut tight as her head laid on his shoulder.

 

 

Sing slow it down
Slow it down
Through chaos as it swirls,
It's us against the world

Through chaos as it swirls,
It's us against the world

 

 

“Good job Daddy.” Robin leaned her head back so Patrick could give her a kiss. “You put her to bed while I get our little man tucked away.”

 

Robin walked into the nursery and set her sleeping boy down in the crib, careful to make sure his projectable Cars night light was on and pointing at the ceiling above his crib. A gift from Grandpa Noah, it made Josh very happy. “He really does love that thing, doesn’t he?”

 

Robin smiled as she felt her husband’s arms wrap around her waist. “Of course he does – they are race cars after all." Robin sighed as she leaned back into Patrick and wrapped her arms around his. "He is so much like you.”

 

“I think as he gets older we will see quite a bit of you in him too.” Patrick kissed the top of her head and pulled her away from the crib. “But right now, Mommy needs some sleep. Come on, I’ll take the next shift – you get some rest. How does that sound?”

 

“That sounds wonderful.” Robin walked with Patrick back to their bedroom to hopefully get a few good hours of sleep. "Whatever did I do to deserve you? I am one lucky woman."

 

Patrick led her to the bed and made sure she was comfortable before joining her. He put the baby monitor on his side of the bed and then wrapped his arms back around Robin. "I'm the lucky one. Now go to sleep and dream of me."

 

Robin closed her eyes and smiled. "I always do."

 

Song: Us Against the World by Coldplay

[ulkis]

Soooo I actually did write a little bit of Anna/Dante a while ago and I'm sharing it today because, what the hell. My Dante might actually be sleazier than Ron's here, since he's sleeping around on Lulu, but let's pretend there was some good reason for it, besides the fact that Anna is really hot. It's just a vignette, and a snapshot, it's not a complete story. PG rated. Like "I just threw it in there because I suck at writing anything physical it but they're supposed to be having an affair so I gotta stick something in there" rated.

 

"This is mad," said Anna.

 

Dante didn't respond, but kept kissing her down the length of her neck.

 

Lulu, she thought. Think of Lulu. Think of Luke, of what he would say if he knew what she was doing right now. Laura. Dante's son.

 

But her thoughts kept going back to Dante's scent, the feel of his hair against her hands, his warmth, the way his fingers rubbed delicately on her spine. She gave into selfishness.

 

*

 

Afterwards, Dante didn't say anything, and neither did she. They lay back and stared at the ceiling. Finally she felt she must say something. "Aren't you going to say anything?" Well, it was only fair she thought. Why should she have to bear the burden of awkward conversation all by herself? And then she felt angry at herself. Conversation with Dante have never been awkward. He was one of the most easy going men she had ever met, and was able to draw anyone into a conversation.

 

Dante shrugged. "What's there to say?"

 

"It's usually hard to ever get you to shut up," said Anna.

 

"I never talk when I'm focused." He smiled.

 

"You're a smug bastard," Anna said.

 

"Sometimes, yeah," admitted Dante. "Not that I should be now."

 

"I liked it," Anna said gently.

 

"I'm glad," said Dante. "But that's not what I meant. I meant - oh, there's no point in talking about it, like I said."

 

He propped himself up on his elbow and looked down at her.

 

"Did you really like it?"

 

She laughed. "This is not the first time we've slept together. I don't usually keep doing things I hate." She paused. "Usually. I admit

I've had a tendency for self-punishment once in a while." She paused. "I wore a fake scar over my eye once."

 

Dante laughed. "A fake scar? What? Like a scarlet A?"

 

"Yeah, I guess so, something like that."

 

"Were people supposed to know what this scar meant?"

 

"No, I don't think they could tell," said Anna.

 

"That kinda defeats the purpose, doesn't it? If they couldn't tell what your crime was?"

 

"I wanted them to recoil from me. They didn't have to know."

 

"How ugly was this scar? Because I have to tell you, it would have be really damn hideous to mess up your face."

 

"Well . . . "

 

"Like, fucking oozing pus."

 

Anna laughed. "I guess I could have tried harder. Thinking about it, it really wasn't all that bad."

 

"I knew it," said Dante.

 

"So tell me," she said, "why are you punishing yourself with these tattoos? Did you . . . kill a bull of somesort?"

 

"This bull is fucking sexy," said Dante. His hand slipped under the blanket. She felt his fingers slowly tracing down to her navel.

 

"It's fucking ugly as sin is what it is," disagreed Anna. "Don't try to distract me from it."

 

"Is it working?" Dante whispered.

 

"A little," Anna admitted. "Still . . . . " she gasped lightly. "I'm making it a new rule, all bull tattoos must be removed."

 

"You're okay with my tramp stamp?"

 

"At least that's hidden under your shirt." She rubbed his back where said tattoo was. "Usually."

 

"The guys at the station give me shit about it all the time," said Dante.

 

"Just the guys?" Anna raised her eyebrow.

 

"Well, okay, everyone."

 

Anna laughed softly.

 

"The guys would definitely stop giving me shit if they knew what we were doing right now," said Dante. "They'd all be dying of jealousy."

 

"Excuse me?" Anna said.

 

"I mean . . . uh . . . " Dante rubbed the back of his neck. "It's not like we're graphic."

 

"It's nice to know you all respect me," said Anna. She crossed her arms, a bit peeved.

 

"Oh come one, no one's said "oh I wanna fuck the commissioner,"" said Dante. "We're just like, damn, Anna's a good-looking woman. And damned competent, intelligent, and skilled. It all adds to the package."

 

"Package?" she said acerbicly.

 

"I mean, uh, not package . . . overall . . . picture?"

 

"You're hopeless," said Anna.

 

"Hey, I'm just a lowly detective, not a trained superspy," Dante protested.

 

"A humble horny cop. You and the rest of that lot," said Anna.

 

"Anna, if anyone disrespected you we'd kick his ass on the street so fast," said Dante. "Hell, you don't need us to do it."

 

"No, I don't," said Anna. She tweaked his nose. "Don't forget it." She got up out of bed to take a shower.

 

end

[cmahorror]

Chapter 61

 

Robin entered the hospital daycare and was immediately greeted by the director, Miss Chase. “Dr. Scorpio-Drake – what a nice surprise. I didn’t think we’d see you again until after your shift.”

 

Robin put on a brave face and smiled at the woman. “I was just, uh, I was missing Josh. Is he sleeping?”

 

“Actually, we had lunch and just finished tummy time so I am sure he’s ready for a little time with mommy. Come on, I’ll take you to him.” Miss Chase stood up and led Robin into the infants room where Josh was just finished getting his diaper changed.

 

Robin walked over to the changing table and gazed down at her four month old little boy. He had her eyes but everything else was pure Patrick including his hair and the Drake dimple. Josh heard her approach and he instantly smiled at his mom. Robin picked him up and laid him against her chest, kissing the top of his head. “Oh, you have no idea how much mommy needed that.”

 

Robin sat down in the rocking chair and began to rock while Josh closed his eyes and slowly drifted off to sleep. They were still sitting there 10 minutes later when Patrick came in and found them. “I thought I mind find you here.”

 

“Yeah, I just needed some time with my little man.” Tears were in Robin’s eyes. “He makes almost anything better.”

 

Patrick knelt down next to her and gently rubbed her arms. “It’s not your fault Robin. You did everything you could.”

 

Robin nodded. “I know but he was so young.” Just an hour ago Robin had lost a 9 year old little boy, Matthew Pope, to an inoperable brain tumor. She had hoped to buy him a little more time to at least get him to his 10th birthday but her treatment hadn’t worked. “I should have done more.”

 

Patrick stood up and took a sleeping Josh from her hands. He placed their son in his crib and then pulled Robin into his arms. “You did everything you could for him. The tumor was inoperable and you gave him months he wouldn't have had without your treatments."

 

They stood there together for a minute before Patrick spoke again. "Come with me.” Robin let Patrick lead her out of the daycare and up to the roof. He then took her in his arms and held her close. “Let it out Robin.”

 

Robin finally broke down, releasing every tear she had been holding back. Patrick slowly sat down with her and rubbed her back. He didn’t say a word, there were nothing he could say, so he just let her cry.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Go home Robin.” Patrick led Robin back to her office and picked up her purse.

 

“We have surgery in an hour…” Robin started to head to her desk but Patrick stopped her.

 

“Robin,” Patrick took her face in his hands, “I love you and I love having you in the OR with me but you have had a rough day and I think you need a little time to yourself before Emma comes home. Go home, take a bath and then a nap. I’ll get Josh from the daycare after surgery and have Mac get Emma from school. I’ll even stop and get some Chinese food so you don’t have to cook. Sound like a plan?”

 

Robin sighed in resignation. The truth of the matter was that she was completely wiped out from losing Matthew and she could use a little time to herself to deal with it. “You know what, maybe you’re right, maybe it would be a good idea if I left for the day. I’ll take my laptop and do a little research…”

 

Patrick stopped her from picking up the computer and gently led her to the door. “No, no research, nothing work related. Just take a little time to yourself.” They walked out the door and Patrick handed her over to Dennis. “Robin is heading home early today – can you make sure she gets there safely?”

 

“Of course.” Dennis looked at Robin. “Are you ready to leave?”

 

“Yes Dennis, thank you.” Robin leaned up and kissed Patrick before she left. “I love you.”

 

“I love you too. I’ll see you at home.” Patrick watched Robin and her guard get on the elevator before picking up the phone and calling Mac. “Hey, I need a favor…”

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Thank you Dennis – I appreciate you making this stop for me. Just wait in the car, I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Robin got out of the car and walked over to the bridge.

 

She moved slowly to the center of Stone’s bridge and stood looking out over the city. “It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Sorry about that, we have been really busy. I have a little boy now – his name is Josh and he is perfect, just like his sister. He's four months old and growing so fast. And Patrick, so kind and loving. I am still so in love with him and he loves me. I am just so blessed in so many ways I never could have imagined when I was...”

 

The tears fell as Robin continued to speak to Stone. “So why I am crying? I lost a patient today, a little boy. He was so sweet and beautiful. He had the most wonderful smile and this infectious laugh that he never lost, even when the pain had to be terrible. He called me Dr. Robin. He told me,” Robin stopped for a moment, choked by her tears, “he told me that it was okay. That he knew he was going to a better place and he was going to get to see his grandpa again. He was 3 days from turning 10 years old. All I wanted was to at least help him see his 10th birthday.”

 

Robin wiped the tears away and took a deep breath. “It’s not fair! Why do sweet, kind children have to die while monsters like Faison and Obrecht and Marcus get to live? It just doesn’t make sense.”

 

Leaning against the side, Robin slid down and let the tears flow once more. It took quite a while, almost 15 minutes, but she finally cried herself out. She looked up at the sky and smiled. “I guess I just wanted to ask you to please look out for him, help him find his grandpa. Please take care of him for me.”

 

Robin walked back over to the car and took one last look at the bridge before getting in.

[ulkis]

parody. warning, it's pretty weird. Bryan Craig is my muse:

"Hey, Kiki's dad, what's up?" asked Morgan, sitting beside him.

"Eating lunch," said Dr. Clay.

"Mmm man sounds delicioso, can I have some?" asked Morgan, taking a spoonful of the concoction. "That's amazing," he said. "What is it?"

"You remember Kiki's cousin Rafe?" asked Silas.

"Not really, but okay," said Morgan.

"He died and I'm eating him," explained Silas.

"Oh. Whoa. Isn't that kind of fucked up man?" said Morgan.

"Eh, he was homeless," said Silas.

Morgan nodded. "Yeah, okay, I guess it's okay then, right? It's not like anybody misses homeless people." He took another bite.

"Also there's some of his hamster in it," continued Silas.

Morgan spit out what he was chewing.

"His hamster????!!!!"

"Yeah," confirmed Silas. "I think it gives it that special something."

"No it doesn't, you freak!!!" cried Morgan. "How dare you, Kiki's father! That hamster was an AMERICAN!"

"No he wasn't," said Silas. "He was from Canada. The store imported them from there."

"Yeah, and that's in America!!!" retorted Morgan. "He felt the sweet green American grass . . . under his feet . . . " Morgan laid down his head and cried.

"Hey, I never asked you to eat it in the first place," said Silas.

*

Edited July 9, 2015 by ulkis

[cmahorror]

Chapter 62

 

Patrick walked up to his house with his guard, Zack and smiled at Dennis standing at the front door. “How is she doing?”

 

“I think okay.” Dennis stepped down from his post and Zack quickly took his place. “She wanted to go to a bridge for a little while and she seemed better after that. I hope it was okay?”

 

Patrick sighed. He knew Robin went to talk to Stone from time to time. It used to bother him until he realized that what she was doing really was venting her feelings in a safe place. Sure, she felt close to Stone there but it wasn’t about shutting Patrick out – she loved Patrick with all her heart and he had no doubts about it. “If that made her feel better, that is all that matters. Go enjoy your night and we will see you in the morning.”

 

“Good night Patrick.” Dennis headed for his car and Patrick headed into the house, leaving Zack outside to stand guard.

 

“Robin?” Patrick spoke softly, not wanting to wake her up if she was sleeping. He went up the stairs and to their bedroom where Robin was sleeping on their bed. He took in the sight for a moment before climbing into the bed with her and wrapping his arms around her. Moments later, he joined her in a nap.

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Robin woke up her favorite way, in Patrick’s arms. Feeling him breathing on her neck, she carefully turned around in his arms and kissed him. She smirked as Patrick’s eyes opened and he smiled at her. “Welcome home. When did you get here?

 

Patrick raised his head a little bit off the pillow and looked at the clock by her side of the bed. He laid his head back down on the pillow and yawned. “About an hour ago, the patient started running a fever so surgery was postponed.”

 

Robin gave him another kiss. “Is Josh sleeping?”

 

“Josh is with your Uncle Mac. He is going to pick up Emma from school and they are staying the night.” Patrick began to slowly run his hands up and down Robin’s back. “We needed some time to ourselves. We haven’t been alone since Josh was born and we both had a rough week at work.”

 

Robin pouted. “You could have talked to me about it.”

 

“Then it wouldn’t have been a surprise.” Patrick kissed her forehead. “We are both off tomorrow so I thought we might take the kids to the zoo.” Patrick kissed her cheek. “I love our kids but it is okay if we have some time to ourselves.” He went in for the kill and kissed that spot on her neck that drove her crazy.

 

Robin moaned in response to his lingering kiss. He knew what that did to her. “I guess one night wouldn’t be bad.” She ran her hands up his back and to his hair, pulling him closer to her as he continued to kiss her neck. “You’ll just have to keep me busy so I don’t worry too much.”

 

Patrick lifted his head and gave her a look full of lust. His hand slid to the buttons on her shirt and he slowly began unbuttoning it. He kissed her newly uncovered flesh as he undid each button. “I think that can be arranged.”

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“So, what’s for supper?” Robin was lying in Patrick’s arms, recovering from their latest escapade. “I’m starving.”

 

“Starving, huh? Any particular reason why?” Patrick began to tickle Robin’s side and she laughed out loud.

 

“Stop it.” She managed to get the words out in between laughs. “Fine – you helped me work up an appetite.” She was still laughing as she turned around and faced him. “So go all caveman and feed your woman.”

 

Robin got out of the bed and headed to the bathroom, slipping on one of Patrick’s t-shirts on the way. “Chinese?”

 

“I could definitely go for some Schezuan Beef and pot stickers. Fried or boiled?” Patrick was already pulling out his phone and dialing the number for Mr. Changs.

 

“Fried of course.” Robin was yelling out to him from the bathroom. She listened to him as he placed the order. “How long?”

 

“30 minutes.” Patrick got out of the bed and walked over to her, pulling on his pants as he crossed the room. “We could work up even more of an appetite…”

 

Robin shook her head. “I think I deserve more than a measly 30 minutes – don’t you?”

 

Patrick smiled at her. “Of course you do but…”

 

“And our children are gone until tomorrow morning, correct?”

 

“Yes, but…” Patrick stuck out his lower lip.

 

“Then I want a little more sustenance before we continue our night.” Robin got up on her tiptoes and kissed Patrick. “Now let’s go downstairs and pick out some wine to have with supper.”

 

Robin headed to the bedroom door but Patrick grabbed her and pulled her into his arms. He picked her up and she instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist as he began kissing her. “You know it only takes a minute to pick out the wine and,” he began kissing her neck, enjoying the moan of pleasure that came from her as he began his seduction, “we can eat out of the cartons so no dishes need to be set out.”

 

Robin’s legs tightened around her husband’s waist as he turned her around and carried her to the bed. “I guess that’s true.”

 

Patrick set her down on the bed and slowly laid down on top of her. “Besides, I want an appetizer before the food comes.”

 

Before Robin could say another word, Patrick’s mouth landed on hers, telling her exactly what he wanted before dinner.

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“You are terrible.” Robin shook her head laughing as she got dressed for the second time in almost 30 minutes. This time she added a pair of shorts to her outfit. “I cannot believe you talked me into that.”

 

“You didn’t need that much convincing Robin.” Patrick got off the bed and walked over to his wife. He pulled her hair off her neck and gave her a quick kiss. “But we do need to get downstairs – I’m surprised the food isn’t here yet.”

 

He picked Robin up and smiled. “Let’s go.”

 

Robin couldn’t help but laugh as Patrick carried her down the stairs. They reached the bottom of the stairs and headed into the living room. Suddenly Patrick stopped, carefully lowered Robin to the floor and pushed her behind his back. “What the hell are you doing here!?”

 

Marcus sat on the couch, Chinese food spread across the coffee table. “Eating supper.”

 

Patrick heard Robin gasp and felt her push into him. He turned around to see Zack standing there with a gun in his hand. “Dr. Banks would like you to join him.”

 

Patrick took Robin’s hand and led her over to the chair. He sat down and pulled Robin into his lap, holding her close. Standing in the doorway to the kitchen was a man he had never seen before with another gun pointed at them. “What do you want?”

 

Marcus glared at Patrick. “It’s rude to discuss business at dinner. Let’s eat and then we can discuss why I am here.” Marcus picked up a carton off the table and, smiling at Robin, offered her the container. “Pot sticker?”

[ulkis]

Maxie and Dante fic (platonic!) Slight spoiler for something related to Sonny and Carly in the fic

 

*

 

"Okay, well do you want me to come over there?" asked Maxie.

 

Lulu blubbered something about being with her mom, but she would call her later.

 

"Okay," said Maxie. "I love you. Call me up anytime at all if you need me, if you need me to come over in the middle of the night, you know all you need to do is text me and I'll be right over there."

 

Lulu thanked her and hung up.

 

Maxie stared out into space for a while. This was like a weird, bad dream. She needed to do something. Yelling at Dante and screaming at him and asking him what the hell possessed him seemed like a good idea. She grabbed her purse. Nathan looked at her. "Where are you going?"

 

"Lulu and Dante's," said Maxie. "I have to go talk to Dante."

 

"I'll go with you," he said, getting up.

 

"Oh, I'm not gonna hurt him," said Maxie.

 

"I'll go with you anyway." He grabbed his keys.

 

*

 

Maxie gave a couple of knocks, and Nathan shouted that it was them through the door. After a few moments, she tried the knob, and luckily it was open. "Holy shit," she heard Nathan mumble behind her as she opened the door.

 

Everything was pretty much in ruins. Glass shattered, fabric torn up, even the dresser looked dented. She spotted Dante sitting on the floor, against the kitchen counter, his head in his hands. "Maybe you want to go get a garbage bag?" whispered Maxie to Nathan, gesturing for him to do so. He nodded and left.

 

Maxie went in and closed the door, and then went to sit next to Dante on the floor. She pulled her knees up to her chest and hugged her arms around them. "Hey," she said.

 

Dante picked his head up, said, "hey", and stared straight ahead.

 

Maxie leaned over and kissed his cheek, and then gave him a quick hug, ended before he could recoil.

 

"Why . . . why are you being nice to me?" Dante asked hoarsely. "You should go be with Lulu."

 

"She's with her mom," informed Maxie. "And I did come here to be mean to you. Or at least I think that's what it was. I didn't know what I wanted to do. I wanted to know why, really. And then I came in and then I realized who am I to yell at you, really? And you're my friend too, and I love you."

 

"You know, I thought I knew why," said Dante. "But now . . . I have no idea what to think. She accused me of just convincing myself that she was cheating so I could screw Valerie like I always wanted to. And I could have sworn that I was so sure she was screwing around on me, but maybe it was all just a trick I was playing on myself. I don't know! I don't know anything anymore. All I know is I feel like I want to die, but I can't, because I have a kid and I have to keep going for his sake."

 

Maxie put her hand on top of his. "She's gonna forgive you."

 

Dante smiled grimly, in obvious derision of the statement.

 

"If she can forgive me, she can forgive you," said Maxie. "What I did was way worse. And plus, I bet that bitch did all she could to encourage you."

 

"Maxie, don't! Don't! It was all me. Valerie didn't put me under a magic spell." He swallowed. "If anything, I may have wronged her just as much as I did Lulu. I told her we had a connection, to get her into bed. Yes!" He turned to her and started laughing. "That's me, that's your friend. I knew that girl had a crush and I took advantage of it because I wanted to hurt my wife. Or at least, I thought I did. Maybe I just wanted her that badly."

 

Maxie scoffed. "She's not that good-looking. You should have talked to Lulu first, and definitely should have kept in your pants. But look, I believe you that you thought something was going on. I thought her and Dillon coming back together from a trip seemed a little fishy, and I'm not a jealous husband."

 

"I should have known I had no reason to be jealous," said Dante. "I'm an idiot, and a pig." Maxie didn't respond, knowing it wouldn't do much good.

 

"The worst part is," he continued, "I'm still angry with her. I have no right to be angry and I still am."

 

"That's human," said Maxie. "You can't how you feel. She shouldn't've left with Dillon and lied about it."

 

"You know, I think that fixed it," said Dante after a few moments. "I don't feel mad anymore. Hearing Sonny say it, Michael, I know they're on my side. But you're on her side. And if you say it, then I know I wasn't unreasonable for feeling that way."

 

"No," agreed Maxie. "But you still should have kept it in your pants."

 

"Yeah," said Dante glumly. "You know . . . I was attracted to Valerie. At least now I know giving in to your attraction to someone is just. not. worth it."

 

Maxie gave a little huff. "You didn't need to have sex with Valerie to know that. You could have just asked me. Remember me and Franco?"

 

Dante made a face. "No. I block it out."

 

"He was hotter back then."

 

"Ugh," muttered Dante.

 

"And hey, me and Spinelli got back together after that," said Maxie.

 

Dante looked at her. "Maxie, you two aren't actually together anymore!"

 

"Yes, I am with Nathan now, but I broke up with him to be with Spinelli, and Nathan and I are still together despite that," she countered.

 

"I really, really don't know if this makes me feel any better," complained Dante.

 

"And hey!" added Maxie. "I hear Sonny and Carly are getting married again. Fifth time's the charm!"

 

"Oh, God!" said Dante. "Don't remind me about that. Why do they all have to drag us into that and make us get suits? I can't go now, I just can't. Even if I could stand to watch anyone get married right now, it's such a waste of all our money. No one has any right to drag people to a fifth wedding."

 

"To be fair, I think one or two of them were private ceremonies," said Maxie, giggling. She couldn't help but laugh at Dante's rant.

 

"This one should be too! Carly's being ridiculous. She just set up some sham of a wedding last year. Less than a year ago!!"

 

"Hey, it helps me out," Maxie said. "Carly's asked me to help plan again."

 

"Oh, right," remembered Dante. "Your job," he said, making quotation marks with his fingers when he said "job".

 

"Hey!" She hit him on the arm. "Shut up." She looked at him. "Is that a smile I see?"

 

"Shut up," said Dante.

 

"It's gonna be okay Dante," she said quietly. She laid her head on his shoulder. "You'll see."

 

"Hm," was all Dante deigned to respond.

 

There was a knock on the door.

 

"That's Nathan with a garbage bag," said Maxie. "We're gonna help you clean up."

 

"Oh, no, really Maxie, that's okay," Dante reassured. He sighed. "I just . . . I just wanna sit in garbage all night."

 

"Well, I don't want you to," she said as Nathan came in. "And neither does Nathan. Come on." She held out her hand to held him get up.

 

He hesitated for a moment, and then took it.

 

*

Edited July 11, 2015 by ulkis

[cmahorror]

Chapter 63

 

“Robin, are you sure you don’t want anything to eat?” Marcus gently wiped his face with a napkin and smiled at her. “There is a ton of food here.”

 

“I lost my appetite when I saw you sitting in my home.” Robin had stayed in Patrick’s arms the entire time Marcus was eating their supper.

 

“And you Dr. Drake?” Marcus looked at Patrick and was greeted with a menacing glare. “Too bad – I thought you might want to enjoy one last meal together.”

 

“What the hell are you talking about – you are not kidnapping her again.” Patrick pulled Robin in even closer to him.

 

“Who said anything about kidnapping Robin? I know I certainly didn’t.” Marcus stood up and began walking around the room. “No, I am here with what my dear friend Jerry Jax calls options for you.”

 

Marcus stopped walking and took a spot at the opposite end of the coffee table from Patrick and Robin. He looked at the couple. “Dr. Drake, you are responsible for my father’s death.”

 

“No he’s not!” Robin’s response was immediate. “Your father knocked me unconscious and Patrick pushed Grant away so he could take care of me. It was an accident so if you want to blame anyone, blame me for running off in the first place.”

 

“Robin, Robin, Robin.” Marcus picked up his drink off of the table and gently ran his fingers around the rim. “Patrick pushed him over the bluff, not you. Anyway I believe in an eye for an eye but, like I said, I will give you several options to choose from: Option one, Patrick comes with me back to the Adirondacks and I do to him what he did to my father.”

 

Robin stood up. “No!”

 

Marcus watched as Patrick stood up behind his wife and wrapped himself around her. “Very well – option two is that I collect little Joshua and raise him myself.”

 

“You stay the hell away from our son.” Marcus could practically feel the venom from Patrick’s words hit him as they flew from the man's mouth.

 

“Which leads me to option three, Robin leaves here willingly with me tonight and we start a new family far away from you, Dr. Drake, and your children.” Marcus smiled.

 

Robin closed her eyes as Patrick locked his arms around her. After a minute she opened them and glared at Marcus. “You bastard.”

 

Marcus walked back to the couch and sat down. “So, which bag is getting packed tonight Robin – yours or little Josh’s?” He picked up his tablet from off the table and turned it on. “And before you answer, let me show you something.”

 

Marcus slid the tablet over to the couple and Robin picked it up with her now shaking hands. There on the screen she saw Mac’s living room and saw their children there with Mac and Felicia. Emma and Felicia were playing a game while Mac fed Josh. Robin looked at Marcus, a mixture of hurt and anger filling her face. “I hate you.”

 

“I take it I have my answer.” Marcus nodded at Zack who walked quietly up behind the couple.

 

Robin sighed in resignation – she really had no choice and Marcus knew it. “I’ll go with you.”

 

“Robin – no…” Patrick started to protest but his protest was cut off by a blow to the head from Zack’s gun.

 

“Patrick!” Robin dropped down to the floor to check on her husband but was pulled away by the other gentleman in the room. He held Robin tight in his arms as Marcus approached her. “You didn’t have to do that.”

 

Marcus gently took Robin’s face in his hands. “Maybe not but we do need time to get away and this will give us that time. Zack, go pack Robin’s things. Dax,” Marcus looked up at the man restraining Robin, “prepare Robin for our trip.”

 

Robin began struggling but she was no match for the tall, muscular man holding her. She saw Marcus hand him a needle and began begging. “I already told you I would go with you – you don’t need to do that.”

 

“Yes, I do.” Marcus smiled as Dax plunged the needle into her arm and Robin passed out.

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Are you sure it’s okay if we stop by like this?” Sam sat in the passenger seat of their car as they drove to Patrick and Robin’s place.

 

“Of course it is – Robin is going to be thrilled to find out we are having another baby and if anyone should get to share in this moment it’s her.” Jason reached over and took Sam’s hand in his. “We wouldn’t even be having a baby if she hadn’t saved me.”

 

Sam smiled at him and squeezed his hand as they pulled into the driveway. They both got out of the car and were headed to the front door when Jason stopped. Sam looked up at him, concerned. “What is it?”

 

“Where is the guard?” Jason stepped forward and looked around. “Go back to the car and call Dennis – see who is supposed to be on duty tonight.”

 

Sam dashed off to the car as Jason carefully made his way to the front door. He looked in the side window and saw Patrick lying on the floor. “Sam! Call 911 and get an ambulance here. Then call Mac and see if the kids are with him.”

 

Jason tried the door but it was locked so he grabbed a rock and smashed in one of the side windows. Move quickly, he reached in, unlocked the door and ran to the unresponsive man. “Patrick!”

 

Sam came running in the door. “Patrick! Jason, what happened?”

 

“I don’t know.” He saw blood coming from a wound on the left side of Patrick’s head. “What did they say?”

 

“Dennis said Zack was supposed to be on duty - he is on his way over. As for Mac, the kids are with him. Luckily, Nathan and Maxie were visiting them so he put Nathan on guard duty and is headed over too.” Sam looked at Jason. “Jason, where’s Robin?”

 

“Oh my God – Robin!” Jason ran up the stairs and searched every room, desperately looking for Patrick’s wife. He got to the master bedroom. The closet and dresser drawers were open and clothes were thrown about the room, like someone had packed in a hurry. He checked the bathroom and his heart dropped into his stomach. All of Robin's medications were missing.

 

Jason ran back down the stairs and looked at Sam. “She’s gone.”

[Badsamaritan]

Could some write a JaSam love story, from them discovering the lies together: Sam & Danny moving into the Q mansion; Jakeson getting both sets of memories back (and telling RnA about Robin); coming to the mansion to spend time with Danny, Michael, and Monica, and falling for Sam as they help the family get ELQ back & deal with Niz. Oh and lil Jake turns out to be Lucky's at some point! ;-) And I'd like to see the Qs and their extended families (Sabrina, Paul, Alexis, Julian, Lucas, etc) mixing it up at the manse, please and thank you. :-)

[cmahorror]

Chapter 64

 

“Ugh.” Robin slowly opened her eyes and yawned. She sat up and ran her fingers through her hair before finally looking around at her room. She did a stretch with her arms and pulled herself out of her bed so she could figure out where she was this time. She walked over to the window and shook her head. “We are definitely not in Laos.”

 

“No, we’re not.” Robin turned to see Marcus standing in the doorway with a tray of food. “We are in Switzerland – Bellinzona to be exact.”

 

He brought the tray over to a small table in the middle of the room while Robin looked out the door. Two guards were posted outside of it and the bulges in the back of their coats made it clear that they were fully armed. She considered her options, walked over the table and picked up a banana and a glass of juice from the tray. “Where are my pills?”

 

“In the bathroom.” He pointed to a door on the other side of the room. Marcus noticed that there was no emotion behind the question at all. No fear or anger, nothing at all.

 

Robin didn’t say anything else – she just turned around and headed in the direction Marcus had pointed. Five minutes later she came out of the bathroom with a banana peel and a glass full of water. She set the peel and water on the tray and then went back over to the window and stared out at the skyline.

 

Marcus watched her curiously, unsure of what was going on in the brilliant mind of hers. He stood and walked up behind her. He took his hand and pulled Robin’s hair off her shoulder, leaned down and gave her a soft kiss on the neck. The same move that had given her shivers of pleasures when Patrick had done it just hours before now filled her with revulsion but still she said nothing.

 

Marcus took it as a sign that he could go a little further so he put his arms around her and pulled her close. “Aren’t you going to ask me why we are in Switzerland?”

 

“It doesn’t matter why.” Robin continued to barely acknowledge him.

 

“Of course it matters.” He kissed the back of her head and Robin finally gave him a reaction. She took her hands and tried to pull his arms off of her. That move only caused Marcus to tighten his grip. “Why would you think it doesn’t matter?”

 

“Because I won’t be here long enough for you to do whatever it is you are planning. Do you know how many times I have been kidnapped over the years?” Robin refused to let him believe for one moment that she was scared. “Every time it ends up the same – I go home to my family and this time will not be any different.”

 

“Robin, I didn’t kidnap you – you chose to come with me.”

 

Robin snorted in disbelief. “You didn’t give me a choice and you know it. I will always sacrifice myself to save the ones I love.”

 

“Do whatever you need to do to assuage your guilt but we both know that you made a conscious decision to leave with me last night.” He kissed her head one last time. “Now I need to go make arrangements. The doctor will be here in a few days to begin your shots and then we get ready for the procedure.”

 

“What procedure?” Robin finally turned around to face him, still not showing a single emotion.

 

Marcus shook his head. “We agreed to start a family Robin. I love you but we need to be safe about it. We will start your hormone shots and then, in a month, we will start the AI procedure.”

 

Robin couldn’t hide her emotions any longer. “No! I will never have your child.”

 

“You agreed to start a family with me.” Marcus reached up and gently cupped her cheek in his hand. “If you go back on our agreement then maybe I will need to bring Emma and Josh here to stay with us after all.”

 

Robin knocked his hand away from her face. “You stay the hell away from my family.”

 

“Then we’re in agreement.” Marcus turned around and headed to the door. “We are going to stay here for the entire pregnancy. The good news is that we will be here for the opera festival in July. Right now you need to rest. I will see you at lunch.”

 

Marcus left, securing the door behind him. Robin walked back over to the window and stared out it for a little longer. One month. It wasn’t a lot of time but it would be enough. It had to be.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“How is he?” Anna walked into Patrick’s hospital room and spoke with the woman sitting by his side.

 

“They are just waiting for him to wake up.” Sam had volunteered to stay with Patrick while Jason, Mac and Dennis began working on finding Robin. “Dr. Marucci said that the surgery was a success so it is just a matter of time.”

 

Patrick had not regained consciousness since she and Jason had found him the night before. Marucci had found a small brain bleed and inserted a shunt to help relieve the pressure. Hopefully, he would awaken soon. “Any word on Robin?”

 

Anna shook her head as she stared at her son-in-law. “Not yet but soon. I have a man on the inside and I am certain he will be able to contact us soon to let us know where Marcus dragged her off to. Until then we are following every lead we can find.”

 

“A man on the inside – who?”

 

“The son of an old friend of the family – Connor Olivera. His father, Sean Donnelly, is one of Robin’s godfathers.” Anna could sense Sam’s confusion so she explained. “I knew that Marcus wasn’t done with Robin yet so I called Sean and told him what was going on. He talked to Connor, who volunteered to go undercover and plant himself in Marcus’s organization. Connor will let us know where she is and will assist on getting her away from that man.”

 

“Why not just stop him from taking her? I mean you have this man on the inside – why didn’t you just kill Marcus and end this?” Sam stood up and glared at Anna. “How could you leave your own daughter in the line of fire?”

 

“That wasn’t the plan – Connor was supposed to keep Marcus away from Robin while we worked on getting everything set up for his capture. Marcus was so well protected in Laos that we had no hope of getting to him there. We needed to wait until Marcus came back to the States so we could grab him.” Anna sighed and walked over to Patrick, picking up his hand and holding it. “Unfortunately, we didn’t hear from Connor until they had already left Port Charles. He couldn’t risk blowing his cover. Zack had let Marcus know that the kids would be gone last night. Marcus grabbed a handful of men and took off without saying a word.”

 

“So did they head back to Laos?”

 

“No, Connor wasn’t with the group that grabbed Robin so he has no idea where she is being held but he is working on it. He is still in Laos at the moment but he was told an hour ago that they were being moved to a new location to assist in protecting Marcus’s fiancée. As soon as he lands he will let us know where they are.” Anna trusted Connor to help them bring Robin home.

 

Sam looked at Patrick and then back at Anna. “Emma and Josh?”

 

“They are on vacation with Grandpa Noah – turns out he is quite the fisherman. Emma knows something is wrong but…” Anna’s eyes briefly filled with tears but she quickly blinked them back. “Anyway, they are well guarded and Felicia joined them to help with Josh. I promise you, they are very well protected.”

 

“Good.” Sam sat back down by Patrick’s bed. “I’ll stay with him – go find your daughter.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 65

 

Anna opened up the door to Mac’s house and stood in the doorway, watching the gathering of men as they went over every piece of evidence they had collected on Marcus. She was just about to join them when her phone buzzed and she opened a text message from Connor. Smiling, she walked over and interrupted the men. “We found her!”

 

Six heads turned to look at her in surprise. Robert, Jason, Mac, Dante, Nathan and Lucky had been so into their research that they hadn’t even heard the door open. Mac swallowed hard and then finally spoke for the group. “Are you sure Anna?”

 

Anna nodded. “Connor just texted me. He said they were flown to Bellinzona, Switzerland to protect Marcus’s fiancée.”

 

“Why Switzerland?” Nathan was confused by where Marcus took her.

 

“The fertility specialist.” Everyone turned to look at Lucky as he continued speaking. “Marcus was exchanging e-mails with a fertility doctor in Switzerland about Robin. He is planning to go ahead with his plan to have a child with her.”

 

Robert looked at Anna and then back at the group. “No way in hell is she being forced to have that bastard’s child. How soon can we get out of here?”

 

“Robert wait.” Anna needed to gain some control of the situation before the men ran off like chickens with their heads cut off. “We need to have a plan in place before we head out. If we’re not smart and we go in there unprepared then he will figure out what we are doing and we could lose her forever.”

 

Anna walked over to her ex-husband as he began to protest. “But Anna…”

 

“I know and I would love nothing better than to parachute in and grab her away from that man. But,” she stared Robert straight in the eyes, “but, we still don’t know exactly where she is and, if we just show up in town, he will disappear with her. Soon Connor will be with Robin and we can use the GPS on his phone to narrow down where they are. Then we plan our rescue.” Anna wrapped her arms around her ex-husband. “We’ll find her Robert – we always do.”

 

“I know - I just hate that we always have to.”

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Your dinner Dr. Scorpio-Drake.” Robin was sitting on her bed reading and barely noticed the guard as he brought in her dinner tray. He set the tray down on the table and walked over to the bed. “Dr. Scorpio-Drake?”

 

Robin rolled her eyes and put a book mark in her reading material, carefully marking her page in the book. Sighing, she stood up and walked over to the table. She looked up at her guard and got a strange look on her face. Sitting down, she continued to study her guard. There was something almost familiar about him. “Thank you…”

 

“Just call me Cee.”

 

“Like the letter?” He nodded and Robin shook her head. “Okay. So Cee, when did you get here? I haven’t seen you before?”

 

“This morning.” He smiled at Robin. “I am supposed to ask if you would you like any movies to watch or any music to listen to? Dr. Banks wants to make sure you are comfortable in your new home.”

 

“Nothing comes to mind.” Robin began eating her chicken while continuing the conversation. He was the first friendly person she had come across since she arrived in Switzerland. “What are some of your favorite movies?”

 

Cee thought for a moment. “Forbidden Planet – I always loved Robbie the Robot, the way he would do anything to help Will Robinson. Almost like a father with his son.” He looked Robin straight in the eyes. “Robbie would do anything to save his, uh, child.”

 

Robin’s heart stopped at his words. She really studied the older man and smiled. “Yes he would. What kind of music do you like?”

 

“I’ve always been a pop music kind of guy.”

 

“Your voice has a great, I don't know, tone to it – do you sing?” Robin’s memories from when she was a little girl came rushing back as she looked at Cee.

 

“A little when I was younger - in the Outback.” Connor relaxed – Robin recognized him. It would be much easier to get Robin out of here now that she knew she could trust him.

 

“Well, this is certainly a career change. Is there a particular reason why you chose to work for Marcus?” Robin was choosing her words carefully – she didn’t want the madman holding her to know that she now had an ally here.

 

“I guess that no matter how much I fought it, it turns out I am my father’s son.” Connor winked at Robin. “Is everything alright with your dinner?”

 

“It’s great.”

 

“Good – just let me know when you are finished and I will get your tray out of here. Have a good dinner Robin.” After giving her one last reassuring look, Connor headed for the door.

 

“I will and Cee?” He turned around one last time and Robin smiled at him. “Thank you.”